Light Fortress Chapter 1731 - 384: They Won’t Survive
Previously on Light Fortress...
Gu Qilin stated calmly, "The capabilities of these two Titled individuals are quite formidable. Based on the visual data you transmitted, while the Black Silver Bomb might inflict damage on vessels, it's unlikely to achieve utter annihilation... there's a possibility that a minimal number of survivors could manage to return inland from the treacherous Ice Sea."
"It's simply that after enduring such hardships, their spiritual power and intrinsic source quality must be nearly exhausted," Zhou Wei offered a concise analysis. "Should these two Titled combatants still be alive, then the 'life signals' detected near the Yuanting Island defense perimeter could very well originate from those who survived the [Ice Sea Ruins]."
"The church leadership desires that Changye dispatch a sufficiently powerful Transcendent, ideally one capable of matching the Red Dragon." Gu Nanfeng had just conveyed this request.
Gu Qilin couldn't help but retort with a scoff, "Have they lost their minds?" Following the mission on Sang Island, the prowess of the Red Dragon Envoy had been assessed by [Deep Sea] as immeasurable. Due to his unique standing, the Source Tower had never formally bestowed upon him a dedicated Titled status. However, it was common knowledge across the globe that the Red Dragon had long ago ascended, a fact tacitly acknowledged by the highest echelons of the Five Continents Council as representing a continental-level Titled authority.
"Before Gu Shen's potential return, Hai Tong Saint indicates a desire for you to personally proceed to Yuanting Island, oversee the engagement, and confront the Red Dragon."
Gu Qilin let out a cold laugh, "But seeing as the conflict at Red Lake was publicly disclosed, Hai Tong Saint clearly hopes Changye will deploy Gu Shen to the south." The individual most qualified for the task, undoubtedly, was Gu Shen!
"Indeed, their intentions are transparent. Despite their alliance with Changye Central City, they seem reluctant to commit significant resources." Gu Nanfeng elaborated, "Hai Tong Saint appears unconcerned with the narrative presented by the survivors from the [Ice Sea Ruins]..." The truth was that the Storm Church had initiated a devastating surprise attack, intending a mutual annihilation! Yet, neither Light City nor the Source Tower would likely accept this version of events anymore. From the moment the Changye Central City Fleet returned to the mainland without sustaining losses, the actual truth had lost its relevance.
"So... what was your response?" Gu Qilin's forehead veins bulged as he drew a deep breath and inquired.
Gu Nanfeng responded placidly, "I advised him to steer clear... Since the truth is disregarded by others, then Changye will also cease to concern itself with it."
"Well said!" Gu Qilin exclaimed, chuckling heartily.
Zhou Wei massaged his temples. Unlike the more hot-headed Gu Qilin, while he found some solace in Gu Nanfeng's pragmatic response, he couldn't shake off his apprehension regarding the potential repercussions of this situation. "If we offer no support whatsoever to Yuanting Island... what consequences might arise?"
"The Red Dragon is already leading a search operation in the surrounding seas these days. If any survivors do exist, they will inevitably be discovered."
"And then?"
"Condemnation will follow; the actions of the Storm Church will be brought to light, and the World Council will reconvene. However, the Holy City will likely implicate both Changye and Central City in the fallout." Upon hearing this, Zhou Wei's expression grew exceedingly grim. "While your assessment is accurate, if matters truly escalate to that point, what then?" Zhou Wei was not primarily concerned with the political squabbles within the World Council. His true worry lay in the high-stakes strategic battle of wills... if this incident were confirmed, could it potentially trigger a Divine War?
"It will not escalate that far," a voice declared with unmistakable confidence, suddenly cutting through the air. The speaker was none other than Gu Shen himself.
As he walked through the main hall, Gu Shen deliberately adjusted the
Having meticulously reviewed the S-level dossier, the assertion that Mu Wanqiu would fabricate a reason to confront Gu Shen was entirely plausible.
Their respective roles as Angel Envoys were, by all accounts, effectively disguised.
"Gu Shen," Zhou Wei inquired with a smile, "you implied earlier that it wouldn't escalate to that point. What precisely did you mean?"
He harbored significant doubts regarding the precarious state of affairs across the Five Continents.
Zhou Wei harbored a profound concern that this developing situation might serve as a crucial turning point, or catalyst.
If Changye's response proved mismanaged, it could very well precipitate a full-blown Divine War.
Gu Shen comprehended President Zhou Wei's underlying anxieties perfectly.
Cutting directly to the heart of the matter, he stated, "The Black Silver Bombs originating from the [Ice Sea Ruins] were deployed by myself... I possess an intimate understanding of their destructive capabilities, far exceeding anyone else's. The Cloud Ship Fleet belonging to the Light City Source Tower has been utterly annihilated. Even if they manage to reconstruct their airships, those two Titled individuals involved have undoubtedly sustained severe debilitating injuries."
Considering the initial location where the calamitous event unfolded, even operating at my zenith, navigating to that sector aboard the [Truth] would necessitate a full week of continuous flight!
For the Titled individuals who were gravely injured, their very survival remained a dubious prospect.
"You were responsible for unleashing the Black Silver Bombs..."
Zhou Wei's expression shifted, becoming a complex mixture of emotions. "So, the [Ice Sea Ruins] genuinely exist. What exactly was contained within that ancient site?"
"That ruin has long since submerged and vanished from the surface."
Naturally, Gu Shen elected not to disclose Alf's involvement, adeptly sidestepping the core inquiry. He casually elaborated, "It was merely a fortuitous circumstance; I happened to be carried by ocean currents near the vicinity of the [Ice Sea Ruins]. Upon regaining consciousness, I encountered the exploration team dispatched to the [Ice Sea Ruins]. Consequently, I ventured into the ruins alone. Among the vanguard teams dispatched by the Five Continents, I extended aid to those who could be rescued, while those requiring obliteration... I ensured their demise."
"I recall Zhong Fan submitting a report..."
Zhou Wei mused aloud, "The enigmatic figure concealed behind the Evil Ghost Mask – was that indeed you?"
"Indeed, that was me."
This particular piece of information was no longer shrouded in secrecy.
Following Gu Shen's elimination of Jia Wei, the highest echelons of the East Continent Council, those who had perused the [Ice Sea Ruins] report, would now be privy to this revelation.
"Wait a moment..."
Gu Qilin's brow furrowed in contemplation. "Are you suggesting that the sole survivors, at best, are Yin Zhuo and Meriz?"
"Precisely."
Gu Shen offered a slight smile. "Every single individual who ventured into the [Ruins] met their end by my hand. Not a soul remains accountable."
Cloud Tiger, Xuan Turtle, Giant Deer, Long Qi...
Not a single one was spared!
The intelligence relayed back to Changye was deliberately restricted, thus alleviating any concerns about the potential survival of additional Titled combatants.
"Disregard the church's request for assistance. Instruct the Red Dragon Envoy to spearhead the search within the Southern Continent Sea Area... ultimately, their efforts will yield no tangible results."
Perceiving the lingering bewilderment in the eyes of Gu Qilin and Zhou Wei.
"Even if Yin Zhuo and Meriz managed to survive, they would have been critically wounded by the Black Silver Bombs. Should they possess the capacity to reach the Yuanting Island Sea Area, they would be nothing more than weakened, spent forces."
Gu Shen stated with a gentle tone, "They... will not see daylight again."