The world has turned into Hell's Game, why should I stay human? Chapter 1369 833: Meeting with the Sea Star Gang

"The former embassy, so it's no longer functioning?"

Liu Zheng inquired.

"That's right. Over a century ago, an incident occurred, resulting in the demise of everyone within the embassy. Fortunately, the Deputy Director of the Border Control Bureau was paying a visit to the ambassador of the Deep Sea Empire and, sensing something amiss, promptly sealed the entire embassy, ensuring nothing could escape."

"Subsequently, City Hall informed the Deep Sea Empire, and their High Priest personally led a contingent to address the situation. However, the embassy remained sealed and has been disused ever since."

Ace explained.

"My, what a dramatic history."

He gave a wry smile.

The Metropolis frequently experiences sudden descents of Evil Gods or volatile outbursts from alien races. He had initially assumed the Deep Sea Empire would possess greater strength, but it appears they are no different.

"Where has the embassy relocated to now?"

Liu Zheng asked.

"It has moved adjacent to the Border Control Bureau building. The Bureau isn't particularly pleased about this arrangement either."

Ace replied with a shrug.

A defining characteristic of bureaucratic organizations is to exploit individuals until their usefulness is exhausted. Since the Border Control Bureau was the first to discover the issue, they continue to be tasked with its management.

"Indeed, the capable are burdened with more responsibilities. Let's proceed."

He responded, resuming their drive.

Whatever transpired at the embassy in the past held no relevance for him. He was already overwhelmed with managing the Metropolis's affairs; the Deep Sea Empire's tribulations were for them to handle.

The journey from Seastar Street 1 to Seastar Street 2, while longer than the combined distance from Seastar Street 2 to Seastar Street 7, was not particularly arduous as Seastar Street itself is not extensive.

The architectural style at Seastar Street 7 was notably unique, resembling a colossal sea snail. Its exterior, adorned with numerous layers of vibrantly colored plaster, lent it an enchanting, fairy-tale aesthetic.

Liu Zheng and his two companions alighted from the vehicle. Two guards at the entrance, who appeared to be a peculiar blend of human and mantis shrimp, cast suspicious glances their way.

Liu Zheng approached, and seeing their silence, he led Doctor Nile and Ace inside.

"Halt! State your purpose for being here."

The two mantis shrimp guards, unable to remain passive, swiftly extended their pincers to bar their progress.

"We're delivering takeout. Isn't it obvious? Are you two blind?"

Liu Zheng retorted with a jest.

"You're delivering takeout, yet you brought companions?"

The larger mantis shrimp surveyed Liu Zheng's entourage.

"As a delivery person, isn't it reasonable to have two bodyguards to ensure the safe delivery of goods? Enough talk, go inform your boss, Jiang Weisheng, that I've arrived. If he wishes to converse, he should act with some decorum. Otherwise, let's dispense with this pretense and settle this with a full-blown confrontation; no half-measures should be necessary."

Liu Zheng declared assertively.

"Wait here."

The imposing mantis shrimp scrutinized him for a few moments before turning and proceeding inside.

Shortly thereafter, it reappeared.

"Follow me. The boss wishes to see you."

The large mantis shrimp instructed.

"Such an exhibition of grandeur."

Liu Zheng rolled his eyes, preparing to enter.

"Hold on, these two cannot accompany you."

The large mantis shrimp blocked Doctor Nile and Ace.

"I have navigated freely within the Black Dragon Association's territory, and your Sea Star Gang exhibits more arrogance than they do. Very well, I shall not enter under these conditions. Later, I will bring law enforcement from your jurisdiction, and I advise you not to falter when they arrive."

Ace stated icily.

Ignoring the fact that he is the sole son of a Travel Mage, his position as the deputy section chief of the logistics department alone is sufficient for local law enforcement to treat him with utmost respect.

"And who might you be?"

The large mantis shrimp's tone shifted, betraying a noticeable increase in caution.

"You lack the standing to inquire. A simple answer will suffice: are you permitting us entry or not?"

Ace's demeanor was quite imperious and commanding.

However, this attitude was understandable; as the son of a Travel Mage, he naturally possessed the leverage to act this way.

Under normal circumstances, he projected an easygoing persona due to his amiable disposition and his esteem for Liu Zheng and his team. Now, confronting gang members, it was natural for him to leverage his privileged background.

The large mantis shrimp's expression fluctuated several times before he silently stepped aside.

"You truly wield considerable influence, Brother Pai."

Liu Zheng remarked playfully.

"Ah, I am merely leveraging connections. Unlike you, Brother Zheng, who possesses inherent strength."

Ace gestured dismissively.

"Do not jest, your backing comes from your father. Mine comes from an entire collective of 'fathers'; I am the one truly borrowing power from others."

He chuckled at his own remark.

"That is precisely why we get along so swimmingly. In the parlance of your Zhen Dan cultivators, it is not 'one family not entering one door,' is it?"

Ace let out a chuckle of his own.

"While I am not of the Zhen Dan realm myself, even I am aware that this particular idiom is not employed in such a manner,"

Doctor Nile remarked, his expression one of peculiar amusement.

The trio proceeded inside, chuckling, with an air of nonchalance that belied any potential apprehension.

Their easygoing deportment did not escape the notice of the assembled Sea Star Gang members. An individual positioned to the left of the grand table seemed poised to voice an observation, only to be silenced by a gesture from the person seated at the far end, who raised a hand to halt him.

The lengthy table was occupied on both sides, leaving a solitary vacant seat at the opposite extremity, evidently held in reserve for the arrival of Liu Zheng.

Liu Zheng, exhibiting no semblance of deference, strode directly to the empty chair and took his seat.

He surveyed his surroundings, observing that the individuals present at the table, in contrast to the two mantis shrimp guards stationed at the entrance, bore a far more humanoid appearance, despite the evident traces of marine creature ancestry that marked their mixed heritage.

The individual seated directly across from him presented the most human-like countenance within the gathering, distinguished only by the presence of scales adorning his facial features and a conspicuously arched mouth that betrayed his deep-sea lineage.

Beyond these characteristics, this person could readily be deemed handsome.

The one who had previously contemplated speaking appeared to share approximately seventy percent of this individual's features, albeit with scales of a lighter hue upon his face and a less pronounced mouth.