Chapter 172: White Crow's External Special Consultant, Returning to Maple City, a Spectacular Entran

Chapter 172: White Crow's External Special Consultant, Returning to Maple City, a Spectacular Entrance! (5K)



In the sky, Xue Jing reached into the backpack that Yinyan Wuaya was holding and retrieved a tablet, which he proceeded to turn on.

A map appeared on the screen, with a red dot indicating the intersection exit location marked by White Crow's Lianye.

Following the directions on the map, Xue Jing flew for about half an hour before successfully reaching the exit.

It was an unassuming small hill, with a flag planted on it as a marker set by the White Crow.

Xuejing descended from the sky and landed on the hill, then continued forward on foot.

Ripples of distortion appeared in the void, and the next moment, the scene before him changed.

He had left the pleasant and temperate intersection and entered a world of pitch-black ash, where the air was twisted by intense heat.

"He's out! He's out!"

As soon as he appeared, he was spotted by staff members wearing heat-resistant protective suits.

"Lord Jing!"

"We salute your hard work, Lord Jing!"

The few staff members present greeted him respectfully.

Xue Jing was taken aback but smiled and said, "Well done, everyone."

A staff member quickly handed him a gas mask, and after thanking them, he put it on.

He then dusted off the black ash that had settled on him and made his way toward the large tent at the center of the camp.

"Lord Jing."

"Lord Jing, welcome back..."

Everyone he passed along the way greeted him politely.

After his trip to the intersection, his title had changed to Lord Jing.

"There's now a pleasant barrier between us..."

Xue Jing lifted the tent flap and stepped inside, immediately feeling the cool breeze of air conditioning, a stark contrast to the oppressive heat outside, causing him to shiver.

"Xue Jing!"

"Little Brother Xue!"

As soon as he entered and zipped up the tent flap, taking off his gas mask, the members of the Virtual Blade Squad and Doctor Shen, along with his son, rushed over to greet him.

"You're incredible, kid! That was a pure-blooded dragon species, and you took one down!"

"How did you do it? Spill the details to us!"

Shan Chan took a step forward and put his arm around Xue Jing's shoulder, his eyebrows dancing with excitement.

"It's a long story. I'll fill you in on the way back to Maple City," Xue Jing smiled and replied.

He turned and removed a black wristband from his arm, handing it to Doctor Shen.

"Doctor."

This was the recording wristband that had documented all his actions within the intersection.

Doctor Shen carefully took it from him as if he were holding a recently unearthed ancient artifact that would shatter at the slightest touch.

Within this wristband was data recording the entire process of fighting and killing a pure-blooded dragon species...

"Excuse me!"

As soon as he received the wristband, Doctor Shen rushed impatiently towards a device in the tent.

The figure trapped within the wristband had been waiting for this moment. As Doctor Shen ran past the table, the figure in the wristband took advantage of the momentary reflection in the small mirror on the table to escape into the mirror.

Finally free, the figure sighed in relief, "It was suffocating in there. That wristband was too cramped. It's much more comfortable in the mirror."

Xue Jing raised an eyebrow, "You could've told me earlier, and I could've borrowed a mirror from Rainia."

The figure in the mirror waved dismissively, "In the midst of all the tension at the intersection, who has time to think about living conditions? Besides, it's not convenient for me to follow you around while I'm stuck in a mirror."

Xue Jing nodded in agreement, "That's true."

Virtual Blade spoke up from the side, "Xue Jing, we truly appreciate your efforts this time."

"Although the Mirror World's reflection fusion was an unexpected disaster akin to a natural calamity, the higher-ups of the agency will still provide you with some form of compensation... Plus, by defeating a pure-blooded dragon species and shattering the core of the intersection, you've made an outstanding contribution. The combined rewards should not disappoint you."

Hearing this, Xue Jing's eyes lit up, "You don't need to worry about any other rewards. You know me; I don't have any other hobbies. I just love ancient artifacts..."

Virtual Blade nodded, "Rest assured, the agency is well aware of your preference for ancient artifacts, and they will definitely reward you with one."

Xue Jing stroked his chin, "I'd like to request direct access to your ancient artifact storage facility. Don't worry, I won't take anything; I just want to touch them. Ever since I was a child, my dream has been to touch every ancient artifact. I want to fulfill that childhood dream..."

Virtual Blade looked helpless, "There isn't a dedicated storage facility filled with ancient artifacts as you imagine... Each artifact has unique storage requirements, so they are usually kept in different locations..."

Xue Jing crossed his arms, "Then take me on a tour, and I'll touch them one by one."

Virtual Blade's expression froze, and the corners of her mouth twitched, "You're a bit too obsessed with ancient artifacts... Unfortunately, that's not possible either. While the artifacts belong to the agency, they are each under the care of different important figures. To access them would require complex application procedures... It's not as simple as just showing up and touching them."

Xue Jing's disappointment was evident, "That's too troublesome."

Virtual Blade explained, "Any organization of a certain scale operates this way. A cumbersome and complex structure needs equally complex rules to maintain control, or it will gradually spiral out of control..."

Xue Jing waved his hand, "I understand."

After a while, the group continued their conversation in the tent. Soon after, Xue Jing left to take a shower in the temporary shower facilities set up at the camp, changing out of his White Crow tactical uniform into casual clothing. Feeling refreshed, he returned to the tent and asked, "When are we heading back to Maple City?"

Today was the day of the competition, and he needed to get back in time for the match.

Virtual Blade didn't respond immediately. Instead, she placed her hand behind her ear as if making a phone call, occasionally replying with a brief "Yes." Her expression was peculiar as she listened.

"Xueheng... You've been promoted."

Xueheng: "Hmm?"

Virtual Blade: "You are now a special external consultant to the White Crow Special Forces Squad under the Sixth Directorate."

Xueheng asked curiously, "What was I before?"

"Previously, you were an unofficial member of my Squad 838."

Virtual Blade hesitated for a moment, then explained, "This is a unique title specifically created for you by the higher-ups... In terms of rank, it's equivalent to a White Crow mid-squad leader."

Xueheng smiled and asked curiously, "So, I outrank you now?"

Virtual Blade shook her head. "You outrank me by two levels... A mid-squad is made up of five or more small squads, with the squad leader being the second-in-command, and the mid-squad leader above them."

She looked a little awkward as she added, "From now on, we'll have to address you as 'Sir'..."

Xueheng sighed, "Don't be so formal. Only when we're in public or in front of outsiders will I be addressed as 'Sir'. When we're alone, just call me by my name like we used to."

Virtual Blade: "..."

Shan Chan, standing beside her, twitched the corner of his mouth. "You're really not one for formalities, are you..."

Xueheng smiled. "I'm just joking... This special consultant position doesn't come with any additional duties, does it?"

Virtual Blade shook her head. "Rest assured, everything remains the same. You still have the freedom to decide whether to accept White Crow's missions or not... The only difference now is that with your higher rank and increased authority, you can give certain commands to members below the rank of mid-squad leader, including me."

Xueheng nodded. "I see."

Then he asked curiously, "But after just one completed mission, you're promoting me to this level? It seems like promotions in White Crow come pretty easily."

At this, both Virtual Blade and Shan Chan fell silent.

"...You really don't understand the value of what you've accomplished by slaying a pure-blooded dragon species."

Shan Chan scratched his head, looking helpless. "That was a monster that would require the combined efforts of at least three White Crow mid-squads to take down. You handled it alone, no matter what methods you used. Your achievement is truly astonishing and unprecedented."

"Our commander is probably pulling all the strings he can to keep you with us... Even going as far as creating a new position for you, which isn't exactly by the book."

Xueheng smiled. "Well then, let's get down to business. When are we heading back to Maple City?"

Shan Chan shrugged. "Now that you're the boss, you decide."

Xueheng nodded. "Then let's depart immediately."

He walked over to the table, picked up the mirror, and asked the figure inside:

"Little Mirror, what about you?"

The figure in the mirror lazily waved his hand. "Wu Youqing promised to set me free, and I want to enjoy some leisure time for a while... Don't worry about me. When I have the time, I'll come find you."

Xueheng nodded with a smile. "Then, goodbye for now."

...

After bidding farewell to everyone at the camp, Xueheng, along with Virtual Blade's squad of three, boarded the dragon core plane and sped towards Maple City.

This trip to the intersection had been the most rewarding since he obtained the panel, by far.

He had gained a total of six thousand units of divinity, countless skill points, a new divine ability called 'Dragon Horn', an ultimate move called 'Sakura Full Moon', and the 'Dragon Sakura' seed...

It was more than just a bountiful harvest. Compared to when he entered the intersection, his strength had multiplied several times over.

On the plane, Xueheng gazed out the porthole at the scenery for a while before picking up his phone, which he hadn't used in a long time.

He had left his phone on the plane before entering the intersection.

As soon as he turned it on, countless unread messages and missed calls flooded in.

They were from his parents, sister, friends, Master, and senior martial brothers and sisters.

Xueheng replied to each one.

"...So, you're coming back today?"

"When will you arrive? I'll come pick you up~"

His sister, Xue Wan, sounded lively and cheerful over the phone.

"Yep." Xueheng nodded and then checked the time.

It was 11:00 am. Based on their previous travel time of over four hours from Maple City to the 'Roaring Waterfall', he estimated that they would arrive back in Maple City around 3:00 pm.

The competition was set to begin at 4:00 pm.

After a moment's thought, Xueheng said, "I'll probably head straight to the competition. If you want to see me, come to the arena."

Xue Wan frowned. "Because of your participation, the tickets sold out days ago."

"Don't worry, I'll ask Sister Wei to bring you in. Just like last time, you can sit in the contestant observation area. The organizers won't have a problem with that." Xueheng reassured her.

Xue Wan sounded delighted. "Then that's settled."

Xueheng placed his hand on his knee and idly tapped his fingers as he said, "By the way, how's Phoenix doing? Is she still alive?"

Xue Wan pouted in annoyance. "Why do you make it sound like she's in danger? With me taking care of her, how could anything happen to her!"

"...It's because you're taking care of her that I worry." Xueheng retorted.

That cat-crazy sister of his... Who knew what kind of hellish torture Phoenix had endured these past seven days...

Xue Wan huffed. "Cats will run away if they're uncomfortable. She must like my cuddles since she stays put on my lap!"

"Here, little Phoenix, meow once for your daddy."

Over the phone, Xue Wan brought the phone close to the cat's ear.

A soft, reluctant meow could be heard.

"See?" Xue Wan sounded triumphant.

Xueheng sighed. "...... Don't use that kind of nickname, it's easily misunderstood. You foolish sister of mine."

He knew that his sister would refer to herself as 'Mommy' in front of the cat.

That would be confusing for others to hear.

Xue Wan grumbled, "What's the big deal? It's just a term of endearment for my pet.

"Meow~ Little Feng Luan, you must love Mommy's kisses the most, mua~ mua~"

Over the phone came the sound of her smooching the cat.

Even through the phone, Xue Jing could feel the cat's despair.

Xue Jing said meaningfully, "I suggest you don't do that often, or it might get awkward later on."

Xue Wan asked in confusion, "What do you mean? Hey, by the way, I wanted to tell you that I heard from my mentor the other day that traces of another heretical religion have appeared in Maple City."

"Which heretical religion?"

"It seems to be... the Lion Saint Religion."

Xue Jing narrowed his eyes. "Oh?"

...

Four hours later.

Maple City Gymnasium.

On the arena stage, two contestants were engaged in an intense battle, until one of them was knocked off like a broken sack, eliciting a tsunami of cheers from the audience.

The stands were packed with over twenty thousand spectators, and even the slightest noise from any individual, combined with the rest, could be likened to an earthquake.

"...Ji Huaiyu! The highly anticipated Ji Huaiyu! He once again rightfully claims victory in this match!"

Hao Yongyun's excited shout reverberated throughout the venue.

"...Okay, let's take a short break and wait for the next match to begin."

During the intermission, several middle-aged men in suits were pacing back and forth in front of the backstage entrance for the contestants, their faces filled with anxiety.

"...Why isn't he here yet? It's his turn already!"

"Ask Xue Jing's agent again. When will he be here?"

"I already asked, and they said he's on his way and will be here soon..."

"What do you mean soon? Soon is when? The match is about to start right now!"

The middle-aged man was anxious.

This knockout round had suddenly garnered a lot of attention, attracting a large number of spectators, all thanks to Xue Jing.

Now, at least half of the audience was there to see him, and many had even bought scalped tickets at high prices...

If they didn't get to see Xue Jing take the stage, who knew how many angry letters of complaint would flood in...

...

At this moment, outside Maple City.

A plane hovered above a grassy field, its hatch open, with Xue Jing stepping out.

"This should be good. Arriving by plane is a bit too flashy and might cause trouble for the organizers."

Xue Jing said to the Virtual Blade and Shan Chan, who had seen him off.

He smiled and added, "This trip to the intersection was quite fun. If there are any more commissions, feel free to contact me again."

"Of course, you know what the reward is."

Virtual Blade replied helplessly, "A divine relic, right... You divine relic maniac."

Xue Jing laughed, "You understand me."

"Then, goodbye for now."

As the plane took off into the sky, Xue Jing took out his phone and checked the time.

4:13 p.m.

"I'm much later than I expected..."

"My match should be starting soon. I need to find a way to get there quickly..."

Xue Jing pondered for a moment, his gaze falling on a nearby tree that stood about three meters tall.

After a moment's thought, he walked up to the tree, extended his hand, and channeled his energy, sending out two bursts of blade energy that cut off the top and bottom of the tree, leaving a cylindrical section of wood.

"Flying directly there with two dragon horns would be a bit too shocking... Let's do it this way."

Xue Jing muttered to himself.

He lifted the log with both hands and held it above his head.

Then, taking a deep breath, he channeled his energy and roughly estimated the direction before throwing the log with force toward the Maple City Gymnasium!

"Whoosh—!"

The log tore through the air, shooting toward the sky.

Xue Jing immediately followed, channeling the Twin Dragon Speed, causing the ground to explode beneath his feet. In the next moment, he had disappeared from his original spot and reappeared, standing on top of the flying log.

"I've always wanted to cosplay as Peach White!"

...

"...And now, let's welcome—Du Minglu!"

The passionate voice of the announcer filled the air, and under the spotlight, a short and slender youth with a handsome and cold appearance walked out from the contestant passageway.

"The rising star from the famous Xuan Qing Club, he was the most watched genius in last year's outer ring! He is one of the hot favorites to advance in this knockout round!"

"Let's take a look at his stats..."

"Attack: 9, Speed: 8, Defense: 9, Technique: 10, Willpower: 9, Intelligence: 8."

"Terrifying! Absolutely terrifying! Almost a perfect hexagon!!!"

The announcer continued his introduction, and when he had nothing more to say, he hesitated for a moment before asking:

"So... so, next is the most anticipated match of this knockout round..."

"Let's welcome..."

"—Xue Jing!"

As soon as the announcer finished speaking, the entire venue erupted in deafening cheers that seemed to shake the entire gymnasium, lasting for a long time.

However, under the spotlight, no one appeared at the contestant entrance.

Soon, everyone noticed the anomaly, and the cheers gradually died down, replaced by confused murmurs.

"What's going on?"

"Where's Xue Jing?"

"Where's my husband? Why isn't he coming out yet?"

Just then, a sharp whistle cut through the air from the distant horizon.

In the contestant observation area, the powerful young cultivators turned their heads toward the sky, their eyes widening in shock.

"That is..."

In the eyes of everyone's astonishment, a cylindrical log came crashing down from the sky.

"Boom!"

The log slammed into the stage, sending debris flying in all directions.

Through the cloud of dust, a figure could be seen standing atop the log.

Xue Jing slowly descended from the log, dusted off the dirt from his clothes, and raised an eyebrow as he said, "I'm late? My apologies."

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end