Chapter 303: The Stargate Incident

Chapter 303: The Stargate Incident

Over twenty kilometers away from Olympia, Ji Xinghuo landed in an uninhabited forest before proceeding to walk towards the main road. After a brisk walk, he entered the city through the West Gate.

Seeing the bustling crowd of aliens, all of them Earthlings, he felt as if he had traveled to another world. Having encountered only aliens during his time in the Bloodshed Highland, he now felt a sense of camaraderie upon seeing so many of his fellow humans.

Qinghong, poking its head out of his pocket, was equally curious, its small eyes sparkling.

This was the city it knew best.

"I'll get you something delicious later, so don't worry," Ji Xinghuo smiled, knowing that Qinghong's fond memories of Olympia revolved around the few barbecue restaurants it had visited, their locations still etched in its memory.

As he walked down Qinghao Street in the Dongxia District, Ji Xinghuo scanned the area with his electromagnetic induction ability.

A look of delight spread across his face.

Upon entering the most luxurious villa area on Qinghao Street, he opened the door and was greeted by a graceful figure that flashed out from one of the rooms.

"Lord Ji Xinghuo!"

When Jiang Nan Caiyi recognized Ji Xinghuo, her initial wariness turned to joy, and she quickly put down the Japanese sword in her hand, looking a little embarrassed.

"Caiyi, it's been a while," Ji Xinghuo remarked as he sized her up. Their last contact had been the previous year when she had mentioned preparing for her promotion to Super Alien. Evidently, she had succeeded, as her strength had increased significantly since then.

Jiang Nan Caiyi's face lit up with happiness. "Please come in, Lord Ji Xinghuo."

The villa's living room was spotless, indicating her dedication to keeping the place clean. The garden, too, was well-maintained, although many plants were in poor condition, some even withered and dead, as she was not a plant witch.

"Have you been staying here recently, Caiyi?" Ji Xinghuo asked as he sipped his tea.

"Yes," Jiang Nan Caiyi nodded gently. "I returned to the Star Realm at the beginning of the year and have been waiting for my sister to come back. Zhonglin has also visited a few times, but he only stays for half a day before returning to Earth, asking me to inform him if there's any news."

Her eyes, filled with curiosity, studied Ji Xinghuo as she asked, "Lord Ji Xinghuo, did you go to the Bloodshed Highland?"

Ji Xinghuo nodded.

Before he had left previously, he had left a note in the villa, informing her of his destination, so it was no surprise that she knew.

"You're amazing, Lord Ji Xinghuo!" Jiang Nan Caiyi exclaimed, full of admiration. "Your strength has increased so much; it's a little intimidating."

"Your strength has also improved significantly, Caiyi," Ji Xinghuo smiled.

"Yes," Jiang Nan Caiyi replied demurely, her legs neatly together as she sat upright. "I've been working hard this past year. Once my sister returns, and we include Zhonglin as well—he's now ranked in the top 800 on the Tower—our team will undoubtedly be much stronger than before, allowing us to hunt in more dangerous places."

Ji Xinghuo's smile faded. "Caiyi, your sister won't be coming back for a while."

"Ah?"

Jiang Nan Caiyi's pupils dilated, and her face paled instantly.

"Don't misunderstand, your sister is doing well," Ji Xinghuo quickly clarified. "I met her in the Bloodshed Highland. She has just come across a great opportunity and is in a critical phase of evolution, so she won't be able to return to Olympia for a short time."

"Is that so?" Jiang Nan Caiyi breathed a sigh of relief, envy coloring her tone. "Lord Ji Xinghuo, you're so lucky to have met my sister!"

Not only did I meet her, but we also...

Ji Xinghuo's thoughts trailed off.

Oblivious to his inner musings, Jiang Nan Caiyi pressed further. "Did my sister say how long it would be before she returns?"

"It might be several years, it's hard to say," Ji Xinghuo replied.

"That long?"

Disappointment flashed in Jiang Nan Caiyi's eyes, and she looked at a loss.

Not wanting to see her so heartbroken, and understanding the place Ren Mian held in her heart, Ji Xinghuo decided against lying. "Your sister asked me to pass on a message—our hunting team will be disbanding."

He placed a bag on the table. "This is something she wanted me to give to you."

"Is that so?" Jiang Nan Caiyi's body swayed, and she didn't even glance at the bag. "In the end, I'm too useless and can't keep up with my sister's pace."

Seeing her despondent state, Ji Xinghuo shook his head inwardly.

In his opinion, Jiang Nan Caiyi relied too heavily on Ren Mian, to the point of psychological dependence, and her personality seemed incapable of independent thought.

He wondered what Ren Mian thought of this.

If he were in her shoes, he would find such dependence burdensome, like having an appendage that served no purpose but to weigh him down.

Of course, psychological flaws aside, Jiang Nan Caiyi was a good person.

"Your sister said she'll continue to help you," Ji Xinghuo said gently. "If you're willing, I can take you to the Bloodshed Highland next time and bring you to her."

"I'm willing!"

Jiang Nan Caiyi didn't hesitate in her decision, her eyes sparkling with newfound hope. "When will you be going to the Bloodshed Highland, Lord Ji Xinghuo?"

"Don't rush into a decision so quickly," Ji Xinghuo advised. "I need to make a trip back to Earth first, and it might take a few months. I'll let you know when the time comes."

"Okay!" Jiang Nan Caiyi nodded firmly.

Only then did she show interest in the bag on the table. When she saw its contents, her eyes widened in shock, and she covered her mouth with her hand.

Ji Xinghuo knew what was in the bag—thirty ether crystals, True Dragon Coins, several suitable exotic species for "Demon Refiners" and "Evil Spirits," and some cultivation resources that money couldn't buy.

Tears glistened in Jiang Nan Caiyi's eyes. "My sister has been too good to me..."

"She always thinks of you," Ji Xinghuo nodded. "This is the 'Night Demon' exotic species that I happened to obtain, and it should be a good match for you, so I brought it back."

Jiang Nan Caiyi took the exotic species, her face filled with disbelief.

The "Demon Refiner" occupation template involves sealing an "anti-matter demon" within one's body, fusing with it, and thereby gaining the demon's abilities.

The Night Demon is one of the most powerful anti-matter demons, boasting a large and robust physique, a pair of massive wings, flight capability, and control over dark flames. Once a Demon Refiner transforms into a Night Demon, their strength skyrockets by several folds!

"This is too valuable, Brother Ji Xinghuo!" Jiang Nan Caiyi shook her head repeatedly. "I can't accept such a precious exotic species from you."

"I got it specifically for you, so don't be polite," Ji Xinghuo insisted.

"No..."

Seeing Ji Xinghuo's determination to gift it to her, Jiang Nan Caiyi reached into the bag and took out all the ether crystals, saying solemnly, "Please accept these, Brother Ji Xinghuo!"

"Those are from your sister. You should keep them," Ji Xinghuo replied.

"I'm heading back to Earth first."

Without waiting for her response, Ji Xinghuo backed away from the doorway, his body shooting backward and creating a sonic boom as he vanished from sight.

"Xing..."

Jiang Nan Caiyi had only uttered the first syllable when a gust of wind rushed at her, causing her to squint. By the time she could see clearly again, Ji Xinghuo was already gone, leaving her with eyes wide in shock, unable to speak for a long moment.

"Brother Ji Xinghuo's strength is truly terrifying now!"

"Legendary?"

"He's even a Celestial King!"

Jiang Nan Caiyi finally understood why her sister wanted to disband their team. The gap between her and Zhonglin's strength had grown too wide; they were no longer on the same level as teammates, rendering their partnership meaningless.

Staring at the exotic species in her hand, she made a firm resolution: "I must work harder..."

Unaware of Jiang Nan Caiyi's thoughts, Ji Xinghuo hadn't flown far. He rose only about fifty meters above the villa area before making a right-angle turn and landing on the neighboring street.

Some people nearby heard the loud sound and looked up, but they saw nothing.

Ji Xinghuo walked at a leisurely pace.

First, he bought a large amount of barbecue and delicacies for Qinghong, storing them in his dimensional stomach pouch, and ate a little himself before making his way to Olympia's Stargate Square.

Located at the very center of the city, Ji Xinghuo had already scanned the area numerous times with his electromagnetic induction ability by the time he arrived.

The square was surrounded by military camps, housing the Stargate forces from various countries.

"Six Celestial Kings and thirty-eight Legends."

Ji Xinghuo's heart stirred as he took in the might of the gathered forces.

He had known that powerful beings guarded the Stargate, but he hadn't expected there to be so many, and he could even discern their individual strengths.

The Celestial Kings guarding the Stargate often rotated.

Based on their distinctive features, Ji Xinghuo quickly identified them, cross-referencing their appearances with the Celestial King rankings.

The one who caught his attention the most was a male alien exuding a scorching heat, like a living furnace.

"Flame Lord Qi Feiyang!"

This man was the vice president of the Asia-Pacific Spiritual Association, with the occupation of "Flame King," an advanced form of the Heat Stringer and Flame Maniac.

Qi Feiyang ranked 32nd on the Celestial King rankings.

However, among the six Celestial Kings surrounding the Stargate, Qi Feiyang was not the strongest. That honor belonged to a woman.

She wore armor and had a sturdy and tall build. At that moment, she was practicing swordsmanship in a training ground within one of the military camps.

Ji Xinghuo found her particularly interesting.

Her energy fluctuations were too intense. Even though she had suppressed most of her power, the small amount that leaked out during her sword practice was enough to make his heart race.

"She must be that Archangel," Ji Xinghuo thought to himself.

Isabelle Karina, a Frenchwoman with the alien occupation of "Saint," was the strongest member of the Western Alliance. Despite holding only a nominal position as a regular member of the Western Alliance parliament, she was, in truth, the backbone and protector of the Western European countries! She had a nickname, "Archangel," and ranked 5th on the Celestial King rankings!

On Earth, only four people were stronger than her.

In comparison, the other four Celestial Kings guarding the Stargate were a fair bit weaker than Isabelle.

Ji Xinghuo straightened himself and checked his equipment. With Lei Chi and Mo Yin at his waist, and the Black Hengjing war bow and quiver on his back, he looked like an ordinary ranger, unremarkable and inconspicuous. Qinghong had also shrunk to its smallest size, hiding quietly in his pocket.

The Stargate Square was divided into thirteen fan-shaped areas, each corresponding to one of the thirteen destinations on Earth.

The three areas belonging to the Asia-Pacific Community were connected.

Aliens came and went.

It was early June on Earth, and not many aliens were passing through the Stargate at that time. Ji Xinghuo chose to join the line at the "Chaka Stargate" section of the square.

However, as soon as he stepped onto the square, he sensed that someone was secretly observing him.

"Someone from the Qian Yuan Association?"

Ji Xinghuo smirked inwardly.

The last time he had entered the Star Realm from Earth, he had noticed someone tailing him. He hadn't expected that, after more than a year, they were still keeping watch at the Stargate.

Using his electromagnetic induction ability, he quickly located the person.

It was a male Legend standing on a watchtower within the military camp of the Asia-Pacific Community. He had an ordinary appearance but sharp eyes. Ji Xinghuo had been spotted as soon as he approached the Stargate, and although the man's gaze seemed to be scanning the area, it was fixed on him.

Ji Xinghuo memorized his face.

Just then, the line began to move forward swiftly. However, the Legend on the watchtower showed no signs of concealment as he took out a communicator and spoke quietly into it.

Immediately, there was movement in the military camp.

The leading Legend was a woman wearing lightweight alloy armor and carrying a longsword, likely a swordsman by profession.

She stared at Ji Xinghuo, a hint of wariness in her eyes.

The surrounding aliens turned to look, quickly backing away to create some distance.

Ji Xinghuo himself was perplexed by the situation. He had passed through the Stargate numerous times and had never been stopped. So he asked, "I am a citizen of the Asia-Pacific Community. On what grounds are you intercepting me?"

"We suspect that you pose a significant threat to Earth," the female swordsman said expressionlessly. "Please refrain from any unnecessary resistance and cooperate with us. Dispel our suspicions."

A buzz of shock filled the air.

Many of the aliens' gazes toward Ji Xinghuo changed, and they hurried to move even further away.

The phrase "a significant threat to Earth" immediately led everyone to believe that Ji Xinghuo was an imposter from another race, attempting to infiltrate Earth.

Ji Xinghuo's heart sank.

He didn't know if this female swordsman and the Legend on the watchtower were members of the Qian Yuan Association or if they were acting under their influence, but it was clear that a trap had been set for him. If he forced his way through the Stargate, there would undoubtedly be an ambush waiting on the Earth side as well.

What alarmed him even more was that his electromagnetic induction ability detected that "Flame Lord" Qi Feiyang had also been alerted. He remained hidden, secretly observing the situation in the square.

Even some of the other countries' Celestial Kings and Legends were stirred to action.

Countless powerful beings fixed their gazes on him.

"Has the Qian Yuan Association's infiltration of Earth's higher-ups reached such a level?" Ji Xinghuo's expression darkened.

Even if only a handful of them were connected to the Qian Yuan Association, the situation was still extremely dire.

Ji Xinghuo's thoughts raced.

He glanced at the hundreds of aliens surrounding him and suddenly shouted, "I am Ji Xinghuo! If you have any suspicions, just say it!"

"Ji Xinghuo?"

"Oh my! So, he's Zhao Manying's boyfriend."

The aliens immediately recognized the name, causing a stir as they rushed to witness the legendary Zhao Manying's boyfriend in person.

"He's so handsome, no wonder Sword Immortal fell for him!"

"I heard he's also very strong."

But there were also skeptics among them. "He claims to be Ji Xinghuo, but how can you be sure? He could be an imposter from another race. Better run while you can, or you might get caught in the crossfire."

The female swordsman's eyes flashed with a sharp light as she sized up Ji Xinghuo, asking in a low voice, "Are you Zhao Manying's boyfriend?"

"Yes," Ji Xinghuo nodded.

"That's just your word," the female swordsman said without backing down. Instead, she seemed to harbor even deeper hostility toward him. She waved her hand, signaling her soldiers to surround him.

Apparently, she was about to use force.

"As I expected, they came prepared," Ji Xinghuo thought.

His electromagnetic induction ability detected several Legends in the nearby barracks preparing to make their move, and Qi Feiyang's spiritual energy was also stirring.

If he fell into their hands now, he would be at a severe disadvantage.

He was never one to meekly submit.

"Once I return to Earth, I will definitely file a complaint with the Star Realm Department about your actions! This is a serious violation of my citizen's rights!"

Ji Xinghuo shouted intentionally, making sure his words were heard by the surrounding aliens.

"Arrest him!"

The female swordsman immediately gave the order.

She drew her longsword and lunged at Ji Xinghuo. Almost simultaneously, several Legends rushed out of the barracks, approaching from different directions to cut off Ji Xinghuo's path to the Stargate and any possible escape routes.

Boom!

A deafening explosion rocked the square.

A whirlwind swept through, knocking over the surrounding aliens, but the Legends remained unaffected. Two of them stood guard in front of the Stargate.

Ji Xinghuo instantly flew towards the two Legends guarding the Stargate, colliding with them directly. His speed was so fast that they didn't have time to react.

Just as they thought he was about to ram through them and force his way into the Stargate, Ji Xinghuo suddenly changed direction, veering onto a bizarre path that took him out of the three fan-shaped areas belonging to the Asia-Pacific Community and into the neighboring region. From there, he turned once more and flew into the Stargate.

Ji Xinghuo's figure vanished.

In the instant he entered the Stargate, a fiery figure appeared in the square, and an overwhelming spiritual energy, like burning cloud fire, blanketed the sky, leaving everyone breathless.

Qi Feiyang's expression was grim, and the female swordsman and the other Legends exchanged uncertain glances.

"President Qi," the female swordsman asked, "should we pursue him?"

"No need," Qi Feiyang shook his head. "He entered the 'Bhopal Stargate,' and the diplomatic relations between the South Asian Alliance and us are strained. Let's not create further trouble. Report this incident to the Star Realm Department immediately."

"Yes," the female swordsman acknowledged and left with her troops.

"This man..." Qi Feiyang stroked his chin, recalling Ji Xinghuo's unusual flight path, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.

On the other side.

As Ji Xinghuo's vision cleared and he regained his footing, he heard a startled cry.

Amidst the rapid gunfire and laser beams raining down on him, a nearly three-meter-tall man clad in heavy armor and wielding a massive spear charged forward with incredible speed. Each step he took sounded like thunder, and his formidable presence seemed capable of crushing everything in its path.

"Giant Spirit Warrior, Celestial King!"

Just one glance at his opponent was enough to fill Ji Xinghuo with tension.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end