However, both of them understood clearly that those beings were not only inhuman but actual demons who wouldn't flinch at murder.

Wei Daoming stood up, hands behind his back, gazing at the view outside the window. His voice was somewhat heavy as he said, "True. It's confirmed: the last Beast Nest Sky Curtain was a conspiracy by the Beast Clan. No doubt, this time, they want to observe us from inside the Federation, at close range. We can't work out their intentions at the moment, but as you know, those who come are not friendly, and the friendly ones do not come. Regardless, this has already planted a highly unsettling element within the Federation."

"To think that our own base has now been infiltrated by members of the Beast Clan's Sacred Clan, who make it impossible to distinguish friend from foe."

Without needing further words, Wang Zhan understood the potential consequences of such a hidden danger. It was also for this reason that he made a connection. If one were to extrapolate from this factual conclusion, then it would be understandable why the Martial Emperors of the Beast Clan from the last Beast Nest Sky Curtain, despite still possessing considerable strength, chose to decisively self-destruct. This isn't a baseless allegation but a well-substantiated fact.

However, what troubled Wang Zhan was, even if the Human Race saw through their scheme, what could they do? The intertwining plots and counter-plots had already become a tangled mess. Moreover, nearly two months had passed, giving them ample time to erase all traces of their presence.

Therefore, the thought caused Wang Zhan's heart to sink even further.

Not to mention the despair young Federation members like himself would feel one day. They would prepare to charge onto the Star War Battlefield, only to discover, to their utter dismay, that the teammates beside them were actually undercover members of the Beast Clan. The mere threat posed by the hidden presence of the Sacred Clan, with their claws and fangs concealed, was enough to make the Human Race lose sleep and appetite. Unless one possessed eyes capable of seeing through the deepest genetic structures, these infiltrators would continue to exist. Unfortunately, ever since ancient times concluded, although the Earth Federation still maintained powerful control, the omnipresent Star Beast swarms and Beast Nests had already riddled its once-tight defenses, leaving loopholes everywhere.

Finally, Wang Zhan lifted his head, looking seriously and solemnly at Wei Daoming. "What can I do?"

As a member of the Human Race, every martial artist of the new generation would unflinchingly face internal crises. This was the conviction imprinted deep within their hearts, the very foundation of their existence. The fate of the world rests on every individual's shoulders.

A hint of relief flashed across Wei Daoming's face. "I'm glad you haven't been crushed by this news, nor have you been scared off by the difficulties ahead. In fact, while the Beast Clan may have their schemes, they are no match for us. We are merely playing a game with them."

Wang Zhan paused, letting out a small "Ah?"

What kind of game is played on such a grand scale? he wondered.

Wei Daoming chuckled. "This game... is called Undercover!"

Of course, the specifics of this "Undercover" operation were not Wang Zhan's immediate concern; his own mission was yet to be assigned.

As expected, Wei Daoming continued, "So, your mission this time is..."

After Wei Daoming's detailed explanation, Wang Zhan contemplated for a long time before eventually accepting the assignment.

Perhaps it was due to internal Federation reasons, or perhaps it was a way to protect Wang Zhan. Upon accepting this order, Wang Zhan understood that he likely wouldn't need to set foot on the Star War Battlefield again for a considerable period, ushering in a time of relatively peaceful development for him.

However, only Wang Zhan, staring at the mission details, truly understood. How demanding this mission was, and what lethal dangers lay hidden within.

If death on the Star War Battlefield was out in the open, then the victories and defeats on the Federation's battlefields were witnessed only by the sewers.

"Original Organization..." Wang Zhan mumbled.

This Original Organization is truly hard to get rid of, he thought. He had no idea what the Federation's upper echelons were thinking; as far as he knew, they continued to turn a blind eye to this threat.

Wei Daoming didn't interrupt him, waiting until Wang Zhan had processed and accepted all the arrangements before bringing up another matter.

"The people you requested that night—I've gathered them all. There's even a Martial King among them; they'll arrive shortly. Of course, you'll also need to meet Shi Zhongming here. Don't worry, he has a significant connection with you. Also, I know some of the inside details of the 'God-making Movement.' In fact, if this power is destined to surface, then I believe you are the most suitable person to control it. Go for it boldly!"

In truth, Wei Daoming didn't realize the full impact of his words. But when he uttered "God-making Movement," Wang Zhan froze completely. A chill ran down his spine, as if he were recalling a distant memory.

Why are so many people constantly watching this power? he wondered. This proves its potential existence and also means my every move is within their line of sight. Perhaps Wei Daoming mentioned it so directly as a warning, or maybe a reminder. In any case, if this idea hadn't already been forming in my own heart, Wei Daoming's words wouldn't have shattered my composure so easily.

So much so that Wei Daoming's subsequent words seemed to fade into irrelevance for Wang Zhan.

Wei Daoming continued meaningfully, "But remember, I am helping you because people like you are the Federation's new hope. It's not because I want to see you become arrogant with this power and authority. Never let this hope turn into the Federation's despair, or else…"

Wang Zhan immediately replied respectfully, "Yes, Senior! I will certainly keep your words in mind and will absolutely not betray the Federation's efforts in nurturing me!"

"Alright, let's leave it at that. Next is the matter of your small company. I presume she's here for that?" Wei Daoming glanced at Yu Lan.

Wang Zhan nodded and smiled, seemingly unfazed by the previous serious discussion. "Yes. Something I brought back recently showed some promise and might affect 'Barter's' development. So, she came with me this time specifically hoping for your approval, Senior, for the Federal Martial Arts Academy to invest in 'Barter,' to give it some solid backing. In fact, I believe 'Barter's' existence holds immense value for the Federation. At the very least, it can enhance the Federation's overall guidance of society to some extent, and perhaps even optimize the path of martial arts development by providing a platform for exchange..."

Wei Daoming couldn't help but chuckle. "Alright, alright. I just gave you a reminder, no need for you to remind me now. How about this: go back and draft a proposal—how many shares, who's involved—and I'll have the Martial Arts Academy cooperate. By the way, the Federal Martial Arts Academy will only participate in annual profit sharing and will not be involved in any decision-making. Of course, for such favorable terms, 'Barter' must provide the Martial Arts Academy with something satisfactory in return. For example, the right of first refusal for the medicinal herbs you brought back from the Star War Battlefield? The valuation can follow market prices."

How could Wang Zhan refuse? If Wei Daoming had harbored any greed, he wouldn't have needed Wang Zhan to make these arrangements; Wang Zhan would have eagerly agreed on the spot.

Then, under Yu Lan's utterly astonished gaze, Wang Zhan simply said lightly, "It's settled. Go back and prepare the documents and proposals; I'll follow up with you."

Yu Lan was dumbstruck.

Is this guy really just a student? He's treated more like a biological son! Why have I, his actual biological daughter, never received such treatment?

But she would never know.

Just moments ago, as Wei Daoming warned Wang Zhan not to betray the Federation, a quiet chill had crept into Wang Zhan's heart.

Wei Daoming is just and has a strong sense of loyalty, he thought, but the Federation isn't like that. From top to bottom, it operates on new rules established after the Spiritual Energy disaster—rules where the law shows no mercy. Wei Daoming's words were likely also a reminder not to underestimate the Federation's upper echelons. If I were to harm the Federation's interests and dissatisfy them... perhaps one day, a place among the death row inmates executed by my own hand would be reserved for me.

And so, Wang Zhan settled in for a long wait in the reception room for Shi Zhongming's arrival, having taken a deep breath.

Senior Wei likely has no ill intentions, he mused. Thinking about it this way, the internal conflicts within the Federation pose a greater threat to me. But it's always 'the timid starve while the bold gorge themselves.' If I don't have the strength to protect myself, I'll end up in a terrible situation sooner or later... The saying goes: when the cunning hare dies, the hunting dog is cooked; when the birds are all gone, the good bow is put away.

Because of Wei Daoming's reminder, Wang Zhan couldn't help but wonder: Once I complete the integration of those powers, will I become nothing more than tempting prey in the eyes of others?

However, even as he understood this, Wang Zhan also knew clearly that he had no path of retreat.

Either I take a desperate gamble and see this dark path through to the very end, or I embrace an early demise for a swifter resolution—fewer problems that way, he thought.

Essentially, regardless of the path chosen, it made no real difference to Wang Zhan. But people are often strange, and Wang Zhan was no exception.

Screw it! he decided. To hell with it! At worst, death ends all troubles. Besides, this might be my last chance to establish my own foundation within the Federation. It's worth the gamble. After all, other sources of help, including Wei Daoming, Yun Tianyi, the Yang family, and so on, are merely welcome additions. Ultimately, I still have to rely on myself!

"It seems you've figured out quite a lot."

Just then, a somewhat low voice sounded.

Wang Zhan's expression instantly composed itself, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes that immediately made Shi Zhongming's heart tighten; he genuinely felt an immense threat.

Then, Wang Zhan smiled faintly. "State Governor. I wonder what matter could be so important that it requires you to seek out a humble student like me so frequently?"

Shi Zhongming's gaze sharpened, and the corners of his lips twitched into a rare smile. "Young man, you should show a little more respect to your elders, even if you may have surpassed them in terms of martial strength."

His words were laden with meaning.

However, Wang Zhan remained noncommittal.

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