But his original body was different. His original body's strength was his greatest asset, so formidable that it would make a monster genuinely weep.

As a result, the monster became even more furious!

「Two hours later.」

In a concealed courtyard in Ming State City, Yao Yao, who had been cooking, found her expression changing instantly after receiving a phone call. After hanging up, she hurriedly rushed into the building, took the elevator, and went straight to the entrance of a secret room located five floors underground.

KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK...

The sound of knocking echoed. After a long while...

CREAK.

The door was opened by a figure dressed in casual clothes—sports pants and a t-shirt. He looked at Yao Yao standing at the door and asked, puzzled, "What's wrong?"

It was Wang Zhan. In fact, it was Wang Zhan's original body.

Just moments before, upon hearing the commotion outside, he had withdrawn most of his awareness from his clone, allowing the monster to frantically search for him. Because Yao Yao was Wang Zhan's top priority, naturally taking precedence.

Of course, Wang Zhan was so confident the monster wouldn't flee because he had fed it plenty of shadows. Wang Zhan was certain this would keep the monster, which loathed him, occupied for a significant time!

Yao Yao, however, didn't share Wang Zhan's relaxed demeanor and looked anxious as she said, "Qin Ying just called. She said the Southwest Martial Management Bureau and the Internal Affairs Department have signed a mobilization order for the Military Department. Even if they face penalties from the Federation, they've already ordered the Military Department to deploy and head towards Ming State City!

Moreover, Qin Ying also mentioned that before this formal mobilization order, two influential old figures had each signed a separate directive, and these resulted in the formation of two special operations teams! Only the internal members who relayed the information knew the details. Their purpose is to investigate us. There's also news that one person in these two teams is a Martial Emperor..."

Wang Zhan's expression faltered slightly. Although he had anticipated something like this, the involvement of a Martial Emperor meant the situation was escalating significantly. It had clearly made these two typically unyielding and powerful departments feel an immense threat, prompting them to resort to such measures.

One must understand, a Martial Emperor was not comparable to a Martial King. If a Martial King's power was still measurable, then a Martial Emperor operated on an entirely different level.

To put it simply, if Wang Zhan wanted to destroy the Ming State Underground City, even by targeting only its key nodes, it would take him a full day and night. But Wang Zhan guessed a Martial Emperor might only need an instant!

However…

Despite this grim news, Wang Zhan remained outwardly calm and asked thoughtfully, "Is there any news from the other regions? How is our plan progressing?"

Yao Yao said urgently, "Wang Zhan! That's a Martial Emperor! Shouldn't our priority be to avoid him?"

Wang Zhan immediately grasped Yao Yao's hand, met her bright gaze, and said, "Don't worry, I have this under control. It's just one Martial Emperor. Don't forget, we have a Martial Emperor supporting us too!"

Yao Yao was stunned.

That's right, they did have a Martial Emperor backing them, perhaps even more than one! So why was I so nervous?

Soon, Yao Yao came to her senses. Ultimately, it was because they were still too vulnerable. The pressure of facing a Martial Emperor was immense, and it was natural to feel an urge to retreat.

So, influenced by Wang Zhan, Yao Yao managed to calm herself somewhat and responded with more composure, "The sales plans in other regions are nearly underway. Of the twenty-seven cities we targeted, with Boss Chen's help, we've already secured seven, capturing ninety percent of the market share. We've essentially wiped out the business of the major Elixir Companies..."

Yao Yao reported, while Wang Zhan listened quietly, nodding occasionally.

Seven of the twenty-seven cities were now in Wang Zhan's control, with efforts for the remaining twenty proceeding according to plan. This was a pleasant surprise for Wang Zhan, as his original plan had only included seventeen cities. In other words, the other seven were a bonus.

However, Yao Yao then added suddenly, "But there's been a complication in one of the cities we just began to secure! A Beast Tide has struck! Although it's just a small-beast tide, it consists mostly of smaller beasts. They're constantly trying to infiltrate the city. The report I received indicates that without reinforcements, the city might be wiped off the map of the Federation World…"

Wang Zhan looked up sharply, a glint in his eyes.

"Wang Zhan, should we step in?" Yao Yao hesitated, clearly still weighing the options. But she also knew how much effort Wang Zhan had poured into this plan. At this stage, even the smallest flaw could cause Wang Zhan's entire plan to collapse.

The most pragmatic approach, in fact, would be to ignore it and let the city fall before Federation aid could possibly arrive.

But Wang Zhan immediately said in a grave tone, "Of course, we intervene! And not just intervene, we do it openly. It's just a Beast Tide, right? While we might lack other means, what do you think would happen if we gathered all the individuals with martial arts potential from an entire city?"

"An... an entire city?" Yao Yao was completely shocked by Wang Zhan's statement.

Even a small city would have at least a million ordinary Federation's people. If we assume one in a hundred has martial arts potential, we could gather at least ten thousand Martial Artists. Even if the vast majority might only ever become Martial Students. But Martial Students aren't useless; at the very least, they can form daily defense squads and assist in combat.

The problem is... Yao Yao frowned, a new concern dawning on her. "That's all well and good, but where would they get the money to buy the medicine? If we're giving it away instead of selling it, forget making a profit—this whole venture would bankrupt us!"

Wang Zhan responded to Yao Yao's concerns with a hearty laugh. He gently cradled Yao Yao's head, smoothed the worry lines from her brow, and then playfully tapped her nose. "Who said they need to pay upfront? We can offer credit. Have you forgotten what becomes nearly worthless during a Beast Tide?"

Seeing Yao Yao's still puzzled expression, Wang Zhan grinned. "Beast flesh! Mountains of Beast flesh! Even if some of those debts go bad, as long as we can collect Beast flesh, we can mostly break even. Furthermore, if we can capture and tame the smaller beasts, we might even turn a larger profit..."

Yao Yao gave a bitter smile. "That's not so easy. Beasts can't be tamed…"

But Wang Zhan, thinking of the little wolf cub, knew otherwise. Such things only seem impossible before one finds the right method.

So, he just smiled gently. "How will we know if we don't try? Alright, proceed as I've instructed. Pass down the orders. Then, find an opportunity to leave Ming State City..."

Yao Yao's expression became serious, her voice laced with concern and heartache. "Wang Zhan..."

Wang Zhan waved his hand dismissively, smiling. "Go on, don't worry about me. We've come this far, and victory is almost in our grasp. Are we going to give up now, when we're so close?"

WHOOSH.

Yao Yao threw herself into his arms, her eyes slightly red. "What if... I go with you?"

Wang Zhan patted her head, his tone firm but gentle. "What nonsense are you spouting? Is a prison any place for a woman like you? That's a hero's domain!"

At that moment, Wang Zhan's gaze was incredibly profound and resolute.

They're getting closer, finally! Very close! Those people are drawing nearer. I must keep their attention focused on me to create an opportunity for Yao Yao to escape. Then, when the dust settles, I can finally relax and see how things unfold...

"Come out! Come out! What kind of skill is hiding? Show yourself!"

「Ming State Underground City.」

The monster was still roaring, desperately trying to find any trace of Wang Zhan. Just a moment ago, Wang Zhan had taken another hit from it and then vanished completely!

That coward! He's actually afraid of me! Hiding in some corner, watching my pointless fury and laughing maniacally. This was an absolute impasse, with no way out.

So the monster roared, its fury mounting, an endless killing intent for Wang Zhan surging within it.

RUMBLE.

Instantly, countless innocent buildings crumbled under the monster's frenzied and unrestrained attacks.

Far off, Ouyang Yue and the others, having swiftly retreated from the monster's attack range, could only sense the unfolding chaos from the periphery. Their expressions changed drastically. Especially Ouyang Yue; for some reason, a flicker of anxiety and uncertainty crossed her face as she asked nervously, "What happened to Wang Zhan? Why is that creature relentlessly searching for him, and why hasn't he appeared?"

Her senior martial brothers and sisters looked at her with helpless expressions.

Initially, the young woman had been furious with Wang Zhan for treating the lives of ordinary people as insignificant. Now, it was even more complicated. When the monster was about to go on a rampage, he'd casually saved a number of people. Not only had that extinguished her anger, but he had also effortlessly captured her heart. Because they could all see she was falling for him, deeper and deeper.

One of them patiently explained to the young woman, "Wang Zhan seems to have vanished. Although you can still sense his lingering aura, he no longer appears to be within our range of perception. Besides, Wang Zhan provoked that creature multiple times earlier, constantly rubbing salt in its wounds. That's likely why it's so enraged and desperate to find him."

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