Life Game In Other World
Chapter 421: All the ’Traps’ (Big - for Monthly Tickets)

Chapter 421: Chapter 421: All the ’Traps’ (Big Chapter for Monthly Tickets)

"He Ao! He Ao!"

Yang De shielded his face from the flying sand with his hand. At that moment, the howling wind and trembling earth made it so that Velora, which was just in front of him, had completely disappeared without a trace, leaving behind only patches of fresh blood dancing with the sand.

Unaware of He Ao’s condition, he could only rush into the sandstorm, searching for that young and somewhat frail silhouette.

A figure flashed past him, the wounded Rudel.

Yang De immediately became wary.

Rudel glanced back at him but didn’t concern himself with Yang De, snatching up two living C-levels nearby and charging out of the sandstorm.

Yang De’s gaze followed Rudel until he vanished from sight before he sighed in relief.

If this guy didn’t attack him, then he wouldn’t have attacked He Ao either.

"Minister Yang, why are you here?"

The steady voice of a young man echoed from behind him.

Yang De whirled around, only to find He Ao standing behind him with a puzzled look on his face.

The kid was tucking two girls under his arms, his body stained with some blood, but he was not seriously injured; even his clothes were hardly damaged.

"I rescued the people,"

He Ao indicated the two individuals he had tucked under his arms.

Lin Chichi had completely passed out from the jolting ride, while Luo Luo was still a bit dazed.

Yang De looked at the young man before him, a smile appearing on his face, then it immediately turned stern, "Why didn’t you follow orders?"

He Ao’s expression stiffened. He hadn’t considered this aspect.

In the past, he’d always been on his own, never dealing with orders or anyone to hold him accountable.

"You can’t be so impulsive next time,"

Seeing He Ao’s bewildered expression, Yang De’s stern face gradually softened.

He Ao nodded, then raised his head, looking toward the sky.

Yang De also looked up, only to see a massive shadow plummeting from the heavens.

The location they were at was a mountain hollow between two peaks, surrounded by steep cliffs on both sides.

In that fierce wind and shaking, the mountain above them collapsed.

"Run!"

Without hesitation, Yang De snatched the heavier Lin Chichi from He Ao’s grip and started running madly toward the outside of the hollow, carrying her.

He Ao withdrew his gaze, smiling lightly, and quickly followed behind Yang De.

----

In the midst of the desolate yellow sand, chunks of rock fell from the sky, smashing into the ground.

Liu Zhengyun was standing amidst the sudden downpour of boulders, holding his Bone-cleaving Knife, calmly watching the thin figure wrapped in a black robe on the other side.

"I don’t believe we’ve met before?"

He spoke slowly, his voice hoarse.

The figure in the black robe glanced at the severely wounded Liu Zhengyun.

Now was the best time to kill this Director of the Research Institute.

His gaze rested on the Bone-cleaving Knife in Liu Zhengyun’s hand.

The kid had clearly helped Liu Zhengyun just now; he likely had associations with the Research Institute.

Velora had entered the tunnel, but it wasn’t certain that it had left.

If he acted rashly, he might fall into a trap.

In the end, the figure darted away, melting into the sandstorm like an intangible shadow.

·····

After making sure the other had left,

Liu Zhengyun’s body shivered, almost falling over. The one at the end of his strength right now might not have been able to defeat that B-level, who had been conserving energy and was still at his peak.

As they drew closer to the relic, more and more people originally hidden in the shadows surfaced.

He turned and walked out toward the hollow.

A massive shadow fell from above, engulfing Liu Zhengyun’s figure—that was a gigantic boulder.

Thud—

The boulder smashed onto Liu Zhengyun’s head.

Stone shards scattered,

Yet the person struck by them was unharmed.

——

Meanwhile, He Ao had successfully left the mountain hollow with Yang De, entering the ancient forest to the south.

Shortly after they left, a loud rumbling noise erupted behind them.

He Ao turned around.

The two steep mountains that had sandwiched the hollow crumbled with a thunderous collapse, like thunder striking the earth, sending out a soul-shaking roar.

A sudden downpour, like a torrential rain, fell from the sky, the strong winds blowing the heavy raindrops around, making the rain resemble a dense fog.

It was as if a hazy veil had been laid over the toppled mountains.

The Mountain Collapse Tsunami...

Its name was indeed literal...

This was the first time He Ao had used this miracle.

He Ao had always thought the name of the miracle was an exaggeration, only to find it was quite literal.

During the use of the entire miracle, He Ao could only control the range of the miracle and up to three small targets in addition to a core target; the core target would be subjected to targeted attacks by the miracle, but it would not be powerful enough to instantly kill someone at the B-level.

Therefore, He Ao designated Sloane as the core target, allowing Liu Zhengyun to take him down with coordination.

The three slots for the small targets were used by He Ao on three C-level individuals who had been controlled by the Angel and driven to madness.

He could not control any other aspect of it.

This was an indiscriminate map-clearing ability; anyone who didn’t escape the mountain collapse would indeed be crushed to death under it.

The ability was suitable for use when deep in enemy territory surrounded by foes.

However, to He Ao’s surprise, the three crazed C-level individuals killed by the Mountain Collapse Tsunami were also counted towards the miracle’s progress.

Therefore, the current progress of the Mountain Collapse Tsunami jumped to 3/5, even one more than when it started.

"Director Liu has already gone back ahead of us,"

Yang De picked up his communicator, glanced at the message, and informed everyone.

The incident had finally subsided, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief.

If Liu Zhengyun had left, then it was confirmed that there would be no more problems.

He Ao set down Luo Luo, who had been clutched at his side.

At that moment, a fair arm rested on his shoulder.

Somone seemed to want to loop their arms around his neck from behind and hug him.

He Ao resisted the urge to grab that hand and throw its owner over his shoulder, sidestepping instead to dodge her next move.

Wu Lan almost stumbled from the loss of support but didn’t get angry. She covered her mouth and giggled, "He Ao, little brother, thank you just now. Let’s go online together sometime."

She was referring to He Ao saving her next to the Velora a short while ago.

Wu Lan was naturally seductive, and her wounded state, breaking up her spirited and heroic appearance, made her seem even more delicate.

"Returning the favor with ingratitude, huh?"

Ji Po casually chimed in from the side.

"Ji Po! No one would think you’re mute if you stayed quiet!"

Wu Lan’s eyebrows knitted fiercely as she glared viciously at Ji Po, who was folding his arms nearby.

"Hey, you, don’t let anyone tell the truth," Ji Po shrugged. "If you’re lusting after young He Ao just say it straight, don’t beat around the bush and put on airs, it’s so pretentious. You’re already thirty, with such an age on you, why are you still acting like a little girl? Can’t you be more straightforward?"

"Ji Po!!! Do you feel bored because you weren’t seriously injured this mission?"

Wu Lan rolled up her sleeves.

He Ao turned his head away, pretending to know nothing.

Luo Luo’s eyes widened as she watched him.

He gestured for her to be quiet with a "shh" sign.

Luo Luo realized she had learned something new today: even these C-level big shots are conscious of their age.

Half an hour later, Wu Lan and Ji Po, who were still bickering, were pulled onto the helicopter that arrived to pick them up by Yang De.

The group returned to the hotel in Westlank.

——

"So, the man named Hao Yi pushed you out of the vehicle, and then he took control of the Velora and left?"

Wu Lan typed on the laptop in front of her and casually asked Lin Chichi, who sat across from her.

They were sitting in the presidential suite’s room, by a small tea table near the window, gazing at the classically charming view of Westlank’s old city, exchanging information.

"Yes, yes, I’ve told you everything I know,"

Lin Chichi sneaked a glance at Wu Lan, who hadn’t changed clothes, merely receiving some basic first aid after returning to Westlank.

The dried blood from recent battles still stained her tattered dress, and this swift and decisive attitude greatly impressed Lin Chichi.

The little girl now dares not to keep staring at Wu Lan, speaking with a shrinking head.

Watching Wu Lan typing seriously, she finally mustered up the courage to whisper,

"Um, Sister, Brother Hao Yi is really a good person."

"We will make our own judgment on that."

Perhaps it was the effect of being called "Sister" that softened Wu Lan, as she gently smiled, closed the laptop in front of her, and stood up. "Well, thank you for your cooperation. A staff member will be in touch with you shortly. Have a good sleep tonight, and we will arrange transportation to send you back later."

"Ah, okay."

Lin Chichi awkwardly stood up.

She was beginning to miss the time she spent with Brother Hao Yi. Although the Velora was dangerous, it seemed that no matter what situation arose, Brother Hao Yi had a solution.

The feeling of being in grave danger yet having an unparalleled sense of security was like an addictive substance that made her reminisce and long for it.

Lin Chichi, with her head bowed, followed Wu Lan out of the room, and at the same time, the door of the room across from them opened, and Yang De, with Luo Luo, almost simultaneously came out.

At that moment, He Ao was playing Chinese chess with Ji Po in the lobby.

Wu Lan glanced at Ji Po’s leisurely demeanor and snorted coldly, "Ji Po, you seem quite idle, huh?"

Ji Po: ¿

Why scold me when two are playing chess?

Luo Luo peeked at these important figures and realized that the Research Institute’s top brass seemed not much different from ordinary people: they experienced joy and sorrow, and could jest and scold just the same.

All of a sudden, she remembered ’Hao Yi’ from aboard Velora. Hao Yi seemed to be a C-level, and a very strong one at that, yet standing by his side felt no different than being beside any ordinary friend.

Plus, that guy was foul-mouthed and doubted her intelligence.

Unknowingly, Luo Luo became much more at ease among this group of C-levels.

Yang De, standing in the middle of the lobby, glanced at her, then quickly looked away.

After a while, staff members from the Research Institute came and led Lin Chichi and Luo Luo away.

"Let’s exchange information."

Yang De and Wu Lan sat down.

"Time for a meeting!"

Ji Po swiftly and deftly cleared the chessboard, then poured all the chess pieces into a nearby box with a swift gesture.

He Ao stared blankly at Ji Po.

He was just one move away from winning.

He had thought that Ji Po was an honest person like himself.

How come all these Research Institute department heads are so shrewd? Could an honest law-abiding person really work in such an environment?

Meanwhile, Yang De had swiftly exchanged the questioning results with Wu Lan. What Lin Chichi and Luo Luo had said broadly matched. Lin Chichi had slept for a while, and some of the details came from Luo Luo’s account.

"Luo Luo is an elderly member of the Research Institute, her record is very clear, she wouldn’t lie."

Luo Luo’s team was under the direct command of Wu Lan, who looked up at everyone.

"This girl has a very good psychological quality," Yang De commented, then turned to He Ao, "He Ao, it was you who saved the two of them before. Lin Chichi mentioned that you were at the door when it opened, and you have met Hao Yi face-to-face. What do you think about him?"

He Ao was silent for a moment before evaluating, "He is very strong."

Yang De nodded slightly. From the current data, Hao Yi did indeed appear to be very strong. He Ao is now considered one of the Research Institute’s best fighters below the level of director, with a record of killing two C-levels in an instant.

He Ao’s first-hand impression would definitely be more accurate.

"Director Liu’s assessment is the same," Yang De looked at everyone,

"When I came back, I also discussed with Director Liu. He believes that ’Hao Yi’ is most likely a limited B-level, or someone who possesses some kind of powerful B-level Transcendent item. The ability to destroy mountains was released by him."

At this, everyone’s expressions became slightly alarmed.

Ji Po and Wu Lan had witnessed the collapse of the two mountains themselves, that majestic scene invoked by someone with such mighty power.

Although they had a deeper understanding of the Transcendent world, witnessing such force capable of reshaping nature and moving mountains still left them in awe.

It was the kind of deed only a Divine Being from myths and legends could accomplish.

And He Ao was astonished... mainly to match the expressions of those around him.

"Is this... the ability of all B-levels, or is it unique to Hao Yi alone?"

Wu Lan asked hesitantly.

"Toppling mountains is something that Director Liu can do as well, but it would take a substantial amount of time. To achieve such a wide-ranging effect in a short period is very difficult, so his inferrence is that the mighty power ’Hao Yi’ controls doesn’t exceed the B-level scale, but within B-level, it’s one of the most formidable energies."

Yang De quickly explained, "This person has never appeared in previous records, someone this notable shouldn’t be unknown."

"Is it possible that he is not from the main world?"

At this point, Wu Lan suddenly realized something, opened her computer, "We can gather from Lin Chichi and Luo Luo’s statements that Hao Yi possesses a wealth of knowledge in mysticism. He not only has clear mastery over C-level and B-level information but even knows a lot about A-levels..."

"Are you implying," Yang De paused for a moment, "that he comes from the ruins?"

"We have no confirmation that all humans in the ruins have perished," Wu Lan looked excitedly at Yang De,

"Perhaps somewhere in the Underground Palace or within some ancient technological structure, there just happens to be a person slumbering inside a cryogenic chamber, or even a group of people who have been living within the ruins all along, undiscovered by us, and this ’Hao Yi’ is a ’visitor’ from the ruins,"

Hearing this, He Ao nodded slightly.

He thought Wu Lan’s idea was very creative; he decided to take note of it, maybe with a little modification, it could be directly usable in the future.

"It’s also possible that he encountered some kind of fortuitous adventure."

Yang De closed his laptop, "In any case, this person seems to have a certain fondness for the Research Institute, he helped Director Liu, and also saved two teammates from Central Earth. Maybe we can establish some level of contact with him.

"I’ll report these materials to the dean and others first to see what they think. Wu Lan and Ji Po, wait here for a bit; I’ve scheduled a doctor to come and thoroughly examine your injuries. Don’t force yourselves, rest well."

Wu Lan and Ji Po nodded.

Yang De then turned his gaze to He Ao, "He Ao, you should get checked out with them too."

"Okay."

He Ao nodded as well.

He was the one with the lightest injuries among those present, and he wasn’t worried that the check-up would expose anything. The abilities of Transcendents varied greatly, and currently, the entire world knew very little about the knowledge of mysticism; basically, these kinds of examinations were only to check for external injuries.

---

While his physical body rested, He Ao was driving the Velora through the tunnel and had arrived within Tia Empire’s territory.

Here lay endless mountain ranges, one connected to the next.

This place must have once thrived with lushness, filled with verdant greenery, but now, there was nothing but scorched earth and tree trunks that had been burned before they could react.

The completely barren, blackened tree trunks covered all the surrounding mountains, turning what should have been a vibrant place into a hell devoid of life.

He Ao pushed the car door open, stepped out of the vehicle, and looked into the distance.

In the hollow of the mountains at the end of his vision, there was a damaged building where busy workers were quickly sifting through the debris on the ground, salvaging whatever was inside.

All these workers were Transcendents.

This had once been one of Moonlight’s secret bases.

Just a few hours ago, two unwelcome guests had arrived here and taken away an ’important item’ stored at this location.

In reality, to find the target of the Research Institute was simple: just search the internet for where a large-scale suspected supernatural phenomenon had occurred within the Tia Empire.

The object of the Research Institute’s desire was definitely not something ordinary; such an object could inevitably lead to some large-scale impact.

He Ao had just come to try his luck.

But what he didn’t expect was the magnitude of the impact this thing would have.

In the short video he found, the recorder captured a scene so terrifying that endless dark clouds obscured the sky, and lightning connected the earth and firmament densely, like fine velvet.

Tree by tree turned into charred and bare trunks under the blazing lightning, the verdant land almost instantaneously coated with a layer of pitch black.

The scene was like the advent of hell, the arrival of the apocalypse.

Even though the video was deleted less than ten minutes after it was posted, it still caused a massive amount of sharing.

He Ao felt that the scale of the damage likely surpassed the range of B-level.

Most likely, the Research Institute’s target was something of A-level or close to A-level Transcendent nature.

During Sloane’s ambush on Liu Zhengyun, two other B-level agents from the Research Institute were burglarizing his house.

At this moment, another B-level from the Tia Empire probably wasn’t faring well either; there was no news yet, which likely meant he was alive but severely injured.

Now, He Ao finally understood the Research Institute’s purpose.

The Institute’s idea of theft was probably not a new one; when they had emerged from the ruins before, deliberately sending ships to loiter around the Tia Empire waters was probably intended to lure out Sloane.

Thinking back, Liu Zhengyun must have also been hiding on that ship, waiting for Sloane to show up to entrap him.

Therefore, despite the fierce battle that took place, no one from the Research Institute died; everyone survived, and although He Ao had played a strategizing role, there were probably some tricks being played out of He Ao’s reach.

After all, Liu Nan was also on that ship.

······

Fortunately, He Ao had been cautious, holding back and never exposing the more core secrets.

These old guys were each more tenacious than the last.

However, during that incident Sloane did not fall for the bait and restrained himself.

And this time, Sloane wasn’t blinded by greed, but came with a new plan to kill Liu Zhengyun.

Both sides were scheming against each other, yet both fell into the other’s calculations.

The main world wasn’t as peaceful as one might imagine.

If not for He Ao’s presence, even if the Research Institute had succeeded in their theft this time, the price would not have been small.

With this, He Ao finally sorted out the schemes of all the forces involved this time.

Like a droplet of water falling into a clear spring, the last bit of power from Super Memory melded into his soul.

C-level.