Netherworld stood up, stretching his muscles lightly, and sneered: "Does anyone really think that something like Ancient God's Blood can be bought with money? Scholar once said, when an individual masters violence, order itself becomes a joke. Money, then, becomes the least valuable thing."
"No one truly loves money. What people truly love is freedom."
He gazed into the pitch-black sea, his deep eyes filled with yearning and madness: "In the real world, money can bring freedom. But when order collapses, only violence can make you free."
The water in the sink gushed noisily.
Gu Jianlin had just stepped out of the bathroom, the bloodstains on his body washed clean, and he had changed into a fresh suit. Unfortunately, it was one provided by You Ying Group for the candidates, mostly generic sizes, and not particularly well-fitting.
Beside him was a black hard-shell case, faintly exuding a trace of blood scent.
This was the Moonstone Heart.
Youzhu's promotion was already within reach.
"I didn't expect you to hide so well,"
Tang Ling crossed her arms and leaned against the smooth, mirror-like marble wall, raising an eyebrow as she spoke: "Even I wouldn't dare to guarantee victory against those five guys without using Extreme Thunder."
Gu Jianlin explained: "Just luck, that's all."
It was a rather modest response.
Because reflected in the mirror were the fiery eyes of the red-haired girl, glowing with intense battle spirit.
Tang Ling was already pondering a sparring match with him.
"We're resting in the VIP area now. There's heavy security around, but tonight there's an auction for Ancient God's Blood. At that time, most of the security will likely be diverted to the auction site—that'll be our chance."
Gu Jianlin spoke using lip movements: "According to Director Li, the You Ying Group is a core force in the Dark World, providing services like vaults and banks to different factions. The Hidden Order's base, simply put, is a rented warehouse aboard this ship, code-named AIE-567."
He said: "I've already mapped out the escape route, so relax."
Scholar was already on standby nearby in a lifeboat.
Once this matter was settled, they'd jump into the sea and flee.
After all, this was You Ying Group territory, with experts aplenty.
The two Omega Sequence elites weren't foolish enough to seek death here.
"That said, we still need to prepare for the worst. If danger arises, don't hold back your power anymore. Even if it means revealing our identities, keeping alive comes first."
Gu Jianlin's lips moved slightly.
Tang Ling, however, remained completely unfazed, a hint of mockery flashing in her vermillion eyes. She snorted and replied in lip movements: "Don't worry, it's not that dire. The real show is still ahead tonight."
Gu Jianlin froze for a moment.
"The You Ying Group has spies in the Ether Association, and the Ether Association has spies in the You Ying Group."
Tang Ling shot him a deep look, her cherry-red lips shimmering seductively under the light: "The Ether Association won't let this Ancient God's Blood escape. They'll definitely send someone to grab it, and that will be the perfect moment for us to retreat."
She sneered: "After all, they're utterly ravenous for it."
"Ravenous? Are you sure you want to use that term?"
"What else? Like wolves and tigers?"
"Who taught you Chinese?"
"I haven't been to school since I was eight."
Gu Jianlin rubbed his forehead, finding this dialogue really nonsensical.
Still, he had underestimated the Association.
Tang Ling's understanding of the Ether Association indeed went far deeper than his.
The next moment, silver-white chains materialized around his wrist, extending to wrap around the girl's wrist.
Lock of Nonexistence, unlocked!
Their presence dropped to the absolute minimum.
"This Mythical Weapon of yours is pretty useful—Lock of Nonexistence, was it?"
A hint of surprise flickered in Tang Ling's beautiful eyes.
Gu Jianlin picked up the case containing the Moonstone Heart, and the two of them stealthily ascended to the second floor.
The first floor was the auction site.
The second floor housed the storage area.
Resources stored by various factions were kept here, each sealed behind stone gates engraved with alchemy matrices. Every door had infrared sensors to detect life signals.
If anyone tried to force entry, an alarm would trigger.
Tang Ling narrowed her elegant eyes, a murderous glint flashing in them: "I could break the door directly, but that would leave us less than thirty seconds to investigate before we'd need to flee in a hurry. If I use Extreme Thunder, I can summon Thunder to destroy this ship and buy you a few extra minutes."
She paused to consider, then said seriously: "But doing so would likely make us targets of the You Ying Group's pursuit. Netherworld might even come personally to catch us—it'd be thrilling."
Gu Jianlin turned to look at her, thinking, Sister, are you serious?
Your idea is far too crude and straightforward.
It doesn't really fit tonight's vibe.
No problem though, I've got another good sister.
The shadow behind Gu Jianlin began to tremble as the Candle Dragon Shadow revived once more!
[Recommendation Ticket]