As Bai Qi was about to continue admiring his perfect creation, a shadowy figure emerged from the darkness and approached him, holding a tablet. On the screen was Savage.
"Looks like you have quite a bit of free time," Savage said, raising an eyebrow. "Still dabbling in research? Aren't you supposed to be a sorcerer?"
Bai Qi stepped aside, blocking Savage's view. "What is it? Speak."
Savage didn't engage in further banter. "There are several matters requiring a meeting. You've missed many as a member, and this time, you must attend."
Savage's tone was firm, leaving Bai Qi no room for negotiation.
"Alright, in an hour I..."
"Ten minutes," Savage interrupted before Bai Qi could finish. "Everyone's time is precious. Let's not waste it on such trivialities."
"Fine."
The video ended. Bai Qi turned to Octavius beside him. "Destroy all related data concerning the clone. You are responsible for everything about her. Report directly to me. Remember, I don't want anyone else to know about this."
Octavius quickly nodded. "Yes, sir. Rest assured."
"Good."
After giving his instructions, Bai Qi entered the Shadow Kingdom. He re-emerged moments later in a sealed, private chamber.
The screen lit up, and familiar faces appeared before Bai Qi.
Savage, as the moderator, gave a brief overview of the meeting's main agenda.
"The primary purpose of this meeting is..."
Before Savage could finish, the Wizard Child impatiently interrupted, "Enough, enough. Let's cut the pleasantries and get started."
Unfazed by the interruption, Savage continued his speech.
"First, we will address the first agenda item of the Illuminati."
"Given the Illuminati's recent excessive activity, which has made the Justice League somewhat wary, we need to undertake other actions to divert their attention. Does anyone have any good ideas?"
As soon as Savage finished, Ifrit spoke, "Create some chaos, local conflicts, border skirmishes, or use the old method to give the Justice League something to deal with."
Queen Bee chimed in, "I can instigate some wars with neighboring countries or spark border conflicts. Of course, the Illuminati would need to provide me with some support."
"No," Savage interjected. "Queen Bee, you were not a member of the Illuminati before, but now it's different. It would be too easy for the Justice League to trace it back to us."
At that moment, Bai Qi, who had been silent, suddenly spoke, "I think we could blow up Arkham and release some of the inmates."
Bai Qi's suggestion silenced everyone in the room.
After a long pause, Savage said, "Holy Lord, Arkham isn't something you can just blow up. Don't forget Batman is in Gotham City. It could easily backfire."
"I'm aware of that," Bai Qi replied. "However, it is precisely because of Batman's existence that blowing up Arkham has value. If we can keep the Dark Knight busy, the other members of the Justice League will be less of a threat."
Queen Bee inquired, "How do you believe a group of lunatics released from Arkham can tie down Batman? His strength is something we've all witnessed."
"No," Luthor said. "There is indeed someone in Arkham who can tie down Batman. Not long ago, the Joker was sent to Arkham by Batman. If we release him, I believe Batman will be occupied with that for quite some time."
After further discussion, Ifrit volunteered, stating that he had something of interest in Arkham. He would send people to retrieve it and casually plant a few bombs while they were at it.
"Alright, let's move on to the next item."
As Savage finished speaking, the Wizard Child eagerly exclaimed, "Me, me! I need to obtain the Helmet of Nabu. The current wielder is a frail old man, the perfect time to seize it."
Queen Bee expressed her dissatisfaction with the Wizard Child. "Why should we waste manpower, resources, and precious time to steal a helmet?"
"No, it's valuable."
Luthor explained, "According to the data, Doctor Fate exists as a manifestation of the Helmet of Nabu. When someone wears the helmet, Doctor Fate can manifest in the human world. If we can obtain the Helmet of Nabu, it will be a significant blow to the Justice League."
"Understood, but I cannot assist with this matter." Savage looked at Bai Qi. "I will assist the Wizard Child with this. Holy Lord, as for you..."
Before Savage could finish, the Holy Lord refused. "I cannot help with this, but I can dispatch my best black magic sorcerers to assist you."
"Agreed."
...
Many other matters were discussed during this meeting, but after this, Bai Qi remained silent, merely observing the proceedings. Nothing further required his direct involvement.
As soon as Bai Qi left the private chamber after the meeting, he received a report. The Three Fools had successfully activated the Pandorax Box again. After Bai Qi's identification, the trigram rune this time was "Dui," corresponding to the Hellgate of Basa, the demon of water.
However, Bai Qi was not in a hurry to open the gate this time. He instructed the three to withdraw first.
Although they were confused, they complied with Bai Qi's orders.
In Octavius's deep-sea laboratory.
"Doctor, I don't understand. Why do we have to destroy all this valuable data?" Warren blocked Octavius's path. "Since we have this successful case, we can completely clone an invincible army based on it. Then..."
"Enough!" Octavius interrupted Warren before he could finish. "Let me repeat, this experiment was extremely special and cannot be replicated. Furthermore, Lord Holy has given the order to destroy everything related to it. Do you understand? Everything."
"No, I disagree! You are completely destroying humanity's future!" Warren lunged to snatch the USB drive from Octavius's hand.
But he was no match for Octavius. With just one mechanical arm, he easily sent Warren flying. Then, both mechanical arms pinned Warren against the wall.
"Warren, you are indeed talented. To be frank, Lord Holy's intention is to destroy everything related to this experiment, whether it be people or objects. I have already shown you mercy. Since you are determined to resist, then die!"
With that, a third mechanical arm lunged towards Warren's head. Given the hardness of Warren's skull, this strike would undoubtedly be fatal.