Chapter 114: Chapter 114: Rebel Army Enters the City, Prefecture High-level Officials Take No Action_1
"No signal. The central server must have been shut down." Wang Linchi looked at his phone, which showed no signal, his expression growing increasingly solemn.
Half a month ago, in the early hours of the morning, the Rebel Army’s assault on the city had failed, reportedly repelled by Yan Ming King.
Wang Linchi didn’t know the specifics, but he was certain the Intelligence Reduction Aura had indeed taken effect. Otherwise, how could Lixi Prefecture have remained so quiet? There were five Morning Star level Awakeners stationed here, yet the rebels had reached the city gates undetected. Did they need Yan Ming King to discover them?
It was either collusion or sheer stupidity—or perhaps a combination of both.
Wang Linchi hadn’t expected the Rebel Army to advance so quickly. In less than five months, such a drastic change had occurred; they even dared to assault the Yi State Prefecture.
However, on second thought, perhaps they had the support of Great Families and Sects; otherwise, they couldn’t have become so formidable.
"Cell phones can lose signal?" Guo Xi, who was nearby, sounded incredulous. He had never owned a phone, so he was clueless.
"Yeah, it’s basically a useless brick now," Wang Linchi replied.
Normally, this wouldn’t happen. These phones were made by Lifestyle Awakeners and didn’t require satellites, but they did need corresponding servers.
Yes, the servers also had to be specially created by Lifestyle Awakeners using their Soul Resemblances.
Due to range limitations, cell phone reception wasn’t as broad as television, which was why they were more expensive.
"So that’s how it is. You really lost out. Good thing I didn’t buy one," Guo Xi said, somewhat relieved. When Wang Linchi had bought his phone, Guo Xi had considered getting one too. Now, he realized that signal was a crucial factor.
It was truly a toy for the wealthy.
Wang Linchi said nothing in response, quietly preparing to flee.
He suspected the Rebel Army had amassed enough strength and was preparing to lay siege to the city.
Otherwise, they wouldn’t have cut off the cellphone signal.
"Minister, I have something I need to attend to. I’d like to request a day off," Wang Linchi said after a moment’s thought.
The minister, who was cheerfully reading a storybook, waved his hand dismissively. "A day off? Don’t bother. I’ll mark you present."
Wang Linchi was usually quite smooth in his dealings, occasionally bringing fruits, snacks, and the like to the office. His colleagues, having accepted his treats, were happy to oblige with small favors like this.
Taking official leave meant a pay cut for Wang Linchi, so the minister preferred to do him an easy favor.
"That’s great! Once I’ve taken care of things, I’ll bring some good tea to show my appreciation, Minister," Wang Linchi joked.
The minister’s eyes lit up. "The Pre-Ming Tea you got last time?"
"Uh... yes," Wang Linchi replied, not minding the small expense.
"Then I won’t stand on ceremony!" the minister readily agreed, and the others in the office brightened up as well.
Wang Linchi wasn’t a stingy person. Whenever he said he was bringing something for the minister, he actually brought enough for the entire office. He’d curry favor with the leader while also sharing with his colleagues, which they naturally appreciated. Since no one in the office had any significant achievements, couldn’t get promoted, and had no conflicts of interest, the atmosphere was naturally harmonious.
After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Wang Linchi left the office, hopped on his bicycle, and pedaled furiously.
Motorcycles and small cars were, of course, available, but Wang Linchi ostensibly couldn’t afford them. They cost hundreds of thousands, even millions, and it would look suspicious if he had that kind of money.
BOOM!
Wang Linchi hadn’t even reached home when he saw the barrier of Lixi Prefecture erupt with a deafening roar, followed by a terrifying crack appearing on its surface.
This development naturally stunned the entire population of Lixi Prefecture.
Damn, are the Rebel Army this strong? Wang Linchi too was shocked. This city-warding barrier was supposed to withstand Morning Star level attacks, yet it had fractured on the very first hit.
From the direction, it’s the south gate... Wang Linchi quickly determined the direction of the attack.
Then, a second attack landed.
The first had merely caused a crack, but the second caused a large section of the barrier to collapse.
Looks like I can’t go home. I should head for the north gate... Like hell! All four gates are far from me,
Wang Linchi grumbled.The disadvantage of living in the center of Lixi Prefecture was now painfully clear: it was a long way to any of the gates.
The Soul Seed Bureau was in the city center; where else would he live?
Reaching the north gate quickly by bicycle was out of the question. He had to choose a more efficient mode of transport or rely on his own Physique.
But as he looked around, the entire street was already in chaos.
The Prefecture Government Office had mobilized many personnel, though somewhat belatedly, and they were heading towards the north gate.
The higher-ups haven’t already fled, have they? Wang Linchi muttered to himself.
He then blended into the crowd. Suppressing his White Porcelain level strength using his Soul Courtyard and Soul Seed Thought Hall, he made himself appear like an ordinary person and began to flee with the masses.
His goal was to escape through the north gate.
Staying was not an option. He was certain there was a Demonic Inheritance Successor among the Rebel Army. Once they breached the city, they wouldn’t bother pacifying the populace; instead, they would likely live-refine the entire Lixi Prefecture to fuel their own Growth.
The Heritage of the Sky Devil belonged to the Demon Path, which was inherently bloody and cruel.
Otherwise, why would it be associated with the word ’devil’? Did people really think devils were some unconventional, forthright, and righteous type, while those on the Righteous Path were hypocrites?
Perhaps Yan Ming King might encounter such a Demon Practitioner because he was the protagonist. Someone like Wang Linchi, however, would only encounter truly sinister and vicious Demon Path practitioners.
Wang Linchi subtly increased his pace. The third attack landed as expected.
Just as he had anticipated, the formidable barrier of Lixi Prefecture, reputed to withstand a hundred full-power blows from a Morning Star level expert, shattered completely.
The battle had officially begun.
He didn’t see Yan Ming King, which he found strange. After all, why hadn’t he made a move during such a prime opportunity to show off?
It was a perfect chance to display his prowess; how could he pass it up?
More importantly, the five Morning Star level Awakeners in the city still hadn’t made a move, as if they didn’t even exist.
He had no idea what was going on.
The roar of battle intensified; clearly, Elite Gold Level Awakeners were engaged in combat. The commotion was immense, but fortunately, Wang Linchi was far enough away to avoid being caught in the immediate crossfire.
The crowd grew increasingly chaotic, and countless stampedes occurred.
Wang Linchi focused solely on his own escape. He lacked the ability to manage the situation. If those in power didn’t care, why should he, someone constantly exploited, try to maintain order?
Don’t meddle in affairs beyond one’s station.
A patch of blood-red clouds appeared in the sky. Wang Linchi glanced back and felt his heart pound.
With his keen eyesight, he instantly saw that they weren’t clouds at all, but countless specters, their entire forms dyed crimson with blood.
These numerous blood-red specters coalesced, forming a terrifying, cloud-like mass.
It really is the Rebel Army. And Lixi Prefecture is likely not the first city they’ve conquered.
Such a vast number of specters would require a massive number of people to be sacrificially refined.
That was precisely how the enemy had managed to attain such power in such a short time.
Wang Linchi even suspected that the enemy leader might possess more than one instance of The Heritage of the Sky Devil, having killed multiple Demonic Inheritance Successors to acquire them.
Even if Lixi Prefecture surrendered, it wouldn’t be spared. Everyone would become part of those blood-red specters, serving as fodder for the enemy’s Growth.
The north gate is close. Wang Linchi estimated. The fighting there should buy at least half an hour.
With his speed, he should be able to get out before the battle reached him.
As for driving or cycling, he had been too naive earlier; those people were still stuck in the traffic.
He was faster on his own two legs.
As for his colleagues from the office, Wang Linchi couldn’t care less if they lived or died. They were merely superficial friends; how many of them were genuinely sincere?
Who would risk their life for colleagues they weren’t even close to?
Warn them? What if they actually escaped, met up with the Court, and mentioned his warning? What would happen to Wang Linchi then?
At best, they might consider him farsighted. More likely, they’d suspect him of being a spy planted by the Rebel Army.
Otherwise, how could he have known the rebels were attacking the city just because his phone lost signal?
Fine, even if he had guessed it, why hadn’t he informed the Court and instead chosen to flee? At the very least, he’d be charged with withholding information.
Even if there was a chance of a positive outcome, he had no need to take such a risk. The Court was extremely discriminatory towards those like him in the Waste Spirit Phase.