Abyss Summoner-Chapter 284 - 279: Reward

Meeting hall.

Inside a luxurious meeting hall large enough to accommodate thousands, a massive round marble table occupied the center, surrounded by ten people seated primly. Financiers? Talented leaders? They simply don't have the qualifications to sit here; only true power brokers or those at the pinnacle of their professions are the real protagonists here.

Yet this group of people, standing already at the top of the pyramid, now wore faces filled with worry. Whether it be regretful, fearful, or resentful, what has robbed them of their usual composure is a report in the hands of a middle-aged man dressed in a white coat, with gold-rimmed glasses, sitting at the center of the stone table.

"Ten days ago, zombies attacked the stronghold, claiming over a third of the camp's population. The deceased did not rest, but instead transformed into the walking dead, the so-called zombies. Increased strength, slow movement, enjoyment of consuming living creatures, scratches, bites, and cuts are the main avenues for spreading the source of the disease, and those injured will become infected in twelve hours, with no cure available so far."

"Four days ago, monsters attacked the city, resulting in a total of two thousand seventy-nine deaths and missing persons. The city wall was damaged, Fuan Street turned into ruins, nine professionals crippled, and apart from that, Old Zhou also sacrificed himself."

Many people were gathered in the room, including Feng Zhiyong, Han Qiang, Xu Hongzhuang, and other main combat leaders; all were present. Feng Zhiyong sat at the top, hosting this report session as the soul figure of Qiaodong.

The meeting had reached a pivotal moment, with some people even having intense arguments mainly on whether to start cooperating closely with Order. After the affair with Hong Jiuling, some remained cautious of external forces, having endured betrayal and conspiracy, they had become like startled birds. Even though Chen Feng was exceptionally low-key, he still triggered their suspicion.

However, the opposition fell into passivity.

Because the advocate for cooperating with Order was none other than the strongest figure in this meeting hall, Xu Hongzhuang.

With Hong Jiuling and a cohort of skilled fighters executed and Zhou Xian perishing, Tian Xuefeng losing an arm, in all Qiaodong, Xu Hongzhuang stood unchallenged.

Xu Hongzhuang possessed formidable rallying power.

Especially after enduring the tide of corpses and the Devil, her influence had stepped into a peak, showing trends of overshadowing her master.

Opposition claimed repeatedly that Qiaodong was in a weak period now and should focus on restoring Primordial Energy, and that cooperating with Chen Feng at this time was likely inviting a wolf into the fold.

But Xu Hongzhuang reacted immensely, with a frown, she actually shattered a corner of the table, asserting they were fear-mongering, even branding them as conservative and ignorant, rendering that Lieutenant-level professional speechless and unable to rebut.

Besides, several power holders quickly echoed, supporting Xu Hongzhuang's proposal, attempting to accelerate cooperation and exchanges with Order.

If one were observant enough, they would notice all these individuals had intricate ties to Xu Hongzhuang, whether leading the Iron Demon Army, rescued by Xu Hongzhuang, or being her admirers; unknowingly, Xu Hongzhuang had already established her own circle, subtly gaining a thread of influence.

"Ahem…"

Feng Zhiyong coughed, then spoke in a hoarse voice: "Quiet down, we've barely secured victory now, yet you're squabbling like this, what kind of conduct is this!"

Feng Zhiyong glared at several people before his gaze rested on Xu Hongzhuang, revealing a thoughtful look; he felt that she was somewhat unusual today.

Previously, Xu Hongzhuang was more like a cold plum, sitting there exuding a sharp chill.

But today, Xu Hongzhuang seemed like a sharpened blade, causing a slight chill, with carelessness risking being cut or wounded by her.

After thinking, Feng Zhiyong spoke blandly: "This matter requires a direct conversation with the parties involved, Han Qiang, send someone to invite Lieutenant Chen over, as for everyone else, go rest for now."

This statement did not provoke opposition.

No matter how strong those present were, as long as Feng Zhiyong remained in position, they have no right to oppose, nor the courage to.

.........

Soon, Chen Feng arrived inside the meeting hall.

At this time, the originally empty room appeared even more desolate, aside from Feng Zhiyong, Han Qiang, Tian Xuefeng, and Xu Hongzhuang, no one else was present in the entire meeting room.

And these individuals composed the genuine pyramid of Qiaodong today.

Han Qiang in charge of internal affairs, Tian Xuefeng military supplies, Xu Hongzhuang combat, while Feng Zhiyong was the fulcrum, coagulating the scattered forces into a unified entity.

Facing Chen Feng's arrival, the frosty-faced Xu Hongzhuang finally changed expression, as though seeing her backbone, dispelling her façade.

In truth, Xu Hongzhuang disliked the atmosphere earlier, preferring discussions without dissent, finding them less valuable than eliminating a few monsters.

But she had to act like that.

She had made a decision, one shocking enough to stun everyone.

"Have a seat."

Feng Zhiyong appeared even older, with old friends perishing on the battlefield, leaving him mentally exhausted. If not for healers nurturing him, soothing and curing him daily, this middle-aged man might have long succumbed to sickness.

But no matter how well preserved, Feng Zhiyong was merely flesh and blood; healers only provided relief, incapable of bestowing longevity.

"Lieutenant Chen, thank you greatly for your help this time; your profound foresight is astonishing, regardless of what others say, to me personally, your kindness won't be forgotten. Especially as you killed Hong Jiuling, without which, the battle might not have been won so easily, hence I've prepared some rewards for you."

A badge.

That is the rank of Colonel.

Feng Zhiyong handed the badge to Chen Feng and said, "Reaching your position, the so-called rank may no longer hold significance, but this is a token of my regard, please accept it."

Colonel.

For Chen Feng, this rank might not be of great importance, yet it is still a symbol of status. You should know, Xu Hongzhuang is only a Major, and now Chen Feng is truly second to none.

Besides, Han Qiang was also holding a box, which he brought in front of Chen Feng.

A longsword.

Chen Feng originally just glanced over it casually.

Suddenly!

His whole body shook!

On this longsword, he sensed a terrifying aura.

The sword was entirely black, as if forged from coal, yet it weighed about sixty pounds. From Han Qiang's slightly trembling arms, it was apparent that he was struggling to hold the longsword.

There were no embellishments on the blade, it didn't even look like a crafted piece, but Chen Feng was somewhat surprised, for he could clearly sense a blasphemous power from it.

Clearly, this was not a weapon from this world.

Feng Zhiyong spoke, "This longsword was discovered a few months ago, it appears unremarkable but possesses amazing destructive power. I had it tested, piercing through five layers of steel with a single strike, it's considered a Divine Soldier."

"However..." Feng Zhiyong hesitated, seeming a bit reluctant, he said, "However, this weapon seems ominous, anyone who wields it soon encounters misfortune. We initially thought it was a mere coincidence, but among the five people who came into contact with this longsword, all died due to special circumstances."

"Two or three people might be coincidental, but beyond five, there must be some secret behind this."

"You are knowledgeable and have talented subordinates, so I've gifted this sword to you, hoping that you can uncover its mysteries."

No wonder they were willing to give the longsword to him.

It was originally a hot potato.

Chen Feng could not ascertain what secrets the equipment held, but he was sure that this longsword was not as simple as it seemed.

As the Dimension Wall opened, not only living organisms, but some plants and weapons, might also arrive on this land along with the chaotic currents.

Some ordinary people might gain supreme power by consuming certain fruits, while others can rely on certain equipment, like rings, to achieve ultimate strength.

However, these equipment vary in quality.

Some rings house spirit-like entities, having existed for unknown years, their strength and knowledge far surpass ordinary people, and even a waste can turn formidable with their guidance.

And some equipment are filled with evil will, the most famous incident being the "Strongman's Calamity."

Apart from Devils and Demons, there are evil entities from other dimensions, which dispatch some powerful equipment into the Human World, compelling strong individuals to fight over them using some special means.

Unbeknownst to them, it was all a conspiracy. The strong ones who obtained these equipment experienced a huge increase in power, but one after another, they were controlled by the weapons, becoming terrifying specters manipulated by hidden Evil Doers.

These individuals were true powerhouses, yet under the conspiracy, they became the tools of their adversaries. There are said to be six such weapons.

Namely, a ring, a longsword, boots, a cloak, armor, and a shield.

However, those powerhouse tainted by them were all Legendary Level beings, someone like Chen Feng in his past life wouldn't even have had a chance to see them.

An extremely eerie longsword.

The prophesized calamity.

Chen Feng didn't know why he suddenly thought of this legend, but he knew the weapon was no ordinary item, nodded, and took it in his hand.

Being unable to explore its secrets now doesn't mean he won't have the ability in the future.

Feng Zhiyong saw Chen Feng accept the gift, nodded, then his expression became solemn. He had given Chen Feng some compensation, and now they could sit down and talk properly.

Seeing the look in the other's eyes, Chen Feng thought to himself, wondering what the person wanted to convey, surrounded as they were by notable figures in Qiaodong.