Apocalypse Circular-Chapter 442: Lu Luo’s Trap (5K Today Already)

Chapter 442: Chapter 442: Lu Luo’s Trap (5K Today Already)

"Do you really think that way, Bai Yuetong? If a person doesn’t compete for anything, they’ll end up with nothing. Do you really believe you can live carefree just by being a designer here?"

Even after Bai Yuetong explained her situation, Luo Yi still refused to give up and wanted to add fuel to the fire. She wanted to create chaos for Lu Luo behind the scenes; only then would she have an opportunity to rise to the top.

How foolish, Bai Yuetong thought, her disdain for the woman sowing discord before her growing.

"Hehe, you think too much. Our relationship, our intimacy—it’s all different from what you imagine. Inviting you to Half-Mountain Villa was a sign of Lu Luo’s goodwill toward you. But now it seems he overestimated some people’s character."

Bai Yuetong did indeed dislike Qi Xinzhu, but that dislike was different. Their relationship wasn’t great, but it wasn’t up to an outsider to judge. Indeed, this was the difference between one of us and an outsider.

"Since you’re so tactless, I won’t say much more."

Luo Yi, seeing that she couldn’t achieve her goal, turned and left.

However, after she departed, Bai Yuetong immediately picked up the telephone.

"Zhou Kai, deal with Luo Yi. I reckon this person has guessed my identity."

On the other end of the line, Zhou Kai was silent at first, but after a few seconds, he finally responded, "No problem."

Any factor that could threaten the development of Circular was considered destabilizing, and such factors naturally needed to be dealt with.

After dealing with Luo Yi’s matter, Bai Yuetong picked up a saber from the table. This saber was entirely red, instilling a sense of bloodlust at a single glance.

This red hue was not a simple paint job. It was Sequence! It was Lu Luo’s Sequence, S-02 Devourer.

The cooperation between Lu Luo and Wu Liji wasn’t as simple as mere channel trade. Due to her reliance on Lu Luo’s military strength, Wu Liji continually shared some of the Empire’s most secret core technologies. Lu Luo provided her with many benefits. In return, she naturally handed all these technologies over to him.

Sequence Device manufacturing technology was among them. Though the technology was over a decade old, its fundamental principles were entirely sound. This undoubtedly saved Bai Yuetong a great deal of research and development time. Often, she merely needed to follow the existing designs.

The red saber before her was one of Circular’s Sequence Weapon products: the Bloodthirsty Saber.

A very simple and unadorned name, Bai Yuetong thought to herself. Because its effect was just as its name suggested: bloodthirsty.

The Bloodthirsty Saber inherited a part of the Devourer’s effect: the wielder would gain the ability to absorb blood to recover their stamina and heal minor injuries. This effect was almost identical to the Devourer’s energy absorption ability.

This was also Circle Company’s first Sequence Weapon product.

Although Bai Yuetong personally preferred cutting-edge technological products, she had to prioritize meeting Circular’s needs. Sequence Weapons undoubtedly served to maximize the strength of Transcendents. Circular now needed a large quantity of Sequence Equipment. As the weapon maker, she naturally prioritized Circular’s requirements.

Bai Yuetong dripped some Exotic Species blood onto the saber. Soon, a portion of the fresh blood was absorbed by the blade. Of course, not all of it was absorbed; at least, the water content in the blood was expelled by the saber.

This effect is fantastic!

CLATTER!

Opening the cabinet revealed thousands of sabers, neatly arrayed. These sabers would be distributed to every member of the Breath of Circles, becoming Circular’s iconic weapon.

RING-RING-RING.

The phone rang, and Bai Yuetong picked up the mobile on the table. "Hello."

"Luo Yi has been dealt with. Do you want to come and see?"

Zhou Kai was quick to act. After pondering for a moment, Bai Yuetong shook her head, "There’s no need. People like her will only become more numerous in the future. You’d better prepare yourself mentally."

"I understand," Zhou Kai replied. "Brother Luo already spoke to me about this. I won’t be soft-hearted."

Bai Yuetong nodded as well. This is where Lu Luo and I are alike. Those who follow us prosper; those who oppose us perish. Often, being soft-hearted is a significant flaw.

Lu Luo did not have this flaw, and that was what satisfied Bai Yuetong the most.

"Oh, by the way, the weapons are ready. Come and collect them when you have time."

"Alright!"

On the other end, the usually talkative Zhou Kai hung up. His conversations with Bai Yuetong were always brief; this was a conclusion drawn from personal experience. He could be very close to Lu Luo, but not to Lu Luo’s women. The more powerful Lu Luo became, the more crucial it was for Zhou Kai to maintain this clarity and composure.

The current Luo Yi was the best example. Perhaps she hadn’t betrayed them, but in a sense, she had become a threat to Circular.

"Where is Bai Yuetong? Tell her to come see me! Was it her who made you do this? I’ve helped Lu Luo with so many things, and now you treat me like this?"

Luo Yi was somewhat hysterical. Zhou Kai’s sudden arrest had caught her completely off guard. In her mind, Lu Luo should be a sentimental person. Even if she had made some mistakes, Lu Luo shouldn’t treat her this way.

"You’ve been here for so long, you must have guessed Little Bai’s identity, right?" Zhou Kai said. "After all, you’re an Imperial."

"Imperial..."

A chill shot through Luo Yi’s heart. Only now did she realize that it wasn’t her attempt to sow discord that had brought this doom upon her. It was because she knew Bai Yuetong’s true identity...

"Me? I won’t say anything! How could I possibly talk?" Luo Yi cried. "I’ve followed Lu Luo for two years! Even if I wanted to betray him, I’d be marked as one of his. How could I possibly speak out?"

"Whether you speak or not is no longer important," Zhou Kai shook his head. "You still don’t understand what Circular’s development and rise mean for the Empire. You’re an Imperial. Brother Luo arranging for you to stay at Half-Mountain Villa should have told you a lot. Unfortunately, you didn’t grasp that! Look at Yang Di—isn’t she doing well, just minding her own business and getting by? People like that live longer. Understand?"

Luo Yi froze. Yang Di? Her?

Darkness enveloped her, extinguishing her life.

Just as Zhou Kai and Bai Yuetong had discussed, Circular would not allow an unstable Imperial to exist within its ranks. However, they also knew that Circular’s development necessitated incorporating Imperials. Achieving a balance between these two necessities would depend on Lu Luo’s approach.

...

「Coal Capital.」

Lu Luo helped a pregnant Qi Xinzhu to the dining room. Truth be told, although Qi Xinzhu felt incredibly cherished at this moment, she still found it a bit overwhelming. Lu Luo’s constant doting and solicitous inquiries, in particular, made her feel quite awkward.

"Lu Luo, can you not be like this? I’ve only been pregnant for a little over ten days! It’s hardly anything yet! I could still fight right now without any problem. You’re making me feel embarrassed acting like this."

"Let you fight now?" Lu Luo retorted. "I think anyone who suggested that wouldn’t want to live anymore! Besides, isn’t it perfectly normal for me to treat you well?"

Lu Luo’s earnestness made Qi Xinzhu chuckle. This guy is strong, but he probably has no idea what childbirth actually entails.

"Alright, have it your way," she conceded.

Lu Luo meticulously served Qi Xinzhu, placing food on her plate, his attention to her every need unwavering. This continued until Sola approached, somewhat cautiously, interrupting their lunch.

"Lord Lu Luo," Sola reported, "I have some leads regarding the Lava Sword you asked me to investigate."

"Oh? Let’s hear it." Lu Luo finally put down his chopsticks, his expression growing serious.

The Lava Sword, also known as Ashbringer—that was the sword he had left in the outskirts. As for why he left it in the outskirts, the purpose was quite simple: to conduct a ’combing’ of GuiXi and a certain range of its surrounding areas.

As his own strength and influence grew, Lu Luo had come to realize just how complex the Empire’s ’jianghu’—the world of martial artists and outlaws—truly was. These various societies, gangs, secret cults, and minor factions were intricately intertwined. Their loyalties were fickle, and once their numbers grew large enough, they brought significant instability to the local Transcendent community.

This, in fact, was precisely the Imperial Family’s intention. A chaotic jianghu would naturally consume a considerable amount of Transcendent power. Even if an exceptionally powerful society or gang emerged, the Inspection Department—the ultimate enforcer—would be there to suppress it.

For instance, in GuiXi’s societies, where the general power cap was the Fifth Tier, Zhang Changming’s combat strength was considered the pinnacle among local Transcendents. If not for the emergence of an anomaly like Lu Luo, no society would have possessed the ability to contend with the Inspection Department. The average member of the Inspection Department was Fourth Tier, with countless experts and an inexhaustible supply of equipment. The Cultivation Techniques they practiced were also the most potent and versatile ones provided by the Empire. Against such a force, the societies stood no chance of victory. This, consequently, fostered the inherent chaos among the societies.

This was not what Lu Luo wanted. He desired a relatively stable GuiXi region. Societies could exist, but they shouldn’t be constantly fighting and killing—at least, not daily. Such a state was detrimental to GuiXi’s development and, more importantly, to the development of Lu Luo and his faction.

Therefore, Lu Luo planned to use Ashbringer to ’comb through’ the current GuiXi region.

Sola wasn’t entirely clear on Lu Luo’s intentions. But based on my experience, Lu Luo is definitely up to no good this time, she thought. Otherwise, the Lava Sword was located not far from Circle Company’s headquarters. Given Lu Luo’s control over the area and his alliance with the Inspection Department, if he didn’t want information to spread, it simply wouldn’t get out.

"Many societies and organizations have already dispatched people to search the northern outskirts, especially near Twin Towers Mountain," Sola continued. "Due to the widespread lava flows, most believe the Lava Sword will surface near Twin Towers Mountain."

"Understood. You’ve done well with this," Lu Luo said. "Take good care of Qi Xinzhu for the next few days. I might have to go out for a bit."

"Yes, I understand," Sola affirmed.

Lu Luo then turned to his wife. Qi Xinzhu, ever perceptive, understood.

"Don’t be so overly cautious, alright?" Qi Xinzhu said. "I’m a Fifth Tier Transcendent, after all. Even if a Lord-rank Exotic Species appeared before me now, I could kill it. Go attend to your business. I’ll be fine."

Although Qi Xinzhu said so, Lu Luo still felt a little uneasy. At least for now, I still lack the overwhelming power needed to protect everything I have.

"Alright then," Lu Luo conceded. "Be careful during this time, and make sure you eat well and get enough nutrition. If you experience any mood swings, call me. I can come and be with you anytime."

"Alright, you’re being such a nag," Qi Xinzhu said, though a smile played on her lips.

Although Lu Luo’s attentiveness made Qi Xinzhu feel cherished, she also knew he had many important matters to handle. The baby wasn’t due for several more months; there was no need for him to be so anxious.

...

At night, Lu Luo went to the GuiXi Inspection Department alone.

When Lu Luo appeared in Zhang Changming’s office, Zhang, who was engrossed in reviewing documents, was momentarily stunned. He didn’t blame the guards for not announcing Lu Luo’s arrival because even he, Zhang Changming, had only become aware of Lu Luo’s presence when the latter actually entered the room. If he, a Seventh Tier Transcendent, couldn’t sense him, what chance did those Fourth Tier guards have?

"I heard your wife is pregnant," Zhang Changming said, his tone laced with a hint of resentment. "What are you doing here instead of looking after your wife and child?"

Lu Luo knew the resentment in Zhang Changming’s voice was on Bai Yuetong’s behalf. Regarding Bai Yuetong, Lu Luo had also considered this. They would likely have children too, but definitely only after Qi Xinzhu gives birth. And as for Bai Yuetong’s own feelings about having children, I’m still not sure. Bai Yuetong’s identity is too sensitive. This matter should be postponed for now.

"You’re the esteemed Director of the Inspection Department. Don’t you know it’s unbecoming for you to speak with such a sour tone?" Lu Luo retorted.

Hearing Lu Luo’s taunt, Zhang Changming remained unfazed. "Tch. Whatever. You’re never here for anything good anyway," Zhang Changming scoffed. "How I speak is none of your business, is it?"

"Nothing good?" Lu Luo countered. "Haven’t you noticed that since our alliance, public order in the GuiXi District has significantly improved? The casualty rate among your Inspection Department members has decreased, and social stability has increased. Personnel welfare has improved. Shouldn’t this be what you want to see?"

Lu Luo’s words struck a nerve. As Director of the Inspection Department, Zhang Changming was well aware of its true purpose. The Inspection Department wasn’t a place for nurturing talent; it *needed* casualties. The more deaths, the better. Pension funds? Who gives a damn about those! Only when enough Transcendents die can society truly stabilize. The Empire doesn’t need so many Transcendents.

Zhang Changming knew this Imperial philosophy, but he was powerless to change anything. All he could do was go with the flow and fulfill his duties as the GuiXi Inspection Department Director. However, since collaborating with Lu Luo, Zhang Changming had indeed noticed a significant drop in the casualty rate among his department’s members over the past two years. A lower mortality rate among personnel wasn’t necessarily a good thing, however. In some situations, fewer deaths could even lead to censure from the Imperial Inspection Headquarters. The report Zhang Changming was currently drafting was precisely about the casualty figures for the Inspection Department.

"Enough with the pleasantries," Zhang Changming said, cutting him off. "We both understand these matters perfectly well. Just tell me, why are you here today?"

"It’s about that sword..." Lu Luo began, his eyes narrowing.

"That sword... isn’t it yours?" Zhang Changming pressed. "Lu Luo, what exactly are you planning?"

Zhang Changming was no fool. He had considerable control over the GuiXi District. Moreover, he knew Ashbringer was Lu Luo’s weapon. For him to deliberately let it fall into other hands... he must have a specific goal in mind.

"Yes, the sword is mine," Lu Luo affirmed. "I left it out there primarily to use the allure of Sequence Devices to... let’s say, conduct a minor consolidation of the current societies in the GuiXi District. What do you think, Director Zhang?"

"Consolidation?" Zhang Changming repeated, not particularly fond of the word. Chaos is precisely what the Empire desires. If the GuiXi District isn’t chaotic enough, my position as Director of the Inspection Department might be at risk.

"Exactly," Lu Luo continued. "Although the GuiXi District is much more stable now than before, this stability hasn’t been forged through bloodshed. The various factions are only temporarily cowed and quiescent. Their inherent violence and penchant for chaos haven’t truly changed. While clashes between Transcendents have decreased, I’ve learned from the City Guard Office that other types of cases have actually increased recently—murders, sexual assaults, domestic violence, gambling, and contraband trafficking, for example. These individuals are persistent destabilizing factors. They need an outlet for their aggression but lack proper channels. They’re behaving now primarily because you and I have been suppressing them. But this kind of suppression isn’t ideal. As the saying goes, it’s better to dredge than to dam. I believe we should undertake a... legitimately justifiable operation to thoroughly eliminate these hidden threats. A randomly appearing artifact that offers a shortcut to power would be the perfect bait for them."

"You could do this yourself. Why involve me?" Zhang Changming asked.

"You have plenty of... problematic elements under your command too, don’t you, Director Zhang?" Lu Luo said. "And I imagine the GuiXi District’s casualty quota isn’t being met? This is an excellent opportunity, wouldn’t you agree?"

Zhang Changming narrowed his eyes. This brat is dragging me into a trap. For the Director of the Inspection Department to engage in such an unorthodox operation... if word got out, my career would be ruined.

Yet, he found Lu Luo’s proposal irresistible. "Fine!"