Apocalypse Circular-Chapter 467 - 466: Invitation from the Imperial Capital

Chapter 467: Chapter 466: Invitation from the Imperial Capital

A vortex suddenly materialized in their midst, sucking all three of them in. The tearing sensation was unsettling for Noah, but since Mute Girl Yang held his hand, he didn’t resist.

"Hey, you still haven’t given me the thing you promised." Now that everyone was preparing to leave, the Annihilation Mute Girl Yang had promised Lu Luo hadn’t been given to him yet.

"We haven’t left yet, have we? What’s the rush?" Despite her words, after Lu Luo brought it up, Mute Girl Yang still extended her hand to him. As Mute Girl Yang took Lu Luo’s hand, Noah glared daggers at them from the side.

"Pathetic," Lu Luo scoffed.

However, Mute Girl Yang paid no mind to the tension between the two men. She was completely focused on releasing her power. Soon, a flickering ball of light flowed from Mute Girl Yang’s hand into Lu Luo’s palm. This flickering was likely due to the energy’s instability, meaning the object could explode at any moment. And such an explosion would be immensely powerful.

"Annihilation?"

"Yes, Annihilation. The power to annihilate everything. Although it can only be used once, it should be fine as a trump card."

"How many of these can you create?" Lu Luo asked curiously. He knew this question touched upon Mute Girl Yang’s privacy, and he wouldn’t mind if she chose not to answer.

"If the conditions are sufficient, I can create these indefinitely."

Mute Girl Yang’s aura was formidable. Perhaps this is the demeanor of a true powerhouse, Lu Luo thought.

"Alright, it seems an true expert’s foundation is far beyond my imagination."

"Of course, Lu Luo. You’re not bad right now, but you’re still a ways off from the threshold of a true powerhouse. Work hard. I hope that the next time we meet, you won’t be as weak as you are now."

Mute Girl Yang was free. Lu Luo didn’t know if this was a good or bad thing. After all... she was an existence that not even the Doomsday Disc could completely seal.

However, regarding their next meeting, Lu Luo felt differently. "I hope we never meet again. It would be better for everyone. Whether it’s you or him," Lu Luo pointed at Noah, speaking his mind, "I don’t want to see either of you." Both of them were dangerous. Their relationship could hardly be called a friendship. This negotiation was nothing more than an exchange of interests. If they were to meet again, it would most likely be because Noah or Mute Girl Yang had stirred up more trouble—an outcome Lu Luo definitely didn’t want. He just wanted to cultivate and develop in peace.

Mute Girl Yang smiled. "Well, as you wish. I hope we don’t meet again either." Then, her and Noah’s figures vanished before Lu Luo.

And Lu Luo finally returned to the real world, finding himself still at the location where they had fought before.

"Hey, who are you?" A member of the Inspection Department was startled to see Lu Luo suddenly appear. As the guards stationed here under Zhang Changming’s orders, they were to continue securing the area for a period. Although the full-blown Mech Crisis hadn’t erupted, the Inspection Department remained highly concerned about Noah’s activities. It was unknown if the missing Lu Luo had managed to deal with Noah.

Lu Luo recognized the man’s uniform; he was from the Inspection Department. He directly stated his identity, knowing Zhang Changming should have left some information and arrangements.

"I am Lu Luo."

"Lu Luo? Ah, Lu Luo?" Clearly, the Inspection Department member had received orders concerning Lu Luo. Upon hearing Lu Luo state his name, his attitude immediately shifted. "You, are you really Mr. Lu Luo?"

"Yes, I am Lu Luo. What did Minister Zhang say?"

"Minister Zhang previously instructed that if you appeared here, we were to notify him immediately. He also hoped you could wait here for a while. Minister Zhang and his team will make certain arrangements."

After a moment’s thought, Lu Luo nodded. "Alright, I’ll wait here for a bit then."

"Good, I’ll go notify Minister Zhang now." Just as the man was about to leave, Lu Luo suddenly called out to him.

"Hey, wait a moment."

"Uh, Mr. Lu Luo, is there anything else?"

"Got a cigarette?"

"Oh, yes. I have some, though they’re not a very good brand. I hope they’ll do, Mr. Lu Luo."

"Great, thanks." Lu Luo took the cigarette offered by the man, lit one for himself, and began to smoke slowly. Recent events replayed in his mind like a slideshow. To be honest, these sudden events had left him mentally and emotionally drained. He disliked dealing with such unexpected incidents, as their occurrence often meant he was completely unprepared. He hadn’t wanted to get involved with Noah or Mute Girl Yang. Or rather, the entire upheaval with the Doomsday Disc wasn’t what he desired at all. Fortunately, the outcome was generally positive. He had temporarily resolved Meiqi’s concerns and the latent dangers within the Doomsday Disc.

I really hope we don’t meet again... but will we truly never meet again? Lu Luo finished his cigarette and coughed a few times.

"You’ve been cowering for quite a while now," Lu Luo said. "Speak. How does this affect me? This shouldn’t involve matters above the Sequence, so you can answer, right?"

The Observer, who had been mostly silent, finally piped up.

[Well, her departure has its pros and cons for you.]

"What are the pros and cons?"

[The good thing is that you now have complete control over the Doomsday Disc—or you should, right? The bad thing, naturally, is that you’ve permanently lost the chance to control her.]

Lu Luo nodded; the Observer’s words matched his own conjectures. However, without the Observer present in that other space, he couldn’t be sure if he’d overlooked anything.

"Ah, it’s good to be alive."

"You’re being quite philosophical." As Lu Luo was lost in thought, Zhang Changming approached him from behind. He waved at the surrounding Inspection Department members, signaling that he and Lu Luo needed some private time.

Lu Luo shifted to the side on the ground, gesturing for Zhang Changming to sit next to him. However, Zhang Changming didn’t; he walked directly in front of Lu Luo and took out a piece of paper.

[Your matter has been reported by the Inspection Department. It’s impossible to hide.]

Zhang Changming hadn’t spoken aloud, implying he might be bugged. Once sure Lu Luo had read the note, Zhang Changming ate the paper, leaving no trace.

"How did it go? Is the matter resolved?" After giving Lu Luo the hint, Zhang Changming began his official inquiry. After all, this concerned Noah and the potential Mech Crisis, so their attention to the matter was indeed necessary.

"Yes, I’ve dealt with Noah."

Zhang Changming’s gaze sharpened. Although he’d had his suspicions when Lu Luo appeared, hearing Lu Luo confirm it himself was another matter entirely. "When you say ’dealt with,’ do you mean killed, or some other method?"

"Sealed. It’s not a complete seal, but at least he won’t be showing his face for a very long time. He’s very strong; I couldn’t kill him in a one-on-one fight."

Lu Luo lied to Zhang Changming, who looked at him with a skeptical expression. Is sealing really reliable? And when Lu Luo says ’sealed,’ is he truly sealed? He didn’t actually let Noah go, did he? Although these doubts filled Zhang Changming’s mind, he couldn’t voice them due to the listening devices. So, he had to play along with Lu Luo’s statement.

"As long as he’s sealed, that’s good. At least he won’t be a scourge to the Empire anymore. That man is far too dangerous. Dealing with him is truly a great service. Oh, right, the Imperial Inspection Department headquarters wants to invite you to the Imperial Capital to recount Noah’s case and, by the way, award you an Imperial Honor Medal. This medal is more than just an honor, you know. It carries privileges equivalent to a peerage, allowing you to meet members of the Imperial Family without kneeling. You... when do you have time?"

Zhang Changming spoke tactfully, but Lu Luo understood the underlying meaning. The Imperial Family has noticed something unusual about me and even suspects I might possess a Sequence. They want to take me back for examination. A normal young man, even at Seventh Tier, wouldn’t possess my kind of combat prowess. So, the Empire has grown suspicious of my identity and abilities. It seems my situation really can’t be hidden anymore!

Lu Luo pondered for a moment. "Hmm, I can, but..."

"But what?"

"I have something I need to do urgently. Could my visit to the Imperial Capital be postponed for a while?"

Lu Luo’s request sounded highly unreasonable. Although it was a small thing, the ones summoning him to the Imperial Capital were the Imperial Family! For Lu Luo to request a delay at such a time... What if he plans to flee?

"This..."

Clearly, this matter was beyond Zhang Changming’s power to decide. He could, to some extent, protect Lu Luo and Bai Yuetong. But things had reached a point where a mere branch head of the Inspection Department could no longer sway the outcome. The true decision regarding Lu Luo’s summons rested with the highest authority in the Imperial Inspection Department.

"Lu Luo, wait a moment."

"Okay, I’ll wait here." Knowing Zhang Changming had to make a report, Lu Luo didn’t rush him and simply continued to wait.

After moving some distance away, Zhang Changming immediately contacted headquarters. "Hello, this is Zhang Changming. Connect me to the Director’s..."

"Agree to his terms," the person on the other end interrupted directly. The voice was somewhat aged, and Zhang Changming immediately recognized its owner.

"Director."

"Mm."

"Are you sure about letting him go?"

"Haha, he’s just a young man. Since when does the mighty Imperial Inspection Department hesitate over such trivialities? Besides, his wife and child are in the Empire, safely settled. If this Lu Luo is willing to work for the Empire, what harm is there in giving him a chance?"

Zhang Changming narrowed his eyes slightly. Wife and child... He knew the saying ’repercussions don’t extend to family’ meant nothing to the Imperial Inspection Department. If Lu Luo truly fled, his wife and child would undoubtedly be arrested and placed under house arrest.

"I understand. I’ll tell him."

"Changming, you’ve been away for a long time. Come back with this group this time. The Imperial Capital is the true place for development. Drifting outside for so long, you’ve become disconnected."

The Director of the Inspection Department also extended an invitation for Zhang Changming to return. Zhang Changming initially considered refusing, but after some thought, he nodded. "Alright! When I return this time, I will report for duty in the Imperial Capital."

"Good. I’m getting old, and I need help with many things. To be frank, because you’ve been away from the Imperial Capital for so many years, coupled with your insufficient strength, the position of Director is definitely not for you. However, apart from the Director, the candidates for the two Deputy Director positions haven’t been chosen yet. Work hard when you return; there’s an opportunity for you."

The Director’s tone was very sincere; it was clear he genuinely favored Zhang Changming. Zhang Changming wasn’t heartless. Touched by the Director’s consideration, he felt a wave of emotion. "Thank you for your support, Director. I have been remiss these past years."

"Don’t mention it. Just focus on your work. Give him one month. One month should be enough, right?"

"Yes, I’ll go discuss it with Lu Luo now."

Hanging up, Zhang Changming returned to Lu Luo. "The Imperial authorities will give you one month. Is that enough?"

One month, huh? Lu Luo frowned slightly. Honestly, that’s a bit tight. I need to enter and exit the Wasteland Alliance, which means meeting Meiqi twice. Once inside, I have to find a way into the Inner Ring and get the Mech Core from Luo Dan. And Luo Dan is now the Pope of the Wasteland Alliance. I never figured someone who could become Pope would be easy to deal with. The Pope of the Wasteland Alliance, despite being only Seventh Tier, definitely has the strength to contend with Eighth Order Exotic Species. It’s always been like that. So, one month is indeed cutting it close.

Seeing Lu Luo hesitate, Zhang Changming looked somewhat displeased. "What, a month is still not enough?"

"A month is a bit short. The place I’m going this time might be quite far."

"But that’s all I can offer. The Empire won’t allow a freelancer to bargain with them."

"I understand." Lu Luo nodded. "One month it is. I’ll go as soon as possible and return quickly. When I return, I’ll call you."

With that, Lu Luo was about to turn and leave, but Zhang Changming called out to him again. "Hey, Lu Luo."

"What now?"

"You will come back, right?" Zhang Changming asked uncertainly. He wasn’t fundamentally worried about Lu Luo. Rather, if Lu Luo truly doesn’t return, Bai Yuetong will inevitably be implicated. Her identity is far too sensitive. If she’s exposed to those fanatics in the Imperial Family, she’ll undoubtedly be hunted down. Think about the Bai Family—a true War God lineage—and how far they’ve fallen. A mere Seventh Tier like Lu Luo is hardly enough to protect her.

"Yes, I will come back," Lu Luo affirmed with certainty.

Having said that, he turned and headed west, toward the Wasteland Alliance’s territory.