Chapter 209: Eve of the Storm
The notebook slipped from my hand, slamming heavily onto the table. Three days. Just three days. That number was like an icy steel hoop, tightening around my heart and nearly suffocating me.
The warning from the Secret Garden Society is still ringing in my ears, but neither they nor I could have imagined that time would be so tight!
A brief panic came like a tide, but was quickly suppressed by an even colder determination.
I don't have time to be afraid.
Taking a deep breath, I picked up the heavy notebook again and quickly compiled the calculations about the "thinnest moment of the veil", the key passages in the ancient language, and the analysis conclusions of the star map fragments into a concise report that was enough to trigger the highest level of alarm.
I have omitted sensitive details such as the specific source of the notes and the "artificial container", and only highlighted the exact time of Gali's awakening and the characteristics of its explosive acceleration.
My consciousness reconnected to the Secret Garden Club Salon. Without further ado, I submitted my report.
A silent thunderclap resounded within the Starry Sky Hall. I could sense the thoughts hidden behind the starlight erupting violently, shock, doubt, and even a hint of panic permeating the air.
After a moment of dead silence, Guide 07's voice rang out, the flat voice still flat and steady: "Information received... Verifying... Verification passed. Intelligence assessment: Extremely high value. Contribution points issued."
A staggering amount of contribution points instantly poured into my account. This was enough to redeem resources that previously required completing dozens of high-risk commissions.
Without any hesitation, I immediately opened the redemption list.
First and foremost, survival. I unhesitatingly included large quantities of high-efficiency crop seeds, advanced water purification system components, complete sets of medical equipment and pharmaceuticals, and core components for sustainable energy—basic supplies that could significantly enhance the "Symbiotic Barrier's" ability to withstand disasters.
The Black Dragon Gang must survive as long as possible. This is the foundation of my faith.
Secondly, defense. *I exchanged several sets of blueprints and core materials for "Portable Energy Barrier Generators" and "Mind Interference Towers." They can't withstand Gali's true form, but they might be able to withstand the energy aftermath and mental shock of his awakening, buying the base more time.
Finally, weapons. My gaze swept across the offensive holy objects emitting dangerous light, and finally stopped on a special item - [World Stone Fragment].
The description was simple: a fragment containing a trace of the world's original will, possessing a strong resistance to and neutralizing effects against reality distortions and external encroachments. The exchange price nearly wiped out all my remaining contribution points.
That’s it! I confirmed the redemption immediately.
When I left the salon, the actual product had not yet arrived (Secret Garden has its own special delivery method), but I could not wait any longer.
I hurried over to the office where Hakuzo was, not even knocking.
He obviously noticed my unusual solemnity and frowned, "What's wrong?"
"Bai Zang," I looked at him straight in the eyes, my voice more serious than ever before, "we don't have time. A disaster far beyond imagination will befall us in three days. These things," I pushed the large list of supplies and blueprints I had exchanged in front of him, "are the hope for the Black Dragon Gang to survive.
Before I return, at all costs, reinforce defenses, appease the people, and implement the "Symbiotic Barrier" top plan! This place... is left to you."
"If I can't come back and lead the Black Dragon Gang to survive."
Bai Zang didn't ask any more questions. He met my eyes, then glanced at the inventory of supplies that would drive any force crazy. He nodded firmly, his eyes sharp as a knife: "As long as I'm here, the base will be here."
There were no further instructions, the trust was unspoken. He picked up the documents, turned around and strode away, his back a look of determination.
In the following time, I entered into an almost crazy period of self-cultivation.
The office was shrouded in a thick illusory force, the light was distorted, and the space seemed to be slightly fluctuating.
I cast aside all distracting thoughts and raised my spiritual perception to the limit, repeatedly compressing and purifying the power in my body, especially the newly acquired cool energy derived from the world stone fragments.
Just when my mental strength was tempered to a critical point and began to ripple like a taut bowstring—
Buzz!
A slight but extremely clear buzzing sound came from a corner of my room.
I opened my eyes and turned my gaze towards the source of the sound.
My Miao Dao was leaning against the corner of the room. At this moment, the dark meteorite on the hilt was emitting a warm glow, and the ancient cloud and thunder patterns on it seemed to come alive and flow slowly.
A huge, boundless, full of vitality yet extremely majestic will flowed along the handle of the knife, resonating strongly with my highly concentrated mental power!
The Miao Dao itself also began to tremble slightly.
Yes, this meteorite... I took it out of my teddy bear doll at that time, and I never figured out what its use was.
Now that I think about it, if the cloud-thunder pattern represents the will of the world, then it probably contains a trace of the original power of the world's will.
I was unable to induce it in the past because my spiritual power level did not reach the standard to resonate with it.
At this moment, the crazy tempering under tremendous pressure, coupled with the introduction of the World Stone fragments, accidentally allowed me to touch the true core of this knife!
An inspiration came to me, and I grasped the hilt of the knife with both hands, concentrating all my attention on it.
In an instant, I seemed to see a scene where chaos began to emerge and rules were born.
A force far purer, more ancient, and more restrained than the power of faith slowly flowed from the meteorite, flowing down my arm and into my body. It wasn't violent, but it carried an undeniable ancient power, completely different from the feeling of Gali power.
I was ecstatic, but I didn't dare to relax at all. I focused all my efforts on guiding and integrating this new power.
I don’t know how long it took, but when I opened my eyes again, the faint light on the Miao Dao had gradually dimmed, but I could feel that a deeper connection had been established between me and it.
On the blade, cloud and thunder patterns flow faintly, exuding a reassuring and stable aura.
Just then, an unnatural movement in the shadows of the office caught my eye.
A pitch-black feather silently fell, and with it, a nondescript metal box. Next to the feather, a line of tiny writing was left: "Association investment. Hope it will be used effectively. - 'Night Raven'"
I opened the metal box.
Inside was not some earth-shattering weapon, but three silver metal pieces engraved with complex runes, with a label on them that read "Directional Space Stabilization Anchor".
I touched the label and the instructions appeared in front of me: it can forcibly stabilize the spatial structure in a very small range for a short period of time, and resist a certain degree of spatial tearing and reality distortion.
The Secret Garden Society also doesn't want to see the old gods awaken, so they specially gave me some help?
Maybe he just wants to use me to contain the old gods, but this help is indeed what I need right now.
The last step.
I picked up the communicator and connected to an encrypted channel. A moment later, Chen Yubing's cold and slightly surprised voice came from the other end: "Ji Ling?"
"It's me." My voice, through the voice changer, was calm and composed. "Listen, this isn't a request, nor a deal. This is a warning. Within seventy-two hours, 'Gali' may fully awaken. I'm not sure of the scope of impact, but Tiannan City will definitely be affected. Its power is 'illusory', and the moment it awakens, it will trigger a large-scale collapse of the rules of reality and mental pollution. This isn't a localized disaster, but a key milestone in the activation of 'Celestial Reincarnation'."
The other side fell into deathly silence, and only the sound of slightly rapid breathing could be heard.
I continued, "Believe it or not. If the Bureau still wants to fulfill its so-called 'protection' duties, this is its last chance. Evacuate, or... prepare for war."
After saying that, I cut off the communication without waiting for the other party to respond.
Everything that should be done and can be done has been done.
I stood up and sheathed my Miao Dao silently.
The power of the World Stone slowly flowed through his body, both restraining and blending with the illusory authority. Cloud-thunder patterns loomed on the scabbard.
I took one last look out the window. Inside the stronghold, lights were on. People, under Bai Zang's command, were working tirelessly through the night to reinforce their homes.
The storm is coming.
And I am already standing in the eye of the storm.
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