Legend of the chosen ones: Beyond Destiny

Even if meteorites fall from the sky or dormant volcanoes suddenly erupt, there are always reasons behind these events.

In contrast, if one day Xu Chaoxian steps out with his left foot first, gets tripped by the threshold, and dies on the spot, that would truly be an 'accident.'

"..."

Ji Jue paused for a moment, "Are you suggesting there's ether concealing behind the scenes?"

"Hard to say."

Tong Ting shook his head: "Compared to the bloody battles among the Chosen Ones, the tug-of-war between ethers is more macro and slow, nurturing without a sound.

Mutual probing and suspicion are crucial, where accidents and changes abound. By the time it reaches face-to-face confrontation, life and death have already decided the real outcome beforehand.

If you're asking for direct evidence, I don't have it—only suspicions. You know, 'hyperalertness' and 'persecution paranoia' are kind of professional ailments for ether users.

So, I'll just say this casually, and you just listen casually."

This is also the limitation of Heavenly Listening.

Although the basic and advanced parts are no different from other ethers, its high-level application and perception investigation in the Circle Realm is somewhat shorter compared to things like the Heavenly Eye.

Unable to see all directions and discern thousands of miles.

However, hearing in all directions is anything but boastful... Especially in Hai Province, in their own domain, as long as they want to listen, even a coin falling on the ground can't escape their ears.

Precisely because there's a layer of separation, making it difficult to be intuitive, one relies more on and trusts one's instincts than perception.

In other words, if Tong Ting feels something is amiss, then chances are, something is indeed amiss.

"To make a comparison, it's like... one day, international oil prices suddenly rise, yet the Federation Petrochemical doesn't follow suit."

Tong Ting slowly said: "This is the common flaw in large-scale event illusions. All things are interconnected like a web, pulling one thread moves the whole system. No matter how true a falsity appears, too intense external fluctuations and disturbances will cause lag and prevent immediate reactions.

What was initially mere speculation, but after you bombed that Flying Airship, the disturbance it caused has strengthened my suspicion."

"Uncle Ting, are you suggesting someone's using ether to cover up actions in New Spring?"

"Correct."

Tong Ting asserted decisively: "To achieve this under my nose, there's no more than five entities in the world capable of it. Most likely, there's only one."

Which one could it be?

The blind old woman from Central City whom Tong family's grandfather mentions.

Enemies of Heavenly Listening!

"... Is this the dispute between the Heavenly Eye and Heavenly Listening?"

Ji Jue rubbed his brow: "Is ether really troubled over such a meaningless fame?"

Tong Ting chuckled: "You know it's 'fame,' yet how can you conclude it's 'meaningless' for ethers?"

For an observer, 'fame' can also be transformed into substance; sometimes, it can be even more useful than the substance itself...

"If there truly are family enemies, I have sufficient backups and countermeasures on my side, so you needn't worry. The conflicts between Bookers are more restrained and implicit; as long as my family's old man and their old woman don't participate, it won't get out of hand."

Tong Ting said: "Just prepare to resolve the upcoming troubles."

"I understand, thank you, Uncle Ting, for the reminder."

"Hey, we're all old neighbors, no need for formalities!"

Before hanging up, Tong Ting made a final reminder: "Next time you visit, don't bring chicken; can't finish it all..."

After the call ended, Ji Jue lowered his gaze and fixed his eyes on the screen, with numerous different surveillance footage roaring past like a waterfall, messages ever-changing within it. Ultimately, it was impossible to latch onto that one crucial thread like the ether...

Even if it's just a suspicion.

But since there's doubt, it might as well be there!

The clue Tong Ting provided was already sufficient.

If the real curtain behind all this is the Heavenly Eye, then the mastermind is almost obvious.

"Mr. Han, Mr. Han..."

Ji Jue sighed: "What can I say about you?"

How can humans be so forgetful?

Did those slap-downs last time give you any face?!

Ji Jue stroked his chin, entering into a speculative mode.

If I were the Heavenly People stranded in East City turned into a laughing stock, at this moment, if I were to act, what would I most want to do?

Undoubtedly.

It would be to exact revenge!

Even if dismembering Ji Jue remains a joke, to reclaim lost dignity, one must orchestrate retaliations at an equal, no, exceeding level, hundred or thousand fold!

Killing just Ji Jue alone won't resolve the issue; moreover, Ji Jue's difficulty in being killed is evident to everyone.

Also, killing Chen Xingzhou serves no purpose.

Because not long ago, Chen Xingzhou appointed the widow of Suzhou Mountain Lord and even her unborn daughter as his successor before everyone at the banquet.

Even if it's merely in name, once Chen Xingzhou dies, to retain influence and continue operations, even if poorly staged, they will force the widow to take the stage as a representative.

At that time, it might even create the opportunity for Ji Jue to ascend, to gain control over the entire Southeast Commerce Alliance!

Even if Ji Jue has no interest whatsoever, if the situation deteriorates, to ensure Coast's development and protect his own interests, or save the life of Chen Yubo, that cat slave, he must forcibly promote Ling Shuo and the Gold Hair Boy within the Association, securing his own speaking rights.

This is how circumstances work beyond one's control.

Therefore, Han Hui, if aiming for maximum profit, truly has only one target...

Hai Zhou Science and Technology Expo!

Turning it all into a joke, no, a scandal, even, a catastrophe...

"Fusion Bomb?!"

Ji Jue's expression changed slightly.

[... Sir, are you sure you're awake?]

Isis coldly shattered his fantasy: [Even if you're role-playing, please refrain from adopting such insane qualities, alright?]

Ji Jue was momentarily embarrassed and speechless.

Truth be told, while this might be exceptionally effective, it fundamentally falls into Heaven and Earth Same Life territory; unless Han Hui is willing to sacrifice his nine clans, reducing them to ashes and dust, he can't conceive such malevolent schemes. Assuming he conjures such plans, his allies would likely subdue him before implementation.

With that thought, the opponent lacking such moral degradation gives Ji Jue genuine relief.

Is this the security that the trench brings?

Loved, absolutely loved.

"Then, inviting a Heavenly Calamity? Summoning the Great Evil, orchestrating a repeat of Spring City's downfall..."

[It's impossible, sir.] Isis interrupted again: [East City merely wants to win, not to die.]

"Then a bioweapon attack? Mutated pollution? Anomalous strain spread? Chain explosions? Or a full-fledged, exhilarating terror attack?"

[... Doesn't this sound exceedingly familiar to you?]

"One must admit, it does, kind of like something someone did before."

Ji Jue nodded repeatedly, agreeing deeply.

This is the flaw of easily transitioning between attacking and defending; while accomplishing tasks is difficult, sabotaging is excessively effortless.

Looking back now, those incessant disturbances before, the safety incidents that plagued New Spring, even those forty or more attackers taken down with a single stroke by Tong Ting, were merely diversions and smoke screens, meant to mask the real purpose and action.

No matter how much precaution is taken upfront, when the moment arrives, one can only react passively.

The genuine operators may have already infiltrated New Spring, even the depths of Coastal Industry... Although aware, seeking them feels like finding a needle in a haystack.

So, how does one pluck these reckless individuals from the innocent masses?

Simple, I'll just doubt everyone equally first...

"Isis?"

[I'm here]

"I need a list. When can you provide it?"

[Anytime, sir]

Spirit of Workshop answered calmly: [The only difference lies in how long you'd like the list to be.]

Consequently, Ji Jue chuckled silently.

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