The more I thought about it, the more terrifying it became!
"Ascension Day" is a day specially created by the Ecclesiarchy to commemorate the Emperor, and it is also a new holiday after the establishment of the Holy Terra Alliance.
Previously, on this day, the Ecclesiarchy would represent the Emperor's followers and spread the Emperor's gospel to humanity worldwide.
If it were in the past, Li Ye wouldn't care at all; whether it was the Emperor or God, he himself had no particular faith.
The Inquisition of this era was far from the truly fanatical and insane individuals; for them, the Emperor's faith was more like a useful tool, a tool to maintain internal stability within Holy Terra.
But now, it was different.
The Emperor was no longer a vague, artificially created "Tool" used to control the populace, but a genuine "God"!
Of course, Li Ye didn't care whether the Emperor was a god or not; what he truly cared about was what humanity would face if they lost this line of defense?
"Luo Ji, answer me one question!" Li Ye's tone was low, his voice heavy as he said, "Suppose the Ecclesiarchy has truly been corrupted by Tzeentch, as you said, and its influence has spread extensively. What impact will this have on human society?!"
"Destruction?"
Luo Ji shook his head bitterly, a deep fear in his eyes.
"To be honest, I don't know exactly what will happen, but—according to the information I have, if we let His influence seep into human society, first, our cognition will be twisted, knowledge will be corrupted, people will no longer believe in truth, the edifice of industry and physics will collapse, and no one will believe in facts anymore. Everyone will be in a crisis of trust. What's more terrifying is that witchcraft will combine with technology, giving birth to a series of terrifying creations we can't imagine. Humanity will lose empathy, cooperation, and other foundations of social collaboration, becoming selfish, independent, pursuing conspiracies, paranoid, and suspicious, until the entire civilization's edifice completely collapses and perishes."
At this point, he looked up at Li Ye.
"I know it's hard for you to believe, but this is the Warp, this is Tzeentch—the God of Trickery and magic, the Changer of Ways, who feeds on hope born of despair, the twisted God of Wisdom and Hope."
misreading for Li Ye was already stunned.
He thought the outcome would be terrible, but he could never have imagined that a mere "idea" could completely subvert and destroy a civilization—a "God"!
This was no longer a matter of technological superiority or inferiority, but an overwhelming force originating from the level of rules!
To be honest, even knowing that ETO had already controlled human high society and that the Trisolaran Civilization harbored ill intentions, he hadn't felt a shred of despair.
Because he firmly believed that the side that would ultimately win the victory would undoubtedly be humanity; even if it was a Pyrrhic victory, human civilization would continue.
But now, he was terrified, he was in despair!
Tzeentch, He was like a virus, seeping into every human soul, cutting off humanity's hope for the future at its root, allowing humanity to struggle in despair until it painfully perished!
Then, he understood.
Why humanity needed the Emperor!
The Emperor's role was equivalent to a "firewall" in a computer system, and Tzeentch was like a computer virus.
Once the firewall was lost, the virus could wantonly invade humanity's system!
"What are your thoughts?" Li Ye took a deep breath, clenched his fists, his eyes filled with gloom.
"We must stop tomorrow's Ascension Day; we cannot let the Ecclesiarchy spread the gospel!"
At this point, even if the cardinal presiding over the gospel tomorrow hadn't been "corrupted," Luo Ji dared not gamble on even a sliver of that possibility!
They couldn't afford to gamble!
What if the cardinal presiding over the gospel had already been corrupted by Tzeentch? By then, the entire human civilization would be bathed in Tzeentch's gospel!
Moreover, and more importantly, they had already witnessed several cardinals of the Ecclesiarchy preaching to the populace in front of Tzeentch's statue today; there was no way it happened without authorization from the high-level!
"The worst-case scenario—the entire Ecclesiarchy, from top to bottom, has already been 'corrupted,'" He frowned deeply, an unspeakable tension and fear in his heart.
"If even the Ecclesiarchy has been corrupted, then—what about the others?"
"You mean—"
misreading for Li Ye's expression changed, and he suddenly felt a chill.
"The Astra Militarum, the Inquisition, the Imperial Fleet—" Luo Ji took a deep breath, his scalp tingling.
"Have these people been 'corrupted'?"
"What about the Adeptus Astartes, and the Adeptus Mechanicus?"
misreading for Li Ye had always been cautious. If so many organizations could be corrupted, then could it also be inferred that these two major organizations might face the same situation?
"—I don't know."
Luo Ji opened his mouth, then shook his head bitterly.
"I can't be sure if these two also have problems, but—I trust Seal Holder. He has always been secretly observing humanity. If these two also have problems, he won't sit idly by."
That's what he said, but in reality, he was also at his wit's end. If even these two had problems, humanity could only wait for death!
"Prepare for the worst."
Li Ye adjusted his glasses, his face grim.
"There's an old saying: when you find one cockroach, it means—there are many more cockroaches in places you can't see."
Luo Ji imagined the scene and immediately felt a shiver of disgust.
He hated cockroaches the most, especially flying ones; just thinking about them gave him goosebumps.
"No matter what, two things are certain."
Luo Ji said in a deep voice.
"One is to stop the Ecclesiarchy from spreading the gospel, and the other is to capture the Trisolaran leader and contact the Adeptus Astartes. Do you have a plan?"
"It's almost impossible to achieve both these things simultaneously. The gospel's spread will be in front of the High Lord and the leader. If we stop the gospel's spread, it will easily arouse suspicion, indirectly causing the first plan to fail."
Li Ye analyzed calmly.
"Therefore, to achieve both these things, we must make a choice."
"A choice?"
Luo Ji had a bad feeling.
"Don't worry." Li Ye's slender index finger adjusted the glasses on his nose, his voice calm.
"I will go and stop the Ecclesiarchy's gospel from spreading, and at the same time, I will create an opportunity for you. Once you receive my signal, immediately seize the opportunity I've created for you to capture the Trisolaran leader and contact the Adeptus Astartes."
"What signal?"
Luo Ji looked at the expressionless, calm Li Ye, feeling that something wasn't quite right.
"You'll know when the time comes."
misreading for Li Ye said indifferently.
"Right now, what you should be thinking about is how to use your identity as a Ecclesiarchy priest to smoothly approach the Trisolaran leader. As for me—I have my own methods, no need to worry." Seeing him say this, Luo Ji found it hard to ask more questions. For now, he could only trust misreading for Li Ye!
Ascension Day was overcast.
The dark cumulonimbus clouds, like a heavy curtain, completely blocked the sunlight. A low-pressure atmosphere permeated the air, and even the gloomy weather seemed to foreshadow the turbulent undercurrents hidden beneath the calm.
And Li Ye had made his final preparations.
He put on a formal suit, even pinning the rosarium badge, a symbol of an Inquisitor, to his chest. Then, very carefully and meticulously, he wiped his frequently worn, thin-rimmed golden glasses with an alcohol wipe.
Luo Ji leaned against the doorframe, observing Li Ye, a hint of surprise in his eyes.
Up until now, Li Ye had always given him the impression of a highly professional, extremely calm, and rational individual, even a cold machine capable of eliminating any unnecessary emotions for the sake of a mission.
But now, for the first time, he saw a deeply incongruous — warmth? — on misreading for Li Ye's face.
"Are these glasses... very important?" he asked.
"Yes, my daughter gave them to me." At the mention of the glasses, a faint smile actually appeared on Li Ye's stiff and rigid face.
"Oh — wait, you have a daughter?!"
Luo Ji was caught off guard and stunned, his eyes wide as he stared at Li Ye.
"You — you're married?!"
In his imagination, how could such a cold, emotionless machine like Li Ye, dedicated to executing missions, possibly be married?
"First, I am a man. Secondly — being an Inquisitor is my job. Is there a problem with me being married?"
Li Ye stopped wiping, the corner of his mouth twitching stiffly, seemingly a little speechless.
"Someone like you — actually got married and has a daughter?" Luo Ji couldn't help but blurt out.
"Oh, I'm sorry to disappoint you."
Li Ye lowered his head, squinting, as if trying to see if there was any spot on the glasses he hadn't wiped clean.
The atmosphere seemed to fall into an awkward silence once more.
"Are you nervous?" Although Li Ye was looking down, wiping his glasses, he could sense the hint of tension and unease hidden deep within Luo Ji's heart.
"Mm-hmm"
Luo Ji nodded in admission.
He was very nervous, uneasy, and anxious.
Some people dislike large crowds and always feel immense pressure before going on stage. Luo Ji was such a person. He couldn't imagine what would happen to humanity if he failed. This immense pressure almost suffocated him, and he could only seek a sliver of comfort in this way.
But he waited for a long time and received no comfort from Li Ye.
"You're not waiting for me to comfort you, are you?"
Li Ye finished wiping his glasses, put them back on his nose, his gaze like a deep pool, cold and calm.
"Sorry, I'm not good at comforting people. If you're too stressed, you can think about the consequences of failure. Billions of people across the world will fall into a dark and hopeless future because of your mistake, and the path of civilization will be cut off because of you. Doesn't that make you feel much better?"
"— I thank you!"
Luo Ji's mouth twitched, thinking: If you're not good at comforting people, you can just shut up, there's no need to intensify his stress!
"You're welcome."
misreading for Li Ye smoothed his glasses frame, then raised his hand to check his wrist watch.
"It's almost time. I need to leave. Remember to wait for my signal before acting."
With that, he walked towards the door without any hesitation.
"You —"
Watching Li Ye about to walk out the door, the unease in Luo Ji's heart grew heavier, and he couldn't help but call out to him.
"What's wrong?"
Li Ye turned back, puzzled.
"No, nothing —"
Luo Ji opened his mouth, but seeing Li Ye's calm eyes, he didn't know what to say. In the end, he could only tell him.
"Be careful. Don't forget — your daughter is still waiting for you."
"Oh."
Li Ye responded indifferently, then stepped out the door with his umbrella.
Outside, the rain poured down.
A person holding a black umbrella walked into the rain, his figure gradually swallowed by the downpour until he completely disappeared.
Thanks to his identity as an Inquisitor, Li Ye was able to smoothly enter the Grand Council.
At a glance, many people were gathered inside.
Among them were also his colleagues.
Every year on Ascension Day, many people attend, including representatives from the Inquisition, the Department of the Interior, the Astra Militarum, the Imperial Fleet, the Adeptus Astartes, and the Martian Mechanicum, which is also a covert way of upholding the Emperor's orthodoxy.
But this time was different.
The Adeptus Astartes and the Martian Mechanicum were both absent from Ascension Day.
The reason for this was difficult to comprehend.
Others in their seats were also discussing this matter, curious about what had happened. Only Li Ye sat quietly in a corner, as if isolated from those around him, his gaze calm with a hint of depth.
Dong!
Dong!
Dong!
The melodious and muffled sound of a huge bell rang continuously, a full eighty-one times!
The noisy Ecclesiarchy temple immediately fell silent, as if muted. Li Ye, whose gaze had been somewhat unfocused moments before, now seemed to awaken, his vision spotlight on the middle-aged man who, with the ringing of the bell, walked into everyone's view, draped in extremely ornate red robes and wearing a golden crown.
He was the second Cardinal-Archbishop of the Ecclesiarchy, Theron Diaz, an ambitious man.
After the previous Cardinal-Archbishop sacrificed himself during the Lunar Rebellion, Theron Diaz, with a firm hand and an overwhelming advantage, defeated the other Archbishops who competed with him, becoming the second Cardinal-Archbishop. And in the following century, he expanded the influence of the Ecclesiarchy to an unimaginable degree!
He had even extended his tentacles of power into the Astra Militarum, the Department of the Interior, and even the Imperial Fleet, which clearly showed that Theron Diaz's ambition was by no means limited to a mere Cardinal-Archbishop!
But what did any of that have to do with him?
Theron Diaz devoutly held a copy of the "Book of Proverbs," his seemingly benevolent and sacred face concealing a sinister malice in his eyes.
He opened the Bible, whose cover was wrapped with the "Emperor's Book of Proverbs." The crowd below remained silent, waiting to hear the "Emperor's Gospel." Yet, they could not see that the scripture the Cardinal-Archbishop opened did not contain the Emperor's Book of Proverbs, but rather — twisted, blasphemous words!
Theron Diaz grinned.
He couldn't wait to see these ignorant, foolish mortals bathed in the gospel of the God of Wisdom, glimpsing the true form of truth!
"He said —"
Theron Diaz cleared his throat. He had just uttered two words when he suddenly saw someone stand up from their seat.
He frowned slightly, suppressing his displeasure.
"Sir please sit down."
misreading for Li Ye smoothed his golden glasses frame, and to the astonished gazes of the crowd, he swiftly pulled out a plasma gun!
"Goodbye."
As he mouthed the words, a scorching, intensely hot plasma orb, dragging a bright, fiery light, directly struck a bewildered Theron Diaz, in plain sight of everyone!
Boom!
Theron Diaz was engulfed by the plasma!
His figure was swallowed by a huge fireball and explosion. High-temperature air currents, laden with thick black smoke, like a tidal wave, instantly engulfed the sacred Ecclesiarchy temple!
Is this—a terrorist attack?!
The bewildered crowd quickly realized that this was an extremely vicious, premeditated, and planned attack!
And the attacker was actually an Inquisitor!
Most importantly, everyone entering the Ecclesiarchy's Holy Temple had to disarm. How did Li Ye bring such a large gun into the Ecclesiarchy's Holy Temple?
Are the inspectors eating shit?!
Looking at the powerful gun, which was listed as a 'contraband item,' the crowd was furious but dared not speak.
"Li Ye, are you fucking crazy?!" Among those attending the Ecclesiarchy's gospel, someone who recognized this 'former colleague' roared in exasperation.
"What are you doing?!"
"Isn't it obvious?"
Li Ye calmly turned to look at him and said, "I am trying to kill Cardinal-Archbishop Theron Diaz. Are there any other questions?"
—
That person's face turned ashen from his words.
Isn't that obvious?
They weren't blind; he held a forbidden 'plasma gun' and, in front of everyone, shot the Cardinal-Archbishop!
"I'm asking if you even know what you're doing?!" Blue veins popped out on that person's forehead, but he didn't dare to act rashly, fearing that he would displease Li Ye and get shot himself.
"Why are you still talking nonsense with him?" But there were also hot-tempered people who, relying on their military background, took two steps at a time, using cover to rush up, wanting to subdue misreading for Li Ye with their bare hands.
"Wait—"
That person just wanted to warn, but it was already too late.
Bang!
The officer who had just rushed up was directly struck in the face by Li Ye's spinning back kick, sending him flying backward and knocking down a group of people.
"I forgot to tell you, among the Inquisitors, he is a pentathlete, especially skilled in unarmed combat and firearms," Li Ye's colleague couldn't help but cover his face.
If Li Ye could be subdued so easily, would he still need to waste words?
"I don't want to harm any of you, and I ask you all to calm down." Li Ye pulled out another bolter, casually aimed it at several corners where people were attempting to ambush him, his eyes indifferent.
"My only target is Theron Diaz. I hope you can recognize the situation, otherwise—I don't mind killing a few more."
Well, two guns!
Now, those who still harbored ulterior motives also completely settled down. If there was only one 'plasma gun,' they might still take a gamble.
After all, plasma guns are extremely unstable and difficult to fire continuously in a short time. Setting aside who lives or dies, if they swarmed him, there might still be some chance.
But a bolter—forget it, no chance.
At least half of them would die before the bullets ran out, and they didn't want to be someone else's scapegoat.
Seeing the situation stabilize, Li Ye also diverted some of his attention. He was always cautious and would never believe that a dignified Cardinal-Archbishop would be killed so defenselessly by him.
As he pondered, he simultaneously used the bolter to deter the restless crowd and waited for the 'plasma gun' to cool down before pulling the trigger again towards the explosion area.
Boom!
The huge sound of the explosion was like an Iron Crows, heavily striking everyone's hearts.
How much hatred did this guy have for Theron Diaz? The man was already dead, and he still wanted to desecrate the corpse?!
Li Ye ignored all of that.
His gaze fell on the burning explosion area, and deep down, he felt a hint of unease.
Sure enough, a figure appeared in the flames ignited by the explosion. He walked out, treading on the scorching flames, and it was actually Cardinal-Archbishop Theron Diaz!
Hit head-on by the plasma, apart from his red cardinal robes being incinerated, he appeared completely unharmed. How was this possible?!
Everyone was shocked by this scene.
"You—you're still to live?"
Theron Diaz's face was flushed. His gaze turned to the crowd, the corners of his mouth curving wildly upwards. He spread his arms and shouted loudly:
"Yes, I'm still to live! This—this is a miracle. I am God's agent, I am—"
Bang!
Another gunshot!
This time, everyone saw it clearly: the scorching plasma light cluster, upon hitting Theron Diaz, was twisted by some force and deflected!
Interrupted, Theron Diaz's face was extremely gloomy. This should have been a very good opportunity to demonstrate to the ignorant mortals the most direct and powerful evidence of his status as the agent of God's will, but it was ruined by this damned Inquisitor!
"Who exactly are you?"
His eyes were dark, but in his mind, he was wondering whether Li Ye represented an individual or—some forces within the Inquisition?
"Li Ye, Inquisitor."
Li Ye introduced himself, then his left hand, holding the bolter, suddenly turned towards him.
Boom boom boom—boom boom boom—
A series of intense bullets, like a golden downpour, showered upon Theron Diaz.
But the result was still the same.
The one-inch bolter rounds, the moment they hit Theron Diaz, were twisted by that force, deflecting their trajectory and landing elsewhere.
"Heh heh, do you see?"
Perhaps relying on 'divine protection,' Theron Diaz treated this attack as an excellent demonstration. Not only did he not attack, but he even spread his arms, adopting a benevolent appearance.
"I am an envoy protected by God; you cannot kill me!"
"Heh, really?"
misreading for Li Ye sneered, pushed up his glasses, and fired the 'plasma gun' again.
He didn't believe in—God!
As the scorching light cluster flew out, he unhesitatingly abandoned the overheated weapon, turned and hid behind a pillar for cover, then pulled out a high-explosive grenade from his body, bit it open, and threw it towards the center of the explosion.
Boom! Boom!!!
The shockwave of the plasma explosion, mixed with the high-explosive grenade's blast, instantly ignited a large amount of air. Terrifying flames, like twisted daemons, roared and consumed more than half of the Holy Temple.
Some people who couldn't escape in time were immediately engulfed by the flames, screaming and cursing at Li Ye, then slowly fell motionless in the fire.
The entire Ecclesiarchy's Holy Temple was in ran!
Theron Diaz's face immediately turned ashen. He didn't care about being attacked because with the 'treasure,' he wouldn't be in mortal danger, but these people—they were all 'audience members,' and he still needed them. He absolutely couldn't let this damned bastard kill indiscriminately!
He suddenly opened his mouth and let out a shriek!
The sonic shockwave, as if substantial, forcefully poured into Li Ye's ears, who was hiding behind cover. His face immediately changed dramatically, and he even experienced hallucinations.
Thinking of the 'thing' Luo Ji had mentioned, Li Ye didn't hesitate, forcefully inserting his index fingers into his ears!
The sound immediately disappeared!
Theron Diaz closed his mouth and sneered. He had already hypnotized and controlled everyone in the venue, so there was no need to pretend anymore. The Inquisitor was naturally no exception, so he leisurely walked towards the cover where he was hiding.
"Do you think you can really kill me?"
He sneered.
"A mere ant. If it weren't for demonstrating a miracle, I could crush you with a single finger!"
However, when he reached behind the pillar, he found no sign of Li Ye and was immediately stunned.
The moment he was in a daze, the 'corpse' beside him, ignited by the flames, suddenly erupted, like a mad beast, charging forward, enveloped in scorching flames!
That face was already charred and twisted by the fire, but only the eyes showed a chilling madness!
A sharp knife pierced Theron's heart!
The blade sank into his body, and Theron's pupils sharply contracted. He never would have imagined that this guy would hide himself within the burning flames just to conceal his presence!
He coughed up blood, his eyes full of confusion.
"Why—weren't you controlled by me?"
Seeing Li Ye still unresponsive, Theron seemed to realize something, and a look of despair appeared on his face.
"So—cruel—"
Li Ye, engulfed in flames, looked at Theron lying in a pool of blood, silently pulled out a cigarette, lit it with the flames on his body, took a deep drag, and his gaze drifted into the distance.
"Next, it's up to you—Luo Ji."
His mission was complete.
Li Ye sat on the ground, a cigarette in his mouth, as if he had lost his breath, and his head suddenly drooped.
Time rewound slightly to a few minutes ago.
Soon after Li Ye entered, Luo Ji followed closely, infiltrating through another entrance.
Of course, his method was much simpler.
He directly used a 'Psionic Suggestion' to hypnotize a council member, then put on his clothes and swaggered in.
The layout of the High Lord's council hall was almost identical to that of the Imperium two hundred years ago.
The only thing that had changed was the style here.
This also slightly reassured Luo Ji; at least the changes weren't too drastic.
He cast his gaze towards the central area, where twelve seats and a round table symbolized the supreme authority of the Holy Terra Alliance.
If he wasn't mistaken, the Trisolaran head of State would also appear here shortly.
Soon, the council hall returned to quiet, and several High Lords entered the venue, taking their respective seats.
But... when Luo Ji, hidden among the many council members, saw one of the 'High Lords,' his pupils suddenly constricted.
"Isaac?!"
Yes, this 'High Lord' who entered the council hall was none other than the Grand Inquisitor Isaac, who had been missing for a long time.
But now, the missing Grand Inquisitor Isaac reappeared in the council hall. This strange scene instinctively made Luo Ji sense a problem and subtly aroused a hint of vigilance.
Regardless of what Isaac had encountered, the moment he returned unscathed indicated that there was definitely something fishy going on!
Could it be that even Isaac had sided with ETO?
Thinking of this possibility, Luo Ji's already restless mood suddenly felt even more pressured.
As if sensing a gaze, Isaac, seated among the High Lords, frowned slightly and looked back, scanning the numerous council members.
Luo Ji hastily lowered his head, fearing he might attract his attention.
Unable to find the source of the gaze, Isaac didn't pay much mind to it and refocused his attention on the other High Lords.
The conversation he had with Frederick Taylor slowly resurfaced in his mind.
Frederick showed him the dark, terrifying future of humanity four hundred centuries later, under the rule of Holy Terra.
Humans would be like slaves, their bones marrow-sucked by a regime called the 'Imperium,' with battle-scarred soldiers everywhere, enveloped in blood and terror. If nothing changed, human civilization would eventually embark on such a terrifying future!
Frederick Taylor said that humans had all been deceived by 'Emrys.'
'Emrys' was not humanity's 'savior' at all; he was the grave digger of human civilization and the bloody butcher of billions of lives. The Holy Terra Imperium he established would exploit every human until their death, from which they could not escape.
And Isaac, after 'personally witnessing' the various darknesses of the future that Frederick Taylor showed him, finally compromised.
He did not want humanity to walk such a desperate, terrifying, dark future!
Humanity should embrace civilization, not violence and war!
Perhaps, as Frederick said, when humanity and the Trisolarans merge to create a perfect society where both can understand each other, that is the correct path humanity should take!
"Now, we proceed with the 17th vote on the 'Peaceful Coexistence' agreement."
As a voice sounded, the High Lords quickly cast their votes.
When it came to Isaac, the last to vote, he looked up at everyone, then at the voting results.
8:1!
Isaac was silent for a moment, then pressed 'approve.'
"Vote result: nine to one!"
"Humanity will officially enter an era of peace."
"This also means that humanity will, together with the Trisolarans, create a perfect society!"
The vote concluded.
Luo Ji, who witnessed the entire process, had his last shred of hope completely extinguished.
He could now confirm that during the days Isaac was missing, he had changed his stance and sided with ETO.
Since the vote had passed overwhelmingly, the subsequent procedures were natural.
The Trisolaran head of State, escorted by guards, entered humanity's 'council hall.'
This was also the first time humanity, including him, truly witnessed the appearance of extraterrestrial life.
Slightly different from imagination, the Trisolarans, due to its unique living environment, did not possess the 'humanoid' form seen in sci-fi movies. Instead, it had a body that seemed cast from liquid mercury, its surface flowing with ever-changing luster. Many slender tentacles extended from its body; these should be its 'limbs.'
In the center of the Trisolarans' flowing, mercury-like torso, a fissure suddenly opened.
Within it, dense crystalline structures were revealed. These crystals flickered in a specific pattern, projecting a holographic image into the air.
"Greetings, humans."
"I am the Trisolaran Civilization Fleet and Supreme head of State. In our civilization, there is no designation called 'name.'"
"But considering our mutual communication, you may directly address me as... head of State." Its voice was extremely mechanical, devoid of any emotional fluctuations, and it was impossible for humans to judge its current mood from its tone.
"This is definitely not an ordinary carbon-based life form" Luo Ji concluded after an initial observation.
From the characteristics displayed by the 'Trisolarans'' appearance, it should lean more towards a combination of carbon-based and silicon-based life. Its body, composed of what resembled a Newtonian fluid, and the slender tentacles of its 'limbs,' seemed capable of changing shape at will.
To 'hijack' the Trisolarans, he needed to have a basic understanding.
Otherwise, if an accident occurred during the hijacking process and the Trisolarans exhibited 'unknown' characteristics, he would have to find a way to deal with it immediately to ensure the mission's success.
Wait!
Luo Ji took a deep breath, trying to control his emotions.
He told himself that he had to wait, wait for Li Ye to send a signal, to create an opportunity for him!
Although he didn't know what form this signal would take.
Suddenly, an explosion sounded!
Boom!!!
The violent explosion shook everyone in the council hall, causing them to freeze.
"What happened?!"
"An attack?"
"Quick, call the Astra Militarum!"
The High Lords on the dais, the Trisolaran head of State, and the council members below all fell into a brief state of chaos.
Now!
Luo Ji sensed the opportunity; this was the chance Li Ye had created for him.
Despite a strong feeling of unease in his heart, he still forcefully suppressed it and rushed out of his seat without hesitation.
He was like a ghost, his speed, boosted by psionic power, was as swift as a startled swan.
In the blink of an eye, Luo Ji shot up directly, heading straight for the Trisolaran head of State.
"Quick, stop him!" One of the High Lords hastily shouted to the surrounding guards, but it was ultimately too late.
"Get out of the way!"
Luo Ji roared, mixing with a psionic storm, directly clearing out the people around him.
Then, he grabbed the 'head of State's' body, which flowed like mercury.
To prevent escape, he directly used powerful telekinesis to create a confinement-like device. The immense pressure inside made the 'Trisolaran head of State' scream in pain, but it could not break free from the restraint and was ultimately compressed into a 'pellet.'
The supreme commander and head of State of the mighty Trisolarans fleet was actually squeezed into a ball by someone?!
The head of State was enraged!
But, that 'rage' was limited; the power binding it was completely unanalyzable!
"Luo Ji?"
"Luo Ji!"
"How dare you! Release the Trisolaran head of State at once!"
"This is treason!"
From the sudden explosion to the capture of the Trisolaran head of State, the entire process only took a few seconds.
After the initial chaos subsided, the High Lords finally saw clearly that the audacious person who had burst into the deliberation hall and forcibly captured the Trisolaran head of State under everyone's watchful eyes was none other than the Wallfacer Luo Ji, who had just been awakened not long ago!
"Luo Ji, do you know what you're doing?!"
"How dare you, release the Trisolaran head of State at once!"
"Luo Ji, you openly kidnapped the Trisolaran head of State, are you betraying humanity?!"
Amidst the accusations and furious shouts, Luo Ji's expression remained unchanged.
He tightly gripped the Trisolaran head of State, which had been compressed into a pellet, and his gaze swept over the High Lords one by one.
He said coldly, "Stop wasting words. Have the guards withdraw, or else... I'll crush it!"
He was too lazy to argue with these people about who was right and who was wrong.
It was meaningless.
From the moment the High Lords almost unanimously passed the peaceful coexistence agreement, he knew that negotiation was no longer possible.
Out of ten people here, eight had likely already defected to the ETO organization!
"What, you don't believe me?" Seeing that the guards in the shadows were still there, Luo Ji scoffed unceremoniously, his five fingers suddenly clenching with force.
The Trisolaran head of State, compressed into a pellet, immediately let out a painful scream.
Although Trisolaranss have a fluid-like body, there is also a 'compression limit.' If squeezed relentlessly... the outcome is self-evident.
The U.S. High Lord's face was as dark as water.
He immediately raised his hand, gesturing to the guards in the shadows, preventing them from attempting to snipe him.
"What exactly do you want? You can state any demands you have; there's no need to do this"
"I want you to withdraw the proposal for peaceful coexistence with the Trisolaranss." Although Luo Ji said this, he held no real hope in his heart.
He said it merely to buy time.
From the moment he took control of the Trisolaran head of State, he had already begun using hypnosis and suggestion.
But breaking through the Trisolaran head of State's mental defenses required a little time.
But just then, a voice suddenly came from the shadows.
"How about you release it, and we can have a good talk?"
The voice made Luo Ji freeze for a few seconds because it sounded somewhat familiar.
But immediately, he became more vigilant, his gaze sharply piercing into the shadows.
"Who are you? Come out!"
After a moment of silence, the figure hidden in the shadows slowly stepped into the spotlight.
It was someone almost forgotten by the world.
Upon seeing that familiar face, memories Luo Ji had sealed away were instantly reawakened.
Memories surged in his mind, and he subconsciously called out his name.
"Frederick Taylor?!"
This name also made everyone present suddenly realize.
Frederick Taylor, a Wallfacer from the old era two hundred years ago, later became the Chief of Staff of the Astra Militarum during the Holy Terra Alliance era, but unfortunately sacrificed himself during the 'Lunar Rebellion' incident and was posthumously awarded the title of Terra hero.
But now, this Terra hero, who should have died long ago, appeared in such a way!
Frederick Taylor, under the spotlight, wore a robe of mixed blue and pink, and a highly peculiar, asymmetrical crown, seemingly woven from bird feathers, gold threads, and jewels.
His skin presented an extremely unhealthy pallor.
He looked like a Vampire from Western legends; beneath his almost translucent skin, dense blue veins could even be seen.
"Long time no see, Luo Ji."
Frederick Taylor, standing beneath the spotlight, spoke in a gentle tone with a humble demeanor, exuding a mysterious yet elegant aura.
The moment he saw Frederick Taylor, Luo Ji had already guessed the full truth.
"It's you!"
His eyes revealed a hint of sorrow, and a faint trace of disbelief.
Within Frederick Taylor's body flowed the energy of the Warp, and in his eyes, that bizarre, unnatural blue energy was precisely the same as that of the Tzeentch statue he had seen in the square!
The answer was already clear: Frederick Taylor... had long been corrupted by Tzeentch!
"Can you give it to me?" Frederick Taylor wore a faint smile, his gaze falling upon the compressed Trisolaran head of State.
"In my plan, it is an indispensable and important tool."
The Trisolaran head of State, clutched in his hand, felt a surge of indignation.
It was the Trisolaran head of State; since when had it become a mere 'tool' for humans to fight over?
But unfortunately, no one here cared about its opinion.
"No."
Luo Ji refused him with a firm attitude.
"Alright, it seems we are not on the same path after all."
Frederick Taylor sighed softly, a hint of regret in his eyes.
"Luo Ji, with your intelligence, you should have explored 'truth' with me, but you willingly let yourself be blinded by the 'decaying Corpse Emperor.' It's truly... such a pity."
"But in my opinion, the one who has truly fallen... should be you!"
Luo Ji stared at Taylor vigilantly and said coldly, "You are no longer the person you once were.
Now, you... are just a pathetic wretch corrupted by Chaos!"
Suddenly!
Frederick Taylor let out a shriek.
This shriek seemed to strike directly at the soul, carrying the surging malice of the Warp, stirring up layers of waves in the real universe.
Luo Ji on the stage, by instinct, constructed a psychic defense line.
But this defense line, in front of Frederick Taylor's psychic shriek, was as fragile as a piece of paper, collapsing and shattering in an instant.
The surge of psychic energy from the Warp mercilessly knocked Luo Ji and the Trisolaran head of State flying.
Boom—!
The round table of the High Lord Council was directly flung four or five meters away, leaving a dent.
Luo Ji, having suffered a violent impact, couldn't help but spit out a mouthful of blood.
The Trisolaran head of State, which he had been clutching, also flew out and rolled onto the ground.
The venue was in chaos, and Frederick Taylor, with a grim expression, stepped on the shattered floor, walking towards him step by step.
"Pity, I gave you a chance.
Since you insist on his ideals, then let's bury you with him... in this boring old era."
Frederick Taylor's face, surprisingly, grew feather-like scales.
A 'third eye' even appeared between his brows, and blasphemous runes glowed with an eerie light on his pale and transparent skin.
Accompanied by a rattling bone-like sound, Frederick Taylor's body was elongated to about three meters.
His arms, legs, teeth, and even his entire face twisted and mutated into the appearance of a giant bird.
On that asymmetrical, bird-like face, he bent down and picked up the 'Trisolaran head of State' from the ground, then revealed a hint of mockery, scrutinizing Luo Ji in the ruins.
"Did you think I didn't know what you were thinking? Pity... your plan will never come true, Luo Ji!"
Pain!
This was Luo Ji's only sensation.
And the pain not only affected his body but also his spiritual domain.
Frederick Taylor's 'Psychic Scream', imbued with the turbulent malice of the Warp, was like a red-hot iron skewer, piercing directly into the depths of his mind with scorching heat, the excruciating pain of his soul tearing apart made him wish he were dead.
He struggled to get up, but as soon as his arms pushed him into a sitting position, a pair of…
...chicken feet appeared before his eyes?
Oh, no, these weren't 'chicken feet', but clearly bird-like talons, with slender legs that had a distinct backward arch!
Then, the opponent immediately lifted his foot and, like kicking a football, powerfully shot it into his face.
Bang!
The force of that kick nearly made him pass out.
Luo Ji, like a kite with a broken string, arced through the air and crashed heavily against a pillar before falling to the ground.
This caused Luo Ji considerable pain, his spine arching like a shrimp.
Footsteps approached from a distance; it was Frederick Taylor, who at this moment held the Trisolaran head of State in one hand, walking towards him unhurriedly, as if strolling through a garden, his completely asymmetrical, twisted facial features revealing a hint of mockery and derision.
"Heh… You're too naive, Luo Ji."
Frederick Taylor walked closer, looking down from above, his eyelids lowered, his contemptuous gaze falling on Luo Ji as if he were looking down at a lowly ant struggling for survival in the dirt, full of disdain.
"Do you remember two hundred years ago? I already said then, you… are not suitable to be a Wallfacer. Did you think I didn't know what you wanted to do?"
"Cough, cough, cough, cough…"
A mouthful of bloody froth welled up in Luo Ji's throat, and he couldn't help but cough violently.
Frederick Taylor's voice came from above.
"Indeed, you are also a psychic. Although I don't know what you gained on the snowy mountain, I can roughly guess what you want to do…"
At this point, a pair of sharp, hawk-like fingers, covered with a thick layer of keratin, gripped Luo Ji's neck.
Then, like lifting a chick, he easily lifted him off the ground.
"You want to summon the Astartes Chapter, don't you?"
Luo Ji, whose throat was constricted, immediately found it difficult to breathe.
And those five sharp, claw-like 'fingers' continued to slowly tighten, gradually squeezing the air from his lungs.
Because of the lack of oxygen, his lungs were desperately trying to expand, but his constricted throat couldn't get any oxygen, which made Luo Ji extremely painful, like drowning, his entire face turning purple, veins bulging, and his eyes filled with terrifying bloodshot lines.
He struggled frantically, trying to pry open the claws gripping his throat, but it was destined to be futile.
Frederick Taylor even showed a hint of amusement on his face, as if enjoying his death throes, until Luo Ji's pupils showed signs of dilation, only then did he suddenly release his hand.
Thud!
Luo Ji fell hard to the ground from a height of three meters.
"Ah…"
He took a deep breath, and as air mixed with bloody froth was forcefully drawn into his lungs, that sense of luck after surviving on the brink of death allowed Luo Ji's almost stopped brain to regain some clarity.
Like a drowning man, he greedily gulped in air.
"Luo Ji, you are a smart man." And at this moment, Frederick Taylor slowly bent down and whispered softly into Luo Ji's ear with an understated tone.
"Since you are a smart man, you should understand the current situation. Don't make pointless resistance."
After prolonged oxygen deprivation, Luo Ji experienced physiological vomiting, stomach acid mixed with bile, along with tears, flowing out.
"Give me what he gave you…" Frederick Taylor said indifferently.
"In exchange, I can spare your life."
"Dream on…" Luo Ji coughed out a large mouthful of blood, unhesitatingly rejecting his proposal.
"Why bother… Killing you, it will still be mine." Frederick Taylor sneered, his tone full of sarcasm.
"At this point, you wouldn't still believe he can turn the tide, would you?"
Luo Ji staggered to his feet, let out a sneer, his meaning unclear.
Frederick Taylor, thinking he didn't believe him, said unhurriedly.
"Actually, I've known all along that Emrys couldn't possibly take a single step out of the 'snowy mountain'. He… is just a mechanical part welded to the 'throne'. The savior you hoped for never existed from the beginning."
Luo Ji's pupils visibly trembled.
"Isn't it strange why I would know these things?" Frederick Taylor seemed to be able to read his mind, saying slowly.
"It's simple. I knew from the beginning that you were the one 'he' chose. Before you awoke, nano-machines were implanted in your body. They have long since exposed your every move in the snowy mountain."
Nano-robots?!
Luo Ji's pupils suddenly constricted, with both fear and horror.
"Luo Ji, from the moment you were awakened, you became our 'pawn'."
At this moment, Frederick Taylor's heart seemed to experience immense pleasure, built upon Luo Ji's suffering.
"In front of me, you have no secrets. Otherwise… do you think you and a mere Battle brother could have evaded layers of pursuit and reached that snowy mountain?"
So, everything was within his grasp!
No wonder Frederick Taylor seemed to have foresight, precisely seizing the Trisolaran head of State in advance and with clear objectives.
Their plan had already been seen through!
"Luo Ji, you are someone 'lord' values." Frederick Taylor smiled.
"So, I can give you another chance. Hand over what you obtained on the snowy mountain, join the Great Change, and become a follower of the Lord of Change!"
But after his passionate speech ended, he did not receive the expected reply.
This made Frederick Taylor very curious. He opened his narrowed eyes and looked at Luo Ji, who was swaying and barely supporting himself to avoid falling.
"You… what exactly are you still holding on to?"
"Yes, what am I still holding on to?"
Luo Ji himself found it laughable; the 'overall situation was already decided', and the chances of successful resistance were minuscule.
At this time, a 'sophisticated egoist' like him should abandon so-called face and dignity, and surrender would be the correct choice.
But why… could he just not say it?!
"You said I'm a smart man?" He shook his head, biting down hard on his teeth, as if trying to force out all the strength in his body.
"Sorry, you're mistaken… If I were a smart man, I would have surrendered by now, but unfortunately, I'm a stubborn bastard."
"So, you're determined to seek death?"
Frederick Taylor's face was cold, and he said chillingly.
"Never mind, it doesn't matter what plan Emrys in the snowy mountain is plotting. As long as I kill you… no matter how many plans there are, they won't come to fruition, and the glory of lord will illuminate humanity's future!"
"Yes, I know I can't win…" Luo Ji took a deep breath and removed the pendant from his neck.
His blood-stained hand gripped the pendant tightly, as if a surge of courage welled up from within. His gaze was resolute, as if imbued with power, and he spoke word by word, like a thunderclap.
"But what if? What if… I win?!"
"I take back what I said earlier. You… are not smart, you are a complete fool."
Frederic closed his eyes and said coldly.
Smart people always assess the situation, and clearly… Luo Ji was not a smart person, which made him feel ridiculous and pathetic!
A fool?
Perhaps, but rather than being a clever man, bowing and scraping to such a twisted, hateful monster, he'd rather be a fool!
Even if, as Frederick Taylor said, humanity's future under the Emperor's rule was hopeless, shrouded in eternal darkness and despair, at least it was... humanity's future!
Luo Ji also didn't believe that humanity's future should be entrusted to a chaotic Loki!
"Screw you—!" Luo Ji's rage erupted from the depths of his heart as he gazed at that distorted, asymmetrical, hateful face.
And this power, as if fueled by rocket, instantly amplified his psychic energy, which had previously flowed like a gentle stream, by several times!
Emotion is the best fuel for psychic energy!
"Hm?"
Frederick Taylor saw a hint of suicidal madness in those ferocious, bloodshot eyes!
Instantly, alarm bells rang!
However, before he could react, Luo Ji's temples bulged, veins popped out, his eyes were bloodshot, and he let out a roar!
His terrifying forehead showed bulging veins, and in his eyes, a hint of suicidal madness was visible.
The space, almost twisted by immense telekinetic power, transformed into a terrifying psychic tsunami, spreading out in all directions with Luo Ji at its center!
Boom!!!
Frederick Taylor was immediately thrown back by this force.
When he landed, still astonished that Luo Ji could unleash such powerful psychic energy, he saw that the pendant tightly clutched in the latter's hand had directly transformed into an extremely massive, medieval European-style, two-handed knight's greatsword.
The winged lion heads on the hilt, embedded with gems, also seemed to be coldly observing the corrupted faithful who had fallen into Chaos.
"It's it!" The moment he saw this sword, a voice appeared in Frederick Taylor's mind, telling him to seize this sword at all costs, and he greedily shouted, "Quick, give it to me!"
"Want it?"
Luo Ji sneered, beckoning him with a finger.
"Come and get it yourself!"
A chilling aura emanated from Frederick Taylor's three eyes as his gaze shifted from the sword to Luo Ji, and he sneered, "It's alright, soon... it will be mine."
As his voice fell, Frederick Taylor's figure shattered, dissipating like a reflection in water.
It was an illusion!
Luo Ji's expression suddenly changed, and almost instinctively, he dragged the heavy greatsword and forcefully dodged to the side.
A sharp, pointed hooked claw brushed past his body from behind, missing the greatsword in his hand by mere centimeters.
"Die for me!" Luo Ji suddenly took a deep breath, dragging the greatsword with both hands, using all his strength, like pulling a heavy iron rod, and slammed it fiercely behind him.
However, the sweeping greatsword still only hit a shattered illusion.
Frederick Taylor once again used an illusion to deceive Luo Ji's eyes, then ambushed him from another angle.
And this time, Luo Ji wasn't so lucky.
To avoid losing the greatsword, he was forced to risk igniting a fire aura of psychic energy at close range!
The explosive ring of fire directly pushed him flying outwards, and also incidentally hindered Frederick Taylor, who was trying to pursue him.
"Pant! Pant!"
Luo Ji gasped for breath, large beads of sweat appearing on his forehead.
Although he had enhanced his strength with psychic energy, he could only barely wield this greatsword.
Every swing required a tremendous amount of effort, and his aim was extremely poor, which made him secretly curse in his heart, wondering who this heavy weapon was even for?
Even those Astartes, as strong as demigods, probably couldn't use it freely, could they?!
The blade alone was an astonishing two meters long, its widest point even exceeding twenty centimeters, and its weight, close to five hundred kilograms, made it extremely difficult to control!
But the good thing was... this thing was heavy, so its destructive power was considerable.
Even Frederick Taylor didn't dare to be easily touched by it; otherwise, it would at least result in broken bones and torn tendons!
But soon, his strength was being depleted at an alarming rate, while Frederick Taylor, relying on the sorcery bestowed by Tzeentch, always managed to easily dodge every blow.
The situation gradually turned unfavorable.
The imagined scenario where taking out this sword would turn the tide not only failed to materialize but instead became a burden to him!
"How foolish…" Seeing this, Frederick Taylor sneered, "You don't even know how to use this sword, and you think you can defeat me with it? You're dreaming!"
Luo Ji had no mood to argue at this moment; his physical strength was already close to exhaustion, and he was starting to feel a bit desperate.
"Don't worry, no one will ever know what happened here today."
Frederick Taylor's tone sounded like he had grown bored, and he cast his gaze upon Luo Ji, who was still holding on.
"You know what? What I like most is making people die in despair…"
As he spoke, his body underwent a series of extremely horrifying transformations!
He, no... the current Taylor, had long since shed his human form; referring to it as 'it' would be more appropriate.
Layers of scales and feathers, like bamboo shoots after rain, grew stubbornly from beneath its skin, wrapped in viscous blood, until they covered its entire body, like a magnificent, colorful robe.
On the surface of every scale and feather, blasphemous runes and sorcery were inscribed.
The twisted runes and sorcery were filled with cycles, paradoxes, and even infinite possibilities that mortals could hardly comprehend, directly displaying to Luo Ji the distorted truth and knowledge.
The surrounding mortals, just by looking at it, had their minds sucked into a vortex, becoming like puppets.
Even Luo Ji, who had some resistance, merely glanced at it and felt as if countless mad whispers in the depths of his brain wanted to drag his sanity into the endless abyss of Chaos.
He quickly closed his eyes, trying to visualize and outline the Emperor's image in his mind.
This instinctive action successfully saved Luo Ji's collapsing sanity, pulling him back from the abyss of Chaos to reality.
"Finally, I don't have to pretend to be that disgusting form anymore…"
Frederick Taylor, like a monster that had shed its mortal flesh and grown anew from within, spoke in a distorted, blasphemous voice, and with a raise of his hand, scorching fire enveloped the entire venue!
"Hm, these people… are useless now."
The fire spewing from its hand seemed to possess magical power, constantly changing colors.
Even more miraculously, those ignited by the fire suffered no physical harm, yet blood continuously flowed from their seven orifices until their entire brains withered like they had shrunk, then lifelessly turned into corpses.
This scene made Luo Ji's pupils contract, and a fear of the unknown climbed into his heart.
This… was the power granted to him by Loki?!
Immediately after, it crooked its finger, and from the bodies of the deceased in the venue, transparent forms, almost like souls, flew out and were sucked into its mouth as it opened it, while the remaining corpses… all stood up again in the fire, transforming into hideous, terrifying fiends!
"The game ends here." Frederick Taylor seemed very pleased with his masterpiece, letting out a triumphant laugh.
"See, this is the power bestowed upon me by the Lord of Change; to deal with trash like you… I don't even need to lift a finger myself!"
Hoo!
He's really cautious!
It must be said that even though Frederick Taylor had the upper hand, he still didn't relax his vigilance, clearly intending to completely crush Luo Ji and not give him a single chance to resist!
Luo Ji, holding the Lion Sword, felt utterly despairing. Indeed, reality wasn't a movie, and the villain wouldn't give him a chance at all.
Isn't this it?
Frederick Taylor had always been wary of the Lion Sword, not even giving him a chance to touch it.
Frederick Taylor looked smug and began his incantation. Soon, this highest hall of Holy Terra, humanity's world, was filled with countless distorted, repulsive Daemons and monstrous beings!
Frederick Taylor chanted blasphemous spells, using the evil sorcery of Chaos to summon a Daemon legion from the Warp from the bodies of the deceased!
They were strange creatures with three pairs of limbs, their pink skin appearing almost transparent under the light with a peculiar texture. Their massive mouths, occupying two-thirds of their bodies, were filled with spiraling, sharp teeth. As they opened and closed, they emitted either cackles or wild roars. At times, they clapped their three pairs of limbs, scurrying around the hall, entertaining themselves as if celebrating a festival.
There were also bloated, obese blue Daemons!
As the incantation progressed, in the light blue mist mixed with pink, monsters resembling deep-sea fish, shaped like manta rays, freely glided in mid-air!
Soon, the sacred High Lord's council hall on Terra was completely occupied by these monsters, filled with a blasphemous aura, like a chaotic dance of gods and devils!
Seeing this, Luo Ji couldn't help but show a bitter expression.
"All this just to deal with me—is it really necessary?"
"To deal with you alone, of course, it wouldn't be this complicated."
Frederick Taylor stopped his incantation, a hint of mockery in his three distorted pupils. His blasphemous voice, mixed with the chaotic Daemon sound, emanated from his vibrating mouth and tongue.
"But even if there's only a one in ten thousand chance, for the sake of caution, I must completely nip that possibility in the bud!"
"I've seen too many people who, due to complacency, fell at the last step—I don't want to be the second, so feel honored, Luo Ji!"
"I will use my full strength to crush you!"
"To crush—humanity's last 'possibility'!
"This world shall belong to lord, to the great Lord of Change—!!!"
The next moment, the Tzeentch Daemons, perched on the dome, walls, left, right, front, and back, completely surrounding Luo Ji, cackled and roared as they charged at him!
Just as Frederick Taylor had said, he would exhaust all his strength to crush all possibilities, leaving Luo Ji not a single shred of hope.
The wild laughter of the pink Daemons, mixed with the ear-piercing shrieks of the blue Daemons, was like steel needles piercing his eardrums, making him disoriented and momentarily lost in thought.
Not good!
Luo Ji bit his tongue hard.
The intense pain instantly brought him back to his senses!
A terrifying pink Daemon, enveloped in scorching pink flames, cackled and spread its three pairs of mutated, thick arms, trying to embrace him.
"Get out—!" In a life-or-death moment, Luo Ji unleashed his full potential, and the Lion Sword swept out like a storm.
Rip!
This pink Daemon was immediately cut in half at the waist.
However, before he could catch his breath, he was horrified to discover that this Daemon, cut in half at the waist, not only wasn't dead but was still cackling, and then its body inflated rapidly like a balloon!
"Damn it!"
Luo Ji had a million 'Cao Nimas' (a gothic internet meme expressing extreme frustration) running wild in his heart.
Even the most foolish person, seeing this scene, would know what was about to happen next.
Boom!!!
As expected, that pink Daemon self-destructed.
The huge explosion, carrying pink flames, ignited an area of four to five meters around, like scattered starlight!
Luo Ji, having sensed it in advance, escaped from the center of the explosion by relying on a defensive barrier formed by his psychic power.
Having just escaped, Luo Ji hadn't had time to catch his breath before he was immediately surrounded by blue Daemons. Their ear-piercing shrieks, mixed with the blasphemous Daemon sounds of Chaos, were like hammers striking his mind and spirit.
While he was still disoriented, several more pink Daemons surrounded him, spewing pink flames from their mouths.
"Damn it—" Luo Ji, struggling to cope, almost cursed Tzeentch's ancestors eighteen times in his heart.
"How can there be such disgusting things!"
They explode on contact, and if you don't touch them, they're like persistent plasters!
Absolutely disgusting!
Luo Ji, encountering the Tzeentch legion for the first time, was truly disgusted to death by these 'beastly' things.
Just then, Luo Ji, holding the Lion Sword, suddenly had a strange memory surge into the depths of his mind. Although his mind was disoriented, his body seemed to be taken over, and he thrust out his sword fiercely.
The sword's edge pierced through a blue Daemon.
A horizontal cut, and its head flew off, but his movements didn't stop at all. The greatsword then rotated half a turn, shattering a pink Daemon attempting a sneak attack, and then he again turned the side of the sword horizontally, blocking the spraying pink flames.
What seemed like a desperate life-or-death crisis was resolved by him with such ease.
The entire sequence of movements was fluid and seamless.
There was no trace of the previous difficulty in control or awkwardness, as if he were a skilled, exceptionally martial warrior—"?"
Frederick Taylor, hiding in the distance and witnessing this scene, looked somewhat surprised.
Is this—still Luo Ji?
How did he suddenly become so powerful?
But Luo Ji himself was also confused. Although the danger was averted, he couldn't remember at all what had just happened.
The surrounding Daemons also seemed to be intimidated, cautiously circling him, staring at the Lion Sword.
"All of you, go, kill him!"
The stalemate didn't last long before Frederick Taylor spoke somewhat impatiently, ordering these Daemons to kill Luo Ji.
The reason for his impatience was that before starting, he had used a psychic barrier to block communications on Holy Terra, but this had a time limit!
Although he was confident that even if the blockade disappeared, the Adeptus Astartes wouldn't notice anything unusual in the Holy Terra council hall, it was—after all—a hidden danger!
What he hated most was surprises.
The next moment, the Daemon legion, circling and vigilant, charged forward fearlessly at Frederick's command!
Cold sweat seeped from Luo Ji's forehead.
This time—it's over!
Suddenly, that familiar feeling once again transmitted through the Lion Sword. Luo Ji's eyes lost focus, as if he had entered some kind of state.
His movements became sharp and precise!
Despite being surrounded, every sword swing and movement was as precise as if forged through a thousand trials. In the swirling sword light, astonishing skill bloomed!
Dozens of Daemons were instantly cut to pieces.
Blood rained down. Frederick Taylor was stunned. Wasn't he a Professor of sociology? Where did he learn such powerful sword skills?!
Luo Ji, once again conscious, was also bewildered.
He looked down at the magnificent greatsword, lost in thought.
"Could it be—a ghost possession?!"