Path to Jinlin. Lu Zheng Ge's POV.
Walking the straight path to Jinlin, Lu Zheng Ge marveled at his past blindness. What thoughts filled his head just weeks ago? Studies? Crush on Mu Ning Xue? Trying to make his brother proud? Thinking back, he shook his head with a condescending smile. So immature.
Speaking of Mu Ning Xue, Lu Zheng Ge recalled how, after a couple days of intense training, Mu Bai-sama pulled him aside post-battle for a heart-to-heart.
"Lu Zheng Ge, I get you like my cousin. I'd even bless you two if I could—you're a good guy... But you lack the talent to waste time on women. For the Common good, devote all free time to training and building our movement's influence. Girls'll just slow your spellcasting speed."
Mu Bai-sama clapped his shoulder, gazing deeply into his eyes.
That's when he truly awoke. Mu Bai-sama spoke truth! In that moment, the world's will touched his soul, whispering right words. But he believed not because of it—the world's will birthed monsters, mankind's foes!
Only trust the Common good and its worldly rep—Mu Bai-sama! Their leader's humble, shunning earned titles, but that's how a mankind's savior should be! A saint unaware of his greatness!
No matter—Lu Zheng Ge's smart; he'll nod, promise no more titles, but convert others to carry the savior's will! That's right! Mu Bai-sama deserves it! All for the Common good!
After that talk, Lu Zheng Ge confessed to his soul's savior about sending location updates to brother Lu Nian—and that he was hunting Mo Fan, maybe for another experiment. Not sure.
But Mu Bai-sama didn't punish or scold—just smiled warmly, saying he knew already. Waited for voluntary confession, proving another step toward true Common good follower. Teacher's precious time well-spent.
As expected from he who inspired Common good pursuit and opened eyes! How could Lu Zheng Ge doubt?! Faith solidified; he vowed unswerving adherence, doubts be damned.
Finally, their group reached Jinlin's entrance. From nowhere, five White Eagles with riders and passengers landed 100 meters ahead. And among them—his brother! How'd he find them sans messages?!
"Kill all but the brunette and my brother. Leave the anomaly trio for our reinforcements. Lu Zheng Ge, to me—now."
Leaping from a White Eagle, Lu Nian barked orders to subordinates and beckoned his brother.
"Brother, I'm not going anywhere! These are my comrades in the Common good path! We're few enough—don't cut our numbers!"
The young man's eyes blazed with fury; he summoned his Star Wolf to defend comrades. Thanks to Mu Bai-sama's training, he cast faster. Others instantly battle-ready, weaving spells. A week's drills etched deep.
"...You hit your head?"
The veteran soldier faltered a second, stunned by his usually obedient brother's move. And daring Common good talk without sacrifices?!
"My head's clearer than ever! Mu Bai-sama showed life's true meaning! Politics, girls, power—irrelevant! Only Common good guides us right! Join us, brother! I know you want mankind's ascension too!"
He invited a new cult member. But that wall was thicker than his convictions.
"So Mu Bai messed with your head? Whatever—I'll grab you, sort it at home."
Exhaling pipe smoke, Lu Nian prepped to order elimination. Sole reason for delay: reinforcements in other city districts for wider coverage... and to dodge the black-haired killer's ravings.
As Lu Zheng Ge tried swaying his brother again, Mu Bai's spitball hit his head.
"Shut the fuck up and join the battle line—I'll handle this. How many times have I asked no 'sama' suffix?!"
Sighing wearily, Mu Bai stepped forward.
There. Mu Bai's POV.
"So you're Lu Nian? Heard of you. Loved your demonization element research. Made real progress—just veered wrong; even success would be a failure."
I shook my head at one of the world's top researchers.
Guy's brains brewed well; useful to flip him. He'd talk for sure—clearly awaiting backup. Curious who, since canon had only him and crew here already.
"Ho? Heard of our work? Makes sense with your backers. Magic Tribunal always meddles."
Lu Nian exhaled pipe smoke, smirking.
"But objectively, a punk like you can't grasp our work's grandeur. Success means mankind evolves, ascends! No more monster fodder waiting our turn—we'll match or surpass 'em! Don't lecture on sacrifices. Hundreds dead now beats millions later. All for the Common good!"
Lu Nian's eyes burned with zeal.
He truly believed. Wanted recognition too, per emotions—but earned, given his massive work. Last element opened when? Two centuries ago? First in ages nearing a new one.
"Mu Bai, why does he sound just like you all last week? Is he your acquaintance?" Yanking my sleeve, TuTu asked, looking at me strangely. Could she think that he brainwashed me? She sensed Lu Nian's power, so she wasn't worried about our safety at all. After all, he's a researcher, not a fighter; she could bury him single-handedly.
"No, just a great man close to me in spirit. He's a bit off the path, but that's fixable," I explained to her, and since we weren't lowering our voices, Lu Nian naturally heard us.
"If you think my cause is right, hand over that brunette without a fight. He's the perfect test subject for trialing the new element, thanks to his two additional elements in the spiritual world." He pointed his pipe at Mo Fan, whom the other kids quickly shielded from his gaze with their bodies. Ha, good thing I instilled that sense of camaraderie in them.
Now, I needed to sway the scientist showing signs of mental instability to our side before his reinforcements arrived. Considering he should know about my combat feats in Shanghai, his backup wouldn't be weak, judging by his confidence, and they wouldn't let me distract them in battle with talk. Man, what a puzzle. Still, we've handled worse.