Deity Investigation Report

Chapter 264 Ancient Nobles

"Is this what the independent investigators from Gianthorn City and Skinning Manor are both determined to obtain?"

The theft of the emperor's writings also began along this life trajectory, signifying the formal completion of Han Su's analysis of his life trajectory.

He had a lot of complicated feelings in his heart, but once he made a decision, he did it. He could struggle with it before he did it, but there was no need to regret it afterward. So he deliberately calmed himself down, turned his head slightly, and looked at the little lamb girl standing obediently to the side, who was only secretly glancing at him out of the corner of her eye. He felt that she was strange.

She's dangerous—that's the signal Han Su's intuition tells him.

In some ways, she was even more dangerous than Akbai, but she behaved very obediently and knowingly, only lowering her head when she met Han Su's gaze.

Two tender little horns faced Han Su, and one could sense that her slender body, wrapped in a suit jacket, was trembling slightly.

"So, you're going to get involved in the war between Giant Horn City and Skinning Manor?"

The surrounding air tightened, and fine crystalline mirrors appeared. Wei Lan's figure emerged from the mirrors. Judging from her position, she should have already dealt with the intelligence agent Lalai outside the village. Theoretically, Han Su had only not seen her for three days, but across a timeline, she seemed exquisite and elegant, with a tall figure that exuded a mysterious and noble air.

The way she looked at Han Su was quite tactful, with a questioning tone in her eyes.

From her perspective, she might still think that everything Han Su did was under control, including taking their consciousness and transporting them to a completely different life.

Han Su harbored some subtle thoughts and did not explain in detail, but simply asked, "How much do you know about the ancient nobility?"

"noble?"

Wei Lan paused slightly, then said frankly, "They are the masters of this world."

Seeing that Han Su did not question this statement, he continued, "The word 'master' is not an exaggeration, but a factual description."

"Out of concern for the preservation of the comfort zone of reality and the third line of defense of reality, every city emphasizes law, fairness, and justice, so that everyone has something to strive for in life and seems to be able to see hope. But the more one steps out of the mysterious circle of the comfort zone of reality, the more there is a consensus that there is a group of people who are high above and untouchable in this world."

"This is the ancient nobility!"

"It is said that they all have an ancient and long lineage, and their ancestors stood at the pinnacle of the world before the reconstruction era even began."

"..."

Han Su listened, his heart stirred slightly, and he said, "Descendants of the Twelve Knights?"

"That's a common saying!"

Wei Lan nodded directly and said, "But it's impossible to be sure whether all ancient nobles have the bloodline of the Twelve Knights."

"Although we rarely see these nobles in our daily lives, when we look at the whole world, the total number of noble bloodlines in every place seems a bit too large."

"I believe another explanation more: their power comes from a contract."

"..."

Han Su confirmed the information he had received, and his heart stirred slightly: "A contract?"

"Three ancient contracts."

Wei Lan also let out a soft breath, as if talking about these things also put some pressure on her. She said in a low voice, "It is said that they were the earliest nobles who signed a contract with the human race before the reconstruction era began. They would lead the human race out of the chaos of the radiation era and fight against the threats of historical remnants and world-destroying disasters, but human civilization must also guarantee their transcendence."

"It is said that the contract numbers are 01-03."

"Scroll No. 01 records various disasters that have occurred in human history from the era of solar flares to the present day, and even those that still threaten the world today."

"The Mother Divine Tree that Qinggang faced before was something recorded on this scroll, ranking seventh."

"The scroll numbered 2 clearly states their power and superior status."

"..."

Han Su was genuinely surprised and slightly taken aback: "Power?"

"Correct."

Wei Lan nodded slowly: "This contract clearly states that they, and their bloodline, will forever possess transcendent power within this civilization."

"Theoretically speaking, they are signing a contract with this civilization. As long as this civilization exists, their status will also exist."

"Hehe, that might sound ridiculous, right?"

"These ancient nobles have already seized control of resources and power in various parts of the world."

Money? Force? Law? Politics? These are all things that can be used to control the world.

"In the world of ordinary people, mastering any one of these four things grants one the power to make their voice heard and influence the world through their own will!"

"The ancient nobility possess all four of these qualities, and beyond that, their transcendence is even indicated in the underlying code of this civilization!"

"Therefore, they can indeed be called the absolute masters of this world."

"..."

It seems like a group of people who, just when they thought they understood how terrifying they were, realized they had underestimated them in the end...

After a moment's thought, Han Su said, "So, how exactly does their power manifest itself..."

"You should know about the Qinggang Council, right?"

Wei Lan pondered for a moment, then looked up at Han Su: "Ten chairs, three black and seven red, are enough to vote on everything in Qinggang, including the appointment and removal of the mayor and the mobilization of armed forces."

"And this is just one manifestation of the ancient aristocratic privileges."

"At least as far as I know, most of these nobles live hidden in the cities. Ordinary people have no idea of ​​their existence, nor do they know that many decisions around them are made by their votes. But when it comes to real privileges, they are things that ordinary people can't even imagine. Even I only know the simplest ones..."

"Like a baron!"

She paused, then said in a low voice, "The ancient noble titles were divided into dukes, marquises, earls, viscounts, and barons, with baron being the lowest title."

"And the privilege of this title is—secular immunity!"

"Simply put, no law, custom, or morality can restrain a baron. Even if he commits a crime and poses a great threat to those around him or even to the world, the world's government cannot judge him. Only the council within the ancient nobility can sanction him after voting."

"..."

"And this is only the lowest rank?"

Han Su pondered these words carefully for a long time before whispering, "And what about something even higher?"

"The higher level is a bit beyond my level."

Wei Lan sighed softly and said, "All I know is that a viscount has the power to ensure the continuation of his bloodline!"

Han Su was slightly taken aback: "This is..."

"It has been developing for two thousand years since the reconstruction era."

Wei Lan said in a low voice, "Two thousand years is actually a very long time, enough for too many things to happen. When the reconstruction era began, people or families who once held the highest position and wielded endless power may have declined generation after generation, or their descendants may have encountered powerful enemies, or power may have changed hands, or they may have encountered a mysterious curse, or even a certain generation of descendants may have chosen to take the land route instead of the water route, choosing to give up their right to reproduce. The possibility of extinction of a clan or species will always exist."

"In short, ensuring that one's bloodline continues to exist in this world is actually a very difficult and uncertain thing."

"But the power of a viscount lies in the continuity of his bloodline. In other words, as long as civilization exists, their bloodline will continue to exist in this world."

"This is what is written in Scroll No. 02, and it is not subject to the laws of reality."

"For some people, the continuation of their bloodline means their immortality, so they strongly agree with this."

"..."

Secular exemption, bloodline lives on...

Han Su had only heard these few words, yet he already had a vague understanding of the aloofness of these ancient nobles.

He even recalled that in Ms. Shen's memories left in the Crystal Skull, she mentioned that when she approached Qinggang, those people had eagerly signed the silent covenant simply because of a condition that they would be granted the title of baron after the plan succeeded. They hadn't even bothered to look at the specific details of the plan. Now, he somewhat understood what was going on.

"Then, further up..."

"Further up, there are things that I am indeed not qualified to know."

Wei Lan gave a wry smile and said, "To be honest, the only thing I can say right now is because of my status as the Empress."

"In terms of their usual behavior, the ancient nobles are simply scattered in various cities, keeping a very low profile, and occasionally sending people out to participate in political competition."

"The Western Continent also has some openly recognized nobles who directly participate in politics and wars within the mystical circles as aristocrats. The Eastern Continent, however, never mentions them, as if they don't exist at all. Yet, they undeniably exist in cities, forming a three-way balance with the Hidden Schools and Mystical Organizations, becoming three enormous pillars supporting the real world." "Ancient nobles wield secular power, the Hidden Schools pursue knowledge, and mystical organizations vent their ethnic emotions..."

"On the surface, these ancient nobles do not display their superiority; in fact, at times, their power on the surface is even weak."

"However, the more powerful the mysterious organization or individual, the more they understand their terror."

"Do you remember the itinerant knights who appeared in Qinggang before?"

"That's the most visible power of the nobles, but it's only visible. The truly terrifying aspect of the nobles lies in their bestowal of honors and titles, as exemplified by the one closest to us:"

"Independent investigators from all over the world, if they perform well, may be recommended by the local ancient nobles to serve in the Traveling Knights. Entering the Traveling Knights is equivalent to stepping into the threshold of the ancient nobles. After serving for ten years, they can be accepted by the ancient nobles, be made barons, and become new nobles."

"In addition, secret societies and mysterious organizations also have corresponding strategies that are extremely attractive to many people!"

"..."

That alone is terrifying enough.

Does this mean that those people have the ability to recruit all the world's top elites?

Han Su nodded slightly, said no more, and asked directly, "Then, if that's the case, what's the situation with the owner of Peeling Skin Manor?"

Wei Lan seemed to relax a bit after being able to get away from the topic. She shook her head and said, "I came in a hurry and only thought about checking if you were alright, so I haven't had time to do my homework on the surrounding situation. But the Queen's Organization in Giant Horn City should have detailed information about Skinning Manor and this Earl. I can try to find out his background for you."

"very good."

Han Su agreed with relief, seemingly having put his mind at ease, before suddenly asking, "How do you feel about our crushing defeat in Qinggang?"

This was actually a question that Han Su should have asked Wei Lan the first time they met, but he only asked it now in a casual way.

When faced with formidable opponents like the Abyss Studio and the City-Slaughtering Priest, no one can remain unaffected.

In particular, after a fierce battle and a crushing defeat, they discovered that this formidable opponent was merely an executor pushed to the forefront...

Han Su was unsure whether any of his friends would feel fear or even have second thoughts.

"Great……"

Unexpectedly, Wei Lan didn't even hesitate before looking up at Han Su's question and saying, "This great battle has proven that we have the courage to face this war, hasn't it?"

"Ah this..."

Looking at Wei Lan's bright smile, Han Su suddenly understood the significance of the Queen's Organization's existence in various cities.

Seeing her resolute smile when I was feeling so gloomy was incredibly reassuring.

This answer addressed everything, so Han Su stopped there and let out a soft sigh, saying, "In that case, please also send a message to Lu Neng for me, and ask him to come over as well. Also, I brought a child with me when I came out of the castle this time. Please help me find out where he is. I have a feeling he will be a very good teammate."

Wei Lan smiled and nodded, his figure disappearing along with the surrounding mirrors.

Han Su then looked at the little lamb girl beside him. His conversation with Wei Lan had just taken place in an encrypted form, and Wei Lan was an expert in this area.

However, with her right beside them, she could easily eavesdrop on their conversation if she were curious.

Han Su was actually watching to see if she would do that, but she didn't show any suspicious behavior. While Han Su was on the phone with Wei Lan, she squatted down and reached out to play with the grass. When she saw Han Su turn his head and look at her, she immediately stood up, as if she would follow Han Su wherever he said he would, without any objection.

This left Han Su at a loss for words. He slightly raised his chin, gesturing for her to follow him out of the village.

Without the slightest refusal or hesitation, she took the initiative to walk in front, ensuring that she remained in Han Su's sight at all times.

Moreover, Han Su walked slowly, so she walked slowly as well; Han Su walked fast, and her short legs moved incredibly fast as well. The two of them, one in front of the other, quickly left the village filled with the smell of blood and arrived in the mountains. The Queen Bee mercenary team's temporary base, made up of three trucks stacked together, saw Lalai staring wide-eyed.

I hadn't paid any attention to the mercenary who had been left outside the village, because I knew Wei Lan would definitely help me deal with some troublesome opponents.

Unexpectedly, Wei Lan had considered things so thoroughly that he had spared his life.

It's probably for my own convenience in asking for certain information.

He took a step toward him, and the moment he got close, some kind of mirror-like restriction around Lalai silently disappeared. The mercenary jumped up in terror, but Han Su drew his gun and pointed it at his forehead, saying, "I will now take over everything from the Queen Bee Mercenary Team, including the funds in the account and this mission."

Do you have any objections?

"..."

"me……"

Larlai was both shocked and terrified; his facial muscles contorted, and his expression seemed to tear apart.

But when facing Han Su, he couldn't vent his anger as a human being. Driven by some force, he slowly knelt down.

The way she looked at Han Su was sometimes filled with unbearable doubt and fear, and sometimes with docile purity.

With the help of the knowledge in the Emperor's Book, Han Su understood the change in him and gradually felt relieved.

With Akbai dead and the colony without a queen, Lalai became a lost and helpless worker bee. Influenced by the contaminated divine substance within him, he would enter a "queen-making" state, nurturing young bees within the colony to become the new queen—this was his instinct as a worker bee. Han Su's current status perfectly matched the criteria for a newly joined "young bee."

Even his recent battle with Akbai left him with some residual queen bee pheromones, which would affect Lalai.

However, he is not a perfect being; he still possesses human intelligence and thinking abilities, so he would instinctively feel that there seems to be something wrong with what he is doing.

Since this was Han Su's first time doing something like this, he naturally wanted to observe it. Although, according to the knowledge in the Emperor's Book, Lalai's behavior would be influenced by underlying logic and he could not possibly betray him.

His deepest desire was to be loyal to Han Su, and even to train him to become the new queen bee, which outweighed all his other desires.

It's somewhat unconventional that worker bees in a bee colony are not actually loyal to the queen.

They are loyal to the bee colony.

Therefore, while Lalai could sense Akbai's death, his human side wanted to avenge Akbai, while his "bee" side only wanted to establish a new order.

"I... I'll listen to you!"

After a few seconds of struggle, Larlai finally lowered his head deeply.

Han Su's expression softened, and he slowly put away his gun, gaining a new understanding of the Emperor's Book.

This knowledge is so useful.

"We sent a message to the independent investigator in Gianthorn City in the name of the Queen Bee Mercenary Group, saying that our mission is complete and the target is in our hands."

After a moment's thought, Han Su directly ordered Lalai: "But because the information they provided was wrong, our entire team was almost wiped out, so the price they offered before was unreasonable and needs to be raised. Also, contact that knight from Skinning Manor at the same time. The things we have are not only for sale to Giant Horn City."

"If he's willing to offer good terms, then we can consider it!"

"..."

Lalai paused, instinctively wanting to say that this might be detrimental to the Queen Bee's reputation, but couldn't find the words to object.

The feeling of Han Su giving the order as if it were perfectly natural fascinated him. He liked this sense of order, like a new queen bee in a swarm of bees.

"Yes!"

He obediently agreed and immediately turned on the computer, starting to operate it as Han Su had instructed.

Han Su glanced silently at the obedient little lamb girl, his mind racing: Now that he had reached a new life path, his goal was simple: to quickly learn about these nobles and the traveling knights. And what was the fastest way to understand a group?

The answer came to mind almost naturally: war!

War is the fastest way to understand a society and a group, and can even reveal its true nature!
So, should we directly provoke them into fighting each other?

This idea appeared in Han Su's mind so naturally that it seemed almost inevitable.

Han Su himself was slightly surprised. After analyzing himself, he found the reason: his life was just too difficult on this path.

While in Qinggang, I lived in a comfortable and realistic environment. Although I was affected by "Flicker," the overall environment was stable and peaceful, and I didn't harbor much resentment.

This life path is different. By struggling at the very bottom, one gains a deeper understanding of the world, and one's actions become more ruthless and decisive.

Humans are, after all, creatures anchored by memories.

He didn't mind these ruthless thoughts that came to him, after all, he needed to be ruthless when facing those mysterious nobles.

(End of this chapter)