Forbidden Zone of Deception

Chapter 363 Alliance
After completing the quest in the [Hong Kong Ghost Chronicles] instance and killing a group of Insect Nest Team Reincarnators who came to hunt him down, Blood Lord returned to the Bloody Team's base in the Dingyou Camp.

However, as soon as he reappeared in the study and gathered everyone, he sensed an unusually heavy atmosphere.

Bernadette, Long Cang, and Wu Ge had been waiting for a long time, their faces showing unprecedented seriousness and a hint of panic.

"Godfather! You're finally back!" Wu Ge was the first to greet him, his voice urgent.

"What happened?" Blood Lord's heart sank. It was no small matter that could cause these three people to lose their composure at the same time.

Bernadette took a deep breath and began her report methodically: "Commander, something terrible has happened! The world has truly changed drastically! Listen to me..."

Each subsequent message was like a bombshell, sending chills down the Blood Lord's spine:

"First, Long Mingzhang... is dead!"

Her very first words were astonishing!
"Shortly after you entered the instance, he was ambushed by the Old Core organization in the terrifying instance [Hill of Silence] and died fighting to the death. Xiao Tianze, being cowardly, has led the remaining members of the Temple team to publicly announce their allegiance to the Old Core organization and has already moved into the Old Core's home world. Also, the Duncan Club was attacked, but we don't know the extent of the casualties yet."

Long Mingzhang is dead? And the entire Temple team betrayed them? Duncan's club was also attacked? This news was like a thunderbolt!

"Xia Yu hasn't come back yet?"

“No,” Bernadette shook her head.

"Secondly," Long Cang interjected, his voice low, "almost at the same time, the Yongmeng team was also ambushed by the combined forces of the Old Core and the Insect Nest in the Horror Dungeon, suffering heavy losses. The team leader's wife, Lan Li, has been confirmed to have been killed by Li Yuanxiu, and the team leader, Ye Xiu, was severely injured and barely survived, but the Yongmeng team's combat strength has been reduced by more than half!"

The Emu team too?
Blood Lord felt a chill; the changes in these two top teams were by no means accidental!

“Third,” Bernadette continued, her tone tinged with absurdity, “just now, the Old Core Organization, through an unknown global broadcasting method, made a public address to all of humanity! They directly announced the existence of ‘memes’ and ‘reincarnators,’ claiming that human civilization will perish within ten years due to the uncontrollable spread of memes. The only way to survive is to give up resistance, actively embrace the memes, and become a new kind of human through ‘meme evolution’!”

public!

They actually dared to make it public!

This means that global panic and the collapse of social order are just around the corner!

Old nuclear organizations will become global enemies!
"Fourth," Wu Ge added, "the imperial court has declared martial law nationwide! A large number of Imperial Guards have been directly deployed and have taken over the administration of all major cities across the country! The streets of Muxu City are now filled with heavily armed soldiers!"

“Fifth,” Bernadette’s tone became more subtle, “due to the fall of Minister Long and the betrayal of the Temple team, a huge power vacuum has emerged in Muxu City, especially in the management system of the Reincarnators. Taking advantage of this opportunity, the military forces, represented by the Imperial Guard, have overwhelmingly overwhelmed the civil official faction that originally dominated Reincarnator affairs. The military has surrounded the residence of Imperial Envoy Wen Jinsong and taken it over ‘protectively’.”

Wen Jinsong was one of the Bloodthirsty Team's key backers within the imperial civil service system! He was directly under the command of Lord Xuan Niao!
"Sixth, the military announced that it would temporarily take over the monitoring department and would select a new minister within a month."

"Seventh, the imperial court has issued an emergency decree that all civilian reincarnation teams must be incorporated into the imperial system and subject to unified management and command. They may maintain a certain degree of autonomy in normal times, but must respond unconditionally once summoned by the imperial court. Those who disobey... will be regarded as illegal organizations and directly surrounded and eliminated by the military!"

"Eighth, and most importantly," Long Cang said in a deep voice, a hint of shock in his eyes, "Commander-in-Chief Fang Pingwei of the Dragon Guard Army has announced to the world through official channels: Our country has declared a full-scale war against the Old Nuclear Organization and all its affiliated forces! At the same time, the Insect Nest and the Temple have been designated as illegal reincarnation groups and will be killed without exception!"

Upon hearing this series of earth-shattering news, Blood Lord was completely stunned. After a long while, he gasped and muttered, "So many... earth-shattering things have happened in such a short time???"

Bernadette smiled bitterly, “Yes, Commander. This proves that the struggle between the military and civil factions within the court has long reached a fever pitch. The betrayal of the Temple team has merely given the military a long-awaited, perfect excuse to completely intervene in and control the power of the Reincarnators. Several excellent posts on the Reincarnator Forum have already analyzed that His Majesty himself seems to have always intended to balance the struggle between the military and civil officials, and... he may have already laid out his plan, just waiting for this opportunity.”

Blood Lord's pupils contracted slightly: "Your Majesty...did you plan this all along?"

"I'm afraid so." Long Cang nodded. "Now, our greatest backer, Lord Xuan Niao, has been placed under house arrest by the military and has lost his freedom. Commander, what should we do now?"

Blood Lord quickly regained his composure from his initial shock, a shrewd and decisive glint in his eyes: "Is there even a need to ask? We'll help whoever wins! Do I need to ask you something so simple?"

A cold smile curled at the corner of his lips: "I've long ago secretly collected a large amount of evidence of Wen Jinsong's corruption, forming cliques, and hoarding of various resources earned for him by reincarnators! Now is the perfect time! I'll hand it all over to the military! That way, we'll be seen as undercover agents, enduring humiliation and lurking within the civil service system! At least we can be considered as redeeming ourselves through meritorious service! The military has just taken power and needs to win over powerful civilian teams like us to stabilize the situation. They might not only be willing to give us official positions, but perhaps... they might even be willing to help me get rid of Li Ruofeng!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Ge's eyes also revealed a deep-seated hatred: "Li Ruofeng must die!"

Bernadette was also impressed; Blood Lord's thinking was clear and ruthless, and he instantly made the choice that was most beneficial to the team's survival and development.

……

Meanwhile, the streets and alleys of Muxu City were already filled with a desolate scene.

Everywhere you look, you see soldiers in military uniforms with golden dragon patterns branded on their shoulder armor...

This is the most elite Dragon Wing Army under the Kyushu Dragon Guard after several expansions since the fall of Edo!

Their eyes were sharp, their discipline strict, and they firmly controlled all major traffic arteries and important facilities.

Jiang Jin led Lian De and Asakawa Reiko back to the Yihai camp.

Before even reaching the camp entrance, one could see that the camp was heavily guarded by numerous Dragonwing Army soldiers, creating a tense atmosphere.

"Halt! Identification required!" A Dragon Wing Army officer stepped forward to stop them, his eyes sharp as lightning.

Suppressing his grief, Jiang Jin revealed his identity: "I am Jiang Jin of the Nirvana Team, and these two are my team members. Our team leader, Yu Tianlun, has died in battle, and I am temporarily assuming the position of team leader."

He sensed something was wrong. How could the military have taken over the entire Reincarnation Camp?
The officer had clearly received some prior information. After confirming Jiang Jin's identity through the Reincarnator's Watch, he was stunned for a moment, then his face showed an incredulous look of astonishment. He exclaimed, "Deputy Commander Jiang... no, Commander Jiang! You... you actually advanced to LV3?!"

Jiang Jin ignored the other party's loss of composure and asked in a deep voice, "Why has the army taken over the Samsara Camp?"

The officer quickly suppressed his surprise and solemnly replied, "Commander Jiang, the Old Nuclear Organization has openly provoked us, revealing the existence of memes and reincarnators, and attacking multiple official teams of the Imperial Court and overseas, causing global turmoil. The Imperial Court has decided that, effective immediately, all reincarnator groups must be incorporated into the national organization and become regular reserves of the Kyushu Dragon Guard! Our Imperial Court has officially declared war on the Old Nuclear Organization and its henchmen!"

Upon hearing the words "war on the old core," a terrifying glint and a deep-seated hatred flashed in Jiang Jin's eyes. He nodded heavily, his voice resolute: "Just what I wanted! Very well! I, Jiang Jin, representing the Nirvana team, will obey the court's arrangements!"

The wormhole colluded with the old core, and Yu Tianlun, Li Shang, and Lian Xuan all died because of the wormhole. The war against the old core is exactly what he wanted!
Seeing Jiang Jin's cooperation, the officer's expression softened considerably. However, after a moment's hesitation, he continued in a tone tinged with sympathy, "Also... Commander Jiang, there is another piece of news. Please... take care. The United Nations and our government have jointly issued a notification of your wife Liu Yan's... death in action."

The officer said in a low voice, "From today onwards, you are a martyr's family member. She... perished in the [Zoo Ghost Stories] instance."

Although Jiang Jin already knew that his wife Liu Yan was dead, hearing the official confirmation still made his heart feel as if it were being gripped tightly by an invisible hand!
"She actually went to [The Zoo Ghost Stories]? How did she die?"

"This matter," the officer replied, "is preliminarily determined to be highly likely related to the Old Core Organization's conspiracy to accelerate meme propagation." Old Core! Again with the Old Core!!

New and old grudges erupted in Jiang Jin's chest like a volcano!

Commander Yu, Li Shang, Lian Xuan, and Liu Yan!
His most important partners and loved ones were all directly or indirectly destroyed by the old core and its henchmen!

"Insect Nest! Ancient Core!!" Jiang Jin's eyes were bloodshot as he practically spat out the words, his killing intent radiating like a tangible force. "I will wipe them out completely, leaving not a single one alive!"

……

That evening, Jiang Jin went alone to the Dingyou Camp, located on the outskirts of Muxu City, closer to the front lines where the resentful humanoids were active.

Jiang Jin has submitted an application through official channels to merge the Nirvana team's new base near the Dingyou camp for easier frontline operations.

The Blood Lord had already accepted the imperial appointment and reorganization, so he wasn't too surprised by Jiang Jin's arrival. However, upon hearing that Jiang Jin had advanced to LV3, he was so shocked that he could hardly believe it.

In the luxurious hall of the team's base, Blood Lord received Jiang Jin with the highest honors.

"Commander Jiang, congratulations on advancing to LV3! The imperial court still considers you the most promising reincarnator in our country! You are a force to be reckoned with!"

Blood Owl sized up Jiang Jin, clearly sensing the still-lingering fierce killing intent emanating from him, as well as the deep sorrow hidden in his eyes.

"I express my deepest condolences regarding the loss of Commander Yu and the other members of your esteemed group, as well as the matter concerning your wife."

Jiang Jin waved his hand, skipped the pleasantries, and went straight to the point, staring intently at Blood Lord: "Blood Lord, I've come here to discuss an alliance with you."

Alliance?

Before Blood Lord could answer, Jiang Jin continued resolutely, "It's common knowledge that you and Lady Pussy of the Insect Nest team have a deep-seated hatred for each other. And now, my Nirvana team also has an irreconcilable enmity with Lady Pussy! What's more, she's colluding with Chang Wuyong of the Old Core! I am now the leader of the Nirvana team, and I hope that from today onwards, the Nirvana team and the Bloodlust team will officially form an alliance, share resources, exchange intelligence, and jointly fight against the Insect Nest team until they... are completely eradicated, and their blood debts are repaid in blood!"

When Blood Lord heard Jiang Jin propose an alliance to fight against the Insect Nest, a glint flashed in his eyes, and he immediately burst into laughter!

"Good! Commander Jiang, that's excellent! I, Blood Lord, couldn't be happier!"

He slammed his hand on the armrest of his chair, making the cups on the coffee table next to him rattle: "Now that Commander Jiang and the Nirvana team have joined forces, this is a golden opportunity! We're forming this alliance!"

He immediately gave the order to prepare the alliance ceremony with the highest standards. Then he waved his men away, his expression turned serious again, and he lowered his voice to say to Jiang Jin, "Commander Jiang, now that we are allies, I should share some inside information that I have just obtained with you."

"Please tell me!"

"Xia Yu from our team has just returned from the [Silent Hill F] instance. She brought back news that shocked the entire Reincarnation Circle—Duncan Club's Free Vanguard division has also been wiped out!"

"The Duncan Club?" Jiang Jin frowned. This top-tier reincarnation organization, which had a significant influence in the United States and even globally, was also involved?
“That’s right,” Blood Lord said gravely, “In the [Silent Hill F] instance, Jackson Duncan, the eldest son of Douglas, the Duncan Club’s manager, is confirmed… dead! The Free Vanguard Division is even more… completely wiped out, with no survivors!”

Jiang Jin gasped.

He had seen Jackson Duncan's name on the Reincarnator Forum more than once. He was a young genius on whom the United States placed great hopes, and the Free Vanguard Division was Duncan Club's number one ace!

Their complete annihilation is a heavy blow to the global official Reincarnation Force!
“That’s not the worst of it,” Blood Lord continued, dropping another bombshell. “Around the same time, most of the world’s top official or semi-official reincarnation teams suffered targeted and severe blows of varying degrees from the Old Core Organization!”

Chang Wuyong... and the old nuclear organization...

Is it really that scary?

“Chang Wuyong…” Blood Lord murmured the name, feeling immense pressure: “He’s been hiding his true strength too well! He’s only a quasi-LV5 right now; ordinary LV5s are no match for him. Once he advances to LV5 Pseudo-God, he will undoubtedly become the strongest Reincarnator in the world!”

He looked at Jiang Jin, his tone tinged with helplessness: "So, even though the Zoo scouts risked their lives to relay intelligence about 'it,' the source of the interdimensional meme contamination, the United Nations, after emergency consultations, has decided to postpone the original 'Zoo Expedition Plan.' The most urgent task is to concentrate the remaining global resources to stabilize the situation and deal with this global crisis triggered by the old nuclear organization. This postponement... we don't know when it will be."

The postponement of the zoo expedition means that humanity's exploration and containment of the most mysterious and dangerous source of meme pollution will be put on hold, and the potential threat hangs like the sword of Damocles.

Jiang Jin nodded silently, understanding the helplessness behind this decision.

At this moment, Blood Lord changed the subject, a rare look of hope appearing on his face: "However, Commander Jiang, there is another piece of good news, which can be considered a beacon of light in this dark situation."

"Oh?"

“I have confirmed it,” Blood Lord’s voice was even lower, as if he were sharing a huge secret, “The special envoy sent by the military has successfully located Wang Qiusen, the former deputy commander of the Light Wheel Team, in the Edo Special District!”

Wang Qiusen! The legendary vice leader of the Light Wheel Team, and Zhuge Yu's right-hand man!

"The military, representing the nation, formally extended an invitation to him, hoping he would return to the country to serve as the Minister of the reorganized Monitoring Department, and take up the mantle of leading our reincarnators against the old nuclear force." Blood Owl Master's tone was filled with admiration. "And Deputy Regiment Commander Wang... he accepted!"

Jiang Jin's spirits lifted!
Wang Qiusen's return to China is undoubtedly a shot in the arm!

“However,” Blood Lord added, “Deputy Commander Wang proposed that national affairs are of utmost importance, and he certainly has an unshirkable duty to do so, but he is only LV4, and I’m afraid it will be difficult for him to convince the masses. He estimates that he is currently in a critical period and will need about six months of seclusion to break through to… LV5!”

If Wang Qiusen of the Light Wheel team advances to LV5, it will absolutely shock the world! The former prestige of the Light Wheel team will greatly boost morale!

"Deputy Commander Wang believes that only by successfully advancing to LV5 can he gain sufficient prestige and truly stabilize the situation upon returning to the country to serve as minister. After discussion, the military high command agrees with his statement and has made an agreement with him that he will return as scheduled in six months, regardless of whether he succeeds in reaching LV5 or not, to take charge of the monitoring department!"

Blood Lord sighed, "Vice Commander Wang's hatred for the old nuclear organization, especially for Chang Wuyong, runs deep! Back then, he witnessed Chang Wuyong assassinate Commander Zhuge Yu right in front of him! He went to Japan to find an opportunity to kill Chang Wuyong! Moreover, back in the Light Wheel era, he had close ties with the military and trusted them implicitly. It's foreseeable that once he returns in six months, his prestige and strength will surely unite all the reincarnators in the country. At that time, the morale of all reincarnators in the country will be greatly boosted, and they will be completely renewed!"

Jiang Jin listened quietly, the sorrow in his eyes gradually replaced by a deeper and more determined light.

He slowly raised his head and looked out at the dark night sky, which seemed to foreshadow both the hardships and hopes of the future.

He repeated the exact timeframe from Blood Owl Lord's words, his voice filled with boundless determination and anticipation:

"Six months later..."

(End of this chapter)