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Chapter 206 Powerful Forces Gather, Thunder God Wen Zhong! (2 words, 35th update)

The gale, carrying icy raindrops, pelted the five people like countless fine steel needles.

The scorched wilderness rushed past beneath my feet.

The jagged rocks were partially obscured by the thick fog.

Like five arrows released from a bow, the five people raced towards Starfire Fortress, braving the raging wind and rain within the "Abyss".

"The situation at Starfire Fortress is very complicated." Wei Banmeng's cold voice pierced through the wind and rain, reaching Fang Qingyu's ears. She had obviously done a lot of research immediately after receiving the emergency notice. "As one of the largest strongholds in 'Abyss,' it is home to several powerful local forces. They will never sit idly by and watch the Thunder Source Essence be easily taken away by outsiders."

Fang Qingyu's expression remained unchanged; he simply tilted his head slightly to signal her to continue.

“First of all, there’s the Rustfire Brotherhood,” Wei Banmeng said quickly and clearly. “We met their Butcher at the Dark Pool last time. Their leader at Starfire Fortress is called Jinwei, nicknamed Madman, a martial arts master whose body has been modified to more than 90 percent degree!”

“Secondly, there’s the ‘Blackrock Council,’” she continued. “It’s a loose alliance of several ancient families and powerful lone wolves, operating in secrecy and controlling many of Starfire Fortress’s underground transactions. The one inside Starfire Fortress this time should be one of their ‘Shadow Councilors,’ codenamed ‘Ghost,’ Cang Ning. She is a Chosen One of the Shadow Path, with extremely bizarre abilities, adept at stealth and assassination, and very difficult to deal with.”

Finally, Wei Banmeng listed several other forces besides Deep Blue Heavy Industries.

These are all long-established forces that have been based in Xinghuo Fortress for many years.

They all possess second-tier combat power.

Fang Qingyu listened silently, and a outline of the opponents he was about to face formed in his mind.

Upon hearing that the Thunder Source Essence had appeared near Starfire Fortress, a massive stronghold teeming with diverse and powerful local forces.

I had already anticipated that this competition would not be easy.

To compete with these local bullies is tantamount to snatching food from a tiger's mouth.

Fang Qingyu tightened his grip on the Dragon Sparrow Slayer, his eyes growing colder and sharper.

But what about second-order?

For the sake of the Dragon Sparrow's advancement, whoever comes, will be slain!
The five of them sped up, leaving trails of afterimages in the wind and rain.

Finally, on the dim horizon where wind, rain, and thick fog intertwined, the outline of a massive steel fortress, resembling a crouching behemoth, gradually became clear.

Starfire Fortress!
The massive alloy gate resembled the fangs of a giant beast, and at its entrance stood fully armed guards with imposing presence.

However, just as Fang Qingyu and his group of five were about to reach the door.

Several figures dressed in sharp black suits, standing out from their surroundings, were already waiting under a sheltered shed on the side of the gate.

The leader was a middle-aged man with a sharp face and piercing eyes.

He spotted Fang Qingyu rushing towards him at a glance, and a warm and respectful smile instantly appeared on his face. He quickly stepped forward to greet him, completely ignoring the cold rain hitting him.

"Mr. Fang! Hello! I am Zhang Hong, senior consultant of DeepBlue Heavy Industry stationed in Xinghuobao."

He bowed slightly, adopting a very humble posture.

Fang Qingyu paused slightly, looking at the smiling stranger in front of him, his brows furrowing almost imperceptibly.

DeepBlue Heavy Industry?

They had met twice in the abyss; once, the other party silently retreated.

On one occasion, inside the ruins, the other party seemed to be on his side and even gave Wei Banmeng a business card.

But in the end, he didn't know anyone from this military industry giant, nor did he understand why the other party was making such frequent overtures, and even waiting here specifically for him.

"Is something wrong?"

Fang Qingyu's voice was flat, revealing no emotion.

Zhang Hong stepped closer, lowered his voice, and said with concern and a reminder, "Mr. Fang, news of the Thunder Source Essence has spread, and it's not just geniuses like you who are eyeing it."

“Even the local powerhouses in Starfire Fortress, and the lone wolf powerhouse who has caught wind of this, are on high alert. The situation is more complicated than you imagine! Deep Blue Heavy Industries still has some influence in Starfire Fortress and is definitely on your side! The most urgent task is to understand the situation clearly and make a long-term plan. Why don't we go inside and talk in detail?”

Fang Qingyu's gaze swept over Zhang Hong and his several equally dressed, composed entourage behind him.

He glanced again at the gate of Starfire Fortress, which resembled a gaping maw of abyss.

DeepBlue Heavy Industry's strength is beyond doubt. If it can become an asset rather than an obstacle, it can indeed save a lot of trouble.

Although the other party's purpose is unclear, obtaining accurate intelligence and reducing unnecessary losses are the key priorities at present.

Paying a price for a powerful ally and the opportunity to advance the Dragon Sparrow is a worthwhile trade.

Fang Qingyu hesitated for a moment, then nodded: "Lead the way."

"please!"

Zhang Hong's smile widened as he stepped aside to lead the way, while simultaneously showing the gate guard a special metal card.

The guard clearly recognized him and bowed respectfully before letting him pass.

Stepping through the heavy alloy gate of Starfire Fortress feels like instantly transporting you to another world.

Shocked!

This is the most direct feeling of Fang Qingyu and his group of five.

Completely different from the wasteland-style strongholds like Iron Anvil Fortress and Dingyuan Station
The interior of Starfire Fortress is like a building erected on the edge of an abyss.

A distorted and prosperous "underground city"!
The enormous space is supported by a massive alloy skeleton, which is divided into countless layers.

Like the previous two strongholds, the lowest level was a chaotic combination of slums and black markets.

But Zhang Hong led them up a high-speed elevator.

The landscape began to undergo a dramatic transformation.

In the middle area, the streets become wider and cleaner, with neat shops appearing on both sides.

Armed shops, basic medical service stations, and even a few neon-lit bars and casinos emitting loud music and noise.

And when the elevator reaches a position close to the top floor.

The moment the door opened, the sight before them made Chu Kuanglan and Lu Jiuyuan both gasp in shock.

luxurious!

The smooth, clean floor reflects soft artificial light, and the air, filtered multiple times, carries a faint scent of air freshener.

The wide streets are lined with well-decorated and brightly lit shop windows.

It displays exquisite equipment for the Fate Demon, and even rare fruits and drinks from the real world.
Well-dressed men and women with arrogant expressions strolled among them.

They are often accompanied by powerful and well-equipped guards.

There were even various cars weaving through the streets.
This is hardly an Abyss stronghold.

It's clearly a corner of paradise built on top of hell!
The stark contrast between the rich and poor and the strong sense of class division are palpable.

Zhang Hong led the five people through this luxurious area to a skyscraper that was clearly a landmark building.

Take another high-speed elevator decorated with the dark blue heavy industry logo to the top floor.

The elevator doors slid open silently, revealing an extremely spacious and open reception room.

The huge floor-to-ceiling windows offer a panoramic view of the churning thunderclouds and the steel jungle of Starfire Fortress.

The interior is decorated in the most luxurious way, with soft carpets, expensive furniture, abstract artworks on the walls, and the air filled with the aroma of fine cigars and coffee.

If it weren't for the perpetually leaden gray sky outside the window and the occasional pale flashes of lightning, one would almost think they had returned to a top-tier hotel suite in the real world.

"Mr. Fang! Welcome! Welcome! We've been waiting for you!"

A loud, enthusiastic voice, brimming with exaggerated surprise, rang out.

Immediately afterwards, a round figure wearing an expensive silk robe, like a bouncy ball, spread its arms wide, exuding a strong smell of cigars and perfume, and pounced on Fang Qingyu with a big smile.

Fang Qingyu was overwhelmed by the sudden enthusiasm and the other person's enormous shadow.

Almost out of martial arts instinct and the vigilance developed over a long time in the "Abyss," he subconsciously lifted his foot.
"boom!"

A muffled sound!
Donald's round body flew backward faster than it had lunged at him, crashing into a large, soft sofa behind him like a ball, sinking deep into it, and the sofa slid backward half a meter along with it.

The entire luxurious reception room fell into a deathly silence.

Wei Banmeng's eyes narrowed slightly, while Chu Kuanglan and Lu Jiuyuan gaped open, their faces showing a "Holy crap" expression.

Zhang Hong and his entourage kept their eyes down, seemingly oblivious to everything.

"Cough cough cough" A few seconds later, Donald struggled to sit up from the sofa, rubbed his fleshy chest where he had been kicked, and instead of being angry, he gave Fang Qingyu a thumbs up.

His smile remained dazzlingly bright: "Amazing! As expected of Mr. Fang! Even a casual kick has such power! I admire you! I admire you!"

Chu Kuanglan and Lu Jiuyuan, watching from behind Fang Qingyu, had their mouths twitching wildly.

He was internally screaming, "Is this the legendary ultimate simp?! He gets kicked and still smiles and praises you for kicking him?!"

Zhang Hong then stepped forward, a professional smile on his face.

He calmly introduced to Fang Qingyu, "Mr. Fang, this is Mr. Donald, the person in charge of Deep Blue Heavy Industry in Xinghuobao."

Fang Qingyu looked at Donald's smile, which was completely unconcerned and even carried a hint of "honor".

Even with his strong will, he felt somewhat speechless.

He nodded slightly, his voice carrying a barely perceptible hint of apology: "I'm sorry, Mr. Donald, it was just an instinctive reaction."

"Oh, it's alright! There's absolutely no need to apologize!"

Donald immediately waved his chubby hands, as if being apologized to was a terrible thing, "My bad, my bad! I was too excited! Come, come, Mr. Fang, gentlemen, please have a seat!"

He warmly invited everyone to sit down, as if the incident of being kicked away had never happened.

After Fang Qingyu and the others were seated on the comfortable leather sofas, the waiters served them fragrant hot drinks.

Donald's exaggerated smile subsided slightly.

Leaning slightly forward, he asked seriously, "Mr. Fang, how much do you know about the situation of the Thunder Origin Essence here at Starfire Fortress?"

Fang Qingyu picked up the coffee cup in front of him, took a sip, and found the taste to be surprisingly pure.

He put down his cup and said calmly, "I know a little bit."

Wei Banmeng's intelligence was timely, but that was all.

The deeper dynamics, the specific arrangements made by all parties, and whether there are any hidden powerful figures—these are the key factors.

Donald showed no surprise, as if he had already anticipated the depth of Fang Qingyu's intelligence.

He leaned back, his obese body bearing an expression of "I knew it," before bending down and taking out a thick, brown paper file folder with the dark blue heavy industry logo from under the large solid wood coffee table. He then solemnly pushed it in front of Fang Qingyu.

"Mr. Fang, you're facing quite a few opponents this time. Madman and Ghost are tough nut to crack. However..."

Donald's tone became extremely serious, even tinged with solemnity, "With the foundation and strength of Deep Blue Heavy Industries in Starfire Fortress, we can do our utmost to help you stop them, and even some other minor Grandmasters or Chosen Ones who might emerge, and secure for you the opportunity to face the Source Matter directly."

He paused, then pointed his chubby finger forcefully at the file folder: "But there's only one person we dare not stop, nor can we stop! He is the biggest obstacle to your journey! You must overcome him yourself!"

Fang Qingyu's eyes narrowed slightly as he reached for the file folder and untied the tangled cotton thread.

Inside were several pages of clearly printed, detailed information.

The homepage features a very clear photograph.

The photo shows a man who looks to be around thirty years old, dressed in a dark purple outfit with ancient cloud and thunder patterns, with a simple and ancient-looking long mace hanging from his waist, which faintly shimmers with electric light.

A single photograph evokes a sense of profound grandeur and imposing power.

Below the photo are several lines of eye-catching text.

Name: Wen Tianzong
Identity: Current member of the Wen family, devout follower of Wen Zhong (a righteous god of the Thunder Department) (follower level: candidate for god)
Core Competencies:

Divine Strike: Thunder Ancestor Descends to Earth, Divine Armament: Thunder Strike Mace.
Evaluation: One of the strongest combat forces of the Wen family within the "Abyss". Their mastery of thunder magic has reached a state of perfection, and their domain "Thunder Pool" has an overwhelming advantage over those of the same level.

There are a few more pages in the document.

The detailed records of Wen Tianzong's battle achievements and moves within the "Abyss" all attest to his fearsome reputation as "unparalleled in thunder magic".

Fang Qingyu flipped through the pages, his expression remaining calm throughout.

He then closed the document and put it back into the file folder.

Raising his eyes, he looked directly at Donald: "Why did Deep Blue Heavy Industries tell me this core intelligence, and even go to great lengths to stop the other second-tier beings for me? Also, why are they the only ones who dare not touch Wen Tianzong?"

Donald seemed to have been waiting for this question. Far from being intimidated by Fang Qingyu's sharp gaze, he chuckled and rubbed his chubby hands together: "Mr. Fang is indeed a man of few words! The reason is simple: investment!"

He leaned forward, his small eyes gleaming with shrewdness: "Deep Blue Heavy Industry is optimistic about your future! The potential you've shown makes it worthwhile for us to invest resources and forge this good relationship before you've fully risen to prominence! We don't need any promises from you now, we only hope that when you reach the pinnacle in the future, you'll remember this small contribution from Deep Blue Heavy Industry today, and at the appropriate time, give us some returns or conveniences within our capabilities. This is a long-term, mutually beneficial investment."

Fang Qingyu nodded slightly after listening.

This reason, though straightforward and pragmatic, actually makes it seem real and believable.

As a behemoth like DeepBlue Heavy Industry, its vision is naturally far-reaching.

"As for Wen Tianzong," Donald's smile faded, replaced by an expression of helplessness and apprehension. "Mr. Fang, haven't you noticed a strange phenomenon? This time, the appearance of the Thunder Source Essence has caused such a great stir, but apart from geniuses like you from the Hidden Dragon Project, have any of the major martial arts schools and families in the Federation, besides providing intelligence and logistical support, sent any established grandmasters or chosen ones into the 'Abyss' to compete for it?"

Upon hearing this question, Fang Qingyu's heart skipped a beat.

indeed!

Logically speaking, the Thunder Source Essence is extremely attractive to Grandmasters and Chosen Ones who cultivate Thunder-based techniques or possess related weaponry, and it's impossible that the Federation doesn't have such powerful individuals.

But apart from the young people in the Hidden Dragon Project, I haven't heard of any established figures joining.

On the Dragon Abyss Pavilion side, Pavilion Master Yan only sent a few of them, and there were no follow-up reinforcements.

"why?"

Fang Qingyu asked in a deep voice.

"Because the entrances and exits to the 'Abyss' are not entirely under the control of the Federation!" Donald said in a startling statement. "Ancient families like the Wen family have been operating deep within the 'Abyss' for many years, with deep roots and control over one or more independent 'Abyss' passages that belong only to them! The upheaval more than a decade ago prevented the Federation from sending third-tier beings into the 'Abyss' to stabilize the situation. In order to maintain the fragile balance within the 'Abyss' and avoid full-scale conflict, the Federation and the major strongholds within the 'Abyss' and the forces with independent passages reached an unwritten agreement more than a decade ago."

Donald took a deep breath, his tone filled with deep helplessness: "The Federation tacitly agrees that the various strongholds within 'The Abyss' will manage themselves and compete for resources, and in principle, will no longer send renowned Tier 2 or higher combat forces to intervene on a large scale. In exchange, these strongholds also need to maintain the stability of the passage to a certain extent and assist in curbing any major crises within 'The Abyss' that may threaten reality. Simply put, the Federation's reach within 'The Abyss' cannot extend too far!"

He looked at Fang Qingyu and said with a wry smile, "The Wen family has its own independent passage. There are even rumors that their family has a third-level ancestor who is cultivating in seclusion in a secret realm deep in the 'Abyss'."

"Although Deep Blue Heavy Industry has a huge influence in both the real world and the 'Abyss,' we dare not openly break this agreement or offend the Wen family too much in the Abyss, especially given that they have a third-tier foundation. If we stop Madman and Ghost, we can say it's business competition and resource competition, and everyone understands the unspoken agreement."

"But directly attacking the core members of the Wen family? That would be a completely different matter, it would cause an uproar!"

Fang Qingyu listened quietly, his fingers unconsciously stroking the cold hilt of the Dragon Sparrow Slayer Blade.

The federal compromise, the separatist regimes of local forces, the independent passage, and the chain reaction brought about by the events of more than a decade ago.
Then a strange look suddenly appeared on his face.

An idea quietly emerged.

Why do I feel like I'm about to become the old man's weapon to break the deadlock?
Elder Hong sent him to deal with the Nether Erosion in order to open up a passage for those at the third level to enter the "Abyss".

To restore order within the abyss.

At this moment, in this Starfire Fortress, facing the Wen family, a behemoth with its own independent passage and third-tier foundation, he seemed to be standing on the edge of challenging this agreement ahead of time.
Old ginger is spicier!
I wasn't ruthless enough when I spoke up.

Fang Qingyu felt a little regretful at this moment.

However, even if the old man hadn't assigned that task, he would still have had to confront those people head-on for the sake of the Thunder Source Essence.

That's nothing.

The old man probably knew this day would come sooner or later.

So I told him the situation in advance, which really made it impossible for him to feel disgusted.

but
A slow smile curved the corners of Fang Qingyu's lips.

To encounter such a genius.

He was extremely willing.

Wen Tianzong

Fang Qingyu murmured the name once, then calmly looked at the fat man.

"give it to me."

　Just a heads-up!
　　Although the daily output is said to be 20,000 words, in reality it starts at 23,000 words per day, and sometimes even reaches 27,000 words.
　　Then it's five chapters a day.

　　This is why my average subscriptions have been unable to increase.

　　Once the book is on the shelves, average daily subscriptions are a key metric for making recommendations.
　　So the current problem is how to maintain such a large volume of updates.

　　It seems I need to come to the conclusion.

　　Therefore, starting July 1st, I will be posting three chapters a day, each chapter containing 8,000 words.

　　I hope you can all understand.
　　Finally, I'd like to ask for your monthly votes! ~Hehe!~
　　
　
(End of this chapter)