Forty-nine rules of the end times

Chapter 323 Guan Tong's Birthday Party
Evening, Pinglu City.

The venue for Guan Tong's birthday party was a small courtyard provided by Shi Jingyi.

As the principal lecturer of the college, she was assigned a residence with a separate courtyard, which was much better than the treatment Guan Tong received as a temporary substitute teacher.

The six people who participated in the birthday party, including Guan Tong, had already gathered in the courtyard. The table was full of steaming hot food, all of which Xu Xiaotian had brought from the cafeteria.

Shi Jingyi prepared some light tea and beverages, since most of the people present did not drink alcohol.

"Come on, everyone, let's have a drink! Congratulations to Xiao Guan on turning twenty today!"

Wang Yan was the first to raise her glass. As the oldest among them, she took on the role of greeting others.

"Congratulations to my brother Tong! He's officially embarking on his journey to thirty today!"

"Happy birthday~"

After finishing her tea, Guan Tong said, "Thank you everyone. We're all good friends, so I won't bother with formalities."

"Hmm," Shi Jingyi said with a smile, "You're not very good at speaking, are you?"

After she returned to the academy, she heard many stories about Guan Tong from students and other teachers.

The common assessment of him is that he is "not talkative" and has a "cold expression".

She knew that Guan Tong wasn't cold; she just didn't like interacting with outsiders.

“Lecturer Jingyi is right,” Wang Yan said with a smile. “Xiao Guan is just not talkative. But that’s fine, he’s better than those who are always shouting.”

Hearing this, Xu Xiaotian chuckled awkwardly, "The auntie was probably referring to someone like me who's always making a fuss. But if I weren't so outgoing, I wouldn't have met Brother Tong in the first place. And I never imagined that the famous 'Shadow' would actually be Brother Tong!"

Guan Tong shook her head slightly: "'Shadow' is nothing special. A lot of the rumors outside are nonsense, don't believe them all."

Silver Fox then said, "That's true. Even some experts in the Countermeasures Research Office believe that 'Shadow' was created by an organization, not an individual."

Guan Tong was puzzled by this: "Don't you already know who I am?"

“Only a few people know about it; it hasn’t been fully disclosed in the research lab.” Silver Fox winked at him. “You don’t really think the person in charge will make it public, do you?”

Guan Tong understood Silver Fox's words after a moment's thought.

Even a well-organized and rigorous countermeasures research office is not immune to leaks.

With a large number of people in the research lab, and given the existence of remote communication mental tools like the "Secret Communication Scroll," unless shielding items are used constantly, anyone who wants to leak information will definitely be able to do so.

Similar incidents may have already occurred.

“It’s better not to make it public,” Shi Jingyi said to Guan Tong. “The tallest tree in the forest is the first to be felled by the wind. The more people who know your identity, the more dangerous your situation will become.”

Guan Tong nodded.

The group chatted while eating.

Because Guan Tong was the main character of this birthday party and the core of the group, the conversation almost entirely revolved around him.

However, as the conversations progressed, the others also got to know each other a little.

When talking about the incident that happened in Sakura Inori, Guan Tong also told the others why he initially went to Sakura Inori to seek revenge on Misawa Jun.

"So that's it!"

Silver Fox learned of the conflict that occurred during the struggle for the fragments of Qimo Star and suddenly understood.

"That's how the feud started. When Sakura mobilized the warships, we received the news, but we never expected it to be related to you."

Shi Jingyi remained silent. She thought about the attacks she and Guan Tong had suffered after the earthquake rules ended... Obviously, Guan Tong, who had already suffered such attacks twice, had a reason for choosing to live a secluded and unpredictable life.

"...Sakura Inori, or more precisely, the Mizawa family led by Mizawa Jun, has harbored ambitions to conquer the world from the very beginning. Fortunately, this was stopped in time; otherwise, if Mizawa Jun had been allowed to grow indefinitely, he would have become incredibly terrifying in the future."

Several people who were unaware of Yu Zechun's abilities were quite surprised after hearing Guan Tong's account.

"He actually has such a monstrous ability?!"

Xu Xiaotian was the most shocked.

This is not surprising; compared to his instant noodle props, Misawa Jun's bloodline power seems to be from a completely different dimension.

“His abilities and his identity complement each other,” Shi Jingyi said. “This kind of growth potential must be very weak in the early stages. Without the assistance of others or the protection of the organization, it is difficult to grow.”

"And Misawa Jun, who possesses this ability, happens to be a member of the ruling family of a country. This allows him to use most of the country's resources to feed himself and accelerate the growth of his ability. So in less than two years, he has become an existence that far surpasses ordinary Ascendants."

Several people nodded in agreement.

Shi Jingyi is right. Growth-oriented abilities require a long time and many resources to develop, and most people have to get through the initial stage, which is a very difficult process.

There aren't many people like Jun Misawa who have such unique advantages.

"It's really scary," Wang Yan sighed. "It's just that this kind of bad guy is so lucky. If it weren't for Xiao Guan and you guys stopping him, who knows how many more people he would have harmed."

“There will be more and more ambitious people like Jun Misawa in this era,” Silver Fox said. “So we must strike down every one we find. We must not let the world fall into the hands of these people.”

"Speaking of this...you all know about what happened in the Black Flag Kingdom, right?"

Upon hearing Xu Xiaotian mention this matter, Guan Tong said, "I know. Although I've been in Yingqi these past few days, I've also seen the news."

The parasite's takeover of Black Flag's territory and its declaration of establishing the Celi Kingdom was a massive, globally explosive event that dominated all news and social media platforms.

Even though Guan Tong was busy dealing with Yu Ze Chun's matter, she would definitely still know something about such an important matter.

"The faculty and students at the academy are all talking about this," Shi Jingyi said. "If this country really continues to exist..."

“That’s impossible,” Silver Fox said decisively. “Humanity will not allow extraterrestrial life forms to colonize it. I contacted the captain earlier, and North Star is urgently mobilizing a large number of troops, clearly heading towards Black Flag Country. The Human Alliance should also issue a joint statement soon.”

The captain Silver Fox mentioned was naturally Dragon Soul, who had been working with Zhang Minglu at the base and was able to learn about the latest official operations in a timely manner.

"Speaking of this matter..."

Silver Fox looked at Guan Tong.

"Misawa Jun is dead, your revenge is complete, and the matter of Sakura Inori is finally over. What are your plans now?" "Me?"

Guan Tong's original plan was to settle Ying Qi's matter and then go to Xisia to deal with Ye Lianka's brother. Alternatively, he could go to the chaotic region of the Tulip Federation to settle scores with Lucifer.

But now he wants to slow down.

Because the fifteenth rule is already in the works. Today is January 6th, and the new rule will be released in a little over a week, on the 15th.

With such a short time, it's better to rest and recuperate than to rush to an unfamiliar place.

On the one hand, it's about adjusting your mindset and finding areas for improvement.

On the other hand, Shangyuan Zi and he are already in an organization. Even if there are only two people in the organization, it still takes time for the two of them to sit down and discuss various details.

However, Silver Fox's question suggests that he has some ulterior motive.

Guan Tong countered, "I should probably rest for a bit. Is there anything I can help you with?"

"Take a break? Hmm... okay. I was just wondering if you'd like to continue collaborating with the research lab."

"Continue the cooperation?"

“Yes, the number of parasites in the Black Flag Nation is too large. Soldiers alone may not be enough. We will definitely need some powerful Ascendants to oversee it. I think if you are willing to go, the research lab will definitely agree and meet your needs and conditions.”

The others remained silent upon hearing this; it was not appropriate for outsiders to comment on such matters, as only the person involved could make the decision.

“Parasitic organisms are enemies that threaten the survival of all humanity,” Guan Tong said. “Since I am human, of course I will deal with them. However, given my current state, it might not be a good idea to go there immediately.”

As he spoke, he noticed that Shi Jingyi's gaze was solemn, as if she was thinking of something related, and he felt a little curious.

"Brother Guan, if you're tired, take a rest. Don't push yourself too hard," Chen Na said.

Wang Yan also chimed in, "Nana is right. The parasite issue is serious, but Xiao Guan, you're not made of steel. You just finished dealing with Ying Qi's important matter; you should take a break!"

"Yes, that's right. Sister Silver Fox, Brother Tong is running around all day, it's really not easy for him!"

Silver Fox smiled and shook his head: "I was just making a suggestion, there was no coercion involved, and besides, I have no power to force anyone... Come to think of it, Guan Tong, before the investigation team was established, you were constantly competing with Yu Ze Chun, and you put in a lot more effort than us, so it's only right that you take a break. I'll punish myself with a drink, don't take offense."

After she finished speaking, she picked up her teacup and drank it. Guan Tong didn't blame her; on the contrary, she understood.

If their roles were reversed, he would also want Silver Fox to go and help Black Flag Country. After all, if the parasite's nation-building efforts aren't completely destroyed, the harm it will cause in the future could be far greater than that caused by Misawa Jun.

No matter how ambitious or how monstrous Misawa Jun is, he's still human. But what exactly are those parasites? What planet did the spores come from, and what is their ultimate purpose in spreading? These are all unknowns.

Misawa Jun's purpose is easy for many to understand; he is nothing more than an "ambitious man with dreams of becoming the emperor," a trait that has been seen countless times throughout history.

The unknown that these parasites seek only intensifies human fear. This is because humanity's deepest fear is the fear of the unknown.

After dinner, the cake was served.

Everyone also brought out the birthday gifts they had prepared.

Chen Na was the first to take out a gift, which was a small square box.

Guan Tong opened it amidst her expectant gaze and found a watch inside. The strap and dial were both black, and it looked quite ordinary.

"watch?"

Everyone was somewhat surprised, and Xu Xiaotian scratched his head in disbelief.

Because watches have long been obsolete in this era, replaced by smart projection rings or other smart personal devices.

As for watches in this era, they were basically used only as ornaments and had little practical value. And based on Xu Xiaotian's understanding of Guan Tong, the latter had absolutely no interest in non-practical items like ornaments.
This can be seen from the fact that Guan Tong always wore the same clothes every time he saw her... Even if he could guess that the clothes were a mental power item, a person who cares about dressing up would change them often.

Guan Tong didn't pay any attention, and with a smile, she picked it up and put it on her left wrist. When she touched it, she noticed a panel popping up in front of her.

Without looking closely at the temporarily closed window, he asked, "Xiao Na, is this a mental power item?"

"Mmm!" Chen Na nodded repeatedly. "After I found out it was your birthday, Brother Guan, I spent a long time looking around in the market and then bought this super multi-functional watch!"

"Super multifunctional?" Xu Xiaotian asked curiously, "What functions does it have?"

"Hmm...it can be used as a flashlight, to indicate direction, to monitor various bodily data in real time, to test environmental gases, to detect radiation, and many other things!"

"Because I think Brother Guan travels all over the world a lot and encounters all kinds of environments, he might need a lot of small tools, so I chose this watch. What do you think, Brother Guan?"

Guan Tong nodded: "I really like it, it's very useful to me. Thank you, Xiao Na."

"Hehe, I'm glad you like it, Brother Guan."

"So many complex functions on one watch? That's really impressive! This watch must be expensive, right?" Xu Xiaotian asked.

Chen Na shook her head. Although she didn't mention the price, it certainly wasn't low.

Silver Fox chuckled, "Xiao Na, did you use up all the salary and subsidies the lab gave you?"

"How can there be..."

Guan Tong knew that the research lab paid out Ascension Coins as wages. And for Ascension users with exceptional abilities like Chen Na, their wages must be quite high, with additional subsidies likely for missions.

But such a prop watch with multiple practical functions must not be cheap. He patted Chen Na's head and did not offer to compensate her with sublimation coins, after all, it was a child's heartfelt gift.

"Thank you, Xiaona. I'll prepare an even better gift for you on your birthday."

"Wow, then I'll thank Brother Guan in advance, hehe."

"Sigh, compared to this, my gift is a bit embarrassing!" Xu Xiaotian sighed, and went to get his gift, which was a large cardboard box.

When he opened the box, the group was even more puzzled than when they saw the watch.

The cardboard box contained a bunch of instant noodles in buckets.

Under the silent gaze of everyone, Xu Xiaotian awkwardly scratched his head: "Um... this isn't ordinary instant noodles. It's a special kind of instant noodles that I made using my newly developed ability not long ago. It has special effects!"

(End of this chapter)