Ancient Ark: A Dark-Themed Historical Survival Game

Chapter 147 Zheng Dan's Feelings

Southern country.

Jiangnan East Road.

Su Qingmeng appeared in front of the Transport Commissioner's Office with her entourage.

Zhao Xuezhu: "Pei Jin, the transport commissioner of Jiangnan East Circuit, should have already received word that we are investigating him. This guy actually didn't run away."

Su Qingmeng calmly said, "Although Pei Jin is the leader of the largest believers in Jiangnan East Road, he has kept a very good distance from the outside world for many years and rarely takes action personally."

"As long as he doesn't actively expose himself, it will be difficult for outsiders to obtain information. Even if they do, it will be difficult to prove his identity as a follower. If he were to run away now, it would only make him seem guilty."

"Of course it's impossible for them to leave."

A slight smile appeared on Su Qingmeng's lips.

Since receiving Zhao Pu's assignment.

The acting captain of the Wentian once again demonstrated exceptional execution and efficiency, finding and dismantling several Yellow Robe Secret Cult strongholds near Jiangzhou and eliminating nearly twenty lurking believers in just a few days.

Nightmare tsunami.

An outbreak is imminent.

These outposts are all potential threats to the Wentian spacecraft.

Su Qingmeng's timely dismantling of them at the last minute will undoubtedly greatly reduce the pressure on the Wentian ship when facing the tsunami.

but.

not enough.

The target we're dealing with today is quite special.

This person is the transport commissioner of Jiangnan East Circuit.

This world followed the Tang system. The highest official of the Dao-level administrative region in the Southern Dynasties was the Guancha Shi, commonly known as Dao Yin, who was responsible for inspecting and supervising the local area and also in charge of civil and military affairs.

Below the Dao Yin.

The Transport Commissioner and the Pacification Commissioner held the most real power.

The Pacification Commissioner was responsible for managing and dispatching troops and was the Dao Yin's deputy in military and political affairs.

The Transport Commissioner was responsible for coordinating finances and grain transport, and held overall financial power over the entire circuit. He was the deputy to the Circuit Governor in charge of civil affairs.

Pei Jin was a man of outstanding political achievements, high position and great power, and also a highly respected figure.

According to the information provided by Xiao Yu, he is actually a deeply hidden Deep Sea believer, and also the highest-ranking person in the entire Jiangnan East Road.

The most crucial believers in the deep sea.

Because of his special status and authority, Pei Jin was able to provide supplies and transportation convenience to believers during their preparations for the tsunami.

In this way...

Various core materials.

It can be continuously sent to the branch altar.

Once the Nightmare Tsunami erupts, each branch altar can immediately respond. Not only can they summon a large number of monsters through the Nightmare Altar, but they can also construct formations or provide teleportation points for the Corruption to descend.

Extremely dangerous!

According to the information provided by Xiao Yu.

Pei Jin is the most valuable believer.

Among the known believers, his strategic value is second only to Li Chengye.

This operation is the most important one in Su Qingmeng's current mission.

Jiang Xiaoxia was somewhat worried: "Although Transport Commissioner Pei Jin is a believer, it would be very difficult to take action against someone of that caliber without evidence!"

Zhao Xuezhu said with a serious expression, "Indeed, this time is different!"

Although Su Qingmeng had already led her subordinates to destroy several secret altars before this, the existence of these altars was irrefutable proof, so a group of believers could be quickly eliminated.

There could not possibly be any trace of esoteric Buddhism within Pei Jin's office or the Transport Commissioner's office, and Pei Jin himself has been employed only a handful of times in the past decade or so.

Such high-ranking figures should either remain inactive to avoid alerting the enemy, or once they decide to take action, they must do so decisively and resolutely, otherwise they will inevitably suffer a backlash!

"Don't worry."

Su Qingmeng had not yet spoken.

A soft, heavenly voice rang out.

There were two figures beside Su Qingmeng who were covered by large straw hats and cloaks.

Although the two women concealed their figures and faces, Xia could easily identify them.

They were not the ancestors.

Not the chosen one.

These are the two heroic spirits of Xi Shi and Zheng Dan.

Xi Shi continued, "Our master sent us here to assist him precisely to solve this problem."

Xia felt reassured upon hearing this. This matter had the support of her senior. Since her senior knew about it and sent help in advance, it must be foolproof and without any surprises.

The group entered the transfer office.

Pei Jin was already waiting in the main hall of the yamen.

This was an elderly man around sixty years old with a lean and refined appearance, dressed in official robes, with a gentle demeanor, and showing no signs of abnormality.

"I am Pei Jin, the Transport Commissioner of this region. I was unaware of your presence and apologize for not being able to greet you properly!"

Pei Jin said gently, "Regarding Miss Su's matter, the Dao Yin and the Shangshu Academy have already informed you in advance. Please feel free to ask if you need anything; the entire Cao Si (Grain Transport Department) will provide full support in terms of manpower and resources!"

Su Qingmeng said calmly, "Alright, Lord Pei, there's no need to pretend."

Pei Jin: "What do you mean?"

"Lord Pei, you yourself are the biggest Yellow Robe Spy."

Su Qingmeng emphasized, "We came here to capture you!"

"What?!"

Pei Jin's expression changed drastically.

Although I knew that the chosen one was up to no good, I didn't expect the other party to be so direct.

After a brief moment of surprise.

His face quickly darkened.

Pei Jin had become a follower of the Yellow Robe Secret Sect thirty years ago, but the number of times he had awakened over the years would not exceed ten.

Although he didn't know where the Chosen One had obtained the information, he was confident that his concealment was flawless and without any loopholes.

Pei Jin said in a deep voice, "For decades, I have worked diligently to manage finances, ensure smooth water transport, and provide disaster relief for the Southern Kingdom. I dare not say that I have rendered meritorious service to the nation, but I have never failed the court!"

His voice gradually rose in pitch.

"Although Miss Su is the captain of the Wentian and has received special privileges granted by the Imperial Academy, I am an official appointed by the imperial court, in charge of a destiny shift. How can you become a believer in the Deep Sea based on just a few words from you?"

Pei Jin suddenly flicked his sleeve.

"Without evidence, it's a frame-up!"

The expressions of all the officials in the Transport Commissioner's Office changed, and many of them looked at Su Qingmeng and her group with obvious surprise and distrust.

Pei Jin has been operating in Jiangnan East Circuit for many years and has an excellent reputation. He is good at managing finances and winning people's hearts. Unless there is irrefutable evidence, who would dare to touch him easily?

With a whoosh.

Dozens of armored soldiers poured into the hall.

Clang!

The sword was drawn.

Their movements were synchronized, unlike those of ordinary yamen runners.

Zhao Xuezhu's eyes turned cold as she gripped the gun barrel tightly. Frost condensed on the tip of the gun, and an extremely cold aura spread outwards.

"The Wentian team is on a mission to investigate a case. Unauthorized personnel should not cause trouble."

1

A young transfer officer stepped forward.

"Lord Pei is an official appointed by the imperial court. Without solid evidence, we will never stand idly by and watch him be framed without cause!"

Several other clerks gathered behind them, all displaying a united front against the enemy, making the atmosphere in the yamen hall extremely tense.

Jiang Xiaxia became nervous.

She could sense that few of these soldiers and clerks were believers; the vast majority genuinely supported Pei Jin.

This is the most troublesome part.

You can easily find yourself in a passive position.

A hint of mockery flashed deep in Pei Jin's eyes. He wanted to see how these chosen ones would end up, and he would take this opportunity to suppress them.

"Captain Su, I was going to give you some face," he said, his tone turning cold. "But today's matter is of great importance. If you don't give me an explanation, you won't be able to leave so easily."

"Explain?"

Su Qingmeng smiled slightly.

She said, "You believers are all very good at hiding things. I don't have solid evidence, but that doesn't matter. That doesn't stop us from exposing you."

"What?"

"There is no empirical evidence!"

"This is utterly outrageous!"

"Does being chosen by fate mean one can do whatever one wants?"

'

""

The soldiers and civil officials were collectively enraged, but before they could react, a strange staff appeared in Su Qingmeng's hand.

The staff is shaped like a withered vine intertwined with bones, with a cloudy crystal embedded at the top. Inside the crystal, tiny tendrils seem to be slowly wriggling.

The Staff of the Chaos Believer.

Level 10 Blue Superior Equipment!

A dark, viscous beam of light, seemingly capable of eroding the soul and spirit, shot out from the tip of the staff in an instant, then spread out like an umbrella to envelop Pei Jin.

The light of corruption!

This technique has no actual offensive power, but it can greatly weaken the target's mental and spiritual resistance, making it much more effective when attacked by mental and spiritual magic.

Pei Jin's heart sank.

He seemed to realize something.

"You dare attempt to control me with evil magic? Guards, seize me!"

At this moment, a flute melody rang out, its sound so soft it was like moonlight falling on the water, or like the night rain in Jiangnan pattering on the bluestone steps.

Everyone was stunned. The dark wooden beams and pillars around them turned into shadows reflected in the water, and the ground rippled with cool light. The surrounding walls slowly receded into the distance.

The silver moon rises silently.

Xi Shi stepped forward.

Her cloak fell down without any wind.

A face that could topple kingdoms and captivate all, yet possessed a faint divine radiance.

She was dressed in white, her clothes reflecting the clear moonlight, her long hair as black as ink, her skin as white as snow, and her white jade flute glowing slightly.

All the soldiers stood frozen in place, unable to move. Seeing this, Pei Jin decided to take action himself. However, as soon as he took a step, the water rippled beneath his feet, causing his figure to be pulled and split apart by countless reflections.

Ahead, there seemed to be more than a dozen Su Qingmengs, more than a dozen Zhao Xuezhus, and more than a dozen Xi Shis.

Every attack only hits a fleeting dream; everyone is so close yet so far away, and no matter what means are used, they cannot touch her even a fraction.

The flute melody shifted.

No longer desolate.

It becomes tender, profound, and soft, like a gentle dream that is irresistible.

Xilan's eyes turned purple, and Pei Jin felt an unprecedented and terrifying spiritual force coming from her. This force could even penetrate the mind and directly enter the depths of the soul.

He instinctively wanted to resist, but Xilan was everywhere; the moon in the sky was her, the water under his feet was her, and the fog all around him was her, so there was no way to avoid her.

"Five Souls Control the Heart!"

When Zilan's most terrifying secret technique erupts, it's like a sharp silver needle, piercing through all mental defenses and nailing into the depths of the soul.

Pei Jin's eyes were glazed over.

Dark gold dragon scales appeared on its face.

The arms began to deform and turn into dragon claws.

A surge of energy erupted from within him, enveloping his body.

This energy was cold, filthy, and carried an oppressive aura that instilled instinctive disgust. It was filled with a profound sense of pollution, like a rotten yellow robe draped over one's body.

"Lord Pei!"

The civil officials and soldiers all regained their senses.

They were stunned when they saw Pei Jin's dark gold vertical pupils and his body covered in dragon scales.

They are believers!

Lord Pei Jin is truly a believer!

"The abyss descends, the yellow robes cover the world—everyone must die!"

Pei Jin's expression turned ferocious and hysterical. He used the last bit of his remaining will to resist, and with a swing of his claw, he instantly unleashed a powerful energy, but it was blocked by a green-clad figure wielding two swords.

Zheng Dan's cloak also quickly slipped off.

Clad in green and silver armor, with a fiery physique, he held swords in both hands, his eyes radiating a chilling killing intent.

"So strong!"

When Zhao Xuezhu witnessed the two top beauties, Xilan and Zheng Dan, fighting each other, she felt a profound shock.

Su Qingmeng also breathed a sigh of relief.

Why did she dare to expose Pei Jin's identity as a follower without any evidence? Her greatest honor was Xi Lan!

Xiao Yu has been cultivating recently.

This greatly strengthened New Zealand.

Xilan had already awakened the "Innate Charm" talent, and all her mental skills, especially her charm skills, had extremely high power. Furthermore, with the Water Moon Illusion as the foundation, the strength of her "Five Souls Control" was unimaginable!

of course.

Charm skill.

It is extremely difficult to use.

New Zealand has just advanced to level 12 in the knowledge section.

Pei Jin, as a civil official, is far inferior to Li Chengye, a frontline military general, in terms of cultivation level. However, once he unleashes the power of the Yellow Robe Believers, his overall strength can reach that of a level 16 rare lord.

The difference in cultivation level is significant.

With New Zealand's current capabilities.

Although it is not impossible to charm and control.

But the success rate is definitely not very high.

Su Qingmeng used the Light of Corruption to weaken Pei Jin's resistance in order to pave the way for Xilan to use Soul Control, thereby further increasing the success rate.

It turns out.

The strategy was very successful.

Xilan successfully charmed Pei Jin, thereby gaining absolute control over him and manipulating him to use the power of the believer.

No evidence?

It doesn't matter.

New Zealand's unreasonable and soul-searching manipulation exposes its true nature in an undeniable way.

Of course, the success of this operation was due to two crucial and indispensable prerequisites.

Firstly, the believer is within Xilan's range of abilities. If Pei Jin's strength were at Li Chengye's level, it would be almost impossible for Xilan to successfully charm him given his current cultivation and abilities.

Secondly, believers must be in a state of awakening, which is an even more crucial prerequisite.

Once believers go into hibernation.

Their self-hypnosis can even deceive their own memories and souls. Under such circumstances, even if the seduction is successful, the power of the believer within the body cannot be activated.

In other words.

In normal times.

It is almost impossible to force a believer like Pei Jin to reveal himself, because he will remain in a dormant state and will not even know that he is a believer.

however.

The nightmare is about to erupt.

Su Qingmeng judged that Pei Jin's role as the transport commissioner of Jiangnan East Circuit was extremely crucial, and he would definitely have a brief awakening to facilitate the operation of the various secret altars.

The time window is extremely short.

Su Qingmeng seized the opportunity decisively.

Therefore, the two beautiful women who wash clothes were invited to help them forcibly expose the believers.

have to say.

This move was extremely clever. By completely controlling Pei Jin, Xi Lan obtained the altar guards around him from his memories and then charmed these believers.

It only took about ten minutes in total.

The Jiangnan East Road Transport Office, led by Pei Jin, had a total of [number missing] believers arrested by the Porcelain Department, but the entire process did not result in any losses.

"Thank you both so much for your help!" Su Qingmeng, Xi Shi, and Zheng Dan expressed their gratitude: "We will definitely repay you handsomely after this mission is completed!"

Theoretically, New Zealand can control an unlimited number of targets for an infinite amount of time.

Her allure has no time limit.

It cannot be dispersed.

However, maintaining this process requires a constant expenditure of mental energy, so although theoretically it is a perfect control with unlimited quantity, unlimited time, and cannot be dispelled, there is definitely a soft upper limit in actual operation.

The believers were captured alive.

Its value is definitely far higher than killing.

Su Qingmeng immediately led her subordinates to escort Pei Jin. She needed to maximize the value of the attack within the limited time and make it play a greater role.

The missions of Xilan and Zhengdan have been completed.

They parted ways with Su Qingmeng and the others.

The two women watched Su Qingmeng and the others leave thoughtfully.

Zheng Dan: "Sister Xilan, what's your opinion of Su Qingmeng?"

Xilan commented, "Su Qingmeng truly deserves to be one of Master's capable assistants. Her strength and ability are growing at a very fast pace, and she is likely to become a pivotal figure in Muzhou in the future."

Zheng Dan said, "She is also a rare beauty, and she may become one of our sisters in the future."

Xilan was taken aback: "Sisters?"

She clearly didn't react immediately.

Zheng Dan said earnestly, "Sister Xilan, a master like you is destined to attract many women. It's not strange that you have some women around you. You're not jealous, are you?"

Xi Lan looked slightly embarrassed: "I just wanted to stay by my master's side; I had no other intention of attacking him."

Zheng Dan's eyes widened: "Don't you like your master?"

Zheng Dan was so direct.

Xilan blushed slightly: "I just hadn't thought about these things. After all, we are merely spirit beings, born from the history of China, born to save the history of China. It's better not to overstep our bounds."

Zheng Dan: "I don't care, I must become my master's woman! Although we are spirits with our own missions to fulfill, we also have karmic connections and the seven bonds of desire. What's wrong with falling in love with my master?!"

Although Xilan already knew that Zheng Dan greatly admired his master.

But this is the first time it has been expressed so directly.

Compared to Zheng Dan, who is straightforward and passionate.

New Zealand was clearly much more reserved.

The pseudo-spirit body has many limitations, but if one's cultivation level is high enough, these limitations are not insurmountable. Theoretically speaking, a pseudo-spirit can not only become a partner, but also a companion of the chosen one.

The two women did not stay for long.

To conserve the power of the false spirit, it immediately returned to its master's side.

Zheng Dan: "Master, mission accomplished! With Sister Xilan's help, Miss Su has successfully captured Pei Jin!"

Xiao Yu wasn't on the Wentian Ship at the moment, but was farming monsters in the polluted area, and also testing out his latest war bow.

"here you go!"

Xiao Yu casually rewarded the two with a portion of his essence.

"Thank you, Master!"

Facing a beautifully crafted white cloth armor and wielding a magnificent black war bow, Xilan was relentlessly reaping the figures of wild monsters with an almost slaughterful style.

I couldn't help but recall Zheng Dan's words.

A stirring within me couldn't help but appear.

However, I didn't think much of it.

Suddenly, the world changed.

No matter where in this world.

Everyone clearly felt the light being swallowed up by some kind of force.

The whole world quickly plunged into darkness, as if the sky had been filtered through a deep red lens, or as if it had been soaked in blood in an instant.

If you look closely at the sky, you will find that many twisted vortices and ripples emerge from the depths of the celestial dome, just as a calm water surface becomes a torrent when hit by a rainstorm.

"This is—a special celestial omen preceding the eruption of the Dream Transformation!"

Xiao Yu frowned slightly upon seeing this scene. The Nightmare Howl, driven by the profound energy, seemed to be about to descend upon the past, which would be a loss of one to two days compared to expectations.