Legend of the chosen ones: Beyond Destiny

It's unclear whether it's a dragon or a snake, but there was no contact.

Nor was there the anticipated difficulties and rejection.

In the tallest building in the center of Tower City, the seventy-one-story luxury resort hotel, on the topmost terrace, the champagne pyramid reflected shimmering lights.

Amid soft music, laughter was endless.

Servants with slightly dark skin and curly hair courteously carried food and wine glasses through the crowd, elegantly handing over items needed by the guests, then gracefully retreating to inconspicuous corners.

A typical cocktail party.

In the harmonious atmosphere, everyone wore a humble yet warm expression, even with enthusiastic smiles, occasionally emitting the deep, bass-rich laughter of old money that makes a poor man's wallet tremble.

The laughter almost triggered Ji Jue's PTSD.

Under the illumination of crystal chandeliers, everything seemed overlaid with a golden edge, the cheerful atmosphere resembling a scene from Heaven.

People came and went at the banquet, more than Ji Jue had imagined, like a big company holding a year-end meeting, and in reality, it's not much different.

All the notable figures around Tower City gathered at this banquet, elegantly greeting each other, suppressing the hatred in their hearts and the disdain in their eyes, having washed the blood off their hands, they came to listen to the 'indoctrination'.

Yes, indoctrination.

After all, the nature of this banquet was not much different from a press conference, except that it was not aimed at the public, but at all the attendees, and the groups, institutions, and organizations they represented!

This banquet, five minutes after it began, could be said to have ended.

Upon the invitation of Mr. Shaban, CEO of Zhengrong Group, Major General Fan Yun from the Federation's Tower City Garrison Base and Duke Pasarella from the Imperial Garrison Base delivered a joint speech.

In the brief talk, both sides politely praised the improvement and stability of the Central Earth situation in recent years and expressed recognition and appreciation for each other's work. At the end of the speech, both sides unanimously stated that in the future, greater efforts would be made to invest human and material resources, work harder to maintain order, improve public security, and fully ensure the stable output of the Fuel Element and non-ferrous metal industries, moving towards a bright future etc.

There's a lot of nonsense that can be ignored, and only the last part is the real purpose, the external statement of attitude.

In simple terms, the first is supply, and the second is stability.

No matter life or death, nothing else matters, just increase production, expand output, and boost exports!

No matter what happens, don't frickin' delay my Fuel Element and mineral supplies, even if the sky falls! Otherwise, don't blame me for not giving face!

Amid applause and praises, everyone happily welcomed the escalating extraction and exploitation.

In the crowd, Ji Jue clapped along, blending into the atmosphere, without any awkwardness.

At this critical moment, to maintain surface stability, forcefully suppress all contradictions, while increasing exports and output, no mention of how many will die in the mines and Fuel Element oil fields, for the Central Earth situation, it's nothing but drinking poison to quench thirst, adding fuel to the fire!

What is called peace is merely a bloodletting and lingering death conducted by the Federation and the Empire hand in hand before the arrival of war...

Those who attended, more or less, had already received the news in advance.

Instead of any mournful expressions, everyone was beaming with joy, filled with gratitude, basking in the light bestowed by the Federation and the Empire, as if they had been touched by the sun, shedding tears of emotion uncontrollably.

After finishing their speech, the two commanders were surrounded by praises from their subordinates and went to a dedicated resting room, and the reason everyone was still gathered here, waiting for the end of the banquet, was just to kill time while waiting for a possible summons from the resting room.

Whoever leaves last, the bigwigs above might not know, but whoever leaves first, everyone will definitely remember clearly—do you have a problem with the great decision to maintain peace and order?!

Even though this was Ji Jue's first time attending such a banquet, he didn't feel neglected in any way.

Even if Ji Jue remained unknown in this land, the rumors of Sea Tide Military Industry opening the market had long circulated throughout Tower City.

Moreover, the tricycles, vans, and refrigerators of Coastal Industry weren't just ordinarily widespread...

In everyone's eyes, these two things were completely combined, assuming Ji Jue intended to repeat his past tactic!

Just like when the Coastal Automobile Factory once returned to the military industry domain, wanting to break through from the civilian sector, accumulate advantages, then compete in the local market, and rapidly expand by involving in conflict.

No way, it looks too familiar!

The same deed, Ji Jue had already done it once, no need to mention others, even if Ji Jue really wanted to do it, this is also the most familiar track and route for him, and he doesn't mind repeating it.

"Mr. Ji, you are truly accomplished at such a young age, a Heavenly Artisan so young, many masters from Central Earth remember you fondly and highly praise you."

The black, chubby man with a turban shook Ji Jue's hand, his smile hearty and friendly: "If you are interested in selling works, please do consider me first!"

The speaker was Shaban, the host of the banquet, the actual Controller of Zhengrong Group, and the Dragon Head of Desert Market in Tower City—showing no sign of haughtiness or rejection, brimming with enthusiasm.

As for what was said... Ji Jue felt that maybe craftsmen reminiscing about him might be true, but highly praising him… that's definitely bullshit.

Does Ji Jue not know himself?

Do craftsmen not understand each other?

Never mind how fake the praise amongst craftsmen is, Ji Jue knows very well how dirty craftsmen can curse each other, have you seen fifteen consecutive 60-second voice messages? Ji Jue's seen plenty!

"Certainly, certainly, next time for sure!" Ji Jue shook his hand, smiling broadly as if he had met his long-lost brother, already starting to say auspicious words!

Perhaps everyone at the banquet saw him as a thorn in their side, but not Shaban. To Shaban, he was the key KPI source for the year, a benevolent force sent from above to boost the local economy.

It didn't matter who came to the Desert Market.

Whether Tower City was in chaos or not, the local Desert Market didn't have the final say, but regardless, the local Desert Market would definitely profit the most.

No matter whose order came his way, he would take it, earning from both sides, and could even sell intelligence for a third profit.

He remained absolutely neutral unless it involved the Desert Market's decisions, and without the chief's orders, he would never lean toward any side.

Even if Chen Xingzhou made a fortune with his shipping trade, it was the same.

As the host of the banquet, he enthusiastically introduced Ji Jue to the guests attending, but was interrupted just after introducing two people.

A gaunt military man with pale skin stepped out of the private room and walked straight toward them, with ghostly red eyes exuding a terrifying pressure.

"Major Li, care for a drink?" Shaban cheerfully handed over a glass of champagne.

"No, thank you."

Major Li glanced at the glass, then his gaze fell on Ji Jue's face. After a moment of staring, he indifferently withdrew and said, "Follow me."

"Looks like this is General Fan's intention."

Shaban smiled broadly, patting Ji Jue on the shoulder: "Congratulations, Mr. Ji, you just arrived and have already caught the general's attention."

"I'm ashamed, unworthy."

Ji Jue smiled, then followed behind Major Li, crossing the hall to the front of a private room. The major glanced at him before turning away, leaving a single word behind, "Wait."

After a long time, the door finally opened.

A local man with a long beard was being seen off with unusual courtesy, full of thanks as he took his leave, his expression dazed, face pale, almost stumbling as he walked away.

"You must be Ji Jue, right?"

The general seeing off the guest smiled warmly and waved: "Come in, sorry to keep you waiting."

"General Fan is busy with a multitude of affairs; waiting a bit is nothing." Ji Jue continued to smile.

He appeared to be an older man, with a crew cut touched with streaks of silver like steel needles, but his skin was somewhat slack. Walking was a bit unsteady, supporting himself with a cane, limping along.

This was Major General Fan Yun, the military commander of the Tower City Garrison Base, one of the key figures in both the Military Department and Central Earth.

"Make yourself comfortable, sit down, we are all on the same side."

The general leaned back on the sofa, took a sip from his wine glass: "Xiao Lv has specifically mentioned you to me. Back when she served in Central Earth, I personally guided her, didn't expect after all these years... My secretary told me about your appointment, I thought since you're here, might as well meet you."

Ji Jue bowed his head, maintaining a respectful demeanor:

"Thank you for your concern."

"Indeed, you have Xiao Lv's look when you smile."

Fan Yun glanced over, sighed: "I see you as a restless one, but Central Earth is different from other places. If you suffer setbacks, you need to learn to be cautious."

"You're absolutely right."

Ji Jue nodded, as if hearing heavenly music, full of approval and gratitude.

"She likes to gamble, always going all-in once she finds an opportunity, her favorite being snatching chestnuts from the fire.

With the backing of the Security Bureau and military support, she's been invincible all these years. But this time, getting involved in the Li and Di Family affairs is too reckless.

I'm getting old, retiring in a few years, really don't want to get tangled in this nonsensical stuff. Your matters, you handle them yourselves."

Fan Yun was straightforward and candid: "The taste in Central Earth might not be to your liking, but the fare at the Tower City base is quite nourishing. If the outside food doesn't suit you, come back to rest early.

Enough of this old man going on, it's just annoying. It's good for young people to venture and explore. As for what comes next, adapt accordingly."

As one of the Federation's representatives in Central Earth, Fan Yun had no need to be evasive with a small player like Ji Jue, nor any intention to get involved in local military and regional affairs.

From such a high vantage point, one has the privilege to observe the tides and watch the drama unfold.

After speaking, he raised his glass, tilted his head back, and drank it down.

He was sending Ji Jue off.

Ji Jue also lifted his whiskey, poured it into his mouth, stood up, and politely bid farewell, retaining his decorum.

He completed this audience of sorts.