Legend of the chosen ones: Beyond Destiny

As the door gently closed, Ji Jue's footsteps faded away.

In the silence of the room, the assistant pouring wine glanced in the direction he left and remarked with a sigh, "Indeed, a young man's sharp edge shows. It seems Hai Province truly intends to have a hand in Central Earth."

"Central Earth is unlike any other place. That little fox Lv Yingyue can't be unaware of it. If you ask me, there's an eighty to ninety percent chance they plan to use him as a pawn."

Fan Yun paused for a moment and snorted, "And this one, I'm afraid, is also restless. Whether he understands his situation or not, he probably came to Central Earth ready to cause some trouble."

Over the years, military industry representatives came one after another, died one after another, leaving in varied and dazzling manners. He's seen it all.

From the first glance at Ji Jue, he didn't take him as someone who would understand his limits after a scolding or two.

Such people, seemingly humble, are actually arrogant to the point of disregarding others. When they bow their heads to listen to others, their minds are only filled with their own schemes and plans.

The scent of ambition is almost overflowing.

Such people often die the fastest in Central Earth, create the most chaos, and make the biggest noise!

"Could it be just a leisurely move by Guardian Lv?" The assistant wondered.

"Whether it is or isn't, it's meaningless, anyway, it's none of my business."

Fan Yun raised his double portion of whiskey, tilted his head back, and drained it in one go, "If he truly knows what's good for him, he should stay in the base obediently, circle around and leave after enduring enough time, by then Central Earth will surely be full of good people.

But coming in with such force, without even pretending, do the others really allow him room?

Since Lv Yingyue dared to meddle in the Military Department's infighting, sided with the Di Family, then the Li Family won't tolerate him. If Hai Chao wants to expand, eating more means others eat less, and his peers won't tolerate him either.

Before that, will those local agents whose markets Ji Jue has gnawed on, those warlords and arms dealers, really tolerate him?

He hasn't even taken a single step, yet he is already at odds with everyone in the world. If this youngster truly stirs things up, who knows what kind of turmoil will arise."

Fan Yun squinted, sighed lightly, "If he really causes such a commotion that it becomes unmanageable, I'm afraid my place won't accommodate him either."

The sound of knocking echoed once more.

Thus, Fan Yun raised his glass again.

.

.

Clearly, before entering, everyone wore smiles, but upon leaving, their expressions seemed to change, as if tinged with a hint of respect, a touch of caution, or perhaps, a sliver of malice...

For Ji Jue to meet Fan Yun so quickly, in a way, it truly reflects his capabilities. After all, to see this General, many people wait in line for months without even a glimpse.

Without a doubt, this is also a representation and a statement from the garrison base, even a sign of permission.

Having met Fan Yun and not being driven out of Central Earth, still able to sway around with a wine glass, means Ji Jue has already obtained some kind of invisible 'visa,' allowing him to conduct certain aspects of business in Central Earth.

He's truly obtained a ticket to the games of Central Earth.

The smiling Shaban appeared once again, offering friendly greetings and developing new clients, subtly probing the contents of their meeting.

In such a public venue.

Much like a crosstalker, willingly offering the cue.

Ji Jue immediately beamed with joy, yet modestly, using a deliberate display that anyone could read, containing his pride, merely giving a casual smile: "Nothing much, just some elders' guidance and advice to a younger generation.

Worried that I couldn't take care of myself, inviting me back to the base for meals more often. Ah, I'm truly well taken care of, it warms the heart, the General's kindness is endless!"

For a moment, Shaban's expression became even more vibrant.

As if in admiration.

You kid, you really know how to brag!

However, the banquet isn't over, the General's lounge is right next door, would Ji Jue dare to talk nonsense? Besides, isn't what he said the truth? Didn't the General offer guidance and care? Didn't invite him to the base for a meal?

Whatever he said to me is what he said, how you all interpret it is your business!

Just go ahead, go ahead!

Get in on it first, then we'll talk!

"To be so valued by the General, boundless prospects, boundless prospects indeed." Shaban patted Ji Jue's hand warmly, sincerely congratulating him.

Whether there's any exaggeration, he doesn't care, isn't it just lifting each other on a flowery sedan chair, what's wrong with a few compliments?

The two engaged in a fluent exchange of banter.

Amidst the joyous laughter, the rising hostility beneath those smiling faces was like needles, piercing through, some even unabashedly.

Ji Jue seemingly casually glanced back, at the burly man in another crowd.

Their gazes met for an instant.

He looked like an Imperial, yet bore a Central Earth-style stubbly beard.

His expression was indifferent, appraising Ji Jue's appearance, yet one eye was already blind, replaced with a prosthetic, reflecting the cold light under the illumination.

Above and below the eye socket, was a sprawling, fierce scar.

Emotionless, he raised his glass, drained it.

As if toasting.

After a final glance, he withdrew his gaze indifferently and turned away.

Instantly, Ji Jue became curious, "Who is this?"

"Hmm? You don't know?"

Shaban seemed taken aback too, looking at Ji Jue, confirming his puzzled expression wasn't feigned, and couldn't help but shake his head, "Mr. Ji, your level of vigilance, it's somewhat too low?"

Ji Jue's curiosity deepened, "Please, enlighten me."

"Starting to freeload now, huh? I must say, your reputation in the Desert Market isn't exactly positive. But well, it's rare to hit it off like this, so I'll give you this intel as a gift."

Shaban chuckled: "That Mr. Mudahka is quite a local figure, a broker with wide connections and channels, bridging the gap for various sides and quite influential. He's also an agent for some groups from the Empire here."

"At odds with me?"

Ji Jue was puzzled since he'd never been to the Empire and barely knew anyone from there. If there were grudges, they would be within the Association, not spilling outside, right?

"..." Shaban's eyes grew increasingly strange: "Did you see his blind eye?"

"Yes."

"Back in the day, when he served in the Imperial Army, it was Guardian Lv who stabbed him, leaving him utterly defeated and barely alive. The shame forced him out of the army, plunging him to rock bottom… So, what do you think?"

"Well…" Ji Jue was dumbfounded. Sitting at home, Guardian Lv's grudge suddenly got pulled in!

Caught unprepared!

"Besides, his main business now is the large-scale selling of second-hand weapons from the Empire, from pistols, mines, bullets to exoskeletons and old fighter jets. There's nothing he dares not sell."

Shaban rubbed his chin, grinning: "Guess where his main market is?"

"..."

Ji Jue remained silent, in utter speechlessness, unable to hold back a chuckle.

No need to say.

Where else could it be…

Probably the place where Coastal Industry's products are most exported to Central Earth——Red Country!

From Guardian Lv's act of vengeance to Ji Jue's hatred for money grabbing, this is truly a deep-seated grudge in every sense!

Before, you played tricks in the Federation, beyond my reach. Now you've come to my doorstep… Not just Mudahka, if it were Ji Jue, he absolutely wouldn't let it slide.

If he backs down, who would take him seriously?!

"Thinking of hiring a bodyguard? Desert Market does offer security services."

Shaban grinned: "Mr. Ji, you're so ambitious; unless Mudahka makes a move, he might as well be unreasonable… That guy is notorious for his ruthless measures, like a mad dog."

"That's too frightening."

Ji Jue was instantly shocked, clutching Shaban's hand: "Brother Shaban, you and I hit it off immediately, you can't stand by. That security service, can I have eighty or ninety guards to try for ten days or half a month?"

If effective, I'll definitely make a big order!"

Dog bark?

Shaban only felt his ear itch, incredulous.

No, you've really gotten used to freeloading, haven't you? Coming to Central Earth to dine without paying!

He turned back, seriously glanced at Ji Jue, seeing clearly the kind of freeloading talent that arrived at Desert Market.

Kid, you're really something!

"Brothers should settle accounts clearly, besides, Desert Market isn't solely my call. If you don't want to spend a bit, there's nothing I can do to help."

He lamented, yet firmly withdrew the hand Ji Jue held.

That hand was like greased, Ji Jue couldn't hold onto it.

No freeloading, what a pity.

Not even allowing a trial, what if I really purchase?

Sadly, Shaban had seen through Ji Jue's stingy nature, unwilling to be taken advantage of further.

Since this deal isn't made, he'd make the next one, seeking new clients.

In the following banquet, Ji Jue didn't bother everyone anymore.

Having declared his stance, he leaned casually on the top-floor railing, swaying the champagne in his hand.

While overlooking the night view, he was caught by the glow in the distance.

Despite the late hour approaching midnight, the city core remained brightly lit, neon lights vibrant and colorful. Beyond in the suburb, only sparse dim glows dotted here and there.

Yet in the deeper darkness, over what should be a bleak land, a thread of dazzling color rose, gradually spreading, adorning the sky with dancing illusion light.

That was fire.

Fire in the slums, spreading among the shacks.

Gradually expanding.

Yet amid the city's revelry, no one cared, seemingly long accustomed to it.

Only as a newcomer, Ji Jue couldn't help but be drawn, quietly watching, momentarily lost in thought.

"It's a fire at the southern nomad cluster."

A hoarse voice came from behind him, mingled with thick sputum sounds.

Under dim light, an elderly man in gray robes, his face filled with wrinkles, sat in a wheelchair, his legs already severed at the root.

His expression wasn't warm, instead carrying habitual coldness and detachment.

Only, the badge on his chest was so familiar.

Finally meeting a reliable acquaintance, Ji Jue instantly relaxed.

Chongguang Church!