AZI: Burial of a Selfish Lunatic

As the Ling Yuan family's elders discussed their plans, the situation in the Leng Bing Realm can only be described as chaotic.

Numerous Guilds and various organizations of all shapes and sizes have been contacted to send in backups for a major battle.

At this point, practically any weapon spirit that isn't on the frontlines has been called upon.

And in order to ensure speedy transport of their forces, all pedestrian flights have been canceled—to clear the skies for military transports to move through.

Within a tent that is situated outside of the ruins' entrance—

"How does it feel to be in combat uniform again?"

"…"

Turning his head to the side, Zhou Chen sees Yang Ning, who is dressed in the same attire as himself, and answers—

"Odd, but not in a bad way."

Among the weapon spirits who had been called in was Zhou Chen, who is currently dressed in a red military uniform with a pair of dark trousers and boots. Draped over his shoulders is a black honeycomb patterned mantle.

Smiling faintly, Yang Ning says—

"Welcome back."

Raising a similar smile back, Zhou Chen replies—

"Good to be back, I suppose?"

...…

"…"

Dressed in a black jacket with a grey turtleneck sweater is Zhui Yun, who had been given the task of leading the weapon spirits that are affiliated with NPI—much to most of the NPI agents' discomfort.

"Oh?"

Coincidentally, a female Moon Guard with a red oni mask walks by, and turning to Zhui Yun, the former remarks—

"You must be the one who was taken from us all those years ago."

Bestial traits wise, the Moon Guard possesses short black ears on top of her shoulder-length white hair.

"…"

Glancing at the Moon Guard once, Zhui Yun doesn't pay any heed to her, as she leads the NPI affiliated weapon spirits forward.

"…"

Blinking her blue eyes, the Moon Guard, Hóng Xuán can't help but frown, and mutters—

"Seems like she's under a lot of pressure. That's no way to live…"

Just as Hong Xuan had made this remark, another Moon Guard approaches her, and informs the former that—

"Commander, the MAUs are ready."

"Got it. Hmm, I wonder if Xun Yu died in there?"

...…

"…"

Continuing to move, Zhui Yun thought—

(This is my chance to prove myself to mother.)

Prior to the end of this year, Nian Yao Yao intends to settle this family feud between her mother and herself—with their battlegrounds being the ruins that they've purchased the rights to.

...…

Other than Zhui Yun, there is another person who is under a great deal of pressure, and that person is—

"Pui…"

Spitting out the butt end of a cigarette is Duanmu Chen—who is the sole survivor of the Dainsfield group that was sent into the ruins initially.

As a result of his recent string of failures, Duanmu Chen has been stripped of his rights—to continue to assume the role of an on-field commander.

"Chin up, surnamed Duanmu."

"…"

Replacing Duanmu Chen—in his original role, is another veteran of the company, who is dressed in the same set of black attire as the former.

The name of this individual is Qiū Lín, and coincidentally, she started out in this company at the same time as Duanmu Chen.

"…"

Glancing at Qiu Lin, Duanmu Chen says—

"You wouldn't be having your chin up either—when you've got a debt of 104,000,000 NWDs on your shoulders. Hell, there's no telling if I'll even live through this bullshit…"

"…"

Blinking her yellow eyes, Qiu Lin seats herself beside Duanmu Chen.

The two are currently seated beneath the shades of a tree.

With how much military-based supplies are being moved around, it's kind of a wonder how Qiu Lin is still able to maintain a carefree composure.

"I told you before that you shouldn't try to mess with Yu Ji."

 "…"

The entirety of Duanmu Chen's situation can all be traced back to Yu Ji and Li. Had he not made that call that day, he wouldn't be in his current position.

Towards Qiu Lin's blunt statement, Duanmu Chen replies—

"You planning to lecture me? Come to think of it, you were the one who taught Yu Ji as well…"

"What's the point of me lecturing you about this? What's done is done. The important thing is—to live with your mistakes."

"…"

Scratching his thin beard, Duanmu Chen heaves a sigh, and mutters—

"I got kids to feed."

"Slow and steady wins the race. You clearly got too greedy. As they say, wealth isn't built in a single day."

Placing a hand onto Duanmu Chen's shoulder, Qiu Lin adds—

"The CEO expects you to work your ass off, and I'm here to make sure of that. Expect some tough times ahead. But don't worry, there's beers to be had after."

"This lukewarm compassion of yours I can seriously do without…"

...…

Back in the village, Ye Chen and Li Xue sigh at the same time, as they sit near the shores.

Breaking the silence, Li Xue remarks—

"I doubt that Immortal will be coming back for a while."

"Indeed…"

Having failed to kill Qing Ming Yang and take his sword, the two's mood at this time can't be considered all that enthusiastic.

"The deity…"

Simultaneously, the two look up at the sphere of golden radiance.

All the weapon spirits, who had just arrived into the village—from the outside world, had been asking about the supposed deity.

And towards the newly arrived outsiders' curiosities, none of the live witnesses could have described the amount of power that this supposed deity had at their disposal.

However, the damage that was done to the forest—where the colossal spear had been detonated, the sight of devastation was quite telling on its own, for all the trees present had been flattened, while the earth was left in a depressed state.

"Something about it that has you bothered?"

"No, just…"

Unsure as to how he should answer the question, Ye Chen ends up shaking his head, whereas Li Xue remarks—

"Just say whatever that comes to mind."

"…It feels…? Familiar?"

"Hm?"

"Ai, screw it. Just forget about it."