Chapter 57: Who Exactly Is Wang Qiang?!
Ring, ring, ring...
Early in the morning, Lin Han was jolted awake by the shrill sound of his phone. Still half-asleep, he reached out and answered.
“Who is this?”
“Mr. Lin, it’s me. I didn’t expect to disturb your rest. Maybe I should call back later,” came Manager Liu’s voice from the other end. Lin Han’s drowsiness vanished instantly. Manager Liu calling at this hour—something must have happened.
“No worries. Is there something you need?” Lin Han replied.
Manager Liu spoke warmly, “I saw the news first thing today. There was a major clash between powerful figures in Mistcloud City, which triggered a severe earthquake in the Diamond Forest. The entire city was affected. Fortunately, no one died, though there are tens of thousands seriously injured. I remembered you were heading to Mistcloud City, so I wanted to check if you’re safe.”
“But from the sound of your voice, it seems you’re all right.”
“The earthquake is over already?” Lin Han asked in surprise.
“Mr. Lin, you haven’t gone to Mistcloud City yet?” Manager Liu sounded startled.
Lin Han replied helplessly, “I haven’t had the chance. I was supposed to go yesterday, but something came up at home, so I postponed it to today.”
Manager Liu regained his composure. “Then you’re truly fortunate, Mr. Lin. Had you gone yesterday, you might have been caught in the earthquake. Although the official statement claims it was triggered by two powerful individuals, we both know that their battle accidentally caused the quake ahead of schedule.”
“Good thing you weren’t there. If you’d been swept into such a conflict, it would have been troublesome.”
Lin Han let out a long breath and agreed, “Though I missed out on a chance for the Disaster Source, at least I kept my life. Disasters will come again, but you only get one life.”
“That’s true, Mr. Lin,” Manager Liu replied. “Now that I know you’re safe, I feel relieved. I’ll keep an eye out for any news regarding the Disaster Source and notify you immediately if I hear anything.”
“Thank you, Manager Liu.”
…
As the call ended, Lin Han muttered, “That old fox, still trying to sound me out.”
Of course Lin Han understood Manager Liu’s intentions. The call was partly concern, but mostly to see if he’d acquired the Disaster Source. With the news reports, it was easy enough to deduce what had happened. Mistmoon City had suffered something similar before, so it wouldn’t be hard to target him. This time, he’d simply stick to the story: he hadn’t been to Mistcloud City.
With his publicly known abilities, it was impossible for him to obtain the Disaster Source. So, if he hadn’t gotten it, it was better to claim he hadn’t gone at all.
Lin Han then turned his attention to the news reports about the earthquake.
Shocking! Duel between experts inside Diamond Forest—a life-or-death battle between two Supreme-level masters. Rumor has it one is a Mage, who used a forbidden spell inside the forest!
Diamond Forest destroyed!
Mistcloud City enters advanced alert status!
Level seventy-six Skybreaker Grand Spell deployed! The culprit escaped!
…
Lin Han was dazzled by the flood of reports, but he could guess who had leaked the information.
Du Wanting!
There was no need to think twice. Any ordinary person faced with such chaos would report it to the police. And he had played the part of a hero prepared for sacrifice—though, in truth, he only meant to distract Du Wanting and keep her safe. He never expected events to be reported this way.
But it suited him. The police would focus their efforts elsewhere, and he wouldn’t be investigated.
Scrolling further, Lin Han found more headlines.
According to witnesses, the mysterious master is named Wang Qiang, from Shimmer City!
Latest police report: The mysterious master Wang Qiang is using a false identity. No expert by that name is registered in Shimmer City!
Who is Wang Qiang? Why did he come to Mistcloud City?
Wang Qiang, the champion of justice, stands alone against the Dark Mage!
Is it the extinction of humanity, or the distortion of morality? The true purpose behind Wang Qiang’s hidden identity!
…
Lin Han couldn’t help but laugh; it was inevitable, really. A child that age, confronted by the police, was bound to get nervous. Hiding the truth was nearly impossible.
He was grateful he hadn’t given his real name—otherwise, Mistmoon City’s Public Security Bureau would be knocking on his door by now.
Now, Wang Qiang’s name was known across the country. If he had used his friend’s identity, both he and Wang Qiang would have been investigated.
Lin Han stretched lazily and said with satisfaction, “After all, what happened in Shimmer City with Wang Qiang has nothing to do with me, Lin Han of Mistmoon City.”
Meanwhile, in Mistmoon City’s trading market, Manager Liu was smoking a cigar and watching the news.
“Mr. Lin, you’re a bit careless. If you want to keep things hidden, you need to cover your tracks. Otherwise, someone will catch you out.”
Manager Liu sighed, “Fortunately, I’m the only one who knows you went to Mistcloud City searching for the Disaster Source. Otherwise, the Wang Qiang story would be enough to connect the dots.”
“Mr. Lin, you really are too reckless—public opinion is a tricky thing.”
…
At that moment, Lin Han was dressed and ready to head to the job change hall, and messages about Wang Qiang started pouring in.
“Han, you wouldn’t believe it—some idiot expert used my name, Wang Qiang. Today, so many people have asked me why I’m hiding my true strength.”
“I told them I’m from Shimmer City, not Mistmoon City. Guess what they said? They accused me of throwing up smokescreens!”
“These lunatics are driving me crazy. Some strangers even said they’d call the police and let the authorities deal with me.”
“I can’t handle it. Does this idiot expert have a grudge against the name Wang Qiang or something?”
Lin Han felt a little embarrassed, but what was done could not be undone. Next time, maybe he’d use Gao Chong’s name…
In the end, Lin Han replied with a message:
Master, don’t forget to watch my back…