Chapter Seventy-Nine: Target, the Last Teammate!

The capital, Jinghua Mountain, is renowned throughout Central Asia. Those familiar with it know that only the most powerful figures reside there—take the Gong family, for example. Their ancestors have held high office for five generations; their roots are deep and sprawling, marking them as an old and established clan of Central Asia, with their villas perpetually nestled atop Jinghua Mountain.

The current patriarch, Gong Minghua, is eighty-seven years old, yet upon his recent return home, he appeared vigorous and lively, betraying no signs of his advanced years. His features suggested a man no older than sixty-five. While many claimed that Old Gong was adept at maintaining his health, the extent of his youthful demeanor was somewhat exaggerated. Especially these past two days, his complexion was remarkably radiant, and his stride brimming with vitality, leaving his peers wide-eyed and astonished.

Upon arriving home, his wife, Ye Ruolan, smiled as she served him tea. Any onlooker would be shocked—Ye Ruolan, in her eighties, looked as refined and elegant as any actress in her thirties: mature and gentle, possessing the bearing of a lady, yet nothing at all like an elderly woman. Her identity, however, was unquestionable, for the second generation of the Gong family stood respectfully beside her, heads bowed and brows lowered. If one looked closely, Gong Shaolin’s father—Gong Yinzhe—was present as well.

The old master looked over and, after a sip of tea, smiled, “Third son, when did you arrive?”

Gong Yinzhe quickly replied, “I came on the morning flight, just arrived at noon.” He paused and added, “Mother mentioned that Mr. Liang summoned you for a meeting?”

Those nearby froze for a moment. In the past, if the third son had been so bold as to inquire about the patriarch’s whereabouts, he would have faced a stern rebuke. But now everything had changed—he possessed a golden seed, elevating his status in the family beyond compare.

Indeed, the old master merely sipped his tea, showing no hint of reproach, and nodded, “Yes, Mr. Liang called for me.”

“And... the result?” Gong Yinzhe asked anxiously.

“The result?” Old Gong sneered, “What happened when you announced in City C that those families needed to cooperate with the state plans? Isn’t it obvious?”

“Yes, yes...” Gong Yinzhe replied, wearing a smile that betrayed no unease. The old master’s rebuke was mild, a stark contrast to the cold disdain he’d once shown.

“Where’s Shaolin?” Old Gong asked, sipping his tea.

“Oh, he’s off courting Miss Xie from City C—her birthday today,” Gong Yinzhe joked.

“Humph!” Gong Yinzhe laughed and cursed, “That rascal—still thinking of chasing girls at a time like this? Call him back! He should know better; he’s the root of the Gong family now, nothing must go wrong. He must stay in the capital, nowhere else!”

“Yes, yes, I’ll call the brat right away!” Gong Yinzhe nodded vigorously.

Those around them kept their smiles, but inwardly they were unsettled. The third son’s position had never been as favored as it was now. Already in his sixties, he served as the chief councilor in City C, parachuted in, and would need years just to consolidate his standing. He’d likely never return to the capital, his political career at a standstill. Even the fourth son, engaged in business, was stronger; his company was valued at over eight hundred billion federation coins, ranking among the top two hundred globally. Yet now, having produced a gifted son and seized the right opportunity, he had become the pillar of the family.

A wave of resentment stirred in their hearts.

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Meanwhile, in another part of the capital, within the villa district where the leader resided, Mr. Liang—usually composed and dignified—was now furious. The exquisite tea set he’d collected was smashed to pieces. “A bunch of selfish parasites, damn them!”

The Secretary of State and the Minister of Finance, seated nearby, wore grim expressions. Aside from the Gong family, this was the ninth family to reject Mr. Liang’s request. He wasn’t asking them to hand over their children for dissection—merely to cooperate in understanding the situation surrounding the game pods. With the world’s situation growing increasingly tense, anyone with insight could see this game would lead the way for the era; any who lagged would plunge into the abyss, forever left behind.

When the era arrives, all prior accumulation becomes meaningless if you miss the train. Yet these selfish families cared only for their petty gains, not for their nation. How could there be whole eggs under a toppled nest? Must he teach them the principle of putting country before family anew?

“Ah...” Elder Ye, the Secretary of State, sighed, “Liang, don’t let it upset you. Human nature is what it is—anger won’t help. It’s a shame none of our children seized this opportunity. It’s almost laughable; before, we were secretly pleased when our kids focused on their careers rather than indulging in games. Now, it turns out we must rely on those who played. The times have changed so much, it’s hard to understand.”

The others sighed in unison.

“Mr. Liang!” The security captain entered, looking for instructions. “Elder Li has arrived, saying he has something important to report.”

“Something important?” Mr. Liang’s eyes lit up. “Could Elder Li be willing to cooperate? I knew it—Central Asia still has patriots among us...”

Elder Ye frowned and shook his head. “I know Elder Li—his family is strict. He wouldn’t allow his descendants to buy such nonsense. The last survey found nothing at his place.”

“Ah...” Mr. Liang’s smile faltered, cooled by Elder Ye’s words. “Then why has he come?”

“It must be important, nonetheless.”

“Very well.” Mr. Liang nodded and instructed the security, “Call Aunt Gu in to tidy up, then invite Elder Li inside.”

After a while, an old man in military uniform entered, accompanied by two others. The uniformed elder was, of course, Elder Li, head of the Li family. Though over seventy, he walked with a straight back. Despite his high rank in the military district, having lived through peaceful times, he bore few hidden injuries and remained robust in old age.

The two following him were Guo Zhenghua and Xie Tianhua.

“Mr. Liang!” Elder Li offered a military salute and solemnly said, “Let me introduce these two comrades.” Turning, he continued, “This is Deputy Governor Xie Tianhua of City C, and District Chief Guo Zhenghua of Caiyun District, City C. They have important matters to report.”

Visitors from another province? Important matters? The three leaders felt a flash of anticipation. Mr. Liang held his tea, smiled warmly, and nodded, “Two promising young officials. Well then, speak.”

“Zhenghua, you explain to the leader,” Elder Li said.

“Yes, sir!” Guo Zhenghua saluted and began to recount the events.

After fifteen minutes, all three leaders were beside themselves with joy. Usually composed, they could no longer contain their excitement. Mr. Liang even stood up, trembling, and grasped Guo Zhenghua’s hand. “Is what you say true?”

Guo Zhenghua replied earnestly, “Absolutely true!”

Mr. Liang exclaimed, “Excellent! Excellent!” He shook Guo Zhenghua’s hand vigorously, took a long moment to regain his composure, and praised, “You’ve done exceedingly well. Such a great benefit, and you reported it to the state at once. On behalf of all Central Asians, I thank you!” He bowed solemnly.

“No, no, please!” Elder Li and Guo Zhenghua hurried to help him up.

“It’s deserved!” Mr. Liang sighed, “Compared to you, those idle, useless parasites aren’t even fit to be called men. Elder Li, I thank you as well—these two are your protégés, yes? You’ve taught them well!”

Elder Li smiled, “They are good children.”

Guo Zhenghua seemed unfazed, but Xie Tianhua smiled sheepishly. He was not Elder Li’s protégé, and if not for being forced at gunpoint, he might not even be here. Still, since it was said, he supposed he could count as one now... right?

He took a deep breath and quickly asked Elder Li, “Elder Li, regarding the Dragon Squad and Special Task Force Six, how many people do you have?”

Guo Zhenghua was taken aback, glancing at Xie Tianhua as if to say, “There really is a Dragon Squad?”

Xie Tianhua rolled his eyes. The name was likely coined by some childish leader, inspired by the novels he read in his youth. When he became national leader, he even named the country’s strongest secret special force "Dragon Squad." This embarrassing history was recounted by the elder generation of Capital’s Xie family, who clearly held the name in disdain. The legends from those novels were surely nonsense.

Elder Li frowned slightly, “About two squads... After all, I’ve retired and moved to logistics. Now the sixth squad is under Commander Li.”

“Humph! Commander Li!” Mr. Liang’s expression darkened at the mention. After returning from the World Congress, the first he summoned was Commander Li—and the first to refuse him as well. Such selfish, no, ambitious wolves!

Mr. Liang then spoke gravely, “It need not be the sixth squad. They are highly qualified, but above all, we must guarantee loyalty. You may select other excellent troops—elite army special forces, with top survival and individual abilities. You must personally supervise their character assessments. Ability is second; loyalty is paramount.”

“Understood!” Elder Li saluted.

“Oh, right—Zhenghua, Tianhua, where are your children? I’d like to speak with them and learn more about the other world in detail.”

“Well...” Guo Zhenghua smiled sheepishly, “After leaving Elder Li’s home, the boy said he needed to find a teammate, then disappeared with a group.”

“Hmm?” Mr. Liang frowned, suddenly recalling something. “Did you fly here?”

At such a sensitive time, their positions would be easily noticed if they flew to the capital.

“No, we didn’t,” Guo Zhenghua replied, and then explained how Jiang Liuying had teleported them.

Mr. Liang and the others were astonished. Elder Ye marveled, “Such methods! These game pods truly are a treasure trove!”

“Indeed,” Mr. Liang nodded, then turned to Elder Li. “Elder Li, time is of the essence. We don’t know if others have discovered this secret yet, or how soon they might. Every moment is precious. Tomorrow—no, right now, arrange the first batch of soldier experiments. Whether Central Asia rises or falls now lies in your hands.”

“Yes!” Elder Li saluted solemnly and immediately departed, demonstrating his resolute military style, without hesitation.

Mr. Liang gazed outside and sighed, “Heaven is set for great change. All we can do is our utmost, and await fate. May the heavens bless Central Asia!”

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Elsewhere, Guo Lang and his companions enjoyed a much lighter atmosphere. The three had spent an entire afternoon at a dessert shop called "Poop House." Jiang Liuying, in her ancient garb, was eating her seventh dessert, drawing whispered curiosity from those nearby.

“The desserts here are really good, but comrade Big Head, are you sure that person will show up? Could you have made a mistake?” Jiang Liuying mimicked Guo Xiaoting’s tone, teasing Guo Lang, who rolled his eyes.

That person, in the previous life, was a top player—eccentric, violent, and notorious. Few dared interact with her. Guo Lang had heard that she frequented this dessert shop, and thanks to her, the shop thrived during the coming great era. Few establishments could boast such legendary patrons.

Still, after an afternoon of waiting, Guo Lang felt anxious. He didn’t want to waste time; he needed to return to the dimension and change class. More and more people were coming back to reality, so he had to hurry.

“Boss, one double-skin milk!” Suddenly, a hoarse female voice rang out inside the shop. Guo Lang looked over—it was a woman in a black jacket, her hair messy and almost covering her face. Her hair was greasy, split, and knotted, clearly neglected for a long time. She wore oversized flared pants and flip-flops—a true portrait of a female slob.

Guo Lang’s eyes brightened. "She’s here!"

The third-ranked master of the Void clan in the previous life, known as the Shadow Ghost—the tracker: Cang Mingyue.