Chapter 115: The Lair of the Ascension Assembly

Zhou Shu truly went to sleep, for his mental energy had been thoroughly drained today, and he didn’t even enter the virtual battlefield. Entering the virtual battlefield would further deplete his spirit, but what he needed now was restoration. Tomorrow held a crucial mission, so he had to spend the entire night recovering.

If only tonight had been available, perhaps his mental attribute could have advanced to level 4, with agility and constitution possibly reaching level 3, and strength and endurance significantly improved. Alas, after a busy day, there was no time left to work through the night. Yet, had he not exerted himself during the day, he wouldn’t have accumulated enough points or retained so much source energy. Everything was interconnected.

While Zhou Shu slept, the entire base sprang into action. Zhou Shu was no mere foot soldier; his words carried great weight, and coupled with his ability to potentially uncover critical information, preparations for tomorrow’s operation commenced.

The initial step involved a small squad searching for the Immortal Ascension Society’s lair using the least conspicuous team. Once found, they would respond according to the circumstances. If the lair was even slightly removed from crowded areas, the base would unleash firepower coverage without hesitation. However, if it lay within residential zones, more cautious, even clumsy methods would be necessary, with the risk of civilian casualties.

Secret searches for the Immortal Ascension Society’s branches were underway nationwide. Most provincial capitals had located some, while others had only clues. Now, all eyes were on progress at headquarters. Once the society’s headquarters was found, a full-scale assault would begin the countdown.

This campaign wouldn’t demand 100% annihilation; not all members necessarily stayed within the society. The goal was to eliminate the majority and destroy their fixed assets. Completing this would render the remaining members insignificant and intimidate other illegal clandestine factions.

As for when all illegal superpowered organizations within the Great Qin would be eradicated? That was doubtful—perhaps impossible. Superpowered individuals might continuously “fall into darkness.” But as long as they were kept in check and dared not rebel or attack humanity lightly, that was victory.

Early the next morning, numerous vehicles departed the military base. Passengers disembarked at various points and regrouped. When they gathered again, they resembled a diverse tour group, with elders and youth alike.

The “elders” were hardly old—just in their fifties. One was a level-three Beast Whisperer who had gathered many local small birds as their “drones.” The “youngest” was Zhou Shu, only eighteen, and the main figure in this team.

A local warrior disguised as a tour guide led them, but the route depended on Zhou Shu’s instructions. Zhou Shu walked slowly, seemingly observing, though he was merely stalling. His abilities were formidable, but he lacked the mystical talent to “seek dragons and pinpoint energy nodes.” He relied purely on the intelligence gathered the day before.

One could rest assured that though the reason given last night was fabricated, the information came from “enthusiastic passersby,” ensuring they would find their target.

“Take the left intersection,” Zhou Shu whispered into the earpiece.

The guide glanced toward the street. Memories from growing up here immediately surfaced. It was a street lined with shops.

She promptly waved her small flag and announced to the group, “This way, everyone, this way! Next stop is a famous shopping street here.”

“Don’t worry, there’s no forced spending. We just want to show you some local culture…”

She led the group forward, and the others followed eagerly.

“Hey, I’m recording this. If there’s forced spending, this will be evidence.”

“Alright, alright, I’m just here sightseeing. Listen to the guide’s explanations.”

“This place is really interesting. Next time, come with me.”

“Come on, Old Zhang, we hardly get to go out; don’t be grumpy. Smile, ha ha…”

The chaotic chatter truly made them look like a disorderly tour group.

Among them, the younger men, Du Liangcai and Xu Junyan, were less enthusiastic in their performances. Watching Zhou Shu ahead, their minds churned.

Who was he, really?

They had first assumed he was a family scion like themselves or perhaps a bit stronger, which encouraged them to connect. Later, they suspected he might be a mere repairman, and their attitude shifted.

But judging by the current situation, it wasn’t so simple.

Any discovery by the level-three Beast Whisperer had to be discussed with Zhou Shu, and the rest, merely fillers, had to listen to him. Before setting out, it was made clear that Zhou Shu was in charge.

The difference was evident.

This mission was significant, so the command chain consisted of important figures. Given the military nature, most were hardened individuals. In such times, the family scions who had come to gain prestige naturally kept their heads down, cautious not to break rules or be kicked out.

Being expelled would be the lesser punishment; in serious matters, they might be scapegoated and punished.

Zhou Shu, however, was entrusted with a pivotal role by the commander-in-chief, and many senior and higher-ranked individuals seemed to respect him.

Their attitude toward the “fillers” was entirely different.

“Looks like we weren’t wrong about him after all; we were just misled by those idiots,” Du Liangcai whispered to Xu Junyan.

“I agree. Zhou Shu is just low-key. Those ignorant fools just babble nonsense all day,” Xu Junyan replied, glancing toward Zhou Shu and plotting how to reconnect with him.

Just then, Zhou Shu suddenly turned his head and looked their way. Seeing Xu Junyan staring, he frowned slightly before turning back.

The sudden change startled Xu Junyan, who thought, “What a coincidence, right?”

“I heard that level-four ‘Celestial Masters’ have extremely keen senses; they can feel when someone watches or talks about them. Could Zhou Shu have level-four strength?”

“No, no, impossible. It must be coincidence.”

Xu Junyan’s thoughts spun wildly, but whatever the truth, he dared not look Zhou Shu’s way again.

They followed Zhou Shu’s lead, gradually approaching a destination none of them had expected.

The most luxurious building in the county—a true marvel. It resembled the “World’s Greatest Water Bureau Tower,” but its walls were mainly red and white, showcasing distinctive snowland features.

This was a leisure club, hosting wealthy guests year-round.

It was the tallest building in the county, with a panoramic view from the top floor, overlooking the entire town and even reflecting the distant Kunlun Snow Mountains.

Could this really be the Immortal Ascension Society’s lair?

After all this searching, had they been deceived by the “darkness under the lamp”?

“Zhou Shu, are you sure this is the place? No mistakes?”

“I’m certain. My instincts tell me this is it.”

“That makes things difficult. There are many people around here.”

“Yes, we need to think of a way.”