Chapter 42: A New Possibility

Seeing that Ye Xi’s blood mist was ineffective, Shen Ji said sharply, “Retreat! Find a way to land another shot on him.”

Ye Xi didn’t hesitate.

She flashed away from the center of the fight, slung the sniper rifle over her shoulder, and moved in a wide arc to reposition.

The moment Shen Ji’s attention wavered, Subject 001 seized the opening.

A black rod formed from the barrier plunged straight into Shen Ji’s left arm.

Shen Ji grunted in pain, yanked out the black rod, and threw it back at his opponent with all his might.

Subject 001 leaned slightly to dodge and immediately charged toward Ye Xi.

Even without his conscious mind, his primal survival instinct drove him to eliminate the greatest threat.

But Shen Ji would not let him have his way.

A barrier was deployed right in 001’s path.

Subject 001 shattered it with a single punch, and the resulting shockwave sent Ye Xi tumbling to the ground.

Furious, Shen Ji downed three bottles of blood plasma in one go.

His black barrier transformed into a massive hammer, which he swung resolutely at 001.

“Drop dead!”

Unable to dodge in time, Subject 001 was smashed halfway into the soil, let out a painful, hoarse cry.

Just as Shen Ji was about to deliver the killing blow, a majestic voice rang out from behind them.

“Stop! I dare you to try and kill him!”

Ye Hai straightened his back, and his powerful aura instantly enveloped everyone, including the Yun family Old Ancestor.

The Old Ancestor whispered, “Crap, Ye Hai has joined the fray. Yun Hai, get ready; it’s time for us to retreat.”

While Yun Hai was still confused, Ye Hai’s gaze swept over them.

He said calmly, “Is your territory in Beijiang not big enough? Or are you choosing to make an enemy of me?”

The Old Ancestor snorted.

“We were just passing through. You’re overestimating yourself, Ye Hai.”

Ye Hai let out a cold laugh.

“So that’s how it is. In that case, please leave. I will personally pay each of you a visit at your door another day.”

The Old Ancestor left behind a quick “I’ll be waiting” before disappearing completely from the area with Yun Hai.

Just as Ye Hai thought he had everything under control, a crisp gunshot shattered the silence.

At that moment, Experimental Subject 001 lost all signs of life.

Simultaneously, a mechanical system voice rang in Shen Ji’s mind.

[Congratulations to the Host for becoming the sole King. The system will now issue the King Seed’s unique talent.]

[King’s Flame]

Ye Hai’s expression shifted between anger and uncertainty.

Originally, if he had two King Seeds, his final plan would have remained manageable even if one fell out of his control.

But now, his daughter, Ye Xi, had sabotaged his plans yet again.

In all his years, he had never experienced an operation so full of setbacks.

“Xiao Xi, why did you do this?”

“There can only be one King Seed. That’s what the old man said, and I didn’t want our Shen Ji to have any accidents because of this.”

Ye Hai felt as if a lump were stuck in his throat, so angry he couldn’t speak for a long time.

He had given them the utmost tolerance and had even paved the way for them.

Why couldn’t they just do as he said?!

“Mr. Ye, I think I should remind you: one is destined not to go far alone. The future of the Blood Race isn’t something you alone can decide. So please, stop now.”

Liu Yao took a step forward.

Even though Ye Hai’s realm was higher than hers, not a trace of fear showed on her face.

“And you are?”

“Acting Captain of the Nanjiang City Twilight Inspection Team, Liu Yao.”

Ye Hai scoffed.

“Acting Captain? Did you appoint yourself after Mu Qingxin died?”

Liu Yao shook her head and said calmly, “Since the day the Twilight Inspection Team was founded, its mission has been to maintain stability between humans and the Blood Race. As for who is the Captain, only the living have the right to decide.”

Ye Hai snorted, unwilling to waste any more breath on her.

He signaled to Shadow to take Subject 001 and Doctor Bai and leave.

“Everyone, let us meet under the Blood Moon.”

With those words, Ye Hai vanished into the shadows cast by Shadow.

Shen Ji let out a long breath.

He hadn’t dared to breathe a moment ago, as the sensation of death the man had radiated was too overwhelming.

Now that he was gone, Shen Ji finally relaxed completely.

“Xiao Jizi, it looks like you’re quite afraid of him.”

Ye Xi placed her hand on Shen Ji’s shoulder, her tone slightly provocative.

“Being afraid of him won’t do. I’m waiting for you to knock him flat for me in the future.”

Shen Ji’s mouth twitched.

He suddenly asked, “By the way, how many times has he evolved? Even the Yun family Old Ancestor had to hide from him.”

“Seven times? Eight? It’s probably one of those.”

“What about his talent?”

“No idea. No one has ever figured it out. Or rather, anyone who has seen his talent is dead.”

At this point, Liu Yao approached and interrupted.

“We’ve already sent people to monitor Nanjiang Square, where the Midnight Society is planning to hold their event. However, our top-tier combat power doesn’t match theirs. Do you two have any good ideas?”

Shen Ji said tentatively, “Run for the hills?”

Liu Yao couldn’t help but roll her eyes.

“You can run for a while, but can you run for a lifetime? Once their conversion event is complete, the entire Blood Race will become public enemies of humanity.”

Shen Ji scratched his head and explained, “I was just joking. By the way, have you gathered any clues on how to convert humans back?”

“Xiao Jiu and the others are still organizing the data. It shouldn’t be long before we can solve your sister’s problem.”

Shen Ji nodded.

If a small-scale workshop like the Midnight Society could research a way to convert humans into the Blood Race, then surely an official organization like the Inspection Team could find a way to reverse it.

However, A Ran, who suddenly appeared from underground, threw a bucket of cold water on him.

“No, you will never be able to research a way to reverse it.”

Ye Xi asked in surprise, “Why?”

“The reason the Midnight Society could research a potion to turn humans into the Blood Race is that they had Pure-bloods supporting them with experimental materials. But you…”

Ye Xi smiled mischievously.

“Don’t we have you?”

Visions of being sliced up for research immediately filled A Ran’s mind.

She waved her hands frantically.

“No, Miss, I can’t do it!”

“Look how scared you are. It’s not like we’re going to kill you.”

A Ran had just breathed a sigh of relief when Liu Yao placed a hand on her shoulder.

“A Ran, right? Our Inspection Team needs a Pure-blood like you to become our newest member.”

A Ran gave a bitter smile and replied, “I only follow the Young Miss. As for your Twilight Inspection Team, I’ll have to think about it.”

Liu Yao smiled and shook her head, not pushing further.

Information regarding Pure-bloods had always been a blank slate for them because they were so rare and hard to find.

That was why she valued A Ran so much and even intended to recruit her.

But for now, they were all in the same boat, and there would be plenty of opportunities to interact in the future.

As Liu Yao’s team finished up and retreated, Shen Ji showed signs of dejection.

He had never forgotten his purpose for coming here: to find a clue to turn Xiao Wan back into a human.

But now it seemed that, aside from a new talent, he had gained nothing.

Ye Xi sensed Shen Ji’s thoughts and spoke to comfort him.

“Don’t worry; things will take a turn for the better.”

“I hope so.”

“Shen Ji.”

“Yeah?”

“Have you ever considered a possibility?”

“Instead of letting Xiao Wan live in pain, why not let her truly live for once?”

After a moment of silence.

Shen Ji said gloomily, “I’m having enough trouble just protecting myself in this world. I wouldn’t dare drag anyone else into this.”