One month later.
Zhao Yunhai stayed in Qianzhou for a month without venturing out. This period felt like the calm before a storm.
Ordinary people living under the protection of Jiuzhou could not sense any abnormality at all.
The undercurrents surging above did not affect their normal lives in the slightest.
In just one month, the high echelons of Jiuzhou had undergone a complete overhaul.
The sudden offensive by the Zhao clan had taken all the top officials by surprise.
Their momentum was so formidable that it crushed gods and Buddhas alike.
The outcome was that the Zhao clan emerged victorious, claiming all the spoils.
In fact, the extensive reshuffling of Jiuzhou's leadership had drawn the attention of many hostile nations.
However, Jiuzhou's immense power meant that they could only harbor such thoughts inwardly, as Jiuzhou was no longer what it used to be.
Meanwhile, Japan was still in the midst of its reconstruction, having not yet recovered its strength, with its nation being carved up by countless capital firms.
And behind these capital firms stood formidable giants.
Under Zhao Yunhai's command, the End-of-World world, which he controlled, also began its conquest of every land.
Under the sun and moon, all were lands of the Heavenly Palace.
The End-of-World world steadily advanced. In this apocalyptic setting, no one could stop the Heavenly Palace's march to conquer the entire world.
The ability-enhancing potions continuously produced by the Heavenly Palace were also being fed into the real world, and the Zhao clan's power continued to grow.
At this moment, all the members of Si Jinyan's team had become powerful ability users.
Wu Chen, Li Mingyi, Wang Fan, and Chen Shou all showed visible improvements in their strength and speed.
Chen Shou's progress was particularly striking.
In just one month, he was accompanied by countless fierce ghosts, with thousands of ghosts obeying his command.
All of this was made possible by Zhao Yunhai's support, allowing Chen Shou to grow stronger without any worries.
Zhao Yunhai's own strength had become unmatched globally, and the Heavenly Palace Group had extended its reach across the world.
Some individuals you perceive as allies might actually have been secretly bought over by the Heavenly Palace.
"Chairman, regarding the arms trade, I have already begun supporting two arms dealers."
"Currently, the group is united, and we have also supported individuals in some resource-rich smaller regions."
Yu Manlou stood before Zhao Yunhai, holding a document in one hand, reporting on the development progress.
"Let the overt actions continue as they are; this world requires a certain order to maintain our interests."
"And through covert means, let our voice be heard everywhere in this world."
Zhao Yunhai did not want this world to descend into complete chaos, as it would not align with his fundamental interests.
Only those with nothing, those with bare feet, would hope for order to collapse and a new reshuffle to occur.
"Understood."
Yu Manlou's face lit up with excitement. If this endeavor succeeded, he could have his own genealogical record written.
He was the most promising member of the Yu family. Now, with just a word from him, the Yu family patriarch would immediately abdicate in his favor.
"Young Master Yun."
Chen Shou arrived. Although he usually associated with ghosts, he had not picked up any of their eerie aura.
"You're here."
Zhao Yunhai valued Chen Shou greatly. For orchestrating large-scale terrifying events covertly, Chen Shou was an excellent helper.
"I plan to open a branch here. I can help out now."
Chen Shou had always been on the receiving end and had not yet contributed anything, which made him feel uneasy.
Therefore, he came, determined to do something, otherwise, his conscience would not let him rest.
"It's good that you're here. I was just planning to have you do something, and the ghosts around you can be of assistance."
Zhao Yunhai's gaze fell upon Ah Da, who handed Chen Shou a document.
Seeing Chen Shou take the document, Zhao Yunhai said calmly, "This contains your mission."
When Chen Shou opened the document, he saw a plane ticket, a passport, and a bank card.
"Someone will meet you at your destination abroad," Ah Da briefed him.
"I understand," Chen Shou closed the folder, intending to review it on the plane since he hadn't examined it closely yet.
Chen Shou left in a hurry soon after arriving, with a group of fierce ghosts escorting him, ensuring his safety.
"A newcomer, can he really handle it?" Wang Fan expressed concern about the danger the individual would face alone in a foreign country.
"There will be someone to meet him there; it shouldn't be much of a problem," Zhao Yunhai reassured him, indicating that he wouldn't let Chen Shou perish, especially since Chen Shou was the protagonist and thus unlikely to die.
...
"He's out."
"This guy has allied himself with Zhao Yunhai. Be careful, Zhao Yunhai is cunning and manipulative. Someone will definitely be protecting Chen Shou."
"The driver sent word that his destination is the airport."
"It seems our opportunity has arrived. This will be a gift for Zhao Yunhai."
"Let's get on the same plane as him and deal with him at the destination."
As soon as Chen Shou left Qianzhou, he was being watched.
Chen Shou was accompanied by countless fierce ghosts. After being noticed, a terrifying fierce ghost silently tracked these individuals.
Once on the plane, Chen Shou reviewed the mission details in the document. Thinking about being tracked right after leaving Young Master Yun, he fell into deep thought.
This would be a wonderful journey.
Chen Shou propped his chin on his hand, gazing at the clouds outside the window, his mind slowly calming down.
...
The United States of America, where freedom reigns every day, a place where even the air is filled with "sweetness."
After disembarking, Chen Shou was still wondering where to find the contact person.
However, as soon as he stepped out, he saw someone holding a sign with his name on it, waiting for him.
"Mr. Chen, I was sent by President Yu to pick you up."
A tall and slender foreign beauty approached him.
She was wearing a black short-skirted uniform and gold-rimmed glasses, which caught Chen Shou's eye.
"Good heavens, is this the perk of a business trip?"
As Chen Shou drew closer, he caught a whiff of a particularly alluring perfume, causing his old bachelor's face to blush.
"Mr. Chen." The short-skirted secretary prompted when she saw Chen Shou staring blankly.
"Oh, oh, oh, let's go."
Chen Shou coughed repeatedly, feigning a serious demeanor.
The red-clothed female ghost whispered in his ear, warning him that there were people around who wished him harm.
Chen Shou knew that he would definitely encounter danger on this trip, but he hadn't expected it to happen so soon.
Not long after getting into the car and driving, while waiting at a red light.
Suddenly, a motorcycle pulled up beside Chen Shou. The moment Chen Shou turned his head, he saw a dark gun barrel pointed at him.
Damn it!!!
Chen Shou hadn't expected them to be so reckless, attacking him in broad daylight amidst the public gaze.
Bang!!!
A gunshot rang out, a fatal blow.
"Go quickly."
The female secretary seemed accustomed to such situations and immediately ordered the driver to run the red light.
The one who died was the motorcyclist who had just attacked Chen Shou.
"Are the people here always so welcoming to visitors from afar?" Chen Shou joked with her.
The fierce ghosts around him hadn't even had a chance to act before they were killed by someone likely sent by Young Master Yun to protect him.