CHAPTER 148: CHAPTER 148: THE SEQUENCE OF DOMINATING SHADOWS (REQUEST FOR FULL SUBSCRIPTION)

"Lu Luo? What were you just looking at?"

Qi Xinzhu felt odd since Lu Luo had spaced out twice in a row and constantly glanced behind them.

"Uh, it’s nothing."

Lu Luo took another look behind. Advanced Sequence Particles were not commonly seen. According to Observer, only Sequences of Grade A or higher possessed them. For instance, Qi Xinzhu as a Grade S Healer, and the Grade A "Mirror Flower, Water Moon," were both very powerful and inherently strong Sequences. Qi Xinzhu’s identity was already quite special. Apart from her, Lu Luo had not detected Advanced Sequence Particles on anyone else. Therefore, the two occurrences of Advanced Sequence Particle fluctuation were quite conspicuous to Lu Luo. Although it hadn’t been confirmed that these were specifically targeting them, the consecutive appearances of Grade A or higher fluctuations made Lu Luo feel that the risk for this mission had significantly increased.

"Let’s stay alert. Something feels off."

"Huh?" Gu Fangyi was also puzzled.

"Did you find something?" Qi Xinzhu asked directly.

"Well, I have a perception-related Sequence, and I noticed something."

"Isn’t your Sequence D-14 Agility, along with Grade B Corpse Eater?"

Facing Qi Xinzhu’s piercing inquiry, Lu Luo fell silent.

[The goddess is asking you a question. I’m this powerful; don’t I deserve a name?]

"I think I’ve awakened a Breath Observation Sequence? It’s Grade D, probably."

"You’ve awakened another Sequence? This is your third one, right?"

"Er, probably."

Seeing the shocked expressions of Qi Xinzhu and Gu Fangyi, Lu Luo was momentarily speechless. You’re all so inexperienced; it’s hard to get through to you.

"Just be extra careful; my feelings are usually accurate."

"Got it."

With Lu Luo’s warning, the trio became even more cautious in their actions.

Exotic Species were scarce in the foothills; this place wasn’t like the urban areas where there were many places for Exotic Species to hide. Even if there were Exotic Species, they would choose to hide and avoid being seen when they spotted Lu Luo’s group from afar.

"Brother Luo!"

"I see them."

Lu Luo and Gu Fangyi looked in the same direction, where at the edge of a cliff, two oddly shaped animals were spotted. They resembled rabbits, completely white with a pair of long ears. However, what was even more peculiar was their pair of tails, one red and white, the other red and blue.

[Duotail, First Tier animal species, an extremely rare edible Exotic Species. The color of its tails indicates the direction of energy evolution. Because its meat is delicious and it is quite ornamental, it is often captured and killed by human hunters, making it very scarce.]

"Two Duotails!"

"Is this what Duotails are? They look like rabbits, so cute!"

The affection in Qi Xinzhu’s eyes was genuine; women find it hard to resist such animals. However, she quickly sensed something was amiss. Gu Fangyi had already raised his gun, while Lu Luo was slowly advancing in stealth. She wanted to stop them, but couldn’t find a reason, as their purpose for coming beyond the Wall was to hunt down Exotic Species. She couldn’t just tell Lu Luo and Gu Fangyi not to kill them because bunnies are so cute, could she?

"Hey! They might be mates; Lu Luo, can you not..."

"Shh, I can’t."

The Duotail was highly alert; one of them sensed Lu Luo before he could get close enough.

"SQUEAK! SQUEAK!"

The red and blue Duotail suddenly gathered two streams of energy from its tails, one ice and one fire, forming two energy arrows flying towards Lu Luo. Meanwhile, the other Duotail had already turned to escape.

BANG!

As soon as Gu Fangyi’s gunshot rang out, the Duotail attacking Lu Luo fell. Meanwhile, Lu Luo completely ignored the attack from the ice and fire arrows, activating his jetpack to chase the one that was escaping.

SPUTTER SPUTTER!

The jetpack’s acceleration made Lu Luo’s speed extremely fast. In almost a single breath, he came up alongside the Duotail. With a fierce grip, he twisted its neck in an instant.

Looking at the two, Qi Xinzhu felt somewhat sad about the death of the Duotail but didn’t know what to say.

"Don’t you guys think the Duotail is cute?"

Lu Luo, holding the tail of the Duotail, sliced it off directly with a knife.

"They are cute indeed. Their tails are valuable alchemical materials, worth a lot of money. These four tails could probably cover your salary for three years."

On the other side, Gu Fangyi also made the same move, and more outrageously, he had already started skinning it even before Lu Luo.

"What are you guys doing?" Qi Xinzhu’s expression was one of horror.

Lu Luo looked at her strangely.

"Eating! We’re going to stay outside the Wall for twenty days. The food in our bags will last at most five days. You don’t think I can survive on just breathing the northwestern wind, do you?"

Qi Xinzhu felt that the composure she had painstakingly regained was shattered by Lu Luo less than half a day after they’d left the Wall.

"How can you eat it when bunnies are so cute?"

Half an hour later, Qi Xinzhu pursed her lips.

"Lu Luo, is there any bunny head left?"

"Shut up!" Lu Luo was somewhat angry.

This is too much, Lu Luo fumed internally. This woman just called the Duotails cute, and then she tearfully devoured three large bowls!

"No more, it’s all gone. You two-faced woman ate the most. I only had a couple of sips of soup."

Meanwhile, Gu Fangyi, during the argument between the two, had quietly gnawed away the remaining rabbit leg, reaping the benefits in silence.

Feeling a bit embarrassed, Qi Xinzhu indeed admitted to herself that the taste of the Duotails was too delicious, something she had never had in the Inner Ring. Wiping her mouth, Qi Xinzhu turned her head to look at the sky, having long forgotten what she had said just a moment ago.

Bunnies are cute, of course, they are for eating! No problem there.

"Let’s go. We’re about to enter the Thousand Lakes District below. It’s not like the mountains; the danger level will increase exponentially. It’s comparable to our destination, the C04 swamp."

"Understood."

Water is more dangerous than land for many reasons. In water, human movement is hindered, and there are problems with breathing, visibility, and the like. But these are not the absolute factors. The real reason for the danger is the frequent rain in the Wasteland. Rain leads to the chaotic accumulation of Dark Energy in the water, which quickly adheres to living creatures, causing new mutations. Given how often it rains in the Wasteland world, the strength of Dark Energy in aquatic Exotic Species tends to grow significantly. Great size doesn’t necessarily mean a higher tier, but generally, a larger physique indicates the species’ strength.

Standing between the cliffs, the three looked down.

"Quite a steep slope!"

Below the cliff was a short precipice of about ten or so meters, and further down was a slope with an angle of about 40-50 degrees. There were no real paths all the way to the bottom of the mountain. The slope could be considered dangerous, yet it wasn’t overwhelmingly so.

Seeing this, Lu Luo immediately had a method in mind for quickly descending the mountain, but this method required the consent of his two companions.

"Brother Gu, may I carry you?"

"Eh? Sure."

Gu Fangyi understood the reason very well. Outside the Wall, Lu Luo was the commander and the brain. All he needed to do was follow orders.

"Qi Xinzhu, is it okay if I carry you?"

"Ah? Carry me? What are you going to do?"

"I have a way to descend the mountain quickly, so I need you to cooperate with me."

Qi Xinzhu hesitated, not because she was unwilling, but due to a young woman’s natural modesty and shyness. As for why she’s described as a young woman? Well, those who understand, understand.

Seeing Lu Luo’s calm expression and pure eyes, the shyness in Qi Xinzhu’s heart gradually subsided, and she nodded her head.

"Okay."

[Although your expression is calm, your heart is filled with pleasure, hypocritical Fourth Ring person.]

Lu Luo carried Gu Fangyi on his back, then scooped Qi Xinzhu into a bridal carry. Right, not carrying Gu Fangyi like that; a princess carry for a man would be weird.Besides, he’d carried Qi Xinzhu on his back before and had already... appreciated her ample bosom. Holding a girl was definitely better.

Qi Xinzhu wrapped her arms around Lu Luo’s neck. They had been in a similar position just last night, though this time, both were fully conscious. The ambiguous atmosphere had not yet congealed when Gu Fangyi’s head poked out from behind Lu Luo.

"Aren’t we leaving? What are you waiting for? For the sun to set?"

Fine! Brother Gu, you’re too much! Lu Luo had been hoping to enjoy the softness in his arms a little longer.

"We’re jumping!"

Before his words could fall, Lu Luo suddenly entered a steam state. The steam pressure in his feet increased several-fold, and with a fierce leap, he jumped nearly ten meters high with the two people on his back. Then, he quickly glided down the cliff, while the two large swords served as their glider wings.

PSSSH! PSSSH! PSSSH!

The jet device continuously adjusted its distance from the ground. Like a glider, Lu Luo and his companions flew toward the ground. The wind howled against their faces, and with Lu Luo within reach, Qi Xinzhu leaned her head into his embrace even more.

The descent was rapid, but as the trio was about to reach the ground and enter the Thousand Lakes District, the surface of the lake nearest to them suddenly changed. A monster with a gaping maw full of catfish-like barbels burst forth from the water, opening its wide mouth to swallow them whole. Its appearance was hard to describe, a creature utterly corrupted by Dark Energy.

[Unknown animal species, although ugly, it is indeed an animal. New Exotic Species may appear in the Thousand Lakes District at any time, please stay alert.]

Startled by the ugly creature, Qi Xinzhu instinctively clutched the clothes on Lu Luo’s chest.

"Lu Luo!"

"I know."

Holding a girl in his arms, his damage doubled.

Lu Luo drew a large sword, and his body instantly lost balance. Qi He reignited, and Lu Luo immediately entered second-gear steam.

Qi Union Slash.

A transparent Sword Qi cut through the giant creature’s body, bisecting the nearly ten-meter-high monster with a single strike.

"Second Tier. Its size is grand, but its strength is quite average."

After landing, Qi Xinzhu felt somewhat embarrassed. Ever since Lu Luo picked me up, I feel like I’ve lost control of the situation, she thought nervously. Now standing on the ground, she seemed to remember she was also a Second Tier Believer of Light.

The corpse of the Exotic Species naturally couldn’t be wasted. Lu Luo began to consume it, Qi Xinzhu packed up their gear, and Gu Fangyi kept watch.

As Lu Luo was halfway through his consumption, the Observer gave another warning.

[Detection of Advanced Sequence Fluctuation from the direction of the cliff; the distance is too far to ascertain further information!]

Lu Luo immediately stopped consuming. If Lu Luo had been merely puzzled the first two times, this time he was certain. Someone with an Advanced Sequence was following them.

Lu Luo’s expression remained unchanged, and he pushed the corpse into the lake. In a voice only Qi Xinzhu and Gu Fangyi could hear, he spoke softly, "Stay calm, both of you. Don’t look around. Someone is following us. His Sequence level is high, and his hiding ability is exceptionally strong. He is also at a great distance. His strength might be very strong, so we need to stay as vigilant as possible against this person."

Gu Fangyi’s expression tensed slightly as he continued to scan the surroundings in a rotating stance, not speaking, but he was trying to use Hawk Eye to locate the other party.

"It’s useless. The other party’s ability is definitely a higher grade than Hawk Eye."

"Understood."

While Qi Xinzhu was tidying up some scattered items and bullets, she asked nonchalantly, "So, what do we do next? Do we continue with our Exotic Species hunting operation?"

"The hunting of Exotic Species will be temporarily halted. This person poses a great danger; if he were to suddenly appear while we are fighting Exotic Species, we could very likely be undone. Therefore, even if this hunting operation ends in complete failure or is abandoned, we cannot afford to take risks in this place."

What was the reason Lu Luo hadn’t failed catastrophically during his many years undercover in his previous life? Caution. Knowing there’s a tiger behind you and still going out to hunt? That’s just asking for death. Now with a highly dangerous individual behind them, their current primary objective was to deal with this person. To deal with him, other matters could be put on hold, whether it be making money or hunting Exotic Species.

"Then, do we still head to the C04 swamp?"

"We still need to go to the C04 swamp. Our next actions also need a fake target. It’s just that this fake destination is meant to draw out this person. In the following period, if we encounter Exotic Species, there is no absolute necessity to hunt them; we can bypass them."

"Understood," the two responded in unison.

Atop the cliff, Li Qingshu silently awaited Lu Luo and the others’ departure. Once they were far enough, he floated down from the mountaintop and walked to the pond where Lu Luo had been earlier. After a moment’s hesitation, Li Qingshu, not wanting to soil himself, decided against entering the small lake.

Killed two Duotails on the mountaintop—counts as hunting for food and collecting materials. Here, killed an unknown animal species; it was a defensive kill. The body should have sunk to the bottom of the lake. Otherwise, I could examine the Exotic Species’ corpse to see if there are any signs of mutation. So far, this Lu Luo hasn’t shown any particularly abnormal signs. I’ll follow him a while longer!

Li Qingshu retreated back into the shadows, never considering the possibility that Lu Luo could detect him. Being one of Blue Sky Pharmaceuticals’ most powerful intelligence personnel, the Fourth Ring seemed to him nothing more than a fishpond. Even a Fifth Tier powerhouse would be largely helpless against his Sequence. The formidable power of his Shadow Lord ability granted him the capability to fight opponents beyond his tier. The only ones he truly cared about and feared were the likes of Qiao Xing, an existence he genuinely could not defeat.

Lu Luo, walking in the Thousand Lakes District, quite naturally received two more Observer prompts. Through these simple pieces of information, Lu Luo had already made some rudimentary judgments and analyses about this enemy hidden in the shadows.

As he walked, he spoke, his expression nonchalant, "The two of you maintain your current state, without any special reaction. I will briefly share my intelligence analysis on this person. This person’s ability might involve entering a certain hidden state to maintain his concealment. When revealing himself, his ability will activate once, and when he enters a hidden state, his ability will activate a second time. This should be one of his Sequence traits. Secondly, while his intention for following us remains unclear for now, we can make some simple analyses. He keeps a great distance from us but follows us persistently, certainly for a reason. The first possibility is that his strength isn’t strong enough, and our power intimidates him, hence he maintains this distance. While this possibility exists, it’s slim because continuously using Sequence Force requires physical exertion or energy. If his stamina is inadequate or his energy insufficient, it would definitely begin to drain his life force. Given the high grade of his Sequence, if he were a low-tier Transcendent, it would be difficult to maintain such a long-term activation of Sequence Ability. Therefore, I’m more inclined toward the second possibility: this person is a formidable expert. His approach to us must have some specific purpose, which is likely related to collecting intelligence."

As he spoke, Lu Luo suddenly stopped, his gaze calmly fixed ahead.

Gu Fangyi tightened his grip on his gun, and Qi Xinzhu’s hand rested on her sword.

A huge Dragon Yak appeared in front of the three.

[Dragon Yak, Fourth Tier animal species, omnivorous but prefers meat, endowed with the force of the earth, exceptionally robust constitution. Dragon Yak attributes: Strength 80, Constitution 100, Agility 30.]