.......

What did Lu Ding just hear?

A demonic dragon!?

Those keywords instantly sharpened his focus.

He asked directly: "What demonic dragon?"

Chu Gexiao:.........

He opened his mouth, momentarily speechless.

So you only caught the part about the dragon?

"A demonic dragon comparable to Heavenly Perception operatives. It escaped during the fall of the Jing Dynasty and later formed a pact with Wei Gao."

"It helps them suppress their national calamity in exchange for nourishment from their national fortune."

"Its original strength could rival veteran Heavenly Perception members, but its power is automatically halved while suppressing Wei Gao's national calamity."

Lu Ding's interest was piqued.

A dragon that could originally match veteran Heavenly Perception operatives, now weakened by constraints...

Wasn't this a gift delivered to his doorstep?

What a treasure!

He had to have it!

Who knew what outrageous rewards killing it might bring?

As for the national calamity...

Truth be told, apart from himself, Lu Ding couldn't think of anyone better suited for this task.

The world balances yin and yang.

National fortune represents the positive, while national calamity embodies the negative.

Both require suppression.

Unchecked national fortune dissipates, shortening lifespans.

Unrestrained national calamity brings warfare, plagues, and disasters until calamity strikes Mars - beyond redemption.

Though perilous, national calamity counterbalances national fortune.

As long as national fortune endures, calamity's eruption won't immediately cause catastrophe.

This explains why calamity strikes Mars years after conflicts begin - it must first erode national fortune.

If Wei Gao's national calamity were unleashed, they'd face instant headaches.

This lesson... should make them regret their choices.

For ordinary people, national fortune has little effect.

But national calamity warps minds and emotions.

Lu Ding, with his [Heaven-Man Unity], remains unaffected.

Headquarters considered him precisely because his performance on Tai Island proved him immune to the One-Eyed Five's influence.

After some thought, Lu Ding asked: "Am I going alone?"

Not that he needed company.

He could handle the most dangerous parts.

But he shouldn't shoulder everything.

If something went wrong without backup...

That'd be disastrous.

Fortunately, Chu Gexiao said: "Of course not. A Heavenly Perception operative will accompany you."

Still, details mattered.

Lu Ding pressed: "Can he be trusted?"

The last thing he needed was betrayal.

"Rest assured. Though his background is... complicated, we hold his fatal weakness. He's currently receiving power-neutralizing restrictions at headquarters. You'll control them."

"If he acts up, activate the restrictions to obliterate both body and soul."

This did reassure Lu Ding somewhat.

Had someone else controlled those restrictions, he'd remain uneasy.

It was like driving.

If others held the wheel, they held his life.

Only with control in his hands could Lu Ding sleep soundly.

At least his fate remained his own.

"Alright, I'll go. Make the arrangements?"

This answer matched Chu Gexiao's expectations.

Because frankly,

Lu Ding was ridiculously diligent.

"Rest these two days while consolidating your cultivation. When our Heavenly Perception offensive begins, distracting Wei Gao's operatives, and after your companion's restrictions are set, you'll depart."

"Understood. May I leave now?"

"Go ahead. I won't see you out - need to maintain our defenses here."

Lu Ding nodded.

After finalizing Kagu Muto's arrangements, he left for East Kang Island's battlefield, joining Lingshun 749 in devastating the island.

Lu Ding gathered Yan Feifan, Bai Hemen, and Wang Qingge.

"My battlefield role pauses here. I'll be away temporarily. Stay safe."

This was for Yan Feifan and Bai Hemen.

From his red coffin, Lu Ding produced rare treasures harvested from Whaleguard Island.

Among friends, Lu Ding cared little for such things - they barely helped him now.

But for Bai Hemen and Yan Feifan? Wow. Legendary loot.

Country bumpkins tasting fine cuisine - they'd never used such quality.

Neither stood on ceremony.

Yan Feifan felt moved: "Brother Lu, I never dreamed of this day! Earning these myself would take ages! They say choices outweigh effort, but you chose me!"

"I'll work harder to solve your problems! Don't worry about us - we'll return to Yunhai 749's frontlines to shine!"

Respect, status, contribution points, the Kitchen God's tablet, now these treasures - all beyond Yan Feifan's wildest dreams.

Yet following Lu Ding...

He gained everything he'd only fantasized about.

Words failed him.

As for Bai Hemen? Clutching his share, he finally muttered: "Same here..."

He'd prepared speeches...

But... nothing came out.

He simply felt... insufficiently diligent!

Lu Ding burst out laughing.

Xiao Bai channeled Elder Zhang's spirit.

Finally, to Wang Qingge: "Your plans?"

She raised her wooden sign:

[Can I come?]

Lu Ding shook his head: "Not this time."

This was business, not pleasure.

[Okay. I'll keep refining my signs here. Not finished yet.]

Lu Ding extended his hand, black smoke billowing as spectral figures emerged - Tai Island Qi Refiners' captured souls from Whaleguard Island, including several Earth Observation realm practitioners.

He'd dared not keep Heavenly Perception souls,

fearing their contingencies and potential resurrection.

"These should suffice."

Wang Qingge smiled brightly, eyes crinkling.

[Thanks]

[Since you're leaving, I'll fight your battles here. I'll kill enough for both of us - credit goes to you.]

Lu Ding:........

Auto-grinding mode activated.

He'd hoped she'd leave this dangerous battlefield.

Yet she insisted on staying.

"Fine. Stay safe."

[Understood, don't worry]

Bai Hemen grew quiet,

glancing between Lu Ding and Wang Qingge.

He sighed inwardly... whatever...

Everyone here cheated with divine gifts.

Only he, mortal-framed yet talented, barely glimpsed their heels.

Honestly, he wasn't weak!!

He could fight!!

Why was this season so damn hard!?