Volume One, Chapter 100: The First Sequence.

"Impossible," the man declared firmly.

"I've never once seen the Director act—not even a single time. Don't try to frighten me. Even if you refuse to help, you wouldn't lie to me just to scare me, would you?"

The old man smiled and shook his head. "What good would it do to frighten you? Everything I've said is the truth, believe it or not. In fact, I was defeated by him long ago. He beat me with just three moves—and that was out of courtesy. Others, he dispatched with a single slap."

Hearing this, the man fell silent.

He had witnessed the old man's strength firsthand.

Thinking of this, he rose and clasped his hands in respect: "I, Zhang Jianjun, have offended you just now. I hope you'll forgive me."

The old man waved dismissively. "There's no need for forgiveness. The future of Institute 509 will rely on you young people. Once we've fulfilled our mission, our era will end."

After saying this, the old man's eyes brimmed with unspeakable loneliness.

Zhang Jianjun left the prison and returned to his office.

He opened his computer and searched the database for information about that child.

[Jiang Chen, male, eighteen, strength unknown, file confidentiality: Primary Sequence.]

[Access Level: Highest.]

After reading, Zhang Jianjun could only close the computer in silence.

Meanwhile, outside Qing City, Li Jing Shou realized something was wrong the moment a thick fog suddenly enveloped the city.

Chong Li, dressed in a white dress, was camping with him on a riverbank outside Qing City.

What was meant to be a romantic moment for the two was abruptly interrupted by the unexpected fog.

"Something's happened." Li Jing Shou immediately reached for his phone, but received no response.

"The call won't go through," he said gravely.

"Can't get through?" Chong Li tried her own phone and found the same. She tried calling others—anyone not in Qing City was unreachable, but calls outside the city connected.

Li Jing Shou said, "I'll go in and take a look. You stay here."

Chong Li grabbed his arm. "No, with your strength, you'd be going in vain. Let me go instead."

Li Jing Shou looked awkward. "Isn't that a bit harsh? I'm not that weak. I'll just scout around; if there's a chance, I'll go in, otherwise I won't."

Chong Li knew sitting idle was not an option; perhaps their strength could turn the tide. Still, she couldn't let Li Jing Shou go in. With his meager fighting power, entering would be suicide.

"Let's check from the side first," Chong Li suggested.

They were still some distance from Qing City, driving in their car. Li Jing Shou drove while Chong Li kept a close watch on the latest news.

Soon, the city's perimeter was cordoned off, supposedly due to fugitive suspects, sealing all exit roads. Yet, no photos of Qing City appeared online.

"This seems pretty serious," Li Jing Shou remarked.

Chong Li frowned. "Drive faster, let's get a closer look."

Li Jing Shou pressed the accelerator, and two hours later, they reached the bridge leading to Qing City. The bridge was already blocked, manned by Institute 509 members from nearby cities.

Chong Li had changed into her Daoist robes, while Li Jing Shou donned sportswear.

Their presence was striking; it was clear to many onlookers who they were as soon as they parked.

Chong Li got out and presented her Celestial Master credentials, with Li Jing Shou following behind.

The person in charge was accompanied by Lin Youyou from Twin Cities, a woman somewhat older than both of them.

Chong Li asked, "Is it really that serious?"

Lin Youyou nodded. "Very serious. The authorities have designated the threat level as A..."

Chong Li's gaze became calm and cold. "Level A... Has Institute 509 sent in any experts to investigate?"

Lin Youyou replied, "We were ordered only to wait and maintain the blockade, not to intervene in any way. Beyond that, we know nothing and are not permitted to know."

Waiting was their signal.

Chong Li asked, "So all we can do is wait? Nothing else?"

Lin Youyou answered, "That's the order we received."

Li Jing Shou didn't understand what an A-level threat meant, but judging by Chong Li's expression, it must be dangerous.

He pulled Chong Li aside, speaking in a low voice, "What's going on? Why is everyone acting so mysterious?"

Chong Li got him back in the car. Seeing his anxious look, she could no longer keep it from him and explained, "An A-level threat means that if the crisis isn't handled properly, the entire city could vanish."

Li Jing Shou gasped. "No, I have to go in. My brother is still inside, so is my father. I must go in."

Chong Li fixed her gaze on him. "Entering means certain death. At this level, anyone who goes in is unlikely to survive. We have no idea what's happening inside. If you act rashly, stepping into Qing City could mean instant death. That's the possible outcome."

Li Jing Shou protested, "So we're just supposed to sit and wait? Do nothing and hope the crisis passes?"

Chong Li sighed. "That's right. If anything, blame our lack of strength. If we had both reached the Formless Realm, we might try, but combined, we can't even touch that level."

The Formless Realm—a place Li Jing Shou felt both near and impossibly distant.

Since entering the world of cultivation, he understood the importance of power. Now, this crisis highlighted that truth starkly.

Without strength, they had no chance to save anyone, let alone resolve the crisis.

Watching helplessly was the cruelest fate—unable to act, forced to witness everything unfold until disaster passed or the city fell.

"No... there's still a glimmer of hope. My brother is inside—he'll win." With no other options, Li Jing Shou pinned his hopes on his brother.

Chong Li didn't know how to comfort him—perhaps it wasn't necessary. Both of their families and friends were in Qing City; neither could accept what might happen. Now, aside from praying, there was nothing else to do. Rather than dwell, it was better to relax.

After all, that fearless, miraculous man was still inside Qing City...