novelraw Chapter 292 285: The Paragon
Chapter 292 285: The Paragon
The moment this news aired, it captured the attention of the entire nation.
Everyone had been waiting for an official answer.
"According to the current investigation, the force behind the Nanjiang Xinghe Pedestrian Street incident is a little-known, intelligent life-form that exists in a unique state. It is widely believed they may have existed since ancient times, serving as the origin for certain myths and monsters from humanity's unenlightened past. The relevant authorities have designated this life-form the 'Celestial Demon'..."
The host then revealed some information and characteristics of the Celestial Demons in an extremely calm voice. He made it clear that the nation had already found a way to deal with them: a powerful spirit and will. Correspondingly, this meant powerful Martial Artists. He also stated that an emergency response plan had been activated to address this newly emerged phenomenon.
Many viewers were so stunned by the bombshell announcement that their skin crawled. They didn't hear a single word of the protective measures and comforting platitudes the host offered next.
Even ordinary citizens could grasp the implications of the broadcast.
They are difficult for the naked eye to perceive.
They have no physical form and exist as spiritual entities.
They possess considerable individual power and are highly aggressive.
Modern weaponry has limited effect on them.
A powerful spirit and will are the most effective weapons against them, as exemplified by Martial Artists.
And most importantly of all, these beings possess intelligence.
Everyone knew what that meant.
How had humanity managed to come so far?
It was through superior intelligence—a trait many believed was the single greatest distinction between us and beasts.
But now, someone was telling you that humanity was not the only intelligent species in the world. How would you feel?
Panic, menace, fear...
In an instant, a torrent of emotions erupted across every level of society.
"Based on that description, aren't Celestial Demons basically supernatural?! My God, I just had my materialism exam yesterday, and now you're telling me this?!! I memorized a whole week's worth of material for nothing?"
"Aren't these just what legends call 'ghosts'? So ghosts are real? Were they just dormant all this time and are only waking up now?!"
"What are we supposed to do?! This is scarier than any virus! Ordinary people can't fight them at all!!"
"Now when I walk down the street, I always feel like someone's behind me, and there's this chill... When I'm trying to sleep, I feel like there's a pair of eyes hiding in my blankets. Sometimes I even see a white shadow flash past my window. Does this mean a Celestial Demon has its sights on me? Somebody, help me!"
"It's terrifying! I don't dare walk outside at night anymore, and I can't sleep alone. Is there anyone who'll come sleep with me? *sob sob*..."
"..."
Discussion about the Celestial Demons ignited instantly, with most people reacting in fear. To make matters worse, the Secret Inspection Bureau deployed patrol teams from its various city branches to conduct night patrols and searches in a full-scale effort to track the Celestial Demons, which only heightened public anxiety.
"I'm planning to go abroad to wait this out..."
"Yeah, it's definitely safer overseas. Anything is better than staying here. Thank God I got my green card a long time ago!"
"'The grass is always greener overseas,' huh? Didn't you hear the news? This isn't the first time something like this has happened, and it didn't start here. These incidents have a much longer history abroad; many have occurred, they were just covered up."
"You actually believe the news? Besides, why haven't any tragedies on the scale of Nanjiang happened overseas? It's just safer abroad because other countries are stronger and more advanced than we are!"
"I think it's much better here. At least our government is willing to reveal the truth instead of just fobbing us off with some excuse. Look at those other countries that claim to be free and equal—how many of their citizens are still in the dark? Who knows what their leaders are planning! They've probably already imposed a media blackout on this kind of news!"
"Say what you will, I'm still going abroad to ride this out. It's definitely safer there than here..."
Amidst these discussions, many so-called "social elites" were considering fleeing the country. For these sophisticated egoists, they relished their superior status and wealth—the dividends of the nation's prosperity—but the moment the nation faced hardship, they were the first to vanish without a trace.
After all, they had no loyalty to their country, or even their home. They only had themselves.
However, many more people chose to stay, praising the government for its complete transparency. They pledged their full cooperation with the nation's response, confident that the country could handle the crisis.
Regardless, once the government confirmed the existence of Celestial Demons, one particular group was thrust back into the spotlight.
Martial Artists.
Based on current information, Martial Artists were the most effective individuals for combating these strange life-forms. Furthermore, according to officially released data, it was precisely because three S Class Martial Artists arrived in Nanjiang in time that the chaos was brought to an end, preventing the situation from deteriorating and endangering the entirety of Nanjiang City.
In a way, these three S Class Martial Artists had indirectly saved an entire city.
Public curiosity about Martial Artists surged to an all-time high.
Panic, fear, and curiosity became the prevailing emotions among the populace.
...
...
「On Zixiao Mountain.」
"Now that the news is out, the situation at home isn't looking good. We need to take further action. First and foremost, we must quell the public's panic about the Celestial Demons," Chen Qingmu said gravely to the Chief Commissioner.
"Do you have a plan?" the Chief Commissioner asked.
"Humanity's greatest fear is of the unknown. The public is panicking precisely because they don't understand the true destructive capabilities of the Celestial Demons."
"To eliminate this fear, we need to show them more. We need to let them know that humanity is in no way inferior to the Celestial Demons."
"I've already contacted the state media. I'm preparing to record a special feature—an interview and documentary—as quickly as possible to provide a detailed analysis of the Celestial Demons. The goal is to dispel public fear. I believe that having an S Class Martial Artist personally explain and demonstrate our capabilities would be the most effective way to eliminate that fear and showcase humanity's own strength," Chen Qingmu said.
"An S Class Martial Artist... It sounds like you already have someone in mind. I trust it won't be one of us old-timers?" the Chief Commissioner said.
"Of course. I already have someone in mind," Chen Qingmu said.
"Let me guess... this person is Zhou Yuanjue, isn't it?" the Chief Commissioner said with a smile.
"Correct. He is the youngest Saint Awakening in Donghua History. His current strength is on par with you and the Guardian. He is also the vice president of the Martial Arts Association and will soon be appointed chancellor of the Martial Arts University. His power, status, age, and image are all perfect for the role. It can't be anyone else," Chen Qingmu said with a nod.
"You're trying to 'create a god'..." the Chief Commissioner said softly.
"History has shown us the incredible power of a symbol. And Zhou Yuanjue, in both his character and his ambitions, is the most suitable person to become that symbol," Chen Qingmu said, his expression calm.
"In the ancient past, when Celestial Demons roamed freely, the world needed heroes. It needs heroes now, just the same!"
...
...
After the meeting, the Chief Commissioner had Ning Muqing contact Zhou Yuanjue, who was still in Nanjiang.
"Is something the matter?" Zhou Yuanjue asked Ning Muqing over the phone.
"The Chief Commissioner just contacted me. He wants you to return to Shangjing Prefecture as soon as possible. He says it's urgent," Ning Muqing said.
"Me? What for?" Zhou Yuanjue asked, frowning.
"I don't know the specifics. You'll need to speak with the Chief Commissioner in person."
Ning Muqing's tone was one of pure innocence, conveying that she truly had no idea what the Chief Commissioner was planning.
"All right. Tell the Chief Commissioner I'll head back to Shangjing as soon as I can."
Zhou Yuanjue nodded and hung up.