Trafford's Trading Club

Chapter 1072: How Could There Be a Path to Immortality in This World? (80): The Spirit of Contract

In the long, winding cave, a crowd had gathered.

Most were members of the Management Bureau, along with Cang Jinshui and Qu Xinghe.

At this moment, Cang Jinshui and Qu Xinghe were sitting cross-legged on the ground, seizing the moment to recover their strength. Before this, the two high-ranking members of the Four Celestial Spirits race had already shared all the intelligence they had gathered with the four squad captains from the Management Bureau.

When the captains learned about the heavy casualties suffered by the elite members of the Daoist Association and the Demon Association, they were shocked.

They could hardly imagine what kind of terrifying force it must have taken to nearly wipe out both elite groups of the Divine Land’s transcendent world. After hearing Cang Jinshui’s detailed description, their fear toward Gaia only grew.

Not long ago, when they had come to assist Cang Jinshui and Qu Xinghe, they had already seen how powerful Gaia was. If Hong Ling hadn’t used the Godslayer Bullet right from the start to catch one Gaia off guard, the battle would’ve been much tougher.

But according to Cang Jinshui, there were over a hundred of these Gaia…

Ling Feng even secretly felt relieved—luckily, he hadn’t started extracting any of the valuable resources here. Otherwise, the entire Management Bureau team might have been wiped out by the Gaia, singing their own funeral song.

Just then, a team member approached the four squad captains and shook his head. “Still no contact with HQ. Our signal is completely blocked.”

“Got it. Go inventory our combat supplies,” Ling Feng nodded and waved the team member away.“Ling Feng, based on what Cang Jinshui said, we may not get out of here,” said the female captain Hong Ling with a frown. “Looks like you’ll have to write a few extra reports.”

Ling Feng gave a bitter smile. “It’s not that I’m unwilling to use the Godslayer Bullet… I’m just afraid that even with it, we might not make it through this crisis. If anything else happens…”

Just then, Ling Feng abruptly stopped speaking and focused intently. The other three captains immediately noticed and grew alert as well.

From deep within the cave, strange sounds began to echo—sounds that soon alerted both Cang Jinshui and Qu Xinghe, and eventually the entire Management Bureau team.

“Something’s coming!” Ling Feng raised his hand slightly.

In an instant, all the Bureau members grabbed their weapons and spread out into a half-moon formation. In the darkness, a figure slowly emerged from deep within the cave.

Closer… closer! It looked like a silhouette!

One nervous Bureau member instinctively pulled the trigger of his specialized handgun, loaded with a Spell Bullet, just as the figure was about to fully emerge.

“Wait.” Ling Feng reacted quickly, pressing down the man’s wrist. “Something’s off.”

Finally, the figure was fully visible—about two meters tall, and clearly not human.

It was a humanoid machine!

It had strong limbs, but its legs were assembled in a reverse-joint structure. Its head looked like a flat metal plate, with a black crystal in the center, glowing with a faint red light—its "eye," most likely.

But this humanoid machine paid no attention to anyone in the cave. It walked straight through, completely ignoring them. Everyone pressed nervously against the walls as the machine passed by silently.

Then, another identical machine appeared from the darkness.

And then another.

From the depths of the cave, these strange humanoid machines kept emerging, one after another, all spaced evenly apart and walking at a steady pace.

Time seemed to slow in the face of this bizarre sight. Only after the stream of machines finally stopped did the captains regroup and exchange confused looks with Cang Jinshui and Qu Xinghe.

Soon, they made a decision—to secretly follow and observe what these humanoid machines were doing.

The path out of the cave was short.

Soon, the team arrived at the cave’s exit and saw the machines again. They hadn’t gone far. In fact, they were performing actions that surprised everyone.

One machine stood under a large tree. From its finger joints, a long needle extended and pierced the tree trunk, seemingly extracting something. Not far away, another machine was doing the same.

Meanwhile, several machines had begun transforming their legs, turning them into cylindrical jets that launched them into the air. Their arms spread and split open, revealing countless tiny nozzles that sprayed mist downward, watering the forest below.

Some machines were even clearing weeds from the ground. Each machine had a task, working methodically and in order.

“They’re like gardeners…”

No one knew who said it, but the realization struck everyone at once—no wonder the machines had ignored them.

They were likely programmed only for forest maintenance.

“They came from inside…” Captain Ling Feng, now realizing what this meant, furrowed his brow and said with a strange expression, “Could this place be some sort of operations hub for them?”

“Captain, what should we do?”

“Let’s go in and check it out,” Ling Feng took a deep breath. “We might find some clues in there. Since the machines came from that place, there could be a communications system inside.”

Cang Jinshui and Qu Xinghe agreed with Ling Feng’s reasoning, so while the machines were busy tending the forest, the group cautiously infiltrated the cave again.

They encountered no danger and soon reached the end of the cave—where a massive metal door stood.

Unsure of the potential threats beyond, two of the captains and three team members formed an exploration unit to proceed first. The rest stayed behind on standby.

Though they couldn’t contact the outside world, their internal communication tools still worked.

“We’ve cleared the passage—no threats encountered. Over.”

“Received. Over.”

As one member transmitted video footage from a helmet camera, everyone began to get a clearer picture of what lay inside.

It looked like something out of a high-end sci-fi movie—possibly even more advanced.

As the camera panned through the space, showing off the futuristic setting, it soon revealed a large number of what appeared to be stasis pods.

As the camera drew closer, one of the captains began to speak…

"These containers seem to be resting stations for those mechanical beings that just went out. Also, inside the pods, we discovered many small robotic arms—they appear capable of conducting maintenance or repairs on those machines. Currently, there’s no sign of danger; this place either has no defensive systems or we simply haven’t triggered them yet. Over!"

"Received. Over!" Captain Ling Feng lowered his walkie-talkie and frowned at the screen.

Meanwhile, the exploration team was gradually uncovering the secrets of this place.

Someone discovered a weapon-like device that could emit beams of light. When fired at a metal wall, the beam melted the surface.

Another found several rod-like items on what seemed to be tool racks. Each rod had multiple buttons; pressing one caused the rod to suddenly emit a meter-long beam of solidified energy that didn’t dissipate.

"This… this must be some kind of ‘energy condensation’ technology! Incredible. How can such powerful energy be stabilized like this… through a magnetic field maybe? The level of technology in this rod alone... Ling Feng, exploring this place feels like stepping into the laboratory of an advanced alien civilization… Over!"

"Keep exploring. Try to find a control center or something similar. If you encounter danger, don’t hesitate—retreat immediately. Over!"

Time ticked by, and with each new discovery, Ling Feng couldn’t help but agree with the idea: Was this place really a lab from some advanced alien civilization?

Just then—while everyone was focused on the team’s exploration progress—a sudden scream came from behind!

Everyone turned in shock. At some point, three small figures had appeared in the cave… Mass-produced combat models—Gaia!

“Damn it!” Cang Jinshui’s face instantly changed.

With the Bureau’s help, he and Qu Xinghe had only just managed to eliminate two of them—not expecting that more would arrive so quickly… and now there were three.

The one who had screamed had already collapsed—his chest bore a horrifying wound, like it had been pierced through by intense heat, charred flesh still smoking.

A bead of cold sweat slid down Captain Ling Feng’s temple. He swallowed hard—and then a loud gunshot rang out next to him!

Hong Ling!

Without hesitation, Captain Hong Ling fired directly at one of the Gaia using a clip loaded with Godslayer Bullets!

But the shot missed—Gaia had shifted by mere centimeters, dodging it entirely. The bullet embedded into the cave wall.

Unfazed, Hong Ling gritted her teeth and unleashed a burst of fire from her M16A4!

The floating Gaia darted through the dim cave like phantoms, effortlessly dodging her barrage. A full magazine—not a single hit.

Shocked, Hong Ling fumbled to reload, but one Gaia had already closed the distance, raising its crimson blade-like limb!

“Hong Ling!” Ling Feng shouted, terrified.

In that instant, Cang Jinshui charged forward, his massive demonic energy forming a huge blue claw that struck at the Gaia, intercepting the attack.

Seeing it was Cang Jinshui who saved her, Hong Ling’s eyes flashed with a complex emotion.

Then Cang Jinshui shouted, slamming both hands to the ground—pillars of blue light erupted, sealing the three Gaia inside.

“We’re at a disadvantage in this terrain!” he shouted. “These things are far too powerful! Get out of here—I can only hold them for a short while!”

Among the Four Celestial Spirits, the Azure Dragon clan was the most skilled in sealing arts. These blue pillars were likely a technique that restricted enemy movement.

Inside the light, the three Gaia began slowly moving again, seemingly ready to break free.

“What are you all standing around for? Move!!” Cang Jinshui roared.

Ling Feng wanted to retreat—but then remembered the team exploring the cave’s depths. He hesitated—then froze in horror.

Cang Jinshui suddenly coughed up blood—the light pillars vanished. The Gaia immediately broke free—in just seconds!

“Impossible!” Cang Jinshui's face paled.

The three Gaia charged!

Cang Jinshui roared again, scales covering his body as he braced for a desperate fight.

But just then, the first Gaia’s body split open—a long sword appeared in front of Cang Jinshui, along with a black-haired young man wearing a scarf.

Wearing casual clothes and wielding an ancient sword, the young man smiled slightly at Cang Jinshui, then turned and swiftly slashed at the other two Gaia!

So fast!

Cang Jinshui and Qu Xinghe were stunned. If that sword had been aimed at them… could they even dodge it?

Yet the two Gaia didn’t react at all—they just stood still as the sword cut them down.

In just a few seconds, the youth had taken down all three Gaia—leaving those who had struggled against Gaia utterly speechless.

“Strange… why did they suddenly act like statues? The one earlier too…”

After finishing them off, the young man stood there, rubbing his chin as if in thought.

“Excuse me… who are you?” Ling Feng, as the Bureau’s lead officer, forced himself to step forward and ask.

The young man turned around and scratched his head. “Oh… sorry, I was spacing out. You guys okay?”

“Uh…” Ling Feng nodded instinctively.

The young man’s gaze then landed on the fallen Bureau member, frowning. “One dead… I’m sorry. I thought I could get here in time. I was outside clearing some of them, so I arrived a bit late.”

“Outside?” Ling Feng asked.

The youth nodded. “Yeah, outside the cave. These three must’ve slipped in while I wasn’t paying attention.”

“Clearing...?” Ling Feng glanced dumbfounded at Hong Ling, then at Cang Jinshui and Qu Xinghe, before finally turning back to the mysterious youth. He swallowed hard. “How… how many?”

“About seventy or eighty, I guess?” the youth said casually. “Didn’t really count.”

Seventy or eighty?!

Are you kidding me?!

Ling Feng leaned toward Hong Ling and whispered, “Hey… does the Daoist Association have someone like this?”

Judging by his sword, he didn’t seem like someone from the Demon clan.

Hong Ling simply shook her head in confusion.

As everyone struggled to process this youth’s terrifying strength, he suddenly said, “Glad you’re all okay. Start getting ready to leave this place.”

"Leave?" Cang Jinshui’s eyes lit up. “You know the way out?”

"I don’t exactly know the way," the young man shrugged, "but there’s a way to get you all out, that much I’m sure of."

Qu Xinghe, however, remained cautious. Despite the youth’s terrifying strength, they didn’t know who he was. After a moment’s hesitation, she pressed on. “Why should we trust you?”

The young man looked a little troubled by the question, as if unsure how to answer—until an old voice came from behind him.

"Mr. Da Zhe, allow this old man to explain."

A white-haired elder slowly approached, unsteady on his feet, accompanied by a burly man.

"Daoist Baijie… and Huang Baifu?!" Cang Jinshui and Qu Xinghe exclaimed in unison.

"Greetings, Grandmaster Zhenren!" Hong Ling quickly stepped forward and bowed to Daoist Baijie. She had once trained at Kunlun and was technically a disciple.

Ling Feng and Hong Ling looked relieved. Daoist Baijie was highly respected, and Huang Baifu was said to be the strongest among the younger generation of demons in the Divine Land. Their presence brought some much-needed confidence.

"We don’t have much time—listen to me." Daoist Baijie stepped forward. "I’ve found a way out, but we must move quickly. I hope you all can leave now."

"Daoist Baijie, how did you end up with Huang Baifu?" Cang Jinshui frowned. "And what did you find while we were separated?"

Baijie glanced at him. Huang Baifu—Wang Hu—snorted coldly, "Just go, Cang Jinshui. Why the hell are you asking so many questions? I’m telling you, there’s only one chance. Miss it, and don’t blame us if you get left behind."

"Huang Baifu, you—"

"Cang Jinshui, do you want me to hang you upside down like your old man?" Wang Hu sneered, cracking his knuckles and stepping forward.

"Try it!" Cang Jinshui’s eyes flared with killing intent. Two short horns sprouted from his head, and his demonic energy surged wildly.

"Heh... That’s quite the aura. But how many punches can you take?"

Wang Hu kept sneering. Damn it, after being outmatched again and again in here, he finally met someone he could beat. What a blessing.

"Enough!" Daoist Baijie’s eyes flashed with anger. "We’ve already lost too many. You still want to fight here? Our time is limited. I won’t tolerate any more casualties. Listen—both the Daoist and Demon factions have been gravely weakened. Do you want to see them completely fall before you’re satisfied?"

As the most senior among them—the President of the Divine Land Daoist Association and head of Kunlun—Baijie’s words carried weight. Both Wang Hu’s arrogance and Cang Jinshui’s fury cooled under his authority.

"Daoist Baijie is right," Qu Xinghe said, scanning the crowd before landing on Da Zhe. "But if we’re leaving, shouldn’t you at least introduce this expert to us?"

"If there’s time later, I will." Baijie took a deep breath. "I’ll open the way now. There are still others trapped here—we must find them quickly."

"President Baijie," Ling Feng suddenly spoke up, "Is it really that urgent? This place—"

But before he could finish, Baijie cut him off, "Ling Feng, I know what you’re thinking. But I strongly advise you not to get any ideas. This place... isn’t something you or the nation behind you can lay claim to."

Ling Feng frowned. "Because of those weaponized girls? But we’re not without options. Just look at him—"

He glanced at Da Zhe.

"Ling Feng, loyal or just naive?" Baijie sighed bitterly. His tone turned firm. "I’ll say it again: leave, now."

Ling Feng fell silent.

Hong Ling looked over, and eventually Ling Feng sighed, “Since President Baijie has made it this clear, I’ll comply. But I won’t hide what happened here. I hope you’ll come explain this to our senior officials at the Management Bureau... don’t make things difficult for me. Also, some of our people are still inside. They’ll need time to come out.”

“I will. If possible, I will.” Baijie nodded. “Get your people out quickly.”

Ling Feng nodded, walked to a squad member, and whispered, “Tell them to come out now… and grab whatever they can while they’re at it. That’s an order.”

The team member froze for a second, then nodded and quickly ran off.

Meanwhile, Da Zhe walked casually over to Wang Hu and Cang Jinshui—who were still glaring at each other—and asked curiously, “Hey bro, why do they call you Huang Baifu?”

Wang Hu froze, then awkwardly replied, “That’s my real name.”

“Oh, I see.” Da Zhe nodded. “Then what about Wang Hu?”

“Uh… that’s my stage name.”

Da Zhe stroked his chin. “Hmm… Huang Baifu’s a bit of a mouthful. Let’s stick with Wang Hu, okay? It’s settled!”

I’m the proud heir to the White Tiger Clan! Huang Baifu!

“Yeah, I think Wang Hu sounds better too. I’ll go with that from now on.”

…

Soon, the exploration team returned with confused expressions.

Daoist Baijie turned to Da Zhe and said solemnly, “Open the passage.”

“OK!” Da Zhe nodded, slashing forward with his Zhanlu Sword—tearing open a rift in the air, revealing a twisted spatial tunnel.

“Everyone, go,” Baijie said gravely. “And remember—never come back.”

Despite Baijie’s seriousness, no one moved. Who would be the first to enter the unknown?

But then, footsteps echoed from outside the cave.

A black-haired youth approached slowly.

Baijie’s expression changed slightly. Da Zhe silently stepped to the youth’s side.

“Luo Qiu.”

“Boss Luo?” Baijie furrowed his brow.

“Elder, my apologies,” Luo Qiu said calmly. “I’m afraid not everyone here will be able to leave… Among them are people outside the scope of your request—those who belong neither to the Divine Land Daoist World nor the Divine Land Demon World.”

“This…” Daoist Baijie was stunned, frowning. “Many of them have trained in Daoist sects or were sent to the Demon clans for experience. Surely that makes them at least partially part of the Daoist and Demon worlds?”

“Their training and experience were more like exchange programs,” Luo Qiu replied calmly. “They don’t truly belong. If they’re not part of the contract, they’re not included.”

“Boss Luo, do you really have to draw such a hard line? For you, opening the passage is just a flick of the wrist!”

“Contractual integrity,” Luo Qiu shook his head. “Both you and I must abide by it… so, I’m sorry.”

(End of Chapter)