novelraw Chapter 1130: Defiance
Chapter 1130: Defiance
The Management Bureau wasn’t powerful in the beginning. In fact, when it was first established, it was just a tiny department within the system with fewer than ten staff members, plus a few Daoist and Demon clan individuals serving under it. Initially, they were only responsible for recording personnel information from various Daoist sects and Demon clans across Divine Land.
Its rise began decades ago, triggered by the Dragon Fiend Calamity. Witnessing firsthand the overwhelming destructive power of unchecked transcendents, enormous funding and top-level policy support started flowing in.
Decades later, the once-minuscule team of under ten humans has now grown into an organization with thousands of members—not even counting the vast logistics teams behind them.
Every province and provincial capital houses a hidden branch of the Bureau. Massive talent, under the full operation of the national machinery, has gathered rapidly. By the time the Daoist sects and Demon clans realized it, the Bureau had already become a massive force.
Even the True Dragon of Divine Land holds an honorary position as a senior advisor within the Bureau—though nominal, her presence alone has a significant deterrent effect.
But the True Dragon’s power is merely borrowed influence, a counterbalance in the three-way struggle. No matter how strong she is, her mission and nature prevent her from showing partiality to any side.
Humans may possess world-ending superweapons—but they can’t be used lightly. Meanwhile, Daoist and Demon clans have terrifying individual combat capabilities. This high-end combat strength had long been the Bureau’s weakness.
That disadvantage lasted—until one man appeared.
The one hailed as the strongest human male on Earth—the Freight Evil God, a.k.a. Unparalleled National Hero.
(Note: Changed National Guard to National Hero.)The Management Bureau currently has four National Heroes.
And now, aside from the Firecloud Evil God, the remaining three National Heroes have also arrived at Croaching Dragon Estate.
...
These individuals are the personal protectors of the highest leaders in the nation, always guarding the core of national peace and order. Their arrival was quiet and discreet.
Some exceptional individuals among the Daoists and Demons may have noticed—but what difference would that make now, when time is running out for everyone?
Of the four National Heroes, Firecloud Evil God is the strongest. However, in certain conditions, even he could be defeated if the other three teamed up. That’s because they possess incredible spiritual power and were born with extraordinary abilities.
Two men, one woman.
Firecloud Evil God and Yan Xiaoxi quietly welcomed them.
“You came too, huh?” Firecloud Evil God, who had been frowning all morning, actually smiled a little. “We were just about to depart. You made it just in time.”
The two men and one woman looked like they were in their 30s or 40s. The woman appeared the youngest—early 30s—but was actually in her 70s. Her youthful appearance wasn’t due to beauty techniques but because her metabolism worked several times faster than normal. She could also accelerate others’ metabolism.
She was National Hero Medical Immortal, Bihua, a master of medicine and poisons, born in the ancient region of Miaojiang. She possessed the miraculous power to bring deadwood back to life.
Opposite her stood a man nicknamed the Soldier King, Luo Kai—a former special forces operative. Before becoming a National Hero, he completed over 200 high-risk missions. His special power was cryokinesis, able to instantly generate environments at -196°C.
The last man had low physical power but an incredibly advanced brain—he was a master of telekinesis named Lan Bo.
Joining them was Dr. Zhao, the Bureau’s technical support, brought in for a brief strategy meeting.
Yan Xiaoxi stood aside, listening intently to the conversation among the four National Heroes.
“We’ve already mobilized as many regional personnel as possible. Estimated full assembly by tomorrow morning.” Luo Kai, serious as ever, said. “We three came ahead. I also brought a unit of elite soldiers. Fully equipped.”
Bihua nodded and looked at Firecloud Evil God. “You can go all out. Even if you lose a limb, I’ll put you back together.”
Firecloud Evil God shot her a glare—he trusted her medical skills, but who wanted to casually lose limbs?
“It’s too late.” Firecloud Evil God shook his head. “We must act tonight. Otherwise…”
He slowly explained Mr. Blind’s prediction. As he spoke, the three other National Heroes frowned deeply, their expressions darkening.
Then Lan Bo, the telekinesis master, took out a box. “The top brass approved me to bring this. Dr. Zhao, your proposal was approved too. But given how little time we have… can you build it in time?”
Dr. Zhao’s eyes lit up with joy and snatched the box like it was a treasure. Opening it eagerly, a strange purple glow shot out—it was stunningly beautiful.
Inside was a crystal roughly the size of a fist, glowing like a meteorite motherlode.
“The God-Killer Origin Stone… It really exists?” Dr. Zhao’s voice trembled. “Over 2,000 years ago, ancient records said two extraterrestrial meteors hit the earth—one vanished in the northern grasslands, the other was found and passed down to this day… This is that God-Killer Origin Stone. All God-Killer Bullets are crafted from rare materials, but this meteorite crystal is the rarest. Even a sliver of its powder can ignite both spiritual and demonic energy…”
(Note: Changed Godslayer Bullet to God-Killer Bullet to differentiate from Godslayer Sword.)
“If we use this entire thing… are you sure I can use it?! There’s only one of these in the world!”
Lan Bo said calmly, “It may be priceless, but it’s not worth more than the people. If the foundation of the nation is shaken, hoarding treasures like this is meaningless. Dr. Zhao, give it your all. Just don’t fail.”
“I won’t fail! I won’t fail!” Dr. Zhao’s lips trembled. “You don’t know how many times I’ve simulated this with a computer!”
“Then it’s settled.” Firecloud Evil God, the lead National Hero, gave the final order. “Dr. Zhao, stay here and build the weapon as fast as possible. In thirty minutes, everyone moves out. Tonight—we go all in!”
...
Everyone was mobilizing. Urgent deployment orders had been issued.
Mo Mo stood quietly, looking at the now-clear Mount Tai, watching the busy movement of Management Bureau personnel, Daoists, and Demon clan members at the Croaching Dragon Estate—and suddenly felt lost.
Just a year ago, he had descended the mountain, fresh from his training. He had wandered, slain a few evil demons, exorcised some ghosts. Nothing too dramatic—but he was the happiest then.
That was the kind of life he thought a Heavenly Dao disciple of Dragon-Tiger Mountain was meant to lead.
Those days, brief though they were, felt more fulfilling than any of the 20 years he had spent training under Daoist Changhe on the mountain.
That—was what cultivation was supposed to be.
“Isn’t this how it’s supposed to be?”
“But now... isn’t it strange?”
In the hurried crowd, Mo Mo spotted Yan Xiaoxi directing the others. He instinctively walked over. With time running out, Yan Xiaoxi didn’t want to waste any of it on Mo Mo.
He’d kept Mo Mo around only because there was a chance he could be the key to breaking through this situation—but now, even if that possibility still existed, it seemed pointless. Tonight, the 71st generation of Heavenly Heart would push Divine Land toward the abyss.
“Chief Yan… is there anything I can do?” Mo Mo took a deep breath and asked sincerely.
Yan Xiaoxi answered immediately, “You can stay here and take care of your friend.”
Mo Mo was stunned, then said instinctively, “I can fight too… I may not be that strong, but I can help.”
Yan Xiaoxi replied flatly, “Not that strong? But not weak either. Among the younger generation, you’re firmly in the top tier. However, this next battle will be brutal—we don’t need anyone unprepared.”
“Unprepared?”
Yan Xiaoxi’s tone turned cold, “Your eyes are full of hesitation… on the battlefield, there’s no place for hesitation.”
Mo Mo opened his mouth to speak, but Yan Xiaoxi shoved a set of Management Bureau standard gear into his hands. “You can join the battle, but I hope you only do so after you’ve truly made up your mind… and I hope you make it in time.”
With that, Yan Xiaoxi strode off in large strides—he had no time to waste. He still needed to finalize negotiations with Daoist Baijie and several old demons from the demon clan.
Left with the gear in his hands, Mo Mo wandered aimlessly through Croaching Dragon Estate, looking defeated.
He didn’t remember when the others had gotten ready. His own disordered footsteps sounded like a flood as they all charged out the estate gates at some unknown moment.
Now, the place was eerily quiet. Even the rustle of leaves sounded sharp and clear.
“In the end… I still couldn’t do anything.”
Mo Mo let out a bitter laugh. He had once sought the truth, but that senior had refused to tell him—saying he wasn’t ready.
He had tried to join the fight, but Yan Xiaoxi refused him too—again, for not being ready.
“You two still here? The last group has already assembled outside!”
Mo Mo heard voices from the corridor and looked over—it was two Management Bureau agents talking.
“We were ordered to stay and guard the prisoner, not going out,” one replied. “There’s still a guy in there—one of the black-cloaked men captured by President Baijie. Honestly though, I’d rather be out there fighting.”
“Guarding prisoners is just as important,” said the other agent. “Still an honorable task… Alright, I’m off!”
“You better make it back—we’ll drink when it’s over!”
“Deal! Drinks when we’re back!”
A simple farewell. No hesitation.
They were ready… weren’t they? Mo Mo thought.
The prisoner captured by President Baijie… he’d never seen him.
Curious, Mo Mo walked toward the guarded room.
The two agents saw him approach and frowned, but noticed the standard gear in his hands and hesitated.
“Who are you? We haven’t seen you before.”
He didn’t look like any of the known Daoists or Demons—he’d only entered the scene less than a year ago. The Bureau might have records of him, but not every agent memorized them—especially with recent chaos and personnel changes.
“I’m Mo Mo, from Dragon-Tiger Mountain.”
“Mo Mo… oh, I remember,” one nodded. “You’re with that young man in the basement receiving treatment, right?”
Mo Mo nodded.
“You’re… not going out there?” the other agent asked, sensing his hesitation.
“I wanted to, but was refused,” Mo Mo said with a bitter smile. “Your department chief told me the battle doesn’t need anyone unprepared.”
“Hesitant?”
“Probably.” Mo Mo sighed, looking conflicted. “I just… can’t quite explain it.”
“Afraid?”
Mo Mo shook his head, then suddenly asked, “Can I… can I see the prisoner inside?”
“Sorry,” both agents shook their heads. “He’s a high-risk captive. Without clearance, we can’t let anyone in. Please understand.”
“…Alright.” Mo Mo nodded.
The agents sighed with relief and resumed guarding their post.
But just then—two yellow talismans silently landed on their backs.
In an instant, both lost consciousness and collapsed.
Mo Mo turned back and stood before them. “Sorry… I just need to ask some questions.”
Taking a deep breath, he pushed open the door sealed with special talismanic sigils and stepped inside.
The pitch-black room was heavy with oppressive air. Suspended in the center was a man, bound with Pipa Mountain Locks through his shoulder bones.
Hair disheveled, the ground soaked with sweat.
Hearing movement, the man slowly raised his head—revealing a terrifying face.
One eye gone. A single broken horn left on his head—blood dripping from his mouth.
“You… won’t get anything out of me…” he rasped, glaring at Mo Mo with undying hatred in his remaining eye.
Mo Mo shook his head. “I’m not with the Management Bureau.”
“Then why are you here?” the man frowned.
“I just… want to ask something,” Mo Mo said, stepping forward. “Why are you doing this? What do you really hate? Is it just because the world limited your growth? Is that what drove you all to madness? A million innocent souls… how could you do that?”
“Why do you hate? Why the madness…?”
The man suddenly laughed maniacally. “Yes, the world limited us… but if Heaven wanted to abandon us, we’d accept it! So many of us gave up, resigned to live out our days quietly—just to catch a last glimpse of this world’s beauty… BUT!!”
BUT!!
His eyes widened with rage, voice filled with searing hatred.
“BUT!! They shouldn’t have captured my entire clan alive! They shouldn’t have used my people for experiments!! Do you know how I lost this horn? This eye?! They dug out my core, dissected my body, ran endless tests… My wife, my child—they were dissected in front of me! Do you know how my child died?! His blood was drained while he was still alive!!! All because—some of you wanted to cure your illnesses! To live longer!! These hatreds—I will never forget!!! Heaven wants to destroy us—we have no choice!! We retreat again and again, just to cling to life!! But if humans want to destroy us—then we… we will NEVER surrender!!”
He struggled violently, trying to tear the locks apart, like a wounded, furious beast.
“These hatreds—I will never forget!!!
If Heaven wants to destroy us—we have no choice!!
We retreat again and again, just to survive!!
But if humans want to destroy us—then we…
We will NEVER SURRENDER!!!”
“NEVER SURRENDER!!!”
(End of Chapter)