Dragon Group
It's unclear when it started, but Dragon Group has become synonymous with the official mysterious organization. This organization spans the entire country, recruiting talented individuals from various fields and managing the nation's mysterious world. Its functions and notoriety are somewhat akin to X-Men, though the Dragon Group is much larger in scale.
Of course, neither the Dragon Group nor the X-Men exist in reality; they are fictional institutions from movies and TV shows. Even if they did exist, they might not be called by those names. However, because the name Dragon Group is so prominent, Shinji habitually uses it to refer to official mystical forces, even though the formal name of the institution falls under a certain department within the Ministry of Defense.
This institution, which Shinji dubbed the Dragon Group, is one of the key players in this East-West cooperative exchange. Just as Lorelei closely monitors the progress of this cooperation, tolerating rebels roaming London to ensure the safety of the exchange delegation, the Dragon Group is also keeping a close eye on the Clock Tower delegation.
"Are the arrangements for the exchange delegation in place?"
"Yes, everything is in place. The technical representatives from the Clock Tower have been stationed in various laboratories, and the exchange students have been assigned to Penglai, Kunlun, and Tiamat according to their study directions, where they are interacting with our preparatory members."
"Remind the three locations once more. Times have changed; we must abandon the old notion of looking down on foreigners. Anyone who hinders this cooperation because of such views will be held accountable."
"Rest assured, since the fairylands have agreed to host the exchange students, they won't treat national matters lightly."
"That's good. What about the progress in the various laboratories?"
"Everything is progressing normally. The fastest progress is in the human enhancement laboratory, where the combination of the Clock Tower's alchemical potions and our breathing techniques has been remarkably effective. Initial data from the first batch of test subjects show a 5% improvement in breathing technique efficiency, with potential for further enhancement. The slowest progress is in the magic theory laboratory, where the differences in our systems pose significant integration challenges. However, it's not without results; the Clock Tower's modern magecraft system has provided us with many insights, aiding the construction of our modern system."
"What about the rune laboratory?"
"Everything is normal. More than half of the materials sent by the Clock Tower have been analyzed, and some of the results have already been applied to the study of ancient script."
"And the oracle bones?"
"No progress yet. We might need more ancient Primordial Runes materials, but..."
"But what?"
"However, Primordial Runes are divine scripts, highly difficult to decode. Even the Clock Tower hasn't fully deciphered the Rune System, so achieving results might be..."
"I see... The analysis of oracle bones is crucial to our rune system, so keep a close eye on it. See if the Clock Tower can share some materials—after all, they want the Star Shuttle data to repair their Ark. If they can provide the information we need, it's acceptable to give them ours."
"The Clock Tower has already proposed a condition."
"What condition?"
"Their special envoy wishes to travel around Asia and hopes we can facilitate it."
"Is that Shinji Matou? I've been hearing a lot about him recently. In less than a month, he dealt with all the traitors single-handedly. He even started a culinary show called Shinji Daily. I watched it in my spare time; it's quite interesting. He hasn't overstepped any boundaries. If it's him, that's fine. But why would the Department of Law and Politics make a seemingly disadvantageous trade for Primordial Runes data?"
"Because this special envoy is a top expert in the Rune System and is said to have a close connection with Aozaki Touko, the legendary figure who revived the Rune System."
"That Grand Puppeteer whom even the Second Magician respects? Hmm, she should now be titled Grand Rune Master as well... I see, such powerful strength warrants caution from the Department of Law and Politics. Whether we can obtain the desired information depends on our abilities. I'm becoming increasingly interested in this Shinji Matou. Where is he now?"
"He's in XZ, currently listening to teachings at the Jokhang Temple."
"Him? Listening to teachings?"
"Yes, it's said he has a Buddhist heritage. He used Vajra Body in a battle once, which, according to Mr. Ji's speculation, might be related to the Tiantai or Vajrayana sects."
"The more I hear, the more he seems like a native. Could he be from an overseas community?"
"I think so too. We've arranged for someone to investigate, but the Clock Tower tightly controls his information, so..."
"Understandable, given how valuable he is. Do you think we could recruit him?"
"I think it's worth a try. How about I make a trip to LS?"
"Good, go to LS and invite him to BJ. I'll personally talk to him."
"Alright, I'll... Hmm? It seems there's an urgent communication—what? Alright, I understand, I'll report immediately."
"What happened?"
"Shinji Matou is missing."
"What!!! Missing? What are our intelligence personnel doing!!! When did he go missing? Are there any clues?"
"At 10 AM today, he was taken away by a group of monks... It seems to be related to that special area down south!!!"
"They must be seeking death!!! That old bald monk and his bald disciples think I can't deal with them? If it weren't for the fact that I wanted to use them... Never mind that, mobilize the people in the southwest, notify the ground forces in Chengdu and Lanzhou, and send law enforcement teams from Emei Golden Summit and Pure Glazed Realm. You will lead the team personally. Since those guys are being unruly, let's show them some force!!!"
"Yes, I guarantee the task will be completed!!!"
...
At the same time, on the outskirts of LS.
Several off-road vehicles were speeding across the wilderness at an incredible pace. Suddenly, a deafening roar erupted from the jeep in the middle. In the next second, the over 3-ton steel beast was torn apart in a burst of flames.
The passengers were thrown out from the fire, rolling on the ground due to the immense inertia, their bodies battered and bloody, their fate uncertain. They all had one common characteristic: red monk robes and shiny bald heads.
The only exception was a young man in casual clothes, who walked out from the flames with cold eyes, exuding a chilling killing intent from head to toe.
"I thought it was some living Buddha, but it's that old bastard hiding in India. To think he still harbors such wicked intentions, targeting me."
Radiant with Buddha's light, achieving a gilded body.
Thunder roared, and golden artifacts floated in mid-air.
"Very well, let me act as the protector of Buddhism and cleanse the sect. First, I'll send you to meet King Yama, and then I'll send him to the Western Paradise to see the Buddha."
Shinji's eyes blazed with anger with Vajra's fearsome presence.