As time slipped by, four days had passed, and the advancement of humanity on Blue Star continued to progress steadily. Only sixty-nine hours remained until the first batch of dimensional rifts closed.
Although many humans entered these otherworldly rifts, few could truly conquer those at or above B-level. Fortunately, the initial wave of dimensional rifts was below B-level, allowing nations to deploy adequate countermeasures if any outbreaks occurred.
"Congratulations, human Xu Que. You have successfully cleared Lakewood Forest E, C-level. You have gained ownership of Lakewood Forest E, along with ten units of spirit iron ore, thirteen spirit crystals, and one spirit stone. To check daily territory income, please consult the Trading Hall interface."
"Congratulations, human Xu Que. Based on data analysis, you already possess a corresponding high-level territory. Lakewood Forest E is now being folded within the Gates of Hell."
Noticing he lacked only A and D territories in the Lakewood Forest domain, Xu Que couldn't help but sigh. Lakewood Forest A had become demon territory, and even if he could complete the set, he wouldn't enjoy the full synergy benefits.
As for Lakewood Forest D, Xu Que knew its location but didn't have time to secure it. Even if he went there, it might already be claimed, so he decided to wait until he had the power to reclaim demon territory and then complete the set.
Returning to reality, Xu Que quickly signed his name and, after a brief exchange with the military, took off toward Linnan City.
Opening his phone, he found over thirty messages awaiting him—twenty-four from Shen Mengchu. After seeing her messages, Xu Que promptly abandoned his plan to visit Linnan City and made a swift return to Modu.
As he flew back, he dialed Shen Mengchu's number.
"You're out?" she asked eagerly.
"Yes. Where is he now?" Xu Que asked, a note of urgency in his voice.
"He's been transferred to the Sixth Hospital, under the watch of two of our staff," Shen Mengchu replied.
"Is that Modu's Sixth Hospital or Lijiang City's?"
"Modu's. He was brought back yesterday. Multiple psychiatrists examined him, but they couldn't find any cause," she explained.
"Understood. I'm on my way back."
Xu Que hung up and glanced through other messages. Aside from routine reports on mission progress, there were no unusual issues, putting him at ease.
However, upon checking the large group chat, he was struck speechless. Glancing at the Divine Armament Leaderboard, he noticed eighteen new entries—though fortunately, his people held the top seven spots. Unexpectedly, the third and fifth positions belonged to some young members of the Yue family...
"Seems it's time to prioritize that other-dimensional space."
Flying at top speed, Xu Que reached Modu's Sixth Psychiatric Hospital within an hour. After inquiring with the nurse, he soon found himself outside a third-floor hospital room.
"Hello, Brother Xu." Two staff members greeted him as he arrived.
Xu Que nodded, "Thank you for your hard work. The company will double your pay for these days."
"Not at all, Brother Xu. We're all part of the team," said one of the younger staff with a smile.
"Alright, you can return to base now; I'll take over from here."
"Yes, sir!"
Once they left, Xu Que approached the unconscious staff member, gently lifting his eyelid and noticing that the reflection in his pupil was not his own. A smile crept across Xu Que's lips.
"As I thought—fortunate souls from past lives do exist!"
Rather than feeling frustrated, Xu Que felt a thrill of excitement. In his past life, he'd heard of such individuals—those able to see things invisible to others.
This wasn't merely seeing spirits; they could perceive beings from other dimensions.
Initially, this ability was rare, but after the Great Purge, these people became immensely powerful, possessing foresight of dimensional spaces and rift locations. Even more terrifying, they later developed the ability to cross rift boundaries, perceiving the presence of greater entities.
Such individuals were known as "Soul Bonders."
Xu Que didn't disturb the resting Soul Bonder, choosing instead to sit quietly in wait. To him, Soul Bonders were priceless, hidden resources.
Recalling the tragic fate of these Soul Bonders in his previous life, Xu Que felt a surge of rage toward M Corp's Lyris division. If not for their reckless experimentation on Soul Bonders, crucial information about rift threats would have been readily available. The devastating losses from the Second Purge could have been avoided.
An hour passed, and the man finally began to stir.
"No... you're not human!"
"I want to go home! I don't want to see you!"
"Stay away! I'll kill you all!"
"Help me! Somebody, please help me!"
Hearing the man's disjointed mutterings, Xu Que remained silent, understanding that the man's disorientation was due to his unique vision.
At that moment, a nurse entered the room with a cart of sedatives. Xu Que quickly intervened, "Miss, my friend doesn't need any medication right now. Please handle the discharge papers."
"What?" The nurse looked puzzled and examined Xu Que closely, as though doubting his sanity.
"Sir, are you serious?" she asked, pulling the cart closer.
"I'm his commanding officer, here to take him for discharge," Xu Que explained with a calm smile.
"Oh... then please wait a moment." The nurse quickly exited, and a young doctor soon entered, dressed in a white coat.
"Hello. I don't understand what's happening here, but since the patient was admitted by the military, could you please show your identification?" he asked.
"No problem; I'll arrange for someone to handle that," Xu Que replied, preparing to make a call.
As Xu Que stepped toward the door, the nurse reached for the sedatives once more. Xu Que stopped her, "Doctor, my friend doesn't need medication. Please cease your treatment."
The young doctor, visibly irritated, attempted to reason, "I am a doctor, and the patient's condition..."
But before he could finish, Xu Que cut him off, "Hello, Mr. Zhao, it's me..."
Hearing Xu Que's tone, the young doctor became even more incensed. But as Xu Que ended the call, he turned to the doctor, "Is your hospital director named Ma?"
"Yes, there's a picture of him outside—haven't you seen it?" the young doctor replied, now fuming.
Ignoring him, Xu Que continued his conversation with Mr. Zhao and then ended the call.
"Things have changed. Ordinary medication won't be effective here. You may receive a call shortly, or perhaps your director will arrive in person," Xu Que remarked, pushing the cart to the side.
The young doctor clenched his fists, tempted to confront Xu Que but holding back, understanding the formidable background of those in the hospital bed. Xu Que's rank and strength only added to the doctor's caution.
Xu Que hadn't expected a quick resolution, but within ten minutes, a middle-aged man with gold-rimmed glasses entered.
"Director Ma, why are you here?" the young doctor asked.
Without responding to him, Director Ma approached Xu Que directly.
"You must be Mr. Xu," he greeted with an extended hand.
"Yes, Director Ma, I am Xu Que," Xu Que replied, shaking his hand.
"Young and accomplished—alright then, take him with you," Director Ma said, patting Xu Que's shoulder with a smile.
Both the young doctor and the nurse were bewildered, unable to comprehend the sudden turn of events.