The Creatures That We Are

Chapter 259: Session Concludes

“Alright.” Vermilion Bird got to the point. “Surnamed Li asked for us and revealed her Talent, Prophet, serial number 5.”

“It’s more or less what we expected,” Azure Dragon said in a cool, aloof voice, like it was no surprise to him.

The others didn’t comment.

Then Vermilion Bird summarized the three abilities Prophet granted and the crux of the problem. “She said that she dreamed of the Crimson Tide coming earlier.”

“How soon?” asked White Tiger.

“In ten days.”

The atmosphere in the room changed.

“Seriously?” White Tiger crossed his legs the other way and turned to Vermilion Bird.

“That’s what she told us, and it seems that her prediction has never been wrong.”

“Oh, what should I do?” White Tiger slapped his thigh in disappointment. “My company is holding a soccer match in ten days. And to think I was finally off the bench.”

Wait, Elder White Tiger, that’s what you’re worried about?

And aren’t you an awakener? How can you be a benchwarmer? How much have you been suppressing yourself in order to blend in?

Gao Yang swallowed his comments and listened quietly.

The other two Elders seemed to have gotten used to White Tiger’s antics and didn’t deem that a response.

“Two years early. That is strange.” Azure Dragon sounded as calm as ever. “However, we were able to endure the Crimson Tide last time. Now that the Guild has become stronger, this Tide shouldn’t be that much of an issue.”

“That’s what I thought.” Vermilion Bird glanced at Doctor Su. “But Surnamed Li said that things are going to be bad this time.”

“In what way?” White Tiger leaned back into the sofa with his hands clasped on his beer belly. Although his mannerism was still relaxed, his expression turned more serious.

That’s better, Gao Yang grumbled inwardly. The Chief of Security should at least exercise this level of caution.

“She won’t tell us unless we agree to her condition.” Vermilion Bird relayed what Madam Li had said.

The room was quiet for a moment.

“Things must be really bad this time,” Azure Dragon concluded. “The fact that Surnamed Li wants us and the Twelve Zodiac Signs to come together to protect her people means that many will die during this Crimson Tide.”

“I’m guessing that the rules may be different this time,” said Vermilion Bird. “Or the enemies may be more proactive.”

White Tiger suggested another possibility, “Can it be that Surnamed Li purposefully exaggerated the threat to make the three organizations work together? Once we do, most of our resources and intel would be shared, which would be strictly beneficial to the Hundred Rivers Union.”

“It’s possible, but unlikely,” Gao Yang said cautiously.

The gazes snapped to him made him tense up.

He cleared his throat. “Surnamed Li told us her greatest secret in order to prove that she was being honest. Things must be truly urgent. If she had lied to us for short-term gains, we’ll know sooner or later once the Crimson Tide comes, and that will undermine the long-term development of her organization.”

“I agree.” Azure Dragon nodded.

“Madam Li is an old friend,” Qilin finally spoke up, his tone unreadable. “She isn’t a short-sighted woman, and I don’t think she lied to you.”

Vermilion Bird asked, “Do you mean we should agree to the offer made by the Hundred Rivers Union?”

“Yes, we’ll take the offer.”

Qilin made the decision without hesitation. “Awakeners should work together, and it’s the right thing to do to protect the weak. Moreover, this is the perfect opportunity to demonstrate the Guild’s power. Afterwards, we’ll attract more great talent to join the Guild.”

Sorry for misjudging you, Doctor Su! Gao Yang thought. You are a natural leader! Look at you being all calculative!

“I’m for it,” said Azure Dragon.

“Yeah, that works for me,” said White Tiger.

Vermilion Bird nodded. “I agree.”

Gao Yang was still thinking when he looked up to find four pairs of eyes staring at him. Only then did he realize that he had a vote as well.

Feeling flattered, he almost misspoke. “Aye...I think the same.”

“A unanimous agreement.” Qilin turned to Vermilion Bird. “Tell Madam Li our answer.”

“Got it.” Vermilion Bird took out her phone and made the call.

“And we have to be prepared.” Qilin glanced at Azure Dragon. “First, the Godbearer Cult. Although we’re racing against the clock, we still have to conduct the necessary investigation. Make everyone understand that all those who go against the Qilin Guild will be punished, however long it takes.”

“Leave it to me.” Azure Dragon nodded slightly.

“Seven Shadow.” Qilin turned to Gao Yang.

“Guildmaster.”

A Rune Circuit suddenly appeared in Qilin’s hand. “This is the Knowledge Rune Circuit.”

Gao Yang paused and came to the realization. “You’re handing it to me, Guildmaster?”

“Your Replicate and Lie Detection must reach level 4 sooner rather than later. We have to upgrade our arsenal as much as possible before the Crimson Tide comes.”

“Understood.” Gao Yang took the Rune Circuit without wasting time on the usual tango of false rejections.

He took a look. Just like the other Rune Circuit, it was hard and cool to the touch with the symbol of a book etched on the surface.

Gao Yang would love to vanish the Rune Circuit like Qilin had done, but he couldn’t. He put it into his pocket the normal way, looking a little clumsy.

“Go to the Twelve Zodiac Signs with Vermilion Bird tonight,” Qilin then said.

“For what?” asked Vermilion Bird.

“To make a trade for the Time-Space Rune Circuit.” Qilin stared at Gao Yang. “Then give it to Seven Shadow, have him level up Teleportation to level 4 as well.”

The fact that Gao Yang had acquired Teleportation and killed Black Tortoise couldn’t be kept from the Qilin Guild, so Gao Yang didn’t try to deny it. Now, he was known as an awakener with four Talents—well, he actually had five—which was shocking and unprecedented in the world of awakeners.

In terms of power ranking, Seven Shadow was now listed as the 15th.

Gao Yang was pleasantly surprised. You’ve been treating me too well, Doctor Su!

He hurriedly offered, “There’s no rush, Guildmaster. My Teleportation is level 2 at the moment. I don’t need the Time-Space Rune Circuit yet.”

“Don’t worry. You’ll soon reach level 3.” Qilin smiled at Gao Yang. “Consider this a reward for rooting out Black Tortoise as the spy. Are you happy with the reward?”

“Can’t be happier.” Gao Yang accepted the gift.

White Tiger laughed. “It’s the Time-Space Rune Circuit we’re talking about, Guildmaster. Will the Twelve Zodiac Signs agree to an exchange?”

Vermilion Bird had the same concern. “What are you exchanging it with? Not the Miracle Rune Circuit, right?”

Gao Yang perked up. Can it be the Miracle Rune Circuit? Then I’ll have a chance to touch it! Maybe that’ll be enough for me to level up Lucky!

“Of course not,” Qilin said with a smile.

Gao Yang was disappointed. It was his wishful thinking, it turned out. Qilin would probably rather die than give away the Miracle Rune Circuit. There must be a great secret about the Rune Circuit yet to be revealed.

“What offer are you making then, Guildmaster?” Vermilion Bird asked.

“I’ll tell you later.”

“Alright.”

Qilin turned to White Tiger. “Declare the state of war and have everyone make preparations. We’re going to the third secret base for shelter in ten days.”

“Okay,” said White Tiger.

“We’ll conclude the group session here.” Qilin stood up slowly with the help of his cane. “You may leave.”

“Understood.”

The Elders each stood up and walked out of the room. Gao Yang was the last to head out.

“You stay, Seven Shadow.” Qilin called out to him.

Gao Yang stopped at the door. “Is there anything else, Guildmaster?”

“There is.”

Qilin smiled. Once he made sure that the three Elders had left, he said, “Your Teleportation is level 2, right? I’ll help you reach level 3 now.”

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