Free Web NovelChapter 2439: Chapter 2440: Communication
After passing through layer upon layer of checkpoint inspections, the group finally arrived at the entrance to the Data City. At this moment, the Data City was in a state of blockade, and aside from designated entry and exit points, even data-based Spirit Beasts could not easily enter the city through other means.
However, in Feng Yuan’s view, this blockade itself had flaws. If someone could crack the rules of the Data Domain, they could naturally break through the blockade and enter. In fact, such a blockade might be counterproductive at this time, because it forces reinforcements to enter only through specific areas.
After all, the Data Domain is just one of the domains that exist attached to the Main World, and its rule perfection is not particularly high. Therefore, unlike the Main World, it’s not too difficult to find loopholes in the rules or even forcibly change them.
Thus, even though the Data City’s blockade capabilities are inherent, they still cannot guarantee absolute security. However, at times like this, one cannot demand too much; at least, compared to regular cities, the Data City is relatively safer.
On this occasion, Feng Yuan witnessed a Data City much more bustling than before. There was no choice; compared to Beastmasters with self-preservation abilities, ordinary people still made up the majority. Moreover, with the onset of the wartime state, Maomu City’s original commercial activities were forced to pause.
Many people with time on their hands wandered aimlessly in the Data City. Some gathered together, unsure of what they were discussing, while others frantically trained their beasts, perhaps hoping to improve their capacity for self-defense in case of unexpected events.
Feng Yuan was indifferent to these people’s actions. Although such last-minute preparations might not necessarily improve their strength, who knows what the future holds? Perhaps, this slight difference in strength might just allow someone to avoid a disaster.
For safety reasons, Maomu City had already disabled the teleportation functions within the Data City. No, that’s not entirely accurate; aside from official personnel, only relatively trustworthy individuals could use the teleportation functions. Although Feng Yuan and his group were considered trustworthy, the operation required manual processing, and they were too lazy to take the detour, so they could only slowly move towards their assigned residence.
"Ordinary people and Beastmasters with some strength mixing together? I suppose this is the last layer of protection."
Unlike Qi Chen and the others, Feng Yuan could immediately spot those seemingly ordinary people along the roadside, some of whom were quite strong. Even if they hadn’t summoned their beasts, determining their strength was rather straightforward due to the inherent enhancements Beastmasters receive from their beasts.
"Hopefully, this last layer of protection will never be needed."
Qi Chen pondered for a moment and spoke with some helplessness. Not to mention if things reached that stage, Maomu City would be in a dire state, and this group of Beastmasters’ strength wouldn’t actually be particularly strong. Even with them present, they might not be able to protect many people.
"That’s uncertain indeed, after all, the Imperial Timeline’s power isn’t weak either."
Recalling Mordan Empire’s City of Time, Feng Yuan shook his head. Even without the presence of Divine Beasts, they still possessed the power to hold their own against Divine Beasts to a certain extent.
As to how strong this power truly was, Feng Yuan couldn’t say for sure. But he was certain that if the Main World became too complacent, they would definitely suffer.
"Hm, if the other side uses combat power at the level of Divine Beasts, it’s not like we can’t fight back."
Veronia expressed disdain towards this, aware of what Feng Yuan was worried about. In its view, this didn’t pose an insurmountable challenge. Feng Yuan glanced at Veronia and said,
"How many cities can you defend? This war isn’t just theirs against Divine Beasts. Initially, Divine Beasts may not even participate, and if we’re not prepared, who knows..."
"What’s that got to do with us? Isn’t it you’re the one guarding this city?"
"What you said... isn’t entirely wrong."
Under Veronia’s retort, Feng Yuan found himself unable to refute. What indeed happened elsewhere wasn’t his concern. Tamur circled around Feng Yuan and said,
"If we stir up a Time Storm."
"Then all three timelines would be in big trouble. Forget it, just a warning is enough. How they handle it is out of my hands."
Feng Yuan waved his hand, unwilling to continue on the subject. After spending some time chatting where Qi Chen and the others resided, Feng Yuan left the Data City.
At this moment, only Beastmasters remained patrolling the streets. As for those intruders who had entered the city?
They had already started retreating beyond city limits after Veronia’s attack, uncertain if the attack would happen again.
"What are you planning to do? This isn’t the way back to school."
Veronia curiously looked at Feng Yuan and asked, as it observed the deserted city. Feng Yuan replied,
"I’m going to find Zhanzheng Qichen of the War Timeline, I’m curious about the Imperial Timeline and War Timeline’s actions."
Feng Yuan wouldn’t ask Liao Yu and the others about these matters, because they might not even know, and even if they did, it would be confidential. If there were any accidents of intelligence leaks, it wouldn’t be good for them.
As for asking Zhanzheng Qichen of the War Timeline, it wasn’t an issue, because the intelligence they held was certainly different from Great Xia on this side. Moreover, Feng Yuan believed that Zhanzheng Qichen wouldn’t disclose any confidential information to him.
When Feng Yuan found Zhanzheng Qichen of the War Timeline, he was just finishing a battle, wiping the dirt off his battle stick, and he turned to Feng Yuan with suspicion, saying,
"You specifically sought me out, is there something you need?"
"Sort of, well, these guys..."
Scratching his head, Feng Yuan spoke guiltily. With a frown and a wave of his hand, nine short swords flew out and knocked those invisible intruders out of their stealth state. Before they could react, the Crystal Luminace Stones orbiting around Veronia simultaneously collided into those individuals.
Ignoring the explosion and scattering debris, Feng Yuan looked at Zhanzheng Qichen and said,
"There are some things I’d like to ask you about, such as the stances of various countries in the War Timeline, and whether you have any understanding of the Imperial Timeline."
"The Imperial Timeline? I don’t know much about them. I’m not the liaison responsible for them, and as for the stance issue, I can only guarantee that the Great Xia I’m part of is an ally with your side; beyond that, it’s hard to ensure."
With a surprised glance at Feng Yuan, Zhanzheng Qichen replied seriously. Due to the war-like state of the War Timeline, they had always prioritized counter-espionage activities. Consequently, even Zhanzheng Qichen was uncertain about other countries’ movements.
It’s possible they openly stand with the Main World, but that could merely be a facade meant to lull the Main World into relaxation before launching a surprise attack.
The only certainty is that the East Continent Great Xia genuinely intends to ally with the Main World. The reason is simple: Zhanzheng Qichen was mediating on their behalf, and the East Continent’s Great Xia isn’t as powerful as the Main World’s Great Xia, so they opted for an alliance.
Regarding other countries, Zhanzheng Qichen couldn’t say what choices they might make. Looking at the surface level, after War and Empire joined forces, the probability of occupying the Main World seemed quite high.
Only those who have witnessed Feng Yuan’s combat prowess truly understand that beyond the Divine Beasts, there exists another despair-inducing force standing in the way of occupying the Main World plan.
"Not clear? Then what is your guess?"
Touching his chin, Feng Yuan looked at Zhanzheng Qichen, who shook his head and said,
"Can’t guess. I’m not able to predict other countries’ stances. Irresponsible speculation might bring about bad results."
Zhanzheng Qichen looked at Feng Yuan, hinting at the consequences. Startled for a moment, Feng Yuan smiled and said,
"You think I’d act based on that? Rest assured, I just want to understand a bit more, as for taking action, as long as they don’t harass me like the Mordan Empire, I too don’t feel motivated to bother with them."
"But you’ll exchange intelligence with Great Xia, and given your position, you might significantly influence them."
Even as Feng Yuan spoke, Zhanzheng Qichen wasn’t planning to brief him on hearsay, perceiving that discussing uncertain matters in front of Feng Yuan might lead to unforeseen consequences.
Seeing Zhanzheng Qichen’s insistence, Feng Yuan didn’t push further. He was merely curious about what was happening, and also seeking to learn more about the War Timeline.
Veronia chuckled softly and said,
"Truly cautious, aren’t you～"
"Thank you for the compliment."
Zhanzheng Qichen paid no heed to Veronia’s tone. If not for his prudence, he wouldn’t have become the envoy sent by East Continent Great Xia. As for staying in Maomu City, that mattered little.
Because due to insufficient trust between both sides, directly heading to Shangjing might not be a good thing, whereas temporary lodging anywhere that ensured communication sufficed. Perhaps Shenhua City might seem more ideal, but that wasn’t a critical aspect.
Moreover, in Zhanzheng Qichen’s view, what truly mattered was Feng Yuan’s perspective and attitude. Compared to Great Xia, it was Feng Yuan himself who warranted greater attention and careful consideration.
