Chapter 114: The Only Fear Is That They Will Come Seeking Their Own Demise

The dream disaster was successfully cleared, and the crisis resolved.

The manor was immediately placed under lockdown. The Dreamweaver Association and the military sealed off the estate, making it airtight to prevent any secondary disasters following the suppression of the dream calamity and to ensure that no malevolent manifestations of will from within the disaster could escape.

In the dining hall, everyone remained gathered, having yet to depart.

A police officer entered and revealed the identities of Damon and his group.

"Report: These deceased foreign Dreamweavers were a mercenary team authorized by the Federal Dreamweaver Association. They possessed the qualifications for cross-border missions. In this instance, their employer was... the grandson of Elder Su, Su Hao."

The officer relayed the investigation findings to the police chief.

Upon hearing this, the chief frowned and approached the old man, who had just regained consciousness and was consoling Su Xiaoyu.

The old man’s expression remained unreadable upon hearing the news.

"Handle it as you see fit," Elder Su said.

In truth, Elder Su was largely certain that this incident had been orchestrated by Su Hao. Su Hao had returned from studying abroad in the Federation, and the old man knew a little about that mercenary team—it had an inseparable connection to his grandson.

"Su Hao..."

Elder Su closed his eyes, feeling a surge of anger in his heart, but even more so, a profound sense of desolation. The old man was someone who valued family ties, yet he had produced such a heartless wretch of a grandson. It didn't take much to figure out Su Hao's true objective.

"Because I dote on Xiaoyu too much? So Su Hao intended to kill me and Xiaoyu together."

Elder Su shook his head, feeling a chill in his heart. Some people simply never understand how their comfortable lives are earned. They know nothing of gratitude, only blaming others for not giving them enough.

Nearby, Zhang Changlin and the other members of the Wildfire Squad prepared to leave the manor after the police chief finished his preliminary investigation.

Su Xiaoyu personally saw them off, her face filled with guilt and embarrassment.

"I am so sorry, everyone. Tonight's events... they were truly unexpected. I am so sorry for dragging you all into danger."

Su Xiaoyu was deeply apologetic, especially when facing Captain Zhang. The others had fared well enough, merely experiencing the fringes of the dream disaster without facing any real peril. But Captain Zhang was a different story—not only was he beaten black and blue, but it also seemed his kidney had been punctured.

"Just look after your grandfather. It’s clear he loves you very much. They say there’s no family affection in wealthy families, but the love your grandfather has for you is a rare thing," Zhang Changlin said, clutching his side as he looked at the young assistant.

Su Xiaoyu nodded.

Finally, her gaze fell upon Du Fang, her eyes filled with apology: "Brother Du, Grandpa asked me to tell you he's sorry. He had intended to invite you for a proper meal, but never imagined something like this would happen."

"It's alright," Du Fang smiled.

"In fact, I should be thanking you."

Du Fang’s words were layered with hidden meaning. If it hadn't been for the young assistant's invitation, Du Fang would never have come to this manor, and consequently, would never have encountered his sister-in-law. From that perspective, he truly owed her his thanks.

The young assistant paused, a warmth spreading through her heart. She knew Brother Du was just trying to comfort her. Brother Du... was truly too kind.

...

The group boarded the luxury cars arranged by Elder Su and departed the manor. The cars traveled all the way back to the Dreamweaver Building.

A trip to the manor had resulted in a dream disaster—a matter that could be viewed as large or small. However, for Jiangling City, which had just faced the threat of four "City-Destroying" level powerhouses, it still required a formal report, especially since an entire federal mercenary team had been wiped out.

"Get some rest. I’m going to go report this to the Chairman," Zhang Changlin said, still clutching his side.

Chen Xi stepped out of a room, pushing a wheelchair that flickered with sparkling lanterns.

"Captain Zhang, do you need a wheelchair?" Chen Xi asked with her familiar, overly-attentive enthusiasm.

Zhang Changlin’s face grew even darker.

"No! Do I look like someone who spends every day in a wheelchair?"

"Don't let me see this wheelchair again!"

Zhang Changlin had reached his limit. He was agitated. Every time he saw that chair, he couldn't help but be reminded of his life of being constantly beaten. This world was not worth it!

...

The Chairman’s office, on the top floor of the Dreamweaver Building.

Tang Nai was brewing strong tea and reviewing documents when Zhang Changlin pushed the door open.

"Did you stir up trouble again?" Tang Nai asked.

Zhang Changlin clutched his side: "..."

What did that mean? What did he mean by "stirring up trouble"? What had he even done?!

Zhang Changlin’s face was black: "Chairman, speak properly! How did I stir up trouble?"

Tang Nai’s mouth twitched: "You go to Mr. Su’s manor... and it doesn't result in a dream disaster?"

This was the transmission of bad luck. This was the movement of a disaster star. Of course, Tang Nai didn't say the second half out loud.

Zhang Changlin sat in a chair and let out a breath: "This incident has absolutely nothing to do with me. It was man-made, and I was just dragged into it."

"It was likely a power struggle within a wealthy family. Su Hao was dissatisfied with the old man’s doting on his granddaughter and worried that all the Su family’s assets would be inherited by her in the future. So, he ruthlessly and beastly engineered a dream disaster, intending to create the illusion that the old man and his granddaughter died in it."

"That way, Su Hao could become the sole heir, take over the Su Group, and obtain vast wealth," Zhang Changlin explained.

Tang Nai was also reviewing the documents; the analysis within them didn't differ much from Zhang Changlin's account.

"However, there is one thorny issue now," Zhang Changlin said, looking at Tang Nai.

Tang Nai raised an eyebrow: "How thorny?"

"A federal mercenary Dreamweaver died tonight. They were hired by Su Hao, but died in the dream disaster. One of them was named Damon, and his older brother is the Federal National-level Dreamweaver, Karl."

As Zhang Changlin spoke, he pulled out a cigarette and stuck it in the corner of his mouth: "I’m not very familiar with federal Dreamweavers, but anyone who can become a National-level Dreamweaver shouldn't be weak."

"Karl's brother was killed by Du Fang. He surely won't let his brother’s death go unavenged; he will definitely seek retribution."

"You're worried that Karl will come to Jiangling personally to seek revenge on Du Fang?" Tang Nai put down the document, his expression turning serious.

If that were the case, the severity of the situation would be entirely different.

"Don't worry, Du Fang’s potential is limitless. The Dreamweaver Association won't just sit by and watch Du Fang be killed by Karl," Tang Nai said.

Zhang Changlin exhaled a puff of smoke. *No, you’re overthinking it.* He wasn't worried about Du Fang being killed by Karl at all. He was worried about Karl coming to his own death. If a Federal National-level Dreamweaver died in Jiangling, that would be the real crisis. After all, every National-level Dreamweaver was a strategic asset for their respective nations, immensely precious. Losing one would be a massive blow that would surely lead to a diplomatic fallout.

Tang Nai frowned and shook his head: "I will certainly protect him, but the problem is, given my strength, I might not be able to protect Du Fang if Karl really comes."

"Of course, this issue isn't insurmountable. I can report it to headquarters. They certainly won't sit idly by and will issue a statement to the Federal Dreamweaver Association headquarters."

"But what I fear is that Karl might sneak into our country and move against Du Fang in secret."

"A National-level Dreamweaver launching a sneak attack... that is something no one can guard against."

"Really? Is he that shameless? He’s a National-level Dreamweaver, at least have some martial honor!" Zhang Changlin bristled, forgetting even to smoke. If he’s sneaking in to die, who could stop him?!

"It’s very possible. Karl is a Federal National-level Dreamweaver, among the absolute elite of humanity. Moreover, Karl has mastered a 'Domain,' and his combat power is unfathomable."

"For these past years, our national Dreamweaver Association and the Federal Dreamweaver Association have had conflicting philosophies and have long since developed a rift. This matter, by and large, will likely not end well."

"There's no guarantee the overbearing Federal Dreamweaver Association won't back Karl and even pressure us to hand over Du Fang."

Tang Nai leaned back in his chair, analyzing the situation for Zhang Changlin.

Zhang Changlin sat there, smoking in sullen silence. *Is Karl going to sneak attack? If so, this is a death sentence that's impossible to guard against!*

"But don't worry, given our Grand Chairman's temperament, he certainly won't care about the Federal Dreamweaver Association and will never hand over Du Fang."

"Don't worry about this for now; I will notify headquarters and see what decision they make," Tang Nai said.

Zhang Changlin nodded, feeling heavy-hearted. He only hoped that when the time came, Du Fang would go easy on him—at the very least, leave a whole corpse so there would be something to account for.

The cigarette was finished, the matter was explained, and he prepared to rise and leave. But just as he stood, Tang Nai pressed his shoulder and pushed him back into his seat: "I reported the presence of a roaming 'Fallen-Nation' level dream disaster outside Jiangling to headquarters, and they have responded."

Zhang Changlin was stunned, then asked anxiously: "What did headquarters say?"

Tang Nai looked at Zhang Changlin deeply: "Headquarters is taking it very seriously. They have dispatched three Dreamweavers to support Jiangling."

"That’s a good thing. Why are you making such a serious face?" Zhang Changlin looked puzzled.

Tang Nai said: "One of the Dreamweavers is Zhao Lingyin, the champion of the Capital’s New Dreamweaver Invitational Tournament. She is also the Grand Chairman’s disciple."

Zhang Changlin frowned: "Headquarters sent this kid? The Capital’s rookie champion... that’s just a rookie! She probably can't even beat me, Zhang Changlin. She’s useless."

Tang Nai coughed lightly: "Don't be so arrogant. Zhao Lingyin is not weak. She possesses an 'Infinite Dream Spirit' and is a reserve for the Super-Star level 'Heavenly Sword' raid squad. She could beat three of you easily."

Zhang Changlin: "..."

*Why can everyone beat Zhang Changlin these days? The world is full of malice! My status as a high-level Dreamweaver, capable of fighting City-Destroying levels, isn't weak either!*

"It's not just Zhao Lingyin. She’s mostly here for training. Besides... there’s also an old acquaintance of yours." Tang Nai said, his voice sounding strange.

"National-level Dreamweaver, Li Ang and his wife."

Zhang Changlin’s body suddenly stiffened.

"It's them..." Zhang Changlin’s tone suddenly turned silent.

Tang Nai stood up and patted Zhang Changlin’s shoulder.

"They should arrive in Jiangling tomorrow. The coordination with them will be handled by your Wildfire Squad."

"Headquarters actually received information about Du Fang as well. One of Zhao Lingyin’s main purposes in coming to Jiangling is likely aimed at Du Fang. Two holders of 'Infinite Dream Spirits,' both provincial champions—neither will likely submit to the other. When they get together, they are bound to strike some sparks."

Tang Nai said. Then, without waiting for Zhang Changlin to refuse, he drifted away.

Zhang Changlin stood up and suddenly felt a sharp pain in his kidney. He looked down at his bleeding side. A faint, lingering sadness grew within him. Seeing his wound, he thought of Li Ang’s wife; thinking of her, he thought of his own youth, which had long since passed away.