Chapter Thirty-Two: The Source of Calamity in the End Times Updates will be slow.

“How did the task go?”

In the lush forest, the voice of a middle-aged man appeared out of nowhere, entering their minds with perfect clarity.

Above their heads, a blue square screen materialized, a pentagram glowing at its center.

“We’ve secured the item, though there were some unexpected mishaps,” Haotian replied respectfully, bowing his head toward the middle-aged man.

“Is there anything unusual around you, especially after you took the item?” The middle-aged man's tone remained utterly calm, without the slightest fluctuation, as if he had already anticipated the operation’s success.

Haotian glanced around upon hearing this.

They stood on a vast clearing, surrounded by emptiness. Notably, the ground beneath them, where sparse trees had once stood, was now littered with fallen trunks.

From above, they stood nearly at the center, where a circular hole gaped open. Cracks radiated outward from the center, crisscrossing densely in all directions, from large to small.

Looking down, one's focus would be drawn in, eyes growing hazy, as if at any moment the earth would collapse beneath them, plunging them into an endless abyss.

Was this not a sign of something abnormal?

“I’ve detected a surge of anomalous energy from the Kilimanjaro Forest. It passed effortlessly through the shield and shot out into space,” the man said. “I assume you’ve retrieved it?”

“This is it!” Haotian said, spreading his palm. A small stone floated above his hand, spinning slowly—a marvel to behold.

“When we picked it up, the ground began to collapse. I suspect it’s the cause.”

“Good! Now we wait to see if the Kilimanjaro Forest undergoes any further changes. By the way, did you encounter any strange individuals?” The middle-aged man’s tone grew more natural, tinged with curiosity.

“I found someone who could control the stone,” Haotian answered, lowering his head, his gaze suddenly sharp.

With a swift motion, the stone vanished from his hand, replaced by a long sword—the very sword he had once discarded, now reclaimed.

Haotian’s gaze shifted, landing on Xiaoshan, who lay not far away on the ground.

In all known technology, the fragments of the apocalypse meteorite, split and studied, could not be made to float—unless the stone itself wished to float. Humanity was powerless against it. Yet Xiaoshan could, lifting it from its resting place and wielding it as a weapon.

His series of bizarre actions, the gap in their cultivation realms, yet still fighting him to a standstill—this truly defied reason, warranting investigation.

Haotian had no reason not to suspect him as an enemy—an enemy of this world.

“Indeed, he’s worth looking into. But remember, our society isn’t what it used to be—no more autocracy!” The middle-aged man sighed, implying that Xiaoshan couldn’t be moved against, even if he was an ‘enemy.’

“I’m afraid by the time you decide, he’ll have grown too powerful to be handled as easily as before!” Haotian’s emotions flared, his voice rising unconsciously, his bowed posture straightening.

“He’s stronger than you now; you can’t control him!” Haoyun interjected, unable to hold back, tugging at Haotian’s sleeve and glancing toward Xiaoshan, signaling him to lower his voice.

In the distance, Xiaoshan lay sprawled on the ground, his lower body flat, his upper body resting on Ruoxi’s lap, eyes closed as if asleep.

Ruoxi, however, stared at them with wide eyes, fists clenched at her side, her aura radiating fierce anger.

“Return at once. We’ll discuss the details further. The Lin family is no ordinary clan!” The middle-aged man’s voice turned grave, brooking no argument.

“Yes!” Haotian and Haoyun bowed their heads again, replying with utmost respect.

“Very well,” the middle-aged man replied, seemingly pleased.

The blue screen's edges aligned, folding in upon itself, and vanished into the air.

“He won’t let us take him away!” Haotian’s tone was cold, brimming with reluctance.

“What can you do? The chief’s orders come before all else. Would you defy him?” Haoyun warned.

“I can’t swallow this! You see it yourself—he’s not just anyone!” Haotian said, his gaze settling on Haopo, who lay on the ground, his brows furrowed painfully.

“Even if Xiaoshan is unconscious now, Ruoxi is more than a match for you!” Haoyun reminded him. “You saw Ruoxi’s strength in the underground. Are you up to it?”

“No! But I want to try!” Haotian’s eyes grew distant as he spoke, flipping his sword, murderous intent rising.