Apocalypse Circular

Chapter 393: The Tenth Angel Envoy (Nearly 9000 words wow!)

"Why change it? I think ’The Wall of Origin’ is a good name.""Why don’t you like it? What’s not to like? Tell me! Hurry up and tell me!"

Dumb Hair was somewhat unconvinced, and Lu Luo knew she was starting to get angry.

A woman’s temper is like a balloon drifting in the air; you never know whether it will burst in the next second or continue to float.o the riverside.

This circular river was somewhat like the moat of the Doomsday Halo.

However, this river was not the legendary purple Nether River, but a grayish-blue one.

The water was filthy; at least Lu Luo couldn’t see what lay beneath its surface.

Standing by the river, Lu Luo considered whether to go underwater to investigate, but the Observer dissuaded him.

[You’ve finally made it here. Isn’t it good to be alive?]

"There’s danger under the water."

[Indeed, there’s a strong energy signature. But whether there’s actual danger...]

Before the warning could finish, a huge splash erupted from the water with a BANG.

A six-legged crocodile suddenly lunged from the water, snapping at Lu Luo’s head.

This scene reminded Lu Luo of the time he was attacked by a water creature in the outskirts of the Southern Ring.

"Brings back memories!"

BOOM!

Lu Luo grabbed one of the crocodile’s teeth with a single hand, forcefully dragged it out of the water, and then slammed it onto the ground.

Dust and shockwaves rippled outwards.

Birds and small animals retreated; such might was clearly not something ordinary creatures could produce.

Animals are clever; they know what they can touch and what they shouldn’t.

With one foot on the crocodile’s head, Lu Luo completely immobilized the Lord-level creature.

The overwhelming power made Kevin’s teeth chatter, still in a state of shock.

Is this still human?

However, Lu Luo’s next action was even more casual. He drew his knife and chopped off the crocodile’s head in one stroke.

SLICE!

Lifting the greatsword, which still sparked with electricity, Lu Luo found its blade already nicked after only a couple of uses.

He sighed with a bit of helplessness.

"Tsk, junk! We’ll eat this tonight."

"Okay."

「At night, the group simply made camp by the river.」

This was a dangerous decision because the water might hide Exotic Species even more perilous than crocodiles.

But Lu Luo still decided the team should stay by the river.

Although the riverside was dangerous, at least their view wouldn’t be obstructed.

If they ventured into the mountains now, the winding paths and forests would greatly diminish the team members’ combat effectiveness.

This was not the outcome Lu Luo wanted.

So... cooking on the spot was the best choice!

At night, Lu Luo sat by the campfire, lost in thought. Some creatures shuffled back and forth in the forest, but he wasn’t very concerned.

Given the team’s current size, he, the boss, was no longer needed for guard duty.

So, daydreaming or cultivating were his daily options.

"Lu Luo, the roasted meat is ready. Want some?"

Qi Xinzhu was as considerate as ever. Not only did she roast the meat for Lu Luo, but she also seasoned it just the way he liked.

Of course, the others didn’t receive such treatment; they had to prepare their own.

Especially Dumb Hair, the least capable among them, who still hadn’t eaten a bite of warm food.

"Okay."

Lu Luo took the roasted meat Qi Xinzhu offered, his gaze once again deepening.

But Qi Xinzhu, who knew him well, could see that Lu Luo was in a good mood.

"In a good mood?"

"Yeah, a little excited."

"Yes, who would have thought that besides the Wasteland Alliance, there are other human settlements. Even now, it seems so unbelievable."

Lu Luo knew that Qi Xinzhu still held some nostalgia for the Dawn Church.

But the Church was no longer what it once was, and they couldn’t go back.

"We need to adapt to this era, not wait for the era to adapt to us. The environment of the Wasteland Alliance isn’t very suitable for a third-party power like us to develop. So we need to carve out a new environment. Get ready. If the conditions in the Imperial are favorable, we might settle there for a long time."

"Got it, my boss!"

"Bring Kevin over."

"Okay."

When Kevin Jones was brought before Lu Luo, the blond young man was somewhat at a loss.

Looking at Lu Luo with a hint of bewilderment, he asked tentatively, "Mr. Lu Luo, do you need me for something?"

"Mr. Kevin, there’s no need to be so formal. The circumstances were different earlier, so my attitude might have been poor. We are safe now, and I apologize for my actions earlier."

Lu Luo’s smile was disarming, which only made Kevin more frightened.

"No, no, no, Mr. Lu Luo, please don’t say such things. According to Imperial law, someone of your status would be considered a noble in the Empire. I dare not speak to a nobleman like that."

"Heh, is that so? That really is quite rare."

Lu Luo picked up a skewer of meat and handed it to Kevin.

"Mr. Kevin, try some as well."

Looking at the skewer in front of him, Kevin’s expression was hesitant.

In the Imperial, he had never eaten meat from Exotic Species before.

Especially since the Empire’s propaganda pamphlets explicitly state that meat from Exotic Species is highly unstable.

Reckless consumption of such meat carries a high risk of self-mutation—an outcome no Transcendent wishes to experience.

So even though the crocodile meat before him smelled very appetizing and made Kevin’s mouth water, he still didn’t take a bite.

"Mr. Lu Luo, is this kind of meat really edible?"

"Rest assured, Mr. Kevin. This meat has been treated; it’s clean and edible."

"But in our Imperial..."

"I know, you’re probably going to say that your Imperial teaches that meat from Exotic Species is contaminated and can cause mutations, right? We have those concerns too, but we’ve also mastered methods to purify the meat of Exotic Species. Their meat is more nutritious than ordinary meat and more suitable for Transcendents to consume."

"Is that so? Then, may I... try some?"

"Yes, go ahead and try. You’ll like it."

Under Lu Luo’s gentle persuasion, Kevin began to eat heartily.

"Mmm, this tastes really good! Thank you for your generosity, Mr. Lu Luo."

"Mr. Kevin, what is the city you live in like?"

"It’s probably a decent city, on the outskirts of the Imperial. Why do you ask, Mr. Lu Luo?"

"Nothing much, I just want to chat with you about some details regarding the Imperial."

"Sure, I’ll tell you everything I know."

Under the influence of a certain power, Lu Luo and Kevin talked throughout the night.

Kevin was very excited. He didn’t know why, but he felt remarkably energetic.

Even though this operation had been going on for a long time without rest, he didn’t feel tired.

It wasn’t until late into the night that his enthusiasm finally began to wane.

However, he failed to notice that his eye sockets had turned a deep purplish-black, as if he were utterly drained of mental energy.

"I had a lot of fun chatting today. The Imperial has so many interesting things. Go get some rest, Mr. Kevin. We still have to travel tomorrow."

"Uh, okay, I’m off to sleep then."

Kevin felt somewhat reluctant to end the conversation, but after the purple color faded from his eyes, he did indeed feel a strong sense of exhaustion.

Overcome by sleepiness, he lost the desire to keep talking, went back to the tent Lu Luo had arranged for him, and fell into a deep sleep.

「The next day, the team set off fully prepared.」

"Lu Luo, aren’t you coming?"

"You go ahead. I’ll be there in a moment."

Qi Xinzhu frowned slightly but didn’t say much more.

"Alright, be careful then."

Lu Luo, having separated from the team, stood alone by the river, looking back at it.

He felt there was something wrong with this river; deep inside, he seemed to sense something calling to him.

"This river... huh?"

After everyone had left, the moat actually began to change color.

Purple bubbles began to surge from the water. Lu Luo watched this scene with interest, a smile appearing on his face.

So, it is the Nether River then! The power that divides the realms of life and death has always been hidden here.

The purple bubbles, carrying surging Nightmare Power, began to spread throughout the river.

Netherflame ignited on the surface of the river, and a humanoid figure slowly appeared from within the flames.

"Has the Netherflame circulated to your hands now? How weak!"

[The entity is between a living being and a spirit. Danger level: Extremely high! Level cannot be determined.]

Lu Luo listened to the voice; it sounded like a woman’s.

But the figure was amidst the Netherflame, and Lu Luo couldn’t clearly see its appearance through the flames.

"The source of the Netherflame lies with Nightmare Demon; the Netherflame here is merely a lingering trace of her power."

Lu Luo adopted a very humble posture, as he hadn’t figured out what this entity was.

Not only him, but even the Observer was unable to discern its condition.

From her tone, it seemed as if the Netherflame had been passed on from her to Nightmare Demon.

If this guess is true, then she’s a major power!A true powerhouse!

"Quite humble of you. But your Seed of the Nether Source is no different from hers now. You’re just lacking the time to grow. However, it’s a pity you have to leave this place. The outside world is very dangerous, you know! Do you really want to go?"

The entity spoke to Lu Luo like an elder, and Lu Luo surprisingly felt no dissonance.

"Senior, is there anything you wish to tell me?"

"Senior? Hehehe, I like that title. But, weren’t you waiting here specifically for me? You even had your companions leave first."

Lu Luo blinked somewhat blankly, "I just wanted to see what the legendary Nether River is really like."

"You want to see me? Well... okay then!"

As soon as the female voice faded, Netherflame began to approach Lu Luo.

[You’re not running? Are you really prepared to let me find a new host?]

Lu Luo ignored the Observer’s reminder. He felt that he couldn’t back down at this moment; otherwise, he might miss something very special.

When the cold Netherflame landed on Lu Luo’s face and gradually engulfed him, Lu Luo finally saw what the other party looked like.

A... Medusa?

Lu Luo could only think of that name.

Hair full of snakeheads, a human torso with a snake’s body, and the lower body covered in scales. Her body was constantly burning with Netherflame.

Somehow, Lu Luo felt that her power was much stronger than that of an Eighth-Order calamity.

"Now that you’ve seen my appearance, are you satisfied?"

[So she’s a snake. No wonder you were so keen on seeing her!]

Lu Luo was bewildered. He really couldn’t be bothered with the Observer’s commentary; the Medusa before him was clearly no ordinary entity. He had to proceed with caution.

"Senior, how may I address you?"

"I don’t have a name of my own; Exotic Species don’t give themselves names. However, during the time I have existed, humans have given me many names. For example, the Tenth Angel Envoy, or Meiqi!"

The Tenth Angel Envoy, Meiqi!

Lu Luo swallowed. By now, he had a rough understanding of her identity.

As a weakling like himself, it’d be better not to try and get something out of this situation.

"Senior Meiqi, why are you here?"

"That is not for you to ask. The fact that you can walk away from me is already a privilege. Don’t be too greedy!"

Meiqi’s reminder was quite kind. Lu Luo had achieved his objective and didn’t want to stay here any longer.

But he was unsure what kind of attitude he should adopt in front of Meiqi.

After hesitating for a while, Lu Luo muttered, "So, I’ll leave?"

[??? Good grief, are you eager for death? Something’s off with you.]

The way Lu Luo said it made Meiqi also begin to doubt herself. She hadn’t threatened the kid, had she?

This kid is really bold? Impressive, worth cultivating.

"Wait a second."

"Um! Is there something else?"

Honestly, Lu Luo didn’t really want to develop too extraordinary a relationship with her.

He had thought that the Nether River was just a river, but the reality turned out to be that the Nether River was a snake.

This was too much to bear!

"What’s your name?"

[Don’t lie!]

Lu Luo hurriedly shut his mouth, stopping himself from announcing his idea to impersonate the lawless thug Zhang San.

"I’m Zhang... err, my name is Lu Luo."

"Good, you didn’t lie to Meiqi. So Meiqi should now give a reward to a child who didn’t lie. I’ll give you something. I hope you like it."

Meiqi’s snake-haired head suddenly coiled around Lu Luo’s body, then her face slowly drew closer.

Her jade-like face made Lu Luo’s heart pound with apprehension.

She’s an Angel Envoy!

Meiqi kissed Lu Luo’s forehead. A cool sensation flowed from his forehead throughout his body.

"I’ve helped you complete the rules of Netherflame. From now on, you’d better practice well!"

Meiqi’s gift left Lu Luo somewhat bewildered; he hadn’t figured out what else to say.

But Meiqi seemed to have no further interest in conversation.

"Little Lu Luo, you’re too weak now. Once you’ve grown a bit more, you can come and find me again."

This time, Lu Luo finally caught on, his wits returning.

He knew Meiqi truly had no intention of harming him; otherwise, he would have died a hundred times over by now.

"Lady Meiqi, is there anything you need me to do?"

"Life and death, the cycle never ends. We live, they die."

The voice echoed in Lu Luo’s ears, its meaning eluding him.

Looking at the river that had turned grayish-blue, Lu Luo was speechless for a long time.

Who are ’we’? And who are ’they’?

「In the Imperial, Dong’an City, a cottage on the border line.」

Wang Minze was gaming.

But his girlfriend, Li Wei, stood expressionlessly in front of him.

Wang Minze frowned slightly but did not stop his game, "What’s wrong, baby?"

"Is the game fun?" Li Wei asked, her expression unfriendly.

"...Yes, fun," Wang Minze answered truthfully.

"Oh? Is that so? My boyfriend also likes to play."

Wang Minze was dumbfounded. What did that mean? Why was she bringing up her ex-boyfriend all of a sudden?

Wang Minze felt indignant; he wouldn’t accept this!

With a bit of stubbornness, Wang Minze asked, "What tier is he now?"

Li Wei was confused. "?"

"What role does he play?"

Li Wei was even more confused. "??"

"Top lane, mid lane, jungle, or marksman?"

Li Wei was utterly bewildered. "???"

"Quick, tell me!" Wang Minze urged, visibly impatient.

Li Wei, on the other hand, was already somewhat dazed and stammered, "I... I’m not sure!"

"Didn’t he play with you before?"

Without waiting for his girlfriend to answer, Wang Minze said smugly while continuing his game, "My ex-girlfriend didn’t play before either, but then I taught her hands-on. Guess what tier she is now?"

Li Wei seethed, an angry vein throbbing on her forehead. "!!!"

"Go on, guess!"

Li Wei’s face contorted with rage.

BAM! WHACK! BANG!

Sounds of a fierce beating came from the room. After a while, a battered and bruised Wang Minze walked out.

"If we’re breaking up, fine! But why make me feed the enemy in the game... Ugh, forget it. Research, research!"

"Let’s start a new research project! Like..."

Wang Minze watched from afar as a handsome, bare-chested man tore apart a Leader-class Exotic Species with his bare hands.

This astonishing scene made his fingers tremble slightly. Then, he awkwardly wrote on a piece of paper:

"Live stream from outside the city: Started by witnessing a wild man tearing an Aberration apart with his bare hands!"