The Curtain Rises

Luo Yu only remembered leading his team to the Temple of Life.

Then, Castel’s monsters tore through their defenses in seconds.
He and the Shiyu Church members were dragged into this lab.

After hours of torture, he watched as fellow church members had limbs severed—thrown screaming into cultivation tanks.
Their cries echoed off metal walls—until only he remained.

Before his consciousness faded, he vaguely saw chaos erupt—the cultists fleeing in panic…

When Luo Yu opened his eyes again, all he saw was Bai Ci’s calm gaze.

“I owe you my life.”

“It’s nothing,” Bai Ci said, a faint smile on his lips.

“This life… belongs to you now.”
“Then I’ll make good use of it.”

Bai Ci’s eyes lingered on Luo Yu’s battered body—every inch scarred, wounds grotesque.
An ordinary man would’ve died long ago.

“You alright?”

“Fine.”

Luo Yu turned away, unwilling for Bai Ci to see him so broken.
For someone so proud, this humiliation hurt more than death.

“Fine? You call this fine?”

Bai Ci almost laughed at Luo Yu’s stubbornness.
Knowing his pride, he didn’t press further.
As a Sorcerer, these injuries wouldn’t kill him.

Moments later, Qi Qiao arrived, having finished securing the upper levels.

Seeing Luo Yu’s state, she spoke with rare regret:
“We failed to uncover the truth behind Sin City’s monster crisis quickly enough… a failure of the Holy Heaven Army.”

“You really don’t know?” Luo Yu cut her off.
“At Sin City’s current level—we lack the means to create such inhuman monsters.”

He had little respect for this commander.
“And now that the city is sealed—your army is the only link to the outside world, aren’t you?”

“That’s your reason for suspecting us?” Qi Qiao asked.
“It’s logical, isn’t it?”

“Look at this,” Luo Yu said, enduring pain as he handed her the powder from the lab.
“You can trace its origin easily.”

Bai Ci added, “And with Castel’s earlier words… the answer’s obvious.”

………

Qi Qiao took the powder, expression darkening.
“I understand.”
“There are traitors within the Holy Heaven Army—colluding with the Temple of Life.”
“Give me one week. I’ll expose them publicly.”

Hearing this, Bai Ci nodded. Luo Yu stayed silent.

Seeing the situation resolved,
Bai Ci stretched and turned to leave.

He believed this incident might finally ease tensions between Qi Qiao and Luo Yu.

“Wait!” Qi Qiao suddenly called out.

?

Bai Ci turned.

Qi Qiao looked uncharacteristically flustered—cheeks tinged pink.
“That… thank you. For everything lately. It means a lot.”

“Just a small thing.” Bai Ci smiled.

“Join the Holy Heaven Army… help me change this nation.”

Qi Qiao lowered her lashes.
“With your strength, you could replace my father’s position in no time.”

Bai Ci recalled Xiya mentioning—Qi Qiao’s father was the Supreme Commander of the Holy Heaven Army,
the most powerful military leader in Yundu Empire.

Seeing Bai Ci silent, Qi Qiao continued:
“Even without demon destruction, Sin City is just a forgotten corner of the empire…”
“Join us, and I guarantee—you’ll have your chance to shine in the capital.”

Leaving Sin City was every resident’s dream—
but not for Bai Ci.

“Sorry.”

He declined flatly.

If he wanted to leave, no one could stop him.
But he stayed—because his main mission hadn’t advanced at all.

The reincarnation vessel of Garuda—the Demon Lord—was still hidden somewhere in Sin City.
No sign of his arrival.

And now, with Xiya missing… he couldn’t possibly leave.

So joining the army? Leaving the city?
Bai Ci didn’t care.

And given his nature—he’d never ally with them.

Hearing the refusal, Qi Qiao sighed.
“A talent like yours shouldn’t be wasted here.”

Bai Ci left the cleanup to others.

What intrigued him was the Sky Demon Clan member from the old man’s house—
a secret envoy of the Protectorate Duke.

Interesting…

Should he pay a visit to the true ruler of Yundu Empire sometime soon?

Lost in thought, Bai Ci returned to the inn under the night sky.

The demon girl who once followed him everywhere… wasn’t by his side tonight.

****

The next day,
Holy Heaven Army Prison.

Castel faced a silver-armored man through the bars.
The man waved—guards left immediately.

The moment they were alone, Castel begged:
“Sir, you have to get me out! This isn’t what we agreed!”
“You said if we followed your orders, no one would interfere!”
“You’re the Deputy Commander! With your connections, just make up an excuse—”

“Shut up!”

The Deputy Commander snapped, massaging his temples, veins bulging.
“You made so much noise, you even alerted her!”
“I told you to stay low-profile—collect test subjects quietly! Instead, you caused city-wide chaos! Residents turning into monsters every few days—even a blind man could spot something’s wrong!”
“You… are utterly useless.”

“Please, sir—give us another chance!”
Castel clung to the bars. “We’re on the same rope! If I fall, you’re next!”

“You’re threatening me?” The Deputy Commander smirked coldly, killing intent flashing.

If Qi Qiao suspected internal betrayal, he’d be the first investigated—as her adjutant.
And all because of this worthless fool.

“No, no! How dare I threaten you?”
Seeing the commander’s darkening face, Castel backtracked. “But that woman already suspects you. She’ll come after you soon…”

“Enough.”

The Deputy Commander sneered.
He knew—the Sin City experiment was nearing its end.
Once complete, no matter what Qi Qiao uncovered, it wouldn’t matter.

Sin City’s fate was no longer something a mere commander could influence.

He turned and walked away.
Behind Castel’s back, his face twisted into a cruel grin.

Castel…
This is all your doing. Don’t blame me when the blade falls.

He already hated Castel.
If not for this useless pawn, his plan would’ve succeeded flawlessly.

Then he could’ve taken his sister, fled to the capital—started anew.

Now, with exposure looming, danger stirred.
It was time to report to above.

“Lilith… my sister… wait for me.”
“I’ll take you… far from this place.”