Chapter 504: At the End of the Road
The Rise of Metahumans
"The popularization of technology makes it easy for those in power to find individuals with superpowers—metahumans—within the population. They have even developed a set of methods to enhance these abilities. Metahumans can now replace us in dealing with demons and monsters and maintaining the balance of the supernatural world." He paused, then turned.
"Martial Uncle, you should feel this the most."
Zhang Ruochen was the public face promoted by the Baiyun Temple. One of his duties was to assist the Special Affairs Department in handling supernatural incidents.
Without waiting for a response, Li Mo continued.
"The rise of metahumans is destined to bring about the decline of the Daoist sect. This is something that will inevitably happen and cannot be shifted by individual will."
"If one is incapable of a task, they will be burdened by it. The Daoist sect enjoys a transcendent status but has failed to demonstrate the commensurate capability. That might work for a short period, but over time, it will certainly cause dissatisfaction among those in power."
"No, they are already dissatisfied."
At this point, he showed a complex look, filled with worry for the future.
"Zhang Jiu's challenge is a signal. They are tacitly allowing this behavior, even providing assistance. Luke Shaw sensed this, which is why he is acting so brazenly."
"All of this has a reason. Unfortunately, we discovered it too late."
Zhang Ruochen felt his scalp tingle from what he was hearing.
"Are you overthinking this?"
Li Mo showed a trace of bitter resignation. He knew that speaking of this was useless with the old guard of the Daoist sect like his Martial Uncle. They had become accustomed to the comfortable life brought by their transcendent status and lacked any sense of crisis.
"Martial Uncle, do you know? If I could, I would want us to lose this match."
"You're mad!"
Zhang Ruochen quickly looked around to ensure they were alone before lowering his voice in a reprimand.
"What nonsense are you talking about? This match concerns the dignity of the Daoist sect and absolutely cannot be lost!"
Li Mo remained firm.
"Trading a fake Heavenly Master's Strategy for the reform of the Daoist sect is, in my opinion, well worth it."
"You..."
Zhang Ruochen was both angry and upset. "Say these things only in front of me. Do not let them spread."
"Do you think I am wrong, Martial Uncle?"
Zhang Ruochen sighed. "I am old now and cannot understand the thoughts of you young people. But I know one thing: the current status of the Daoist sect was bought with the lives of countless ancestors, and it absolutely cannot fall into ruin on our watch."
"We must win this match. We absolutely cannot lose."
A Visit from the Official Side
The news of the grand showdown between Jiu and the Daoist sect caused a huge wave online.
Celebrities from the martial arts world came out to support Jiu. Major media outlets followed suit, launching related programs to comprehensively analyze the combat capabilities of both sides.
Jiu's fan club also mobilized, cheering outside the hotel every day.
For a time, everyone stood with Jiu. Voices supporting the Daoist sect were barely audible.
Time silently flowed by. Before anyone realized it, four days had passed, and a special guest arrived at the hotel.
The visitor wore glasses, had a neatly side-parted hairstyle, and was impeccably dressed, giving off an air of composure.
"Hello, Mr. Shaw. I am Dai Yunkai."
Luke glanced at the business card handed over by his bodyguard.
"General Manager of Ran Ke Company... Is that your real identity?"
"What do you think, Mr. Shaw?"
"A general manager wouldn't be able to get through my door."
With that, he walked over to the liquor cabinet.
"What would you like to drink? Alcohol, tea, or coffee?"
"I prefer tea."
Dai Yunkai took out a exquisitely packaged wooden box, 15 cm long and wide. "If possible, please use the tea inside."
Luke opened the box. The aroma immediately rushed through the air. Black tea leaves lay calmly inside, exuding a faint fragrance.
"Special Grade Da Hong Pao. A premium tea with an annual output of less than three catties. You are truly generous, sir, sending two catties at once. Unfortunately, it reminds me of a bad memory."
"What memory? Could you share it with me?"
Luke picked out a few tea leaves and placed them in a cup. As he prepared the tea, he said,
"My grandfather's life was full of ups and downs. He left home young to make a living in a foreign country, enduring countless hardships and suffering. The one that left the deepest impression on me was 25 years ago. To help a friend leave the country, he was jointly wanted by the FBI and CIA. He almost lost half his life that time."
"Mr. Dai, do you know the cause of that incident?"
Dai Yunkai smiled. "I'm eager to hear the details."
"It was this."
Luke pointed to the wooden box on the table. "A gift of Da Hong Pao from a friend."
"Since then, my grandfather has never drunk Da Hong Pao again. He stored the remaining tea in a cabinet. Later, I found it and drank it all." He paused, his gaze fixed forward.
"What do you think of that story, Mr. Dai?"
Dai Yunkai dropped his smile, speaking very seriously. "Some things are not what you imagine..."
Luke didn't let him finish.
"I am a results-oriented person. What happened in the process is not important. I only know that the incident nearly destroyed the Shaw family."
Dai Yunkai shook his head internally. With the conversation reaching this point, it was clear.
"It seems we won't be able to become friends."
Friends?
Luke laughed heartily. "Friendship requires a cost. As good as Da Hong Pao is, it's not worth mentioning to me."
Dai Yunkai's heart stirred. He seized the opportunity.
"May I ask what you want?"
"To be honest, you don't have what I want."
"What about the Heavenly Master's Strategy?"
Luke shook his head. He picked up the teapot and poured boiling water into the cup. The dry tea leaves were soaked by the hot water, and the aroma involuntarily diffused outwards.
Dai Yunkai couldn't discern the man's true intentions and could only say with a half-joke,
"Mr. Shaw truly doesn't seem like a young man in his twenties. Your words are full of hidden meanings, making my head ache."
"You are the one making my head ache, sir. The tea is ready, and yet you haven't introduced yourself."
"Look at me." Dai Yunkai slapped his forehead. "I was too nervous; I even forgot my manners. My deepest apologies." With that, he took out his real business card and placed it on the table. "Allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Dai Yunkai, responsible for liaison work."
Luke placed the teacup in front of him and asked casually,
"I recall you have someone named Li Qun in your organization. What is your relationship with him?"
Dai Yunkai's body stiffened. He was highly shocked by Luke's intelligence network. Elder Li's identity was rarely known to outsiders. His mind was racing, and he could only answer in the most straightforward manner.
"He used to be my superior."
"I see."
Luke began to drink his tea. Dai Yunkai also picked up the teacup. The fragrant tea swirled on his tongue, yet he tasted nothing. Before coming, he was full of confidence, but throughout the conversation, he had been constantly restricted.
As expected of the rumored Young Master Shaw. He's a real headache.
Dai Yunkai was unwilling to let the other party control the situation, so he changed the subject.
"The match is tomorrow. Mr. Shaw, who do you think will win? Zhang Jiu? Or the Daoist sect?"
"The Daoist sect!"
"Oh!"
Dai Yunkai couldn't help but show surprise. "You mean Zhang Jiu will lose?"
"Yes."
Dai Yunkai was even more confused. "If I recall correctly, Zhang Jiu initiated this match. If he knows he will lose, why propose it?"
He was very clever to substitute Jiu's name for Luke's.
Luke shook his head. "It's not that Jiu will lose, but that the Daoist sect can't afford to lose, unless you are willing to help."
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