Chapter 339: A Fateful Turn

Tianfeng Security Zone commander and Military Department member of the North China Military District, Xiao Hai, you have grossly violated military orders! Come with us!

Any resistance will be forcefully met! We have the right to kill on sight!

During the retreat from East Sea, Xiao Hai looked pale and anxious as the Military Third-Stage Awakener closed in around him.

He knew there were risks in aligning with Yenir, but he never expected such a swift, brutal move!

What does this mean?!

Are they being held accountable for blowing up the city? Has the Authorities abandoned Yenir?!

Facing such a scenario for the first time, Xiao Hai—a commander unaccustomed to large-scale conflicts—felt his heart tremble.

It’s over…!

Meanwhile, Chen Kailai, who was coordinating troop movements and guiding survivors, glared bitterly at the monitoring team accusing him.

From their words, he already knew that the Authorities had classified them just half an hour earlier!

They came to rescue East Sea, and not long ago the Military had even acknowledged that, letting their troop movements go unquestioned. Now, it seems circumstances have taken an unforeseen turn!

As a veteran of North China’s upper echelon, Chen Kailai felt deep humiliation as he glared at the Third-Stage Awakener who was trying to cuff him.

“I’ll walk on my own!”

“I have lived with a clear conscience all my life!”

“Even if it costs me my life, I won’t run away! If I’m wrong, I’ll own it—there’s no need for you to act!”

After his words, a few Dongqing Awakeners who had received orders chuckled, their expressions as if he were already dead.

“Commander Chen, rules are rules.”

“Cooperating with Yenir in mobilizing troops, falsifying orders, and blowing up East Sea—killing official personnel with such crimes—who do you think can save you?”

“Clear conscience?!”

“Look at these displaced people! They’re all suffering because of you—because of Yenir!”

“Clear conscience? You don’t deserve it!”

His voice thundered. Under the humiliating barrage of the Dongqing Awakeners, 70-year-old Chen Kailai trembled as a surge of rage rushed to his head, nearly toppling him. For all his years serving the Military, he had never been so insulted!

“You… you all!!”

His lips trembled with anger.

Chen Kailai looked at them with deep sorrow. He admitted that Yenir might have acted rashly, but every action was for the people, for the country!

In times of disaster, even those who usually hold back must act!

They clearly saved everyone, yet they were bitterly betrayed! Does this mean the Authorities won’t even acknowledge the rescue?

Are they being made scapegoats to quiet public anger?!

Overwhelmed with grief and rage, Chen Kailai drew a deep breath, his eyes filled with indignation.

He dared to work with Yenir because he believed in him! Even if Yenir blew up East Sea, he refused to think it was an act of revenge!

This situation is utterly absurd and heart-wrenching!

Even if it means death, he would never regret his choices!

……….

“Uncle Liang, can’t you wait even three more hours?”

Yenir looked calmly at the silent Liang Lie, while behind him a Spiritual Energy Fighter descended, its target locked on his position.

A large group of solemn Third-Stage soldiers advanced in a tightening formation.

Clearly, the Authorities acted with lightning speed, convening a meeting immediately after East Sea was blown up.

Judging by the situation, it seemed they’d simply run out of patience.

As Liang Lie hesitated, the Military bypassed him, determined to take full control.

According to the intelligence he’d received, Xiao Hai, Chen Kailai, Wang Tian… even Chen Yong were all implicated.

While his own charges were still pending, the others had already been branded as committing heinous, unforgivable acts.

Chen Kailai had been expelled from the North China Battle Zone, Wang Tian had been dismissed as vice-president by the Tiancheng Merchant Guild, and the worst was Xiao Hai—whose lower rank meant he lost all identity, with the rest being escorted to the Capital.

After this meeting, aside from Yenir, everyone around him was plunged into crisis.

According to official reports, once the East Sea incident was over, they’d be labeled traitors for severely damaging national interests, while the rescuers would be hailed as the top brass of East Sea and the fallen martyrs.

Sharing a silent glance with the past, Liang Lie nodded solemnly.

By now, he had already broken the rules in some way.

A light laugh escaped him.

Yenir shook his head slightly, acknowledging that Liang Lie had done his best.

Behind him, the gust from the descending fighter swept up his loose hair. In the cold, bleak night, everything felt desolate and full of deep apprehension.

From high above, Ming Luo and the others were desperately arguing, trying to stop the Military from taking him away—the two sides bristled with tension.

The shouts of anger and despair from the squad were jarringly harsh in the dark night.

Behind, Liang Lie—who had thwarted Yenir’s escape—stood hunched like a silent statue.

In the center, Yenir instinctively looked up, his gaze calm as he fixed on the moonlit sky.

Thick fog and heavy clouds.

A faint scent of rust mingled with salty sea moisture filled the air.

Seconds later.

Yenir suddenly smiled and strode toward the fighter jet.

“Ming Luo, come watch the show with me.”

His voice was soft, yet it struck an abrupt chord in the frantic ears of Ming Luo.

Before the squad members could react, they saw Yenir, calm as ever, board the fighter jet as if resigned to his fate.

“Yenir..!?

Slowly turning his head, Yenir’s smile faded and he quietly placed a finger to his lips.

“Shh, get on board…”

We’re going to kill.

After this long chase, it’s time to close the net…

……

“Whoosh—Boom!!”

The fighter jet streaked forward like a razor-sharp sword, shredding through the clouds in an instant.

On board, Yenir closed his eyes as if resting, easing the weariness inside him.

He ignored the worried, even predatory stares of his Awakeners.

Yenir silently asked himself…

Regret?

No.

Three hours later, they arrived at the Capital.

Victory was inevitable.

On the system panel, a line of flashing red text cut through the darkness.

That was the second countdown.