Chapter 839: Crossing Boundaries

As the man with the most destructive power on earth, there was nothing a few assassins could do to stop him from pursuing his goals.

In Qinggang, only the rules—or even Chen Jing herself, his superior—could hold him back.

But the regulations of Qinggang do not prohibit Lu Xin from leaving the city, so technically only Chen Jing could intervene.

Moreover, Chen Jing wasn’t even aware of the extent of her authority, so she never mentioned it.

In summary—no one can stop the Single Soldier.

……

……

His travel plans were set. Lu Xin didn’t let this minor hiccup delay him.

After informing Chen Jing of his departure from the city, Lu Xin efficiently began preparations and didn’t mind spending a fair sum to arrange the necessary travel; it seemed he no longer wished to stay in Qinggang.

With his home feeling too empty, he figured it was time to get out and reconnect with his old family.

Since this was a personal matter, Lu Xin did not request helicopter support or official backup from Qinggang.

Every vehicle, food supply, and even entertaining magazine was arranged by himself.

Given the unique nature of his journey and environment, he prepared both a motorcycle and a jeep.

He cleverly allocated each vehicle to suit everyone’s needs.

He mounted the motorcycle parked in the old building—a bike that hadn’t seen daylight in ages.

Previously, with the jeep at his disposal, he had mainly used it for its four wheels and impressive presence. But this time, with potential obstacles heading his way, the motorcycle proved to be more adaptable in confronting unexpected challenges and varied terrains.

His sister was positioned on the jeep’s front fuel tank: first, so he could keep an eye on her and prevent her from wandering off,

and second, so she could assist him quickly in case of danger.

Number Fourteen was stationed in the driver’s seat of the jeep to safeguard Number Little Nineteen and a full load of supplies.

After all, the jeep’s cargo was expensive—most of it was meant solely for him. The trunk, back seat, and every available nook were packed with sealed food supplies valued at over two thousand.

Number Little Nineteen was placed in the jeep’s front passenger seat, while Number Fourteen cradled a jar of pickles.

As for the other member who eagerly volunteered to join them, Doll

her request was denied; she was to remain in Qinggang.

Doll felt wronged, yet there was nothing she could say.

After all, ever since she decided to become Qinggang’s Spiritual Overlord, it was clear she wasn’t meant to roam freely.

Luckily, Lu Xin promised her that he wouldn’t be gone long this time, and that he would return as soon as he’d found what he was searching for.

And even when he came back, he’d still be living with her.

……

……

“The Single Soldier is insisting on leaving the city, and he hasn’t even said why—just that it’s for family matters.”

At the same time, inside Qinggang, several emergency meetings were held regarding Lu Xin’s plan. In the final session, Chen Jing remarked, “I tried to dissuade Single Soldier, but he showed no signs of backing down. And from the way he returned—calm on the surface yet with a hint of unrest—I didn’t press him too hard.”

“Indeed, you can tell he’s different now. One might even speculate about the reasons…”

Professor Bai put down his pipe and said, “Haven’t you noticed that neither Base Security nor Ms. Lu have been seen for a long time?”

This caught some off guard, and one of them excitedly added, “Single Soldier’s multiple personality disorder… is that it?”

“Some might think so,”

Professor Bai replied coolly, “But from Single Soldier’s perspective, doesn’t that equate to losing his family?”

……

Suddenly, the meeting room fell eerily silent.

“At times like these, we shouldn’t disturb a grieving man—just ensure that his orders are carried out.”

Professor Bai rapped on the coffee table before saying to Minister Shen of the City Defense Department, “As for everything else, just follow protocol.”

“I’ve already reported to Mr. Su.”

Minister Shen, his face stern, replied, “If we can’t stop Single Soldier, then all we can do is form a covert team under Qinggang’s top Special Talent status to protect him secretly. Mr. Su has already reached out to other major High-wall Cities in the Alliance, requesting favorable policies and support for Single Soldier and our security team along the way.”

Listening intently, Chen Jing suddenly said, “Even High-wall City might be tempted by Black Peach’s bounty.”

“This could lead to a momentary lapse, causing some incredibly foolish moves.”

……

“I’ve taken that into account,”

Mr. Su drawled in his unhurried manner, “If they go ahead, I’ll let them know—it’s a foolish act, and Qinggang won’t take it lightly.”

“The consequences will be far more severe than they expect.”

……

Mr. Su’s words stirred a subtle resolve among those present.

They exchanged knowing glances, silently understanding each other’s meaning.

Yes, Qinggang had become one of the top High-wall Cities in the Alliance, boasting deep foundations and cutting-edge research strength.

In their dealings with Single Soldier or Doll, Qinggang could only placate them.

Countless times, they almost lost sight of their own roles, slipping into the roles of caretaker and nagging advisor.

But if anyone in Qinggang, after receiving a stern warning, continued to ignore it, then they would surely feel the full force of Qinggang’s iron-clad resolve once its limits were breached.

Ha! I might not be able to push Single Soldier around, but I certainly won’t be pushed around by a mere High-wall City!

……

……

“Soda City, Number Three.”

The plan was set; at dawn they would embark.

With the steel drawbridge thundering down, the motorcycle and jeep slowly rolled toward the wasteland. Lu Xin’s convoy—just two vehicles carrying the equivalent of three and a half people—set off on a journey to reclaim the past under the watchful eyes of countless Qinggang residents.

It wasn’t until then that the usually muddled Number Fourteen finally revealed the destination to Lu Xin.

Hearing this news, Lu Xin was taken aback for a moment.

Soda City, one of the Alliance’s twelve High-wall Cities.

It was said that during reconstruction, an entire pre-Civilization era cola production chain and several large factories were discovered.

After some simple repairs, production resumed swiftly.

Thus, while other High-wall Cities rushed to export their data—selling firearms, grain, fertilizers, construction materials, and more—this city focused on exporting soda. And thanks to a then-limited entertainment market, the venture turned out surprisingly profitable, laying a solid financial foundation.

The results were evident. They had developed impressively, even thriving.

Rumor had it that in the earliest days, Soda City had even considered partnering with Heichao City to market a new type of beverage, but once the Terrifying Demon King descended upon Heichao City, the plan was scrapped, leaving them to obediently sell sugary drinks.

As for Number Three…

Lu Xin couldn’t help but recall the strangest child from the orphanage in the past.

He was more monster than human.

Since childhood, he had crawled on the ground like a wild beast, refused to wear clothes, and relished catching rats and serpents in the courtyard.

At times, he would even stare hungrily at the other children in the orphanage, drooling.

He had once attacked a security guard and been confined for a month.

Then, upon release, he attacked another.

Ever since, security personnel had no choice but to steer clear of him, let alone the other orphans.

Compared to himself, back in the orphanage Number Three was even more of a monster.

“So he ended up in Soda City…”

Lu Xin exhaled deeply and, using a setup without electrical wires, asked Number Fourteen another question from the jeep.

“Back in the orphanage, how many survived in the end?”

……

This was a question he had always cared about deeply.

Although he had once had the chance to ask others, he hesitated in his heart, too afraid to find out.

“I can’t say for sure…”

Number Fourteen laughed over the walkie-talkie, “All I know is that I saw Nineteen, Number Three, Number Seven, and Number Eight.”

“But I’ve heard that Number Two, Number Five, and Number Twelve are probably still alive.”

“As for Number One, I think I heard he was revived, only to meet disaster and die again…”

……

After hearing this, Lu Xin exhaled deeply.

Nineteen, Number Three, Number Seven, Number Eight, Number Two, Number Five, Number Twelve, Number Fourteen…

Eight in total?

Back at the orphanage, aside from Teacher Xiao Lu, many children perished.

In the end, only eight were rescued by the Old Director…

And the rest became debts he’d forever carry, opportunities he’d never be able to repay?

……

……

“Number Nine, do you feel immensely guilty about those who weren’t saved?”

Just as this thought flashed through Lu Xin’s mind, Number Fourteen suddenly addressed him, switching from calling him Jiu Ge to Number Nine.

After a moment, Lu Xin gave a slight nod, silent.

Number Fourteen suddenly laughed and said, “There’s really no need. You’ve freed them from their suffering.”

“In the end, they should be grateful to you.”

……

That remark didn’t ease Lu Xin’s mood for long; instead, he tightened the throttle and sped forward.

Behind him, his sister held onto his neck tightly.

At the same time, Qinggang’s secret security team had already assembled in front of a row of helicopters, ready to move.

Elsewhere in the wasteland, in underground intelligence markets and large gathering points where Knights, assassins, and special operatives congregated, many were abuzz over the highest bounty ever offered.

Lu Xin’s motorcycle, like a stretched filament, slowly wove a dangerous net across the barren land.

Like an unseen spider spinning its greedy, massive web, all the avaricious were now bound by its invisible grip.