Late night
The plane roared over the sea of clouds, and the smart watch on Jiang Hou's wrist vibrated slightly, receiving an internal message from Celestial Punishment.
Jiang Hou, who was resting with his eyes closed, opened his eyes and tapped the message, revealing a row of text.
This was a new appointment.
"Jiang Hou, the Demon Suppression General, is hereby appointed as the Southwest Guardian Envoy, with the rank of Vice Admiral, commanding all forces of the Celestial Punishment Branch across the six southwestern provinces to resist possible monster invasions from the ruins."
"What's going on?"
The sudden promotion didn't bring Jiang Hou joy, but rather a furrowed brow.
Just before he could inquire, his phone rang, showing a call from Jiang Ruochan.
As soon as Jiang Hou answered, Jiang Ruochan directly asked: "Jiang Hou, have you received the appointment document from headquarters?"
"I've already seen it, President."
Jiang Hou nodded, then asked: "President, has something happened?"
"Indeed, something has occurred, and it's quite serious."
Jiang Ruochan said gravely: "A Tier Nine Strongest of Celestial Punishment discovered signs of the Epoch Catastrophe or related traces on a Floating Continent deep within the Realm Abyss."
"Supposedly, the continent is unimaginably vast, covered with powerful and even terrifying forbidden creatures, including a Heaven and Earth Giant Beast that mutated after falling."
"Currently, the three major Transcendent Powers have issued a Human Race Summoning Order, based on the agreement signed by the Three True Gods over twenty years ago."
"Whenever a threat involving the survival of humanity arises, all Extraordinary Forces, from demigods down to Tier Four official members, must provide unconditional support."
"This time, all those above Tier Six are being called upon, and Transcendents on the list must go to the nearest assembly point immediately upon receiving the information."
...Epoch Catastrophe, mutated corpse of Heaven and Earth Giant Beast, Jiang Hou's expression tightened, knowing why it felt dangerous.
Forbidden creatures that come back to life are most resentful toward their kind.
"President, since all those above Tier Six are being summoned, why is my appointment this?" Jiang Hou felt puzzled.
Jiang Ruochan's tone was calm: "You were originally on the summoning list, but I removed you; you're unsuitable for this expedition task."
"Although your current combat power explosively breaks into Tier Eight, appearing strong, you are essentially still a Tier Seven Transcendent."
"This expedition involves the Epoch Catastrophe, with dangers beyond imagination. Even I am not confident of retreating unscathed, let alone you."
"Your potential still has much to be tapped, and you're at a stage of rapid power enhancement."
"So I had the old man adjust your status to a Guardian Envoy, securing some time until you breakthrough to Tier Eight before joining the expedition."
"Once you reach Tier Eight and master a True Divine Technique, you'll have the opportunity to escape even if faced with Demigod Tier forbidden creatures."
"...Thanks for this, President." Jiang Hou said slowly.
He indeed cannot go this time; otherwise, once the 'Heaven and Earth Giant Beast' aura bursts forth, there's a high chance he would be targeted by that forbidden giant beast.
An adult Heaven and Earth Giant Beast is a terrifying existence that feeds on gods, and even a mere corpse is extremely powerful.
"No need for thanks. As your guide, I must fulfill some duties."
Jiang Hou and Zong Zheng Nan Mo were 'discovered' by Jiang Ruochan and brought into Celestial Punishment, hence their identities within Celestial Punishment are under Jiang Ruochan's 'lineage.'
"And don't think this task is easy."
"Although all those above Tier Six Transcendents are being summoned, the real world also needs strong Guardians, especially for those large channels."
"Most of the time, these Guardian tasks might be uneventful, but whenever something happens, it's basically a Tier Seven or above Demon God or Evil God invasion."
"If it's Tier Eight or above..." Jiang Ruochan paused, "then you'll need to fight desperately as Guardians."
Jiang Hou nodded slightly at the words.
Then Jiang Ruochan habitually shifted the tone: "Of course, these are the worst possibilities. Maybe this expedition isn't so dangerous, and the Epoch Catastrophe is just a misunderstanding."
But could the Strongest, who condensed the four Celestial Daos and reached the Demigod peak, be mistaken?
"By the way, as a Guardian Envoy, your loan authority has greatly increased; the upper limit is now two millionβthink carefully about what you need later."
"Such an opportunity to advance resource utilization is rare; don't waste it." With that, the somewhat busy Jiang Ruochan hung up.
"Two million." Jiang Hou's eyes brightened.
A loan, especially an interest-free loan, is indeed a good thing, although he hasn't repaid the previous million, so he can only borrow one million this time.
Moreover, according to the 'loan rules,' fifty thousand to upgrade resources, fifty thousand for other Extraordinary Items.
"This indeed requires thoughtful consideration." Jiang Hou stroked his chin.
......
Due to jet lag, Jiang Hou's plane landed at Nanshan International Airport at seven in the morning.
"At this time, uncle they should be waking up." Jiang Hou glanced at the dimly lit sky, took out his phone, and called Qin Buyi.
The phone rang twice before the other side answered.
"Uncle, when are you planning to return?" Jiang Hou asked.
Qin Buyi thought for a moment: "There are four days left in Suyu's vacation; as for me... ahem, I won't be returning with you guys for now. Your aunt needs another two months to complete the transition."
"I understand." Jiang Hou smiled.
"Uncle, the war over in Abudan is pretty much over, and they've appointed me to head back, handling Celestial Punishment affairs in the southwestern direction, including Yidu."
"I'm scheduled to return today, so later I'll ask Suyu if she wants to accompany me."
"The war is over." Qin Buyi was stunned, not quite grasping it, as the conflict in Abudan had reached the border of Nanshan Country a few days ago.
There's also the spread of mutated monsters across half of Abudan, with the mutated virus capable of causing mutation upon contact.
Jiang Hou suddenly remembered something and laughed: "By the way, uncle, my military rank has been promoted again; I'm now a Demon Suppression Vice Admiral."
"What!"
Cough, cough, cough!! A series of intense coughs came from the other side, as Qin Buyi was 'choked' by this news.
"Buyi, what's wrong?" In the bathroom, Natalie turned her head, puzzled, looking at the endlessly coughing Qin Buyi in the second-floor hallway.
Face flushed red, Qin Buyi waved: "Nothing, nothing; I was just surprised by Hou's military rank advancement."
"Alright, alright."
"I know. You should ask Yu." With that, Qin Buyi hung up, unable to contain the excitement on his face, laughing aloud.
"Vice Admiral, an eighteen-year-old Vice Admiral, impressive, hahaha."
"Buyi, what's gotten into you, what Vice Admiral?" Natalie was a bit bewildered.
Qin Buyi said excitedly: "It's Hou, his rank has increased to Vice Admiral; he must have made great contributions in this Abudan battle."
For Qin Buyi and other ordinary people, concepts like Saint-level Powerhouse don't mean much, but the identity of General or Vice Admiral is quite impactful.
Even just over a week ago at the banquet, discovering Jiang Hou's Major General status had already been a shock.
