Chapter 200: Chapter 200: Hard Bones Are Bound to Burn for a Long Time
"Other than individual differences, the enhancement structure is identical."
"There’s no variation in the gene enhancements for the Warrior class."
"This means there’s no difference or change in the gene-serums between Level 4 and Level 5 Sanctuaries."
"This point alone confirms that research and development for both Level 4 and Level 5 Sanctuaries has stagnated."
"Of course, it’s also possible this is happening because the Riveting Knight Sanctuary is a subordinate of the Corpse Ghost General’s Sanctuary."
Qi Suian discovered that the Warrior class in both Sanctuaries used the same set of enhancement protocols.
This resulted in their growth paths being almost identical.
Perhaps it was because, for the Sanctuaries, progress had stalled in every area except for the fire seeds.
The combat armor, on the other hand, was more advanced in the Corpse Ghost General’s Sanctuary.
It featured far more advanced structural designs and material smelting techniques.
While there was little improvement regarding radiation protection, its combat capabilities had seen immense growth.
Having previously studied the fire seed of the Riveting Knight Sanctuary, he realized these changes were likely imitations of the Level 4 Fire Seed: Corpse Demon General.
He now had a partial understanding of the situation at the Corpse Ghost General’s Sanctuary.
It was all thanks to their leader, Ramsey. After being captured alive, the man told him everything he knew, holding nothing back.
He was so desperate to save his own life he practically spilled everything about the entire Sanctuary.
In reality, he didn’t want to betray the Sanctuary; rather, he was trying to protect the four scions of the four Elders.
Compared to Valia, who had immediately given up Maeve’s identity, Ramsey held out until he truly couldn’t bear it anymore before he finally spoke.
The entire process was indeed a painful torment. Qi Suian was quite impressed that the man could hold out for so long.
’After all, a hard bone takes longer to burn.’
"So, do you understand now?" Qi Suian asked casually.
Ramsey looked bewildered. He didn’t understand at all.
"What I mean is, you Warriors all use the same method to get stronger. To put it bluntly, you could be him, and he could be you."
"Being replaced is no small matter," Qi Suian said, his tone laced with temptation.
But Ramsey’s expression changed abruptly. "That’s impossible! Elders are Elders, and Warriors are Warriors. How could they be the same?"
’So, the rules at the Riveting Knight Sanctuary actually came from the Corpse Ghost General’s Sanctuary,’ Qi Suian realized. ’And they’ve even advanced things to the point they can perform their own maintenance.’
"You’re right, they’re not the same," Qi Suian nodded decisively. ’If he were more quick-witted and flexible, how could I use him to get into the Corpse Ghost General’s Sanctuary?’
’It was precisely this stubbornness that I could exploit. By redirecting his obsession, I can turn the situation to my advantage.’
"So, do you want to take your squad members back?" Qi Suian changed his phrasing.
"What are you trying to do?" Ramsey eyed Qi Suian warily, already prepared for his entire squad to be annihilated.
For an enemy to intentionally say something so tempting, there was definitely a conspiracy afoot. Ramsey wouldn’t fall for it; his question was just an attempt to fish for information.
"You’re worthless now. I just want to extort some things from your Sanctuary," Qi Suian said, making something up on the spot.
He had only two objectives: find the Corpse Ghost General’s Sanctuary, and then go on a killing spree inside.
The plan was also simple: replicate the "fishing" tactic used on the Riveting Knight Sanctuary.
So what he needed to do was use the scions of the four Elders to threaten Ramsey into taking him to the Corpse Ghost General’s Sanctuary.
It didn’t matter if he failed. There were still six others. He could try them one by one; someone would eventually give in.
As for the subsequent "fishing," he didn’t even need real people; he could just use empty combat armor as a disguise.
The Sanctuaries’ technological problems were obvious. Everything was incomplete; they didn’t even have surveillance systems. They relied entirely on the sanctified ground projected by the fire seed—an inherent ability of the Sanctuary itself.
"What do you want? You can release the four of them first and have them go back to the Sanctuary to get it for you." This selfless statement from Ramsey truly moved Qi Suian. ’It’d be great if I had a teammate like that.’
’I could use him as a human shield in the future.’
Unfortunately, he was alone.
"Do you think I’m an idiot, or do you think your plan is that brilliant?" Qi Suian retorted speechlessly. "The four of them are the valuable ones. Even if I were to release someone, it would have to be you, the captain."
"But don’t think I’ll let any of you go. All seven of you will remain in my grasp. Until I get what I want, none of you should even think about running."
Hearing Qi Suian’s threat, Ramsey finally breathed a sigh of relief. ’He’s after resources. That makes things easier.’
He had been worried Qi Suian would make an outrageous demand. If that happened, neither he nor his squad members would survive.
The reason was simple. Those four Elders didn’t have just these four grandsons. Each had three to five children of their own.
So if he really asked for something outrageous, the Sanctuary would probably sacrifice the seven of them.
"How about this: you let one of the others go back. He can take your list and demand the supplies for you."
"What do you think?" Ramsey proposed another method.
His thinking was simple: he just wanted to get a message back first, while he stayed to stabilize the situation on his end.
"Hmm, that could work," Qi Suian said, pretending to think it over for a long time before agreeing.
’The reality, of course, was that as long as someone led the way, the rest would be easy.’
’He wouldn’t even need bait. As long as he seized the right opportunity just before the person entered the Corpse Ghost General’s Sanctuary, he could get in too.’
’After all, the entrance had to be dismantled by force anyway.’
’What he truly lacked was the location.’
Ramsey was overjoyed, but he didn’t let it show on his face.
"So, what supplies do you want from the Sanctuary? My advice is to keep it reasonable."
"Otherwise, if you ask for too much or for items that are too valuable, the Sanctuary won’t give them to you. They might even ignore our situation and attack you directly."
"If you need, I can give you some suggestions." Ramsey tried his best to maintain a balance, even going so far as to help Qi Suian strategize.
Qi Suian said nothing. He had his AI draw up a list, which was quickly produced and placed before Ramsey.
After Ramsey finished reading, he immediately understood that this pure-blooded human before him was definitely a habitual plunderer.
He had precisely gauged the upper limit of what the Corpse Ghost General’s Sanctuary could offer.
The content and quantity of the supplies weren’t excessive for the Sanctuary, yet they were practical, landing right on the line of what they’d be willing to pay as a ransom.
If he pushed a little further, he could even make the four Elders pay out of their own pockets, and for their private wealth, it would only be a relatively large expense.
For an individual, however, it was a considerable amount of resources.
"So? Is there anything you’d like to change?" Qi Suian asked.
"No. Let me go wake Crisp. He will take your list back to the Sanctuary and exchange it for the supplies you need," Ramsey said without hesitation.
Qi Suian wasn’t worried about him running, so he released him from his restraints.
Ramsey did as promised and quickly handled the matter. The young man named Crisp shot Qi Suian a look full of hatred before leaving immediately.
Their exchange had been under surveillance the whole time; there were no coded words or hidden meanings.
So, Crisp was indeed heading for the Skeleton General’s Sanctuary.
"As agreed, we will give you the supplies, and you must release us after you receive them." Ramsey sat back down, indicating he wouldn’t try to run.
Then, he asked, feigning casualness, "The incident at the Riveting Knight Sanctuary... was that you too?"
Qi Suian watched the reconnaissance network. The boy named Crisp was already a good distance away.
Only then did he turn his gaze to Ramsey and say, "Time’s up. It’s time for you all to be on your way."
As he spoke, he snapped Ramsey’s neck with lightning speed, then tossed the body, combat armor and all, into the Melting Furnace.
The remaining four people were all turned into fuel in their sleep, dying without much pain.
"I did it. So what?" Qi Suian was completely unconcerned, as if he had just crushed a group of ants.
"AI, let’s move. Follow him, and get ready to strike at the right moment."
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"It wasn’t them?" Grand Elder Seth’s expression was dark and uncertain as he listened to a voice coming from a communication device.
"That’s right. The Steel Brotherhood has no trace of activity in the north. They’ve been holed up in the south the whole time."
"You’re not thinking of getting some mutant slaves too, are you?" a mocking voice came from the other end of the device.
"Then who could have done it? It couldn’t have been the local mutants, they don’t have the guts," Grand Elder Seth said coldly.
"That’s none of my business. I was just asking around for you." The person on the communication device was clearly displeased with Grand Elder Seth’s tone. They then added, "The matter of the resource crisis has been confirmed."
"It’s the Triumphant Eden. Stockpile some mutant slaves as soon as possible, or you’ll have to face the consequences yourself."
After saying this last sentence, the other person hung up directly.
Seth’s expression grew even darker. Both the destruction of the Riveting Knight Sanctuary and the impending resource crisis were major issues for him.
"He has no reason to lie to me." Seth calmed down. The person he was communicating with was an Elder from the Level 3 Sanctuary that had splintered off from the Corpse Ghost General’s Sanctuary.
Due to their mutually beneficial business deals, they were very stable partners. Of course, he only got a thirty-percent cut, while the other party took seventy. After all, the other person’s status, connections, and channels were all stronger than his own.
And even getting that thirty percent depended on being in the other party’s good graces.
"Oh no! If it really wasn’t the Steel Brotherhood’s mutants, then aren’t Ramsey and his team in danger!" Seth’s expression changed drastically.
As a Level 4 Sanctuary, the Corpse Ghost General’s Sanctuary did have more Warriors than a Level 5 Sanctuary, but Ramsey was different. He was one of his most trusted subordinates. What’s more, four of the team members were the scions of the other four Elders, sent along to gain some prestige.
If something were to happen to them, the trouble would be immense.
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