Chapter 99 (3/3): Global Announcement, Final Stage

Women’s Kingdom Palace, Emerald Bamboo Hall.

Warm golden sunlight poured down. 

Light white gauze fluttered gently in the breeze, wind chimes tinkled under the eaves, and shadows flitted within the hall.

At this moment, Achilles and the others were gathered together. 

Everything seemed normal—except their bellies…

All were slightly swollen, a comically out-of-place sight.

Achilles wore white-gold robes. 

Though his face was dark, he was still strikingly handsome. 

He looked at Merlin and asked coldly, “Are you sure this will really get rid of her?”

The person he looked at wore black robes, the hood’s shadow covering most of his face.

At the question, he slowly raised his head, the hood falling away to reveal a surprisingly beautiful face. 

Merlin said softly, “This is the only plan among all prophecies with a chance of success.”

He said, “All other plans would fail.”

Everyone fell silent, shaken by Merlin’s conviction.

Before this, when Merlin first suggested that the fourth-ring examinee could threaten them, none of them believed it.

A commoner from a low-ranked Star Ring? 

How could she possibly threaten them?

It was simply absurd.

But then, those five’s testimony clearly proved Merlin was right. 

While they were still struggling in their exam papers, Su Fu had blown up the exam site?

That alone showed she was far from ordinary.

Since that’s the case, it’s only natural to remove her as soon as possible. 

Let her grow, and they’d be facing trouble down the road.

And now, she’d already scored full marks; half the prophecy had already come true.

“So…” Freya looked at Merlin, curious, “How will she die?”

She leaned on the table, golden hair draping down, eyes sparkling with interest.

To be honest, Merlin’s prophecies had a “history,” so she had to ask very clearly, or else…

Sigh, she’d definitely be fooled.

Merlin glanced at her and answered honestly, “I have a premonition—a tremendously powerful being will take action for us and finish her off. All we need now is to wait for the right moment.”

“I see.” Freya half-believed him. 

If he could say it so surely, then that must be it.

“Let’s not worry about her for now.”

Achilles suddenly pointed at his own bulging belly and asked, “Freya, have you come up with any way to solve this yet?”

If it weren’t for this damned belly, how could he be trapped in the Women’s Kingdom, unable to leave?

Freya just smiled, eyes flashing with undisguised glee. 

“Isn’t the best solution right here? Just give birth. That way, everything will proceed naturally.”

Achilles’ face instantly turned as black as the bottom of a pot, fists clenched, wanting nothing more than to strangle this wicked woman.

“R…!”

Freya shrugged, looking innocent she said, “Don’t rush me. What if I mess up and you all end up pregnant with even more…?”

A vein pulsed on Achilles’ forehead and he replied, “Then I’ll kill you!”

Bodhi Yue coughed lightly and said, “Alright, alright, everyone calm down. Freya, you can see our situation now. If you drag this out any longer…”

Freya finally got serious, “Don’t worry, it’s almost done. I’ve already found the core of this map—it’s the Subhuti River. Once I take out my authority, I’ll naturally be able to solve your… little problem.”

Achilles finally relaxed a little. 

At last, he’d be able to leave this cursed place!

Just then, a melodious female voice sounded from outside the door: “Honored guests, are you inside?”

At once, everyone inside stiffened, clearly fearing what might happen next.

“Why again?” Achilles’ expression darkened, his voice barely audible.

“Who’s going this time?”

Merlin instantly pulled his hood down. 

Bodhi Yue stayed motionless. 

Freya looked absolutely determined not to get up.

‘No! Not going!’

—

Jilei Mountain, Mo Yun Cave.

The cave was luxurious and beautiful, inlaid with treasures. 

Animal pelts covered the floor, incense smoke curled up in the air.

In the center was a redwood table. 

The Bull Demon King lounged lazily on a fur couch, wearing loose crimson robes that exposed his muscular chest and dark purple skin.

The two black horns atop his head, his rugged yet handsome features, and his wild eyes all exuded a rebellious aura.

The Jade-faced Fox was smiling as she picked up a plump grape to feed the Bull Demon King.

She wore a pink and jade gown, her voice soft and charming, red lips parted, “My king, try this grape. How does it taste?”

“I heard it’s a newly cultivated variety—big and sweet.”

The Bull Demon King grinned and was about to eat the grape, but suddenly froze, his eyes turning sharp.

The Jade-faced Fox was startled, “My king, what’s wrong? Why aren’t you eating?”

She offered the grape again, but he pushed her hand aside, sending the grape rolling to the ground.

He didn’t care about the grape. 

Instead, he stood up abruptly, turning to look outside the cave, his face changing dramatically.

That familiar aura…

“My king, what’s the matter?” The Jade-faced Fox pouted, laying her slender hand on his arm. 

“What do you mean by this?”

The Bull Demon King stared into the distance, nostrils flaring slightly as he said, “I sense a familiar aura…”

His voice rumbled like thunder, “That damned monkey is here.”

“What?!” The Jade-faced Fox was shocked. 

“He’s come to our Mo Yun Cave?!”

The Bull Demon King shook his head, murderous intent flashing in his eyes.

“No—he’s at Flame Mountain.”

He suddenly threw his head back and roared with rage, “That damned monkey once set up my child! Now he dares to swagger into my territory! For that, I will make him pay!”

He grabbed his iron staff and strode out of Mo Yun Cave.

Almost at the same time as the Bull Demon King’s departure, the records monitoring his movements were quickly encrypted and sent straight to Tianqiong Path Academy’s Vice Dean Hou Hui’s speaker.

[“Warning: S-class Anomaly ‘Bull Demon King’ has moved.”]

[“Target has left his permanent location at Mo Yun Cave. Destination: Unknown!”]

[“Repeat: S-class Anomaly ‘Bull Demon King’ has left the monitoring area.”]

[“Danger level: High.”]

[“Please initiate response measures promptly.”]

Shen Yan’s broadcast echoed in the office.

Hou Hui’s hand, holding his tea, suddenly paused. 

His face changed, “What? The Bull Demon King is actually moving?”

What happened?

Ever since the High Priest Fujiwara Chiyo incident, the Bull Demon King had stayed put in Mo Yun Cave, rarely going out.

“An S-class Anomaly on the move could affect the other maps…” Hou Hui’s face darkened, immediately giving orders to Shen Yan: “Shen Yan, immediately issue an alert to all examinees in the Ling Shan map, and inform the proctors to be ready to initiate the Emergency Evacuation Plan at any time.”

“Also, evacuate all examinees below B-rank and assemble the Guardians to stand by.”

“Send a monitoring team to track the Bull Demon King’s whereabouts!”

He rattled off orders, and everyone quickly sprang into action.

But then, as if remembering something, his expression changed sharply. 

“Wait, today is the new student joint examination! That means, those new students are in the Ling Shan map too?!”

“This is bad! Shen Yan, contact Chief Proctor Murray immediately!”

***

Meanwhile, inside the Ling Shan map.

Shen Yan’s announcement echoed in every examinee’s ears:

[“Emergency notice: Anomaly detected in the Ling Shan map. S-class Anomaly code-named ‘Bull Demon King’ has left his regular activity zone.”]

[“This anomaly is extremely aggressive and destructive. The danger level is extremely high.”]

[“All examinees, stay alert. Prioritize personal safety. Do not attempt to engage with this anomaly.”]

[“Repeat: S-class Anomaly ‘Bull Demon King’ is active…”]

The announcement swept through the examination areas, causing an uproar.

“What? An S-class Anomaly is on the move?”

“Heavens! Why am I on the same map as something like that?”

“I want out! End the exam now!”

“Shen Yan, answer me!”

“How can we keep testing? That’s an S-class Anomaly!”

***

Women’s Kingdom, royal palace.

Achilles and the others listened to the announcement, their temples throbbing as they stared at Merlin in horror. 

They never thought this guy was so insane.

Achilles laughed bitterly in anger, “Merlin, is this the ‘terrifying being’ you mentioned?”

“It’s the Bull Demon King? Are you crazy?!”

Even Bodhi Yue, usually calm, lost her cool, “This move hurts the enemy a thousand, but costs us eight hundred.”

“An S-class Anomaly could not only kill Su Fu—it could wipe us all out too.”

And this is a university exam, not like the high school one, where things stop in an emergency.

They’re trapped here. 

If the Bull Demon King comes…

Everyone’s nerves snapped; their vision almost went dark.

Facing their accusations, Merlin remained calm and said, “Just answer me this—will this kill Su Fu or not?”

Everyone: “…..”

‘Fine, fine, you’re impressive!’

Freya lost her temper, “I really can’t stand you prophets! Every single one of you is crazy!”

She hurriedly got up and stormed toward the door, her voice breaking, “I’m going to Subhuti River to finish this map. Can’t delay anymore. If we’re unlucky and run into the Bull Demon King and can’t score, that’s just a huge loss!”

***

Pansi Cave.

Thera was discussing how to clear the map with her teammates when she suddenly heard Shen Yan’s warning.

Everyone was shocked: “What? An S-class Anomaly is on the move?”

“Does that mean it could show up on our exam map?”

“If we’re unlucky and run into the Bull Demon King, wouldn’t all our efforts be wasted?”

Thera decided instantly, “Quick! No more waiting. Clear this map now!”

“Everyone get ready—ten minutes to assemble! Monica, you handle defense. Lucas…”

Everyone rushed into action, ready to force their way through.

***

India.

The grand hall was resplendent, incense curling in the air, Buddhist chants resounding, monks in orange robes walking to and fro.

By the Lotus Pond stood an exceptionally beautiful woman.

Dairi Russell.

When she heard the warning, her brow furrowed, “S-class Anomaly?”

But soon she relaxed a little, her eyes full of anticipation.

She wondered what this S-class Anomaly would be like. 

The Bull Demon King…

She actually wanted to challenge him.

But quickly she shook her head.

No, she had to finish this map first—couldn’t risk next year’s resource allocation.

That was what really mattered.

***

Flame Mountain.

Su Fu’s heart sank, ‘So it really was the Bull Demon King.’

Just then, Shen Yan’s voice rang out:

[“Congratulations on clearing the Flame Mountain map.”]

[“Journey to the West pilgrims, you have entered the second phase.”]

[“Please head to the Western Heaven as soon as possible to complete your journey!”]

At the same time, a huge holographic map appeared before them, hovering in midair.

The map was covered with countless red dots, densely packed, filling the entire Ling Shan area.

“What do these red dots mean?” Theresa exclaimed, reaching out to touch one. 

It zoomed in, showing an examinee’s info.

George drew a sharp breath and asked,  “This… is every examinee’s position? They’ve made every examinee’s location public?”

Each red dot was an examinee. 

When gathered, they formed examinee teams.

Right now, many red dots were stationary, but many others were moving fast.

At a certain coordinate, a huge golden dot glittered, marked [Little Thunderclap Monastery].

At that moment, the map changed. 

All the red dots sprouted bright green lines, all pointing toward the shining golden endpoint.

In an instant, green beams crisscrossed the map, all converging on [Little Thunderclap Monastery].

Yi Congling tensed up and said, “So now, all examinees have the same goal? All heading to [Little Thunderclap Monastery]?”

George’s voice shook, “So we’re all going to the same place. Will all the examinees meet up?”

The scattered maps were now merged. 

Next was the Final Map.

All examinees, regardless of strength, would gather in front of Little Thunderclap Monastery.

But the problem was—

Su Fu stared at the golden light, her expression was subtle as she thought, ‘That place wasn’t Thunderclap Monastery at all. It was the Little Thunderclap Monastery!’

‘In other words, a fake.’