The Black Book: Seven Deadly Sins

"Oh?"

Feng Zhaobai looked up from the stack of documents, saw Zhu Haomiao, and first nodded and smiled in greeting, then turned to look at Wang Hua.

"What's the good news?"

"I think I found the source of the high-energy reaction just now!"

"So fast?!"

Feng Zhaobai, who hadn't held much hope, suddenly brightened, unable to resist standing up.

"Where?!"

"Right here!"

Saying that, Wang Hua pulled Zhu Haomiao from behind him to the front, staring eye to eye with Feng Zhaobai.

Feng Zhaobai: "..."

Zhu Haomiao: "..."

Looking at the youth's clear yet foolish eyes, Feng Zhaobai frowned with indescribable complexity and glanced at Wang Hua behind him.

"And what about the other good news?"

"The other good news is that we may have witnessed an energy level that only existed in theory and fantasy—the [Abyss]!"

With that, Wang Hua unveiled Zhu Haomiao's coat, revealing the deep, dark black badge underneath.

Staring intently at the understated yet luxurious [Dragon Emblem], Feng Zhaobai's pupils slowly dilated, leaving him stunned on the spot.

It was a long while before the tension in his muscles began to relax, and he looked at Zhu Haomiao with a complex expression of relief and sigh.

"Although it's absurd, but... well done, as expected of you..."

With a long sigh, Feng Zhaobai composed his emotions and quickly regained his composure.

"So the high-energy anomaly that turned the world upside down just now was caused by your breakthrough to the [Abyss Level]?"

"Uh... it should be me, but... Senior Brother Feng, what is the [Abyss Level]?"

"..."

After a few seconds of silence, Feng Zhaobai carefully considered his words, patiently explaining.

"At your age, it's normal not to know."

"It's a relatively advanced and profound topic. In short, scientists have theorized that above dominance, there should be another energy level."

"It's tentatively named [Abyss], internationally marked as [X], implying immeasurable, unknown, outside the rules..."

"But for decades, no one has been able to prove this theory."

"Because this [Abyss] level has already surpassed the physical limits that the heavenly position can bear. In theory, it should be 'ejected' by the plane law, just like the existence of High Sky Rank!"

"Therefore, this [Abyss Level] is also called the extraneous level or Super Heavenly Position level."

Saying this, Feng Zhaobai looked Zhu Haomiao up and down with a strange gaze.

This guy's aura is calm and stable, not at all like someone about to lose control.

Receiving Feng Zhaobai's gaze, Zhu Haomiao gave a simple and honest smile.

If it weren't for the Triple Seal of [Sloth] reinforcing him, he would have been forced to ascend long ago, but the secrets involved can't be detailed, so he could only forcibly change the subject.

"Well, Senior Brother Feng, how's the Ascension Competition going? Has the new schedule started?"

Seeing him change the subject so awkwardly, Feng Zhaobai realized he didn't want to talk more and didn't press further. He merely looked at him meaningfully and played along.

"You blasted through Han City, and the [Battle of Jiawu] schedule ended earlier than expected. The organizing committee is still arguing, and the new schedule might not start until next year."

"Oh, I see..."

Zhu Haomiao sighed regretfully; he just wanted to fast forward to the award ceremony.

"What's up? Getting itchy?"

Seeing his expression, Wang Hua joked half-seriously, thinking he wanted to go on another rampage.

However, Zhu Haomiao merely shook his head calmly and sighed with emotion.

"No, I just think the remaining people are all trash, meaningless. The committee should not waste everyone's time and just give me the award directly."

Listening to the teenager's words, calm yet bordering on madness, Wang Hua froze for a long time, dumbfoundedly looking at Feng Zhaobai.

"He's really full of himself!"

Feng Zhaobai rubbed his temples painfully, his gaze sweeping over the black [Dragon Emblem] on the boy's chest, letting out a long sigh.

"In a sense, he's just stating facts."

"..."

Wang Hua was speechless for a long time, looking between Zhu Haomiao and Feng Zhaobai, unable to utter a single retort, immediately turning and walking away.

Bam!

"Damn, I'm so mad!"

The sound of a door slamming shut was followed by Wang Hua's impotent rage from outside, leaving Zhu Haomiao awkwardly looking at Feng Zhaobai.

"Actually... I was just being straightforward..."

"I know, from your perspective, you're just stating facts, but in the eyes of the organizing committee's staff, it's a bit too much."

"Your existence makes their hard work seem like a joke."

Patting the boy's shoulder, Feng Zhaobai chuckled with a sigh.

"But in the future, try to be more humble and low-key, or you'll unwittingly offend many people."

Hearing this, Zhu Haomiao sincerely nodded, patting his chest.

"Senior Brother Feng, don't worry, I am inherently humble and kind, never making enemies!"

"..."

You sure are too kind!

A retort stuck in his throat, Feng Zhaobai hesitated to speak, emotions swirling within, finally converting a thousand words into a self-mocking bitter laugh.

"Alright, as long as you're happy."

Laughing at himself, Feng Zhaobai pushed distracting thoughts to the back of his mind, regaining a serious expression.

"Anyway, let me update you on the latest situation. Because you disrupted the entire world line of the Illusion Realm, things are getting increasingly magical..."

"Huh? I didn't do anything!"

"Didn't do anything? You slaughtered an entire Round Table Knights team! Their leader was one of the Twelve Holy Knights of Brittania, a National Level Child of Destiny!"

"Do you know what this implies?"

"Emmm... it means Brittania lost a Child of Destiny?"

Hearing this foolish remark, Feng Zhaobai was exasperated, holding his head.

"It means Brittania's national destiny was heavily damaged, the world line underwent dramatic changes. Tug at one thread and the whole tapestry unravels, and the entire Illusion Realm's fate is moving towards chaos..."

"The future is no longer foreseeable. The Eight-Nation Alliance invasion of China, originally supposed to happen in a few years, has started early."

"In recent months, major powers have already gathered hundreds of thousands of troops at Dagu Port, gradually advancing towards the Imperial City."

"The Da Qing is in deep trouble!"

With that, Feng Zhaobai looked faintly at Zhu Haomiao.

"Now all the descenders from various countries are joining the commotion, trying to seize an advantage. Our work is facing significant difficulties."

"Taking advantage? What are they trying to take advantage of?"

"True Objects! Although the birth of [True Objects] is random, the more precious the item, the more likely it is a True Object. And the place with the highest density of a nation's treasures is its capital."

"Once the city falls, in the chaos, if they find a [True Object], they can exchange it for immense benefits in reality."

"Not only the contenders but even many [tourists] are risking it, going to try their luck."

Hearing this, Zhu Haomiao couldn't help but frown slightly.

"Isn't the country going to do something about it?"