Chapter 81: Comprehensive Investigation on Duan Wenxuan

In the Registry of Files, Yang Kai had just returned from Maplewood Neighborhood and shed his cumbersome protective suit. His usually amiable smile now transformed into a serious expression.

“Create Duan Wenxuan’s file immediately and gather all available information about him.”

Unlike Tang Tianlu and Gongsun Wulong, who left minimal traces in reality, there was a wealth of material to uncover about Duan Wenxuan. Moreover, he is far more significant than Mao Qisheng or Liao Yangsu.

Mao Qisheng relied heavily on his family’s ancestral mystical pen but was actually quite mediocre. Liao Yangsu, devotedly respectful towards his mentor, focused solely on learning from Tang Tianlu, offering little assistance to others.

However, Duan Wenxuan stands apart. According to intelligence from Lao Hongfeng, Duan Wenxuan has caught the attention of a leader within an organization established over a thousand years ago, being chosen as the next successor. This revelation opens up numerous possibilities for investigation.

From reviewing Duan Wenxuan’s background, it appears that he isn’t particularly disillusioned with society, suggesting a potential for collaboration. However, at present, this young man seems cautious and guarded against them.

They would proceed cautiously; if Duan Wenxuan fully aligned with their interests, a mutual collaboration could be established. Although they might not match the Hermit Union’s knowledge in mysticism, human society is abundant with strategists, politicians, and top experts in various behavioral sciences who could undoubtedly assist Duan Wenxuan in solidifying his position within that organization.

By afternoon, all available information on Duan Wenxuan had been gathered. If he were present, he would have felt deeply embarrassed.

Every test paper, textbook, and any material from his academic journey since elementary school—all found and archived in the Registry of Files. Even some of his scribbles from kindergarten were included, it was unclear where they managed to locate those. Additionally, there were records of his internet browsing history, watched videos, account passwords for various online platforms, comments, and more, virtually everything compiled meticulously.

“Prefers gentle, intelligent women with long hair, slightly older by one or two years?” Yang Kai carefully read through the expert analysis of Duan Wenxuan’s behavior and interests, his expression focused.

“Yes, this conclusion was drawn based on the anime series he watched and his comments online. Likely due to losing his mother at an early age, he tends to favor kind-hearted, mature women,” explained a female officer nearby.

“Choose someone who fits his preferences and have them specifically manage Duan Wenxuan’s file. When necessary, they will be responsible for interacting with him.”

“I understand.” The policewoman comprehended Yang Kai’s intent, but every officer selected to work at the Registry of Files, whether male or female, was prepared to make sacrifices.

After the policewoman left, Yang Kai made another call, ”…Hurry up with the research; these are air samples from Maplewood Neighborhood… Yes… compare them as soon as possible…”

As the first wave of spiritual tide gradually subsided, Hanming Country began its post-disaster reconstruction efforts. Meanwhile, Yang Kai was busy conducting research and trying to improve his favor rating with Duan Wenxuan. At this same time, the Jindar Empire found itself equally immersed in activity.

Otlan, the capital city of the Jindar Empire, also housed the Ark.

The torrential rain had ceased, and the chill was slowly dissipating, yet Otlan had become virtually a vast expanse of ruins. It appeared as if the entire city had been repeatedly bombarded, leaving devastation everywhere.

Lindenwood Sea, once resembling a robust lion of an emperor, now seemed devoid of his former vigor. He radiated immense exhaustion and anguish.

Just one day earlier, as the spiritual tide rain ceased, Otlan’s remaining dozen aircraft served as bait to lure away the City Giant. Finally, near Hama’s coastal waters, they detonated a ‘Flash Silver’ bomb, completely sinking the City Giant beneath the sea.

However, simultaneously, the resulting tsunami and radiation from the ‘Flash Silver’ nearly devastated the Marala Islands near Hama. It is estimated that close to two hundred thousand people perished in this ‘war’, and for the next fifty years, until the radiation dissipates, the Marala Islands cannot be rebuilt.

In addition to these losses, due to the Ark’s circulation system being compromised, among the original 150 million people who sought refuge within the Ark, at least another five million vulnerable individuals succumbed to the extreme cold of the spiritual tide, along with issues related to food and medical supplies.

If the spiritual rains had not ended when they did, the planes would have been unable to distract the City Giant amidst dense fog and heavy downpours, potentially leading to the entire Ark becoming its feast. This immense tragedy left Lyndon feeling deeply frustrated and enraged even after learning that the City Giant had met its demise under the sea.

“Sir, you need to rest. You haven’t closed your eyes for two days,” an officer nearby couldn’t help but advise. At this critical time, Lyndon had already performed remarkably well. “The spiritual tide is beginning to subside, and we’ve done as much as possible during this disaster.”

“That damned giant!” In frustration, Lyndon flung some items away from him. “I heard Nade Bezoss, Daniel, and a few others left with their families?”

The officer frowned, “After the Ark opened, they took advantage of the chaos and departed. The latest information indicates that they went to Margate Castle.”

“What were they doing there?”

“The Hermit Union… Sir, the Hermit Union has occupied Margate Castle and established an SCP research institute within it.”

Lyndon pondered for a moment before recalling details about the Hermit Union. He had heard whispers when the Hermit Union initially invited Nade and other wealthy individuals to meetings. However, since the resurgence of mysteries, numerous fake organizations had sprung up across the country, and with his focus on the Ark, he hadn’t paid them much attention.

“The Hermit Union is truly real?” Lyndon was surprised to learn that the Hermit Union had indeed existed for nearly a millennium.

“Yes, based on the City Giant’s path, it passed through Margate Castle before reaching Otlan. At the time, we were uncertain about the situation at Margate Castle. Now it appears that members of the Hermit Union there easily repelled the giant, resulting in minimal damage to the castle.”

Lyndon’s expression turned somber, and after a long pause, he spoke, “It seems we need to meet with the leaders of the Hermit Union. I’ve heard previously about ancient martial forces emerging in Hanming Country, the Mountain God in Li Kingdom, and even Rugia, a small nation, witnessing the appearance of their mythological Gate of Sin and Virtue. The Hermit Union choosing Margate Castle, within the Kinda Empire, as their base must have some connection to the empire.”

In reality, Lyndon was conceding. The spiritual tide event served as a humbling lesson for his prideful nature. During this era of mystical resurgence, while human technology may still be useful, it was no longer sufficient on its own.

Following Lyndon’s instructions, while the Jindar Empire focused on rebuilding the Ark and devising plans to salvage the giant’s corpse, they also dispatched a specialized military escort to accompany negotiators towards Margate Castle.

The Jindar Empire needed the friendship of the Hermit Union.

Simultaneously, Lyndon harbored his own ambitions. Currently, global research into mysticism was at a similar level. If they could secure the assistance of the Hermit Union, the Jindar Empire would undoubtedly gain a favorable position in the upcoming changes.

Meanwhile, in the basement of a large building within Margate Castle, Yue Fei lay weakly on a bed. He had narrowly escaped by leaping from the Twin Towers earlier. The dampness from seeping rain surrounded him; if not for his ability to alter his body, he might have already perished.

As the spiritual tide gradually subsided, Yue Fei, with his frail and sickly frame, slowly emerged from the basement. He desperately needed medicines, food… otherwise, he truly would die!