Apocalypse Circular-Chapter 507 - 505 Unicorn

Zhang Zhe briefly explained the Empire’s future expansion plans to Lu Luo, who listened very attentively. This wasn’t exactly a secret, but the average person genuinely wouldn’t know about it.

"It seems the Empire’s ambitions are quite large, indeed!" Lu Luo remarked.

"Alas, we’re just a bunch of salarymen," Zhang Zhe sighed. "Maybe when we were young, we could talk about dreams and fight for them. But at my age, there are only two things I hope for: one, that I don’t die, and two, that my brothers don’t die."

His words were down-to-earth and simple. In fact, Lu Luo shared the same sentiments. He didn’t want his brothers or his loved ones to die, which was why he had compromised at this juncture. In his view, although the Empire was an unknown, it was definitely far safer than Meiqi’s territory. He didn’t trust the Angel Envoys; at least, they couldn’t brazenly attack the Empire. That was the reason he had moved all his forces to the Empire. It was a normal and rational decision.

"Did Princess Wu Yi say anything?" Lu Luo asked, getting back to the main point. He still wanted to know what the Empire’s attitude towards him truly was. Were they just going to let him serve as an ordinary soldier here? His significance should be more than that, right? Moreover, he hadn’t briefed them on the robotic crisis. Did the Empire really feel so secure that there wouldn’t be any further developments? Like a second wave of the robotic crisis or something? For his prepared trump card, his ace in the hole, to go unused... that was rather frustrating.

"Princess Wu Yi asked you to wait here for her. She should return by tomorrow noon if nothing unexpected happens."

"Is that so? That’s great. I really do need a proper conversation!" Lu Luo took a drag from his cigarette, looking up at the sky. Evening was fast approaching. Perhaps what comes next wouldn’t be as bad as what had passed.

Meanwhile, Wu Yi once again visited Wu Liji’s residence.

The moment Wu Liji saw her own barrier, she had a bad feeling.

"Did you come today to scold me, Sister?"

"Of course not. Although you’ve been a bit naughty, little sister, it was indeed thanks to you that I had the chance to meet Lu Luo."

Is Sister really here for Lu Luo? Is he that important? Worthy of her condescension? Wu Liji wondered.

"How do you feel about being an Imperial Princess, little sister?" Wu Yi asked.

"Not good at all. No freedom, no happiness. Every step is constrained, just like by the maids who watch over us." Wu Liji bluntly spoke these words in front of her maids, but instead of feeling ashamed, they held their heads high. It seemed their system operated on a completely different level from that of the Imperial Family.

"Yes, you also know that being a prince or princess really amounts to nothing. So, can’t you understand me?" Wu Yi continued. "A valuable expert’s potential far exceeds that of princes and princesses. If we lack sufficient value, we will inevitably be abandoned. But it’s different for valuable experts. They always maintain their worth. So, Lu Luo’s value is actually far greater than you imagine."

Wu Yi had come today with no intention of hiding her motives. She wanted to win over Lu Luo, and the first obstacle she had to overcome was Wu Liji, standing before her. Previously, she might have intended to use Wu Liji. But now, things were different; she needed Wu Liji’s acknowledgment, to turn Wu Liji into a small, pivotal link. Her own relationship with Lu Luo was hardly substantial, let alone solid. But Wu Liji was different; there was a certain affection between Lu Luo and her. As long as Wu Yi could win over Wu Liji, Wu Liji could become a link between herself and Lu Luo. A single link might not mean much, but enough of them would inevitably have an effect. Wu Yi’s idea was simple: try to win over as many people connected to Lu Luo as possible. Wu Liji and Zhang Changming were both such people.

"Since you hold Lu Luo in such high regard, Sister, why don’t you go and win him over yourself? Why ask me here? You must have already had some contact with him, haven’t you?"

"Yes, I have."

"Since you’ve already been in contact with him, then..."

Wu Liji was interrupted by Wu Yi, who now wore a serious expression.

"Liji, have you ever thought about whom you will marry in the future?"

"Ah? Why are you asking this so suddenly?" Wu Liji’s expression became unnatural.

"Why can’t I ask? A princess without value is merely a bargaining chip for the Imperial Family. You’ve been under house arrest here for a long time. Have you really not considered this issue? Or do you intend to commit suicide for your ideals? Or would you rather compromise and become a breeding machine for some pot-bellied old man?"

Wu Yi bluntly presented these possibilities, which undoubtedly sent a huge shock through Wu Liji’s heart. These scenarios were possible, very possible indeed. But she had never brought this sharp question to the forefront of her thoughts, because she felt that, as a Sixth Tier, she wouldn’t be forced into such a situation. A Sixth Tier combatant still had some autonomy in their choices.

"You don’t have to make it sound so dire. I understand my own situation. Though it’s bad, it’s not *that* bad. At worst, I can still choose to become a guardian of the Imperial Family."

The so-called guardians of the Imperial Family were those who forwent marriage and instead became hidden protectors of the Imperial Family. This path came at a great cost but allowed one to retain a certain degree of selfhood, albeit at the expense of freedom. The choice between selfhood and freedom... it isn’t an easy one!

"Stop your wishful thinking. If you don’t handle this matter well, you will inevitably be pushed to the forefront. Because of the robotic crisis, there still isn’t a decision from above. My feeling is that someone is continuously interfering with the progress of this matter. The Emperor Father has been in seclusion and hasn’t clearly defined the situation. Now, opinions vary widely, and Lu Luo himself has been sidelined. This is actually our best opportunity; don’t you understand?"

Wu Yi’s words were sharp. When she laid all the matters out on the table, Wu Liji realized she might not have as many bargaining chips as she thought. Or rather, Lu Luo wasn’t really her own chip to play. Lu Luo himself was a figure somewhere between a player and a pawn.

"Then what do you think I should do now?"

"Work with me. That’s our way out. At least you’ll have choices in your future: be an idealist, or marry someone you don’t dislike too much."

"Why don’t you say, marry someone I like?"

"Because the person you like doesn’t like you," Wu Yi stated mercilessly. Wu Liji’s mouth twitched. She wanted to argue but found no grounds for rebuttal. Yes, the person she liked did not like her back.

"Alright, you’ve convinced me. So, what do you want to do next?"

"Lu Luo wants a conversation. This conversation will likely determine his future strategy, as well as ours. That’s why I need you to come with me."

"Is my presence that important?"

"Of course. Lu Luo values people, and he’s familiar enough with you, regardless of whether your relationship is good or not. At least, nominally, he is your subordinate. Of course, right now, no one in the entire Imperial Capital considers Lu Luo your subordinate. That, in fact, is where your sorrow lies."

Wu Liji nodded. She felt no sorrow.

"I understand. But I can’t get out now. Do you have a way?"

"Yes!" Wu Yi’s eyes sparkled, radiating confidence in her ability to get Wu Liji out.

"Good. Tomorrow morning, we will meet Lu Luo."

The next morning, before dawn, Lu Luo abruptly scrambled out of his tent. He looked around vigilantly. Although he couldn’t pinpoint the enemy’s location, he had a feeling that a powerful presence had arrived.

"What’s the matter, Lu Luo?"

Sensing Lu Luo’s movement, the others also became alert. Lu Luo had demonstrated his strength the day before; there was no need to question him now. If he felt there was an issue, then there really was an issue.

"There are enemies, but I can’t confirm their location."

"Enemies?"

Zhang Zhe instinctively took out his detector. Apart from them, there wasn’t even a single noticeably large creature nearby, nor was there any high-energy reaction. If there really were enemies, where were they? Outside the detection range?

Just as Zhang Zhe was about to say something, Lu Luo suddenly pushed him aside.

"Stand back!"

BOOM!

A red light shot from afar, like a crimson specter, turning everything in its path to ashes.

Zhang Zhe had a close brush with death. He looked at the red light’s afterimage in shock, then towards the origin of the beam.

"That place? Is it the grassland?"

The red light came from the north. Within the forest’s range, there were definitely no large creatures or any high-energy Exotic Species. This indicated that the enemy’s attack range exceeded the forest; they were attacking from the grassland. This attack distance had indeed surpassed their detectors’ range.

"So far! Lu Luo?"

As Zhang Zhe reeled in astonishment, Lu Luo had already dashed out.

"Don’t try to stop me this time. If I don’t go, you’ll all die!"

Lu Luo’s voice echoed around. Zhang Zhe opened his mouth but ultimately didn’t try to stop him. Lu Luo was right; he couldn’t prevent this. The enemy’s attack range was too vast. If they retreated slowly, they would be picked off one by one. Only Lu Luo possessed the ability to advance rapidly, detect, and evade the enemy’s attacks. If Lu Luo couldn’t deal with the enemy, they would likely all be in grave danger.

"Forget it. Prepare individual energy defenses. No matter what, let’s wait for him to return!" Zhang Zhe decided.

"Yes!"

These men were also intelligent; they knew this wasn’t the time to question Lu Luo. After all, their own lives were important.

Lu Luo moved with incredible speed. He had a feeling the enemy was the same pony from yesterday. No, it should be called a Unicorn! Still holding a grudge, huh? Attacking at this time... indeed, it’s when one’s guard is lowest.

Lu Luo sprinted, quickly bursting out of the forest. Far in the distance, the pink Unicorn floated in mid-air. The red beam had been fired from its somewhat cute horn.

Today, I’m going to cut off your horn and add it to my collection!

Lu Luo extended his hand, and dozens of tentacles emerged from the void. Zhang Zhe and his team’s detectors were no longer a concern here, allowing Lu Luo to use his abilities without restraint, including his Sequence Force!

The Demon of a Thousand Tentacles!

The Unicorn dodged and weaved, evading Lu Luo’s attack with a few nimble leaps. Its body was remarkably flexible and small. Consequently, most large tentacles couldn’t capture it. But that was no problem, as Lu Luo was least afraid of these smaller Exotic Species. Because his tentacles could become even smaller!

Do you even know what ’fine’ means?!

With a snap of Lu Luo’s fingers, the tentacles floating in mid-air began to split. They rapidly transformed and divided, becoming like individual vines. A thousand tentacles? It was far more than that. Under the influence of Lu Luo’s Sequence Energy, the number of tentacles began to multiply, heading towards tens of thousands, even hundreds of thousands.

Countless tentacles swarmed towards the tiny Unicorn, but most were blocked by the red glow emanating from its body. Just as some tentacles were about to touch it, its body erupted in a pink mist, and it once again dodged Lu Luo’s attack.

It really can run. No wonder the Empire hasn’t been able to catch it for so long.

Zhang Zhe had previously told him that the Empire had once dispatched three Seventh Tier Transcendents to capture the Unicorn. The Unicorn’s raw strength wasn’t formidable; three Seventh Tier experts should have been able to defeat it. However, it never confronted the Empire’s masters directly, always relying on its speed and evasion abilities, fighting on the run. It had managed to wear down the three Seventh Tier Transcendents through sheer attrition. An ordinary Eighth Order Exotic Species, yet it wasn’t appropriate for an Eighth Order master to intervene, and Seventh Tier masters couldn’t deal with it. This created a dilemma, leading to the current situation.

NEIGH!

The Unicorn trod the air, letting out a piercing cry. Rings of energy rippled down from the sky. Many tentacles withered in mid-air. This energy was quite strong.

However, after observing for some time, Lu Luo had gained a rough understanding of the Unicorn’s abilities. He now had a certain degree of confidence. It all depended on the next strike.

Let’s see where you can run to now!

While controlling new tentacles, Lu Luo silently moved his fingers. In a place invisible to the Unicorn, he had already gathered a massive amount of Sequence Force.

Innumerable tentacles forced the Unicorn higher into the sky. Just as it was about to use the pink mist to flee again, a gigantic eyeball appeared in the sky, eclipsing the sun and looming over the Unicorn.

The Demon of a Thousand Eyes.

Countless eyes opened all around. The Unicorn looked about in sheer panic, but there was no safe place to go. Below its hooves were all tentacles, while surrounding it and above it were those dreadful eyes. It had nowhere left to retreat.

Eye Beams!

Countless red beams shot towards the Unicorn. Driven by a desperate, last-ditch instinct, it once again activated its power. A similar red glow flared to counter the eye beams.

However, as the two energies clashed, Lu Luo had already quietly moved to the Unicorn’s side.

While the Unicorn was still focused on countering the eye beams, Lu Luo suddenly appeared and grabbed its pink hind leg.