Once, I wanted to be a good person

As the Vice Chairperson of Xida State, Fang Ze happened to be one of the twenty-odd people eligible to see these two secret orders.

After reading this secret order, Fang Ze was momentarily stunned.

Outer demigods massacred the entire Galan family?

Although the traitor deserved to die, Fang Ze even felt a bit schadenfreude, yet he was also frightened by the ruthlessness of the outer demigods.

That was a family that helped their arrival, even if they didn't achieve merits, they at least exerted efforts, and they were just wiped out like that? Do they not understand the importance of learning from others' mistakes? After this, who would dare to be a "Pathfinder Faction"?

Thinking of this, Fang Ze recalled the second top-secret letter: severing regional passages between the major regions and the Eastern Administrative Region. The Federation clearly had prepared for the worst-case scenario of abandoning the entire Eastern Administrative Region.

And even so, the Federation still used the Eastern Administrative Region's resources: thoroughly investigating the intelligence of the destruction-level demigod.

This is as ruthless as the outer demigods.

Of course, the Federation dared to give such an order to high-ranking officials at the Chairperson level, surely there is a retreat for these Chairpersons: for example, special passages to leave the Eastern Administrative Region. Otherwise, with an order forcing people to die like this, it would too easily cause rebellion in these seven states.

Of course, these passages must have limited capacity, or else the Federation wouldn't have presented a facade of peace in the first secret letter to council members.

"Indeed... class and privilege exist in every world." After Fang Ze sighed, he became curious, "But... to what extent is the destruction-level demigod strong? Why does the Federation value it so much?"

"If it truly possesses the power to destroy the heavens and the earth as the Flower God said, wouldn't He Weidao get overwhelmed?"

....

Meanwhile, in Tuoya State.

A manor filled with the smell of blood, in the main hall.

A white jade skeleton clad in golden armor, surrounded by a halo of Buddha light, sits at the head seat.

Several other figures are sitting on both sides. Most of those figures are shadowy, with only two being solid. One is the demigod from the defected Zeng Family in Yunlan State, and the other is the Absolute Pinnacle demigod who once protected Galan Houde but got implicated and injured: the Peacock God King.

Clearly, aside from the destruction-level demigod at the head, only the two of them are in their true form; all other demigods are clones or projections.

This situation is also related to the rules set for demigods' arrival: each reincarnation world has relatively limited offerings and destiny. If offerings and destiny are wasted on ordinary demigods, they could be individually defeated by the wise species of the current world. So after several world reincarnations, outer demigods have become wiser: descend only in the form of powerful demigods.

After all, only powerful demigods can stand firm under the world's suppression and the siege of wise species.

At this moment, the destruction-level demigod at the lead looks around at the demigods present; his eyes settle on an empty seat, then he slowly speaks, "I heard Dahei Jialuo has not returned, nor has he been contacted?"

One of the demigods replied to his words, "Yes, Venerable Yuan Gu. Garo followed the plan to attack the remnants of the Si Family: Fang Ze. But there's been no news after he went."

"We've been trying to contact him these days, but all efforts have failed."

"We also sent believers to the Spirit Realm and Xida State to investigate the events of that day. But with all the believers Garo sent disappearing and the numerous events that took place that day, we have found no clues so far."

"Therefore, we also speculate that he might be imprisoned by the rumored God-Imprisoning Method of the Si Family."

The demigod named Venerable Yuan Gu pondered for a moment after hearing this, then said, "That remnant of the Si Family is in Xida State, right?"

The Zeng Family demigod responded, "Yes, venerable."

Yuan Gu grunted and said, "If that's the case, stop guessing. I'm not here to hear your analysis, but to destroy this reincarnation world."

"Whether Dahei Jialuo is dead or alive, captured, or hid after failing, capturing Xida State will naturally reveal the facts!"

Saying this, he extended a bony finger pointing in the direction of Xida State, and said, "Now, begin military preparations, and if Garo hasn't returned in three days, we shall march to Xida State and capture Fang Ze alive!"

While outer demigods don't have a strict hierarchy, during domain warfare, to avoid internal friction, it's customary for Absolute Pinnacle demigods or destruction-level demigods to give orders.

If one doesn't wish to comply with these demigods' orders, they can leave and descend into other regions.

This also leads to, gradually, most demigods descending into the same area tend to have good relationships or mentor-guardian-like relationships.

So, upon hearing Venerable Yuan Gu's words, the demigods present rose to their feet, responding, "Yes!" "Yes!"

.....

Meanwhile, in the provincial government.

Fang Ze, after a day of tidying up and shopping, was finally ready for his journey.

When he counted what he had prepared, most of it was related to food, drink, and entertainment, with very few items meant for actual combat or survival.

After all, the purpose of his travels is to train himself, and preparing too many combat items would only eliminate the challenge.

As for survival items....with divine skills like [Saving the Chariot], and the mysterious realm of demigods looming in the outer realm, he's truly prepared for anything.

Moreover, don't forget his physical body is still in the provincial government, controlled by his multi-tasking. Even if he forgets something mid-journey, he can easily purchase it in the provincial government and then transport it via [Protecting the Chariot] ability or [Late-Night Investigation Room].

With everything prepared, the next day, Fang Ze's "spirit" used the [Darkness] ability to transform into a black shadow, carrying luggage, the imprisoned Dahei Jialuo in the [Demigd Prison], and the Flower God he keeps close, setting off from the Xida State's provincial government...

As for his "physical body," it continues its routine of going to work, but to avoid his "spirit" being distracted during travels and exposing his "physical body's" secrets, he keeps a low profile, shuttling only between the office and the manor without interacting with outsiders.

This behavior, having just led the aristocratic faction to a victory, not only didn't raise doubts but made many see him as composed, magnanimous, unfazed by joy or sorrow, and possessing a kingly demeanor...

Of course, some people noticed that Fang Ze seemed a bit different than before. People like Bai Zhi, Lan Bing, He Weidao, etc. However, since it hasn't been long enough, no one has come to probe just yet....

After all, the most critical focus in the state now is preparing for the upcoming defense against the destruction-level demigod's attack.

That is the real disaster threatening the survival of the entire state.....

Though they don't know they only have three days to prepare...

....

And simultaneously, while the provincial government was in the calm before the storm.

Fang Ze and the Flower God were stepping into Congyun City, miles apart.

Sneakily extending divine thought to observe the surroundings, the Flower God, curious, communicated with Fang Ze, "Fang Ze, aren't we heading to Tuoya State? Why are we in Congyun City?"

Fang Ze, taking in the sights of Congyun City, casually replied, "Tuoya State is definitely a destination, but before going, I need to enhance my strength."

"I'm currently stuck at the Yang Transformation Ø stage, 'Questioning Heart', unable to condense the Dharma Aspect. Isn't this following Old Mr. Bai's advice to come to Congyun City to ask the heart through Martial Arts and enter the Way?"

"However, don't worry too much. As per my estimation, I should succeed in 'Questioning the Heart' in no more than five days, then I can go to Tuoya State disguised as Dahei Jialuo to gather information."

Hearing Fang Ze's words, the Flower God yawned a bit dully from within the petals and said, "Alright. Just hurry up. I have a feeling that when that Venerable's true form reaches Tuoya State, there might be a big move soon, don't miss it."

Upon hearing the Flower God's words, Fang Ze was just about to retort, "How could it be so soon," but then he suddenly caught a glimpse of a familiar figure in his Void Eye's vision.

Fang Ze was momentarily stunned, then lightly exclaimed.

"Huh? Mentor Qing Ya? Wasn't she in Emerald City? Why is she here?"

_____

Still taking care of the wife and child, the wife's fever hasn't subsided. It's the second day today, and tonight I started feeling a sore throat and headache. The child seems fine.

From the symptoms, it's likely both of us tested positive. But without antigen tests, it can't be confirmed. Hope all is well, take care, rest a lot, and drink plenty of water.