I changed the world.

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Furthermore, the enormous being itself attempted to project its power to even more distant areas, its tentacles constantly eroding in all directions.

His body seemed to be protected by some kind of power, constantly resisting the scorching flames. Some wounds caused by the flames would quickly heal after forming, only to be burned again, forming wounds once more, and then healing again... in a never-ending cycle...

As it stands, this colossal entity, though seemingly constantly scorched, has not actually suffered significant damage. It continues to struggle desperately, attempting to escape its current state and even trying to erode this plane of existence...

Zhang Jing knew clearly that this was a part of the evil god he had sealed in the Fire Hell. It should be said that it was indeed worthy of being a true god, and even a small part of its body could not be easily suppressed.

However, Zhang Jing also understood that this was only something that could not be easily suppressed, not something that could not be suppressed at all. Therefore, he simply watched everything in the fiery hell silently without any intention of interfering.

He knew very well that the flames in Hellfire, strictly speaking, were not "flames" in the true physical sense, but rather "sins" burning fiercely. The punishment suffered by the dead souls in this region was actually a process of constantly burning and eroding their own sins, purifying their souls while punishing them.

In some ways, this plane is extremely special, and its existence cannot be understood by ordinary standards. The true hell exists not only in the reality of these sinners, but also in their hearts.

As for that ancient god, to some extent, He was also contending with the laws of the entire plane. As long as His actions were defined as "sin," the flames here could not be extinguished. Unable to truly overwhelm Zhang Jing at the level of the laws, even if He could struggle for a relatively long time, He would ultimately not escape the fate of being weakened...

This is a zero-sum game; as the ancient god is continuously weakened, Zhang Jing's kingdom will also experience further growth.

To some extent, for Zhang Jing, this "ancient god" will become a resource for this "kingdom" to advance further.

The birth of that ocean is probably inextricably linked to this.

Volume Two: The Truth Hidden Behind History Books: Chapter 993 Investing in Southern Bank

承和三十七年 西历2016年4月14日00:26 建安省晋安市安宅

"Hmm...hmm...congratulations, Daddy!"

"Okay...um...daughter understands..."

"Okay... Dad, you should get some rest too, and don't stay up too late..."

"Okay...okay...goodbye, Daddy..."

Putting down her phone, An Huiling let out a long sigh. The call she had just received was from her father, An Zhengquan, who was in Dinghai. In her memory, her father had almost never talked to her on the phone until this late. Clearly, this time, her father on the other end of the phone seemed extremely excited.

Even during the conversation, the father tried his best to maintain a calm demeanor, but the relief he inadvertently revealed was undeniable, which made the usually quiet father seem quite talkative.

On the phone, her father told her that the details of the investment in Southern Bank had been finalized. It must be said that Master Li had put in a tremendous amount of effort this time, persuading all the other shareholders in less than two days. This, to some extent, demonstrates the powerful influence Yunxiao Mountain now wields on the board of Southern Bank. After all, this is a massive investment of at least 11 figures, clearly one of the largest capital investments in China in recent years. For investments of this size, it's quite common for shareholders to negotiate for six months to a year; to finalize it in such a short time is simply incredible.

But Master Li actually did it!

The final result was largely in line with Li Zhenren's previous promises. Based on the closing price of Southern Bank on April 13, a capital increase and share expansion was carried out, with a private placement of about 10% of the shares. As of April 13, Southern Bank's total market value was 567 billion, so the newly issued shares were worth approximately 56.7 billion.

This is a considerable investment for Qianluo Group. However, what Qianluo Group lacks now is obviously not funds, because it did not rashly step into the huge pit of Genesis Aerospace Company. Now Qianluo Group has plenty of funds on its books and can completely withdraw this money for investment.

Of course, an investment of this scale cannot be made entirely with cash and will inevitably involve some bank borrowing. As a shareholder of Southern Bank, Southern Bank itself is the best lending bank.

An Zhengquan plans to have Qianluo's related media platforms release this major news to the market during the morning news on the 14th in order to offset the pressure that Qianluo Group is currently facing.

In addition, An Zhengquan also told his daughter about his plan to become a lay disciple of Yunxiao Temple. He would then become the disciple of Zhou Jingyuan, the next abbot of Yunxiao Temple and a junior brother of Master Li. Master Li thoughtfully arranged for the master and disciple to meet, and An Zhengquan had a very good impression of the meeting. In his memory, this Master Zhou Jingyuan was indeed worthy of being Master Xiao's disciple; he was knowledgeable, handsome, and very well-mannered. Conversing with him was a very pleasant experience. Master Jingyuan was also very warm towards him, and the two were very amicable.

In conclusion, An Zhengquan had a very good impression of Yunxiao Mountain this time, probably because he had let go of many of his worries, and he also seemed much more talkative than usual.

Upon learning that her father was about to become a disciple of Master Jingyuan, An Huiling felt somewhat strange. After all, in terms of seniority, her father seemed to be her grand-disciple...

Although the seniority of Kunlun and Yunxiao Mountain can be determined separately, it still feels a bit strange when you think about it...

However, she wouldn't really say much, since the Kunlun lineage was a secret tradition that couldn't even be told to her parents and closest relatives. Moreover, her father's identity as a disciple of Yunxiao Mountain would indeed bring him many political advantages.

Then let it be as Father wishes...

She also informed her father about the situation on her phone. Her mother had gone to her parents' home today with her to discuss the future of her cousin, Xu Hanzhang.

It must be said that the scene was somewhat awkward. After all, the specific situation was no longer a secret. Everyone knew that Xu Hanzhang had been involved in a cult ritual. This made some members of the Xu family, who had originally had high hopes for him, feel very embarrassed and at a loss.

However, based on the information we have so far, this is indeed a mess that Xu Hanzhang himself created. As a result, the elders and relatives of the Xu family can only curse the cultist who "lured" Xu Hanzhang astray behind his back.

An Huiling remained by her mother's side throughout, without much involvement. Having experienced the underworld, she was fully aware of Xu Hanzhang's motives and the dirty dealings behind the scenes, but she didn't tell her parents. After all, it was too fantastical; she couldn't very well say she was just having a vivid dream. Besides, in An Huiling's view, the matter was already settled, and further discussion was pointless.

An Huiling also knew that some of Xu's relatives might have ulterior motives, even her eldest uncle. On the surface, he was very attentive to her mother, presenting a touching image of brotherly and sisterly affection, but behind the scenes, he might not be without other intentions.

However, she now understood that this was the daily reality of wealthy families, where actions spoke louder than intentions. After all, if it were about intentions, then most of these seemingly harmonious relatives probably harbored their own ulterior motives. From the Xu family's perspective, purely in terms of interests, Xu Hanzhang was undoubtedly closer to them than she was—that was obvious. Therefore, if they had to choose between herself and Xu Hanzhang as successors, the vast majority of the Xu family members would side with Xu Hanzhang; there was no other explanation but purely a matter of self-interest.

However, now that Xu Hanzhang has passed away, all the scheming of the past is now in vain. As long as they stop causing trouble, An Huiling has no intention of pursuing the matter further, especially considering her mother An Xuqing's feelings. Her mother has been in a bad mood these past few days; the sudden death of a close junior is a significant blow to her, and An Huiling, as her daughter, hopes that her mother can recover.

Of course, a somber atmosphere was inevitable, especially for Xu Hanzhang's parents. It is said that his aunt had fallen ill and did not appear, and his uncle also looked much thinner. They wept together with An Huiling's mother, An Xuqing.

Because it was hardly a glorious way to die, at the suggestion of the eldest uncle, Xu Yuan, the current head of the Xu family, the funeral was cancelled. The body was laid to rest for five days before burial, and the burial site was not in the family cemetery...

Volume Two: The Truth Hidden Behind History Books: Chapter 994 You came without even saying a word…

Interestingly, although the topic of discussion was sad, quite a few gossipy elders still asked An Xuqing about An Huiling's boyfriend or girlfriend, probably because An Huiling was present. This made An Huiling feel quite embarrassed, and she could only say that she did not have a boyfriend yet.

As a result, many recommendations poured in, mostly from young men from noble families. This piqued An Xuqing's interest, since she felt her daughter was of age to date, and finding a suitable man to get to know wasn't a bad idea...

In the end, it was only after An Huiling herself strongly insisted that she would not consider it for the time being that the matter was dropped. However, An Huiling noticed that her mother seemed quite interested in it, which gave her a bit of a headache. To be honest, she had absolutely no interest in these so-called young talents...

After telling her father about what she had seen and heard at the Xu family's house, and seeing that it was getting late, the father and daughter hung up the phone. An Huiling sighed, put the phone on the desk, walked to the window, and looked at the night outside. A full moon hung high, its clear light shining on the ground. She suddenly missed her senior brother...

..........................................

Just then, a hand gently rested on her shoulder.

Without a sound, the sudden appearance of a hand on her shoulder startled An Huiling. Her experiences over the past few days made her instinctively retaliate. She bent her left elbow and slammed it back, while her right hand opened, revealing the bracelet on her wrist that had transformed into a sharp sword, like a living fish, and fell into her hand.

However, the expected physical impact did not occur. Her elbow felt like it had hit a ball of cotton. Her center of gravity shifted slightly due to the missed strike, and her planned whip punch was aborted before it could be delivered because her wrist was grabbed.

Immediately afterwards, a strong arm wrapped around her waist, and a voice rang in her ear: "Junior sister, it's me..."

An Huiling froze, then two small dimples appeared on her fair, jade-like face, her lips unconsciously turned up, and her emotions almost overflowed from her eyes. The sharp sword that she was about to thrust out in her right hand stopped, and then transformed back into a bracelet and swam back to her wrist.

"Senior brother...you...why are you here?" Her body went limp, and she leaned shyly against the man behind her. The man was Zhang Jing.

"I missed you, so I came to see you..." Zhang Jing pulled An Huiling into his arms and whispered near her sensitive earlobe.

Zhang Jing had originally intended to ask about her family situation first, but the full, voluptuous body in his hands made his hands unconsciously begin to explore...

“Senior brother…you didn’t even say you were coming…” An Huiling muttered, followed by a soft, coquettish sigh: “Senior brother…you…” Then she couldn’t speak anymore, only the sound of clothes rubbing together and her increasingly heavy breathing could be heard…

A moment later, she was picked up and carried towards the bed not far away...

The moonlight was like water, and the night was still long...

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承和三十七年 西历2016年4月14日00:26 迷苏剌岛圣约翰医院

“Mr. Spencer, that concludes my questions. We will consult you if we need your cooperation again.” In a hospital office, a middle-aged man in a suit with a stern expression nodded to Chadwick.

“Okay, Mr. Roberts, please contact me if you need anything.” Chadwick stood up as if granted a reprieve. After arriving at this church-affiliated hospital and having his wounds treated, he was brought here and subjected to at least two hours of repeated questioning. One of his hands was still bandaged and in a sling around his neck. The Mr. Roberts before him claimed to be from the Colonial Political Department of the Security Bureau. Chadwick had heard of these people and knew they were part of the national intelligence system, so he made no attempt to hide anything. Basically, aside from his own secrets, he told everything he knew, like beans spilling from a bamboo tube, without any concealment.

In fact, he was somewhat prepared for this kind of "treatment" after he was rescued. After all, the events he experienced were too bizarre, and it was obvious that the situation was spreading. Therefore, it was to be expected that the government would take corresponding actions.

And that was indeed the case. The agent who questioned him was particularly interested in the supernatural aspects, such as the monsters they encountered on the road after leaving Latour Manor, their experiences in the mist, and the "master" they met later.

He even patiently made him describe the monsters' shapes, appearances, heights, and physical details... even the changes in any terrain, trees, or ruins he saw in the mist. Finally, he inquired in great detail about every conversation they had with the "master," the master's clothing, and even his appearance and voice...

Of course, Chadwick could answer some of these questions, but not others. For example, when Chadwick tried to recall and describe the appearance of the master, he found that his memories of him were all blurry. He couldn't even accurately recall whether the master was male or female, old or young... What's even stranger is that he hadn't even realized this before.

Of course, after repeatedly confirming this, the agent did not make things too difficult for him, but instead made a special note of the situation.

Perhaps because his entry procedures were complete and his identity had been confirmed as that of a tourist, the entire questioning was relatively friendly and did not make Chadwick feel like he was being interrogated.

This can also be considered a stroke of luck. If these intelligence agencies had actually used interrogation techniques, Chadwick might not have been able to protect those "little secrets."

“Mr. Spencer, what you experienced is a state secret, so I must inform you that after you leave this room, we need you to keep these secrets and not mention them to any unrelated people, especially news organizations…” The middle-aged detective stood up and extended his right hand to Chadwick.

Chadwick paused slightly, becoming even more certain that the government was hiding a considerable amount of information from the public. Of course, he wouldn't want to cause trouble for himself, so he extended his right hand to shake his, lowering his voice as he said, "Mr. Roberts, I understand. I know what I can't say..."

Volume Two: The Truth Hidden Behind History Books: Chapter 995 You're a Smart Person...

“Mr. Spencer, you’re a smart man…” Roberts smiled and added, “A sum of money will be deposited into your bank account later. Please check your account then.”

Upon hearing this, Chadwick immediately realized that this was a hush money payment, and nodded, saying, "Then I'll leave you my card number."

“No need, we know your card number.” Roberts smiled mysteriously and gestured for them to proceed.

Chadwick felt a chill run down his spine. He knew this was, in a way, a warning. For these intelligence agencies, finding out his bank account number would be effortless, and the same was true for other areas. Besides wanting hush money, their motives might also have some unspeakable implications.

Taking a deep breath, forcing a smile, and nodding, Chadwick stepped out of the room. He was immediately jolted by the chaos in the corridor, nearly stumbling. Two nurses were shouting as they pushed a hospital bed quickly down the corridor, causing passersby to make way. Chadwick, with one hand still bandaged and in a sling around his neck, was having difficulty walking and had to stand close to the wall to let the bed pass. He saw that the person on the bed was covered in blood and looked to be in very poor condition.

He looked around and noticed that some people around him looked like him, with bandages on their arms, foreheads or other parts of their bodies. Others were clearly from the military or police, and it seemed that their injuries were related to the previous storm.

There aren't many hospitals on Misula Island. The church hospital where he is currently staying is the largest one. The others are just some small clinics. So when faced with natural disasters like storms, all the injured, especially the more seriously injured, are transported here.

Chadwick instinctively walked to a window at the end of the corridor, glanced out at the weather, and found that the howling storm had clearly subsided. The night outside was clear, with only a light breeze blowing, making it quite cool. His last worry immediately disappeared.

Chadwick turned his gaze back down the corridor. He didn't actually like hospitals, not because he disliked the smell of disinfectant or was a germaphobe worried about getting infected, but because of his strange ability to see eerie things in hospitals...

For example, at this moment, he clearly saw a rather incongruous figure standing silently in the shadows on one side of the corridor. It was an old man, who seemed quite normal in appearance, but his eyes were white. He just stood there, motionless, with faint black energy emanating from his body...

And not far from this "old man," at another corner, was a "person" with only half a head, a twisted body, as if hit by a car and then run over. Even Chadwick couldn't tell if it was male or female... "He" sat half-sitting, half-lying there, and the people passing by seemed not to see him...

Chadwick knew that what he was seeing were all dead people... After a period of adjustment, he had now gotten used to his "daily routine" of seeing strange things from time to time. However, such things were especially common in hospitals, which was why he didn't like hospitals.

After all, habits are habits, but it's better not to see them if you can avoid it... especially when he knows for sure that disturbing these things is dangerous.

He glanced at the eerie beings before looking away. He knew that if he kept staring at them or making eye contact, he might "awaken" them, transforming them from illusory beings into real monsters...

As long as they are left undisturbed, even though they may seem frightening, they will remain in their own world and will not affect others.