Chapter Ninety-Eight: The Eve (Part One)

Qingxia City, Yaji Hotel.

This was one of the most renowned five-star hotels in the city. At this moment, in the presidential suite on the top floor—spanning more than three hundred square meters—Yang Luo stood before the immense glass window, gazing down at the city’s nocturnal panorama.

“Mr. Yang, we depart tomorrow,” Xu Jingyuan’s voice sounded behind him, light and casual, yet tinged with just the right measure of deference.

Yang Luo turned to regard the man.

“…This place is quite remarkable.”

“This is the finest hotel in Qingxia,” Xu Jingyuan replied with a smile. “However, considering Mr. Yang’s future prospects, such a place is hardly worth mentioning. In time, hotels like this will bask in reflected glory simply for having hosted you.”

“Is that so,” Yang Luo answered impassively, turning his gaze once more to the night outside. After a moment, he spoke softly. “Had it been just a few months before, I could never have imagined myself standing here now… Back then, I exhausted myself just to earn a little money, to pay the mortgage—the vast majority of life’s pleasures were utterly beyond my reach.”

“A hero is born of the times; when fortune arrives, he ascends the heights and surveys the masses below,” Xu Jingyuan quoted, his tone thoughtful. “That’s what my father often says. In the past, I didn’t fully grasp its meaning. But now, it seems Mr. Yang is just such a hero.”

“Oh?” A faint, almost mocking smile touched Yang Luo’s lips. He spoke again in a mild voice, “Director Xu, your upbringing shows. You are well-read, experienced, and your compliments are as elegant as your conversation. But after how we treated Director Jiang Chao’an today, might we not encounter trouble in the capital?”

“Not at all,” Xu Jingyuan replied with a touch of arrogance. “Jiang Chao’an lacks both background and resources. That alone ensures he has little chance of breaking through his limits in the future. And ‘The Transcendence Project’ is a plan for the ages—no organization would dare sabotage it.”

“Moreover, the Ninth Division’s transcendent is not as uniquely gifted as Mr. Yang. He’s only just begun his transformation. Once you cooperate with us, the Eighth Division will naturally surpass the Ninth. Besides, my father is eagerly anticipating meeting you. When you arrive in the capital, we would be honored if you would grace us with your presence. Indeed, should you provide a path to transcendence, our entire Xu family will become your staunchest supporters.”

Xu Jingyuan’s gaze burned with fervor as he looked at Yang Luo’s back. Yang Luo inclined his head slightly. “A path to transcendence… It is not out of the question. Lin Heng is merely a novice, just starting his metamorphosis; what could he possibly know? But I have already undergone spiritual transformation, ascending to a higher realm—if I take the lead, the ‘Divine Elixir’ will surely be within reach.”

His words, casual and enigmatic, concealed truths only he understood. Xu Jingyuan’s eyes reflected both hope and skepticism as he offered another slight, respectful smile.

“Then I must trouble you, Mr. Yang.”

Yang Luo turned, met his eyes, and gave a soft “Mm.” But then, with a subtle shift, he inquired, “Is there truly no way to deal with that policeman? If there was only one transcendent in the country, your Eighth Division would surely be more valued.”

Xu Jingyuan frowned, offering a wry smile. “Mr. Yang, I had to exert considerable effort—invoking even my father’s name—to secure this opportunity to compete and cooperate with you. Killing another transcendent is out of the question. Even trying to collaborate with both of you would be disallowed by our superiors.”

“And the state itself would not permit it,” he added. But seeing the trace of displeasure on Yang Luo’s face, he hastened to explain, “Rest assured—the higher-ups won’t allow Lin Heng’s personal grievances to interfere with future work. You are both national treasures; a single hair from either of you is worth billions, perhaps trillions. How could they let you battle each other over private vendettas?”

At these words, Yang Luo’s expression did not betray satisfaction from the flattery. Instead, he closed his eyes briefly and nodded. “I understand.”

With a wave, he unceremoniously dismissed his guest. “It’s late. I have things to prepare. Director Xu, please see yourself out.”

“I’ll take my leave, then.” Xu Jingyuan masked a flicker of discontent, maintaining his composure and charm as he turned with a polite smile and exited.

No sooner had he stepped from the presidential suite than his expression darkened.

Never before had anyone dared treat him so offhandedly. Whether chiefs of secret departments or CEOs of vast listed conglomerates, they greeted him with warmth—or even flattery. Who else would dare simply wave him away?

Especially Yang Luo—before his transformation, he wouldn’t have qualified even to open a car door for Xu Jingyuan.

“…But on reflection, I’m scarcely in a position to judge others. I was born to fortune; he’s stumbled into epochal luck. Truly, when fate turns, the world lends its strength; three generations of blessings pale before one’s rise to the heavens.”

A bitter smile played at Xu Jingyuan’s lips as he recalled his father’s tales of history: tales of obscure country lads leaping the dragon gate in a single bound, trampling nobles beneath their feet, leaving nothing but devastation behind.

He sighed, composed himself, and left by the main entrance.

Back in the suite, Yang Luo sat on the sofa, a look of surprise crossing his face. “Such restraint—children of great families truly possess a steadiness beyond the reach of parvenus.”

A sardonic smile curled his lips.

“But what does it matter how unwilling you are? In this nascent age of transcendence, any lineage or family will be beneath my feet.”

He gave a soft snort, his eyes deepening with thought as he murmured, “If I can’t eliminate Lin Heng directly… why not let him come seeking his own death? Two transcendents are already too many—the more choices they have, the less indispensable I become. But if there were one less…”

“And besides—if I cannot root out all threats, how can I satisfy my ambition, or advance my spiritual transformation?”

Having made up his mind, Yang Luo hesitated no longer. He took out his laptop and other devices from his luggage and began to work.

(End of chapter)