Chapter 87 – Contact That Came Too Early

The Spirit Demon Abyss Entrance had opened, and the war descended with overwhelming force.

The final scene everyone witnessed in the conference hall was endless hordes of Phantom Demons surging in all directions, violently colliding with the stationed Professionals.

The live broadcast cut off at this moment, the screen going dark.

“Please proceed to your designated posts according to the earlier deployment,” Commander Duan’s grave announcement prompted all present to exchange glances before quietly exiting the venue.

At this critical juncture, regardless of personal thoughts or individual dispositions, none of the Professionals present revealed their inner turmoil.

Even Xu Qianqian and Xu Yanyan, who had been locked in confrontation, couldn’t help but feel insignificant after witnessing the earth-shattering collision of two massive forces on screen.

The conflicts and disputes within the Xu Family appeared utterly trivial when faced with the racial war between humanity and Phantom Demons.

This realization made them understand that above all else, they must ensure Longyao City emerged victorious from this war.

Otherwise, no matter how powerful the family or elaborate their schemes, everything would vanish into thin air if Longyao City became hunting grounds for Phantom Demons.

With this understanding, they withdrew silently.

Though before parting, their eyes met one last time, sparks of intense friction flashing between their clashing gazes.

The others followed similar patterns, temporarily suppressing their various thoughts to focus entirely on war preparations.

Su Ming quietly observed everything from the crowd. After glancing at Gao Xu, who stood calmly beside Commander Duan engaged in conversation, he finally departed with his squad members.

“Salute!”

Surrounding soldiers uniformly saluted all the Professionals, watching them depart with respectful eyes.

Regardless of circumstances, these Professionals remained the main force in this war—pioneers ready to charge into battle on their behalf, deserving of this tribute.

Thus, the group of Professionals began moving toward their respective posts.

“Brother Su Ming…”

An Zijin had been clutching Su Ming’s clothes the entire time, only now finding opportunity to speak, her voice carrying traces of unease.

Su Ming looked up to discover not only An Zijin, but Jiang Wanyu and Yao Beibei also wore tense expressions.

Even Lei Hao and Ye Bai showed signs of stress—one unconsciously clenching his fists, the other adjusting his breathing with solemn expressions.

Clearly, with war upon them, no one could maintain their previous composure.

After all, they were still just students.

Lei Hao and Ye Bai had appeared so relaxed and confident before Jiang Wanyu and Yao Beibei, but that was only because their previous mission difficulties and experiences hadn’t exceeded their capabilities or made them feel pressured.

Now was different.

Facing a racial war, two second-year students were truly insignificant.

Not just them—even top students like Li Wei couldn’t help feeling tense now, departing with heavy expressions, even overlooking minor incidents like brushing past Su Ming.

Dislike?

Wanting to teach someone a lesson?

The relationship between Su Ming and Xu Qianqian?

Li Wei’s opinion of Su Ming?

The henchmen’s calculations?

All these had ceased to matter before this war.

Only Su Ming managed to maintain some semblance of normalcy.Though he wasn’t accustomed to grand scenes, he had done plenty of mental preparation and brainstormed numerous scenarios, so he wouldn’t lose his composure so easily.

Thus, he spoke these words.

“Don’t worry, we will win.”

At this moment, no formal pleasantries could be more reassuring than such a statement.

Everyone gradually relaxed their expressions and nodded firmly.

Soon after, they all headed to the frontline together, ready to participate in the defense.

However, just then…

“You’re Su Ming?”

Two figures suddenly and silently appeared before Su Ming and the others.

Seeing these two figures, Su Ming raised an eyebrow, while An Zijin and the others also showed surprise.

The reason was simple.

It was because both of them wore the standard combat uniforms of the Xu Family.

Undoubtedly, they were members of the Family Hunters sent by the Xu Family.

“Mr. Gao wants to see you,” one of them said expressionlessly. “Come with us.”

Though the words didn’t carry a commanding tone, they were filled with unquestionable authority.

“Mr. Gao?”

“That Four-Star Hunter?”

“Why does he want to see Senior Su Ming?”

An Zijin, Jiang Wanyu, and Yao Beibei were both surprised and somewhat at a loss.

Lei Hao and Ye Bai also found it strange.

Only Su Ming’s eyes flickered slightly.

He knew that what Xu Qianqian had been worrying about had finally happened.

He had indeed been affected by her and was now targeted by these Xu Family members who were preparing to act against her.

Su Ming had long been prepared for this, but he hadn’t expected it to happen so quickly.

(Could it be that they’ve been planning to start with me all along?)

Su Ming couldn’t help but suspect this.

As the only person relatively close to Xu Qianqian, it was understandable that he would attract the Xu Family’s attention.

It was also reasonable that those targeting Xu Qianqian would set their sights on him.

But for them to approach him so quickly—Su Ming didn’t believe the Xu Family wasn’t doing this deliberately.

Su Ming faintly felt that perhaps he was being valued more by these Xu Family members than he had imagined.

Of course, this was definitely not a good thing.

At the very least, Su Ming could already sense the hostile aura from these visitors.

Though his thoughts raced, Su Ming showed no unusual expression on the surface.

“May I ask what this is about?”

Su Ming pretended to inquire nonchalantly.

To this, the two Xu Family Hunters gave no clear response.

“We’re only here to carry out Mr. Gao’s instructions.”

“You’ll know the details when you meet Mr. Gao.”

Their voices were cold and emotionless.

“Brother Su Ming.”

“Senior Su Ming.”

“Su Ming.”

An Zijin, Jiang Wanyu, Yao Beibei, Lei Hao, and Ye Bai all immediately looked at Su Ming.

Su Ming shrugged at them.

“You go ahead first. I’ll join you later.”

Su Ming still showed no sign of abnormality.

He didn’t want to drag An Zijin and the others into this.

After all, no matter what, Gao Xu wouldn’t dare to attack someone about to participate in the battle at this time, so Su Ming wasn’t worried about his safety.

Since that was the case, it wouldn’t be bad to meet this Gao Xu now.

After all, knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory in all battles.

Perhaps he could glean something from Gao Xu.

“Then… be careful, okay?”An Zijin still felt somewhat uneasy, but she released her grip on Su Ming’s clothes.

“Don’t worry.”

Su Ming reached out and patted An Zijin’s head before turning to the two Hunters from the Xu Family.

Without a word, the two turned and began leading the way ahead.

Su Ming quietly followed.

……

In a hidden corner of the Defense Line Camp.

This appeared to be an abandoned park.

The park was filled with piles of steel bars and pipes, transforming the limited open space into a construction site for storing building materials.

The two Xu Family Hunters brought Su Ming here, allowing him to witness the scene.

Hunters wearing standardized combat uniforms were either standing or sitting, each occupying a position in their own manner, subtly forming a perimeter around the area.

Gao Xu was among them, sitting on a pipe with his arms crossed, leaning against the wall with his eyes closed, conserving his energy.

Beside him stood Xu Yanyan, who had already revealed her appearance, locking eyes with Su Ming as he approached.

As soon as Su Ming arrived, he immediately felt countless gazes focusing on him.

Especially Xu Yanyan’s gaze, which seemed quite curious, somewhat playful, and full of scrutiny.

“So you’re that Su Ming?” Xu Yanyan looked Su Ming up and down, clicking her tongue in amazement. “You don’t look particularly extraordinary. While you’re good-looking, it’s not like no one can compare. How did you end up getting involved with my ice-cold-faced cousin?”

Xu Yanyan’s words prompted the surrounding Xu Family Hunters to also begin examining Su Ming.

Su Ming ignored their stares and looked at Xu Yanyan.

“Hello, senior.”

Su Ming greeted Xu Yanyan and then fell silent.

But while he remained silent, others wouldn’t.

“Do you know why we called you here?”

Xu Yanyan’s voice carried a hint of playfulness, giving off an unfriendly vibe.

Su Ming initially wanted to directly say he didn’t know, but noticing Gao Xu still resting with his eyes closed nearby, he had a sudden thought.

His exceptionally sharp spiritual sense allowed Su Ming to perceive that Gao Xu was observing him.

After a moment of contemplation, Su Ming deliberately spoke in a tentative tone.

“Is it because of Xu Qianqian?”

This could be considered a straightforward opening.

“Correct.” Xu Yanyan came closer to Su Ming, smiling charmingly. “I’m curious about what exceptional qualities a man who could win over even that cousin of mine might possess.”

“You might be disappointed, senior.” Su Ming shook his head. “I wish I had some outstanding traits, but in the eyes of someone from a great Family like you, I’m probably just ordinary.”

“Indeed, you’re too ordinary.” Xu Yanyan narrowed her eyes, speaking slowly. “Average grades, average performance, ordinary family background, and an extremely common life experience. Besides having an overly cute girl next door, there’s basically nothing noteworthy about you.”

Xu Yanyan’s assessment wasn’t particularly harsh.

Based on the information she had gathered, everything about Su Ming was indeed ordinary, with nothing particularly commendable.

But when Xu Qianqian came into contact with Su Ming, he became no longer so ordinary.

“I heard that initially, it was that girl who actively approached you, right?”

Xu Yanyan’s words were filled with probing intent.”Yes.” Su Ming replied obediently, like an honest man: “I was almost flattered at that time, and even got lectured by my Dormitory mates.”

This was purely intentional topic diversion.

No choice.

Su Ming already knew what Xu Yanyan wanted to ask.

“As far as I know, after my cousin gave you that note, she left. Since then, you two have been keeping in touch.”

Xu Yanyan then gazed at Su Ming, smiling as she spoke.

“Could you tell me, senior sister, what exactly made that girl put aside her pride to interact with you? And what happened between you two afterward?”

The atmosphere suddenly took a sharp turn for the worse.

(End of Chapter)