Among the dead were werewolves, and others were creatures Ling Yun couldn't identify—some resembling humans, others beasts, but possessing a strong dark energy attribute that allowed Ling Yun to recognize them as dark beings. It seemed that dark beings weren't simply vampires and werewolves, but many other strange and unusual creatures, just as humanity has multiple races. These creatures hidden in the darkness were also incredibly diverse.
The vampires still tried to struggle and escape. They possessed a rare ability to transform into bats and fly away, which is why the vampires suffered the fewest casualties among the dark creatures and were the main force resisting the Arbiters.
Suddenly, a milky white light shone brightly, and the vampires let out their final, heart-wrenching screams. Dark Heart sank to the bottom. He never expected that there would be an Arbiter here. The holy light undoubtedly proclaimed their death sentence like the end of the world. Ling Yun didn't even need to use purification magic. Just the holy light was enough to turn these dying low-level vampires into wisps of smoke.
Several powerful dark auras lurked underground, clearly belonging to dark creatures of colonel-level rank. Ling Yun's shockwave swept precisely over their heads without disturbing them, which made the powerful dark creatures...
The creatures had a misconception that they were still hidden, and that Ling Yun had not discovered them, only finding a few cannon fodder, and was secretly rejoicing.
Ling Yun reached out and conjured a milky-white light sword made entirely of holy light in his hand. He then threw it with a backhand motion, and the milky-white light sword suddenly multiplied into more than a dozen, which then silently plunged into the ground.
A second later, a violent tremor suddenly came from deep underground. With several loud thuds, more than a dozen holes the size of water vats appeared out of thin air on the ground. The soil was hurled high into the air like a fountain by the powerful force. Several figures, emitting blue smoke, leaped out of the depths of the ground in a disheveled state. Caught off guard, the sharp holy light sword pierced through the bodies of the dark creatures, causing them almost irreversible damage.
Just as Ling Yun had predicted, the first reaction of the injured dark creatures was to leap out of the ground to escape. Attacking Ling Yun was impossible; he was a super strong expert, and Ling Yun could easily take them down one by one through hit-and-run tactics. It has been proven that only super strong experts can deal with other super strong experts. If dozens of experts below the super strong level gang up on each other, they can at most maintain a stalemate.
However, none of these were the necessary reasons. The most important reason was that no one could have imagined that this terrifying young man was actually the Arbitrator! My God, the Arbitrator of super-strong individuals! When did the Arbitration Court produce another super-strong individual? All the dark creatures trembled involuntarily. Even if the Blood Duke himself came here, he would probably only be able to flee in panic. They were no match for him at all.
But it was too late. Ling Yun's Holy Light Sword had been used with perfect restraint, just enough to force these mid-level dark creatures out without severely injuring them. Severely injuring them would likely prevent them from leaping out of the ground, making them much more difficult to deal with. Ling Yun needed to kill these dark creatures without hesitation, leaving no survivors. Mid-level powerhouses are the backbone of any organization, not low-level cannon fodder to be sacrificed at will. Killing these mid-level dark creatures should be enough to trigger the appearance of those important figures he sensed—the true main force of the dark creatures.
For the unfortunate dark creatures, leaping onto the ground became the beginning of a nightmare. Before they could even stand firm, a deluge of milky-white holy light poured down on them. The vampires screamed in agony as each drop of the holy light burned a charred hole in their bodies. The dark mental energy field only held out for a moment before crumbling. Even in the rain, intense milky-white flames began to erupt from the vampires' bodies, frantically devouring the dark energy and its carriers.
For vampires, being approached by holy light is no different from being approached by sulfuric acid by an ordinary person. Moreover, their self-healing ability is powerless against the damage caused by holy light. Faced with an irresistible natural enemy, the only way is to run away. However, under the illumination of the holy light rain, attacks are everywhere. A dozen mid-level powerhouses are running around like headless flies, but they are still within the attack range of the holy light rain.
A dozen seconds later, the holy light rain finally stopped. Even someone as powerful as Lingyun couldn't actually unleash a torrential downpour, as that would mean endless energy beyond human control.
Even with the support of energy, there was no need for the holy light rain to fall, because the vampires had been completely charred. Even if they were thrown into a pool of blood, they could not be resurrected. The ferocious vampires had finally become lifeless.
The only question is why the familiar chanting of hymns wasn't heard when the rain of holy light was produced. Don't those damned believers of God always worship and pray devoutly before each attack? This isn't a pointless act by the Arbiters, but rather because holy light also has a process of gathering power, especially when performing large-scale magical arts like the rain of holy light. The process of gathering power is longer, and reciting the Bible or chanting hymns can purify one's thoughts, thereby unleashing the greatest power of the holy light.
And this ridiculously strong young man, who appeared out of nowhere, could instantly unleash a rain of holy light without gathering his strength!
Hundreds of meters away on the grassland, a large group of moving black shadows suddenly appeared and rapidly advanced towards Lingyun!
Chapter 425 Father and Daughter Reunited
"Xiao Rou, can you stop for now? This is a matter between the Superpower Headquarters and the Superpower Bureau. It's best not to complicate things. Director Weish and I have already discussed it, and we, the two highest-ranking officials, will handle it." Tang Tiejin walked a few steps to Xiao Rou and said softly.
The eyes of the ability users from both camps nearly popped out of their sockets. What?! The world's strongest person, the chief instructor of the Ability Headquarters, Tang Tiejin, was actually speaking to this nameless girl in such a humble manner? Both his demeanor and tone made Tang Tiejin seem like a father who doted on his daughter, rather than a stern and authoritative chief instructor.
The people at the Superpower Headquarters were unaware of the relationship between Xiao Rou and Tang Tiejin, so their eyes were filled with surprise. They wondered why the head instructor was being so polite to Gu Xiao Rou, using a tone of negotiation or even pleading to ask her for help. Even if Xiao Rou was a super strong person, there was no need to be so courteous. Could it be that this girl had some kind of relationship with the head instructor? Some of the smart people were already secretly pondering this.
The superhumans from the American Bureau of Superpowers quickly calmed down. These self-proclaimed gentlemen interpreted it as a man's respect for a beautiful woman. Even the high-ranking chief instructor was never ambiguous when it came to etiquette.
Xiao Rou glanced at Tang Tiejin, suddenly feeling a little uncomfortable that another man besides Ling Yun was speaking to her so gently, even though this man was her biological father. In some ways, she and Ling Yun shared the same temperament; she could tolerate malice from others, but she couldn't bear kindness or favors that life couldn't repay.
She didn't love this father, with whom she was only related by blood, but she didn't hate him either. Xiao Rou felt nothing for Tang Tiejin, treating him completely as a stranger. This feeling wasn't normal, but for the very independent Xiao Rou, it truly felt that way. However, Tang Tiejin's cautiousness gave Xiao Rou a different feeling, and at least for now, this feeling wasn't bad.
"I didn't intend to fight; I just wanted to verify something," Xiaorou said after a moment of silence. She retracted her angel wings and fell back to the ground. Mike, on the other hand, also withdrew his psychic field under Wesh's command. A fierce battle was over before it even began.
Xiao Rou indeed had no intention of taking action, but the feeling that needed to be verified was still very vague. Mike's mental field seemed to be hiding something, not fully revealed. However, Xiao Rou today was different from the past. Even with just a moment of contact, she could perceive the deepest level of things.
Tang Tiejin nodded with relief. If Xiaorou hadn't listened to him, he would have been powerless to do anything even if he lost face. Fortunately, Xiaorou didn't. He had already reached the pinnacle of the world, possessing the strongest power and being the leader of the most powerful superpowered organization. But he owed this girl something, even though she didn't see it that way. He also owed her mother something, but her mother was dead, and nothing could be undone. So, he should treat the living well.
The superhumans from both camps fell silent, their gazes refocusing on Tang Tiejin and Weish. Since the two highest-ranking officers had spoken, they must have reached some consensus. No matter how much they argued, the decision rested with the decision-makers. While the Superhuman Headquarters and the Superhuman Bureau weren't dictatorships, they were indeed largely autocratic. Even the deputy chief instructor only had the power to offer opinions, not the final say. No matter how unreasonable Weish and Tang Tiejin's decision might be, once it was given, it had to be carried out.
“Everyone!” Wesh began calmly. “I discussed this meeting between the two sides with Chief Instructor Tang from the China Superpower Headquarters. I think there is an unavoidable misunderstanding between the Superpower Bureau and the Superpower Headquarters. Although everyone knows in their hearts that this is likely a frame-up by the enemy, because the Superpower Bureau could never have kidnapped Xia Lan, and the China Superpower Headquarters did not use a neutrino bomb to destroy the Superpower Bureau’s high-tech barrier, this is only suspicion because we have no evidence. The original evidence shows that it was done by both of us. It is meaningless to discuss which caused greater harm now. We cannot solve the problem through negotiation because negotiation also involves evidence. It is impossible to make the two sides that did not cause harm make compensation. Moreover, the pressure from the Chinese and American governments urges us to resolve the problem as soon as possible.”
Everyone listened quietly. Vesh's words had fully recounted the events, clearly outlining the process and the conflicts—an unavoidable issue. It was unclear what solution the two highest-ranking officials would ultimately devise; were they really going to have a major fight?
The people from the Superpower Bureau and the Superpower Headquarters stared at each other, their hostility growing stronger. Although they had heard what Wesh said and everyone understood what he meant, both sides were seething with resentment and growing increasingly annoyed with each other. If one of them made a move, it would immediately escalate into a chaotic battle.
Tang Tiejin's authoritative gaze swept across the entire room: "I'm sorry, everyone, Director Wesh has made it very clear that without evidence, we have no choice but to clash with the Superpower Headquarters and the Superpower Bureau, whether for political reasons or for honor. However..." He suddenly raised his voice at this point.
Everyone's hearts tightened immediately. Since Tang Tiejin had already mentioned a collision, it seemed that war was inevitable. They wondered what the chief instructor was thinking.
"However..." Tang Tiejin's voice was deliberate and clear, "This clash will only be carried out by two people, namely myself and Wesh, representing the Superpower Headquarters and the Superpower Bureau respectively. Everyone else is not allowed to act without orders from me and Director Wesh!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd erupted in uproar. How could they accept that the two superhumans from both sides were prevented from fighting, yet their two highest-ranking officers were representing their respective organizations in a duel? A dozen or so senior superhumans from each side rushed out and began to persuade Tang Tiejin and Weish, while the younger superhumans also discussed the matter animatedly.
Both Tang Tiejin and Weish are core figures in their respective organizations. Any injury to either would be an unbearable loss for both. Without their strongest members, the strength of the Superpower Headquarters and the Superpower Bureau would decrease by roughly a third. Tang Tiejin and Weish are not only administrative leaders but also spiritual leaders of their organizations, bearing the responsibility of training the next head instructors. Their positions are undeniably powerful and influential. Now, these two top and strongest individuals are expected to shoulder all the responsibility alone—how can anyone possibly agree to that?
Tang Tiejin and Weish suddenly unleashed their mental energy fields simultaneously, and the two powerful psychic forces swept across the scene, instantly silencing all other sounds.
The scene fell silent as everyone looked at the two strongest individuals with puzzlement, not understanding why they had suddenly become so imposing.
"This is an order! All you need to do is obey orders," Tang Tiejin and Weish said coldly in unison.
Everyone lowered their heads. Even super strong individuals must unconditionally obey the orders of their superiors. Although the Superpower Headquarters and the Superpower Bureau are not the military, they are even stricter than the military. Their execution of orders is absolute. Superpowered individuals who do not obey discipline and orders will be expelled without mercy.
"Old Luo, Director Weish and I will choose a place for our duel. We've already agreed that we'll fight to the death, no matter who wins or loses. There will be no further conflict between the Superpower Headquarters and the Superpower Bureau. Moreover, our identities can be explained to both governments satisfactorily. Now I'm handing the Superpower Headquarters over to you. You must lead them back two hundred miles from here and await my message. During this time, please keep everyone in check and prevent any disputes while I'm away. This is the highest order from the Superpower Headquarters. Do you understand?" Tang Tiejin said expressionlessly to Luo Panxi, but his voice clearly reached everyone's ears.
Luo Panxi's aged face was full of resentment. As the most senior deputy chief instructor, he naturally understood the meaning behind Tang Tiejin's words. It was an important entrustment, asking him to lead the team well. Superhumans were the nation's treasure, and their safety had to be guaranteed. Otherwise, what Tang Tiejin had done would be meaningless. Despite feeling helpless, Luo Panxi could not say anything at this moment and could only carry out the chief instructor's orders without question.
"Yes, Chief Instructor!" Luo Panxi stood solemnly.
On the American Paranormal Agency's side, Wish issued the same order.
After everything was arranged, Weish looked at Tang Tiejin and said, "Tang, shall we set off now? I have already instructed the Superpower Bureau to retreat back to the underground base. You should also retreat two hundred kilometers. A distance of four hundred kilometers should be safe."
“Wait, Wesh, I need to say a few words to someone.” Tang Tiejin said to Wesh.
“I’ll be waiting for you.” Wesh nodded decisively.
Tang Tiejin stood there in a daze for a moment before letting out a soft sigh. As if he had made up his mind, he walked up to Xiaorou and said, "Xiaorou, I want to ask for your permission for something..."
Xiao Rou was also a little stunned. She didn't expect the dispute to be resolved in this way. The Superpower Headquarters was not her hometown, and she had no feelings for it. In fact, even if the Superpower Bureau and the Superpower Headquarters were fighting bloody battles, Xiao Rou wouldn't even frown.
However, the problem is that Ling Yun is also a member of the Superpower Headquarters, as is Xia Lan. These two important figures have already influenced Xiao Rou's attitude. In any case, Xiao Rou will stand on the side of the Superpower Headquarters. However, it is probably difficult for her to protect the Superpower Headquarters from casualties by herself alone.