Reverse flow of the Yellow Springs

Chapter 42 Hidden Agents
"Undercover?"

Li Yelai understood. The authorities now needed a second-awakening psychic to act as a spokesperson for that member.

Having infiltrated the Ark, it seemed he was one of the chosen ones.

“Yes, but we prefer to call them moles,” Yin Huo chuckled. “Each time someone enters the Ark, they need the ticket holder’s consent. That’s why we can’t kill someone to steal the ticket. Once the holder dies, the ticket becomes invalid. Fortunately, we’ve managed to control the holders through certain methods.”

Therefore, we need a comrade inside the Ark to gather intelligence and, at the opportune moment, cooperate with the major cities to capture the Ark. Judging from that guy's memories, those who enter the Ark are all virtual projections of passengers. If necessary, you can forcibly leave the Ark, and we will be responsible for recalling your virtual projection from the virtual world, so your safety is somewhat guaranteed.”

"But why me?" Li Yelai asked, puzzled. "Shouldn't we have someone more professional?"

Li Yelai wasn't afraid. No matter how strange the Ark was, he had Mr. Shadow to pay for it.

Personal safety shouldn't be a major issue.

In Li Yelai's eyes, the forces that committed this tragedy were far more despicable and deserving of death than the Ember Church.

Even for the sake of those fallen comrades, it's worth it for Li Ye to make a deal!
But the authorities have no idea about Mr. Shadow's existence, so why would they be looking for him? They're way too confident in themselves!
Since he hadn't received any professional training, if he slipped up, he had two options: escape from the Ark or make a deal with Mr. Shadow, which wouldn't be too bad. But the official plan would be completely ruined.

“Actually, we had quite a few candidates, from various major cities, various branches, and even each captain. There were different candidates. A total of seventy-nine people,” Yin Huo said. “But considering individual strength and the curse, we still chose you.”

Li Yelai was somewhat taken aback. Strength was one thing, but was misfortune also going to be used as a weapon?
"Didn't they say that in the worst-case scenario we could simply leave the Ark? Why is there still a consideration of strength?" Li Ye asked. The Ark was like a platform that passengers from all over the world could use together; there shouldn't be any fighting on it. As long as we didn't expose ourselves, what dangers would there be?
"After joining the Ark, you need to fit the persona of that spokesperson. Trading intelligence with the passengers there is something we can help you with. But they also sometimes have offline operations."

This incident, for example, was orchestrated by multiple Ark passengers and their subordinates. Therefore, if you're in direct contact, the stronger the mole, the better. Ideally, they should grow stronger gradually under the Ark's watchful eye. This will prevent them from becoming suspicious.

You currently possess two personas: the Weakness Insight of the Spirit Eye path and the Shadow Army of the Netherworld path. Furthermore, you have been enhanced by the Heart of Slaughter for two hours. Your physical strength far surpasses that of a second-awakened psionicist.

Yin Huo gave an example: "At the same time, we also saw the scene of you fighting against the cavalry formation, and it's clear that your combat skills are very strong. Among the second-awakening psionicists, you are already a top-tier expert. Damn, I'm really envious. I should have given the champion a surprise attack back then and just snatched you away!"

Yang Chen glanced at him but didn't say anything.

Li Yelai was pondering that he not only needed to enter the Ark and gather intelligence from its inhabitants, but also needed to cooperate with them offline.

That would be even more dangerous. From that perspective, finding someone with strong capabilities makes perfect sense.

Li Ye smacked his lips, thinking, 'It feels pretty good to hear someone brag about me like that.'

“Of course, there are certain risks involved, both inside the Ark and in offline missions. There will be dangers,” Yin Huo continued. “But for you, the rewards will be substantial. You could even call it an opportunity!”

"Opportunity?" Li Yelai frowned, then tentatively asked, "You mean the deal with the Ark?"

“That’s right!” Yin Huo nodded. “Although I don’t want to admit it, the resources and knowledge that Ark possesses are far greater than those of our Third Border City, and even the other allied mega-cities!”

"Since you want to fit the persona of that spokesperson, you naturally need to use the characteristics of the Ark to become stronger."

"The passengers of the Ark come from all over the world, and may even come from within forbidden zones. Their knowledge and intelligence are far superior to those of our human officials. As one of their representatives, you can trade with other passengers or representatives to obtain various intelligence, potion recipes or materials, psionic weapons, and even forbidden items."

"In order to gain your trust, we will do our best to help you complete the transaction or the task requirements, and let you get in touch with multiple passengers or representatives."

"And this is your opportunity!"

Li Yelai immediately understood the meaning.

For example, the number of potion recipes that humans possess is limited.

For example, the second awakening potion of the Myriad Paths, the third border city, and the surrounding giant cities are all missing.

Since there are no magic potions, psionicists on this path can only rely on their appearance during their second awakening.

Just like Li Yelai's virtual beast language.

The Ark's unique properties might allow it to carry passengers from all over the world, of different backgrounds, to collect various potion recipes.

The corresponding recipe can be obtained simply by trading.

It is evident that this will enhance the overall strength of humanity.

Needless to say, those were materials and taboo items.

This is indeed a very important benefit; as a covert agent, the authorities will assist them.

Whether it's intelligence or mission requirements, we will try our best to meet them.

Then Li Yelai could directly gain many benefits from the Ark's transactions.

Besides sharing with the official platform, it also allows you to achieve effective self-improvement.

Potions for the third, fourth, and even fifth senses.

Obtaining high-quality psionic weapons is also within reach.

Of course, all of this is assuming that the other party has not discovered their identity.

"And then comes your curse, your doom!" Yin Huo continued, "Our research shows that your doom includes encountering powerful enemies and vehicle killers."

"You mean the vehicle killer can also work on the Ark?" Li Yelai was taken aback.

That would be interesting. Once everyone on the Ark is on board, we can just unleash a full-scale attack. Wouldn't that be a clean sweep?
If the vehicle killer effect is successfully triggered, what kind of mess would the Ark be in?
“Based on current analysis, this is possible. But we can’t test it,” Yin Huo said. “So, for now, consider your curse as your trump card. If things become unbearable, trigger the curse directly and forcibly leave the Ark. Even if you don’t get the information, you’ll still give them a slap in the face! That’s the worst-case scenario.”

Li Yelai nodded, indicating his understanding.

At this moment, Yang Chen, who had not spoken until now, suddenly said, "Everything is risky. Your vehicle killer might be ineffective against the Fangzhou."

It's also possible that if you forcibly leave the Ark, you might be captured or have your virtual projection destroyed, resulting in your being twisted or turned into a vegetable.

More likely, your illusory projection will be attacked by other illusory creatures along the way.

"Everything is risky, Night General. Don't force yourself. Think it over before you answer. Even if you don't want to go, no one will blame you."

Yang Chen looked at Li Yelai, his expression shifting between anger and uncertainty.

He naturally wanted revenge; the deaths of his teammates were all caused by the Ark's chosen ones. Therefore, when he heard about the Shadowfire's plan, he did not directly oppose it.

If the plan succeeds, everyone will be happy. Li Yelai will become stronger and will also be able to avenge his teammates!
But if something goes wrong, Li Yelai will be in danger.
“I know, Captain.” Li Yelai nodded.

Thinking of his deceased colleagues, Li Yelai's desire for revenge grew stronger.

They are willing to die in the face of danger. With Mr. Shadow as their trump card, why should they be afraid?
Moreover, the Ark can make humanity stronger, and also make oneself stronger.
Of course, there's also the worst-case scenario: maybe 'Mr. Shadow' won't be a match for 'Ark'.

Li Yelai fell silent, but images of his teammates, like heroes, flashed through his mind.
After a long pause, he nodded in response: "I should be able to. This operation must be carried out by our team! No one else but us!"

In this incident, among the psionicists of the various official branches, Team One suffered the greatest losses, with one-third of its members killed, and the survivors all bearing injuries. A significant number of the survivors were unable to carry out subsequent missions.

It can be said that the team has lost nearly half of its members.

Such grudges must be avenged by a team of their own!
Yang Chen's eyes flashed, and after a few seconds of silence, he said, "You are still members of our team, but remember, safety comes first."

"Hmm." Li Yelai nodded, then asked, "What should I do next? When should I enter the Ark? Will I need any training?"

“No rush. Every month on the 15th, the Ark members gather inside the Ark. It’s only the 20s now, there’s still plenty of time. There’s no need to go into the Ark alone.” Yin Huo laughed. “As for the training, that spokesperson has only attended twice. Forcibly imitating him will only create flaws. There will be a captain-level expert from the Whispering Path who can give you hints.”

"Both of the 15th of each month, I'll board the Ark as a hidden agent?" Li Yelai nodded slightly: "Then is it confirmed to be me? Don't we need to discuss it with the higher-ups again?"

Li Yelai thought that since each branch in the four major cities was selecting candidates, even if his own branch confirmed him, it wouldn't make a difference, right?

"No, I'm sure it's you." At this moment, the little old man who had sunk into the sofa suddenly spoke.

With his smile, his toothless gums were revealed.

He was really old, but his voice was still very strong.

The old man rose from the sofa, squinted at Li Yelai, as if he had seen through Li Yelai's secret: "Very good, you are very good. I look forward to your future growth."

Li Yelai looked at Yang Chen with some confusion.

Yang Chen shrugged and said, "This person is indeed a big shot. If he agrees, then it's you."

Li Yelai asked in a low voice, "Should I say something like, 'If you don't mind, I'd like to become your godfather'?"

The old man was taken aback, then laughed, "Then your seniority is far too high, hahaha! Alright, General Ye, now that the candidate has been chosen, you can go back. However, you must remember. This operation is very secretive; do not tell anyone. Not even family or friends. We will contact you when the time comes."

"Okay, I understand." Li Yelai nodded, greeted everyone, and then left the room.

Li Yelai, who was carrying out a secret mission, did not sense anything different.

Three days passed uneventfully. Li Yelai then received a message from the equipment department saying that the psionic weapons and the molten axe had been fully assembled.

So, Li Yelai rushed to the branch office with great excitement.

Soon he saw his equipment at the equipment department.

C-grade psionic weapon, Azure Dragon Halberd, or perhaps Crimson Dragon Halberd?
The shaft of the halberd is pure black, while the blade is reddish.

A golden dragon is painted on the pole, and in the dragon's eyes are a pair of moving crimson pupils.

It is said that among the eighteen weapons, the knife is the bravest of all weapons, the spear is the king of all weapons, and the sword is the sovereign of all weapons.

The halberd is the king of all weapons!
Just by being placed on the weapon rack, this Crimson Dragon Halberd exudes an aura of dominance and madness.

"Using the forbidden spirit of the tree and derivatives of the black gargoyle as the main ingredients, and supplemented by materials from three extraordinary creatures, we've finally completed this Crimson Dragon Halberd after working overtime," a middle-aged member of the equipment department explained. "You mentioned before that the weapon was too light and difficult to handle, so we specially added weight to it this time. However, neither its toughness nor its sharpness has been affected."

"You'll know once you try it." Li Yelai picked up the Crimson Dragon Halberd. The weight was indeed just right, and with Li Yelai's current physique, it was quite suitable for his hand.

The longsword was just as good to use before, but after my body was strengthened, my strength also increased, and it felt too light to swing.

Try swinging the Crimson Dragon Halberd, lifting it directly as you swing downwards, so that each swing curves in an arc.

Li Yelai was somewhat satisfied, and then the force with which he swung the halberd increased. The curvature of the Crimson Dragon Halberd shaft also increased.

The middle-aged member of the equipment department also turned serious.

He could naturally tell that Li Yelai was testing the resilience of the Crimson Dragon Halberd, slamming it down while pulling it back in the opposite direction, and that immense force would cause the Crimson Dragon Halberd to extend to its maximum arc.

If it's not tough enough, it will break after only a few swings.

Until Li Yelai pulled back for the eighteenth time, the Crimson Dragon Halberd drew an arc before returning to its original position.

Finally, he nodded in satisfaction: "Very good, I like it very much!"

The Crimson Dragon Halberd felt great to hold and allowed for the maximum execution of the Eighteen Single-Handed Thrusting Techniques. Li Yelai felt that his close combat skills had improved significantly.

Next up is the hot melt axe, a foldable model for easy portability.

As Li Yelai turned on the hot melt switch, a crimson glow and heat emanated from the axe blade.

With little effort, a casual slash left a three-centimeter-deep mark on the metal cube.

"Not bad, it did cost quite a bit of money," Li Yelai thought to himself, then folded up the hot-melt axe and tied it behind his back.

He took out the large black umbrella that the equipment department had modified for free and inserted the Crimson Dragon Halberd into it.

Hmm, not bad, well hidden.

He then bid farewell to the members of the equipment department and left the branch carrying a large black umbrella.

At one of the branch's exits, I saw the girl dressed in a panda mascot costume.

"Let's go," Li Yelai said with a smile. Today was the day to eat with the dolls. He would never forget his benefactor.

[Mmm (≧ω≦)/]
(P.S.: Guys, Lao Lang makes 4,000 a day, that's not a short time, really.)
(End of this chapter)