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"For his safety, and to prevent Lucius from resorting to desperate measures and plotting again, his whereabouts will be kept strictly confidential until he is out of danger!"

This reason was reasonable and temporarily put to rest the doubts about Pompey's whereabouts.

Most members of the Motorcycle Alliance were outraged and denounced Lucius' betrayal.

However, among the crowd, some leaders and backbones of other organizations began to have flickering eyes after the initial shock.

The Burning Crystal Lake has been ignited, and the crisis is over. Pompey is seriously injured and unable to manage affairs for a short time, and may even be unable to recover.

The triumphant group was leaderless and its reputation plummeted.

The one who now sits on the throne of overlord is the young leader Caesar, the son of Calydon.

Although the Motorcycle Alliance is bound together by morality and loyalty, how long can the so-called "loyalty" last in this resource-scarce Outer Ring and in the face of huge interests?

Pompey had been the overlord for many years, and while he had been fairly fair, he had also invisibly suppressed the development of other organizations. Now a new leader had taken over, and he was the son of Calydon, whose foundation was still relatively shallow...

Will the next competition for the position of hegemony come sooner?

Do I also have the opportunity to sit on the seat that symbolizes the highest power and resource allocation rights in the outer ring?

Ambition, like weeds, quietly grows in corners that cannot be fully illuminated by the light rekindled from the lake of fire.

Caesar stood on the high platform, feeling the various gazes from below - some admiring, some grateful, some angry, some scrutinizing, some calculating, and some eager to try.

She clenched her fists, her young face full of sharpness, and she understood that the real challenge might have just begun.

A new era for the Outer Rim began with the roar of the Lake of Fire.

However, not everyone accepted the results and Caesar's explanation.

"Wait!" A rough voice exploded among the crowd of triumphant people. A burly wolf-man with a scar on his face stepped out of the crowd, followed by several confidants with equally unfriendly expressions.

Pointing at Caesar on the stage, his eyes were full of suspicion and anger.

"Caesar! You said that Brother Pompey was seriously injured and you saved him? Who can prove it?! We want to see him alive or dead!"

"Who knows if you, the son of Calydon, used some insidious trick to harm Brother Pompey, and then made up this lie to fool everyone so that you could sit on the throne of the overlord!"

"Yes! We want to see Brother Pompey!" "Hand over Brother Pompey!" The minions behind him immediately started to make noise.

It even mobilized a small number of Pompey's die-hard fans, and the atmosphere on the scene instantly became tense again.

Caesar frowned and said loudly, "I've already said that Uncle Pompey is seriously injured and is receiving treatment in a secret location. This is for his own safety! Lucius and the others haven't been apprehended yet. Who knows if they'll take the risk?"

"Excuses! They're all excuses!" The leading wolf-man ignored him and charged forward excitedly. "I think it's you who killed Big Brother! If you don't hand Big Brother over today, we, the Triumphant, will never let you go!"

Seeing that the situation was about to get out of control, Lucy was so angry that her face turned pale and she was about to step forward to argue.

At this moment, Wright, who had been standing silently behind Caesar, moved!

He leaped down from the edge of the platform like a flash of black lightning! His speed was so fast that only a shadow was left in everyone's eyes!

"Shut up!" Wright growled, and with a powerful punch, he hit the wolf-man who was leading the noise right in the chest without any fuss!

boom!

With a loud, dull thud, the burly wolf-man was struck like a battering ram. Without even a moment to scream, he flew backwards over ten meters, slamming heavily onto several empty oil drums with a resounding clang, and fainted instantly.

Wright succeeded in his attack, and his body did not stop, like a tiger among a flock of sheep, using both fists and feet!

boom! boom! boom!

In just a few breaths, the wolf-Xi people who were causing the commotion and several of their followers were knocked to the ground cleanly and neatly. They all covered their wounds and groaned, completely losing the ability to resist.

Wright's cold, murderous gaze swept over the remaining members of the Triumph who were ready to make a move. The strong sense of oppression made them feel as if they were poured with a basin of ice water. They were instantly silent and subconsciously took a few steps back.

"Who else wants to try?" Wright's voice was not loud, but it was clearly heard throughout the silent meeting room, with an iron-blooded coldness.

Absolute force! This is the meaning of being a champion. When reason doesn't make sense, use fists to make it clear.

There was dead silence.

The triumphant members who were just enraged were now filled with fear and cold sweat.

Caesar spoke at the right moment, his tone gentle but unquestionable: "In a week, after a week, when the resident doctor confirms that Uncle Pompey is stable and can be moved, I will personally take you to see him!"

"Then you can take him back to the Triumphal Encampment to recuperate! But now, anyone who dares to disrupt the meeting and question the alliance's resolution will not be blamed by the Son of Calydon for being ruthless!"

Wright's drastic measures and the clear deadline given by Caesar finally calmed the unrest within the Triumphs temporarily.

The people who were knocked down were carried away in disgrace by their companions, and no one dared to shout on the spot.

Chapter 40 Wildfire Feast, the Finals Begin

The cautious Zhe and Ling had already discussed with Ying and others through the chat group, and everyone in the chat group secretly brought Pompey back to Wildfire Town, which was relatively safe and far away from the center of the storm at the competition venue.

After all, no one can guarantee whether there are Lucius's spies or backers lurking in the chaotic competition scene or inside the Triumph.

The first priority is to protect Pompey's life and prevent him from being silenced.

When Zhe and Ling brought the chatting crowd and carried the still unconscious Pompey back to the rope maker's workshop in Wildfire Town, they happened to meet the old man who was restless and pacing anxiously at the door.

The spiritual pillar of the son of Calydon, due to his advanced age and need to stay at home, was unable to follow Caesar and his men into the cave to compete, and could only follow their situation through live TV broadcasts.

However, the subsequent live broadcast signal was interrupted, and the news that came was vague, which made him anxious and unable to calm down, so he came to Zheheling to wait for news.

"Isn't this Brother Danheng? Why are you back? Where are Caesar and the others? How's the Fire Lake?"

When Big Daddy saw everyone, especially Pompey who was supported by Dan Heng, his voice trembled, "What is Pompey doing...?"

Then he hurried to meet him.

"Big Daddy, don't worry, Caesar and the others are fine, and the lake of fire has been successfully ignited! Caesar has taken over the position of overlord and is handling follow-up matters at the venue." Zhe hurriedly comforted him.

Big Daddy's eyes were fixed on the unconscious Pompey, and he took the initiative to step forward and carefully took his old friend from Dan Heng's hands.

Looking at Pompey, who was unconscious but breathing steadily and did not look seriously injured or dying, Big Daddy's eyes were filled with complex emotions - worry, relief, and a hint of sadness for the hero's twilight years.

Ling had already briefly told him part of what had happened (an embellished version, naturally).

The Big Daddy knew the inside story of this incident very well, and he also understood that Pompey had really suffered a big setback this time and was seriously injured.

"Alas..." The old man sighed deeply and patted Pompey's shoulder with his rough hand. "Old friend...it's finally time for you, an old man like you, to retire..."

In his opinion, Pompey was "seriously injured" this time. Even if he was rescued, he would probably have left behind some hidden injuries that were difficult to heal. He would never be able to fight or go deep into dangerous caves like before.

This sadness for my old rival and friend comes from the heart.

At the same time, Big Daddy also noticed that Zhe, Ling and this group of new friends seemed to have something to say, and the atmosphere was a little solemn.

He tactfully apologized, "Thank you for your hard work, young men! I'll take this old man to the back and settle him down so he can have a good rest. You guys chat slowly."

After saying this, he carefully supported Pompey and walked towards the lounge next to the studio with a slightly unsteady step.

Looking at the backs of Big Daddy and Pompey as they left, the people chatting in the front hall of the workshop fell silent for a moment.

On the way back, Ling had already "live-streamed" the entire process of Caesar being questioned by the Triumphant when he took over as the Overlord, and Wright's suppression, from Ies's perspective, as she watched from Zhe's side.

At this moment, thinking of the faces of those ambitious people and Wright's thundering methods, everyone felt quite touched.

"There are always ambitious people who are unwilling to be lonely and want to stir up trouble and overturn the peace that has been hard-earned."

Zhongli stood with his hands behind his back, looking out the window at the slightly desolate but peaceful scenery of Wildfire Town. His steady voice carried a hint of insight into the world.

"That's right!" Paimon nodded vigorously. "That Lucius is so mean! And those guys at the venue who wanted to take advantage of the situation!"

After all, Ies was still with Caesar and the others at the venue preparing for the final finishing work, so on the way back, Ling gave everyone in the group a commentary on the intense venue battle.

"Hmph, next time I see them, I'll definitely give them a beating!" Xing waved his fist.

Dan Heng and San Yue Qi also nodded silently, obviously impressed by the conspiracy in this incident.

Just as the atmosphere was about to become heavy again, Xing's eyes suddenly lit up and he jumped up suddenly, his previous indignation instantly thrown out of his mind:

"Hey, hey, hey! Everyone! Stop sighing! Business is important!" She rubbed her hands excitedly and looked at Ling.

"Ring! When do we start the Hellfire Ride finals in the chat group? I can't wait to get the championship reward!"

The topic changed so quickly and abruptly that everyone was stunned, and then they couldn't help laughing.

Yes, the troubles have come to an end for the time being, so why let those ambitious people ruin our mood?

"Xing is right!" Sanyueqi also became excited. "Competition! Competition is the most important!"

Ying smiled and nodded: "It's good to relax for a while."

Zhe and Ling looked at each other and smiled relaxedly.

Ling made the decision, "Alright! Let's set it for after lunch! Everyone can take a break, and my brother and I will also have finished our work, so we can focus on the competition!"

During lunch time, the atmosphere became particularly cheerful.

Ying took out the carefully prepared specialties from various countries in the continent of Teyvat from the Chen Ge pot: Mond's Wind God Stew, Liyue's Golden Shrimp Balls, Inazuma's Bird Egg Grilled, Xumi's Curry Shrimp... The aroma was overflowing, making people's mouths water.

Not to be outdone, the train crew brought out the special delicacies they brought from Luofu: tapir bun rolls, ming lotus root cakes, soda bean juice (a drink Xing specially prepared to recommend to everyone, which is said to be the most popular drink in Luofu), etc.

Paimon looked at the dazzling array of delicious food, his eyes turned into stars, and he cheered and pounced on them.

The little figure shuttled between the dining tables, with his little mouth stuffed full, and he almost never stopped eating.

"Paimon! Eat slowly! Be careful not to choke!" Ying reminded helplessly.

"Hmm...hmm...it's so delicious!" Paimon answered vaguely and grabbed another piece of golden shrimp ball.

By the time lunch was over, Paimeng had slumped in his chair, patting his belly contentedly and burping happily: "Burp~ So... delicious... but... a little full..."

Looking at Paimon's round belly, everyone couldn't help but smile, but at the same time they were a little worried.

"Paimeng, can you still ride your bike this afternoon?" March 7 couldn't help but ask.

"No...no problem!" Paimon tried hard to puff out his chest (although his round belly made the action look even funnier).

"Paimon is really awesome! Just take a break! At worst, I can just drive slower later!"

Ying held her forehead: "...Okay."

Time soon came to afternoon.

The sun was still scorching, and everyone had already ridden their motorcycles to a relatively stable cave entrance near Wildfire Town, making final preparations before the competition.

Zhongli walked up to Zhe and Ling, holding two warm and translucent jade pendants carved with mysterious rock patterns.

"This is a gift for you two." Zhongli handed the jade pendant to Zhe and Ling respectively.

"It contains a trace of rock elemental power that can help you two resist the erosion of the aether in the void. If you encounter danger, it may be able to protect you."

Zhe and Ling took the jade pendant, which was warm to the touch. A steady and heavy warmth instantly spread throughout their bodies, as if even the restless ether energy around them had become a little calmer.

They knew how precious this gift was and were filled with gratitude.

"Thank you, Mr. Zhongli!" They both thanked him in unison.

"It's just a small favor, don't worry about it." Zhongli nodded slightly.

Chapter 41 No martial ethics!

Afterwards, Ling started the finals mode through the chat group.

The chat group system immediately provided a new route map leading to the Burning Crystal Fire Lake and projected it in front of everyone.

However, when Zhe and Ling saw this new and completely different route map, the smiles on their faces suddenly froze and turned into bitter smiles.

"This... the route has completely changed?" Zhe pushed his glasses, his tone helpless.

"And the structure is even more complicated...all the previous calculations were in vain." Ling also sighed, her face falling.

Their only advantage as rope makers is their familiarity with hollow routes and their ability to calculate.

They wanted to use this to gain a good ranking in the competition, but they didn't expect that after the fire lake was ignited, the internal space of the void was indeed reconstructed. The chat group provided the latest map, and their previous preparations were completely invalidated!

Thinking that they and their brother were still ordinary people after all, without the extraordinary physique and combat power like Xing and Ying, Zhe and Ling looked at each other and reached a consensus instantly.

"Ahem, that..." Zhe said a little embarrassedly, "For Ling and I, safety is our top priority in this race. We just need to finish the race! Rankings and the like will all depend on you, the big guys!"

Lingye nodded like a chicken pecking at rice: "Yes, yes, yes! The important thing is to participate!"

Zhongli also had the same idea.

He said calmly, "This kind of race is the perfect opportunity for young people to showcase their abilities. I will be in the rear, providing support and assistance to you all in case of any unforeseen circumstances."