Scarlet Descent

This kid is trying to intimidate us.

As Captain Ouyang Jian and Wei Wei conversed, the surrounding team members suddenly had a moment of clarity.Except for Ye Feifei, who was still pondering: "What exactly is this ‘artwork’?"Ever since they had seen that monastery, every single one of them, including Captain Ouyang, had been harboring the same question. There just hadn’t been an appropriate time or mood to ask Wei Wei why he’d done such a thing.Why had he left behind that "artwork" after dismantling the sacrificial site?It was an act difficult to understand, one that even evoked fear.But if what Wei Wei said was true, that the sacrificial site wasn’t the only one, then even though he had single-handedly destroyed this one, it wouldn’t significantly impact the overarching "Blood-Flesh Rose" plan. The other sacrificial sites would still be operating as usual.In fact, it was possible that dismantling one site might even increase the "workload" of the remaining sites.Preventing further incidents would be nearly impossible.The core of Blood-Flesh Rose revolved around Life Demons but those hunting on the periphery came from various other types, each with unique abilities and hunting methods. Even if they wanted to warn ordinary people to be cautious, it wouldn’t make much difference.So was Wei Wei using the transformation of this Life Demon sacrificial site into an "artwork" as a way to intimidate others?...A unique and unconventional form of intimidation!Initially, his actions seemed terrifying and worrisome, but now......they were still a bit terrifying. Facing everyone’s gaze, Wei Wei’s expression remained calm and composed.Every piece of art has its purpose, and he certainly did too.Those Transcendents hiding in the shadows were incredibly difficult to locate, even Ye Feifei couldn’t be relied upon entirely. After all, her first success had been pure luck......Thinking about it, Wei Wei slapped himself lightly before raising his head and meeting Captain Ouyang’s gaze with certainty. "Although this method is quite extreme, there’s no need to blame yourself so much..."Captain Ouyang glanced at Wei Wei with a hint of sympathy but kept his expression neutral as he turned toward LittleLin:"Analyze this situation for us.""If Little Wei’s intuition is correct, how significant is the threat facing Scrap Iron City?" "It depends on their exact goals..." Little Lin replied immediately."After discovering that sacrificial site, we conducted an initial investigation. Based on the remaining bones and transaction records, it appears that this small site alone sacrificed nearly thirty lives over the past month, and the actual number might be even higher.""After all, they’ve been actively covering their tracks.""This is already a horrifying figure in itself, but if there are several other sites conducting similar rituals as part of one large-scale sacrifice, then their required number of sacrifices could very well reach... Third Tier." "Third Tier?"Hearing this number made everyone’s hearts skip a beat.Compared to Scrap Iron City’s population of over a million, it might seem like a small number, but within the Spiritual Barrier, this would be an unprecedentedly catastrophic event.Such insane sacrifices were typically only seen in lawless wastelands.While different demonic texts describe varying rituals and requirements for sacrifices, they generally follow three tiers:First Tier: The simplest level, perhaps just one person willing to offer their soul to a demon.Second Tier: Usually involves double-digit numbers, the most common and favored by demons being thirteen. Sacrifices at this level occurring within cities are already considered major crimes.Third Tier: Requires hundreds of lives, the most favored number being six hundred sixty-six (666). This level triggers intervention from high-ranking Foundation personnel and specialized teams.If such a large-scale ritual were carried out under the noses of Scrap Iron City’s security forces, it would constitute gross negligence. Forget about peaceful retirements, those responsible could face termination or prosecution for severe misconduct.They might even end up in laboratories being tested for collusion with cultists... And yet, the most critical issue was that while this ritual had already begun, they barely knew anything about it beyond its potential existence... Smack!The sudden sound of Captain Ouyang slamming his glass onto the table broke through their mounting anxiety.His face darkened as he asked:"If we wanted to root them out, how long would it take?"Little Lin frowned deeply before replying:"Very difficult."He sighed heavily:"Scrap Iron City used to be a scavenger hub, but even after being incorporated into the Spiritual Barrier Plan with administrative offices, security bureaus, and patrol teams stationed here, it’s become more chaotic in some ways.""The city claims a population of over one million, but in reality, it’s much higher.""On its outskirts lie countless lawless zones where drifters from both inside and outside gather, a buffer between Scrap Iron City and the wastelands beyond. The administrative offices tolerate their presence nominally classifying them as residents, but they live in areas where the Spiritual Barrier is weakest, many without official identities...""And within Scrap Iron City itself...""Our proximity to both wastelands and weak points in the Spiritual Barrier results in an unusually high proportion of Transcendents here, especially low-level ones.""The Spiritual Barrier can block high-level Transcendents and demon followers, but low-level ones barely register.""I once collaborated with the Security Bureau on data analysis, and estimated that low-level Transcendents make up nearly one in a thousand here.""In such large numbers, even if only ten percent were hunting for that mysterious organization, it would still be terrifying.""The fragmented nature of these sacrifices makes them hard for the Spiritual Barrier to detect, and chaotic conditions make finding victims all too easy." Listening intently, the team couldn’t help but feel their hearts pounding faster.If large numbers of low-level Transcendents in Scrap Iron City had gone mad, hunting indiscriminately for Blood-Flesh Rose sacrifices...How could they possibly stop it?Every day would bring staggering numbers of victims.The sheer horror lay in how each layer of analysis only deepened their dread.Either Wei Wei’s intuition was completely wrong, or this city was already crawling with countless maniacs... "In that case..."Amidst countless anxious gazes, Captain Ouyang finally broke his long silence, frowning deeply as he issued an order:"Little Lin, don’t suppress today’s news, release it.""Especially that... ‘artwork.’" "...Release it?"Hearing this shocked both Little Lin and Lucky Sister.They’d been among those who arrived first at the monastery, witnessing its gruesome aftermath firsthand. Normally, they were responsible for "educating" people to prevent public panic, and had successfully contained information about this incident until now.But now, Captain Ouyang wanted them to release it?Though they could guess at Wei Wei’s intentions, they were still taken aback.Who knew what kind of chaos such bloody imagery might stir up in Scrap Iron City? Wei Wei himself felt pleasantly surprised by Ouyang’s decision, a hint of joy rising within him unexpectedly.This was his first time showcasing his artistic sensibilities, but having his work completely suppressed hadn’t crossed his mind.The result was that while some appreciated his art, they were all insiders...None of those who should have seen it got to see anything at all.Normally, he wouldn’t bring up such matters himself; he understood others’ perspectives often differed greatly from his own, and prided himself on being patient with them because life requires tolerance...But now, to his surprise, Captain Ouyang had chosen to support him instead! "We don’t have time for hesitation," Ouyang sighed heavily:"Whether Little Wei’s intuition proves accurate or not, we must act decisively.""Release this news, even if it only deters one person, or saves one more life, it’ll be worth it."Taking another deep breath, he continued:"I admit, I’m someone who avoids trouble whenever possible."Under everyone’s astonished gazes, he smiled faintly before adding:"But just because I dislike seeking out problems doesn’t mean I can ignore them when they come knocking.""I don’t like making waves, but when waves come my way, I won’t run either...""If such sacrifices occur within our Spiritual Barrier, and even succeed...""We can kiss our pensions goodbye." Hearing this, the team exchanged glances before nodding resolutely despite their shock.Meanwhile, Wei Wei couldn’t help but feel his eyes light up.Across the long table, his gaze met Captain Ouyang’s, and he suppressed his excitement as he nodded slightly.What artist doesn’t want their work seen?Especially now, as someone newly ascended to Scarlet Mentor status, Wei Wei felt an unmistakable clarity:Art isn’t complete until it’s seen, not just created for oneself, it must be known by others, to truly realize its value...Perhaps only then would he truly understand what "touching souls" really meant?

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