The Shining Star Above The Heaven

Chapter 1168 - 1168: Signs of a Great Change

"I know you are wondering why I called this emergency meeting." General Bai paused and swept his gaze across the hall."The last time I did this was twenty years ago, when an SSSS-rank gate appeared. Truly an event we still remember, as we sacrificed many people to clear it."

The faces of some turned solemn, while others grew sad. That day had been pure chaos in Guangzhou, when an SSSS-rank gate suddenly appeared on its outskirts. Powerful monsters poured out from it, and worse, otherworlders came with them.

They attacked Guangzhou, and only through the combined effort of all SSSS-rank hunters in China were the monsters and otherworlders pushed back into the gate. Although the gate still remained, the monsters and the otherworlder race inside had not launched another attack like they did twenty years ago.

That place had since become one of the most dangerous zones, guarded by the military with the support of the Hunter Association.

"But this time, I did not call all of you here because of the appearance of an SSSS-rank gate, but for something else."

Some people, who had been tense since earlier because they thought an SSSS-rank gate had appeared again, suddenly felt extreme relief wash over them. They feared the incident from twenty years ago would repeat itself.

"This time, it's something just as important as the appearance of an SSSS-rank gate—No, I could even say it may be far more important than that." His tone remained calm, despite how shocking his words were.

All the soldiers widened their eyes in shock. More important than the appearance of an SSSS-rank gate? What could possibly be more important?

"Before I continue, please look at the video." General Bai spoke again as the hall suddenly turned dim, and a video began to play on the podium wall.

The video began by showing Aldrian and his wives. At first, the people in the hall did not understand what it was about. But they were stunned when they saw the faces of Aldrian, Sylphia, and the others.

Only then did they realize that what they were watching was the process of registering their identities.

"Man… look at his face. That face could make even a straight man bend," one soldier commented in a low voice to his friend beside him.

"Is that an elf from Ageras? She's the most beautiful elf I've ever seen. Aish… if only those elves were willing to accept a human as a husband."

"Look at those women… what beauties. What a lucky bastard."

Voices spread softly across the hall, careful not to disturb others. Almost all of them, in one way or another, commented on the appearances of Aldrian and his wives.

But then, most of the soldiers froze when they heard that Aldrian and his wives came from a place called the Inner Realm.

Almost everyone present had heard of that place before. A legendary land that even otherworlders longed to visit.

However, it was unreachable. A barrier prevented anyone from entering it.

And now… they were hearing that there were people claiming to come from that very place?

They continued watching the video, and their shock deepened when they saw that the military scanner could not assess Aldrian and the others' power ranks. Every result displayed an error.

How was that even possible?

Not long after, they were stunned again as General Ruan appeared on the screen, along with five well-known SS-rank hunters.

Only then did they realize that this footage had been taken in the Second Sky Garden, one of the two ring structures surrounding the Earth.

"That is the best way for you to evaluate us. If we go any further than that, things may spiral out of control. Our power is something that could destroy the Earth with ease."

They then heard Aldrian speak to General Ruan.

Silence fell.

They were astonished to hear something so absurd.

Arrogant! Truly arrogant!

Since the apocalypse era began, no being, not even otherworlders, had ever confidently claimed they could destroy the Earth with ease.

Who did these people think they were? Gods?

But then they saw one of the women release her aura.

In an instant, General Ruan and everyone present dropped to their knees.

All of the soldiers were astonished to see one of their strongest generals forced down like that. Even through the screen, they could clearly see that everyone in the room had been brought to their knees.

Not a single person remained standing.

After that, the video ended, and the lights in the hall lit up once again.

"As you can see, this video shows the process of registering the identities of these otherworlders. But let me add some details regarding what you just saw," General Bai said.

"They claim to be from the Inner Realm. That still requires further confirmation, but one thing is certain. As you saw, when their power was scanned, the scanner could not assess it. It is not because the device malfunctioned, but because their power exceeds anything our machines can detect. It is a level of power we have never encountered before."

Everyone present felt a chill run through their bodies. A power they had never encountered before?

"Yes. It is a power beyond SSSS-rank. Once again, we are facing a new ceiling, one far above our current limit. This has happened a few times in the past, but this time is different because of their origin," the general continued.

"General Ruan and the five SS-rank hunters have already confirmed it. They have never experienced an aura like that woman's. They said it was completely different from any aura they have ever felt before, including mine. At that time, a large part of the Second Sky Garden trembled, and that was only a small portion of her aura."

The soldiers felt their bodies grow heavy, their expressions turning grave.

"Although we have never fully understood the depth of power behind the otherworlders who visit our world, we believe these individuals, who claim to be from the Inner Realm, are on an entirely different level from any group we have encountered so far."

"The leader of the Hunter Association, Master Gao, even described them as beings far beyond anything we have ever encountered, and beyond anything the otherworlders themselves have ever faced. In simple terms, they are vastly stronger than all known otherworlders, including their hidden powerhouses."

This statement sent another wave of shock through the hall.

Master Gao's opinion was not something anyone could dismiss. His strength had always remained shrouded in mystery.

Among S-rank and above, there had long been whispers that Master Gao's strength had already surpassed SSSS-rank. That was why even SSSS-rank hunters like General Bai treated him with respect.

That man was also a major reason why Earth had not fallen into the hands of monsters or otherworlders despite repeated invasions.

If even someone like him said that these otherworlders were on a different level, then it might very well be true.

"Now you know why I had to hold this emergency meeting. With the appearance of these beings, possessing a level of power we have never encountered before, I am afraid that Earth may undergo another major change, just like in the past," General Bai said in a calm voice.

"Our experience has shown that every time beings far stronger than us appear in this world, we go through an evolution unlike anything before. Most of the time, it is filled with struggle and sacrifice."

"Perhaps the unusual changes in the gates over the past few years were already a sign. And now, with the arrival of these new otherworlders, it only shows that the next evolution is drawing closer. Although we do not know what kind of change Earth will face this time, we must prepare for it."

All the soldiers wore solemn expressions, their eyes focused. Even with anxiety in their hearts, they maintained a firm composure.

"But for now, do not be overly tense. The good news is that these four otherworlders appear to be amicable. They are not arrogant like some of the others we have encountered. The man is the husband of the three women, and they came to our planet to enjoy their time. At the very least, they come with peaceful intentions, and they may remain here for an unknown period."

Some of the soldiers could not help but feel a trace of envy toward Aldrian. He could have those women as his wives?

What a lucky bastard.

But when they recalled Aldrian's appearance, they had to admit they could not compare to him.

"From the latest information, he appears to be visiting Shanghai." General Bai once again swept his gaze across the hall.

"As long as they remain on this planet, all of you must be prepared for anything that may arise because of their presence. Make sure to support every department to ensure their stay is not disturbed by anyone, especially those malignant bastards."

At the mention of the malignant, the soldiers' expressions turned grim, a trace of anger flashing in their eyes, though they maintained their composure.

"That is all from me. If there are any updates regarding the situation, notices will be sent to each of your fortresses. Remember the appearances of those four otherworlders. If you ever encounter them, treat them with respect."

"Ah, one more thing." General Bai paused briefly. "For now, this information is restricted to a limited circle. I order all of you not to spread their details. Although I do not doubt that it will eventually leak, we must maintain order in the current situation for as long as possible. We do not want the public to panic upon learning that beings far above SSSS-rank are now among us."

All the soldiers understood and nodded.

"Alright, dismissed!" General Bai shouted.

The soldiers immediately rose from their seats and began leaving the hall. Even as they walked out, they continued discussing the matter in low voices.

Unknown to anyone, one of the SS-rank soldiers smirked as he made his way out. It was the kind of smile that carried ill intent, one that would unsettle anyone who noticed it.

'Otherworlders from the Inner Realm, with power beyond SSSS-rank… interesting.'

His eyes gleamed faintly.

'Maybe they could be used for our grand plan.'