As reports—both good and bad—poured in from across Ninghang City, Li Canghai, the director of the city’s Abnormal Affairs Bureau and overall commander of the special operation against the Flesh Blossoms, felt an overwhelming urge to unleash a string of curses.
But as the bureau’s leader, he knew this wasn’t the time for outbursts. Suppressing his frustration, he calmly analyzed the situation and issued what he believed were the most appropriate orders for each district.
“Damn it, why did such a massive crisis have to land in my lap right after I became director?”
Though he grumbled internally, Li Canghai—a superhuman himself—didn’t regret taking the position.
Just then, one of his subordinates rushed over with the latest findings from the monitoring division.
“Director, based on intel from Miss Yan Yu and our own detection systems, we’ve confirmed that seven Flesh Blossoms have been destroyed.”
“Seven? That’s excellent news!”
Li Canghai exhaled in relief. He knew all too well the devastation these hidden blossoms could unleash if allowed to bloom unchecked near the city. After a brief pause, he asked,
“Were all seven eliminated by Miss Yan Yu and Miss Dao Yan?”
“Yes, both of them personally entered the black barriers to neutralize them.”
“I figured as much. Not surprising, though—Miss Dao Yan is the only one who can detect those barriers and move freely in and out. If only we could recruit her into the bureau…”
His subordinate’s eyes flickered with an idea. “Director, if you want her on our team, why not personally invite her after this operation?”
Li Canghai shook his head. He’d already been informed by higher-ups that Dao Yan had no intention of joining any official organization.
“No need. She won’t be joining us.”
“Did she say that herself?”
“Not directly, but her closest friend—Hu Yao’er, that superhuman with fox ears and tail from the same group—made it clear.”
“Group? So Miss Dao Yan has already joined a civilian superhuman organization?”
Realizing his suggestion was a dead end, the subordinate grew curious. “Which organization is it?”
Seeing no reason to hide public information, Li Canghai replied,
“Yes, she and her friends founded their own civilian group.”
“Is it legally registered?”
“Of course. They’ve already completed the paperwork with us.”
“What’s the group called?”
“The Free Life Association.”
“…That sounds more like a hobby club than a superhuman organization.”
“I thought the same, but Miss Dao Yan insisted on the name.”
As the two chatted to relieve stress, another messenger rushed over, her face pale.
“Director—we have a major problem!”
Li Canghai spun around. “What happened?”
“The Flesh Blossom in Jingshan District has fully manifested! The abyssal rift has opened, and the creatures trapped inside the black barrier have broken free! Our teams there are requesting immediate backup.”
Li Canghai’s expression darkened. “Damn it—no, never mind. Mobilize all available personnel and follow me to Jingshan. We cannot let those abyssal monsters harm civilians. Understood?”
“Understood, Director! I’ll assemble the teams at once.”
…..
Meanwhile, Yan Yu, who was following Yan Qi toward the nearest black barrier, suddenly stiffened.
“Dao Yan, something’s wrong—Jingshan District is in trouble.”
The surge of abyssal energy was unmistakable: a Flesh Blossom had bloomed ahead of schedule. Remembering Yan Qi’s warnings about the dangers of such an event, Yan Yu urgently called out,
“We need to help! That energy signature is not harmless.”
Yan Qi didn’t need the reminder. She’d sensed the disturbance the moment it erupted. Without breaking her flight path, she replied,
“I know.”
“Should we head there now?”
Yan Qi shook her head. “No. We’re not going.”
Yan Yu blinked. “Why not? This is clearly an emergency!”