Chapter 49: Internal Strife and External Threats—The Challenge of Breaking the Deadlock

Mao Yu flashed and slipped away from the dark forces’ base. The alarms blaring around the perimeter pierced the night with a shrill cry, as if mocking his clumsy retreat.

Wiping the dust from his face, he spat disdainfully. “What the hell is going on? Are they messing with me?” Just moments ago, the black-clad warriors had been bristling with murderous intent; now, as if possessed, they had scattered like ghosts, leaving him bewildered.

His communicator on his wrist buzzed urgently. Mao Yu answered, hearing the anxious voice of Mao Ling on the other end. “Brother, are you all right? We just received word—the dark base is in trouble!”

“I’m fine, just a bit stunned,” Mao Yu panted. “Suddenly, the alarms blared inside the base, and every single black-clad figure fled like they’d seen the devil.”

“What’s going on? Could it be infighting?” Mao Ling’s voice was thick with confusion.

“I don’t know. I’m heading to the Alliance headquarters to report this immediately.” Mao Yu cut the call and set off at once for the Alliance of Psychics’ command center.

He had to inform them quickly so they could unite against this mysterious force.

Racing like the wind, Mao Yu arrived at the Alliance headquarters, still bearing signs of battle. His clothes were stained with dust and blood; exhaustion weighed heavily on him, yet his eyes burned sharp and urgent.

He strode straight into the conference room. “Leader Zhang, I have an urgent report!”

Within the room, Leader Zhang and other Alliance members were deliberating their next course of action.

Zhang frowned at Mao Yu’s disheveled appearance. “Mao Yu, what on earth do you think you’re doing? This is no way to conduct yourself!”

“Leader Zhang, this isn’t the time for formalities!” Mao Yu’s tone was urgent. “I just escaped from the dark base. Something’s wrong inside—they all evacuated. I suspect—”

“Suspect what? That they set a trap for you?” Zhang cut him off with a sneer. “Mao Yu, I know you’re eager to prove yourself, but you can’t just spread baseless rumors.”

“I’m not fabricating anything! I saw it with my own eyes!” Mao Yu’s voice rose with passion as he recounted his ordeal in detail, unwavering. “I believe there’s been a major upheaval within the dark forces. This is a golden opportunity to strike back!”

But Zhang remained unmoved, scoffing coldly. “Your words are one-sided and lack any proof.”

Whispers spread among the members; some sided with Mao Yu, urging caution and attention to his intelligence, while others aligned with Zhang, dismissing Mao Yu’s claims as exaggeration.

“Hmph, young people are impulsive and lack discernment,” an older psychic shook his head in disapproval.

The atmosphere thickened with tension and suppression. Mao Yu felt helpless and anxious. He struggled to convince them, but Zhang’s stubborn bias rendered his efforts futile.

Just then, the conference room door swung open. “Minister Li has arrived!”

Minister Li, with his round, oily face and trademark sycophantic smile, squeezed into the room.

He first bowed repeatedly to Leader Zhang, then gave Mao Yu a hesitant smile, eyes silently pleading, “I dare offend neither of you.”

“Well, well, everyone seems lively,” Minister Li rubbed his hands together as his corpulent frame pressed into the crowd. “I heard about the dark forces’ trouble and came quickly to see if I could help.” His words cleverly avoided offending Zhang while signaling he wasn’t just a bystander—a true master of balancing allegiances.

Mao Yu watched Li’s timid demeanor with silent exasperation. This old man was never reliable in crucial moments. Better to expect a pig to climb a tree than count on him.

He sighed; the infighting within the Alliance drained him more than battling the dark forces ever could.

Seeing Li’s fence-sitting stance, Mao Yu knew further argument was pointless.

Suddenly, he slammed his fist on the table with a resounding bang, making everyone jump.

They stared blankly, puzzled by his sudden outburst.

“Fine! If you won’t believe my words, then let the facts speak!” Mao Yu sneered and pulled from his backpack several items sealed in transparent bags, throwing them forcefully onto the table.

“What’s this...?” Curiosity surged as the noisy room fell silent, save for their shallow breaths.

Leader Zhang’s face darkened; he hadn’t expected Mao Yu had such a trump card.

Squinting, he scrutinized the items, searching for flaws.

Fragments of blackened metal lay scattered, etched with strange, arcane patterns, accompanied by scorched fabric emitting a faint burnt odor.

These were Mao Yu’s trophies from the dark forces’ base. Though not conclusive evidence, they were enough to prove his words had merit.

Witnessing the shift in expressions—from disdain to surprise, then solemnity—Mao Yu felt some relief.

Crossing his arms, a faint smile curled his lips as he waited silently for their response.

While the group gathered around the table, debating the “evidence,” Feng Yao quietly approached Mao Yu, gently tugging at his sleeve.

“Mao Yu, my family… there’s trouble. Maybe—” Her eyes glistened with unshed tears; the usually aloof and cold beauty now appeared especially vulnerable.

“Don’t worry. I’m here.” Mao Yu softly squeezed her hand, offering comfort.

He knew this was no time for romance, yet he couldn’t abandon the girl who had captured his heart.

Just then, the door burst open again. A frantic Alliance member stumbled in, his face pale with terror.

“Leader! Something’s wrong outside… outside—” His voice faltered, as if witnessing something unimaginable.

“Damn, this really came from the dark stronghold?” A young psychic picked up a piece of the metal, examining the eerie engravings with a shiver.

“Impressive, Young Master Mao! That move was badass!” Another psychic gave Mao Yu a thumbs-up, admiration thick in his tone.

With the evidence revealed, the atmosphere in the room did a complete 180.

Those who had doubted Mao Yu now wilted like frostbitten eggplants, their resolve deflated.

They began praising Mao Yu’s courage and wisdom, their eyes shining with newfound respect.

Mao Yu’s heart swelled with pride.

A subtle smile played at his lips, as if to say, “Not so easy to mess with me, huh?”

Leader Zhang’s face was ashen, as if he’d swallowed a fly.

Though unwilling to admit it, he had to acknowledge Mao Yu’s discovery was crucial.

Clearing his throat to mask his embarrassment, he said, “Hm, it seems the dark forces truly face internal upheaval. We must act swiftly.”

Mao Yu watched as the tide turned in his favor, a confident grin lighting his face.

The others cast admiring glances his way, as if he were the hero destined to save the world.

A wave of unprecedented glory surged through him—what a thrilling sensation!

Mao Ling and Feng Yao stood steadfast by his side. Feng Yao’s gentle gaze sparkled with stars, silently declaring, “My man is that extraordinary!” Mao Ling clenched her tiny fists, cheering quietly, “Brother, you’re the best!”

Their support warmed Mao Yu’s heart.

He knew how fortunate he was to face the dark forces with such loyal comrades beside him.

Clenching his fists, he vowed silently to protect them, to safeguard the city.

Just as the Alliance neared unanimous agreement, the door was violently thrown open.

A bloodied psychic staggered in, panting heavily.

“Report! The dark forces… they’ve… they’ve—” He trembled, pointing outside.

“What happened?!” Mao Yu’s heart clenched with a dreadful premonition.