F-class thief? Sorry, I can steal anything.

Chapter 354 Undercurrents in Kyoto!

Just as Chen Yifan was wreaking havoc at the Abyss Outpost, causing chaos and destruction.

Kyoto, the capital of the Dragon Kingdom, is thousands of kilometers away.

Inside a secret base hidden a thousand meters underground, the atmosphere was so heavy it was almost palpable.

This is the highest headquarters of the "Lamp Bearers".

A dozen or so figures, exuding profound and imposing presence, sat before the large, circular conference table.

They are the true core leaders of the Lamplighters organization; each of them is a powerful figure who can shake the entire Dragon Kingdom with a single stomp of their foot.

Meanwhile, in the main seat, a dignified and imposing middle-aged man was looking at the detailed battle damage report from Kangcheng on the holographic screen, his face ashen.

He is the leader of the twelve guardians of the Dragon Kingdom, codenamed [Chenlong].

He is also the nominal supreme leader of the Lamplighters organization, Long Zhenyue.

"A utter disgrace!"

Chenlong slammed his hand on the table, and a clear palm print instantly dented the hard alloy surface.

"They deployed an elite squad led by a 'Star Official,' equipped with 'Space-Locking Discs' specifically designed to counter spatial abilities, and what was the result?"

"Not only did they allow their target to escape right under their noses, but they were also ambushed by those 'iron-willed' members of the Council of Order, suffering heavy casualties!"

"The most ridiculous thing is that the star official actually suspected in his report that all of this was a frame-up by the Bloodline Clan!"

Chenlong's voice, like rolling thunder, echoed in the conference room, making everyone's heart tremble.

"A bunch of useless trash!"

He suddenly stood up, walked to the center of the conference room, and raised one hand.

An antique-looking bronze compass, covered in cracks, slowly appeared in his palm.

It was that relic artifact that could seal off a large area of ​​space and trace its origins.

[Locked empty disk].

"I don't care who that mysterious person is, or what forces are behind him."

A cold killing intent flashed in Chenlong's eyes.

"Those who dare to mock me, the lamplighter, will pay a bloody price!"

"Today, I will spare no expense to activate [Causal Tracing] again and drag him out from any corner of the world!"

As he spoke, the spiritual energy within his body began to surge wildly, preparing to inject the immense energy into that SSS-level talent rune that he rarely used.

"etc!"

Just then, a fair, slender hand gently pressed on the back of his hand, which was covered with blue veins.

The one who intervened was a woman who looked to be only in her early twenties and had a cool and aloof demeanor.

The twelve zodiac animals.

【卯兔】

He was also the only one who dared to speak up and stop Chenlong when he was enraged.

"Chenlong, calm down."

The voice of the Rabbit is like a clear spring, yet it carries an undeniable power.

Have you forgotten the "fog of causal deception"?

"That thing's energy hasn't completely dissipated yet. If you forcibly activate [Causal Tracing] now, you will inevitably suffer a strong backlash from the world's rules. At best, you'll be severely injured; at worst... your talent will be permanently damaged!"

Chenlong paused, a hint of apprehension flashing in his eyes.

"Moreover," Mao Tu continued coldly, "haven't you noticed that the energy fluctuations of the [Star Gate] above Kyoto have become increasingly abnormal lately?"

"According to the think tank's projections, within a month at most, a high-dimensional 'outer god' will attempt to forcibly descend!"

"This is our biggest threat right now! As the key element of Kyoto's defensive formation, if something goes wrong at this critical juncture, causing the defensive line to collapse, can you bear the responsibility?!"

These words were like a bucket of cold water, instantly extinguishing Chenlong's anger.

He is not someone who doesn't know what's important.

Compared to the safety of the entire Kyoto, and even the entire Dragon Kingdom, the personal grudge of hunting down a mysterious powerful figure should indeed be put aside for now.

The other senior executives around the conference table also chimed in.

"Lord Rabbit is right, the bigger picture is what matters!"

"That mysterious person, though despicable, is ultimately just a minor ailment. The anomaly at the Star Gate is the real threat!"

Chenlong remained silent for a long time before finally slowly withdrawing his hand.

He sat back in his chair and wearily rubbed his temples.

"So, what do you suggest we do?"

"Are we just going to let it go like this? Let that bastard get away with it?"

Mao Tu pushed up his gold-rimmed glasses, and a shrewd glint flashed in his eyes behind the lenses.

"Of course we can't just let it go like this."

"Direct pursuit is too risky and not worth the effort. But we can try another approach."

"I suggest suspending the official manhunt for that mysterious figure. Simultaneously, classify his file as Top Secret, Level S. Then..."

She paused, a cold smile curving her lips.

"In the name of 'The Lamplighter,' a huge bounty is offered on the underground black market."

"Say that there is a heretic madman, suspected to be a high-ranking member of the 'Blood and Flesh Source' sect, who committed a serious crime in Kangcheng and is now missing. Anyone who can provide clues about his whereabouts or kill him can come to the Lamplighter headquarters and receive a reward that would make any powerful person envious."

"Use those who operate in the gray area to help us test him out."

This plan was insidious, but effective.

The senior executives present, who were holding the torches, all had their eyes light up after hearing this.

After pondering for a moment, Chenlong slowly nodded.

"Okay, let's do it this way."

……

Meanwhile, in another, more secluded underground base in Kyoto, filled with futuristic technology.

The silver-masked man who had appeared on the Ferris wheel was kneeling on one knee, respectfully reporting to a massive mechanical body, dozens of meters tall, composed of countless gears and circuits.

"...Target 'Chen Yifan' has been confirmed to be out of control."

"Based on the final data analysis, he was using us from the very beginning. His real purpose was that batch of materials."

A metallic sound emanated from the cold, mechanical body.

A few seconds later, a voice devoid of any emotion rang out within the base.

"variable……"

"There are incalculable 'variables' in this person."

"His secret of disregarding the rules and recklessly using the power of heretics is both a threat and an opportunity to the 'Truth Descends' plan."

"Command...Change".

"Abandon 'guiding' and switch to 'capturing'."

"Capture him alive at all costs."

"Even if we have to dismantle every bone and every nerve in his body, we will find out that secret."

"Yes, my master."

The masked man lowered his head deeply.

……

At this very moment, thousands of kilometers away at the Abyss Outpost.

Chen Yifan knew nothing about what was happening in Kyoto.

He wiped the blood and dust from his face, his eyes showing no fear, but rather a fervent fighting spirit.

He stared intently ahead at the enormous creature that was slowly emerging from the depths of the earth.

"Finally... a big fish has arrived."