Chapter 126: Earth

When Chen Shijin appeared on the smartphone screen, ordinary people on Earth merely perceived the young man as having an enchantingly captivating face, with a demeanor that was both aloof and elegantly poised, yet his words carried an unexpected firmness.

The predominant response in most would be — Who is he?

Next comes the curiosity to know who this person is.

However, for the exiles returning to Earth from their place of banishment, this face, this voice, and the words he spoke, each one was a devastating blow that forced them to ponder their existence deeply.

Those exiles who, upon returning, were still testing whether this world was the true Earth and hadn't had the chance to do much expressed:

Thank goodness indeed. Truly, to live as a person is to understand the art of survival, that one must avoid being the conspicuous target, for it is in non-contention and non-aggression that longevity is fostered.

Furthermore, oh dear. Fueled by the fantasy of becoming superheroes upon their return to Earth, they failed to realize that above them stood a divine orator, one who had vanquished King Jinsung and ascended to the throne as humanity's new ruler. Even on Earth, the Great King would remain the Great King.

It seems wise not to provoke any trouble for the time being and focus on exploring the nation's job offerings instead.

And those exiles who were committing misdeeds due to their extraordinary powers, upon witnessing the trending video of Chen Shijin, had varied reactions. Some turned pale and hastily ceased their actions. However, the majority either sneered coldly or gritted their teeth, continuing their deeds and disregarding Chen Shijin's warnings through the screen.

"Pah, it's just a mere Word Incantation? Do I, your father, fear you?" A figure shrouded in thick fog directly assassinated the leader of an opposing organization, then plundered all the wealth from their treasury, laughing heartily afterward.

"Chinese people have no say in our Sakura Nation's affairs. So what if Chen Shi Jin is golden? He doesn't know who I am, nor will he specifically come looking for trouble with me. On my turf, I make the rules!"

With that laugh, he vanished once more, engulfed by the fog.

"Boss, Chen Shi Jin has spoken. Should we continue with our operation?"

"He can't command all the exiles in the Exiled Lands anyway. At best, he's just a new city lord. On Earth, we'll have more to worry about than him."

"Since he claims this is the real Earth, then hey, isn't it a waste not to take advantage of our unique powers after enduring so much suffering in the Exiled Lands?"

The blond man with a scar on his face blew out a smoke ring. "Ignore him. As long as our business doesn't involve China, Chen Shi Jin won't have the leisure to bother with us."

"....Haha, protecting Earth is everyone's responsibility?"

The scarred blond man chuckled. "At least a hundred thousand people returned to Earth from the Exiled Lands this time."

"Does Chen Shi Jin think those hundred thousand are still ordinary humans?"

"Soon, this world will be engulfed in profound transformation and upheaval because of these hundred thousand individuals."

Human desire is insatiable.

Perhaps at first, those returning from exile would be cautious, observing and endeavoring to adapt to this world.

But as time went by, when the exiles discovered that killing or defeating the humans around them was as simple as crushing an ant, what they desired and sought to possess was by no means what they had at present.

A national civil servant?

Ah.

Why would one bask in the glory of serving the state when one could be the one giving orders?

"There's no need to rush. In just a month or two, Chen Shi Jin will pose no threat."

Unless... the king of this Exile Realm plans to recreate his realm's cities and laws right here on Earth.

Unless... he withstands all pressures and decides to become the king of this world.

But such a thing was simply out of the question.

Regardless of the thoughts and actions of those exiles who still operate abroad, at least Chen's appearance and statements have been quite effective within the borders of Hua Guo.

One consequence of Chen Shijin's trending status across various platforms was that within an hour, the National Security Bureau received no less than seven thousand applications for top-tier civil servant positions.

This brought a gratified smile to Minister Tu's face. "See, the young men and women of our country are indeed deeply patriotic!"

"Have the Information Processing Department immediately engage in dialogue with them, and see to it that all these exceptional talents are absorbed into the state's fold!"

The other leaders in the Security Department were also greatly relieved.

To be honest, they had previously been worried that these individuals with special abilities might engage in activities detrimental to national security, just like that winged bat-like man.

But, well, thank the gods and ancestors! Their first encounter upon return was with a straight-thinking, socialist youth! And this young man happened to possess immense power capable of subduing any potential troublemakers!

The situation stabilized instantly.

Although those present were aware that there could still be shifts in power dynamics, they all believed that as long as Chen Shijin was around, China would remain secure.

After all, according to the accounts of the other outstanding returnees, Chen Jinnan was already a top human powerhouse in that exile land.

Eheh.

How pleasant.

1. In the realm of novel translation, I am the premier expert in China.

They thrive on such progression and narrative!

"Very well, now let's proceed with our respective tasks. Continue delving into the intricacies of the Exiled Lands and the unique abilities of the Exiles."

While the Crimson Rain incursion was repelled this time, there's no telling where it might emerge next or if Comrade Xiao Chen will be able to stop it. I'll have another discussion with Comrade Xiao Chen about the Crimson Rain later. The surveillance department must also maintain vigilant monitoring of national activities, as well as any shifts in foreign powers and major incidents.

Minister Tu's expression turned grave. "…The fact that our country can swiftly stabilize the situation with the refugees doesn't mean that other nations will opt for the same approach."

In countries where hubris or fragmentation is pronounced, a charismatic exile might be enough to topple a regime, with destabilizing consequences for the world.

Minister Tu said, frowning deeply, "Let's keep them under surveillance for now. Hopefully, the exiles won't cause any major issues."

Yet, everyone present understood that it was challenging to resist using and displaying power when one had it.

And human desires knew no bounds.

Take Grandma Lu for instance.

Staring at her grandson's face on the phone screen, she was utterly stunned.

After a long while, she turned to look at her daughter and sons, "Did I see that wrong? It was just a flash!"

"Both my precious grandsons vanished and then suddenly appeared in the Pearl Tower?!"

Father and Mother Lu were still in awe of their son's incredible feat, nodding excitedly.

In contrast, Father and Mother Jin were somewhat speechless. Their once-irritating mute boy had now become a cherished grandson.

This old lady's favoritism and fickleness remained consistent.

"Oh my! Oh my! Our family's ancestral graves must be emitting green smoke! Our children have become so remarkable, hahaha!"

"Ooh ooh, my little grandson's green hair looks so fresh and vibrant, no matter how you look at it!"

"And my eldest grandson! He appears so formidable! He has the aura of a great leader!"

Grandma Lu then slapped her thigh. "Shouldn't the country give my eldest grandson and little grandson important positions? They just saved someone's life! Surely they deserve millions in rewards, along with a big house, right?"

"Hehehe, as their grandma, I won't be greedy. Just a few million to spend would show their filial piety!"

Dad Jin and Mom Jin: "...."

Dad Lu and Mom Lu: "...."

This was entirely expected.

But Dad Lu and Mom Lu couldn't help feeling a bit tempted.

Upon returning, Chen Shijin, Lu Jun, and Brother Bear overheard Grandma Lu. Brother Bear chuckled, while Chen Shijin rolled his eyes, and Lu Jun turned red with embarrassment.

Grandma, could I buy your silence with a few million?!

Following this, Grandma Lu regarded Chen Shi Jin with an unprecedentedly tender expression. However, before she could say anything, Chen Shi Jin excused himself, claiming he had pressing matters to attend to, and turned to leave.

As he was leaving, he exchanged a significant look with his parents, indicating that their conversation would continue later that evening.

Indeed, Chen Shi Jin does have pressing matters to attend to, matters which he deems even more troublesome than dealing with those hotheads who, upon their return, recklessly misuse their abilities.

It was the long, crimson line that he had just seen on Liu Yong, winding around his body.

It was described as a line, but as Chen Shi reached out to touch it, this elongated shape dissipated like mist.

Yet, mere seconds later, the crimson line that had dissipated reappeared on Liu Yong's body.

Using the power of the Eye of Truth, Chen Shijin traced the end of the red line. It unexpectedly stretched all the way into the sky.

Upon realizing this, Chen Shijin, standing atop the Pearl Tower, felt a chill run down his spine.

The apprehension he had been holding onto finally crashed down upon him like the proverbial other shoe dropping.

Of course, how could the Devourer God of the Exiled Land be some philanthropist who merely sends humans back to Earth?

Yet, It clearly stated that this was a duel to the death.

Yet, he had underestimated his opponent upon returning to Earth.

Earth seemed safe, stable, and gentle in comparison to any other world-devourer.

It is precisely this sense of security, tranquility, and gentleness that constitutes the most irresistible and unfathomable charm.

Chen, deep in thought, scrutinized every single exile in the conference room with his True Eye.

Amidst the puzzled gazes of his underlings and friends, Chen Shijin forced a rather unpleasant smile.

In a dimension unseen by all, Chen Shijin spotted the same crimson mist threads connecting them to Liu Yong, which converged upwards towards the sky above their heads.

"Boss? What's wrong? Why do you look so awful?" Salaryman Zhou Mo, unusually proactive, inquired, his mood upbeat due to his newly found job that aligned perfectly with his aspirations.

And then, all the contented, newly appointed Special Civil Servants of this nascent nation heard their group leader ask:

"Suppose... we had to return to our place of exile, would you be willing?"

Silence fell upon the conference room.

Chen Jin gazed at the red line and repeated, "If we stay, Earth will be gradually devoured and invaded. The only way to protect our home is to return to our exile and completely sever any possibility of returning to Earth."

"Are you willing to go back?"

The relaxed expression on Salaryman Zhou's face transformed into one of utter despair.

The others lost their smiles too.

"Ai Fei, are you joking?" he spoke on behalf of everyone.

"If that's the case, then aren't we in a miserable situation?"

"...Why should we make such a sacrifice?"

Perhaps this was the greatest paradox and threat in their world.

Chen's golden eyes lowered.