Chapter 2253 Happy New Year everyone!

At that moment, Kak's heart was filled with a strong sense of mission. This thought burned like a flame, driving him to forge ahead and throw himself into the arduous task assigned to him.

He knew all too well that the Devouring Worms held a very special and controversial position within the Zerg. Since they chose to cease publicly revealing themselves long ago, these mysterious creatures had gradually faded from view, their presence drastically diminishing to almost nothing. In their former glory, the Devouring Worms were once hailed as one of the most powerful trump cards held by the Overlord Star Worms; however, times had changed, and today they had long since disappeared into the shadows. Due to this prolonged silence and dormancy, the Devouring Worms had completely lost their original voice and influence within the Zerg. Frankly speaking, even at important meetings held by the Zerg royal family, securing a place for the Devouring Worms was a luxury! If this continued, the Devouring Worms had effectively become vassals of the Overlord Star Worms, utterly devoid of dignity.

However, if we turn back time to the time when the Devouring Insects were at their peak a thousand years ago, the situation would be completely different, and they would not be like this today.

Although Kark was not the king of the Devourer race, he always harbored a great dream deep in his heart—to restore the Devourer race to its former glory and create new glories.

He firmly believed that one day, this once mighty race would break free from the shackles and constraints of the Star-Dominating Worms and return to its former glory! For this reason, the mission he was undertaking was of extraordinary significance and of paramount importance to him! Only by successfully winning the trust of Lucy and that mysterious king, and thereby enhancing the status and influence of the Devouring Worms in the interstellar space, could he realize the first step of his grand blueprint.

However, the world is unpredictable, and it seems that fate had already decreed that this journey would be full of hardships and obstacles... But he was completely unaware that the biggest variable hidden in the dark corner was silently approaching at this moment, and was only one step away from Kak!

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"Miss, the matter has been investigated and clarified. All the trainees who participated in the assessment are now out of contact!"

The speaker looked anxious, her voice unconsciously rising an octave. As she spoke, she subtly bowed, expressing her respect for Ning Xiangtong. At that moment, Ning Xiangtong sat leisurely on the luxurious sofa in the spacious and bright living room, exuding an air of refined elegance.

She wore a well-tailored, flowing navy blue robe, seemingly made specifically for her, perfectly outlining her graceful figure. Combined with her cascading, jet-black hair, she looked like a fairy descended from heaven, captivating all who beheld her. Meanwhile, her personal maid, dressed in the Ning family's distinctive attire, stood quietly not far from Ning Xiangtong. Though her posture was upright, her humble and submissive demeanor was undeniable. With her head bowed, she spoke in a soft, melodious tone, slowly recounting the latest information she had painstakingly gathered, conveying every detail to the distinguished and revered young lady before her without reservation.

"Based on our repeated verification and investigation from multiple sources... there is a very high probability that these missing students have already reached the territory of the Xuan Niao Clan—the Xuan Niao Star System!"

However, before he could finish speaking, a crisp and loud "bang" suddenly rang out throughout the room! The servants looked over in astonishment and saw that after hearing these words, Ning Xiangtong actually slammed her hand on the cabinet next to her that displayed the exquisite pastries!

The power contained in that palm strike was astonishing. As the palm struck, the entire cabinet shook violently, as if struck by a powerful impact. It seemed unable to withstand such a massive tremor, as if it would collapse in the next instant, scattering everything on it to the ground!

At that very moment, a deafening roar suddenly rang out—it came from Ning Xiangtong! Her face was full of rage, her beautiful eyes wide open, staring intently ahead, roaring incessantly.

"Who on earth dared to issue such an order?! And which bastard dared to sign such a nonsensical betting agreement?! Have all these people lost their minds?!"

Her voice was like thunder from the heavens, resounding through the sky as if it would tear the entire world apart; the anger it contained was like a volcanic eruption, surging and unstoppable, making people tremble with fear.

Faced with Ning Xiangtong's overbearing manner, the servant who came to report the truth was already trembling with fear, his face as pale as paper, and he could barely speak.

"Reporting to Miss, after a thorough investigation, we discovered that... it turns out that it was Cui Yingying of the Demon Suppression Division who signed that damned document... However, as for who personally ordered its execution..."

Before he could finish speaking, the servant began to stutter and stammer, sounding hesitant and anxious. In the end, his voice became so low that it was almost inaudible.

After all, in such a vast country as China, the only person who could possess such status and authority, and be qualified to issue such an important order, is probably that one person...

The existence of that person is not something a lowly henchman like her can casually mention.

"Hmph! This matter concerns the future of the family, and absolutely no mistakes can be made! Immediately inform Ning Luo that if this mission fails and the person is not brought back, then he should not come back either! Let him find a remote, deserted place, dig a hole, and bury himself!"

Upon hearing this, the servant standing before him trembled violently as if struck by lightning, staring in terror at the enraged woman before him, stammering in response...

"Yes...yes! I understand. Please rest assured, Miss, I will certainly convey your message!"

After the servant left, only Ning Xiangtong, who was in a menacing mood, remained in the room. Her beautiful and sharp eyes were now filled with worry and unease, and her originally pretty face was distorted by anger.

Just then, a slight noise came from outside the door, as if someone was tiptoeing closer to the door to eavesdrop on what was happening inside. However, Ning Xiangtong was oblivious to anything unusual and remained lost in her own thoughts.

At the same time, the servant who had just stepped out of the Ning family's gate hadn't even had time to catch his breath when he noticed a group of mysterious figures gathering around him. These people were dressed in black, their faces covered with black masks, obscuring their true appearances, but the powerful aura emanating from them indicated that they were no ordinary individuals.

"I really don't understand what the young lady and the old patriarch are thinking. It's complete chaos outside, and we haven't done a single thing... Hey! Why are you all looking at me like that! I mean, let's go out and help!"

The people surrounding Ning Qiao'er kept talking, but the last person's words drew everyone's attention.

You can't say that!

Within the vast and complex Ning family system, a little-known rumor has long circulated: With China currently in chaos and turmoil, key figures like Li Tiandao have mysteriously disappeared. Some secretly speculate that if the Ning family were to launch a rebellion now… then…

"Hey, have you heard? Among those kidnapped students, there's actually a direct descendant of the Ning family!"

The speaker's tone revealed a hint of surprise and excitement. Another person echoed.

"Yes, yes, Ning Dan's father has been running around like a cat on a hot tin roof for the past two days! But thinking about it, it makes sense. Anyone would be anxious if their own flesh and blood were in danger."

Then someone sighed, "Alas, Brother Ningluo has really suffered..."

Hearing this, Ning Qiao'er quickly made a shushing gesture, signaling the others to stop talking. She knew this was not a suitable place for idle chatter, and a slight misstep could lead to trouble. Seeing this, everyone understood the implications and shut their mouths, saying nothing more. In the end, the group silently followed Ning Qiao'er away, leaving behind a lingering silence and mystery.

Shortly after Ning Qiao'er and her group left, a figure appeared silently from the side like a ghost and rushed towards the imposing gate of the Ning family mansion at lightning speed. This figure was Wu Yuan! She was panting heavily and looked flustered, as if she had some urgent matter to attend to.

"Xiang Tong...they..."

Wu Yuan gasped for breath, stammering as she spoke, her words revealing barely concealed anxiety. Having run all the way, she was now exhausted, her forehead covered in sweat, large beads of perspiration streaming down her cheeks and soaking her clothes. Her once pretty face was now pale and haggard, devoid of any color, due to excessive tension and fatigue.

Ning Xiangtong stood quietly, his gaze calm and serene as he looked at the slightly disheveled woman before him—Wu Yuan. Seeing her panicked state, a deep sense of helplessness welled up within Ning Xiangtong. However, despite this, he struggled to control his emotions, forcing a smile that was more like a grimace than a genuine expression, and nodded slightly to indicate that he understood what had happened.

In fact, Ning Xiangtong understood perfectly why Wu Yuan had rushed to find her. Simply put, the reason was that Ye Ye and Su Ziwu had been inexplicably dragged into that mysterious gambling agreement filled with endless variables and enormous risks!

"That utterly despicable old man! He definitely did this on purpose! He knew we wouldn't stand idly by, so he could both curb the Ning family's restless ambitions and relieve himself of pressure—a double whammy! And in the end, it's us who have to step in and put in the effort to solve the problem..."

Wu Yuan spoke, her voice filled with endless resentment.

However, compared to Wu Yuan, who was already so agitated that she was almost swearing and on the verge of emotional collapse, she appeared much calmer and more composed. When she heard Wu Yuan utter such offensive words, Ning Xiangtong was startled and quickly spoke up to stop her.

"Shut up! Stop spouting nonsense!"

At the same time, she stretched out her hand and made a gesture, indicating that Wu Yuan should immediately shut her mouth that had caused trouble and should never speak recklessly like before.

Wu Yuan, as if waking from a dream, realized that someone as mysterious and powerful as Li Tiandao was not someone she could easily provoke. If she dared to speak carelessly, she feared it would quickly arouse his suspicion and resentment, and might even bring trouble upon herself. So she quickly shut her mouth, but her face, already distorted by anger, still clearly revealed her dissatisfaction and resentment, as if these negative emotions were deeply imprinted on her soul.

"Judging from the current situation, things may not be as bad as we think. After all, Ning Luo has already led everyone to deal with the crisis. Even if the final result is not satisfactory, at least the safety of those students can be guaranteed."

Ning Xiangtong frowned, thoughtfully analyzing the current situation, trying to reassure Wu Yuan somewhat. Then, she changed the subject and continued.

"Moreover, Li Tiandao has already got Ye Ye cornered. Ye Ye possesses a fragment of Xing, and Xing's greatest strength lies in turning danger into safety. So, as long as we remain calm, I believe Ye Ye and Su Ziwu will be able to get through this crisis safely... It's just that the current situation is too unpredictable and confusing. Sigh, I really don't know what my father is busy with right now? And what kind of agreement or deal has he reached with Li Tiandao? Even I, his own daughter, have been kept in the dark..."

In the end, a deep sense of helplessness appeared on Ning Xiangtong's face. She felt equally helpless in the face of this complicated situation and didn't know what to do.