Chapter 127: Internal Meeting! Assuming the Role of Special Unit Leader!

Based on past experience, the formation of a special secret realm usually lasts anywhere from three to seven days. In extreme cases, some have never vanished since their inception, eventually being classified as stable "Otherworlds" or "Planar Gates."

However, the incident at the Jingmen Safe Zone was clearly beyond everyone's expectations.

Previously, various factions had been monitoring the area or desperately searching for ways to enter the light barrier. After all, a secret realm represents both danger and opportunity, and many high-level explorers were eager to get a share of the spoils. Yet, after the barrier formed, despite numerous attempts, almost no one could find an entrance.

Just as everyone was preparing to give up, assuming this might be one of the legendary "sealed" secret realms, it suddenly fractured, revealing its interior to the world. This dramatic turn of events became the talk of the entire Huaxia region.

Of course, the implications behind this spectacle were far deeper.

Once the light barrier dissipated, the Jingmen Safe Zone re-established contact with the outside world, and surviving explorers began to restore communication with their families and friends. Within just six hours of the realm’s collapse, over ten explorers above Level 70 had arrived in Jingmen. Some were sent by the General Coordination Bureau for investigation and consolation, others were top-tier explorers from different safe zones offering support, and some came specifically seeking information on the Moonlight Civilization and the Blood Clan Civilization.

It wasn't just the top-tier explorers; once these two new civilizations entered the public consciousness, they dominated the homepages of most inter-city and regional forums within a very short time. Even those who lacked the strength to be involved were deeply invested in the grand geopolitical discourse. Experts and professors immediately weighed in, with some calling for strict defensive measures against these civilizations, while others argued for friendly communication. Meanwhile, netizens simply suggested that "the experts should refrain from suggesting anything."

Undeniably, the Jingmen Safe Zone had taken the headlines, and with it, the "Black Mage" occupied significant column space, sparking endless speculation. Previously, discussions about the Black Mage were limited to Jingmen and its surrounding safe zones. This time, however, because the Black Mage had outperformed the other two civilizations, his popularity skyrocketed, surpassing even veteran war gods and celebrities.

All of the Black Mage’s past deeds were unearthed one by one. In particular, his early impact on the Jingmen Safe Zone and his critique of guild monopolies resonated with mainstream public opinion. It triggered a wave of resistance across various safe zones, spreading the legend of the Black Mage even further.

"Brother Lei, the General Coordination Bureau is asking for an update again."
"Commander-in-Chief, Hanzhong Safe Zone is requesting a communication channel."
"Commander-in-Chief, the guilds from the Dongting Safe Zone say they hope to establish a stronghold here to assist in Jingmen's reconstruction."

Inside the Jingmen Safe Zone General Office, Qi Lei had returned and reclaimed his original post. Because every region was either sniffing for intelligence or sending envoys to coordinate, Qi Lei found himself unprecedentedly busy. Even Zhan Yu and Li Rongsheng were overwhelmed, helping him manage the chaos. Xiao Yu, the woman in yellow with the black blindfold, was also busy in the archives.

However, when Yi Shen arrived, Qi Lei set aside his work to receive him personally. This meeting was far more formal than their previous encounters in the mountain courtyard, as Yi Shen was appearing in his capacity as the Black Mage. Qi Lei needed the Black Mage to bolster his authority and deter any opportunistic elements within the Jingmen Safe Zone.

"Uncle Lei."

In the specially prepared conference room, besides Yi Shen, Qi Lei, Zhan Yu, and Xiao Yu, there were also Li Rongsheng and Yu Tian.

Li Rongsheng, who was responsible for coordinating with the war zones and overseeing conventional combat power, had met Yi Shen briefly when he was collecting fire elemental materials. Yu Tian, the former Deputy Commander of Jingmen, had handled most of the daily operations during Qi Lei’s semi-retirement and had served as the interim commander during the construction of the northern defense line and negotiations with major guilds.

"I truly never expected it to be you," Li Rongsheng said, staring at Yi Shen, momentarily speechless. He had been in charge of investigating the Blood Pill incident, and it was Yi Shen who had intervened to stop the Blood Beast riot that night. Back then, he had wondered why a young man would warrant a personal call from Qi Lei. Now that he knew Yi Shen was the Black Mage, everything made sense. As a mage himself, Li Rongsheng was naturally curious about Yi Shen’s secrets, but at over fifty years old, he could only sigh at the terrifying talent of the youth before him.

"A hero indeed emerges from the youth," Yu Tian nodded in agreement. The people in this room were essentially the core leadership of the Jingmen Safe Zone. Since Qi Lei had brought Yi Shen here, it meant their inner circle had accepted him.

During this period, the sight Yu Tian saw most often in the command room was the Black Mage fighting out in the field. He had speculated much about the Black Mage’s identity, but he never imagined Yi Shen would be so young.

Facing the praise of the two veterans, Yi Shen simply nodded politely.

"As I mentioned in my message, you can use both identities now. For the Black Mage, the official narrative is that he is a mage who has been quietly researching in another world. As for your personal records, they remain linked to your father. While some factions may have uncovered your true identity, from my perspective, the confidentiality work has held up well," Qi Lei said. After Yi Shen arrived, everyone had stood to greet him, and Qi Lei quickly arranged for them to be seated. He pulled Yi Shen to the seat right next to him, demonstrating the high level of importance he placed on him.

"How is your health?" Yi Shen glanced at Qi Lei, feeling slightly puzzled. He sensed that although Qi Lei appeared normal, his internal state was extremely weak. Furthermore, Yi Shen detected a lingering trace of Blood Clan energy being suppressed within his body. He hadn't noticed it before because his own strength was too low, but now, having gained the power of the Moonlight and the Scepter—forces that transcended ordinary domains—his perception had become much sharper.

"I'm fine. Just old age and old ailments," Qi Lei replied with a bitter smile. "I called you here today to discuss a few things. You know the situation in Jingmen—the internal guilds are restless, and there are eyes watching from Hanzhong. My health and my level are no longer suited for the position of Commander-in-Chief."

Qi Lei’s words left Yi Shen stunned, while the others remained calm, likely having discussed this beforehand.

Before Yi Shen could speak, Qi Lei continued, "I’m taking this opportunity to restructure. The various factions in Jingmen have been fractured, and Zhan Yu will take over as the new Commander-in-Chief. I originally wanted Yu Tian to take over, but he declined, and he lacks the necessary prestige. Zhan Yu understands the situation in Jingmen well, so he will hold the fort for a while."

"However, once Zhan Yu leaves, the Special Case Unit will be leaderless. I fear others might try to interfere, so I want to use the Black Mage's name to back the unit. You can be the head of a special division—you would only need to show your face occasionally."

"Many young people no longer trust the official units; they believe the Black Mage is the only one doing the right thing. I know you had your own opinions on how Jingmen was structured, so if you are willing, you can change things in your own way."

Qi Lei spoke slowly, his tone calm, as if he were settling his final affairs. "If you have any other thoughts, feel free to voice them. There are no outsiders here—only our own."