Apocalypse: Master of Soul Beasts

”Lord Wen Yu is busy with his affairs, so I won’t disturb him any further.”

Watching Lan Bo leave, Wen Yu picked up his tea cup, sipped a mouthful to moisten his throat, but before he could finish drinking, the servant came to report once again.

”Master, the head of the financial department from the Yanjing Assembly Site requests to see you.”

”Decline the meeting, make up an excuse yourself.”

”Yes, Master.”

The servant took his orders and left, leaving Wen Yu alone in the reception room feeling melancholy...

He raised his wrist to check his watch, it was already 3 o’clock in the afternoon.

Not even ten in the morning, he had come to the estate, and Wen Yu hadn’t had time for lunch before being engulfed in various ”visits”.

First was Kasu, then Walter. Well, these two are prominent experts in the military, and had once fought side by side or met in the treasure land, so meeting them wasn’t an issue. After seeing Walter off, there was Qin Min, Dugu Jian, Lan Bo, and a series of sequence-class military experts coming due to admiration.

Might as well meet them, each a few words to pass the time, but who would have thought more and more people came, eventually anyone with a bit of status in the Yanjing Assembly Site hustled here in hopes of meeting Wen Yu.

Who are all these random people... Wen Yu hasn’t even heard of their names...

Seeing things weren’t right, Wen Yu immediately instructed the servant—block all below corps leaders and heads at the door, don’t need to inform me further.

In this way, the social engagements decreased quite a bit.

After sending Lan Bo off, Wen Yu refused several unknown visits from corps leaders or heads, until the servant brought lunch (dinner), Wen Yu finally breathed a sigh of relief.

These trivialities are not only dull but also a waste of time. Wen Yu doesn’t like crowds and dislikes dealing with gatherings of this sort...

The food provided by the military was exquisite, with good taste, Wen Yu enjoyed the rare quiet while eating, until the servant came to the reception room again.

”Who is it now...”

Wen Yu’s voice was weak, contemplating reflecting on the improper conduct in Yanjing to Lin Haifeng tomorrow, only to hear several familiar names from the servant’s mouth.

”Master, it’s Qin Tian, Arthur, and Yang Hong from the Three Skulls Society, um, two veiled women in black robes are behind them.”

A stir in Wen Yu’s heart: ”Let them come in.”

...

”Brother Wen Yu!”

Before Wen Yu could see their figures, a familiar voice had already sounded.

Wen Yu put down the cutlery, gesturing for the servant to clear the food off the table, then stood up, walked to the reception room’s door.

Outside, three familiar figures and two veiled figures in black robes stride towards the reception room.

Seeing Wen Yu, their steps slightly faltered, disbelief apparent that Wen Yu would personally come to greet, but upon seeing his gentle smile, Qin Tian and the others felt warmth in their hearts, as if their steps lightened considerably.

”Brother Wen Yu...”

This time, those two words carried less forced cheerfulness, more genuine sincerity.

”Have you eaten? I’ll ask the kitchen to prepare a meal, it’s been a while, let’s talk while we eat.”

Wen Yu said with a smile.

...

The kitchen was efficient, Qin Tian and others hadn’t sat long before the dishes were served, simultaneously Wen Yu set up a round table in the reception room, inviting the five to sit.

”How’s it going in Yanjing?”

In these over five years, Wen Yu hadn’t any interaction with these independence followers, meeting now had an air of estrangement, Wen Yu opened the dialogue engaging Qin Tian and the others first.

”Not bad.”

Sensing the five years of life, a genuine smile appeared on Qin Tian’s face.

”The military’s remuneration is high, and they treat Arthur and me well. I currently independently command the Fourth Elite Corps, Arthur commands the Eighteenth Elite Corps. Oh right, the military gave Arthur and me each a Limit Breakthrough Level skill two years ago, we’re content enough.”

Qin Tian’s physical traits... naturally fall short compared to Wen Yu, yet over seventy thousand suffice for most situations—though amid it all Qin Tian’s skills were temporarily mismatched, but who’s to discern fortune’s twists and turns?

Yang Hong beside also laughs: ”Supported by the military, the Three Skulls Society develops well. I may lack Limit Breakthrough Level abilities, but I enjoy good food and drinks, the main thing is freedom... um, though not as free as you, still better than Qin Tian.”

Yang Hong finished, purposefully glancing at Qin Tian, the two men exchanged playful looks, embodying years of rapport.

Hearing their words, Wen Yu nodded, then looked towards Arthur.

Currently, any youthful naivete fades from Arthur’s brows, now he’s tall and mighty while Qin Tian’s sister, Qin Shiyuan, nestles beside him like a reliant bird.

”You two are...”

Wen Yu raised an eyebrow inquiringly.

”We got married, three years ago.”

Arthur succinctly spoke, a hint of embarrassment after.

Wen Yu was stunned, then dazed...

Recalling days of shared hardships at the Independents Mutual Aid Federation, Wen Yu sighed after a long pause.

”Why didn’t you tell me?”

No reproach, only regret, as Qin Tian and others fell into silence.

”Only feared Brother Wen Yu was too busy...”

Not too busy, perhaps just distanced relationships...

After the Sea King’s control plan, it wasn’t just the dispersal of the Independents Mutual Aid Federation, but of hearts too.

Wen Yu paused in silence, abruptly chuckling, pulling a scroll from the space ring.

Fortress (SSS-Class, Passive Skill): Passive enhancement of any Soul-Armored abilities, skills, and body’s defense capabilities, enhanced tenfold!

”Wedding gift.”

Wen Yu finished, forced the Fortress (SSS-Class, Passive Skill) into Arthur’s hand, not waiting for Arthur’s refusal, promptly raised his cup.

”Cheers to your happiness! Let’s toast!”

Cup raised, he drank deeply the liquid, slick past the throat, straight to the lungs...

The liquor, indeed, a bit spicy.

...

The atmosphere felt awkward... Qin Tian and the others uncertain whether to drink or not, they could only glance at the other veiled woman.

Placing the empty cup on the table, somehow Wen Yu abruptly felt weary.

In this world, truly nothing remains unchanged...

Feelings rose, Wen Yu leisurely refilled the wine cup, disregarding Qin Tian and others’ confused glances, directly watching the veiled woman seated diagonally.

”Speak, what have you come for...”

The veiled woman lifted her hood, revealing her delicate face, slightly opening her crimson lips, the crisp sound like an oriole echoed throughout the room.

”I’m sorry, Lord Wen Yu, it seems I made a mess.”

”Nothing’s amiss, just a sudden emotional surge, let’s not delve into these, tell me your purpose here, Xiao Xue.”