# 1761
Chapter 1761
The entire summit of Mount Jiuhua held three elevated platforms, each rising higher than the last.
On the first platform stood representatives of Night Watch squads from across Great Xia, along with provisional members of special squads not yet officially confirmed.
The second platform held Night Watch high-ranking officials and all members of the special squads.
The third platform was occupied by numerous Human Apexes who had come to observe, and even human deities.
As the crimson figure stepped onto the first platform, an ancient bell toll rang, echoing across the heavens,
DONG——!!!
All the Night Watch representatives on this platform, along with the provisional special squad members, pressed their right hands against the gleaming Coat of Arms on their chests simultaneously, standing at rigid attention, their voices ringing out in unison:
"We respectfully welcome the Supreme Commander!"
The voices of several hundred people were perfectly synchronized, even drowning out the resonating bell. Fiery gazes fixed upon the approaching figure, their expressions filled with intense excitement.
The Crimson Cloak rippled in the wind. Lin Qiye's gaze swept slowly across the crowd.
At this moment, he no longer displayed the dejection and despair of days past. He was like a blade drawn from deathly silence and hopelessness, his edge gleaming with brilliance.
Whether he wished it or not—
Some had already sacrificed their lives.
But some still fought desperately for humanity's fate.
This was a game of chess that could not be stopped. This was a war that must not be lost!
Now, he was one of the players behind this chessboard, the strongest among humans, and the backbone of the entire Night Watch. If he showed even a hint of weakness or despair, it would wound humanity's fighting spirit.
Fang Mo, Lu Baoyou, the Su siblings, the other Sixth Provisional Squad members, and knights from across the ocean, members of the Seventh Provisional Squad... beyond them, there was also Chen Han, captain of the Shangjing City squad, deputy captain Yuan Gang, Hongying, captain of the Cangnan City Night Watch squad, who was secretly giving him a thumbs-up, and members of the Huaihai City squad whom they had once defeated...
Some had met Lin Qiye, some had not, but at this moment, the eyes that looked upon Lin Qiye were filled with reverence and respect.
They knew that from this day forward, that man would be their leader, the guardian deity of Great Xia.
Lin Qiye passed through the first platform and continued ascending the steps.
Compared to the previous platform, the second platform held明显 fewer people.
Besides the other five Night Watch high-ranking officials, including Shao Pingge, director of the Human Resources Department, there was the 002nd Special Squad [Mediums] and the 003rd Special Squad [Phoenix].
One group wore black cloaks, emanating a sinister aura of death; the other wore golden cloaks, brimming with vibrant vitality.
Wu "Old Dog" and a young man in prison garb stood before the [Mediums] members, offering Lin Qiye a faint smile. Nearby, Xia Simeng gazed at him hopefully, seemingly contemplating how she might negotiate more vacation days from him...
As the second bell toll sounded, the assembled Night Watch high-ranking officials and members of both special squads likewise pressed their hands against the Coat of Arms on their chests, their expressions solemn and dignified.
Lin Qiye continued his stride, heading toward the third platform.
Watching that departing crimson背影, Shao Pingge's gaze held a trace of emotion.
In his mind, the scene from years ago once again emerged—that group of young people who brandished umbrellas against the Shangjing squad, then resolutely departed Great Xia...
He couldn't help but murmur to himself: "Muye... you've truly raised quite an extraordinary individual."
The third platform was mostly filled with Lin Qiye's acquaintances.
Zhou Ping, Wang Mian, Shen Qingzhu, Lu Wuwei, Guan Zai, Wu Quan, Yuzuri Takishiro, Master Chen, Fate Monk.
As Lin Qiye approached, they all smiled and nodded in greeting, only Fate Monk pressed his palms together in prayer, his eyes devoid of any emotional波动.
Lin Qiye walked to the end of the third platform, where a dilapidated temple of considerable age appeared before him.
He gazed at this empty temple, his expression complex.
Several years ago, Ye Fan had attained nirvana right here. It was on that day that he witnessed seeds sprouting from across Great Xia...
Lin Qiye stood in his Crimson Cloak before this temple,恍惚间, as if he could see the dying Ye Fan before him, sitting cross-legged in the main hall,似乎在与他对视...似乎在笑。
"Commander Ye, Commander Zuo... are you watching?" Lin Qiye whispered to himself. He extended his hand, pointing toward the numerous platforms not far away. "The seeds have grown into shade vast enough to shelter all of humanity."
"You just keep watching..."
"I will lead them to completely end this age of darkness, to sweep clean every enemy of mankind... When everything settles and humanity no longer needs the Night Watch, my mission will be fulfilled."
Before the very spot where Ye Fan had attained nirvana, a plain-looking Straight Blade had been thrust into a stone pedestal.
This was the token of office for every Supreme Commander of the Night Watch.
On the blade's hilt, a golden "seven" was inscribed.
Though not a legendary weapon capable of slicing through iron, drawing it meant accepting the identity of the Seventh Supreme Commander of the Night Watch. This was the most crucial moment of the entire succession ceremony.
Lin Qiye took a deep breath, stepped forward, gripped the Straight Blade, and pulled it free in one sharp motion!
CLANG——!!
A crisp blade cry rang out across Mount Jiuhua.
The next moment, Lin Qiye strode out of the temple hall, draped in his Crimson Cloak, the "seven"-inscribed Straight Blade in hand. His powerful voice resonated beneath the heavens:
"I am Lin Qiye, Seventh Supreme Commander of the Night Watch of Great Xia!"
"The age of the gods has passed! From this day forward, humanity's fate rests solely in our own hands!"
"They视 us as ants, believing we have no chance. But we have proven with our actions that human power is not inferior to that of gods!"
"From this day forth, may everyone follow me as we protect all beings with blades in hand..."
"With mortal blades... we shall slay the gods above!"
CLANG——!!
As Lin Qiye's words faded, every Night Watch member across Mount Jiuhua drew their blades simultaneously!
The sharp sound of countless swords leaving their sheaths merged together, like a blade that had been hidden for years finally unsheathing, its killing intent soaring into the skies.
And the direction those blade points faced... was the蒙蒙 gray mist.
...
Mist.
Between the straits.
A black-robed figure stood atop a cliff, gazing toward Great Xia, his eyes narrowing slightly.
The true form of the Black Goat slumbered on the other side of the strait. Amid churning turbulent waves, nine massive, grotesque Cthulhu Faction divine silhouettes circled the strait. As if sensing something, their earsplitting, shrill roars shook the clouds!
For a moment, wind and thunder raged, mist churned, as if heralding the apocalypse.
"The Gods of Great Xia have departed. Olympus has crumbled from civil war. There is not a single divine kingdom left on Earth of any significance." An Qingyu spoke slowly. "With this, we can completely take control of this mist and become rulers of this planet..."
Behind him in the void, the shadowy outline of a massive portal took shape. A muffled pounding echoed from beyond the gate, as if something desperately wanted to break through!
"Even if I encounter old acquaintances from Great Xia, I won't show mercy... On this chessboard, we never had a choice." An Qingyu glanced back.
"Wouldn't you agree... Cao Yuan?"
...
...
Book Five, "The Us of the Past," concludes.
The next book, the final volume,
"Beneath the Nightfall."