CHAPTER 135 - Infernal Affairs

As the storm unleashed a burst of blue light, three levitating robots simultaneously deployed armor from their backs, revealing numerous miniature cannon barrels.

In the next moment, each robot's back cannons unleashed dozens of mini energy projectiles.

Forty to fifty energy spheres, radiating blue-white brilliance, streaked across the sky in a semi-circular arc, approaching the stunned bandits of the Kthaons gang at an almost imperceptible speed.

With a dazzling electric flash and a resounding roar of artillery, the Kthaons outlaws, including their mounted horses, didn't even have time to scream. They were instantly annihilated by the surging barrage of energy projectiles.

At this moment, Kassadin, Sivir, Cassiopeia, along with mercenaries and Noxian guards, all stood in shock, witnessing the scene unfold before them.

After the dissipating smoke from the energy projectiles revealed nothing but damp soil, various-sized craters, and some corroded metal weapons, a profound silence fell over the air.

It took a while for the mercenaries and guards to react, and a clamor of shock spread among them. They stared at the floating storm robots and Li Lin standing beside Sivir.

"Where are their bodies? How did they just vanish like that?"

"The power is incredible... What are these metal lumps?"

"Oh, divine warrior's protection! This is truly the might of the gods!"

"..."

Listening to the exclamations of his subordinates, Sivir, too, recovered from her astonishment. Despite the shocking scene, a lingering fear still reflected in her eyes as she turned to look at Li Lin standing beside her.

"This...," she stammered.

Sivir, having underestimated the capabilities of the storm robots, involuntarily found her palms and forehead covered in cold sweat.

What kind of power was this...

Could Piltover's Hextech technology really reach such heights?

Sivir looked up at the suspended storm, her emotions complex.

She originally thought these seemingly unremarkable machines would be easy for her to handle alone.

But now, looking at it, just one of these robots could wipe out a small mercenary group, and the opposition had no chance of counterattack.

And Li Lin had three of them, seemingly mass-produced...

Without powerful mages or divine warriors, these machines alone could sweep through most of Shurima's current territories.

Li Lin was unaware, but in Sivir's heart, he had elevated himself to a position even higher than her patron, Cassiopeia.

Next to them, Kassadin, who had opened his face mask, wore a similarly shocked expression. He whispered, "Is this... the power of the machines you invented?"

He originally intended to use the power of the Void Blade to directly slay these villains, but Li Lin's approach was more direct and brutal.

In the blink of an eye, more than thirty souls were directly sent to the realm of the dead...

However, although Kassadin acknowledged the power displayed by the storm robots, he did not harbor the idea of using these machines against the Void, the abominable monsters that even the Ascended, empowered by the "sun," struggled to face.

How could machines made of metal and parts compare to the Ascended?

Li Lin, meeting the gaze of Sivir, who was still in shock, and glancing at Kassadin, lost in thought, didn't explain anything to them.

He turned and faced the onlookers, gesturing, "Alright, everyone disperse. Go rest; we still have a long journey this afternoon."

However, as if they hadn't heard Li Lin's words, they remained rooted to the spot for a good half minute.

Only when Sivir urged them to go back to their respective tasks did they gradually disperse.

Just as Li Lin was preparing to take a nap in a shaded area, Cassiopeia walked over and stopped him. "Li Lin..."

Why is this woman here again?

Li Lin smirked, somewhat helpless, and asked, "What's up?"

"You come with me."

Cassiopeia turned and asked two guards to leave, then dragged Li Lin to a place away from the crowd, a more secluded corner.

She scanned the surroundings once more to ensure there were only the two of them, and others couldn't possibly hear their conversation.

Cassiopeia then wore a serious expression and leaned closer to Li Lin, lowering her voice, "Your technology... when did it reach Noxus?"

Due to the ideology instilled by her mother, this girl's thoughts were actually very simple:

For the Black Rose, for the empire.

After Jericho Swain's coup, the former Grand General, Boram Darkwill, stepped down. Surprisingly, Du Couteau, situated far in the Immortal Bastion, acknowledged the legitimacy of this coup.

However, the situation in Noxus was far from stable, with many conservative and monarchist families still in conflict with Swain.

Influenced by the Black Rose and her mother, Cassiopeia believed her father had betrayed the empire. She was determined to find a power that could influence this secret war.

Initially intending to seek the power of celestial warriors in the emperor's tomb and the Ascended, Cassiopeia now considered Li Lin's levitating robots as potential game-changers.

Observing Cassiopeia's expression, Li Lin quickly grasped her desires. "Don't be hasty; searching for the power in the tomb is our primary goal..."

Raising an eyebrow, Cassiopeia looked puzzled. "But with these machines of yours, we could easily win this struggle, couldn't we?"

Is she already suspicious of me?

Li Lin felt a sinking feeling; he had underestimated this young woman.

"I've mentioned before, Cassiopeia, that the design of these robots is secondary. The crucial aspect is the power source."

He earnestly explained, "The Kiramman Family guards the new Hextech crystal technology carefully. I can't reveal my identity now."

"At least until I steal the manufacturing process for Piltover's new Hextech crystal and report it to Lady Pale. My mission concludes then."

"Because of my earlier attempts to research the Hextech crystal, the cunning Kiramman Councilor noticed something was amiss."

Apologies, Lady Cassandra, I had to say this to prevent further suspicion from this snake.

Li Lin apologized to Cassandra mentally, but on the surface, he continued, "I volunteered to build the Hex Gates in Shurima to regain that woman's trust and complete Lady Pale's mission. Once I return, I'm confident I can secure the energy technology."

Hearing this, Cassiopeia's brows relaxed slightly.

During their stay at Zuretta's inn, Li Lin had informed her that Lady Pale had specifically tasked him with assisting her.

This trip south with Kassadin was a cover; Li Lin's real goal was the ruins of the imperial city.

Initially, Li Lin hadn't planned to reveal his identity, but his deliberate approach forced his hand.

"I'm not sure if the tomb holds divine power. Perhaps we may return empty-handed, and that won't bode well."

"I understand; don't worry," Li Lin reassured her softly. "If there's truly no divine power, leave the rest to me. You can confidently report back to your mother."

Cassiopeia lowered her eyes, pondering for a moment. "Alright, let's go back."

"Well, remember not to come to me with such high frequency. It might raise suspicions from Sivir and Kassadin."

Li Lin nodded, bidding her farewell, and left.

Once he was far enough, Cassiopeia, still standing in place, fixed her hazel eyes on his retreating figure. Concealing all emotions, she revealed only a cold, calculated gaze.

She was no fool. Believing Li Lin's words solely based on his testimony wasn't in her nature.

Everything displayed earlier was just a facade.

"As for Lady Pale's people... So what if they are? So what if they aren't?"

A hunter lurking in the shadows leaves no trace, and Cassiopeia left no room for anyone to be informed.

Her lips curved into an emotionless arc as she murmured, "Either way, you'll be buried beneath the yellow sands..."

(End of this chapter)

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