Chapter 95 - The Truth from Five Years Ago

It’s my mom, Lu Yunxiu!

In an instant, Lu Ran recognized the voice in the video. It was his mother. Seeing her familiar appearance on the screen, Lu Ran felt a wave of disbelief.

What in the world was happening? His parents had supposedly perished five years ago, killed in a beast attack in the Amazon Rainforest.

Even though he had always wanted to visit the Amazon Rainforest himself, over the years, Lu Ran had come to terms with this reality. However, the scene unfolding before him left him deeply unsettled.

“I know you have a lot of questions, but listen to me carefully. This is crucial for you!” his mother’s fiery temper flared in the video.

“You’ve noticed how the world has changed, haven’t you? First, let me clarify a few things. Although Limitless City appeared only three years ago, extraordinary creatures have existed on Blue Planet for ages.

“They could be native to Blue Planet, or they might be interdimensional visitors. The Divine Deer totem from Lu Village was likely one of these creatures.

“However, due to environmental factors, they could no longer thrive on Blue Planet, so they vanished. Even before the emergence of Limitless City, certain forces believed these legends to be true.

“Five years ago, your father and I were invited to the Amazon Rainforest to investigate a mysterious rare beast. The inviting party was essentially the precursor to The Other Shore. They recruited zoologists and biologists like us from various countries.

“But their real objective was never to study any rare beast. They wanted to control a group of biologists to help them research extraordinary creatures. The Other Shore Corporation staged a fake attack on our investigation team, successfully erasing us from the world.”

As he watched this, Lu Ran’s face darkened.

So, this is the truth from five years ago?

“Most people thought they’d be imprisoned there for life, but three years ago, with the widespread appearance of Limitless City’s black cards, the situation shifted.

“Unfortunately, The Other Shore was more powerful than we imagined. The internal unrest was quickly suppressed. Because we feared for your safety, your father and I didn’t resist too forcefully.

“Following that incident, the two of us became critical researchers for The Other Shore. Alongside our status as beastmasters, we quickly ascended to the organization’s upper ranks.

“By this point, we were too deeply entangled with The Other Shore, a multinational criminal organization, to easily return to you. What I’m about to tell you next is the most important part.

“The Other Shore has a long history. This organization has been searching for a legendary item known as ‘The Stone of the Other Shore.’

“It’s said that whoever obtains the stone will possess the power to control death, becoming the true master of The Other Shore and gaining the ability to reshape the world.

“We’ve learned a lot about it since joining the upper ranks, and it’s obvious that it must not fall into the hands of those with selfish ambitions. Therefore, your father and I decided to find an opportunity to claim The Stone of the Other Shore for ourselves.”

“But after all these years of searching, even The Other Shore hasn’t found it. Its existence remains uncertain. The factions within The Other Shore are now numerous, and some members have already given up on the stone.

“However, during our research, your father and I uncovered a crucial clue suggesting The Stone of the Other Shore may indeed exist. It might even be the key to understanding the appearance of Limitless City. We decided to continue our search to prevent anyone else from finding it first.

“But this process is extremely dangerous. One wrong step could mean death. However, if we succeed, we may not be far from reuniting with you.

“Should anything happen to us, the findings of our investigation into The Stone of the Other Shore will reach you through a special channel.

“As much as we hate to involve you, from the moment we joined The Other Shore, you were already drawn into this. If we die, we won’t be able to protect you from the shadows anymore. Eventually, The Other Shore will set its sights on you.

“Most likely, they’ll even invite you to join The Other Shore, asking you to take our place. But unless your life is in imminent danger, do not join them lightly! No matter how they try to entice you!!

“The Other Shore is divided internally, not a united front. Even as high-ranking members, we are constantly restrained. You now have two options. The first is to take the intel I’m about to provide to a trustworthy official from Xia and ask for protection. Let them find The Stone of the Other Shore.

“The second option is to again bring this intel to a reliable official expert in Xia, so they can protect you while aiding in your quest to obtain The Stone of the Other Shore.

“Now listen carefully. There are two conditions required to find and control The Stone of the Other Shore. First, possess a powerful undead-type familiar.

“Second, acquire part of the Death Dragon’s body. The second condition is the hardest and might require navigating the ascension realms. One more thing. Necromancy isn’t inherently evil as most people simply don’t know the proper training methods.

“It’s a crucial element, an essential part of the world’s functioning. I’ll have the Crimson Earl deliver you various Undead Resurrection skills. Pass these on to Xia’s officials and encourage them to prioritize necromancy training.

“The Crimson Earl was a creature nurtured by your father and me. Though he has a terrible temper, if you’re ever forced to join The Other Shore, you can choose to use his strength.

“We’ve always wanted you to live a peaceful life, but now, with the world growing more chaotic, that’s not realistic. Only by building your own strength can you live well. We understand your character, so we know you can do it.

“After watching this video, we’re certain you’ll choose to contract with a necromancy-type familiar and actively seek out The Stone of the Other Shore. But whatever choice you make, we trust you. After all, you’re our son.”

Lu Ran watched the video to the end, struggling to control his emotions. He ignored everything about The Stone of the Other Shore and beastmaster skills, focusing instead on the vampire in front of him.

“Where are my parents?”

“Unfortunately, as you’ve guessed, during an ascension realm venture, their ID cards were deactivated. This typically means they perished there,” the Crimson Earl replied sympathetically.

“Although I wasn’t contracted to them, I was raised by them and deeply regret their fate. If not for their death, they wouldn’t have involved you with The Other Shore so soon.

“But, Young Master, will you honor their legacy by searching for The Stone of the Other Shore and becoming its master, or will you surrender all the intel and items to Xia’s officials and seek their protection?”

“Damn it.” Lu Ran clenched his fist.

After finding out his parents weren’t dead, he’d been overjoyed but only to be crushed again.

The Other Shore...

The organization responsible for his parents’ disappearance five years ago.

“Regardless, you’ll have to make a choice. I’ll leave everything here.”

The Crimson Earl placed hundreds of black cards and the phone on the ground, then muttered, “I’d love to stay longer, but my clone won’t hold out much longer. Prolonging this might alert The Other Shore to my presence in Xia. Hopefully, next time we meet, Young Master, you’ll be stronger than I am.”

As he finished speaking, he dissolved into a cloud of bats and vanished. Lu Ran stood there, staring blankly at the spot where he disappeared.

Then he looked at the pile of black cards left behind. He felt lost.

“

Woof, woof, woof!

” Finally catching his breath, Captain Doofus began barking fiercely in the direction the figure had gone.

“

Grr...

” Next to him, Sudden Death King snarled, feeling as though he’d been beaten up for no reason.

The two familiars then turned to face the silent Lu Ran. After a moment, Lu Ran stood, picking up one of the cards. Quickly, the card’s information appeared before him.

[Name: Undead Resurrection]

[Description: A special beastmaster skill that can transform a deceased familiar into a necromantic entity.]

“All this time, they knew everything—even my progress after becoming a beastmaster! Why didn’t they contact me instead of leaving this cryptic message after their death?” Lu Ran thought angrily.

The Stone of the Other Shore, the Death Dragon—what are they, and why are Mom and Dad so determined?

Remembering his mother’s message, Lu Ran’s head throbbed.

After some consideration, he decided he couldn’t handle this revelation alone. He pulled out his phone, hesitated, then dialed Gu Qingyi’s number.

The only high-ranking official I know and trust is Dr. Gu.

“Hmm? Lu Ran?” Dr. Gu answered quickly.

“Dr. Gu, I just encountered a member of The Other Shore...”

“Where are you? Are you safe?” Dr. Gu’s voice became urgent.

The Other Shore... How had Lu Ran become entangled with this group again?

“It’s complicated. Can you come to Green Sea? I have something important to discuss with you,” Lu Ran replied bitterly.

***

Dr. Gu reached Green Sea City swiftly. At the base of the Emerald Mountains, she surveyed the mess in the area, realizing there had been a battle. Her gaze turned anxiously to Lu Ran. Thankfully, he and his familiars seemed unharmed.

“What happened here?” Dr. Gu asked.

“Dr. Gu, look at these first. I’ll explain everything...” Lu Ran handed her the phone and the hundreds of Undead Resurrection skill cards from the vampire earl.

Dr. Gu started the video.

“Dr. Lu Yunxiu...”

As she watched Lu Ran’s mother’s message, her face turned to shock. According to the information she had gathered, Lu Ran’s parents had also been reported as deceased.

“This...”

Dr. Gu continued watching until the end. By then, she was utterly stunned.

“I knew about your parents’ disappearance. Many zoologists were attacked there, but I never thought it was an illusion created by

The Other Shore

. This organization... it has existed for that long.”

Even Dr. Gu, one of the earliest beastmasters, was astounded by

The Other Shore

’s long history.

“Dr. Gu, were there really extraordinary creatures on Blue Planet even before Limitless City appeared?” Lu Ran asked.

“Yes, it’s true. Even Store Manager Ying, who was contracted two years ago, had been an extraordinary creature before her contract. She used the girl’s card to contract a clone of herself and enter Limitless City out of curiosity. In truth, she serves as her contractor’s guide,” Dr. Gu replied.

“She can’t say for sure whether she’s native to Blue Planet or an accidental visitor from another realm.”

Lu Ran was a bit shocked, realizing Store Manager Ying had such a unique background. It made sense now why she considered herself different from other familiars.

“Accept my condolences.”

After learning the truth about Lu Ran’s parents’ deaths, Dr. Gu set aside their status as high-ranking members of

The Other Shore

and placed a hand on his shoulder.

“Regarding your mother’s message, what do you think?”

After a moment of silence, Lu Ran replied, “I’d like one of these skill cards. You can handle the rest, Dr. Gu.”

“Also, I’d like to share any information the officials have gathered on the Death Dragon. I have no interest in becoming

The Other Shore’s

master, but I want to complete my parents’ investigation.”

“The Death Dragon is believed to be a Supreme Divine Dragon in the beastmaster world, a high-ranking entity. Even within ascension realms, it’s challenging to obtain information about it without sufficient strength,” Dr. Gu said with a sigh.

“

The Other Shore

...

“The organization has various factions. Some search for items, others hunt others to boost their power, and a group pursues eternal life through research on extraordinary life forms. It’s a troublesome group.

“Although this group doesn’t operate actively in Xia, we clearly can’t ignore them. Legendary items... none have ever been seen. This must be kept confidential. I’ll discuss it only with the Chairman.” Dr. Gu turned to Lu Ran.

“I’ll also arrange a personal guard for you to prevent this from happening again.”

“That vampire. Was he really your parents’ caretaker? It sounds like he was particularly ruthless...” She glanced at Captain Doofus and Sudden Death King.

“Whether he was or not, once Doofus and Sudden Death King evolve, I’ll tear off his wings,” Lu Ran growled.

That damned vampire... But the vampire had pointed out one critical fact. Lu Ran’s identity as a psychic had been exposed, and he did indeed need a bodyguard.

“How about Store Manager Ying? She seems available. Don’t worry, she’s trustworthy,” Dr. Gu quickly suggested a suitable bodyguard for Lu Ran.