The days passed quietly. About a month later, Senior Sister Xiang arrived at the Extreme Martial Dao Center accompanied by a high-ranking official of the Jade Dragon Kingdom. 

"Master, this is Minister Gao, the head of the kingdom's intelligence department," reported Senior Sister Xiang. "We've uncovered some information regarding the matter you asked us to investigate, but the situation appears serious. Minister Gao is here to share the details with you in person."

Lu Changsheng opened his eyes and looked at the man before him. "Minister Gao, speak freely. Tell me what you've found."

Though Minister Gao was a great noble of the Jade Dragon Kingdom and held considerable power as head of the intelligence department, he knew exactly how much influence Lu Yuan now had, so he dared not show any trace of arrogance.

"Mr. Lu, after receiving your instructions, we investigated recent weapons research around the world," said Minister Gao respectfully. "We discovered that the Flame Dragon Federation began developing a secret weapon in one of its desert regions several years ago.

"About a month ago, there was an unusual amount of activity...