Chapter 41
“Is this what he meant?”
Walking up behind Nian Yao Yao, Long Hua takes a brief glance at the map.
Just above the label of this entryway, there is an odd symbol present.
(Zhēn (真), as in genuine, this should be the way their surname is written.)
Surrounding the zhen character is a sycee shape.
Aside from one entryway that is located in the far-right corner of the map, the other entrances all possessed this symbol—that is most likely the Zhen family’s household crest.
“Figured something out?”
Shrugging a shoulder to Nian Yao Yao’s question, Long Hua replies—
“There’s only one entryway that isn’t marked by the Zhen family’s crest. Maybe the first five are all reserved for practitioners only?”
As Nian Yao Yao steps to the side, Long Hua approaches the metal panel—while shrouding his right hand in a thin layer of sword Qi.
“Azure Dragon of the East.”
Muttering this, Long Hua presses the right side of the panel, and through the extension of his sword Qi, he detects an odd device buried beneath the surface.
(Under ordinary circumstances, infusing spirit Qi should be the proper way to operate this device, but…)
Unable to determine whether or not the city’s detection system is able to reach here, Long Hua constricts his eyes in thought for a brief moment.
(Hmm… I’m probably being overly cautious of this, but I don’t feel like taking any chances… If they ask me to pay for damages later, I’ll just redirect the blame onto surnamed Bai.)
Settling on this, Long Hua decides to destroy the device, as he wills his sword Qi to pierce through it.
“Vermilion Bird of the South, White Tiger of the West, Black Tortoise of the North, and…”
Repeating the pressing pattern that Nian Yao Yao had done previously, while leaving a cut mark on the panel’s surface with every touch, Long Hua eventually moves his hand towards the center, and goes on to mutter—
“Yellow Dragon of the Center.”
Upon touching the center of the panel, the wall beside it caves inwards, and slides off to the right—to reveal a hidden entrance way.
“…I’m not a fan of long, dark tunnels.”
Seeing this to be the perfect opportunity to rearrange their formation, Nian Yao Yao speaks up.
“Are you suggesting for me to take up front?”
With a bitter expression on her face, Nian Yao Yao replies—
“You seem more suited to this—considering how the door didn’t respond when I pressed it.”
Blinking his eyes, Long Hua thought—
(Strange, the number of practitioners in this world, who have access to the city—shouldn’t be high in numbers, but the number of gates on this map…)
“What are you thinking of?”
Towards Long Hua’s silence, Nian Yao Yao’s eyes give off a gleam of thoughtfulness, to which, the former replies—
“Makes little sense for doors like this to exist in abundance—when customers of my nature are meant to be scarce.”
“…”
Having this pointed out, Nian Yao Yao does find it odd for there to be five marked entrances on the map, while Nian Tao Tao remarks—
“I doubt this is all just a coincidence. Blatant favoritism is being displayed here.”
“In other words…?”
With a tone of anger and discomfort, Nian Tao Tao replies—
“They’re far more interested in people of your nature; we are just seen as a bunch of tagalongs—nothing more than plain pebbles on the roadside. I’d consider this to be a show of rudeness when conducting business.”
Towards Nian Tao Tao’s statement, Long Hua can’t help but frown. This means that the other side’s surprises are aimed exclusively at him.
Shrugging her shoulders, Nian Tao Tao adds—
“As for what you two are thinking of, why not just say it? It’s that, isn’t it? What we believed to be scarce is actually the exact opposite?”
In response to what Nian Tao Tao is suggesting, both Long Hua and Nian Yao Yao’s expression turns grim.
“I was trying to not think in that direction… Unfortunately, that does make sense.”
(If that were the case, they’d all be my enemies by default.)
The thought of there being a high number of practitioners hiding in this world—causes Long Hua to narrow his eyes with a gleam of killing intent. His first thought against them is to steal the spirit Qi that they’ve accumulated.
“…Hua, what exactly did you and “that guy” talk about last night?”
Being put on the spot by Zhui Yun’s abrupt question, which was asked with a tone of wariness, Long Hua turns his gaze towards her direction, and replies—
“What you really wish to ask is—if I made a secret deal with “that guy,” that could potentially end up putting your employer in danger, is it not?”
Facing Long Hua, Zhui Yun straightens her back, and cautiously says—
“…You were the one who brought up how much value a Nian beast possesses.”
“…”
“…”
As silence looms over the group for a few moments, tension inevitably rises.
“Since we’re not being seen as the main customers of this place-”
Before Nian Yao Yao can finish her sentence, Tian Cheng draws out an inch of Kun’s blade with a noticeable hiss.
Throughout this entire time, she has kept her eyes open, and now—
“Master.”
“I know.”
With his right hand wrapped around Bai Zhe’s handle, Long Hua turns his attention towards the dark tunnel.
(I can’t see the end of this tunnel from here… If I had divine sense, I could look further in without risks.)
“Surnamed Long, what’s happening?”
Glancing at Qing Yue, Long Hua replies—
“Prepare for whatever it is that that village is using to greet us with.”
Seeing Long Hua in an alerted state, Zhui Yun draws closer to Nian Yao Yao, while Qing Yue positions herself in front of Nian Tao Tao.
“…”
“…”
Not a single person said another word, as they waited for the other side’s greeting to arrive.
“…”
“…”
Under current circumstances, an entire second of waiting has seemingly been stretched into a full minute, and just as the thought of drawing in a breath of air crosses Nian Tao Tao’s mind—
“Uh…!”
“…!”
“…?”
“This is…?”
*…! …! …! …!* other than Long Hua and Tian Cheng, a magic circle—manifests beneath everyone else’s feet.
(This energy that is coming from those circles… Teleportation? They’re being forcefully transferred away?)
“Wha…-!?”
Before Nian Yao Yao can say anything else, the magic circle activates fully, and with it, her figure vanishes in the next instance.
“Lad-!”
The next person to go is Zhui Yun, and following her—are Nian Tao Tao and Qing Yue.
“………”
“………”
Making eye contact with one another, Long Hua relaxes his hold on Bai Zhe’s handle, while straightening his stance.
There wasn’t a hint of unease on his face—in seeing his four companions spirited away in such an abrupt manner.
[Not so much as even a look of surprise? Are you simply just that composed, or is it because you possess a heart of iron?]
Momentarily, an androgynous voice comes from within the dark tunnel.
In response to the question, Long Hua raises his index finger, and explains—
“One, living, breathing, Nian beasts—are far too great of a rarity to be killed. Merchants would rather have them well-fed and alive—with the intent of auctioning them off. Two, we’re still in the process of business negotiations; neither of us would want to offend the other greatly—before the matter is settled. Three, it’s their own fault for getting caught up in a trap like that; why should I care?”
(Now this, is the bastard that I’m familiar with.)
Towards Long Hua’s words, the Tian Cheng inside of the dreamscape—claps her hands in amazement.
Chapter 42
“…Well, you heard him.”
“…”
Standing behind bars—while glaring at the wall-sized projector screen, Nian Yao Yao felt the urge to cuss at Long Hua for his three bold statements. However, considering the situation she and the others are in, she didn’t dare to act rashly.
“…”
Turning her eyes away from the projector screen, Nian Yao Yao looks to the figure dressed in a purple shirt with a red tie, while thinking—
(This guy… His skin is so white. Has he never stepped out into the sun in his life?)
Despite how dark the room is, Nian Yao Yao can see that the facial features of this individual are leaning more towards the feminine side—especially so when they have their black hair grown out, and tied into a flowy tail. Within their hair, there are a few shades of deep blue.
Leaning against the round table—in front of the individual, is a cane, that looks to have been made from a special type of white-colored wood. The handle of the cane is a phoenix’s head—with a golden ring wrapped around its collar.
“…”
Standing by the seated individual was a young lady—dressed in a black jacket over a plain white shirt.
The air this young lady gives off is rather meek, almost servant like, however—
(Jeans and boots, jacket and shirt are both short-sleeved… She seems more like a bodyguard than a household servant. No, wait…)
Similarly, to the seated individual, the young lady also possesses the same two-colored hair, and emerald-green eyes—causing Nian Yao Yao to think that they may be related to each other by blood.
Walking up to Nian Yao Yao’s side, Nian Tao Tao asks—
“Are you the village chief?”
“Indeed. Call me Zhen Huai.”
“Zhen-laoban, is it possible for you to release us first?”
Without looking back at Nian Tao Tao, Zhen Huai answers—
“I ask that you bear with the rough treatment for the time being. The business talk that you’ve brought up to me in the past—can be discussed at a later date, once this matter is sorted through.”
“Wou-”
“I’ve said this before. So long as you are able to make it here, I am more than willing to talk business with you. That is, so long as you are willing to wait.”
“…”
Wrapping her right hand around a black bar, Nian Tao Tao gets a feel for it, while thinking—
(These bars may as well be nonexistent, since Qing Yue can slice them apart at any time. Is he testing my patience to see if I’m worth being a business associate of his?)
“Madame Nian, shall I-?”
“No need.”
Before Qing Yue can suggest anything, Nian Tao Tao shakes her head. She’s already waited for god only knows how long—for this opportunity to arrive; what does it matter to wait a bit longer?
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“Just so we’re clear, my mother’s business and mine are separate.”
“I’m aware of that.”
Realizing fast that there wasn’t much room to negotiate their treatment, the two could only choose to give up.
Besides that, they weren’t treated too badly, as there is still a table with refreshments on their side of the vicinity.
However—
(This attitude of his. He clearly doesn’t care about us.)
(…A merchant, was it? Despite us being Nian beasts, this utter lack of interest is far too odd.)
“Zhui Yun, be on guard.”
“Understood.”
Seating themselves at the table together, the two turns their attention towards the projector screen.
(Taking us out of the group… Seems like they want to see what Long Hua is able to do when there’s nothing holding him back. Maybe I should actually be thanking this surnamed Zhen for transporting us here? That contract of ours is starting to make me feel less and less secure.)
In Nian Yao Yao’s mind, the moment Long Hua sees her as a hindrance—is the moment he would lop her head off with the excuse of her being in his line of fire.
(On the frontlines, the Immortals are shown to demonstrate abilities—that are akin to natural disasters. But last night, he didn’t show any of those abilities… Perhaps, I’ll have a chance to see it here.)
Narrowing her eyes, Nian Tao Tao looks intently at the projector screen, but before she and her daughter can fully immerse themselves—
“Lao Zhen, what’s up with the cage?”
Walking into the room is a white-haired man dressed in robes. The wide sleeves of his outer white robes are stitched with purple sun patterns. Beneath this robe, he wears a purple layer with a black sash.
“Bai-shao?”
Turning her head towards the white-haired man, the young lady—who is beside Zhen Huai throws the former a puzzled look.
Towards the young lady, Bai Wen gives a casual wave, whereas Zhen Huai asks—
“Lao Bai, what’s the occasion for you to dress like that?”
“I felt like I should meet that new friend of mine with a more truthful appearance.”
Recognizing Bai Wen to be the same person, who had clashed with Long Hua the night before, Nian Yao Yao raises an eye, and remarks—
“Ah, he’s the guy from last night…”
Being called out to, Bai Wen shifts his attention away from Zhen Huai, and says—
“I wasn’t able to get a good look at them last night, but these two… They’re Nian beasts, aren’t they?”
As Bai Wen turns his head towards their direction—with an eye of ill-intended interest, Zhui Yun and Qing Yue move to cover Nian Yao Yao and Nian Tao Tao behind them.
“Hm?”
Turning his attention to the two Moon Guards, Bai Wen puts on a smile of amusement, whereas Zhen Huai says—
“Lao Bai, as much as they may seem like caged animals right now, they are still potential business partners of mine. Might I suggest you—to keep your hobbies of collecting rare materials in check?”
“I know, I know. I won’t do anything to them—since they seem to have a cooperative relationship with that new friend of mine as well.”
Directing his attention to the projector screen—that shows Long Hua and Tian Cheng entering the dark tunnel, Bai Wen sits down on the opposite side of the table from Zhen Huai.
Pouring himself a cup of tea, and helping himself to a few walnuts from the center of the table, Bai Wen asks—
“So, what exactly do you think of him—now that you’ve seen him?”
“Too early to say. Still, just from his three bold statements earlier, I can tell he’s quite a piece of work—even when compared to the standard.”
“What did you have in mind for a test exactly?”
As Bai Wen crushes a walnut’s shell with effortless ease, Zhen Huai answers—
“What better way is there to test a practitioner’s strength—other than to have them demonstrate a few of their divine arts?”
“Oh? Seems like there will be quite a show tonight.”
Chapter 43
(Hm?)
Swallowing the chewed-up walnut in his mouth, Bai Wen directs a sideways glance at Zhen Huai.
The impatient expression on Zhen Huai’s face can only be described as unbefitting of the current situation, for his attention seems to be directed elsewhere.
Waving his hand, Bai Wen constructs a space around them to prevent their conversation from being heard by Nian Yao Yao and the others.
“For some reason, I feel as if you’re a bit more on edge today.”
“…”
Glancing back at Bai Wen, Zhen Huai sighs, and replies—
“Maybe this edge will be smoothed out, depending on the results produced tonight.”
“Is it related to your family?”
“Indeed.”
Seeing Zhen Huai unwilling to divulge on the matter further, the young lady, beside him, goes on to say—
“…Brother is concerned about the next phase of the clan chief selections that is coming up in a few months’ time.”
“Hmm.”
Recalling the Zhen family’s clan chief selection process, which can only be described as unique, Bai Wen frowns.
The clan chief candidates are not tested just for their talents alone. In fact, a candidate’s talent in the Zhen family is only considered secondary.
The main attribute that is being tested of the candidates—is their ability to judge others.
At this selection event, the candidates are all required to bring with them a person—whom they have invested resources into.
Maintaining the frown, Bai Wen remarks—
“Your family really has some odd quirks—making such a simple matter overtly complicated.”
“Truth be told, I’m actually somewhat grateful to them—for making the matter overtly complicated, as it gives even a cripple like myself a chance at glory.”
“Hmm, I suppose. Whatever happened to the person you were investing in before?”
Towards the question, Zhen Huai replies by gesturing with a hand sliding across his neck, to which, Bai Wen asks—
“Was it by another candidate? If so, did you find out who?”
“Most probably. Your second question, hmm… If an individual can be offed so easily, what value do they have? Personally, I didn’t find it to be worthwhile to pour resources into finding the culprit that did the act.”
Chuckling aloud, Bai Wen replies—
“Agreed. How many more tests are left?”
“Three more. …They may happen all at once—depending on the clan chief’s mood.”
“I’d offer you a hand, but my circumstances won’t allow it.”
“Which is why—I’m currently in an awkward position. Ai, let’s not dwell on this matter for now.”
“Final question regarding it. If this friend of mine performs well, would you consider investing in him as your representative?”
Shrugging a shoulder, Zhen Huai replies—
“Being able to kill two birds with one stone would be ideal; however, the Leng Bing Realm has restrictions on those who are born here. I do not know how these restrictions would affect him. If they don’t affect him in any way, I could consider it. …Lao Bai, you seem even more on edge than me right now.”
Towards this remark, Bai Wen lets out a dry laugh, and replies—
“Over the years, I’ve been disappointed on numerous occasions. This time, however… The odds are so unusually high in my favor—that I can’t help but pin a great deal of hope on this lead.”
Blinking his eyes, Zhen Huai says—
“I sincerely hope that this new friend of yours—will be able to meet your high expectations then.”
Turning his head towards the young lady by his side, Zhen Huai adds—
“Xiao Róng (荣) you’re in charge of controlling the magic array later.”
Towards her elder brother, Zhēn Róng (真荣) replies with a nod, while Bai Wen asks—
“Xiao Rong, how’s progress lately?”
“Bai-shao, if you’re asking me about progress, then you should offer up some incentives. Otherwise, it’s rude.”
Shrugging his shoulders, Bai Wen replies—
“My relationship with your elder brother is as tough as iron. Asking you this, can’t be considered offensive at this point. But whatever, what sort of incentives are you looking for?”
“Pointers on how to breakthrough into the Nascent Soul realm.”
“Oh? Impressive, little girl. Already at the peak of the Core Formation realm?”
“Correct.”
Glancing at Bai Wen and his younger sister, Zhen Huai inwardly sighs. The two’s exchange is reminiscent of a grandfather and granddaughter.
(Her cultivation base has been improving rapidly over the years. But in our branch of the family…)
Just as Zhen Huai is thinking of this, Bai Wen looks to the former, and asks—
“Lao Zhen, what are you thinking of?”
“Nothing. Just as she said, you should give her some pointers later.”
Looking between Zhen Huai and Zhen Rong, Bai Wen cracks the shell of another walnut, and replies—
“Next week then.”
“Bai-shao, I’ll be holding you to it.”
………
“…”
Moving through the dark tunnel with caution, Long Hua eventually sees a source of light in the far distance, causing him to halt in his footsteps, as he turns to Tian Cheng, who reports—
“No signs of life were detected in the distance.”
“And yet, I feel like I’m about to experience something extremely unpleasant…”
Knowing that the other side is most likely watching his every movement, Long Hua directs a look of disgust in the direction of the light source.
[Lao Long, you’re ruining your pretty face by making that expression.]
Recognizing this voice to be Bai Wen’s, Long Hua ignores it, as he continues to move along.
[Feel free to demonstrate any divine arts that you have at your disposal. None of it—will be detected by the city above you.]
Chapter 44
“…Hm?”
Stepping out of the dark tunnel, Long Hua is treated to the sight of a lush green forest.
(I seem to have underestimated the other side’s wealth.)
Is the first thought that appears in Long Hua’s mind, as he crouches down, and gets a feel for the dirt beneath him.
(Aren’t we underground? Why is there a sun and an entire forest there?)
Towards the scenery that is displayed on the projector screen, numerous questions appear in Nian Yao Yao’s mind, whereas Nian Tao Tao remarks—
“I’ve heard that the Immortals are capable of creating miniature worlds, but I never would have thought that I’d have a chance to see it.”
“No, no, this isn’t anything that impressive.”
Dismissing the sound containment barrier that surrounds him and the others, Bai Wen replies as such, and adds—
“What’s truly impressive is the world that you are currently in.”
“Hm?”
“Oh? Did your ancestors not record that bit of information, or was it lost over time?”
Blinking her eyes, Nian Tao Tao replies—
“I do know that there exists a world outside of this one.”
“I see. But you probably didn’t know that this world was created by the ancestor of my household.”
Hearing this from Bai Wen, a light of hostility appears in Nian Tao Tao’s eyes.
“Ancestor of the Ling Yuan family… Zhen-laoban, are you also-?”
Before Nian Tao Tao can finish her question, Zhen Huai shakes his head, and replies—
“Lao Bai is an acquaintance of mine. Business wise, I am associated with one branch of the Ling Yuan family. I suppose that doesn’t make me appear more friendly… Lao Bai, you should explain yourself a bit better instead of dropping a ball of this nature so abruptly.”
“Well, I’m not lying when I say—that the creator of this Leng Bing Realm is the ancestor of my household. In any case, I personally have no affection for this household of mine. Curse them, burn them, plunder from them, do as you like, just don’t drag me into it without a good plan in mind.”
Amidst these words, Bai Wen’s smile gains a sinister flavor, while Zhen Huai sighs, and says—
“I’ll explain everything later. As for whether or not you trust me to do business afterwards, up to you. It isn’t any skin off my back—if you choose to back out.”
“…”
Hearing this, Nian Tao Tao frowns.
She doesn’t really have a choice in this matter; for there is a resource that Nian Tao Tao must acquire no matter what, and this resource can only be brought from this village.
(Ai, this is just… I hate this feeling…)
Despite having several questions that she wished to voice aloud, Nian Yao Yao finds it difficult to do so.
Throughout her stay in this city, Nian Yao Yao feels like she’s been repeatedly told of just how ignorant she has been this entire time—making all her accomplishments in life thus far seem meaningless.
………
“…”
Straightening his back, Long Hua constricts his eyes, as he brushes off the bit of dirt that is on his palms, and remarks—
“It’s all rather realistic, but…”
“It’s all artificial on closer examination.”
“Right. And as far as I can tell, this environment wasn’t made for the sake of imprisoning someone. Otherwise, we would already be interacting with a trap of some sort.”
Drawing Bai Zhe out fully, Long Hua moves forth with caution, while Tian Cheng follows at arm’s length.
(If the other side is able to create a miniature world of this scale, then they are probably very well off financially.)
Cupping a hand over his head, Long Hua looks up at the skies.
(This sun that floats in the skies is giving off genuine warmth. Something of this nature would cost a fortune, and it couldn’t possibly be created through a magic array. They probably used this place as a greenhouse under normal circumstances. Maintaining everything here should cost a great deal of spirit Qi. The fact that the city above us isn’t able to detect this village means they probably have some way to conceal it. Seems like Bai Wen wasn’t lying when he said I can use my divine arts freely.)
………
“Lao Zhen, this isn’t the landscape you’d normally use for gardening. Where did you copy it from?”
“Xiao Rong, the array is yours.”
Replying with a nod, Zhen Rong steps out of the room, while Zhen Huai turns to Bai Wen, and answers—
“I am as curious about his background as you are.”
“Ah… I see.”
………
Continuing to move through the lush forest, Long Hua eventually finds—
“This is…?”
Halting his footsteps, Long Hua blinks his eyes at the sight that is both foreign and familiar to him at the same time.
“…”
In the distance, a 120-meter tree of colossal stature stands.
Surrounding this ancient tree—in the shape of a spacious square, is a wooden fence; and within this fence are six herb gardens.
(This place… How?)
Similarly, to Long Hua, Tian Cheng is just as surprised to see this tree here, but compared to the former, she is quicker to realize this place to be but a mere replica—forged by whatever magic array, that is installed in this space for this specific occasion.
(Their home is here, then what about the person…?)
Thinking of a very specific person, the Tian Cheng within the dreamscape turns pale.
“…”
Drawing in a deep breath of air, Long Hua approaches the colossal tree.
According to the memories that are etched into his soul, this place was the home of his shizun—during an earlier period in time.
Moving pass the fence, Long Hua arrives at the tree’s base—where steps lead downwards to a wooden door.
Reaching for the doorknob, Long Hua attempts to twist it, however—
“Hm?”
“Master, it shouldn’t be possible for this place to be here.”
“………Indeed…”
Towards his inability to turn the doorknob, along with Tian Cheng’s words, Long Hua immediately snaps out of his trance, as he takes a few steps back.
“Living things… Regardless of race, they all wish to return to the time and place—where they were at their happiest.”
Heaving a sigh, Long Hua attempts to regain his composure, prior to directing Bai Zhe towards the door before him, upon contact—
*…!* the shroud of sword Qi—that covers the blade, instantly splits the door in half.
Chapter 45
“…Was he not supposed to be able to open that door?”
Judging by Zhen Huai’s expression at this time, that was clearly not a part of the initial plan.
Towards Bai Wen’s question, Zhen Huai answers—
“Odd… It would seem like the magic array isn’t capable of fully replicating his memories.”
“Wouldn’t it be because he hasn’t recovered them all yet?”
“The magic array was able to create a replica of a place that he was familiar with. Other than what lies beyond that ancient tree’s door, everything else is present.”
“…Lao Zhen, how does your family’s magic array work again?”
Blinking his eyes, Zhen Huai explains—
“Memories, according to scholars of our world, can come from three sources. The first is the mind, the second is the soul, and the third is the body. The body aside, this magic array is meant to read the memories contained in an individual’s mind first. After that, it will attempt to read the memories contained in the soul—to give the already created illusion a greater level of detail. For this occasion, I set it to read the soul first. If the magic array wasn’t able to recreate anything from these two sources of memories, I was thinking of creating enemies at random to test him. But since it worked, it means…”
Pausing here, Zhen Huai takes a few moments to put his thoughts in order, prior to adding—
“Under normal circumstances, the process of reincarnation would require one to forget the memories of their previous life completely. In his case, he… Somehow skipped the memory erasure process. Another possibility, as unlikely as it is, is that the memory erasure process had been interrupted partway through—causing his current memories to be in the fragmented state that they are currently in.”
“………”
Towards Zhen Huai’s analysis of Long Hua’s situation, a discomforting thought appears in Bai Wen’s mind.
(Skipping or dodging the memory erasure process through his own abilities… Even an Immortal realm practitioner would have a difficult time doing so. Once their soul lands into the realm of the dead, they would have no control over whatever sentence they are subjected to. Suppose Lao Zhen’s second theory is indeed true; then a possible explanation would be that someone from the outside—had made a move to prevent his memories from being erased completely. That someone… His shizun is the first person to come to mind, but if that were the case, then his shizun’s cultivation base would have to be…)
As Bai Wen thought up to here, Zhen Huai adds—
“This array should be able to recreate a practitioner of the Spirit Assimilation realm, but-”
“Beyond Spirit Assimilation is Dao Manifestation, followed by the Immortal realm… There’s a special space within this world—the necropolis. If it’s there, I wonder…?”
“Lao Bai, let’s focus more on the present for now.”
Snapping out of his trance, Bai Wen nods, and asks—
“In that case, what would he find beyond that door—if it were forced open?
“I suppose we’ll find out.”
………
“…”
Without any expectations in mind, Long Hua steps into the residence, and—
“Back so soon? Didn’t I tell you to pick five Serpent Scale Grasses for me? Or is it that you don’t want your curse suppressed?”
“…?”
The stern and irritation-filled voice of this individual had seemingly been transmitted to him through a phone call, but despite that, Long Hua could still recognize it.
“…Shizun?”
Raising his head, Long Hua looks forward—with an expression of bewilderment on his face.
………
Blinking his eyes, Zhen Huai remarks—
“Seems like this is the limit of the array.”
“So, it’s incapable of creating a perfect copy of his shizun, but is still able to replicate their voice to a certain degree. Hmm.”
Similarly, to Long Hua, both Zhen Huai and Bai Wen are just as bewildered by the sight, whereas—
“…”
Seeing the thing displayed on the projection screen, Zhui Yun’s complexion turns pale.
………
Panels of wood cover the floors and walls—giving the uneven nature of this space a more uniformed appearance.
Situated to the far right of this living room is a large table, while on the opposite side is a rectangular storage container.
Positioned in the center of this room is a large cauldron, and standing in front of the cauldron is—
“Did a few screws come loose in your head?”
“…”
Standing in front of Long Hua is an individual shrouded within a body of white fog—making it impossible to discern his true appearance.
“…”
Unable to formulate any words, Long Hua stands in place, as his head works to process the matters that his shizun had just mentioned to him.
(Serpent Scale Grass? A curse?)
Of the two matters that were brought up a moment ago, the second matter—
(This curse that shizun mentioned…)
Instinctively, Long Hua feels like this curse—that had been mentioned, is a matter of greater importance to him than even his goal of returning home.
“…”
Towards the individual shrouded in white fog, Tian Cheng—who stands behind Long Hua, performs a subtle bow in the former’s direction.
Inwardly, she thought—
(…It’s only a replica created by this magic array, but…)
“…”
(…!?)
Sensing the fog-shrouded individual directing his gaze towards her, the Tian Cheng within the dreamscape panics, as she rapidly takes three steps back.
(These fools, to have to galls to replicate that person’s image…)
Thinking of this, cold sweat rolls down Tian Cheng’s face.
Outside of the dreamscape, Long Hua asks—
“…Shizun, what curse are you talking about?”
“…”
Despite the fog obscuring the individual’s face, Long Hua can somewhat tell that the former had most likely frowned—in response to this question.
“…”
“…!”
As the fog-shrouded individual takes a single step forward, a feeling of bad premonition appears in Long Hua’s heart.
………
In the same instance—
“…?”
Zhen Huai takes out his phone, which is currently displaying a new message on its screen.
“Stability of the magic array has gone off balance?”
Glancing over, Bai Wen reads the message that came from Zhen Rong aloud, to which, Zhen Huai says—
“Lao Bai, I believe you’re playing with fire this time around.”
“What a coincidence really. The moment you brought up your second theory, I’ve been thinking of the same.”