Chapter 6
“A map to New Moon Village.”
Towards Zhou Chen’s claim of what the piece of parchment is, Nian Yao Yao doesn’t show any reactions on the outside, however—
(Tch. I seem to have underestimated this old man. The fact that he has a map means he must have connections to New Moon Village in the first place. It would be all too easy for him to figure out what my objective was for coming into this city personally—if they just investigated my five years’ worth of activities.)
“I do not enjoy games that wastes time in an inefficient manner, Lady Nian.”
“If that’s the case, can I assume that map to be genuine?”
“Whether you trust it to be genuine or not is your problem. You brought two highly skilled Sinners along with your visit. Had I not proposed to trade you this map, along with these blood vials—you would have sent them to raid my home in the middle of the night. The map is not an object of value to me at this point; hence I am willing to part with it—instead of having to deal with two troublemakers.”
Having everything that she had planned pointed out in such a blunt manner, Nian Yao Yao couldn’t do much but to clear her throat, and ask—
“Did you get this information from your contact in New Moon Village?”
“Correct. I should add, as someone who has lived through the frontlines, I ask to not be disturbed in my retirement.”
“…”
Looking at the rolled-up piece of parchment, Nian Yao Yao frowns.
With no prior contact with New Moon Village, she wouldn’t have any way to know if the map that is drawn on the parchment is genuine or not.
“…Level six Immortal. That one appeared five decades ago during your period of service.”
Recalling this bit of detail that was told to him by Li Xue, Long Hua looks to Zhou Chen.
“Oh? So, you’ve heard?”
“I was also informed that it took over 200 Sinners to take that Immortal down.”
“…Correct.”
“Is that wound from that Immortal?”
Towards this question, Zhou Chen nods.
“I see.”
Ever since he managed to reacquire his cultivation base, Long Hua had done some estimations in his head.
(Levels one to two can be dealt with single-handedly with enough experience. Those are probably still within the realms of Qi Condensation. Three may require an extra set of helping hands—they should be Foundation Establishment realm practitioners at this level. Four and five requires a squad or more; should be Core Formation if that’s the case. As for this level six that requires over 200 Sinners to kill… This explosive increase in numbers—should indicate a Nascent Soul realm practitioner.)
Regardless of their special physique, a Sinner is ultimately still closer to that of an ordinary mortal.
On the other hand, a Nascent Soul realm practitioner is akin to a natural disaster due to the strength they command.
Fighting against a natural disaster that possesses human level intelligence—
(For an individual that is closer to a mortal, I can see how that can be a traumatizing experience.)
Thinking for a moment, Long Hua looks to Nian Yao Yao.
“Let’s not waste any more time here. The map should be genuine.”
“Hmm.”
Towards Long Hua’s suggestion, Nian Yao Yao ponders for a bit before nodding her head.
(…She’s always willing to listen to Hua when it comes to important decision making.)
Being reminded of this, Zhui Yun clenches her fists, as she directs a hateful glare at Long Hua.
“Very well then. I shall take the blood vials and the map as payment.”
“Done.”
Handing both the seventh vial and the map over to one of the dolls, Zhou Chen has all the items packed into the metal case.
“Well then, pleasure doing business with you.”
“To you as well, Lady Nian.”
“Also, be sure to send us a video of you actually taking the elixir. Preferably within the next half hour.”
“I understand that this is one of your company’s ways to ensure that your clients do not resell it to another.”
“Zhou-laoye’s understanding is greatly appreciated.”
Standing up from the armchair, Nian Yao Yao heads for the door, while Zhui Yun walks over to pick up the metal case.
As most of the group clears out of the room, Zhou Chen looks to Long Hua’s back, and remarks—
“Young man, you seem…”
“Hm?”
“Perhaps it is only my imagination, but there’s something… Looking at you, I feel as if I’m looking at a body shrouded in a dense layer of fog. Reminds me of my old enemies.”
(Oh? Looks like he really was staring at me when Jing made that joke.)
The initial impression that Long Hua has of Zhou Chen is a blade that can be drawn at any moment, and the latter’s words just now reinforced this notion.
“I think, that’s just your imagination at play, old man. You should…- A doctor would say to take your medicine, and get some rest, I suppose?”
Having said this, Long Hua leaves the room, while the doll that is standing outside shuts the door.
“Ai…”
Looking up at the ceiling, Zhou Chen sighs, as he closes his eyes.
“Might be too early to retire after all…”
Reopening his eyes, Zhou Chen looks to the doll that had carried the metal case into the room.
“Prepare me some food. Preferably something light.”
“Understood.”
As the doll leaves the room, Zhou Chen rises from his seat, and turns around with his gaze locked onto the doll that had performed the scanning of the two vials.
“Will that be all then?”
In response to this question, the doll reopens its eyes, and answers—
[Yes.]
A woman’s voice comes from the doll’s mouth, and as the doll’s eyes flicker for a brief instance, communication is cut.
“Ai, this Long Yue family… Now that the map is with the daughter, the mother will begin to make her move.”
Chapter 7
“Yes.”
Giving this reply to Zhou Chen, a woman dressed in a white qipao, hangs up her phone.
Decorating her attire are black crane patterns and appearance wise, her face resembles Nian Yao Yao. But compared to the latter, she possesses pale blue hair with her horns being white instead of gold.
Should the two stand side by side together, one would easily think of them to be twin sisters of the same age, but in actuality, they are mother and daughter.
“Failed?”
Asking Nian Tao Tao this question, is another woman with long golden hair and an elegant set of green eyes. Protruding out of this woman’s mouth was a lollipop.
Compared to Nian Tao Tao, this woman’s attire is much more modern in styling, being a white dress shirt with a pair of black mini pants. Layered over her basic attire is a white lab coat.
Much like Nian Tao Tao, this woman’s face also resembles another person, and that person would be Jing Yao—for she is none other than the latter’s older sister, Jing Yin.
“Not entirely unexpected.”
Setting her phone aside, Nian Tao Tao raises a light sigh, as she rubs the ring on her right hand. This silver ring is decorated with a green gemstone.
Currently, the two are sitting within the tanned leather interior of a luxury car face to face.
“The elixir isn’t a priority item to me right now. That prank I pulled—let me know what its key ingredient is, I can make my own after some trial and error. What’s truly important right now is that map.”
Replying to Nian Tao Tao’s remark, Jing Yin says—
“I still find it hard to believe that she had succeeded where we failed.”
“I wouldn’t say that we failed but… Ai.”
“The village chief said that if we can acquire a map to their place, then further negotiations are possible. I still recall how difficult it was to even find someone who was in possession of a map, let alone someone who was willing to forgo it.”
“Indeed.”
As far as Nian Tao Tao is aware of—NPI’s information gathering abilities are not anything impressive.
However, they were good enough to make sure that they didn’t sell their precious elixirs to anyone that associates themselves with the Long Yue family. This made it impossible for Nian Tao Tao to acquire an IB-09 to close a deal with Zhou Chen for his map.
“I feel like it wasn’t a coincidence that Zhou-laoye had been willing to part with his map to her specifically.”
“You mean everything is a setup?”
“And Zhou-laoye is but one of the many chess pieces in this setup.”
Thinking for a bit, Nian Tao Tao finds herself agreeing with Jing Yin, and remarks—
“In that case, the king should be the village chief. …Tell Qing Yue to be prepared for tonight.”
“She’ll probably ask me for a tune-up should she know I’m in the city.”
It’s no coincidence that both Nian Tao Tao and Jing Yin had come into GC012 on this day specifically. Upon learning about Nian Yao Yao’s business for coming into this city personally, they were forced to drop their busy schedules to prepare for an ambush.
If they couldn’t acquire a map through trading, then their only option left was to steal it.
Such an idea had crossed Nian Tao Tao’s mind in the past, but the chief of New Moon Village had said strictly that they will not acknowledge a negotiation that is set up through underhanded methods.
However, would taking something from a family member be considered stealing?
Even to this day, Nian Yao Yao’s name is still on the Long Yue family’s registry, hence Nian Tao Tao considers the act of taking something of her daughter’s to be borrowing and not stealing.
“If your schedule allows it, I don’t see why not.”
“It’s probably best to get it done before we begin the operation. Are you looking forward to seeing your daughter again, madame?”
“And what of you? Are you looking forward to seeing your little sister again?”
“Hmm. Depends on how she reacts.”
“Same answer as me.”
………
Upon returning to the luxury car, and being back on the road—
“Tch. I feel like everyone is playing me for a fool…”
Begrudgingly Nian Yao Yao said these words while grinding her teeth together. First it was her mother who played a prank on her using the military, and now it’s her client.
“They say, the young can never hope to defeat the old and experienced.”
Crossing her legs, Jing Yao presses a fist to her cheek. For some reason, a sense of irritation is welling up in her heart.
“I’m pretty sure I’m way older than that old man.”
“Age is but a number, the rest can be made up for with experience. You clearly don’t have enough experience.”
“Hmm. My household has an old saying that’s been passed down for many generations, “those with long lives tend to mature far later than those without.” Maybe it’s because of that—that I’m inexperienced?”
“Would make sense.”
As Nian Yao Yao and Jing Yao converse, Long Hua turns to Tian Cheng, and asks—
“Tian Cheng, who exactly is this surnamed Zhou?”
Having met Zhou Chen in person, Long Hua could suddenly understand why Tian Cheng had chosen to stay in the car.
(That old man is far too sharp to be just an ordinary war vet. The fact that he managed to obtain a building permit to construct a mansion in the third ward means his status has weight in the military. He’s also…)
It’s unknown if he had been seen through as a practitioner or not, but Long Hua feels like that may have been the case.
(Had Tian Cheng been there as well, things may have been even worse…)
The possibility of Zhou Chen being able to see through Tian Cheng’s identity as an object that had been modified by something related to the Immortals isn’t zero, so her choosing to stay in the car had been the safer choice.
(…She’s surprisingly sharper than what I would have expected from a machine.)
Towards Long Hua’s question, Tian Cheng answers—
“The man who killed the level six Immortal more than five decades ago. He is hailed as a hero in the military.”
Judging by Nian Yao Yao and Jing Yao’s reaction, this also seems to be news to them.
“Well, that explains everything. I figured that they’d have to be someone of high status in the military with a home like that, but this was beyond anything that I could have imagined…”
Raising a sigh, Long Hua pinches the bridge of his nose, as he recalls his conversation with Jing Yao earlier this morning.
(Jing has known me for over ten years, it stands to reason that she’s able to notice the oddities that my cultivation base has brought to my person. That old man though… Pure observation skills, along with his experience dealing with practitioners. If there’s more people like him out there…)
Unable to imagine what sort of life he would be forced to lead—should his secrets be exposed, Long Hua frowns.
(Looks like I really need to be even more careful from here on out… Especially so in five years’ time when I’m sent to the frontlines.)
Originally, Long Hua figured that he would attempt to buy his way out of service through his own savings, or through Nian Yao Yao’s assistance—if that wasn’t enough; however, that is no longer an option when he is in desperate need of spirit Qi to unravel his own past.
Recovering from her state of surprise, Nian Yao Yao turns to Zhui Yun, and—
“Zhui Yun, bring out the map.”
“Yes.”
Opening the metal case, and retrieving the parchment, Zhui Yun hands it over to Nian Yao Yao, who unrolls it.
If you find this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the infringement.
Examining the map with narrowed eyes, Nian Yao Yao nods with satisfaction—despite her own doubts about its authenticity.
“Other than the map itself, quite a bit of important details are written here as well. But we still won’t know if it’s genuine until we use it.”
As Nian Yao Yao stores the map away, Long Hua asks—
“When do you intend to send us out then?”
“Preferably while I am still here in this city.”
“How long will you be staying then?”
“No more than a week.”
“I see. So, where is the entrance?”
Contemplating for a bit, Nian Yao Yao answers—
“Let’s just use the one in the third ward. How does tomorrow sound?”
“After seven is doable.”
“Right, you still have a day job to maintain. I’ve sent you the files on what I can gather about your teammates to your email a while ago. Have you seen it?”
“Haven’t had time.”
Heaving a sigh, Nian Yao Yao remarks—
“Info gathering really isn’t our company’s forte, so don’t expect much.”
“Which is why you wanted New Moon Village’s cooperation.”
“Correct. So please do your best to ensure that we manage to get a good relationship going with them.”
“No promises. If not even the almighty Long Yue family of the east is able to get into a cooperative relationship with this black market, I don’t see how I could.”
Towards the light of anticipation that is emanating from Nian Yao Yao’s golden eyes, Long Hua answers with a dispassionate tone.
“It really is a mystery as to why that is the case.”
“Maybe they’re just really picky about their customers?”
Replying to Jing Yao’s remark, Nian Yao Yao goes on to say—
“If that were the case, fine, but that old hag mentioned to me in the past—about how she was offering a large sum of money and other materials of great value to them for a cooperative relationship. The answer the village chief gave her was something along the lines of “find a map to my place, then we may talk.” I remember that quite well, since she was incredibly ticked off to be refused despite offering up so much. The situation back then… Well, it was similar to a rich family’s daughter offering up a large dowry to a poor family’s son, only for the other side to refuse, and say the former is unworthy.”
“That’s quite a comparison you’re drawing…”
“Well, how else would you describe it?”
Leaving Nian Yao Yao and Jing Yao to converse about this odd topic, Long Hua thought—
(So, the mother was able to make initial contact, but couldn’t even get the negotiation process started—despite offering up many valuables to the other side. Sounds insulting, and it probably was. Meanwhile, the daughter took five years to acquire the map, but negotiations have yet to even kick off… Uh, wait…?)
Thinking of this, another thought crosses Long Hua’s mind, as he comes to an abrupt realization.
(Aren’t they both basically losers here? Neither of them has gotten to the actual negotiation table. The mother has been defeated for certain—since she hasn’t even gotten hold of a map after all this time. Meanwhile, the daughter seems to be a loser in the making—especially so if she fails to form a relationship with this black market.)
“Hm? I sense someone thinking ill of me.”
Towards Nian Yao Yao’s highly accurate remark, Long Hua nonchalantly clears his throat, and asks—
“So, if you did manage to land a cooperative relationship with this village, you’d be rubbing it into her face then?”
“That’s one way to think about it. Ah thinking of how I’d feel should that come true is quite nice. The worthless daughter proves to her old mother that she is much more capable than her.”
Turning towards the window, Jing Yao asks—
“Where are we headed right now?”
“The hotel. There should be a clothing shop there as well.”
“…There better be a café or something there too.”
Knowing how long it takes for women to pick out their clothes, Long Hua expects himself to be in for a long wait.
“Oh, we can take that chance to catchup then, Hua.”
“…Yeah, not looking forward to it.”
Chapter 8
Seating themselves within a western styled café are Long Hua, Tian Cheng, and Zhui Yun.
The table they occupy is in the far-right corner, where the people closest to them are at least another three tables away.
(The scent here is quite nice, but I think I still prefer the Mirrored Moon Café’s aesthetic choices.)
The central counter of the café, that is round in form, and is painted white with a yellow surface—gives the entire place a more modern feel when it is compared to the Mirrored Moon Café, that is focused on giving its customers a more archaic dining experience.
“…Your drinks and snacks.”
Upon setting their drinks and snacks down on the table, the waitress leaves immediately from having sensed the tension that is in the air between Long Hua and Zhui Yun.
For drinks, the two had ordered themselves a glass of mixed fruit juice.
For a snack, Long Hua ordered a small bowl of strawberry ice cream, whereas Zhui Yun ordered a slice of vanilla frosted cake.
Judging by how most of the customers in this café are men and children, they are most likely waiting for the female members of their family to return from the luxury-branded clothing shop that is located next door.
“Ai, I wonder how long those two will take…”
Setting his glass of mixed fruit juice down, Long Hua sighs.
Knowing Nian Yao Yao, she will definitely not just be buying clothes for Jing Yao alone.
“They can take as long as they want. The sun is far from setting.”
Picking up her fork, Zhui Yun cuts off a bit of her cake, and directs it to her mouth.
“Sweet.”
“…Cold.”
Taking a bite out of his ice cream, Long Hua looks to Zhui Yun, and—
“Right, get on with it. What did you want to talk about?”
“I feel like venting some stress.”
“As far as I know, you’re as free as a child. What sort of stress do you have to vent?”
“How long have we known each other, Hua?”
“I’ve known you for as long as I’ve known Jing, so… Over ten years?”
“And I’ve known mother for longer than that…”
“Mother,” that is what Zhui Yun refers to Nian Yao Yao as—when the person isn’t present.
“…”
The Bloodline Project, the lifelong work of Long Yue family’s current head, Nian Tao Tao.
The general idea behind this project is the creation of artificial Long Yue family clansmen using Nian Tao Tao’s blood.
An easier way to understand this project—would be the act of creating clones; and the clones that are created through the project—are collectively called the Moon Guards.
The existence of this project is the reason as to why there is an ongoing feud within the Long Yue family.
Despite Nian Yao Yao’s objections, Nian Tao Tao still wishes to continue this inhumane project—where its creations have a high likelihood of dying while still being nurtured within the artificial womb.
Even if a Moon Guard survives that stage of the project, they may still not live pass the age of eight.
Zhui Yun is one of the few Moon Guards born out of this project—using Nian Yao Yao’s blood as a base after numerous trials, so the former calling the latter mother isn’t inappropriate.
“Hua, I really, really hate you for existing.”
Raising her head, Zhui Yun glares at Long Hua, and towards the former’s glare, the latter lets out a light chuckle.
“Your reason?”
“Mother is willing to listen to you when it comes to making important decisions. She’s willing to assign you with important tasks. You have an unusual contract with her. She told me, nine is an auspicious number in some myths. When I asked her about New Moon Village, she would only smile, and say not to worry about it, but when you asked, she gave you all the details. Why is she so willing to trust you when you’ve only known her for around ten years? Why is it that she always seems to have high expectations of you?”
There was no set pattern in the way in which Zhui Yun is raising her observations, and questions—for she truly is just venting out her repressed emotions of envy towards Long Hua in a way that is reminiscent of a child throwing a tantrum.
Closing his eyes, Long Hua exhales a soft breath.
“You’re envious of me, and afraid of your mother treating you like an extra.”
“…”
Towards Zhui Yun’s silence, Long Hua smiles, as he positions a hand beneath his chin.
“My relationship with Nian Yao Yao is purely business. Understand that business relationships are not meant to last forever. It is a give and take relationship; a day will come when one of us shall no longer have a use for the other, and that is when this relationship will end. The terms of my contract with her states clearly that I must aid her in taking over the Long Yue family. Once that contract is complete… A year or two afterwards is when I shall take my leave at the latest.”
Stating his future intentions clearly, Long Hua reopens his eyes.
“People say that there is no relationship thicker than blood. Even if you were born through unusual means, the two of you are still related through such a connection. If you are feeling insecure about your own position in her heart, then you need only prove to her that you possess strength that she may rely upon in her times of need.”
“…”
Towards Long Hua’s words, Zhui Yun makes an expression that is difficult to describe. Was it irritation, or was it perhaps nervousness? If scrutinized further, there is also what seems to be a hint of fear.
“…Ai.”
Raising a sigh, Zhui Yun’s expression softens. However, there was still a hint of wariness within her eyes.
(Eyes are a window into a person’s state of mind… Seems like my observation skills have gotten better. And they should continue to improve, as my cultivation base increases.)
Blinking his eyes once, Long Hua notices Zhui Yun’s wariness. As he is only noticing this for the first time, he doesn’t know if this has always been the way she looks at himself.
“That’s the other thing that I really hate about you. Whenever you reprimand me with advice, I’m always forced to listen…”
In a sulking manner, Zhui Yun sips her glass of juice from a straw.
“Because you’re but a child in my eyes.”
Replying as such, Long Hua doesn’t pay further heed to Zhui Yun’s unusual display of wariness towards him.
“I really hate you…”
Placing a bit of ice cream onto his tongue, and savoring its taste for a bit, Long Hua asks—
“How old are you this year?”
“Sixteen, happened a while back.”
According to what Nian Yao Yao had told him in the past, Zhui Yun had been brought to her by a squad of NPI agents when they were still just a fetus contained within an artificial womb.
With how difficult it is for a creation of the Bloodline Project to survive, Zhui Yun can be considered lucky to have reached 16 years of age.
“Ai, at this age you should be in school. Especially so if you weren’t a Sinner.”
“After hearing what you said about S09 in the past, I’m glad I was educated back at the company’s main building.”
Upon Zhui Yun finishing off her slice of cake, her phone notifies her of a text message.
“Mother wants me to head over.”
“Probably because Jing got tired of being a dress-up doll.”
Chapter 9
“…”
“…”
With Zhui Yun no longer at the table, Long Hua occupies the opposite side, and faces Tian Cheng.
To the side, there is a power outlet—that Tian Cheng is currently plugging a white cord into to recharge her batteries. This cord extends out from her wrist, and should anyone see it, they would probably raise an eye—in response to how unnatural the sight is.
“Out of curiosity, what do you think of that imp?”
Interested in how Tian Cheng views those that they are spending their time with today, Long Hua asks her about her impressions of these individuals.
“Although she hates master, master doesn’t seem to hate her.”
“Because she’s just a brat.”
“According to my database, individuals of her age tend to act rebellious towards those that they look up to.”
Towards this mechanical remark, Long Hua raises an eye, and replies—
“Look up to? As far back as I can remember, I don’t think she’s ever looked up to me.”
“I do deem her as someone that could threaten master’s life. If master wishes for it, I shall look for an opportunity to remove her.”
(Saying something like that with such a serious tone while having her eyes closed is just sca—… No, terrifying is more like it.)
Clearing his throat, Long Hua shakes his head towards Tian Cheng’s offer.
“No need.”
“…I see.”
“Wait, what are you frowning for?”
Noticing the subtle frown that had appeared for but a brief instance on Tian Cheng’s face, Long Hua can’t help but feel like this doll would readily commit a serious crime when he isn’t looking. Towards his question—
“Error. Do you wish to restart?”
“Again?”
Recalling what had happened back at the Mirrored Moon Café’s garage, Long Hua feels a headache beginning to well up.
(If I recall wasn’t her model discontinued due to a buggy AI? Is this it? Is that AI based off a serial killer?)
Thinking of this, Long Hua takes a sip out of his glass of mixed fruit juice.
“Erro—”
“Moving on, what of Jing and Yao Yao?”
“Ever since Lady Jing had returned to the car, she seems like something is bothering her. I cannot say much more about her other than this.”
“Something is bothering her? What makes you think that?”
“Her face wasn’t completely relaxed. It’s barely noticeable, but she was frowning with her brows pressed together.”
Taking a bite out of his ice cream, Long Hua asks—
“Oh? And the other one?”
“Judging by Lady Nian’s above average heartbeats when discussing matters related to New Moon Village, she seems anxious about anything related to this topic. Perhaps, it would be best to not talk about the matter too much—as it would only serve to ruin her mood? Although, due to her special constitution, her heartbeats at the time may have been considered her norm? It would require further observations to be certain.”
Being given this lengthy response that can only be described as machine-like, Long Hua heaves a subtle sigh, and remarks—
“This only answers their mental and health conditions. What of your impressions of them as people?”
“It is still too early to say—as I have yet to know them well. Would it be fine for me to ask master a question as well?”
“Speak your mind; no need to be so formal about it. If possible… I would like to hear you be less mechanical with your speech and tone.”
Responding to Long Hua’s remark with a nod, Tian Cheng asks—
“Master mentioned how people say—that there is no relationship thicker than blood. Is this true?”
“Blood relationships are valued highly—because the concept called family exists in human society. So, it should be true.”
“Allow me to rephrase the question. Does master—as an individual, personally, think that is true?”
“You really are just…”
Recalling the story that Jing Yao had told him—the story regarding a married couple bringing their daughter in for a cure to “Sinner’s Branding,” Long Hua raises a sigh.
(Right… Family and blood really doesn’t matter all that much in this world, or in the cultivation world…)
Should a bar code like tattoo appear on the body of a child, the parents of the child tend to always sell them off to the government, for living conditions outside of the first and second ward—isn’t something that most are able to stomach.
“I suppose, blood really doesn’t count for much depending on the situation, and…”
“And?”
As an occasionally stern figure flashes in Long Hua’s mind, a light smile appears on his face, as he raises his head to the ceiling.
“The person I respect the most isn’t related to me by blood, but I still consider them a father figure. He is the person who I aspire to be like. Where he is, is where home for me is, I guess?”
“…”
Hearing this, Tian Cheng turns mute, seemingly attempting to process these words. Although it is subtle, she is pressing her brows together before gradually beginning to relax them. Eventually, she asks—
“And who is this individual?”
“My shizun, but I can’t remember his face. All I know is, they really cared for me.”
Looking towards Tian Cheng, Long Hua is reminded of his shizun’s words once more—regarding the difficulties involved with keeping a pet.
“When you asked me to register a name, his words came to mind. “Foolish disciple, what have you brought back this time? If you truly intend to take this weak creature in, are you prepared to care for it for life? Shizun can only protect you temporarily; there will eventually come a day in which you would have to fend for yourself. While fending for yourself, do you think you’d have the leisure to care for someone else?” I don’t know when he said these words to me, but I still remember them so clearly to this day.”
Hearing this, Tian Cheng turns silent again.
“Hm?”
Noticing Tian Cheng’s closed eyes to be trembling as if in fear of something, Long Hua frowns, but before he can ask about it—
“…Error. Do you wish to restart?”
“…?”
Unsure as to what could have promoted this response, Long Hua pinches the bridge of his nose.
“I’m not even sure what it is that I am asking of you anymore by bringing his words up…”
Removing his hand away from his nose, Long Hua can only sigh, as he chooses to drop the subject completely.
Finishing his ice cream, Long Hua remarks—
“Actually, with you asking questions that lead to me answering in such a way… It’s as if you’re attempting to… To search for the meaning of life through me.”
“A machine is a machine. Life for me may end at the press of a switch. But…”
Tilting her head, Tian Cheng seems confused about how she should continue.
Rather than saying that she is attempting to search for the meaning of life, Tian Cheng finds it more appropriate to think that she is looking for something—something that could make her feel a sense of supposed completion.
“So even machines of your caliber can be confused?”
Towards Tian Cheng’s display of confusion, Long Hua smiles with amusement, and responding to his teasing smile, the former replies with—
“Error. Do you wish to restart?”
Chapter 10
“…”
Lightly biting the lollipop in her mouth, Jing Yin stares intently at the monitor in front of her, as she sits behind a complicated computer station.
(These readings… When was the last time that I tuned her personally?)
Displayed on the monitor screen is a humanoid outline, and to the side of this outline is a list of biometric data.
“It’s been 15 minutes. Any changes so far?”
“Feels way better than what those guys at Rime Tech are capable of already.”
Lying flat on the surface of a white bed that is made entirely out of cold steel is Qing Yue, who had numerous wires stuck onto her body with tape.
All these wires are collectively bundled together into a box the size of an overfilled wallet.
On the opposite side of the wire box is a single cord that runs to the specialized computer station that Jing Yin is sitting in front of.
The two are currently in a lab that belongs to Rime Tech, one of the Guilds that are in a cooperative relationship with the Long Yue family.
Mounted onto the ceiling of this spacious white room are 18 lightbulbs.
Square-shaped panels divide the walls of this room, while the floor is layered over by panels of polished white marble.
“Sounds like it’s not perfect then.”
The specialized instrument used for the tune-up process resembles a piano in form, with what seems to be a volume control knob positioned to the right side.
Turning the knob by 135 degrees, Jing Yin hovers both hands over the keyboard, and begins to adjust Qing Yue’s body conditions once more.
With each press of the piano keys, a current of electricity would traverse through the wires, and onto Qing Yue’s body causing gradual changes to occur to her biometric readings.
The entirety of this tune-up session takes less than five minutes to complete, but an additional 15 minutes is spent on waiting for the adjustments to take effect.
“Well?”
Disconnecting herself from the wires, Qing Yue leaps off the metal bed.
“Much better.”
Performing a few basic stretches, Qing Yue smiles with satisfaction.
“Jing Yin, you think you could maybe just stay here?”
As Jing Yin walks over, Qing Yue looks up at her with a pleading gaze.
“I doubt that’s possible. Being a project leader means carrying a lot of baggage.”
“Those idiots at Rime Tech just aren’t good enough. Back in the Long Yue family estate, tune-ups are a weekly thing. Here, I feel like I need a tune-up every three days.”
Hearing this, Jing Yin frowns, as she thinks back to Qing Yue’s biometric readings just now.
(We had a deal with the military—where we would eventually modify a few of their common soldiers into Moon Guards. The modification process is easy enough, but the maintenance portion of the work… Looks like our associates could still use some improvements.)
The reason why the Long Yue family decided to work with Rime Tech is because they would eventually need more manpower to maintain the Moon Guards that are scheduled to be integrated into the military. But if Rime Tech isn’t able to perform the tune-up work that is required, then—
“Hmm, that is a bit concerning. I’ll ask Madame Nian and see if she’s willing to send a few people over to train them a bit more.”
“Oh? That would work as well. In fact, she should have done that in the beginning.”
“In any case, go get yourself dressed for the upcoming operation.”
“Got it. By the way, how many others are accompanying me in this operation?”
“Ten other Moon Guards along with 50 military dolls of the latest generation. There’re also some heavy machineries being brought in, but unless those are deemed necessary, they won’t be used. Around 30 additional Moon Guards are on standby.”
“Mother is really going all out.”
“Naturally. Alright, off you go. I still need to make a call to Dainsfield.”
“Dainsfield?”
“Rime Tech alone isn’t enough to maintain all the Moon Guards that are to be born in the future.”
………
By the time Nian Yao Yao had finished her shopping trip, the sun had already set—making it the perfect time to have dinner.
Glancing around the vicinity a bit, Long Hua remarks—
“I’m surprised you didn’t book the entire building.”
Shrugging her shoulders, Nian Yao Yao answers—
“Our group isn’t even that big, so I didn’t see the need to do so.”
Despite the large surplus of extra tables and chairs, the 99th floor of this hotel—that Nian Yao Yao will be staying at for the duration of her time here in GC012, is completely devoid of other guests.
Boiling in the center of the group’s round table is a hotpot, and surrounding it are plates of uncooked seafood, meat, vegetables, and noodles.
To the side of the table is a cart that holds a large rice cooker with a small tower of bowls.
On the cart’s second layer are vintage bottles of wine, along with a phone—for the sole purpose of making additional orders to the hotel’s service center.
Aside from the back walls of this floor being wood, everything to the front and sides of the vicinity are made up of reinforced glass—giving guests a great view of the illuminated cityscape.
To provide adequate support for the 100th floor that is above this one, 12 pillars are scattered throughout the vicinity’s areas.
“Why am I the only one dressed up for this occasion?”
Wearing a one-piece black dress that stretches to her ankles, and leaves her shoulders bare, Jing Yao can’t help but feel odd at this gathering.
Towards this remark, Nian Yao Yao replies—
“What? Doesn’t my attire count for something?”
“It just doesn’t feel right.”
Saying this, Jing Yao looks to Long Hua, Tian Cheng, and Zhui Yun in turn.
“I’m personally not a fan of fancy suits.”
“What purpose is there to dress up a machine?”
“Aren’t I still technically a guard on duty? A dress would make it difficult to move around.”
Hearing their individual reasonings for their attire, Jing Yao couldn’t do anything but sigh.
“Before I forget, here’s that gift that I promised you.”
Casually, Nian Yao Yao tosses an object over to Long Hua.
“Hm?”
Catching it with his right hand, it turns out to be a black leather belt that is bound together by a rubber band.
Getting out of his seat, Long Hua takes the rubber band off—immediately, the belt straightens itself out.
Other than its buckle, there was another object protruding from within the belt itself.
“…”
Gripping the white handle that is wrapped in gold accents, Long Hua draws the weapon—that is a single-handed sword that measures at three feet in length, with the width of its blade being one and a half fingers.
This weapon is what is commonly referred to as a soft sword. However, judging by the faint aura that emanates from it, it’s clearly not crafted from ordinary steel, nor is it something that can be forged through the smithing techniques of this world.
Etched onto the sword’s blade are two characters—
(Bái Zhé (白哲), this is clearly a magic treasure, but compared to Kun—this sword has yet to reach the Foundation Establishment realm.)
Sheathing the sword, Long Hua wraps the belt around his waist before taking a seat, and asks Nian Yao Yao—
“Where did you get this?”
“A month ago, one of the squads that I sent out for a task ran into an Immortal. That sword belongs to that Immortal.”
“Did they manage to kill that Immortal?”
“How else do you think they managed to get that sword? After they brought the body back, the medical staff discovered something interesting. All the corpses of the Immortals that we’ve dealt with in the past have been left out to rot for at least eight hours. This one was received an hour after death.”
A guess as to what that interesting discovery had been immediately appears in Long Hua’s mind, as he tosses three strips of meat into the hotpot using his chopsticks.