Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
I fell silent. I had to admit, this condition was simply too tempting.
Despite my determination to find a third exit, the reality was that the possibility of locating it was far too dangerous. I had no confidence in finding it, and even if I did, it was unlikely that I could lead everyone out. The third exit was most likely on the other side of the Dam, and how many could survive breaking through Heimanluo's blockade to reach the other side of the Dam? These were all unknowns.
If the Hakka People were willing to open the entrance we came through, things would become much simpler.
But I couldn't trust Tang Yumo's words; their attitude regarding this matter changed too quickly, almost like a roller coaster ride, leaving my heart and spirit utterly exhausted, and my patience wearing thin.
After throwing out this tempting offer, Tang Yumo fell silent as well, staring at me and observing my expression just as I had done moments before.
The campfire crackled beside us, its steady yet flickering light casting our shadows on the opposite side. I suddenly asked while watching the shadows, "Why the change of heart? I believe your decision contradicts the Hakka People's initial stance. Or are you hiding something from me?"
Tang Yumo did not shy away from my question. She kept her gaze fixed on me while I focused on our shadows; I couldn't see her expression change, but I could notice any movements she made. I didn't want to face her; looking at her face made me feel tense, and right now, I needed clarity.
"I remember vividly when you destroyed our Hakka People's Sacred Ground; that image is so clear and unforgettable. My awakening is closely tied to you, even my life is inextricably linked to yours.
But now, after this exchange with you, I've recalled some interesting things and think perhaps things aren't as dire as I once believed.
In the vision I saw, you weren't wearing what you're currently dressed in; in other words, you won't destroy our sacred ground this time. More importantly, in that vision of mine, embedded in the Eternal Gate you destroyed, there was a piece of iron."
I suddenly turned my head to stare at Tang Yumo. "Are you saying—"
"Yes, what you destroyed was likely another Eternal Gate—the one at Lop Nur."
"If that's the case, then I must follow you to Lop Nur and witness with my own eyes the moment that Eternal Gate is destroyed. Perhaps this will be the moment our Hakka People find liberation; without the Eternal Gate, the demons will have no power over us. And we may finally attain true freedom."
"Are you sure I destroyed an Eternal Gate?"
"Yes. And it was thorough."
"What about me? Is my ending a tragedy, or—"
"No one can see your fate, not even me."
"What about others? I can't be the only one responsible for this. I don't have that capability. What about their whereabouts, like Fatty and Xiao Ting? Are they safe in the end?"
Tang Yumo closed her eyes, as if recalling something. I noticed her long eyelashes flutter slightly.
"I only see you in my picture."
I felt my cheeks twitch slightly and scoffed, "Honestly, I'm not used to being secretly admired."
As I spoke, I saw two cold lights flicker behind Tang Yumo. It was Hakka Man A-Yong. He had been sitting behind Tang Yumo, like another shadow of hers.
A-Yong's eyes shone brightly, like two light bulbs in the night, illuminating a wide area. It was precisely because of his unique eyes that I recognized the person who had ambushed me in the dark stone chamber.
"You will not insult our Hakka People's Saintess. Even at the cost of my life, I will defend the dignity of the Third Saintess," A-Yong's deep and menacing voice came from behind Tang Yumo.
"Leftover woman? You're not that old."
Tang Yumo clearly did not catch the teasing tone in my words and raised her hand to stop A-Yong's impulsiveness.
"Precognition is one of the rarest and most precious abilities among Awakened Ones, especially the ability to foresee destruction. It is even more valuable. Moreover, this ability only appears in women. In our history, there have only been three Awakened Ones with precognitive abilities in our clan, and I am the third, known as the Third Saintess."
"So you hold significant power among the Hakka People, allowing you to make these decisions and even alter your clan leader's choices?"
"No, entering here was my decision, and the changes I am making are also my own. What about you? Have you made a decision?"
I let out a long sigh.
"One more question: you foresee a scene of destruction, perhaps it occurs at Lop Nur. In your vision, are you present? If not, will your involvement change the course of future events? I can promise to take you to Lop Nur for the sake of myself and my friends, but are you prepared for the possibility that it may alter the future?"
Tang Yumo shook her head.
"It won't change. Today's events have only reinforced my belief that what has been foreseen cannot be altered. I even think that even if I refuse to open the exit, some of you will still leave here, including you. You will ultimately stand before the Eternal Gate embedded with a key and destroy it."
I listened carefully and analyzed Tang Yumo's words, sensing contradictions in her statements. In her vision of destroying the Eternal Gate, she saw no one but me; yet now she mentioned that some among us would leave here, not just referring to me alone. It made me feel that those "some" were destined to appear with me before the Eternal Gate to destroy it together.
However, Tang Yumo seemed unaware of these individuals' ultimate fates alongside mine, which left me feeling uneasy. I believed she knew more than she let on.
"Alright," I nodded. "In exchange, I promise to take you to Lop Nur. But I cannot guarantee where we will end up or if we can even enter the Underworld there. Furthermore, all actions must be directed by one person—me."
I pointed to my own nose and stared at her, ensuring she understood and accepted this statement.
"If you violate this agreement, I have the right to unilaterally terminate this transaction at any time. Even in the most dangerous places, you will have to rely on your own ability to survive." Then I said something meaningful. "I won't change my mind at any time, so act with me and don't be too hasty." I'm annoyed by the capriciousness of HakkaPeople. They were almost driving them crazy. I saw Tang Yumo nodding with an unnatural expression on his face. But my ears heard a sound coming from behind. "What about our agreement? Are you going to break it?" (To Be Continued...)
Comment 0 Comment Count