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墨書 Inktalez
In that moment, I conveyed a message to Jack with my eyes. However, I knew it would be difficult for him to understand my meaning; a fleeting glance could hardly carry much information.
Yet, I couldn't utter a single word related to that message. The core of it was that I would remain behind to complete a heart-wrenching task alone: to kill ‘Xiao Guolin’.
I didn't want Jack to stay and accompany me in this mission; it was my affair, one that involved me and ‘Xiao Guolin’.
I believed this ‘Xiao Guolin’ had replaced the real Xiao Guolin before us, and he must know the whereabouts of the genuine Xiao Guolin.
Regardless of whether the real Xiao Guolin was alive or dead, I needed to extract the truth about his fate from this ‘Xiao Guolin’.
Xiao Ting insisted on coming down to find her father. I thought her main purpose was also to seek a definitive answer, as she had known earlier that this ‘Xiao Guolin’ was not her dad.
Sure enough, Jack looked confused and hesitant. He realized there was some message in my gaze, but it was too obscure for him to grasp.
To reinforce this message, I took off the assault rifle hanging around my neck and handed it to him. “It’s dangerous on the road. Take this and look after Xiao Ting.”
“You’re staying behind!?” Jack exclaimed. “Are you going to look for Fatty and the other group?”
“Of course not.”
As I passed the gun into his hands, the grip lightly brushed against his sidearm, and I squeezed his hand back firmly.
In that instant, I think he misunderstood my intention. I saw a sudden look of discomfort on his face, as if he had just swallowed a fly.
Seeing that expression made me want to spit in his face. What’s wrong with you? Do you think I'm interested in your white face?
Fortunately, his awkward expression quickly faded. He soon realized that I wasn’t trying to take advantage of him or express any affection; I was conveying some important information.
“The bullets are in the backpack,” I further emphasized my message to Jack.
The backpack lay on the ground behind me. Jack still looked puzzled but didn’t continue questioning me. He walked behind me, and I heard him unzip the bag. The sound of metal clinking echoed as he rummaged through it for magazines and bullets.
Meanwhile, I turned my back towards him and looked at ‘Xiao Guolin’. “Old Xiao, say what you need to say. The American Guy isn’t an outsider; you don’t have to worry about him overhearing.”
‘Xiao Guolin’ kept his gaze fixed on the retreating group, where his daughter was among them; there was reluctance in his eyes.
Even after hearing my words, he didn’t turn around but continued staring blankly at those shadowy figures in the distance. It was like Liu Bei sending off Xu Shu—he wished he could keep his eyes glued on them forever.
I didn't continue the conversation, remaining silent as well. Xiao Guolin looked at his daughter while I observed him. My hands, hidden behind my back, were not idle; I made a gesture towards Jack that I hoped he would understand. My right thumb, ring finger, and palm pressed together, while my index and middle fingers remained straight.
This gesture is known as "sword pointing" in Chinese martial arts. Jack wasn't Chinese and had no connection to the martial arts community. He wouldn't misunderstand it. In military sign language, this gesture means "handgun."
Yes, I wanted Jack to hand over the 9mm pistol he was holding.
I decided to stay here, probing Xiao Guolin for his true identity and the whereabouts of the real Xiao Guolin. If he refused to tell me the truth or insisted on searching for Fatty and that group elsewhere, I was determined to make this imposter Xiao Guolin disappear from the world.
I had no idea why he sent Xiao Ting away, but it suited my purpose; with her present—even in her unconscious state—I found it difficult to resolve myself to shoot her father.
A rifle has greater power but less concealment. I had a 16 automatic rifle slung across my chest, which certainly had a deterrent effect but also made Xiao Guolin wary. I needed him to let his guard down completely before revealing the truth. I didn't believe my threats would have any effect on him.
A sudden sound broke the tension.
A cold piece of metal appeared in my hand. It was a handgun; I felt it and realized the safety was off. Thankfully, Jack had seen my gesture and finally understood my intention. He didn't let me down; otherwise, I might have cried.
"I'll wait for you up front. Be quick about it," Jack said casually as he stuffed magazines and bullets into various pockets of his clothing.
"No need to wait for me; you all just go ahead and leave a mark on the ground. I'll catch up with you."
Of course, I wanted Xiao Ting to be far away before making my move and couldn't let Liu Squad Leader hear or sense what I was doing. If Liu Caozi found out about this, unless one of us ended up dead here, my life would be worse than death—or perhaps I'd have no life left at all.
I increasingly suspected that Liu Squad Leader's awakened ability was that of a snitch. I hadn't noticed any other superpowers he possessed, while Cao Mingzhe's chosen personnel were all awakened ones.
This matter would remain a secret for the rest of my life. Jack would inevitably find out, but aside from him, I didn't even plan to let Fatty know about it. This imposter Xiao Guolin was his father-in-law, albeit a false one. I didn't want this to become a rift in our friendship.
"Alright then." Jack slung the 16 automatic rifle over his shoulder, the sound of bullets and magazines clinking as he ran towards the main group.
As I watched Jack run further away until the main group became mere distant points of light, Xiao Guolin reluctantly turned his face towards me.
"Remember this entrance; it's your way back. It may be your only chance for survival. At least you can return to the Dam above."
After saying this, Xiao Guolin turned around and used his Black Longsword to lift something from the wall near the entrance of the cave—a rectangle resembling a louvered shutter.
He aimed this object at our exit and slapped it down forcefully; with a loud thud, the entrance was sealed by this shutter.
Xiao Guolin then carved a mark above the entrance with his Black Longsword before nodding in satisfaction and turning to me: "Remember this mark; don't get it wrong. Not all ventilation ducts lead out safely."
I asked in surprise, "Are there other vents?"
Xiao Guolin turned to look at one side. "Yes, the density isn't high, but there are quite a few. Your flashlight can reach one; just take a look."
I reached back and turned on the One-Eyed Beast Flashlight, shining it toward the direction Xiao Guolin indicated. Sure enough, at the end of the flashlight's beam, I could see a grille similar to the one in the shutter.
I quickly turned off the flashlight and put my hand back behind me, keeping one hand awkwardly hidden. I was worried that Xiao Guolin might become suspicious.
"This place is..."
"Yes. This should be a massive Ventilation System, continuously supplying airflow to ensure that the people and creatures here can live and work normally."
"Old Xiao, how do you know this? What else are you hiding from me? There’s no one else here now; can you tell me the truth?" I looked at Xiao Guolin sternly.
(To Be Continued)
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