Chapter 58: I, Huacheng, Gu Qiqi
Under the night sky, an old truck sped along the winding mountain road surrounding the Peach Source scenic area.
Inside the truck, Luxianbei was deeply engrossed in studying the materials obtained from the Urban Legends Chat Group, occasionally looking up to ask Jiang Li questions that she couldn’t answer.
“Why does this fox spirit look like this? Like the protein queen Iris from a textbook. Do you think she encountered a pervert when she was being sealed? It’s kind of pitiful.”
Jiang Li shot a glare at Luxianbei and replied irritably, “If she truly encountered a pervert, shouldn’t she have turned into an amazing-looking blonde loli?”
“Oh~! That makes sense. I didn’t know you understood that so well!” Luxianbei nodded.
Jiang Li glanced at Luxianbei and said directly, “Because I know you like that kind of thing.”
“You know, this urban legend called the Bedside Woman, if when you go to bed at night, you point the toes of your shoes towards the bed, she’ll climb onto the bed and k*ll you. If you point them outwards, she can only wander around the bed. So if I have one shoe pointing at the bed and the other pointing out, what will happen?”
“She’ll probably just jump around the bedside repeatedly,” Jiang Li said flatly.
“And what about this Echo Bug that repeats what others say? If I recite the ‘Siye Society Admission Declaration’, will it repeat after me?”
“I don’t know; no one has tried.”
“…”
The few spiritual ability users and urban legends crowded in the back seat sat dumbfounded, watching Jiang Li and Luxianbei’s back-and-forth.
They never expected the seemingly aloof Luxianbei to be such a chatterbox, and even more surprising was that there was actually someone in this world willing to respond to her nonsense.
If it were us, we would have told her to be quiet a long time ago!
Is there any way to make her shut up?
As the group of spiritual ability users and urban legends pondered this, they suddenly heard a bright call from outside the window, and the annoying chatter abruptly ceased.
Hearing the strangely familiar call of a magpie, Luxianbei paused for a moment, turned her gaze in the direction of the sound, and saw a familiar scene.
In the distance, the Peach Source Canyon was faintly enveloped in a reddish glow, as if a great fire was spreading; even the clouds above had taken on a hint of red.
A spot of bright light, like boiling steel, rolled above the depths of the canyon, pouring forth radiant brilliance.
Accompanied by the magpie’s call, the spiritual energy from the Peach Source Canyon surged from all directions like a golden aurora spreading across the sky.
And Jumeng’s figure, now so small it was almost invisible, resembled an invisible pair of scissors, cutting a straight trajectory through the aurora, heading straight for the “sun” within Peach Source.
Then…
The sun extinguished, silently snuffed out.
It was as effortless as someone casually turning off a lamp.
There was no sound of d*ath’s mourning or a deafening roar; only the shocking spiritual energy fluctuation storm continued to sweep through the sky, transforming into a raging fire invisible to the n*ked eye.
Luxianbei stared blankly at the lingering spiritual energy in the sky until Jiang Li’s voice broke through her thoughts.
“Is this the war between cataclysm-grade urban legends…?”
Luxianbei looked at Jiang Li, and even someone as unflappable as her showed a hint of shock in her eyes after witnessing that scene.
However, Luxianbei’s feelings of shock far surpassed those of Jiang Li or the group clamoring behind them.
Because…
She had seen a scene strikingly similar to what just happened in the dream she had on the plane to Tangcheng.
Because…
As a king of urban legends, she could see Jumeng’s controlled spiritual energy fading by more than half during that seemingly silent collision.
“Is there something wrong?” sensing Luxianbei’s abnormal reaction, Jiang Li inquired softly.
Luxianbei shook her head, casually replying, “Nothing’s wrong! Let’s just proceed with the plan.”
Earlier at Chunfeng Residence, Jumeng had said that before the city barrier activated, no matter what changes occurred deep in Peach Source, she would handle it, and her task was just to deal with those illegal spirit energy organizations to prevent her from being disturbed during the suppression.
She trusts me, and I should trust her too.
At least, I should trust her until those guys are dealt with… Luxianbei thought.
————
At the same time that changes were happening in Peach Source, outside Tangcheng.
“Whoosh—!”
Accompanied by the sound of flesh being torn apart, a pitch-black giant axe was ripped from the body of a chitinous urban legend by a slender arm, spraying thick, foul-smelling bl**d everywhere.
“Phew—!”
Xing Yuan swung the giant axe, shaking off the bl**d on it, and turned to a nearby operative, coldly stating, “See that, newbie? In situations like this, there’s no need to beat around the bush with these guys; just k*ll them directly.”
Without waiting for the operative’s reply, she strode over to where Gold Horn was waiting and raised an eyebrow, asking, “So, what’s the situation?”
“Information from Peach Source,” Gold Horn said, handing her a phone.
She glanced at it, a smile creeping onto her face, “Is the show already starting? Gold Horn, follow the list I gave you earlier and notify them to halt their interceptions. Follow me to Peach Source.”
“But, the calamity…” Gold Horn hesitated.
“Are you trying to say she hasn’t sent back news?” Xing Yuan patted Gold Horn’s shoulder lightly, reassuringly. “Don’t worry, if it’s her, she has plenty of ways to lure those guys into the encirclement.”
“…”
Why is the Inspector General so sure about that?
Could it be that the calamity is truly as written in the anonymous reports? Gold Horn pondered.
————
The old truck moved along the road.
Not far from the main entrance of the Peach Source scenic area, faint sounds began to emerge from the distance, like someone giggling, someone sobbing, and many more whispering.
“Did you hear that?” Luxianbei looked in the direction of the sounds, speaking softly.
“Mm.” Jiang Li nodded slightly, as if understanding her meaning, and accelerated towards the entrance of the scenic area.
Seeing this, Luxianbei understood and took out the Zhu Yanguai·Spell Solidification Mask she borrowed from Jiang Li, putting it on her face.
Considering that Miss Rabbit and Solang Pema might be mingling among those illegal spirit energy organizations, altering her appearance was quite necessary.
Moreover, what if something goes wrong?
Better to have someone else take the blame, so those illegal spirit energy organizations don’t target me for retaliation! Luxianbei thought.
As Luxianbei’s features gradually transformed into those of Gu Qiqi, Jiang Li paused for a moment, surprised, “You know her?”
“Who?” Luxianbei tilted her head.
“The girl selling masks.”
“I also sell nuclear bombs…”
Just as she began to respond, Luxianbei suddenly snapped back to reality and pretended to angrily swing her fist.
“She? She goes to the same school as me. We had a little conflict during a school event. Now that I think about it, I’m still mad about it.”
Jiang Li shot a sideways glance at Luxianbei, unimpressed, “So you’re going to take her face and offend her again?”
“What else should I do?” Luxianbei straightened her back, confidently saying, “It’s already good that I can gather the courage to do this; someone has to take the blame!”
“If not having an enemy take the blame, should I let a friend take the blame?”
“…”
Isn’t that just too petty?
You’ve cleaned out all the bamboo shoots on the mountain.
The group of spiritual ability users and urban legends in the backseat murmured within themselves, casting strange looks at Luxianbei, silently vowing never to offend her.
Just then, Luxianbei suddenly turned around, startling one spiritual ability user and making them shrink back.
“Everyone, I’ll be counting on you later…”
Pausing mid-sentence, she added, “If any danger arises, focus on your own safety first. You can leave us behind at any time.”
Hearing Luxianbei say this, Jiang Li paused momentarily, glancing at her out of the corner of her eye with a meaningful expression.
Although she couldn’t quite put it into words at the moment, she felt vaguely that Luxianbei seemed somehow different than before.
And this change filled her with an inexplicable sense of “this is how it should be.”
————
Five minutes later.
Luxianbei and Jiang Li followed the group of spiritual ability users and urban legends disguised as Hu Yue, making their way to Observation Platform No. 1 in the Peach Source scenic area, drawn by the clamor.
Under the night sky, the observation platform, which should have been quiet, was now crowded with shadows, bustling with noise as if they had returned to the tourist peak season, but receiving instead a group of tourists from hell.
At that moment, the vast platform was filled with ghostly figures, a foul, unclean aura floating in the air, infused with negative emotional spiritual energy, triggering half-real, half-fake uncanny illusions.
A disheveled woman in a white dress stood among the crowd, her crimson lips stretching into an eerie smile.
A group of Miracle Cult members, dressed in gray and white robes embroidered with the “Miracle Flower,” argued loudly with a cluster of half-human, half-bug urban legends.
In front of the security shed, several children with swollen faces were gnawing on a mass of flesh that was no longer recognizable, bl**d mingling with chunks of entrails, splattered everywhere…
After roughly observing the situation around them, Luxianbei and Jiang Li exchanged silent glances, both seeing the same content in each other’s eyes.
【Everyone is a villain!】
This scene was like a Halloween carnival parade, and just watching it made Luxianbei begin to panic.
Although she had imagined this kind of scene on the way, imagining it was completely different from witnessing the grim and uncanny figures in person and feeling the negative emotional spiritual energy emanating from them.
The sudden upheaval deep within Peach Source unleashed an astonishing wave of spiritual energy, exceeding the expectations of most spiritual ability users and urban legends, forcing them to retreat in panic from the central area of Peach Source.
However, those bold enough to infiltrate Peach Source and participate in assassinating Jumeng were ruthless individuals who treaded on the edge of danger. Their strength may not be particularly powerful, but their psychological resilience was definitely top-notch.
After an initial panic, they quickly regained their composure. Even if they couldn’t trust one another, they still temporarily gathered together, exchanging information and views.
Jiang Li stood quietly in a corner, listening intently to their discussions without making a sound. After observing for a moment, she cast a glance at Luxianbei.
【Their opinions don’t seem to align; it appears they’re divided into three groups, along with scattered small groups huddling together for warmth. Strangely, there aren’t any members of the Solar Eclipse Society; I wonder where they’ve gone.】
Luxianbei nodded at Jiang Li.
【I can tell. It’s all a confused mess.】
After exchanging glances with Jiang Li, Luxianbei began covertly observing the various factions on the observation platform, listening to their fragmented conversations, and falling into contemplation.
Based on their behavior and discussions…
To the east, a dozen spiritual ability users led by members of the Miracle Cult advocated seizing opportunities for wealth and risk, planning to infiltrate Peach Source for plunder once the city barrier activated.
To be honest, there was a reason why the Miracle Cult had so few members.
They always seemed to believe that miracles would happen and braved decisions in uncertain situations, seeking faint glimmers of hope in crises, just as they had during the siege by the Siye Society.
This was undoubtedly cult behavior.
Encouraging others to step into danger, isn’t that what a cult is? Luxianbei thought, silently spitting at the Miracle Cult members.
On the western side of the observation platform, near the security shed, several half-human, half-bug urban legends led a faction with the viewpoint of conserving energy for another day, planning to dodge the dangers and vacate Peach Source.
Luxianbei appreciated such a “your life is important” attitude.
However, this made things a bit tricky!
If they had decided to evacuate from Peach Source, my intelligence might not be enough to persuade them.
Could it be that I have to resort to PLAN B? Luxianbei thought with concern.
Jumeng had previously underestimated the impact of Qunyang’s power awakening and overestimated the courage of these illegal spirit energy organizations’ members.
A secret passage leading directly to the Fushang Sacred Tree cave, a flaw existing in Jumeng’s authority, and the true reason behind Qunyang’s diminished powers…
Though these three points might increase the probability of grabbing Jumeng and Qunyang’s “inheritance,” at present, they still might not be enough to draw all members of the illegal spirit energy organizations to risk infiltrating deep into Peach Source with me.
After a brief period of thought, Luxianbei turned her gaze to the remaining quarter of spiritual ability users and urban legends, furrowing her brows as the image of [Old Man, Subway, Phone.JPG] flashed in her mind.
These guys were really outrageous. In Luxianbei’s opinion, their minds were probably, no, definitely not right!
They just wanted to hang around to watch the excitement. Every time the upcoming spectacular sight in Peach Source, akin to a grand fireworks display, was brought up, they became as excited as if they were about to reach climax, uncontrollably screaming and shouting, even touching and kissing each other, performing a series of inappropriate acts.
Good grief! Their XP system is so strange; we really can’t relate…
Luxianbei grumbled, quietly whispering into the ear of the spiritual ability user disguised as Hu Yue, then happily joined the “fleeing” troop under the guidance of the fake Hu Yue.
Hiding herself at the back of the crowd, she turned to look at Jiang Li.
【If the Siye Society were to attack right now, they could wipe us all out here; anyone present wouldn’t stand a chance to escape.】
Jiang Li shot a glance at Luxianbei, 【Just think about it. If a fight breaks out here, at least more than half of them could break through the Siye Society’s encirclement.】
Following Jiang Li’s gaze, Luxianbei glanced around and fully agreed with her assessment.
This observation platform was built against the mountain, like a giant fan embedded in the mountain face, with only one side against a steep cliff where escape was impossible.
On the other three sides, one faced a canyon that narrowed further down, with a raging river at the bottom. If all the illegal spirit energy organization members could be lured into it, it would facilitate encirclement and annihilation.
To the east was a low hill overgrown with vegetation, a mix of sturdy pines and withered shrubs forming many natural hiding places.
Another side was a slope about three hundred meters long, at an angle of around 60 degrees, covered in bushes, with the main road connecting to the entrance of the scenic area below.
In terms of terrain, this was almost as good as flat ground for those whose average level of spiritual energy exceeded B-grade.
The Siye Society operatives led by Xing Yuan did not have a numerical advantage over these illegal spirit energy organizations, and while their fighting power might be somewhat stronger, it certainly did not reach a crushing level.
These illegal spirit energy organization members were not fools either; the reason they chose to gather here was also likely to facilitate a rapid escape in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Thus, if a fight were to break out here, Gu Qiqi would likely have a 70-80 percent chance of meeting a tragic end. Luxianbei thought.
With this in mind, she looked at Jiang Li and signaled to her.
【Miaomiao Sauce, if I decide to use PLAN B, do you have the confidence to get me out when they attack me?】
Jiang Li thought for a moment and looked at Luxianbei seriously.
【I’ve observed that among these guys, none of the urban legends or spiritual ability types appear to demonstrate speed capabilities, so I have at least a 50% confidence in getting you out. [Heart gesture]】
How much? Only 50%? Why didn’t you say so earlier? Luxianbei facepalmed.
Fifty percent is far too unreliable.
Even counting on my Paper Cicada Immortal, it would probably only be a 70-80% chance for us to get out intact. This plan won’t work!
While Luxianbei was deep in thought, her phone suddenly vibrated. She pulled it out and looked, casually hanging up on the call displayed on her screen.
What’s Water Brother calling for at this time, seriously!
Wait, Water Brother!
Luxianbei’s eyes brightened but soon dimmed again.
Even though Water Brother’s speed could absolutely outrun any spiritual ability user or urban legend here, it was pointless if he wasn’t present!
Xing Yuan’s alert signal clearly stated — [Prohibit Bai Kai Operative from participating in actions].
“Buzz—buzz—!”
Her phone vibrated again, and Bai Kai called her once more.
Hang up, hang up! Water Brother, don’t call me again; I won’t answer it.
Knowing there was someone who could help but was far away felt like scrolling through videos of BBQ, cakes, and spicy hot pot at midnight while starving.
You can only watch but not eat; what’s the use other than adding to your worries and mouthwatering?
Luxianbei thought as she prepared to put her phone away when a multimedia message from Bai Kai grabbed her attention.
Bai Kai: “Xiao Beibei, I’m coming to save you! Where are you? [Photo][Photo][Photo]”
The pictures showed Bai Kai in front of the locked door of the Tangcheng Siye Society, each one striking a pose that looked like they were from a group of middle-aged women — clearly not their first time.
Why is Water Brother in Tangcheng? Wasn’t he banned from participating in actions?
Forget it, I’ll ask him later.
Since Water Brother is here, then… shall we have some fun with them?
Luxianbei thought, her eyes scanning the crowd of spiritual ability users and urban legends on the observation platform, ignited with excitement.
Then…
She discreetly opened a certain app and shared her location with Bai Kai, adding, “Water Brother, you can definitely get here in twenty minutes, right? You must be on time! Not a minute more or less!”
Jiang Li’s gaze fell on Luxianbei, furrowing her brows for a moment before exhaling silently.
Based on her understanding of Luxianbei, if she didn’t speak for more than ten minutes, she was probably brewing up something mischievous.
Like a big move that needed charging up.
At that moment.
The spiritual ability user disguised as Hu Yue, skilled in divination and foresight, suddenly seemed to sense something, shuddering violently.
She looked up at the sky, her eyes filled with terror and confusion…
————
On a corner of Observation Platform No. 1 in Peach Source.
A member of the Miracle Cult stood in front of a small group of independent spiritual ability users, passionately expounding their teachings and doctrines in an attempt to recruit them into the cult.
They were completely unaware of a girl stealthily approaching, standing not too far from the crowd, suppressing her presence.
“…So, without experiencing storms and rain…”
“Where did the flash floods come from!”
Luxianbei’s sudden interjection caused the Miracle Cult member to pause, but he quickly resumed speaking.
“…Enduring hardships and hardships…”
“Will make you feel more blocked!” Luxianbei interjected again at just the right moment.
“…” The Miracle Cult member fell silent for a few seconds, composed himself, and resumed speaking, seeming to try to prove his correctness by raising his tone and speeding up his speech.
“In this world, the Father is everywhere, so miracles are everywhere… When God closes a door for you, there will surely be a window opening for you.”
The Miracle Cult member finished his lengthy lecture, secretly satisfied that this time the disruptive voice didn’t appear, just then, a delicate voice floated in like a lingering ghost.
“If the Father is so powerful and can bring infinite miracles to the world, why not help open the door to the room? So who’s better, Him or God?” Luxianbei said softly.
“Who! Who is talking nonsense! Step forward if you have guts!” the Miracle Cult member finally couldn’t take it anymore and bellowed angrily.
“I!” Luxianbei called out, stepping out from the crowd, proudly declaring, “I, Huacheng, Gu Qiqi, what guidance do you have for me?!”
(Night owl victory!)
Overload in progress…
@@
When I was writing the second chapter last night, I accidentally wrote all night without stopping, and now I’ve overloaded (Day 1). Taking a break. @@
