Chapter 103: Arrangements
In the bedroom of the Sacred Land Palace.
"... He Jian left behind the Sword of Wisdom when he left, and if Yinghuo appears and he doesn't come back, someone needs to summon the Sword of Wisdom, which holds all the light of the world, to go and exorcise the demons," Lu Xiu finally explained to Jiang Hong. "Just like that."
Jiang Hong looked at Lu Xiu without speaking. Lu Xiu continued, "In the original Plan A, no matter when or in what form Yinghuo appeared, Chen Zhen and He Jian would go together to eliminate Yinghuo. Chen Zhen holds the Lamp of the Heart, and He Jian is the God of War, and with his dragon identity, he can transform into the Azure Dragon and carry Chen Zhen. Together, they can maximize their combat power."
"What about Plan B?" Jiang Hong recalled Cao Bin’s words heard in the dream realm.
"Plan B involves me carrying the bearer of the Sword of Wisdom," said Lu Xiu, "to defeat Yinghuo. Previously, I would have doubted my ability to face Yinghuo, but now it's different, Jiang Hong."
Jiang Hong stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window in the bedroom, looking out at the mountains and rivers of the Sacred Land.
Lu Xiu came up behind him and said, "Because you gave me a sword, I now have the confidence to defeat it. So don’t worry about me, Jiang Hong."
Lu Xiu's voice was as usual, as if discussing a trivial matter unrelated to himself, filled with his habitual confidence.
Jiang Hong turned to look at Lu Xiu, his eyes red-rimmed.
"So when it arrives here, will you join the principal in the battle?" Jiang Hong asked.
"Yes," Lu Xiu replied. "The sword you forged for me is my strongest armor. I will fight with all my might."
Jiang Hong said, "I can go too. I can help you; I have the Omnibook..."
"If tomorrow were the end of the world," Lu Xiu suddenly changed the subject, gazing into Jiang Hong's eyes, "what would you do today?"
Jiang Hong was puzzled, "?"
He said, "Regardless of whether that prophecy is true or not, at least Yinghuo hasn't arrived yet..."
Lu Xiu placed a hand on Jiang Hong's shoulder, and they both looked towards the western sky where fiery clouds were rolling in.
"It might be a long, long time away," Lu Xiu added, "or it could be the very next moment. But first, answer me: if tomorrow we wake up to the end of the world, what would you do today?"
"I..." Jiang Hong's attention drifted. His first thought was of his parents, but almost simultaneously, he thought of Lu Xiu. If he were to wake up to the end of the world tomorrow, being with his family would be most important, right?
If he was away from home, he would rush back, no matter what, to be with his family. Even if reality couldn't be changed, at least he could be by their side. But what about Lu Xiu?
His parents had raised him for so many years, and he had never had the chance to repay their love.
And Lu Xiu, alone in the world, he also wanted to be by his side...
Jiang Hong felt torn, or perhaps, Lu Xiu had already become part of what he considered 'family'. Just as he was about to explain this to Lu Xiu, Lu Xiu said, "I understand, no need to say it. You should go home, see your parents and be at ease."
Jiang Hong replied, "No, I..."
"That you hesitated so long over this question," Lu Xiu said earnestly, "is enough for me. Go now, cherish the time we have together."
Cao Bin arrived again, and before Jiang Hong could protest, Cao Bin said, "Lu Xiu, I need to return to Cangqiong University immediately. There are a few things we need to discuss before I leave, to avoid any complications."
Lu Xiu nodded, "I've arranged a helicopter. Jiang Hong will go back with you, then transfer in Chongqing."
Jiang Hong said in disbelief, "So soon?"
Cao Bin replied, "We don't know if tomorrow or an unexpected event will come first. It's always good to be prepared early."
Lu Xiu then said to Jiang Hong, "Go get ready. I'll visit you when I can. We'll see each other again."
Then, without looking back, Lu Xiu left the bedroom.
That evening, Jiang Hong packed a simple backpack, and his classmates also boarded the vehicle, preparing to return to Cangqiong University. They said quick goodbyes and agreed to meet again at school, not knowing why the internship ended prematurely but guessing something serious had happened.
Chen Zhen stood on a platform in the sacred land, gazing at the misty clouds of Mount Wu. The sun was slowly sinking behind the mountains.
"Big boss," Jiang Hong still used the nickname from their Exorcism Committee internship, said, "The helicopter is ready, time to go."
Chen Zhen nodded and turned to follow Jiang Hong off the platform, heading towards the helicopter pad.
"Last time I was here," Chen Zhen recalled, "was eleven years ago, during the Exorcism Committee's campaign against the Blood Demon."
"What was that?" Jiang Hong asked.
"A clone of the Heavenly Demon," Chen Zhen explained. "Back then, we thought we had solved everything, but the lingering effects were far-reaching. If we had been more diligent in eliminating the Blood Demon, perhaps we could have traced more clues and found evidence of Yinghuo hiding among humans..."
Though Jiang Hong was not clear about the past, he understood the truths of the world.
"Hindsight is always perfect," Jiang Hong consoled, "What's done is done, no use dwelling on it."
Chen Zhen smiled, a rare sight for Jiang Hong.
"You always get to the heart of the matter," Chen Zhen joked. "Is that why the Book of All Things chose you?"
The helicopter's engines roared. Two pandas sat in the pilot and co-pilot seats, with the Ghost King himself coming to send them off. Jiang Hong, carrying his bag and holding Old Sun, boarded the helicopter.
"I can fly back on my own," Old Sun wanted to try his new equipment.
"You'll run out of power after ten kilometers!" Jiang Hong said, "No reckless flying! Principal!"
After giving his final instructions, Cao Bin, escorted by Feng Li, quickly headed towards the helicopter. As he was about to board, a figure appeared in the distance.
"Jiang Hong!" Lu Xiu called out to them.
Jiang Hong looked out of the helicopter to see Lu Xiu making a gesture – pointing to the scale on his chest, a mutual understanding that Jiang Hong could still summon him anytime.
Jiang Hong made a farewell gesture, and Lu Xiu turned and walked away, disappearing into the night.
The helicopter's cabin door closed, sealing off the roar of the outside world, and it ascended into the dark night sky.
"We'll arrive in Chongqing in one hour and forty-five minutes," the panda in the co-pilot seat turned back and asked, "My lord, would you like a drink?"
"Uh, no thanks," Jiang Hong, squeezed between the two bigwigs Cao Bin and Chen Zhen, replied, "Just focus on flying the helicopter... By the way, do you guys have licenses?"
"Of course!" the panda responded, "See, we're all certified...”
"Who uses a panda picture on a helicopter pilot's license!" Jiang Hong exclaimed in frustration. "And how can you even tell it's you? All pandas look the same!"
Cao Bin: "......"
Chen Zhen: "......"
"Don't worry!" the pilot panda reassured, turning back, "The sacred land has a special training center..."
"Ah!" Jiang Hong immediately shouted, "Look ahead! We're about to hit a mountain!"
If these two pandas were spies for Yinghuo, they might be about to wipe out two major leaders of the Exorcism Committee, but Cao Bin and Chen Zhen seemed unconcerned, so Jiang Hong gradually relaxed.
"Apprentice, will you return to the school?" Cao Bin asked.
"Ah?" Jiang Hong sat up straight, turning to look at Cao Bin. This was the first time he had sat so close to Cao Bin, and one of the rare occasions Cao Bin addressed him as "apprentice" in the presence of others, making Jiang Hong feel somewhat odd.
"Yes... I will," Jiang Hong replied, "After all, the end of the world hasn't come yet, right?"
Cao Bin's lips curled into a slight smile, then he asked, "How's your father doing?"
"He's completely recovered!" Jiang Hong answered, "You can't even tell he was sick."
During these days, Jiang Hong had video calls with his family every day, and his father's recovery was going well.
"Hmm," Cao Bin said, "As Yinghuo approaches, the earth will face more variables, and enemies hidden in the darkness will become more active. Cangqiong University needs more manpower. If you're willing to return to school, it would be a great help."
"Ah, I can't do much," Jiang Hong said, "Actually, I... um... I'm kind of embarrassed to say..."
"No," Chen Zhen interjected, "You've done very well, Jiang Hong. In fact, it's me who should feel embarrassed."
Jiang Hong wanted to say something to comfort Chen Zhen but, seeing Cao Bin’s hesitant expression, guessed that it wasn’t his place to speak.
“Whoever sits in that position, it’s always the same,” Cao Bin said calmly. “I would be no different.”
After a moment of thought, Jiang Hong said, “I… I’ll sit across from you two instead, rather than being squeezed in the middle.”
Jiang Hong changed seats to sit opposite them and re-fastened his seatbelt, leaving Cao Bin and Chen Zhen sitting side by side.
This felt even stranger. Jiang Hong looked at Cao Bin, then at Chen Zhen, feeling like they were a couple who had been separated for many years.
Among the eight S-level exorcists, four are gay. Are both of them gay? They seem to be single. If they are both single, is there a chance to match them? But one is the president of Cangqiong University, and the other is the head of the Exorcism Committee; wouldn’t theirs be a long-distance relationship?
As Jiang Hong’s thoughts wandered aimlessly, Cao Bin spoke again:
“Guarding this world for many years, no one remembers your sacrifices. But show weakness just once, and everyone will curse you. They always see you as a war god, forgetting that you, too, are made of flesh and blood.”
Chen Zhen responded, “Winning a thousand battles brings peace to the present world; losing one could plunge all beings into eternal hell. It’s supposed to be this way.”
Cao Bin and Chen Zhen lapsed back into silence.
Jiang Hong thought that perhaps they had many things to say in their hearts. After all, whenever Cao Bin and Chen Zhen appeared, they were usually surrounded by many people and seldom had the chance to talk alone. Today, on the helicopter, might be a rare opportunity. At such times, he should pretend to be non-existent and not interrupt their conversation.
Cao Bin asked, “What exactly is your inner demon?”
Chen Zhen answered, “Sacrifice.”
Jiang Hong was perplexed, "?"
Observing Chen Zhen, Jiang Hong noticed that he seemed different, distinctly unlike when they first met. In just over a year, each time he saw Chen Zhen, there were subtle changes.
What kind of changes? He still appeared handsome, charming, and intellectual, but now there was an added touch of melancholy in his eyes. Occasionally, when he looked up, the sharpness and determination in his gaze remained as strong as ever.
He seemed more restrained. Jiang Hong couldn’t tell if this was good or bad. Initially, Chen Zhen gave him the impression of a turbulent river, but now he resembled a calm sea. Cao Bin, on the other hand, had become more resolute, like a mountain range. They were evolving in two distinct directions.
"Sacrifice," Cao Bin said.
"Yes," Chen Zhen answered, "Sacrifice. My own sacrifice is one thing, but making decisions for others, deciding for them to sacrifice, does it really follow our true intentions? Over the years, we’ve made so many sacrifices. When we finally find ourselves alone, is this still the world we wanted to protect?"
Cao Bin asked, "Is that your inner demon?"
Chen Zhen didn’t answer, instead turning to gaze out the helicopter’s window.
"You can’t go to the final battle," Cao Bin said, "With your current state, it’s difficult to defeat Yinghuo. More importantly, we almost know nothing about it."
Chen Zhen remained silent. Cao Bin continued, "Xiang Cheng hasn’t returned, and according to Jiang Hong’s dream, he won’t be back before the arrival. We have to go with Plan B. You need to stay at the Exorcism Committee and use the Heart Lamp to its fullest, to protect the land."
Chen Zhen replied, "Yes, I’m well aware. Compared to my predecessors, I’m probably the one most willing but least able."
Cao Bin said, "But I must remind you, Chen Zhen, the enemy you are facing is the strongest in history."
"The Sword of Wisdom will choose you," Chen Zhen said to Cao Bin, "I’m not surprised at all. Besides Xiang Cheng, you are indeed the most suitable choice."
"Not just the Sword of Wisdom," Cao Bin responded, "The Binding Demon Rope, the Moon-Eating Bow, the Vajra Arrow, even the Book of All Things, they all choose the most suitable person. The universe has its underlying logic. Regardless, I think, in one aspect, our understanding and confidence are aligned."
Chen Zhen affirmed, "Yes, I've always believed that the end of the world will not come."
As Jiang Hong contemplated Cao Bin's words, the helicopter arrived in Chongqing. Below were the bustling lights of the city. At 8 PM, a vehicle from the Chongqing Exorcism Committee was waiting in front of the Jiangbei landing pad's building to take Chen Zhen to the airport.
Cao Bin said, "I need to handle some matters at the Chongqing Exorcism Committee's office at Shibati. Do you want a ride home on the way?"
"Sure," Jiang Hong agreed, knowing it was out of the way, but suspecting Cao Bin might have something to say to him, so he got into the committee's car.
"During this time," Cao Bin spoke, "I will have the Chongqing Exorcism Committee keep an eye on your safety. If any emergency arises, you can summon Lu Xiu anytime."
"Am I causing trouble for everyone?" Jiang Hong, thinking of possessing the Book of All Things, now becoming a target for Yinghuo and needing protection, felt guilty.
"The 'trouble' you bring as a return to your mortal status," Cao Bin explained, "is precisely the purpose of exorcists protecting the world. It’s also why Chen Zhen is in such a dilemma."
"We always emphasize sacrifice. Everyone rushes forward in the face of danger. Love can be sacrificed, life can be sacrificed, but what do we have left when everything is sacrificed? Where does our original intention go?"
Jiang Hong looked at Cao Bin, who raised his eyebrows in a gesture.
"What’s your opinion on this?"
"No opinion, you're really handsome, Master," Jiang Hong said.
Cao Bin smiled, and Jiang Hong watched the bustling streets of Chongqing. The city was peacefully lit up at night.
"If tomorrow were the end of the world, what would you do?" Cao Bin asked the same question Lu Xiu had posed.
"I think..." Jiang Hong, after hearing all these conversations, felt differently, "I'd like to go home to see, and then... I think I'd soon... Huh? Right, Principal, what would you do?"
Jiang Hong asked in return, genuinely curious whether Cao Bin, at such a time, had someone he wanted to see or any regrets in life to fulfill.
"I would return to school, attend classes, eat meals, and go to sleep as usual," Cao Bin said, "Sounds boring, doesn’t it?"
"Uh..." Jiang Hong thought for a moment, recognizing this as typical of Cao Bin, "Even if it’s the end of the world, someone has to fight, right? Even if victory isn't certain."
"But I believe," Cao Bin seriously said, "that we will win. The end of the world will not come."
When the car arrived at his home, Jiang Hong, holding Old Sun, said goodbye to Cao Bin.
"I’ll check on my family and then return to school immediately," Jiang Hong said.
Cao Bin responded, "This semester might be quite demanding. With Yinghuo's return, natural disasters will become more frequent, along with secondary disasters in civilized societies."
Jiang Hong nodded, "I’ll be back soon! Very soon!"
Home was still that warm and welcoming place. His father was reading in the living room. His parents were used to his sudden homecomings. "Internship over? Your mom was just saying we should visit you at Wuxian! Where's Lu Xiu?"
"He won't be back at school for another ten days or half a month," Jiang Hong replied with a smile, "I’m hungry. Is there any supper?"
"Yes, yes! I’ll make you some right now. How about dumplings? I just made them tonight," his mother said, putting down her phone from her half-finished QQ Mahjong game and heading to the kitchen to prepare supper. After the tumultuous period he'd been through, returning home felt like the world magically restored order.
The warm yellow light over the late-night dinner table, his parents at home, and a steaming bowl of dumplings.
The end of the world will surely not come, but before that, everyone should cherish the time together... Jiang Hong thought.
Chapter 103: Arrangements
In the bedroom of the Sacred Land Palace.
"... He Jian left behind the Sword of Wisdom when he left, and if Yinghuo appears and he doesn't come back, someone needs to summon the Sword of Wisdom, which holds all the light of the world, to go and exorcise the demons," Lu Xiu finally explained to Jiang Hong. "Just like that."
Jiang Hong looked at Lu Xiu without speaking. Lu Xiu continued, "In the original Plan A, no matter when or in what form Yinghuo appeared, Chen Zhen and He Jian would go together to eliminate Yinghuo. Chen Zhen holds the Lamp of the Heart, and He Jian is the God of War, and with his dragon identity, he can transform into the Azure Dragon and carry Chen Zhen. Together, they can maximize their combat power."
"What about Plan B?" Jiang Hong recalled Cao Bin’s words heard in the dream realm.
"Plan B involves me carrying the bearer of the Sword of Wisdom," said Lu Xiu, "to defeat Yinghuo. Previously, I would have doubted my ability to face Yinghuo, but now it's different, Jiang Hong."
Jiang Hong stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window in the bedroom, looking out at the mountains and rivers of the Sacred Land.
Lu Xiu came up behind him and said, "Because you gave me a sword, I now have the confidence to defeat it. So don’t worry about me, Jiang Hong."
Lu Xiu's voice was as usual, as if discussing a trivial matter unrelated to himself, filled with his habitual confidence.
Jiang Hong turned to look at Lu Xiu, his eyes red-rimmed.
"So when it arrives here, will you join the principal in the battle?" Jiang Hong asked.
"Yes," Lu Xiu replied. "The sword you forged for me is my strongest armor. I will fight with all my might."
Jiang Hong said, "I can go too. I can help you; I have the Omnibook..."
"If tomorrow were the end of the world," Lu Xiu suddenly changed the subject, gazing into Jiang Hong's eyes, "what would you do today?"
Jiang Hong was puzzled, "?"
He said, "Regardless of whether that prophecy is true or not, at least Yinghuo hasn't arrived yet..."
Lu Xiu placed a hand on Jiang Hong's shoulder, and they both looked towards the western sky where fiery clouds were rolling in.
"It might be a long, long time away," Lu Xiu added, "or it could be the very next moment. But first, answer me: if tomorrow we wake up to the end of the world, what would you do today?"
"I..." Jiang Hong's attention drifted. His first thought was of his parents, but almost simultaneously, he thought of Lu Xiu. If he were to wake up to the end of the world tomorrow, being with his family would be most important, right?
If he was away from home, he would rush back, no matter what, to be with his family. Even if reality couldn't be changed, at least he could be by their side. But what about Lu Xiu?
His parents had raised him for so many years, and he had never had the chance to repay their love.
And Lu Xiu, alone in the world, he also wanted to be by his side...
Jiang Hong felt torn, or perhaps, Lu Xiu had already become part of what he considered 'family'. Just as he was about to explain this to Lu Xiu, Lu Xiu said, "I understand, no need to say it. You should go home, see your parents and be at ease."
Jiang Hong replied, "No, I..."
"That you hesitated so long over this question," Lu Xiu said earnestly, "is enough for me. Go now, cherish the time we have together."
Cao Bin arrived again, and before Jiang Hong could protest, Cao Bin said, "Lu Xiu, I need to return to Cangqiong University immediately. There are a few things we need to discuss before I leave, to avoid any complications."
Lu Xiu nodded, "I've arranged a helicopter. Jiang Hong will go back with you, then transfer in Chongqing."
Jiang Hong said in disbelief, "So soon?"
Cao Bin replied, "We don't know if tomorrow or an unexpected event will come first. It's always good to be prepared early."
Lu Xiu then said to Jiang Hong, "Go get ready. I'll visit you when I can. We'll see each other again."
Then, without looking back, Lu Xiu left the bedroom.
That evening, Jiang Hong packed a simple backpack, and his classmates also boarded the vehicle, preparing to return to Cangqiong University. They said quick goodbyes and agreed to meet again at school, not knowing why the internship ended prematurely but guessing something serious had happened.
Chen Zhen stood on a platform in the sacred land, gazing at the misty clouds of Mount Wu. The sun was slowly sinking behind the mountains.
"Big boss," Jiang Hong still used the nickname from their Exorcism Committee internship, said, "The helicopter is ready, time to go."
Chen Zhen nodded and turned to follow Jiang Hong off the platform, heading towards the helicopter pad.
"Last time I was here," Chen Zhen recalled, "was eleven years ago, during the Exorcism Committee's campaign against the Blood Demon."
"What was that?" Jiang Hong asked.
"A clone of the Heavenly Demon," Chen Zhen explained. "Back then, we thought we had solved everything, but the lingering effects were far-reaching. If we had been more diligent in eliminating the Blood Demon, perhaps we could have traced more clues and found evidence of Yinghuo hiding among humans..."
Though Jiang Hong was not clear about the past, he understood the truths of the world.
"Hindsight is always perfect," Jiang Hong consoled, "What's done is done, no use dwelling on it."
Chen Zhen smiled, a rare sight for Jiang Hong.
"You always get to the heart of the matter," Chen Zhen joked. "Is that why the Book of All Things chose you?"
The helicopter's engines roared. Two pandas sat in the pilot and co-pilot seats, with the Ghost King himself coming to send them off. Jiang Hong, carrying his bag and holding Old Sun, boarded the helicopter.
"I can fly back on my own," Old Sun wanted to try his new equipment.
"You'll run out of power after ten kilometers!" Jiang Hong said, "No reckless flying! Principal!"
After giving his final instructions, Cao Bin, escorted by Feng Li, quickly headed towards the helicopter. As he was about to board, a figure appeared in the distance.
"Jiang Hong!" Lu Xiu called out to them.
Jiang Hong looked out of the helicopter to see Lu Xiu making a gesture – pointing to the scale on his chest, a mutual understanding that Jiang Hong could still summon him anytime.
Jiang Hong made a farewell gesture, and Lu Xiu turned and walked away, disappearing into the night.
The helicopter's cabin door closed, sealing off the roar of the outside world, and it ascended into the dark night sky.
"We'll arrive in Chongqing in one hour and forty-five minutes," the panda in the co-pilot seat turned back and asked, "My lord, would you like a drink?"
"Uh, no thanks," Jiang Hong, squeezed between the two bigwigs Cao Bin and Chen Zhen, replied, "Just focus on flying the helicopter... By the way, do you guys have licenses?"
"Of course!" the panda responded, "See, we're all certified...”
"Who uses a panda picture on a helicopter pilot's license!" Jiang Hong exclaimed in frustration. "And how can you even tell it's you? All pandas look the same!"
Cao Bin: "......"
Chen Zhen: "......"
"Don't worry!" the pilot panda reassured, turning back, "The sacred land has a special training center..."
"Ah!" Jiang Hong immediately shouted, "Look ahead! We're about to hit a mountain!"
If these two pandas were spies for Yinghuo, they might be about to wipe out two major leaders of the Exorcism Committee, but Cao Bin and Chen Zhen seemed unconcerned, so Jiang Hong gradually relaxed.
"Apprentice, will you return to the school?" Cao Bin asked.
"Ah?" Jiang Hong sat up straight, turning to look at Cao Bin. This was the first time he had sat so close to Cao Bin, and one of the rare occasions Cao Bin addressed him as "apprentice" in the presence of others, making Jiang Hong feel somewhat odd.
"Yes... I will," Jiang Hong replied, "After all, the end of the world hasn't come yet, right?"
Cao Bin's lips curled into a slight smile, then he asked, "How's your father doing?"
"He's completely recovered!" Jiang Hong answered, "You can't even tell he was sick."
During these days, Jiang Hong had video calls with his family every day, and his father's recovery was going well.
"Hmm," Cao Bin said, "As Yinghuo approaches, the earth will face more variables, and enemies hidden in the darkness will become more active. Cangqiong University needs more manpower. If you're willing to return to school, it would be a great help."
"Ah, I can't do much," Jiang Hong said, "Actually, I... um... I'm kind of embarrassed to say..."
"No," Chen Zhen interjected, "You've done very well, Jiang Hong. In fact, it's me who should feel embarrassed."
Jiang Hong wanted to say something to comfort Chen Zhen but, seeing Cao Bin’s hesitant expression, guessed that it wasn’t his place to speak.
“Whoever sits in that position, it’s always the same,” Cao Bin said calmly. “I would be no different.”
After a moment of thought, Jiang Hong said, “I… I’ll sit across from you two instead, rather than being squeezed in the middle.”
Jiang Hong changed seats to sit opposite them and re-fastened his seatbelt, leaving Cao Bin and Chen Zhen sitting side by side.
This felt even stranger. Jiang Hong looked at Cao Bin, then at Chen Zhen, feeling like they were a couple who had been separated for many years.
Among the eight S-level exorcists, four are gay. Are both of them gay? They seem to be single. If they are both single, is there a chance to match them? But one is the president of Cangqiong University, and the other is the head of the Exorcism Committee; wouldn’t theirs be a long-distance relationship?
As Jiang Hong’s thoughts wandered aimlessly, Cao Bin spoke again:
“Guarding this world for many years, no one remembers your sacrifices. But show weakness just once, and everyone will curse you. They always see you as a war god, forgetting that you, too, are made of flesh and blood.”
Chen Zhen responded, “Winning a thousand battles brings peace to the present world; losing one could plunge all beings into eternal hell. It’s supposed to be this way.”
Cao Bin and Chen Zhen lapsed back into silence.
Jiang Hong thought that perhaps they had many things to say in their hearts. After all, whenever Cao Bin and Chen Zhen appeared, they were usually surrounded by many people and seldom had the chance to talk alone. Today, on the helicopter, might be a rare opportunity. At such times, he should pretend to be non-existent and not interrupt their conversation.
Cao Bin asked, “What exactly is your inner demon?”
Chen Zhen answered, “Sacrifice.”
Jiang Hong was perplexed, "?"
Observing Chen Zhen, Jiang Hong noticed that he seemed different, distinctly unlike when they first met. In just over a year, each time he saw Chen Zhen, there were subtle changes.
What kind of changes? He still appeared handsome, charming, and intellectual, but now there was an added touch of melancholy in his eyes. Occasionally, when he looked up, the sharpness and determination in his gaze remained as strong as ever.
He seemed more restrained. Jiang Hong couldn’t tell if this was good or bad. Initially, Chen Zhen gave him the impression of a turbulent river, but now he resembled a calm sea. Cao Bin, on the other hand, had become more resolute, like a mountain range. They were evolving in two distinct directions.
"Sacrifice," Cao Bin said.
"Yes," Chen Zhen answered, "Sacrifice. My own sacrifice is one thing, but making decisions for others, deciding for them to sacrifice, does it really follow our true intentions? Over the years, we’ve made so many sacrifices. When we finally find ourselves alone, is this still the world we wanted to protect?"
Cao Bin asked, "Is that your inner demon?"
Chen Zhen didn’t answer, instead turning to gaze out the helicopter’s window.
"You can’t go to the final battle," Cao Bin said, "With your current state, it’s difficult to defeat Yinghuo. More importantly, we almost know nothing about it."
Chen Zhen remained silent. Cao Bin continued, "Xiang Cheng hasn’t returned, and according to Jiang Hong’s dream, he won’t be back before the arrival. We have to go with Plan B. You need to stay at the Exorcism Committee and use the Heart Lamp to its fullest, to protect the land."
Chen Zhen replied, "Yes, I’m well aware. Compared to my predecessors, I’m probably the one most willing but least able."
Cao Bin said, "But I must remind you, Chen Zhen, the enemy you are facing is the strongest in history."
"The Sword of Wisdom will choose you," Chen Zhen said to Cao Bin, "I’m not surprised at all. Besides Xiang Cheng, you are indeed the most suitable choice."
"Not just the Sword of Wisdom," Cao Bin responded, "The Binding Demon Rope, the Moon-Eating Bow, the Vajra Arrow, even the Book of All Things, they all choose the most suitable person. The universe has its underlying logic. Regardless, I think, in one aspect, our understanding and confidence are aligned."
Chen Zhen affirmed, "Yes, I've always believed that the end of the world will not come."
As Jiang Hong contemplated Cao Bin's words, the helicopter arrived in Chongqing. Below were the bustling lights of the city. At 8 PM, a vehicle from the Chongqing Exorcism Committee was waiting in front of the Jiangbei landing pad's building to take Chen Zhen to the airport.
Cao Bin said, "I need to handle some matters at the Chongqing Exorcism Committee's office at Shibati. Do you want a ride home on the way?"
"Sure," Jiang Hong agreed, knowing it was out of the way, but suspecting Cao Bin might have something to say to him, so he got into the committee's car.
"During this time," Cao Bin spoke, "I will have the Chongqing Exorcism Committee keep an eye on your safety. If any emergency arises, you can summon Lu Xiu anytime."
"Am I causing trouble for everyone?" Jiang Hong, thinking of possessing the Book of All Things, now becoming a target for Yinghuo and needing protection, felt guilty.
"The 'trouble' you bring as a return to your mortal status," Cao Bin explained, "is precisely the purpose of exorcists protecting the world. It’s also why Chen Zhen is in such a dilemma."
"We always emphasize sacrifice. Everyone rushes forward in the face of danger. Love can be sacrificed, life can be sacrificed, but what do we have left when everything is sacrificed? Where does our original intention go?"
Jiang Hong looked at Cao Bin, who raised his eyebrows in a gesture.
"What’s your opinion on this?"
"No opinion, you're really handsome, Master," Jiang Hong said.
Cao Bin smiled, and Jiang Hong watched the bustling streets of Chongqing. The city was peacefully lit up at night.
"If tomorrow were the end of the world, what would you do?" Cao Bin asked the same question Lu Xiu had posed.
"I think..." Jiang Hong, after hearing all these conversations, felt differently, "I'd like to go home to see, and then... I think I'd soon... Huh? Right, Principal, what would you do?"
Jiang Hong asked in return, genuinely curious whether Cao Bin, at such a time, had someone he wanted to see or any regrets in life to fulfill.
"I would return to school, attend classes, eat meals, and go to sleep as usual," Cao Bin said, "Sounds boring, doesn’t it?"
"Uh..." Jiang Hong thought for a moment, recognizing this as typical of Cao Bin, "Even if it’s the end of the world, someone has to fight, right? Even if victory isn't certain."
"But I believe," Cao Bin seriously said, "that we will win. The end of the world will not come."
When the car arrived at his home, Jiang Hong, holding Old Sun, said goodbye to Cao Bin.
"I’ll check on my family and then return to school immediately," Jiang Hong said.
Cao Bin responded, "This semester might be quite demanding. With Yinghuo's return, natural disasters will become more frequent, along with secondary disasters in civilized societies."
Jiang Hong nodded, "I’ll be back soon! Very soon!"
Home was still that warm and welcoming place. His father was reading in the living room. His parents were used to his sudden homecomings. "Internship over? Your mom was just saying we should visit you at Wuxian! Where's Lu Xiu?"
"He won't be back at school for another ten days or half a month," Jiang Hong replied with a smile, "I’m hungry. Is there any supper?"
"Yes, yes! I’ll make you some right now. How about dumplings? I just made them tonight," his mother said, putting down her phone from her half-finished QQ Mahjong game and heading to the kitchen to prepare supper. After the tumultuous period he'd been through, returning home felt like the world magically restored order.
The warm yellow light over the late-night dinner table, his parents at home, and a steaming bowl of dumplings.
The end of the world will surely not come, but before that, everyone should cherish the time together... Jiang Hong thought.
