97 Puppet Jade
Zhuang Yao realized that there was nothing more to ask here, so the group of people left, dressed in clean clothes.
By the time they returned to the hotel, it was already dark. Normally, it would have been their dinner time, but today they had eaten quite a lot and didn't feel hungry. Only Deng Xiao eagerly waited for Cong Xia to make skewers for him.
Cong Xia glanced at the insects and didn't feel very appetized. "They don't look very delicious."
Deng Xiao said, "Whether they taste good or not, you won't know until you try."
Liu Fengyu cast a disgusted look at the insects. "You really want to eat them? They look quite repulsive."
"Eat them, or else it's a waste."
Cong Xia said, "Then let's grill them and give it a try. After all, they are food." The blood of those insects smelled a bit foul, and Cong Xia didn't have high hopes for their taste.
Deng Xiao enthusiastically helped him start a fire. He watched Cong Xia take out a lot of seasonings from the car and his eyes lit up with excitement. "You guys are amazing. The car is full of delicious things, right?"
Cong Xia smiled and said, "We also have weapons and other supplies."
"That's so impressive. You actually brought so many things." Deng Xiao's eyes were filled with admiration.
Cong Xia skewered the frozen and stiff insects onto a bamboo arrow from Tang Yanqiu, placed it over the fire, and the group sat around the bonfire. Cong Xia sprinkled seasonings while laughing and looking at Deng Xiao. "Our car can not only carry food and clothes but also another person."
Deng Xiao blinked at the meat. "Oh."
Zhuang Yao rolled his eyes. "Just say it directly. He doesn't understand."
"Huh? What?"
Cong Xia helplessly said, "Xiao Deng, what I mean is that our car can accommodate you as well. We're heading to Beijing, and since you don't have a clear destination anyway, would you like to join us?"
Deng Xiao excitedly said, "Sure, I'm fine going anywhere. Will you be cooking delicious meals every day?"
"As long as we have enough ingredients, we will definitely eat every day."
"No problem. Leave the hunting to me. I'm the best at hunting."
Cong Xia smiled and said, "Then it's settled. You're joining us."
Liu Fengyu supported his chin and smiled with his peach blossom eyes curved. "That's great, Xia. A few pieces of meat and we've recruited a strong laborer."
Cong Xia burst into laughter, feeling very happy.
Everyone here was pleased with Deng Xiao's inclusion. This child not only had a simple and easy-to-please nature but also possessed considerable strength. Based on his performance at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda today and his transformed appearance, his level of evolution surpassed Zhao Jin. Although he lacked a few strings in his mind, he would be a reliable teammate on the battlefield.
With Deng Xiao joining them, the strength of their team had reached a new level.
Cheng Tianbi suddenly sniffed. "Hmm?"
"What's wrong?"
"The smell of these insects..."
Everyone carefully took a whiff, and Cong Xia wondered, "Why does this smell seem a bit like..."
Tang Yanqiu said, "Incense."
Zhuang Yao added, "Yes, it really has a slight incense-like aroma."
The taste of these insects after grilling surprisingly resembled the incense burned in temples. Although it was subtle and mixed with the smell of charred meat, everyone indeed detected that incense-like fragrance.
Deng Xiao exclaimed, "Are there any Buddha statues in the Big Wild Goose Pagoda?"
Zhuang Yao explained, "They house the Buddhist scriptures brought back by the venerable Xuanzang from India. Legend has it that the Big Wild Goose Pagoda contains an underground palace, concealing many rare treasures brought back by Xuanzang. The pagoda itself is constructed with a Buddhist theme, and there are plenty of places inside where incense is burned. The presence of incense ashes is not uncommon."
Cheng Tianbi suggested, "Perhaps these insects rolled in the incense ashes."
The group didn't pay much attention to it. After grilling the insects, Deng Xiao couldn't wait and took a big bite. "Wow, it's hot! Oh, it's delicious! It's so crispy after grilling. Everyone, dig in!"
After seeing him eat, Liu Fengyu said, "Seems like they're not poisonous. Let's eat." He then opened her mouth as well.
Deng Xiao swallowed another insect in a hurry and mumbled unclearly, "Who knows?"
"What?"
Everyone looked at him.
Deng Xiao chuckled, "I have toxins in my body, so I'm not afraid of poison."
Liu Fengyu wanted to slap him.
Zhuang Yao said, "Go ahead and eat. It's fine. If we were going to get poisoned, we would have been poisoned when those insects sucked our blood."
Cong Xia curiously asked, "Did you evolve to a toxic state?"
Deng Xiao nodded, then shook his head. "I don't know, but initially, there was no poison, and later it appeared."
Zhuang Yao explained, "It's not surprising for amphibians to evolve and have a toxic state. Many snakes and lizards are poisonous, and their toxins are neurotoxins with a high level of toxicity."
Cong Xia looked at the insect he had bitten into and sighed, "Even if these insects are not poisonous... they didn't absorb your toxins, did they?"
Zhuang Yao shook his head, "They didn't even break his skin."
Deng Xiao proudly smiled and said, "I have thick skin."
Tang Yanqiu admired him, saying, "That's great. Comparatively, it seems that avians can't evolve any new abilities through reversion." His tone was somewhat disappointed.
Zhuang Yao said, "It seems you haven't realized the advantages of avian reversion. First, the fact that you can fly already surpasses many abilities. Moreover, if you can truly revert to all the characteristics of avians, aside from anything else, with your super vision combined with your archery skills, you can easily take enemies' heads within a kilometer range. And when your vision, archery, and the expanded visual range from flying at high altitudes are combined, I can't even estimate how far you can shoot down enemies with a single arrow. Your arrow alone can change the entire course of a battle. Apart from vision, another skill that I am most excited for you to revert is radar. When birds fly at high speeds, they rely on biological radar to detect obstacles rather than vision. If you can revert the biological radar, all obstacles within your radar range will be exposed."
Tang Yanqiu's eyes sparkled with excitement.
Not only him, but everyone else was also intrigued by Zhuang Yao's depiction of evolutionary abilities. If Tang Yanqiu could truly evolve these two abilities to the extreme, he would become an extremely formidable long-range aerial assassin, with strong defensive capabilities as well.
Tang Yanqiu clenched his fist with excitement. "I haven't felt the biological radar you mentioned yet, but as I continue my training, my vision is indeed gradually improving."
Deng Xiao exclaimed, "That's amazing, Tang-ge! That's so cool. What about me? What else can I revert?"
Zhuang Yao said, "For you, there are actually many abilities you can revert. For example, photosensitive skin, like a chameleon, allows you to change your body color at will for camouflage. There's also the ability of limb regeneration. Some amphibians can regenerate limbs or tails when they're severed. And there's climbing ability too. Perhaps you can revert to having suction cups. Amphibians have numerous unique traits, just like avians and mammals. Who knows which abilities, when reverted in humans, can become powerful weapons? All biological variations have many characteristics worth exploring. If used properly, once we reach Beijing, I'll compile some information for you to study. During your training, you may be able to specifically develop these skills."
Deng Xiao asked curiously, "Training? What kind of training?"
Cong Xia said, "We know a method to enhance our energy, but it requires you to keep it a secret."
Deng Xiao nodded vigorously. "I'll definitely keep it a secret."
Cheng Tianbi said, "I'll be responsible for teaching him and helping him master the first method."
Zhuang Yao looked at the leaping flames with a strong sense of determination. "The current composition of our team is approaching perfection. As long as we cooperate well and steadily improve, even in Beijing, we won't be afraid. But the prerequisite is that we must obtain the crucial Puppet Jade. What others have, we must have. What others don't have, we must obtain. I will absolutely not lose to anyone."
Cheng Tianbi glanced at Zhuang Yao. He wanted to remind him not to treat this team as his personal weapon, but he refrained. One reason was that since Chongqing, they had become wary of Zhuang Yao, so it wasn't necessary to be too explicit. The second reason was that Zhuang Yao had been performing well recently and had made significant contributions to the overall strength of the team.
Most importantly, they now had a shared interest, which was to reach Beijing. While they couldn't guess what was in Zhuang Yao's mind, it was clear that Zhuang Yao couldn't accomplish his goals on his own. Therefore, he needed them. It was more practical for Zhuang Yao to develop this existing team than to cultivate a new one. So, at least until they reached Beijing, Zhuang Yao wouldn't harm them. Instead, he would do everything possible to make them stronger, which was crucial for their own interests.
Cong Xia said, "By the way, there's something else I want to tell everyone." He took out the agate fragment from his pocket, which he had transformed into an energy-storing jade talisman. "I tried many times today, wasting a lot of energy, but I finally succeeded in creating a jade talisman. Inside this agate, I've stored some neutral energy, about the size of a rat's energy. I can absorb it back at any time."
Everyone's eyes brightened, and Zhuang Yao's voice involuntarily rose, "Doesn't that make it similar to the nature of the Puppet Jade?"
Cong Xia nodded. "Yes, like a miniature Puppet Jade, reduced by millions of times."
Cheng Tianbi picked up the agate fragment from his palm. At first glance, it appeared to be an ordinary piece of red agate. He asked, "Is this the method you mentioned to materialize tools using neutral energy?"
Zhuang Yao asked, "Did the information in the ancient jade teach you that?"
Cong Xia nodded.
Zhuang Yao sighed. "If I could enter the ancient jade, I would definitely unravel all the mysteries. Maybe I could even create a whole new world."
Liu Fengyu said, "The information in the ancient jade should help unravel the mysteries of the Second Cambrian, but creating a new world sounds too exaggerated."
Zhuang Yao said, "No, based on the information I have received so far about the ancient jade, that's the feeling I get. There is a world hidden inside it, a method of redeeming humanity and restoring the world to normal. Because the actions of the ancient jade seem to be in opposition to the Cambrian consciousness and the Puppet Jade. The Cambrian consciousness uses the Puppet Jade as a tool to balance and control humanity, storing the energy that can overthrow the entire planet. It played a crucial role in global evolution, dealing a devastating blow to humanity. However, at the same time, just as the Second Cambrian was beginning, the ancient jade appeared. It wasn't too early or too late—it appeared at the perfect moment. I don't know who, or rather, what divine entity, stored the method to help humanity in the ancient jade, meant for you to obtain. It must have been predestined. Cong Xia, perhaps you were chosen... the so-called savior."
Cong Xia was taken aback. "Don't joke around. I just happened to stumble upon something like this by chance. I can't be any kind of savior. I remember when I obtained the ancient jade, there was a voice that told me there was some kind of 'blood pact' between me and the ancient jade because my blood flowed onto it. It's all just a coincidence. If it weren't for all of you, I wouldn't have been able to save myself. If Cheng Tianbi hadn't found me, I might have died in Kunming long ago, let alone come across the ancient jade. Someone like me, one of the many people you can find on the streets, how could I possibly be a savior?"
Zhuang Yao shook his head. "No, it's destined. Do you believe in fate? Fate is not a mystical concept or superstition. Fate is the combination of the right timing, favorable conditions, and human factors. It combines history, the present, and the future, encompassing the laws governing the operation of all things in the world. It combines the factors of the entire planet, or perhaps the entire universe, to arrive at an inevitable outcome. Because the 'cause' is predetermined, the 'effect' has already been decided. Therefore, every decision we make, although it appears to be our own, is actually influenced by external factors that have existed since long ago, leading to inevitable choices. The 'butterfly effect' is a popular and understandable explanation of 'fate'."
The others felt a bit dizzy from listening, and only Cong Xia, the book enthusiast, could keep up with Zhuang Yao's train of thought. However, he still couldn't accept the idea of being some kind of "savior." He didn't want to be a savior; he just wanted to save himself and the people he cared about. His heart couldn't bear the weight of such a responsibility. He shook his head and said, "I've read some related academic research papers on what you're talking about, but no one can confirm the existence of this thing called 'fate.' And I can't accept the idea that I need to shoulder some 'savior' mission. I'm not cut out for it. I'm just an ordinary person who might not make it out of this city alive if I were alone."
Zhuang Yao let out a sigh. "Because we are also destined to be by your side. I believe in my own judgment. Actually, I wanted to warn you a long time ago, but back then, we were too weak. If I had told you, you would have been scared. But sooner or later, you have to accept this reality because from the moment you obtained the ancient jade, something significant was bound to happen to you. At least you should be mentally prepared for it."
Cong Xia's body trembled, and he sighed. "I am."
He was an ordinary person, but the ancient jade was not an ordinary thing. It was destined to bring about extraordinary events, and he had no idea whether it would be a blessing or a curse.
No one else spoke, not even Deng Xiao. After all, the three words "savior" were too heavy, and they could all feel Cong Xia's tense heart.
Zhuang Yao continued, "I'm reminding you now because our next stop is Luoyang, and we're not far from Beijing. I believe that the dangers we have encountered on this journey may be nothing compared to what lies ahead. I also firmly believe that Beijing is not the end of our journey but rather a new beginning. Among all of us, you are the most special and important one, but at the same time, you are also the most mentally fragile. I hope you are constantly prepared to face the unexpected... 'fate.'"
Cong Xia clenched his fist, his palms sweaty.
Cheng Tianbi said in a deep voice, "That's enough. Let's stop talking about it and go to sleep after we finish eating."
Cong Xia felt relieved when he heard Cheng Tianbi timely cut off the topic. Today had been filled with too many events, and everyone was already exhausted. After finishing their meal, they gradually went to their rooms in the hotel to sleep.
Once Cheng Tianbi and Cong Xia entered their room, Cong Xia said, "Thank goodness you interrupted him. What he said honestly scared me."
"I know." Cheng Tianbi tousled his hair. "Don't be afraid."
A smile formed on Cong Xia's lips as he held Cheng Tianbi's hand and lay down beside him. "It's alright. That kid says scary things all the time. If he keeps saying them, I might become numb to it. Besides, I have you with me, so there's nothing to fear."
"Mhmm."
Cong Xia scooted closer to him and said somewhat shyly, "If the two of us meeting is also the result of so-called 'fate,' then, well, 'fate' isn't scary. It can bring good things too."
Cheng Tianbi tightened his grip on Cong Xia's hand and placed it on his own belly. He whispered softly, "This is a good thing."
Cong Xia chuckled foolishly. "Meeting all of you is the best thing that has happened in this apocalypse."
Cheng Tianbi said, "Let's go to sleep."
Cong Xia knew that Cheng Tianbi wasn't good with words and seemed easily embarrassed. Whenever he said something that made them blush, he would automatically change the subject. Compared to Cheng Tianbi, Cong Xia had thicker skin. Between the two of them, someone had to take the initiative, or else their conversation would go nowhere. Cong Xia was already used to this and propped himself up, saying with a smile, "How about a goodnight kiss?"
Cheng Tianbi's lips twitched slightly, as if he was smiling. Cheng Tianbi's smiles were extremely rare, and Cong Xia thought carefully about it. They had known each other for a long time, but Cheng Tianbi had smiled no more than three times, and those smiles were very subtle. But Cong Xia could still tell that Cheng Tianbi paid attention to every expression he made.
Cong Xia happily said, "It looks like you smiled."
Cheng Tianbi looked at him with a gaze as gentle as water.
Cong Xia lowered his head and kissed Cheng Tianbi's lips, saying with a smile, "A goodnight kiss, trendy, right?"
Cheng Tianbi also slightly raised his head and kissed him back. "Trendy."
Cong Xia chuckled softly and couldn't resist kissing Cheng Tianbi's cheek with a loud smack. "Come on, let's sleep."
The two of them snuggled closely together, their heads touching, and fell asleep peacefully in each other's arms.
When Cong Xia was in a drowsy state, he was suddenly shaken awake.
"Um... Tianbi?" Cong Xia blinked his eyes, and Cheng Tianbi's face was right in front of him in the darkness. He immediately became alert. "What's wrong? Is something happening?"
Cheng Tianbi whispered, "Get up."
Without him saying anything, Cong Xia already sat up. They had experienced numerous night attacks, so he quickly woke up. "What's wrong? I didn't sense any energy fluctuations."
"It's not an ambush. I want you to come with me to a place."
"Ah? Where are we going? Why didn't you mention it before going to bed?"
"If I told you, you wouldn't be able to sleep. We can only go now because it's just the two of us." Cheng Tianbi hopped off the bed and prepared his weapons.
Cong Xia became nervous. "Tianbi, where are we going?"
"The Big Wild Goose Pagoda." Cheng Tianbi said calmly.
Cong Xia was shocked. "Why? Just the two of us? Go to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda?" He thought that after what happened during the day, everyone had given up on the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. After all, they couldn't contend with that number of insects.
Cheng Tianbi checked his watch. "We're a bit pressed for time. I'll explain on the way."
In the darkness, the two of them silently made their way downstairs. As they passed by the door, Abu woke up and quietly watched them with his purple eyes, unaware of what they were about to do and had the intention to stand up.
Cong Xia quickly touched Abu's moist nose. "Good boy, go back to sleep."
Abu laid back down, but he continued to watch them until they left the hotel.
On the way, Cong Xia asked anxiously, "Tianbi, what's going on? Are we going to the vicinity of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, or are we going inside?"
"Inside." Cheng Tianbi said, "During the daytime, I found something in the Big Wild Goose Pagoda that caught my attention."
"What did you find?"
"A camera. It's probably the one that Deng Xiao dropped."
"Really? We didn't see it."
"Because it was on my side. When we first entered, it was pitch black, and I didn't see it either. When the insects started appearing, we were in a rush to run out, and no one had time to notice anything else. I stumbled upon it unintentionally. After the insects appeared, there was suddenly a red dot in the corner that flashed a few times. At that moment, I couldn't see what it was, but when Deng Xiao pushed open the door and the light came in, I took another look, and it was a single-lens reflex camera pointing at us."
Cong Xia's spine chilled. "If it really is Deng Xiao's camera, it should have run out of battery by now."
"That's why this is unusual. If we don't clarify this, I won't be able to stop thinking about it even if we leave."
"But it's too dangerous for just the two of us to go. Why not tell the others?" Cong Xia thought about the overwhelming number of insects. Even with Cheng Tianbi, he felt his legs go weak. The thought of those soft-bodied insects crawling all over his body made him extremely unwilling to go back to that place.
"No, only I will go in. If the camera is still in its original position, I'm confident I can take it and leave. The reason I'm not telling the others is because I can tell that Zhuang Yao, though he hasn't said it, is very unwilling to give up on obtaining the Puppet Jade inside the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. If he learns about the camera, given his personality, he might redeploy and take this opportunity to make another attempt. Especially, if there really is some secret inside that camera, he won't easily leave this place. The more people who know about this, the more likely he is to find out, so the two of us are enough. I brought you along because I can't bring the Puppet Jade inside the tower, but I also can't leave it in the hotel, and I don't trust anyone other than you with it. So I want you to stay far away with the Puppet Jade while I go into the tower to retrieve the camera."
Cong Xia's voice involuntarily rose, "No, that's too dangerous. Last time, we barely escaped by working together. How will you get away from so many insects on your own?"
Cheng Tianbi said, "I'm confident. Those insects only have the advantage in numbers. I'll take the camera and leave immediately. If Deng Xiao can leave, you don't have to worry too much."
Cong Xia anxiously said, "Then I'll go with you..."
Cheng Tianbi firmly said, "No, if you come with me, you'll only be a burden."
Cong Xia opened his mouth, his expression becoming dim. Cheng Tianbi was right. If he went in, he would probably be a burden.
Cheng Tianbi realized what he had said and immediately regretted it. He stopped walking and whispered, "That's not what I meant."
Cong Xia said, "I understand. You're also concerned about my safety."
"Yes, I'll go in alone, and it will be easier to come out."
"I understand."
The two of them quickly arrived near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and stopped three hundred meters away from the tower. At this distance, the Puppet Jade had no reaction. Even if it did react, Cong Xia would have enough time to escape.
Cheng Tianbi handed a gun and a few grenades to Cong Xia, then placed the Puppet Jade on the ground. He looked into Cong Xia's eyes seriously. "Promise me that you won't touch it under any circumstances. You need to control yourself. If you feel tempted, enter the void of the Ancient Jade."
"Okay."
Cheng Tianbi patted Cong Xia's shoulder. "Stay alert to your surroundings. If there's a danger you can't handle, shoot so I can hear it."
Mutated creatures could appear in the night's grass, but Cong Xia wasn't afraid of those animals. The energy within him was enough to strengthen many aspects of himself, and ordinary mutated creatures couldn't harm him.
Cong Xia nodded, gripping his arm. He said in a deep voice, "You have to go quickly and come back quickly."
Cheng Tianbi squeezed his hand and ran towards the Big Wild Goose Pagoda without looking back.
Cong Xia followed his figure, enhancing his vision step by step until he could see Cheng Tianbi, three hundred meters away, disappearing into the dark doorway.
Cong Xia looked up at the massive silhouette of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda under the dark night sky. The feeling of looking up at a giant gave him a powerful sense of oppression, especially when he thought about what might be inside the tower. His heart raced.
**************
Translator’s note: Thank you for the support, Crazy Mama. I’ll upload the bonus chapters later. Thanks a lot!. This is the regular post for today.
97 Puppet Jade
Zhuang Yao realized that there was nothing more to ask here, so the group of people left, dressed in clean clothes.
By the time they returned to the hotel, it was already dark. Normally, it would have been their dinner time, but today they had eaten quite a lot and didn't feel hungry. Only Deng Xiao eagerly waited for Cong Xia to make skewers for him.
Cong Xia glanced at the insects and didn't feel very appetized. "They don't look very delicious."
Deng Xiao said, "Whether they taste good or not, you won't know until you try."
Liu Fengyu cast a disgusted look at the insects. "You really want to eat them? They look quite repulsive."
"Eat them, or else it's a waste."
Cong Xia said, "Then let's grill them and give it a try. After all, they are food." The blood of those insects smelled a bit foul, and Cong Xia didn't have high hopes for their taste.
Deng Xiao enthusiastically helped him start a fire. He watched Cong Xia take out a lot of seasonings from the car and his eyes lit up with excitement. "You guys are amazing. The car is full of delicious things, right?"
Cong Xia smiled and said, "We also have weapons and other supplies."
"That's so impressive. You actually brought so many things." Deng Xiao's eyes were filled with admiration.
Cong Xia skewered the frozen and stiff insects onto a bamboo arrow from Tang Yanqiu, placed it over the fire, and the group sat around the bonfire. Cong Xia sprinkled seasonings while laughing and looking at Deng Xiao. "Our car can not only carry food and clothes but also another person."
Deng Xiao blinked at the meat. "Oh."
Zhuang Yao rolled his eyes. "Just say it directly. He doesn't understand."
"Huh? What?"
Cong Xia helplessly said, "Xiao Deng, what I mean is that our car can accommodate you as well. We're heading to Beijing, and since you don't have a clear destination anyway, would you like to join us?"
Deng Xiao excitedly said, "Sure, I'm fine going anywhere. Will you be cooking delicious meals every day?"
"As long as we have enough ingredients, we will definitely eat every day."
"No problem. Leave the hunting to me. I'm the best at hunting."
Cong Xia smiled and said, "Then it's settled. You're joining us."
Liu Fengyu supported his chin and smiled with his peach blossom eyes curved. "That's great, Xia. A few pieces of meat and we've recruited a strong laborer."
Cong Xia burst into laughter, feeling very happy.
Everyone here was pleased with Deng Xiao's inclusion. This child not only had a simple and easy-to-please nature but also possessed considerable strength. Based on his performance at the Big Wild Goose Pagoda today and his transformed appearance, his level of evolution surpassed Zhao Jin. Although he lacked a few strings in his mind, he would be a reliable teammate on the battlefield.
With Deng Xiao joining them, the strength of their team had reached a new level.
Cheng Tianbi suddenly sniffed. "Hmm?"
"What's wrong?"
"The smell of these insects..."
Everyone carefully took a whiff, and Cong Xia wondered, "Why does this smell seem a bit like..."
Tang Yanqiu said, "Incense."
Zhuang Yao added, "Yes, it really has a slight incense-like aroma."
The taste of these insects after grilling surprisingly resembled the incense burned in temples. Although it was subtle and mixed with the smell of charred meat, everyone indeed detected that incense-like fragrance.
Deng Xiao exclaimed, "Are there any Buddha statues in the Big Wild Goose Pagoda?"
Zhuang Yao explained, "They house the Buddhist scriptures brought back by the venerable Xuanzang from India. Legend has it that the Big Wild Goose Pagoda contains an underground palace, concealing many rare treasures brought back by Xuanzang. The pagoda itself is constructed with a Buddhist theme, and there are plenty of places inside where incense is burned. The presence of incense ashes is not uncommon."
Cheng Tianbi suggested, "Perhaps these insects rolled in the incense ashes."
The group didn't pay much attention to it. After grilling the insects, Deng Xiao couldn't wait and took a big bite. "Wow, it's hot! Oh, it's delicious! It's so crispy after grilling. Everyone, dig in!"
After seeing him eat, Liu Fengyu said, "Seems like they're not poisonous. Let's eat." He then opened her mouth as well.
Deng Xiao swallowed another insect in a hurry and mumbled unclearly, "Who knows?"
"What?"
Everyone looked at him.
Deng Xiao chuckled, "I have toxins in my body, so I'm not afraid of poison."
Liu Fengyu wanted to slap him.
Zhuang Yao said, "Go ahead and eat. It's fine. If we were going to get poisoned, we would have been poisoned when those insects sucked our blood."
Cong Xia curiously asked, "Did you evolve to a toxic state?"
Deng Xiao nodded, then shook his head. "I don't know, but initially, there was no poison, and later it appeared."
Zhuang Yao explained, "It's not surprising for amphibians to evolve and have a toxic state. Many snakes and lizards are poisonous, and their toxins are neurotoxins with a high level of toxicity."
Cong Xia looked at the insect he had bitten into and sighed, "Even if these insects are not poisonous... they didn't absorb your toxins, did they?"
Zhuang Yao shook his head, "They didn't even break his skin."
Deng Xiao proudly smiled and said, "I have thick skin."
Tang Yanqiu admired him, saying, "That's great. Comparatively, it seems that avians can't evolve any new abilities through reversion." His tone was somewhat disappointed.
Zhuang Yao said, "It seems you haven't realized the advantages of avian reversion. First, the fact that you can fly already surpasses many abilities. Moreover, if you can truly revert to all the characteristics of avians, aside from anything else, with your super vision combined with your archery skills, you can easily take enemies' heads within a kilometer range. And when your vision, archery, and the expanded visual range from flying at high altitudes are combined, I can't even estimate how far you can shoot down enemies with a single arrow. Your arrow alone can change the entire course of a battle. Apart from vision, another skill that I am most excited for you to revert is radar. When birds fly at high speeds, they rely on biological radar to detect obstacles rather than vision. If you can revert the biological radar, all obstacles within your radar range will be exposed."
Tang Yanqiu's eyes sparkled with excitement.
Not only him, but everyone else was also intrigued by Zhuang Yao's depiction of evolutionary abilities. If Tang Yanqiu could truly evolve these two abilities to the extreme, he would become an extremely formidable long-range aerial assassin, with strong defensive capabilities as well.
Tang Yanqiu clenched his fist with excitement. "I haven't felt the biological radar you mentioned yet, but as I continue my training, my vision is indeed gradually improving."
Deng Xiao exclaimed, "That's amazing, Tang-ge! That's so cool. What about me? What else can I revert?"
Zhuang Yao said, "For you, there are actually many abilities you can revert. For example, photosensitive skin, like a chameleon, allows you to change your body color at will for camouflage. There's also the ability of limb regeneration. Some amphibians can regenerate limbs or tails when they're severed. And there's climbing ability too. Perhaps you can revert to having suction cups. Amphibians have numerous unique traits, just like avians and mammals. Who knows which abilities, when reverted in humans, can become powerful weapons? All biological variations have many characteristics worth exploring. If used properly, once we reach Beijing, I'll compile some information for you to study. During your training, you may be able to specifically develop these skills."
Deng Xiao asked curiously, "Training? What kind of training?"
Cong Xia said, "We know a method to enhance our energy, but it requires you to keep it a secret."
Deng Xiao nodded vigorously. "I'll definitely keep it a secret."
Cheng Tianbi said, "I'll be responsible for teaching him and helping him master the first method."
Zhuang Yao looked at the leaping flames with a strong sense of determination. "The current composition of our team is approaching perfection. As long as we cooperate well and steadily improve, even in Beijing, we won't be afraid. But the prerequisite is that we must obtain the crucial Puppet Jade. What others have, we must have. What others don't have, we must obtain. I will absolutely not lose to anyone."
Cheng Tianbi glanced at Zhuang Yao. He wanted to remind him not to treat this team as his personal weapon, but he refrained. One reason was that since Chongqing, they had become wary of Zhuang Yao, so it wasn't necessary to be too explicit. The second reason was that Zhuang Yao had been performing well recently and had made significant contributions to the overall strength of the team.
Most importantly, they now had a shared interest, which was to reach Beijing. While they couldn't guess what was in Zhuang Yao's mind, it was clear that Zhuang Yao couldn't accomplish his goals on his own. Therefore, he needed them. It was more practical for Zhuang Yao to develop this existing team than to cultivate a new one. So, at least until they reached Beijing, Zhuang Yao wouldn't harm them. Instead, he would do everything possible to make them stronger, which was crucial for their own interests.
Cong Xia said, "By the way, there's something else I want to tell everyone." He took out the agate fragment from his pocket, which he had transformed into an energy-storing jade talisman. "I tried many times today, wasting a lot of energy, but I finally succeeded in creating a jade talisman. Inside this agate, I've stored some neutral energy, about the size of a rat's energy. I can absorb it back at any time."
Everyone's eyes brightened, and Zhuang Yao's voice involuntarily rose, "Doesn't that make it similar to the nature of the Puppet Jade?"
Cong Xia nodded. "Yes, like a miniature Puppet Jade, reduced by millions of times."
Cheng Tianbi picked up the agate fragment from his palm. At first glance, it appeared to be an ordinary piece of red agate. He asked, "Is this the method you mentioned to materialize tools using neutral energy?"
Zhuang Yao asked, "Did the information in the ancient jade teach you that?"
Cong Xia nodded.
Zhuang Yao sighed. "If I could enter the ancient jade, I would definitely unravel all the mysteries. Maybe I could even create a whole new world."
Liu Fengyu said, "The information in the ancient jade should help unravel the mysteries of the Second Cambrian, but creating a new world sounds too exaggerated."
Zhuang Yao said, "No, based on the information I have received so far about the ancient jade, that's the feeling I get. There is a world hidden inside it, a method of redeeming humanity and restoring the world to normal. Because the actions of the ancient jade seem to be in opposition to the Cambrian consciousness and the Puppet Jade. The Cambrian consciousness uses the Puppet Jade as a tool to balance and control humanity, storing the energy that can overthrow the entire planet. It played a crucial role in global evolution, dealing a devastating blow to humanity. However, at the same time, just as the Second Cambrian was beginning, the ancient jade appeared. It wasn't too early or too late—it appeared at the perfect moment. I don't know who, or rather, what divine entity, stored the method to help humanity in the ancient jade, meant for you to obtain. It must have been predestined. Cong Xia, perhaps you were chosen... the so-called savior."
Cong Xia was taken aback. "Don't joke around. I just happened to stumble upon something like this by chance. I can't be any kind of savior. I remember when I obtained the ancient jade, there was a voice that told me there was some kind of 'blood pact' between me and the ancient jade because my blood flowed onto it. It's all just a coincidence. If it weren't for all of you, I wouldn't have been able to save myself. If Cheng Tianbi hadn't found me, I might have died in Kunming long ago, let alone come across the ancient jade. Someone like me, one of the many people you can find on the streets, how could I possibly be a savior?"
Zhuang Yao shook his head. "No, it's destined. Do you believe in fate? Fate is not a mystical concept or superstition. Fate is the combination of the right timing, favorable conditions, and human factors. It combines history, the present, and the future, encompassing the laws governing the operation of all things in the world. It combines the factors of the entire planet, or perhaps the entire universe, to arrive at an inevitable outcome. Because the 'cause' is predetermined, the 'effect' has already been decided. Therefore, every decision we make, although it appears to be our own, is actually influenced by external factors that have existed since long ago, leading to inevitable choices. The 'butterfly effect' is a popular and understandable explanation of 'fate'."
The others felt a bit dizzy from listening, and only Cong Xia, the book enthusiast, could keep up with Zhuang Yao's train of thought. However, he still couldn't accept the idea of being some kind of "savior." He didn't want to be a savior; he just wanted to save himself and the people he cared about. His heart couldn't bear the weight of such a responsibility. He shook his head and said, "I've read some related academic research papers on what you're talking about, but no one can confirm the existence of this thing called 'fate.' And I can't accept the idea that I need to shoulder some 'savior' mission. I'm not cut out for it. I'm just an ordinary person who might not make it out of this city alive if I were alone."
Zhuang Yao let out a sigh. "Because we are also destined to be by your side. I believe in my own judgment. Actually, I wanted to warn you a long time ago, but back then, we were too weak. If I had told you, you would have been scared. But sooner or later, you have to accept this reality because from the moment you obtained the ancient jade, something significant was bound to happen to you. At least you should be mentally prepared for it."
Cong Xia's body trembled, and he sighed. "I am."
He was an ordinary person, but the ancient jade was not an ordinary thing. It was destined to bring about extraordinary events, and he had no idea whether it would be a blessing or a curse.
No one else spoke, not even Deng Xiao. After all, the three words "savior" were too heavy, and they could all feel Cong Xia's tense heart.
Zhuang Yao continued, "I'm reminding you now because our next stop is Luoyang, and we're not far from Beijing. I believe that the dangers we have encountered on this journey may be nothing compared to what lies ahead. I also firmly believe that Beijing is not the end of our journey but rather a new beginning. Among all of us, you are the most special and important one, but at the same time, you are also the most mentally fragile. I hope you are constantly prepared to face the unexpected... 'fate.'"
Cong Xia clenched his fist, his palms sweaty.
Cheng Tianbi said in a deep voice, "That's enough. Let's stop talking about it and go to sleep after we finish eating."
Cong Xia felt relieved when he heard Cheng Tianbi timely cut off the topic. Today had been filled with too many events, and everyone was already exhausted. After finishing their meal, they gradually went to their rooms in the hotel to sleep.
Once Cheng Tianbi and Cong Xia entered their room, Cong Xia said, "Thank goodness you interrupted him. What he said honestly scared me."
"I know." Cheng Tianbi tousled his hair. "Don't be afraid."
A smile formed on Cong Xia's lips as he held Cheng Tianbi's hand and lay down beside him. "It's alright. That kid says scary things all the time. If he keeps saying them, I might become numb to it. Besides, I have you with me, so there's nothing to fear."
"Mhmm."
Cong Xia scooted closer to him and said somewhat shyly, "If the two of us meeting is also the result of so-called 'fate,' then, well, 'fate' isn't scary. It can bring good things too."
Cheng Tianbi tightened his grip on Cong Xia's hand and placed it on his own belly. He whispered softly, "This is a good thing."
Cong Xia chuckled foolishly. "Meeting all of you is the best thing that has happened in this apocalypse."
Cheng Tianbi said, "Let's go to sleep."
Cong Xia knew that Cheng Tianbi wasn't good with words and seemed easily embarrassed. Whenever he said something that made them blush, he would automatically change the subject. Compared to Cheng Tianbi, Cong Xia had thicker skin. Between the two of them, someone had to take the initiative, or else their conversation would go nowhere. Cong Xia was already used to this and propped himself up, saying with a smile, "How about a goodnight kiss?"
Cheng Tianbi's lips twitched slightly, as if he was smiling. Cheng Tianbi's smiles were extremely rare, and Cong Xia thought carefully about it. They had known each other for a long time, but Cheng Tianbi had smiled no more than three times, and those smiles were very subtle. But Cong Xia could still tell that Cheng Tianbi paid attention to every expression he made.
Cong Xia happily said, "It looks like you smiled."
Cheng Tianbi looked at him with a gaze as gentle as water.
Cong Xia lowered his head and kissed Cheng Tianbi's lips, saying with a smile, "A goodnight kiss, trendy, right?"
Cheng Tianbi also slightly raised his head and kissed him back. "Trendy."
Cong Xia chuckled softly and couldn't resist kissing Cheng Tianbi's cheek with a loud smack. "Come on, let's sleep."
The two of them snuggled closely together, their heads touching, and fell asleep peacefully in each other's arms.
When Cong Xia was in a drowsy state, he was suddenly shaken awake.
"Um... Tianbi?" Cong Xia blinked his eyes, and Cheng Tianbi's face was right in front of him in the darkness. He immediately became alert. "What's wrong? Is something happening?"
Cheng Tianbi whispered, "Get up."
Without him saying anything, Cong Xia already sat up. They had experienced numerous night attacks, so he quickly woke up. "What's wrong? I didn't sense any energy fluctuations."
"It's not an ambush. I want you to come with me to a place."
"Ah? Where are we going? Why didn't you mention it before going to bed?"
"If I told you, you wouldn't be able to sleep. We can only go now because it's just the two of us." Cheng Tianbi hopped off the bed and prepared his weapons.
Cong Xia became nervous. "Tianbi, where are we going?"
"The Big Wild Goose Pagoda." Cheng Tianbi said calmly.
Cong Xia was shocked. "Why? Just the two of us? Go to the Big Wild Goose Pagoda?" He thought that after what happened during the day, everyone had given up on the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. After all, they couldn't contend with that number of insects.
Cheng Tianbi checked his watch. "We're a bit pressed for time. I'll explain on the way."
In the darkness, the two of them silently made their way downstairs. As they passed by the door, Abu woke up and quietly watched them with his purple eyes, unaware of what they were about to do and had the intention to stand up.
Cong Xia quickly touched Abu's moist nose. "Good boy, go back to sleep."
Abu laid back down, but he continued to watch them until they left the hotel.
On the way, Cong Xia asked anxiously, "Tianbi, what's going on? Are we going to the vicinity of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda, or are we going inside?"
"Inside." Cheng Tianbi said, "During the daytime, I found something in the Big Wild Goose Pagoda that caught my attention."
"What did you find?"
"A camera. It's probably the one that Deng Xiao dropped."
"Really? We didn't see it."
"Because it was on my side. When we first entered, it was pitch black, and I didn't see it either. When the insects started appearing, we were in a rush to run out, and no one had time to notice anything else. I stumbled upon it unintentionally. After the insects appeared, there was suddenly a red dot in the corner that flashed a few times. At that moment, I couldn't see what it was, but when Deng Xiao pushed open the door and the light came in, I took another look, and it was a single-lens reflex camera pointing at us."
Cong Xia's spine chilled. "If it really is Deng Xiao's camera, it should have run out of battery by now."
"That's why this is unusual. If we don't clarify this, I won't be able to stop thinking about it even if we leave."
"But it's too dangerous for just the two of us to go. Why not tell the others?" Cong Xia thought about the overwhelming number of insects. Even with Cheng Tianbi, he felt his legs go weak. The thought of those soft-bodied insects crawling all over his body made him extremely unwilling to go back to that place.
"No, only I will go in. If the camera is still in its original position, I'm confident I can take it and leave. The reason I'm not telling the others is because I can tell that Zhuang Yao, though he hasn't said it, is very unwilling to give up on obtaining the Puppet Jade inside the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. If he learns about the camera, given his personality, he might redeploy and take this opportunity to make another attempt. Especially, if there really is some secret inside that camera, he won't easily leave this place. The more people who know about this, the more likely he is to find out, so the two of us are enough. I brought you along because I can't bring the Puppet Jade inside the tower, but I also can't leave it in the hotel, and I don't trust anyone other than you with it. So I want you to stay far away with the Puppet Jade while I go into the tower to retrieve the camera."
Cong Xia's voice involuntarily rose, "No, that's too dangerous. Last time, we barely escaped by working together. How will you get away from so many insects on your own?"
Cheng Tianbi said, "I'm confident. Those insects only have the advantage in numbers. I'll take the camera and leave immediately. If Deng Xiao can leave, you don't have to worry too much."
Cong Xia anxiously said, "Then I'll go with you..."
Cheng Tianbi firmly said, "No, if you come with me, you'll only be a burden."
Cong Xia opened his mouth, his expression becoming dim. Cheng Tianbi was right. If he went in, he would probably be a burden.
Cheng Tianbi realized what he had said and immediately regretted it. He stopped walking and whispered, "That's not what I meant."
Cong Xia said, "I understand. You're also concerned about my safety."
"Yes, I'll go in alone, and it will be easier to come out."
"I understand."
The two of them quickly arrived near the Big Wild Goose Pagoda and stopped three hundred meters away from the tower. At this distance, the Puppet Jade had no reaction. Even if it did react, Cong Xia would have enough time to escape.
Cheng Tianbi handed a gun and a few grenades to Cong Xia, then placed the Puppet Jade on the ground. He looked into Cong Xia's eyes seriously. "Promise me that you won't touch it under any circumstances. You need to control yourself. If you feel tempted, enter the void of the Ancient Jade."
"Okay."
Cheng Tianbi patted Cong Xia's shoulder. "Stay alert to your surroundings. If there's a danger you can't handle, shoot so I can hear it."
Mutated creatures could appear in the night's grass, but Cong Xia wasn't afraid of those animals. The energy within him was enough to strengthen many aspects of himself, and ordinary mutated creatures couldn't harm him.
Cong Xia nodded, gripping his arm. He said in a deep voice, "You have to go quickly and come back quickly."
Cheng Tianbi squeezed his hand and ran towards the Big Wild Goose Pagoda without looking back.
Cong Xia followed his figure, enhancing his vision step by step until he could see Cheng Tianbi, three hundred meters away, disappearing into the dark doorway.
Cong Xia looked up at the massive silhouette of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda under the dark night sky. The feeling of looking up at a giant gave him a powerful sense of oppression, especially when he thought about what might be inside the tower. His heart raced.
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Translator’s note: Thank you for the support, Crazy Mama. I’ll upload the bonus chapters later. Thanks a lot!. This is the regular post for today.
