《I am not the god of drama》


 Chapter 1 The Ghost Returns Home

    "Who am I?"¡°ÎÒÊÇË­£¿¡±


    Boom¡ª Pale lightning flashed through the ink-like clouds, rain poured wildly, and the thunderstorm poured down on the muddy earth like the wrath of a god.In the reflection of the rippling water puddles, a figure in vermilion red appeared fragmented.


    It was a young man draped in a large red opera gown, staggering as if drunk through the muddy ground, his wide sleeves dancing in the fierce wind, the mud and sand on the surface of the gown washed away by the rain, the blood-like crimson striking in the dark night.ÄÇÊÇÒ»¸öÅû×Å´óºìÏ··þµÄÇàÄ꣬ÏñºÈ×íÁËÒ»ÑùõçõǵØ×ßÔÚÄàÅ¢µÄµØÃæÉÏ£¬¿í´óµÄÐä×ÓÔÚ¿ñ·çÖÐôæôæÆðÎ裬Àñ·þ±íÃæµÄÄàɳ±»ÓêË®³å×ߣ¬Ñª¼£°ß°ßµÄÉîºìÉ«ÔÚºÚÒ¹ÖдòÄ¥×Å¡£


    "Stop it...Stop it!" "Shut up!"


    "I''m about to remember...I''m about to remember..."


    "I have a name... a name that belongs to me!" The young man''s wet black hair hung down to his eyebrows, his confused eyes filled with confusion.


    He struggled to move forward, hands clutching his head as if struggling to recall something.


    His roar echoed on the deserted street, not spreading too far before being drowned in the endless downpour.


    Splash¡ª In the dim light, his body stumbled over protruding rocks and fell heavily to the ground! A trickle of crimson blood rolled down from the young man''s forehead as he lay motionless on the ground.


    Suddenly, as if remembering something, a faint light flickered in his hazy eyes.


    "Chen Ling..." A name suddenly flashed through his mind.


    As he uttered these two words, a fragment of memory floated out from the endless murmurs almost bursting his head, merging with this weak body.


    "What is this...time travel?" Chen Ling frowned, continuously digesting the memories of this body, his brain throbbing as if being torn apart.


    He was Chen Ling, 28 years old, an intern director at a theater in the capital.


    After the theater performance that day, he was alone on the stage designing the actors'' movements when a violent earthquake struck.


    He felt a sharp pain in his head and lost consciousness completely.


    Now, as he carefully thought about it, he was probably killed by a falling spotlight...


    Meanwhile, Chen Ling was slowly digesting the memories of this body, and to his surprise, the owner of this body was also named Chen Ling.


    However, their basic understanding of the world was completely different, and the shattered memories were at odds with each other, making Chen Ling feel like his mind was about to explode.


    He took deep breaths, struggling to get up from the ground, his opera gown now black and red in patches, looking extremely disheveled.


    For some reason, his body felt incredibly heavy, as if after staying up for four or five days in a row writing a play, he was completely drained...


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    "Let''s go home first..."


    Exhausted and with fragmented thoughts, he could hardly think, relying only on the instincts of this body to head towards "home."


    Although he didn''t know how he got here, the original owner of this body had memories of this place.


    He would walk this route every day after taking care of his younger brother at the clinic, a journey that usually took two or three minutes from here to home.


    But for him at this moment, this journey felt unusually long.


    The rain, with its piercing cold, flowed over Chen Ling''s body, uncontrollably shaking all over.


    Enduring the cold and exhaustion, he walked in the rain for ten minutes before finally reaching the door of the house from his memories.


    Chen Ling searched his pockets and found no keys on him.


    So, skillfully, he pulled out a spare key from the bottom of the newspaper box next to the door and opened it.


    Creak¡ª Warm light poured out from inside the house, illuminating a corner of the dark rainy night and Chen Ling''s pale face.


    The moment he saw this light, Chen Ling''s tense nerves naturally relaxed, and the cold and exhaustion seemed to dissipate a bit in the light of the lamp.


    He stepped into the house, seeing two figures sitting on either side of the dining table, their eyes red as if they had just cried.


    Hearing the sound of the door opening, they were first stunned, then turned their heads simultaneously.


    "Dad...Mom...I''m back."


    Chen Ling, with a heavy head, subconsciously prepared to change shoes at the door, only to find that he was barefoot from the beginning.


    At this moment, the soles of his feet and the gaps between his toes were almost filled with mud, leaving two large black footprints on the floor.


    The two figures sitting at the dining table at this moment saw the red-clothed Chen Ling entering, and their pupils contracted sharply! "You...you..." The man''s Adam''s apple rolled, he opened his mouth wide, with a look of disbelief.


    "Mom...is there water at home? I''m so thirsty."


    After returning home, Chen Ling completely relaxed, his consciousness was on the verge of fainting, muttering to himself as he stumbled into the kitchen, picked up the water bucket on the water dispenser, and drank deeply.


    Gurgle, gurgle, gurgle...


    In the kitchen, the figure in red clothes seemed like a beast, greedily swallowing the water source.


    The water dripping from the corners of the mouth fell on the ground, forming puddles, reflecting the two pale and terrified faces in the living room.


    "Ah... Ling?" The woman mustered up the courage to speak, trembling¡£


    "How did you come back?" Chen Ling, crazily gulping down the water from the bucket, couldn''t hear the woman''s words, and then he seemed to think he was drinking too slowly, so he directly bit off the fist-sized water bucket head with his mouth!


    The synthetic plastic was chewed forcefully, and the rushing water flowed into his mouth, refreshing! "I walked back." A voice came from behind Chen Ling.


    Yes...


    from behind.


    At this moment, Chen Ling was still immersed in drinking water, but his voice clearly reached the ears of the two people, as if there was another red-clothed Chen Ling standing behind him, spreading his hands and answering matter-of-factly.


    "It was raining heavily, and I think I got lost."


    "It seems like I fell a few times on the way, and my shoes are gone..."


    "Mom, I made the floor dirty, if it''s not urgent, wait for me to clean it up tomorrow when I wake up...I''m too tired now."


    Watching this eerie scene in front of them, the man and woman in the living room felt a chill down their spines, the kerosene lamp in the glass lampshade kept swaying, as if an invisible hand was playfully toying with the wick.


    Their faces were pale, but they stood stiffly in place, not daring to move.


    Finally, the water bucket was emptied.


    Chen Ling wiped his mouth, put down the water bucket, then turned around, stepping with black footprints on the floor, stumbling towards his bedroom...


    "Dad, Mom...you should go to bed early too, good night." He mumbled, then closed the door with a thud, followed by a heavy object falling on the bed.


    The living room fell into silence.


    After an unknown amount of time, the two figures, frozen like sculptures, slowly turned their heads to face each other.


    The swaying wick returned to stability, the eerie kerosene lamp barely illuminating the dim living room, they trembled as they sat on the chairs, their faces devoid of any color.


    "He...he''s back." The man''s hoarse voice spoke, "How is this possible..."


    "If he really is Ling..." "Then who did we kill last night...?"

 Chapter 2 We are watching you

    "Are you... a ghost?" The restless rain beat against the cold window, and the hearts of the two were like flames in a lamp, flickering uncertainly.


    "I... I don''t know," the woman swallowed, "Should we notify the enforcers?"


    "Are you crazy!" Upon hearing the word enforcers, the man who had been scared silly finally regained some sanity, "Once the enforcers get involved, what we''ve done will definitely be exposed... absolutely not!"


    "Then... what should we do about him?" The woman paused for a moment¡£


    "You don''t think... there''s a ''calamity'' attached to Ah Ling''s body, do you?" Both of them looked at the tightly closed bedroom door, falling silent once again.


    After a long time, the man seemed to make up his mind, took a black raincoat from the doorway, and pushed the door open.


    "Where are you going?"


    "To where we buried the body!"


    "Now? Why?"


    "To verify." Rainwater slid down the man''s pale face, and he hoarsely said, "No matter what''s in the room now... it can''t possibly be Ah Ling! I need to see his body with my own eyes."


    "I''ll go with you!" No one wanted to go out in this thunderstorm, but compared to being alone with the unknown thing sleeping in the bedroom, the woman would rather choose the former.


    In the heavy rain, two figures in raincoats hurriedly left. ... Bedroom.


    Chen Ling, who had already fallen into a deep sleep, suddenly felt his eyelashes tremble lightly, as if having a nightmare.


    In his dream, his consciousness kept sinking, as if falling into an abyss, and after an unknown period of time, he seemed to land on a hard surface, finally stabilizing his body.


    Thump-thump-thump-thump Dull mechanical sounds rang out, followed by a beam of light piercing the darkness like a sword, converging on a figure in red robes.


    Chen Ling subconsciously covered his eyes with his hand.


    "Where is this...?" Chen Ling''s hazy consciousness gradually cleared, and when he gradually adjusted to the strong light, he looked around in confusion.


    Within the beam of light, he could only see his own crimson theatrical robe, the old wooden floor beneath his feet, and a black curtain illuminated by the beam of light behind him...


    beyond the beam of light was endless unknown darkness.


    Seeing this scene, Chen Ling suddenly froze.


    He seemed to remember something, squinted his eyes and looked up, the beam of light illuminating him coming from spotlights fixed on steel frames.


    "Stage?" As a director working in the theater, Chen Ling was no stranger to the stage.


    Until he was killed by a falling light in his previous life, he had been pondering stage positions.


    His understanding and knowledge of the stage even surpassed that of the actors.


    So his first reaction at this moment was that he had returned.


    No...


    The lighting effects on the stage of his previous life''s theater were better than this, the curtains were not black, and the floor was not this old wooden floor.


    Was he dreaming? Chen Ling tentatively took a step, the old floor creaking loudly.


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    As his figure was about to step out of the light circle, another beam of light followed his footsteps, chasing into the darkness.


    "Chasing light?" Chen Ling''s heart jumped, subconsciously shouting, "Who''s there?!" The fact that these lights could follow him was highly likely to be manipulated by someone, unless this place also used a fully automatic tracking system, but judging from the old condition of this stage, this possibility was almost zero.


    "Who''s there..."


    "Who''s there..."


    "There..." Chen Ling''s voice echoed in the darkness, becoming increasingly eerie and chilling.


    At the same time, an electronic screen on the edge of the stage suddenly lit up.


    In stage design, this position is usually set up for a teleprompter to prevent actors or hosts from forgetting their lines halfway through.


    But on the screen at this moment, there is a string of red characters - [Audience Expectation: 29%].


    In the lower left corner of the screen, there are a few small words, "Please do not let the audience''s expectation fall below 20%, otherwise the theater does not guarantee the safety of the actors."


    Seeing this screen, Chen Ling felt a little confused... Audience? Where did the audience come from? Thump-thump-thump- The familiar sound of lights turning on again!


    The darkness in front of the stage receded like a tide, and hundreds of wooden chairs spread out in tiers towards the distance, surrounding the front of the stage densely.


    Audience seats.


    These three words appeared in Chen Ling''s mind.


    It is reasonable to have audience seats where there is a stage, but what really made Chen Ling''s scalp tingle was not this, but the fact that... at some point... these audience seats were already filled with "audience."


    They were humanoid creatures shrouded in shadows, even though the lighting was sufficient, Chen Ling still could not see their appearance clearly, as if they were incarnations of the abyss.


    The only exception was their eyes.


    Countless crimson pupils opened in the dim light, sitting on their respective wooden chairs, staring at Chen Ling on the stage, as if a group of cats cornering a mouse, their gazes mocking and greedy.


    Chen Ling, being stared at by them, felt a chill on the back of his neck.


    He didn''t know what these "audience" really were, but they definitely couldn''t be human! Chen Ling forced himself not to look at those terrifying eyes anymore, turned around and ran frantically to the other end of the stage.


    Logically, the exits of the stage should be on both sides, so as long as he left the stage, he should be able to temporarily escape from those ghostly things! The spotlight locked onto the running figure in red, rushing straight to the edge of the stage, but what awaited him was a bare wall.


    Chen Ling was stunned.


    He stubbornly ran to the other side of the stage, but it was the same.


    This stage...


    had no exit at all.


    In the dim audience seats, the densely packed crimson pupils followed his escape, constantly moving, like a group of "audience" immersed in a spectacular performance, incredibly focused.


    And the protagonist of this performance was the red-clothed Chen Ling on the stage.


    At the same time, the characters on the central display screen were flashing...


    the audience expectation value had jumped from the original 29% to 30%.


    Damn it, what kind of messed up nightmare was he in! Chen Ling pinched himself hard, trying to wake up from the dream, but apart from feeling a familiar pain, there was no sign of waking up.


    [Intermission is over, please continue the performance] Another line of characters appeared on the screen, followed by a crisp bell suddenly ringing from above the stage! Ding-ling-ling- Before Chen Ling could react, the scene in front of him began to shatter inch by inch, and his consciousness quickly blurred...


    Before losing consciousness, he vaguely saw the huge and mysterious black curtain behind him slowly opening! ...


    Bang! Chen Ling sat up abruptly from the bed! The sheets were already soaked with cold sweat, his chest heaving violently, his eyes filled with fear.


    He swallowed a mouthful of saliva, his gaze slowly scanning around, confirming that he was in his own room and not on that damn stage, finally relaxing.


    "Was it a dream...


    this dream is too bizarre.


    " He calmed down a bit, got up and walked to the living room.


    By now, the rain outside had mostly stopped, but the sky was still dark, Chen Ling called out to his parents a few times, but no one answered, the whole house was quiet.


    "Did they leave for work so early?" Chen Ling muttered to himself.


    Chen Ling touched his shriveled stomach, the nightmare from last night seemed to have drained too much of his energy, making him feel weak even when walking, so he had no choice but to go into the kitchen to find something to eat.


    As soon as he entered, he tripped over something, looking down, it was the remnants of a water bucket that looked like it had been gnawed by a wild animal.


    What''s wrong with this bucket? Frozen and cracked in the cold weather? Chen Ling couldn''t remember what happened last night at all.


    Doubtfully, he muttered to himself, then picked up the bucket and threw it into the corner.


    He turned around and found a piece of cloth, ready to wipe away the water stains on the floor.


    As soon as he squatted down, he froze in place.


    The water stains on the floor began to move on their own, as if there was an invisible figure squatting in front of him, dipping their fingertips in the water and writing something on the ground.


    The next moment, the transparent water stains visibly turned blood red, forming a twisted and eerie text in front of Chen Ling.


    - [We are watching you].

 Chapter 3 Disaster

    Chen Ling''s pupils suddenly contracted!


    However, when he blinked, the blood-red characters on the ground disappeared instantly, as if they had never existed.


    Hallucination? Chen Ling stood dumbfounded in place, those words seemed to drill into his mind, unforgettable.


    [We are watching you] Chen Ling turned abruptly! In the empty living room, it seemed as if there were invisible crimson pupils observing him, giving him the same feeling of being stared at as in a nightmare.


    He stood stiff like a statue for a long time, starting to force himself to take deep breaths.


    "Maybe staying up late preparing for the enforcer exam a few days ago was too tiring, and my mind was too tense."


    "But this was done by the original owner of this body, it has nothing to do with me.Could it be that there was a problem during the fusion of two souls, causing damage to the mind?"


    "I heard that severe schizophrenia can indeed lead to indistinguishable hallucinations."


    Chen Ling temporarily stopped his inner fear, trying to explain everything in a scientific way.


    A strong feeling of hunger surged up, he casually took a sausage from the cutting board, swallowed a few bites, and then began to regain his senses.


    "Maybe I need a psychiatrist."


    Startled, Chen Ling didn''t even feel like washing his face, hastily put on a black cotton coat, and pushed the door open.


    Even so, the cold air rushing in behind the door still made Chen Ling shiver.


    This was the first time Chen Ling had officially encountered this world after regaining consciousness.


    He took a deep breath, prepared to face all the unknowns and difficulties.


    However, when he inadvertently looked up at the sky, he couldn''t help but exclaim, "Damn."


    The morning light scattered from the east, dreamlike blue ribbons floated in the sky above the small town, seemingly within reach yet out of reach.


    Aurora.


    Aurora in the daytime.


    Chen Ling stood at the door of his house, staring blankly at the aurora for a long time, murmuring to himself, "What the hell is this world?"


    "Damn, why is this road so difficult to walk on?"


    "The weather is too cold, it just rained heavily last night, the mountain road is all frozen, be careful."


    "We''ve been dragging along, it''s already daylight.


    " The man wiped the sweat from his forehead, "How far do we have left?"


    "The mass grave is just ahead.we should be there soon." Two staggering figures climbed over the mountain peak and finally saw the rows of mounds not far away.


    These mounds were of varying ages, most of them without inscriptions, just a wooden sign casually inserted in front of the mound, or the deceased''s belongings.


    However, after last night''s heavy rain, many of the mounds here had been washed away, with wooden sticks and other items scattered around, the scene was a mess.


    To their surprise, the mass grave was now cordoned off with yellow caution tape, and a dozen figures were moving within the restricted area, their faces looking serious.


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    "Enforcers?" Seeing those people in striking black and red attire, the man''s eyes widened, "How did they get here!" "Have they found out?"


    The woman''s face turned pale, "Is..is it Ling? Did he go to find the enforcers? Is he really not dead?" They thought they had killed Chen Ling, but the next day Chen Ling came back on his own, plus the enforcers suddenly appearing at the burial site...there was almost no other explanation.


    "Wait a minute..." The man stared at those figures intently, "Enforcers from Zone Three, even when dealing with criminal cases, at most only three people would be dispatched! For a group of over a dozen people to be dispatched at once, it can only mean."


    "Disaster... has occurred?" The woman seemed to realize something, cold sweat instantly soaking her back!


    "Could it be that the monster in the bedroom is..."


    "Run!!" The man grabbed the woman''s wrist, turned around, and was about to leave this place when, at that moment, a cold voice came from nearby.


    "Stop." The two figures froze instantly.


    A law enforcer crawled under the cordon and walked slowly to the two people, squinting his eyes.


    "Who are you? What are you doing here?"


    "I... I..." The woman stuttered and couldn''t speak.


    "We came to see our son," the man tried to remain calm, "he is buried here, today is his death anniversary."


    "Then why did you run?"


    "Because we were afraid."


    "Afraid?" "So many law enforcers mobilized at once, it seems the Grey Realm is converging here, right?" The man swallowed, "Maybe disaster is crawling out from inside... we are afraid of being mistakenly harmed."


    "Oh? You seem to know quite a bit," the enforcer raised an eyebrow in surprise.


    The man forced a pale smile.


    "Law enforcer, is it true that disasters have crawled out from the Grey Realm?"


    "This is confidential," the enforcer replied lightly, "since you can''t visit your son today, both of you should go back... what you see here is not to be disclosed, you should know the rules, right?"


    "Yes, we understand."


    "Let''s go." Upon hearing these words, the man finally breathed a sigh of relief and immediately turned to leave.


    "Wait." Both of their hearts skipped a beat.


    "Please leave your names and addresses," the enforcer took out a pen and paper, "it''s a requirement of confidentiality regulations, please understand."


    "Chen Tan, Li Xiuchun, 128 Frost Street, District Three."


    After recording, the enforcer let the two leave and crossed the yellow cordon to approach a man in a black coat, handing over the documents.


    "Meng, it''s confirmed, they came to see their son."


    Han Meng smoked a thick cigarette, took a deep drag, the pungent smoke mixed with his breath, drifting in the cold wind.


    He casually glanced at the document and calmly said, "Send a few people to follow them secretly, they are suspicious."


    "Ah?"


    "Frost Street is at least a dozen kilometers away from here, they arrived at this time, at the latest they would leave around four in the morning... at that time, the rain hasn''t stopped yet.Who would come to the mountain to pay respects in the dark and rain? Also, this is a mass grave, a place where those without relatives or who died in a foreign land are buried, as parents, why would they bury their child here?"


    The enforcer was stunned, suddenly slapped his head, "Right, why didn''t I think of that?"


    "Xiao Qin, how did you pass the law enforcer exam?" Xiao Qin, also known as Xiao Qin, chuckled awkwardly and changed the subject directly, "By the way, Meng, did any disasters crawl out of the Grey Realm last night?" Han Meng did not answer, but took out a palm-sized device from the inside pocket of his coat.


    In the center of the device was a pointer device resembling a compass, with different colored markings indicating different areas, clear and distinct.


    "Is this the Disaster Pointer?" Jiang Qin curiously looked at the device and reached out to touch it, but his hand was harshly slapped.


    "This thing is very precious, when you become a law enforcer, you will naturally have the day to touch it."


    Jiang Qin rubbed his back bitterly, "How do you use this thing?"


    "This is a device for detecting the level of ''disaster'' danger.After opening it, wherever the pointer points, it indicates the level of ''disaster'' fluctuation that has occurred nearby.If it''s just a convergence of the Grey Realm without any ''disasters'' entering the real world, then it won''t react.The higher the level of disaster, the more the pointer will swing."


    Jiang Qin nodded, somewhat worriedly asked, "Meng, there won''t be any ''disasters'' crawling out, right?" "Most likely not, after all, if a ''disaster'' really descended through here yesterday, District Two and District Three would have been in chaos long ago."


    "That''s good."


    "Just to be safe, we still need to complete the inspection."


    Han Meng opened the disaster pointer while speaking, and the other law enforcers looked over curiously.


    One second, two seconds, three seconds...


    The disaster pointer showed no response.


    Just as Han Meng breathed a sigh of relief, the pointer on the compass suddenly shook violently! The pointer swept wildly across different colored areas, and a harsh creaking sound came from inside the instrument.


    Han Meng''s pupils suddenly contracted, and he subconsciously released the disaster pointer! Bang!! Countless parts shattered in mid-air, and the sharp pointer grazed Han Meng''s cheek, leaving behind a crimson bloodstain! The disaster pointer...


    exploded.

 Chapter 4 They Exist

    "Yawn!!¡±


    In the cold wind, Chen Ling sneezed violently. In his previous life as a northerner, Chen Ling was somewhat unable to cope with the weather here, cold and damp. Although the sun was shining brightly in the sky, he couldn''t feel any warmth at all. "Make way, make way!¡±


    A lazy voice came from the front. Chen Ling came to his senses and subconsciously moved to the side of the road. At the end of the road, a tricycle was slowly approaching, with a young man riding the bike and another young man sitting on the back seat, next to two large barrels of salt. He scooped up salt with a spoon and sprinkled it on the frosted road. As the salt grains fell, the frost on the ground gradually melted. "Oh, Chen Ling?¡±


    The person sprinkling salt saw Chen Ling standing on the side of the road and raised an eyebrow. "I didn''t expect to see the top student here. Weren''t you supposed to be taking the law enforcement exam? Did you fail?¡±


    Chen Ling saw that face, and memories flooded back. His name was Zhao Yi, a child who grew up on the same street as Chen Ling since childhood. However, he was naturally jealous. In high school, Chen Ling excelled academically, and Zhao Yi''s mother often compared him to Chen Ling, making him dislike Chen Ling no matter what. "I passed the written test, still have the physical test.¡±


    Chen Ling stood on the side of the road and casually replied. "Hehe, then I wish you good luck in the exam!¡±


    Saying this, Zhao Yi scooped up a large spoonful of salt and vigorously waved it towards the road, accidentally splashing Chen Ling standing on the side. Salt grains flew into Chen Ling''s hair and cotton robe.


    He never expected Zhao Yi to play such a trick. He quickly brushed off the salt grains with his hand and then glared at Zhao Yi. By then, Zhao Yi was already sitting on the tricycle, swaying away. He propped one foot on the salt barrel and stuck out his tongue at Chen Ling.


    As a 28-year-old adult who had been through the trials of society, facing such a clumsy prank, Chen Ling felt a bit angry and amused. However, Chen Ling had no intention of chasing after the kid to beat him up.


    He just silently kept this incident in mind, as he had more important things to do at the moment. Chen Ling was about to take a step forward when he glanced at the ground and was slightly stunned. The frost touched by the salt grains was gradually melting, leaving a slight white residue on the ground.


    In that moment, Chen Ling saw a line of text forming - [Audience Expectation: 27%]. Before Chen Ling could react, the salt grains had completely melted, and the scene just now seemed like a fleeting illusion. Chen Ling rubbed his eyes hard and muttered to himself, "Can''t be true...¡±


    A sense of urgency rose again, and Chen Ling couldn''t help but quicken his pace, heading straight to the clinic. A few minutes later, Chen Ling pushed open the door of the clinic.


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    It was called a clinic, but it was actually a residential house on Frost Street, two stories high, square in shape and gray in color, reminiscent of the houses in his rural hometown. But even such a rough house was considered decent on Frost Street, at least it had two floors and could block the wind. "It''s you.¡±


    Behind the wooden table, a man in a white coat turned slightly. "Are you here to get medicine for your brother again? Didn''t he transfer to the hospital in District Two?¡±


    "It''s not Ah Yan this time, it''s me.¡±


    Chen Ling''s brother had been hospitalized here before, and he was also familiar with Dr. Lin. He walked to the table and sat down, looking a bit nervous. "Oh? What''s wrong with you?¡±


    "I... my head doesn''t feel quite right.¡±


    "Is it a physical headache, or...¡±


    "Lately, I seem to be experiencing hallucinations.¡±


    "Psychiatric department?¡±


    Dr. Lin raised an eyebrow, pushed up his black-framed glasses seriously, "I''m good at that... tell me about your condition.¡±


    "I had a dream last night, dreaming that I was standing on a stage, with many spectators below... I couldn''t see their faces clearly, but they didn''t seem human. I ran desperately on the stage, but could never find the way out...¡±


    "Interpreting dreams is not within my scope of work.¡±


    "I know.¡±


    Chen Ling took a deep breath, "But after I woke up, I always felt... they were still watching me.¡±


    Hearing this, Dr. Lin finally became interested, "Imagining being spied on?¡±


    "It doesn''t seem like imagination... they seem to be in my mind, sitting in the audience seats, observing my every move, and I''m like a puppet forced to perform, just a tool to please them.¡±


    "So you''re saying, your life is a stage, and you are the only protagonist on the stage?¡±


    "That''s the idea... but not as positive as you said.¡±


    "What about the audience? Besides watching you, do they do anything else?¡±


    Chen Ling was silent for a moment, "I don''t know if it''s my illusion... they seem to be able to influence things around me.¡±


    "Can they influence reality? That sounds a bit fantastical.¡±


    Dr. Lin said as he picked up the teapot and took a sip, about to say something, his face suddenly changed! Puff!! Dr. Lin spurted out a mouthful of bright red blood, splattering on the floor. "Dr. Lin??¡±


    Chen Ling was startled, "Are you sick?¡±


    "...No.¡±


    Dr. Lin wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, the blood was not his, frowned for a moment, his gaze fell on the teapot on the table...


    At some point, the teapot was already filled with thick blood. Dr. Lin''s face looked a bit ugly, he clearly remembered that he had brewed a packet of Pu''er tea in it a minute ago.


    During this time, there were only him and Chen Ling in the clinic, Chen Ling had been under his watchful eye the whole time, it was impossible and there was no motive for him to tamper with the tea, the full teapot of blood seemed to have appeared mysteriously like a magic trick... Chen Ling also seemed to have realized something, his face growing paler. "Just as I said.¡±


    He hoarsely spoke, "They... may really exist.¡±


    Dr. Lin stared at the cup of blood for a long time before slowly looking at him, "How long has this been going on?¡±


    "One day.¡±


    Chen Ling paused for a moment, "Since I became conscious, only one day.¡±


    "What about before you became conscious? What were you doing?¡±


    "I... " Suddenly, an image flashed in Chen Ling''s mind of him staggering in the pouring rain last night, "I don''t know, I can''t remember.¡±


    "So, you''re not sure if this symptom started last night, and you have no memory before last night?¡±


    "...Yes.¡±


    "Have you been possessed by ''calamity''?¡±


    Dr. Lin rubbed his eyes, "Or let me rephrase, last night... did you encounter the intersection of the Gray Realm?¡±

 Chapter 5 Ashen Realm

    "Ashen Realm Convergence?¡±


    Chen Ling did remember this term existing in his memory, but he couldn''t recall where the original host might have seen it.


    "Don''t tell me you''ve forgotten about the Ashen Realm too.¡±


    Dr. Lin stood up, poured the fresh blood from the tea pot into the drain, and slowly began to speak.


    "Before the Great Cataclysm, someone proposed a hypothesis that in this universe, there exist countless parallel timelines, all originating from the earliest birth of the universe, like rays of light released after a candle is lit, spreading in all directions. However, because light is infinite, they extend infinitely to all possibilities and never intersect.¡±


    "But everything became chaotic after the passage of the red meteor.¡±


    "Various timelines were stirred up, an unknown and eerie gray world began to overlap with the real world.¡±


    After washing the tea pot, Dr. Lin did not pour out the water but placed it on the table. Due to the force used during the process, the water in the pot rippled. Dr. Lin tore a piece of paper and placed it above the rippling water. The rippling water began to wet the paper, gradually permeating the entire surface.


    "Initially, only a small part converged, but as time passed, more and more areas converged, and the matter and creatures of that world began to appear in our world. Even most of the habitats originally belonging to humans have been occupied by that world, leaving only nine ''domains'' to shelter humans and continue the flame.¡±


    "Because the sky in that world is gray, we call it the ''Ashen Realm''.¡±


    "When the Ashen Realm converges with reality, a series of inexplicable events beyond cognition occur, and even monsters belonging to the Ashen Realm may descend, what we call ''Calamity''.¡±


    "Generally speaking, among survivors who encounter Ashen Realm convergence or are attacked by Calamity, eighty percent will experience mental disorders, and most of them will never recover in their lifetime...¡±


    "I suspect that your current situation is related to the ''Ashen Realm''.¡±


    "Think carefully, have you ever encountered Ashen Realm convergence and been involved in it?¡±


    Faced with Dr. Lin''s inquiry, Chen Ling tried hard to search the original host''s memory but ultimately found nothing... No matter how hard he tried to remember, he couldn''t recall any other memories from last night.


    "I don''t know," he said bitterly. After pondering for a moment, Dr. Lin took out a piece of stationery from the drawer and quickly wrote something. "Your condition is no longer just a mental illness... I''m just an ordinary person and can''t cure you.


    However, I know someone who may be able to help with treating the aftermath of Ashen Realm contamination. After all, he is a true ''doctor''.¡±


    Upon hearing this, Chen Ling''s eyes lit up, "Where can I find him?¡±


    "He lives in Aurora City, but he usually travels around offering medical consultations. Wherever there are difficult cases, he goes there. This is their path to godhood... Anyway, hand this letter to the enforcer at the entrance of Aurora City, leave your name and address, and they will pass it on for you. Within three days, that ''doctor'' will come to you on his own.¡±


    "Thank you!¡±


    Chen Ling took the envelope and sincerely thanked him. In fact, when he saw the salt grains melting on the road, Chen Ling already felt that something was amiss. The things happening to him seemed beyond explanation by illness.


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    He came to this small clinic because he had already walked halfway, and he didn''t know where else could possibly help him. According to Dr. Lin, this ''doctor'' seemed to have something special, mentioning the path to godhood... Could it be that this world also has a unique human cultivation system?


    Otherwise, according to Dr. Lin''s words, all of humanity should have perished during the so-called Great Cataclysm and Ashen Realm convergence. Chen Ling even felt that the distorted scientific level of this world might also be related to the Great Cataclysm.


    "No need to thank me, give my regards to your younger brother," Dr. Lin smiled faintly. "He is still hospitalized in District Two... I will bring your regards to him next time I visit.¡±


    Chen Ling stood up, bid farewell to Dr. Lin, pushed the door open, and left. As the figure gradually disappeared beneath the flowing aurora sky, Dr. Lin''s eyes narrowed slightly. "A performer, huh...¡±


    ... "The first time I saw the screen in my dream, the audience anticipation level was at 29%.¡±


    "When I tried to escape, it jumped to 30%.¡±


    "On the way here, it dropped back to 27%...¡±


    "Just now, Dr. Lin was pranked, and it rose back to 29%.¡±


    "Assuming the ''audience'' is really in my mind, and these numbers are not illusions, what exactly influences the rise and fall of anticipation levels?¡±


    The cold wind howled, Chen Ling wrapped in a thick cotton robe, walked towards home, pondering seriously. Stage, audience, anticipation level... Every increase in anticipation level seems to be accompanied by an event, so can these events be considered as "plot" on the stage?


    The more interesting the events happening around oneself, the greater the attraction of the "plot" to the audience, thus raising the anticipation level? It is said on the screen that when the audience anticipation level falls below 20%, the safety of the actors is not guaranteed...


    Chen Ling doesn''t know the specific danger, but considering that the "audience" can to some extent interfere with reality, he might end up being a tool for their venting, pranked to death! Chen Ling feels that his thinking is correct, but to prove it, he needs to take practical action. "Perhaps, I should try to actively design the ''plot''.¡±


    Chen Ling muttered to himself. "Ah Ling, have you had breakfast?¡±


    Chen Ling turned to see a middle-aged man with a towel wrapped around his head, enthusiastically calling out to him from a breakfast stall on the street. At that moment, a thought suddenly flashed through Chen Ling''s mind. "Not yet, Uncle Zhao.¡±


    Chen Ling''s lips curled slightly, and he walked towards the stall. "Come, let me make you some soy milk and fried dough sticks. It rained heavily last night, the humidity is high, you can''t warm up without breakfast.¡±


    Uncle Zhao brought over a steaming bowl of soy milk. "Thank you, Uncle Zhao.¡±


    Chen Ling reached into his pocket, took out three copper coins, and handed them to Uncle Zhao, but he pushed them back. "Uncle, let me treat you to breakfast, why would you let me pay?¡±


    "Don''t be like that, Uncle Zhao. Although we''ve been neighbors for over ten years, we still need to keep things fair.¡±


    "You''re such a good kid, I don''t want your money. When you have time, help our son, Xiao Yi, with his studies. I''ll bring you breakfast every day.¡±


    Uncle Zhao grinned, showing a mouthful of yellow teeth. "Hasn''t he graduated already? Why does he need tutoring?¡±


    "With his grades, he can''t even get a job. I''m thinking of having him repeat a year. I can''t have him doing odd jobs every day, right?¡±


    "Oh...¡±


    "Ah Ling is so much better, smart and filial. If Xiao Yi can pass the law enforcement exam like you, I''ll be overjoyed.¡±


    Uncle Zhao sighed, "But alas, this kid is so disappointing.¡±


    Chen Ling''s hand holding the chopsticks paused slightly, hesitated for a moment, and then spoke up: "Uncle Zhao... do you know why Xiao Yi is performing so poorly in his studies?¡±


    "Huh? Why?¡±


    Chen Ling was about to say something, but fell into silence for a long time, then shook his head, "Forget it, Uncle Zhao. I promised him to keep it a secret.¡±


    "Please don''t!¡±


    Uncle Zhao''s heart rate increased, he handed Chen Ling a braised egg, scratching his head anxiously, "Ah Ling, I know you''re Xiao Yi''s good friend, but some things... as a father, I should know a little, right? I raised Xiao Yi on my own, working day and night to earn money to send him to school, just to give him a better future... If you know something, you must tell me!¡±


    We are all doing this for his own good...¡±


    Seeing Uncle Zhao''s urgent inquiry, Chen Ling was slightly moved. After hesitating for a moment, as if making up his mind, he said, ¡°Uncle Zhao, you are right. As a friend, I really can''t bear to see Zhao Yi fall like this...¡±


    ¡°Fall, fall? What happened to him exactly?¡±


    ¡°He''s in love.¡±


    ¡°Ah?¡±


    Uncle Zhao was stunned, ¡°This kid still has this charm?¡±


    Chen Ling, with an unchanged expression, took a bite of the fried dough stick and casually uttered three words: ¡°With a man.¡±

 Chapter 6 "Chens Scripting Principles"

    The ninth rule of "Chen''s Scripting Principles"


    - The key to creating and developing a plot lies in setting up conflicting conflicts.


    If the story itself lacks a strong sense of conflict or is not captivating enough, then create ''misunderstandings'' to drive the plot forward. Chen Ling flashed in her mind the rules she secretly summarized from her past life as a scriptwriter, a hint of a smile in her eyes.


    [Audience Expectation +3]


    [Current Expectation: 32%]


    Seeing the two lines flashing in the soy milk, Chen Ling knew she had guessed correctly. Zhao Shu''s expression visibly stiffened. He looked at Chen Ling in astonishment, first confused, then shocked, and finally fell into a deathly silence...


    "Uncle Zhao, I promised Xiaoyi to keep it a secret... but you only have Xiaoyi as your son, surely you want him to carry on the family line... and he always hangs out with another boy, which will really affect his studies.¡±


    Chen Ling sighed, "Today I saw him sitting in the back seat of that boy''s car, laughing so happily...¡±


    Zhao Shu''s body trembled slightly, his hands involuntarily clenched into fists, his breathing becoming heavier. "Alright... Uncle understands.¡±


    Zhao Shu forced a smile on his face, looking somewhat eerie, "Thank you, Ling.¡±


    "By the way, Uncle, I promised Xiaoyi to keep this a secret, so you must not tell him that I told you...¡±


    "Don''t worry, Uncle knows.¡±


    Chen Ling finished the last sip of soy milk, bid farewell to Zhao Shu, and left the shop. But Zhao Shu seemed as if he hadn''t heard anything, burying his head in the room searching for something.


    A few minutes later, he pulled out a thick stick from the corner, slowly sat on the bench outside the shop.


    A gust of cold wind swept through the street, lifting Zhao Shu''s few remaining hairs, along with the towel on his sweaty forehead. He sat quietly there, using the stick to poke the ground with one hand, his eyes filled with bloodshot veins staring fixedly at the end of the street, resembling a fierce general with a murderous aura!


    Chen Ling appeared to leave the street, but secretly circled back through an alley. He stood in the shade of a corner tree, able to see the entire shop. A few minutes later, a tricycle swayed its way from the end of the road.


    Zhao Yi sat with his legs crossed on the side of the car, the two buckets of salt behind him already emptied, playing with the few copper coins he had just earned, smiling so broadly his mouth almost reached his ears. "Hey, making money isn''t that difficult.¡±


    "Brother Yi, of course it''s not difficult for you, I''m the one riding the bike all day!¡±


    The young man in front stood up, pushing the tricycle with all his might, panting heavily. "We''re brothers, why differentiate between you and me.¡±


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    Zhao Yi took out two copper coins from his palm and stuffed them into the young man''s pocket, "Here, for you.¡±


    Not far away, Zhao Shu couldn''t help but twitch his eyelids as he saw Zhao Yi touch the young man''s waist. "Brother Yi, I rode the bike for you all day, and you''re only giving me two pieces??¡±


    The young man widened his eyes, "Didn''t you receive twenty from the road management bureau!¡±


    "Riding a bike is physical work, salting is skilled work, of course, I should get more.¡±


    Zhao Yi lazily replied, then leaped off the tricycle, squinting and waving at the young man, "I''ll wait for you at the usual place tomorrow... if you dare not come, I''ll beat you every time I see you, got it?¡±


    With that, he clenched the remaining eighteen copper coins in his hand, proudly walked towards his shop.


    The young man riding the bike looked at him angrily, but with Zhao Yi''s fierce glare, he backed down, hanging his head dejectedly and continued pedaling home alone. Zhao Yi, the young bully of Frost Street, was almost untouchable among the younger generation.


    The young man who rode the bike was taken advantage of for a day, and he could only grit his teeth and swallow his anger. "Dad, I''m back!!¡±


    Zhao Yi strode home confidently, holding eighteen copper coins in his hand, never before had he felt so self-assured. But for some reason, as soon as he walked to the store entrance, he felt a chill coming towards him.


    The figure holding a wooden stick slowly stood up, and the atmosphere suddenly dropped to freezing point. Uncle Zhao''s angry eyes locked onto Zhao Yi, like a general holding a long spear, aggressively walking towards him. "Father... father?¡±


    Zhao Yi saw the stick and instinctively took a step back. "It''s him, isn''t it?¡±


    Uncle Zhao pointed at the teenager riding away on a bike, his hand trembling with anger, "You little bastard! Instead of studying properly, you sneak around doing these things?!¡±


    "If you want to date a girl seriously, fine, but why the hell did you choose a guy?¡±


    "Can a guy give birth to a child for you?! Can he continue the Zhao family line?!¡±


    "Are you trying to end your father''s lineage?!¡±


    While Uncle Zhao cursed loudly, he chased after Zhao Yi frantically with the stick, causing the latter to cry out in pain. Hearing Uncle Zhao''s angry shouts, the neighbors on the street perked up their ears.


    They curiously gathered around, pointing and whispering about Zhao Yi being chased, their faces showing shock. [Audience Expectation +1... +1... +1...] As Zhao Yi cried out in pain, the numbers in Chen Ling''s eyes began to jump incessantly.


    If he could enter the theater in his mind again, he would see the dense shadows of the "audience" watching this scene with great interest, a subtle smile on their lips. "The conflict is there... but we need more characters.¡±


    Chen Ling''s gaze fell on a tricycle in the distance. "Xiao Liu.¡±


    Hearing Chen Ling''s call, the teenager on the bike turned around, looking puzzled. "Ah Ling ge, you''re here too?¡±


    "How much did Xiao Yi give you today for going to Rongxue?¡±


    "...Two bucks.¡±


    The teenager''s face showed resentment as he mentioned this, "He went back on his word. He originally said he''d let me ride the bike, earn money, and split the profits with me, but he only gave me this little, and threatened me to continue working for him as a laborer tomorrow...¡±


    "Do you want to get back at him?¡±


    Chen Ling stared into his eyes, "Or do you want to make sure he never dares to bully you again, even avoiding you when he sees you?¡±


    "I do!¡±


    "Then let me teach you...¡±


    While the two were whispering, Zhao Yi was already exhausted from being chased. "Father, father, please stop! I really didn''t do anything!¡±


    Zhao Yi finally reacted, desperately explaining, "I swear, I, Zhao Yi, have always only liked women! Especially those who are full-bodied and charming...¡±


    The onlookers'' mouths slightly agape, lost in thought. Uncle Zhao paused, his steps slowing down, "Then what''s your relationship with that boy on the bike?¡±


    "We''re just ordinary friends!¡±


    "Are you telling the truth?¡±


    "Of course it''s true...¡±


    "Xiao Yi ge!¡±


    A young figure pushed through the crowd, rushing madly to Zhao Yi, embracing him and using his back to shield Zhao Yi from the stick. Zhao Yi was stunned. Uncle Zhao was also stunned. "You...¡±


    Zhao Yi felt his mind go blank. Before Zhao Yi could speak, the young man with red eyes shouted loudly at Uncle Zhao, "If you want to hit someone, hit me! Don''t hit my Xiao Yi ge!!¡±


    The atmosphere suddenly fell silent!


    ¡¾Audience expectations +2......+2......+2......+2......¡¿

 Chapter 7 The Entire District is Sealed Off

    That afternoon, the screams on Hanfrost Street hardly stopped. However, the instigator of all this, Chen Ling, sat quietly under a tree, munching on melon with the surrounding onlookers... while also paying attention to the changes in the audience''s expectations.


    At first, when Zhao Shu spanked Zhao Yi, the audience''s expectations increased slightly, but after a few times, the increase stagnated, ultimately settling at 48%. After watching for a while, the expectations actually dropped by 1%, becoming 47%... It seems the audience was getting a bit bored too. "Are all the audience in my mind not all fun-loving people?¡±


    Chen Ling couldn''t help but think. Through this experiment, Chen Ling had confirmed that the audience''s expectations changed based on their own actions. If the events they were experiencing were exciting enough, the expectations would rise.


    But if there was no fun for a long time, the expectations would decrease as time passed... Does that mean if he wanted to maintain the expectations above 20%, he would have to continuously create "exciting plots"?


    Today, Zhao Yi provoked him first, and considering the other party was a bully on Hanfrost Street, it was understandable to teach him a lesson... but he couldn''t do this kind of thing every day, right?


    If he continued like this, wouldn''t he be destined to become a great demon causing trouble in the world? Thinking of this, Chen Ling felt a bit tired...


    The only lifeline for Chen Ling now was the doctor mentioned by Dr. Lin from Aurora City, maybe he could remove some kind of disaster contamination from his body and rescue himself from this life trajectory of being a "passive fun-loving person.¡±


    Just as Chen Ling was lost in thought, a low bell rang from a distance! Ding-ding-ding!! The three bell tolls seemed to penetrate space, echoing in every corner of the world.


    At the moment they heard this bell, the faces of the people around changed, even Zhao Shu, who was chasing Zhao Yi, stopped in surprise and looked into the distance. "Three disaster bells?!¡±


    An old man''s face was extremely ugly, "How is this possible?¡±


    "The ringing of the disaster bell is a warning signal given by the enforcers, indicating that they have found traces of the convergence of the Gray Boundary within the large area, indicating that a disaster has invaded...¡±


    "Isn''t it said that the Aurora Boundary has Aurora Guardians and hardly intersects with the Gray Boundary? In the past ten years, the number of disasters has not exceeded three times...¡±


    "Where is that disaster now?¡±


    "I don''t know... Anyway, let''s hurry home! Don''t come out if there''s nothing wrong!¡±


    Upon hearing the three disaster bells, everyone''s faces turned pale. Zhao Yi, who had just been beaten and was howling, even collapsed to his knees. The ground beneath their feet trembled slightly, and Chen Ling turned to see more than ten fast horses galloping from a distance.


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    Each fast horse was ridden by a figure in black and red uniforms, with holsters slung around their waists and equally solemn expressions. "High-risk disaster suspected! Zone 3 is completely sealed off! No one is allowed in or out!!¡±


    "Pay attention to any suspicious signs around you, such as roads or buildings appearing out of nowhere, strange mysterious creatures, or even humans with abnormal behavior!!¡±


    "If you notice anything unusual, report it to the enforcers immediately!!¡±


    "Everyone, please cooperate with the investigation!!¡±


    The voices of the enforcers echoed in Hanfrost Street and every corner of Zone 3, accompanied by the lingering sound of the disaster bell in the air, enveloping the world in an inexplicable sense of tension. At this moment, no one had the mood to enjoy melon anymore.


    Everyone hurried home, even Zhao Yi, after taking a big slap, was scolded by his father and dragged into the house. Chen Ling stood alone under the tree, also preparing to go home, when two lines of characters flashed in the pile of fallen leaves


    - [Audience Expectation Value +18] [Current Expectation Value: 65%].


    Seeing the audience''s expectation value skyrocket, Chen Ling was stunned. In the next moment, a chilling thought suddenly leaped into his mind... "They... could it be that they are coming for me?!¡±


    ... The third district. Enforcer Headquarters. Dim sunlight filtered through the hemispherical glass dome, reflecting colorful light to illuminate the room.


    A flag over ten meters long was suspended high in the center, with two blue hexagonal stars overlapping on a black background, resembling the shining stars in the Arctic night sky. At this moment, below the flag, a dozen enforcers in black and red uniforms stood solemnly, lined up facing the direction of the headquarters door, as if waiting for something.


    As the door opened, five enforcers clad in black coats walked side by side. Among the five, Han Meng walked in the center, his coat engraved with four silver lines, while the other four had only three lines. As they arrived, all the enforcers present stood at attention simultaneously.


    "How is the situation?¡±


    Han Meng asked in a deep voice. "The disaster bell has been sounded, and the third district is currently under full lockdown, but there is still no trace of that disaster...¡±


    a hesitant enforcer couldn''t help but ask, "Meng Ge, what does it mean that the disaster pointer self-destructed?¡±


    "There are only two possibilities when the disaster pointer self-destructs," Han Meng calmly replied.


    "The first possibility is that a special disaster has arrived in the vicinity, and the ability of this special disaster happens to render the disaster pointer ineffective... However, this explanation only exists in theory, and so far, no such disaster has been discovered.¡±


    "The second possibility is that a ninth-level... also known as ''world-ending'' level disaster has invaded the vicinity, and the residual energy fluctuations exceed the limit that the pointer can withstand, causing it to explode automatically.¡±


    "World-ending level??¡±


    The crowd turned pale. "Don''t be so nervous... you don''t really think a ''world-ending'' disaster is coming, do you?¡±


    the enforcer next to Han Meng chuckled. "A ''world-ending'' level disaster is capable of wiping out an entire human realm, there are only a few of them in the entire Ashen Realm...


    if a ''world-ending'' disaster really arrives, not to mention the third district, I''m afraid even the Aurora City will be wiped out in an instant.¡±


    Hearing this, the crowd finally breathed a sigh of relief... "So, it should just be a special ''disaster''?¡±


    "That''s the only explanation for now.¡±


    "But the disaster pointer is broken, how do we rate it?¡±


    "It cannot be rated.¡±


    Han Meng shook his head, "Unless it reappears, and we engage with it... the most important thing now is to use all available manpower for a thorough search, to find it before it actively harms anyone.¡±


    "A thorough search... but our manpower may not be enough.¡±


    "Then temporarily call up the reserve enforcers, wasn''t the written test just completed a few days ago? Gather the qualified group and tell them this is the martial test.¡±


    "Yes!¡±

 Chapter 8 The Killing Game

    Frost Street.


    Two disheveled figures stood at the door of the house, their faces full of hesitation.


    This house that once belonged to them is now occupied by a person who has come back from the dead...


    or rather, a "thing," contaminated by the Ashen Realm last night, so the high probability is that the disaster disguised as Chen Ling is inside.


    "What should we do now..." Li Xiuchun swallowed hard.


    "What can we do?¡±


    Chen Tan took a deep breath.


    "Go in, quickly grab all our belongings, and then run! Run to District Five or Six, the farther away from here, the better!" "But it''s still inside, what if we wake it up?¡±


    "It has already left." Chen Tan looked at the muddy footprints at the door, saying firmly.


    Hearing this, the woman finally breathed a sigh of relief, she opened the door with the key, and the two rushed in.


    "Only take coins and valuables! Anything too heavy, leave it behind!" "I''ll go to the bedroom, you go to the living room!" "Hurry, hurry! Time is of the essence! We don''t know when it will come back!" The two frantically pulled out two burlap bags and started packing their things.


    The man opened the drawer and stuffed all the money into the bag, preparing to leave.


    He saw the axe used for self-defense at the head of the bed, hesitated briefly, and also stuffed it into the burlap bag.


    Their family was not wealthy, and valuable things were few, but precisely because of these two points, they couldn''t bear to give up the only possessions they had earned with their own hands.


    Li Xiuchun stuffed three cotton and linen clothes into the bag, made sure nothing was left behind, and hurried to the living room.


    The two carried the burlap bags on their shoulders, ready to leave, when Li Xiuchun suddenly spoke up: "What about An Yan when he comes back?¡±


    "Then we''ll go to District Two first! After we get him out, we''ll run together!" Chen Tan answered decisively.


    "He will definitely look for his brother..." "His brother is already dead." As Chen Tan spoke, he prepared to open the door, and at that moment, the sound of the key entering the lock echoed.


    The two froze in place! The door slowly opened, and a young man walked in.


    Chen Ling saw the two carrying burlap bags, slightly stunned, and asked in confusion, "Dad, Mom, where are you going?¡±


    Chen Tan and Li Xiuchun were as if they had seen a ghost, their faces pale.


    At the same time, a fast horse galloped past the window, the shouts of the enforcers echoing in the street: "High-risk disaster suspected! District Three is completely sealed off! No one is allowed in or out!!"


    "Be vigilant of any suspicious signs around you, such as roads or buildings appearing out of nowhere, strange mysterious creatures, or humans with abnormal behavior!!" "If you notice anything unusual, report it to the enforcers immediately..."


    The voice of the enforcers gradually faded away, and in the narrow house, an eerie silence descended.


    "We..." Hearing the voices outside, both of them trembled, looking at the young man in front of them with fear, as if he had turned into a demon from hell!


    Chen Ling''s gaze fell on the two large burlap bags, and thinking back to what the enforcers had just shouted, he comforted, "Don''t worry too much, that disaster thing seems to be not nearby, the street is still fine, right?¡±


    Chen Tan:...


    Li Xiuchun:...


    Chen Ling was also helpless.


    Originally, when he heard the news of the "world-ending" disaster invasion, he didn''t think much of it, but seeing the audience''s anticipation skyrocket, he suddenly felt that things were not good...


    Zhao Yi was beaten all afternoon, and his anticipation value barely increased by a dozen points, but with just one shout from the enforcers, the anticipation value soared to over sixty! According to Chen Ling''s current understanding, this means they have found something very exciting.


    Unfortunately, this excitement...


    might be himself.


    Dr.Lin had mentioned the convergence of the gray boundary and disaster before, and he happened to have crossed it last night, with the original host''s memories disappearing that night...


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    All these clues combined, who else could this disaster be if not him? Chen Ling speculated that what these enforcers were looking for was likely the audience in his mind.


    Chen Ling also considered whether to surrender directly to the enforcers and let them figure out how to deal with the audience in his mind, but judging from their attitude towards the disaster, the possibility of being taken down along with him was greater.


    In any case, he decided to try to weather this storm first, observe the situation, and then decide.


    Seeing the two still tense and nervous, Chen Ling sighed and took the initiative to help Li Xiuchun bring the sack over.


    "Mom, where can you run off to at this time?¡±


    "Districts 2 and 3 are both sealed off, we can''t get out at all.


    Are we supposed to sleep on the streets outside?¡±


    When Li Xiuchun heard the first sentence, she was stunned, but after hearing the rest, she barely came to her senses and forced a smile, saying, "Yes...


    you''re right." "Dad, you should relax too, don''t be too nervous...


    what about Ayan if we escape?¡±


    Chen Tan swallowed his saliva, his eyes fixed on Chen Ling, trying to find any hint of strangeness or murderous intent on the latter''s face...


    but he failed.


    Every move of Chen Ling''s was not like a "disaster," and there was no difference from the Chen Ling in his mind.


    But Chen Tan knew very well...


    he was not Chen Ling.


    Chen Ling was already dead.


    "You two sit down for a moment, I''ll go to the kitchen and pour you a glass of water." Chen Ling saw that the two still looked pale, pulled out the chairs next to the table, and then walked into the kitchen.


    Li Xiuchun and Chen Tan glanced at each other, and in the end, they sat down obediently...


    As Chen Ling poured water in the kitchen, he thought about how to ease the atmosphere and casually said, "By the way, Mom, the sausage you left for me this morning was very delicious, how did you make it?¡±


    "Sausage...?¡±


    Li Xiuchun was a bit confused.


    She and Chen Tan had gone to the mass grave last night, where did she leave any sausage? "It''s the one on the cutting board." Chen Ling replied.


    Li Xiuchun''s confusion deepened, she tried hard to remember, and finally seemed to recall something, her face turning as white as paper! "When did you leave sausage for him?¡±


    Chen Tan asked in a low voice.


    "I...I didn''t leave any." Li Xiuchun also lowered her voice, trembling as she replied, "There was...


    a boning knife on the cutting board...


    but when I was putting things away just now, I found...


    the knife was gone." Chen Tan''s face also changed abruptly! At the same time, Chen Ling, who was standing with his back to the two in the kitchen, continued slowly, "The sausage tasted very good, but it seemed a bit tough...


    Mom, remember to cook it softer for me tomorrow." The living room fell into a dead silence.


    Chen Ling poured water and handed it to the two, but he noticed that their faces seemed even paler...


    "Are you both okay? Are you feeling unwell?¡±


    Chen Ling sat across from them, puzzled.


    "...We''re fine." Chen Tan took a deep breath, quietly pulled the sack on the floor to his feet, and spoke with a slightly calmer voice, "Ling." "Yes?¡±


    "Do you remember what happened yesterday...?¡±


    "Yesterday?¡±


    Chen Ling tried to remember again for a while, then shook his head, "I can''t recall...


    what''s wrong?¡±


    "...Nothing." Chen Tan gently sipped some water, as if he had made up his mind, looked directly into Chen Ling''s eyes, "How do you think...


    we''ve treated you?¡±


    "Very well.If it weren''t for you taking me in back then, I would probably have frozen to death on the roadside long ago...


    My biological parents didn''t want me, it was you who raised me, worked hard day and night to put me through school, everything I have is thanks to you." Everything I have is thanks to you.


    Upon hearing this sentence, a sense of relief flashed in Chen Tan''s eyes...


    "But what if one day, Ayan falls ill...


    only your heart can save him...


    would you be willing to save him?¡±


    Chen Ling was stunned.


    In that moment, he felt that the sentence sounded familiar.


    Fragmented memories surged from the original host''s mind, and Chen Ling''s head began to ache again...


    Suddenly, he remembered that the original host seemed to have heard similar words last night.


    "I...I..." Chen Ling held his head, a look of pain on his face.


    "Ayan is our own flesh and blood.


    Your mother took medicine and ruined her body just to conceive him...


    We tried for ten years before finally having this one and only child..." "A child truly belonging to us!" "Now that he is sick, we cannot just watch him die...


    The shaman in District Two said that as long as we can get a young heart under 20 years old, we can replace Ayan''s failing heart." "Ayan has called you his brother for so many years, you have been our son for so many years, we have never asked anything of you, but only this time...


    we beg you to save Ayan."


    "Tell me...you are willing, right?¡±


    Chen Tan''s body trembled slightly as he looked into Chen Ling''s eyes, filled with pleading and anticipation.


    He was like a child who had done wrong, waiting for a belated forgiveness.


    At this moment, the fragmented memories buried in last night''s storm finally began to resurface in Chen Ling''s mind.


    He endured the pain in his head, took a deep breath, and hoarsely said, "So...


    it was you who killed him..." "Him?¡±


    "...Does Ayan know?¡±


    "He doesn''t know.


    If he knew that he was going to receive your heart...


    he would rather die than agree." Struggling with guilt and conflict deep within, Chen Tan came to his senses and reached into the sack at his feet, slowly pulling out a sharp axe.


    "Ling, you are already dead, you shouldn''t be here." Chen Tan''s eyes were bloodshot as he tightly gripped the axe and hoarsely said, "No matter what is occupying your body...


    I will set you free." A deep thunder rumbled across the dim sky.


    The sharp axe was raised high...


    and swung down with force! Bang¡ª A warm splash landed on Chen Tan''s face, crimson blood bloomed on the floor like a bouquet, and Chen Ling''s body fell stiffly to the ground with a dull thud.


    The axe embedded in his neck, almost severing his entire head, his dilated eyes staring into nothingness, his face still showing traces of pain and confusion...


    He was dead.


    No heartbeat, no breath, his body gradually turning cold, like a martyr fallen among the crimson flowers.


    Chen Tan''s chest heaved violently as he stared fixedly at the lifeless body, sweat soaking his clothes...


    "Dead, dead...?¡±


    Li Xiuchun sat paralyzed in the chair, trembling as she spoke.


    "...Dead." "What about the calamity?¡±


    Chen Tan paused, "...


    I don''t know." Li Xiuchun stared blankly at the corpse, then suddenly said, "Do you think...


    it''s possible that he is not the calamity...


    but rather God giving us another chance for redemption?¡±


    "If that''s the case..." Chen Tan chuckled bitterly, "then we truly deserve to go to hell."

 Chapter 9 Dad, Im Hungry

    "It''s also possible that the ''calamity'' was too weak...


    a single axe blow completely killed it," Li Xiuchun suggested another possibility.


    Chen Tan did not respond, he stared at the figure in the pool of blood for a long time, then turned and took out a kitchen knife from the kitchen.


    "What are you going to do?" "Cut open his chest and see if his heart is still there," Chen Tan hoarsely said, "At least I want to know...


    whether I killed a monster or killed the redemption given by God." He half-knelt beside Chen Ling''s body, and with difficulty, he cut open the chest with the blade.


    Li Xiuchun, pale-faced, turned and rushed into the kitchen, violently vomiting.


    A few minutes later, Chen Tan slowly stood up.


    "How is it?" Li Xiuchun asked.


    "Empty," Chen Tan looked at the empty chest cavity, as if relieved, "He has no heart." "No heart? Then how did he..." "I don''t know." Chen Tan paused, "Whatever it was...


    it''s dead now." "What about the body?" "Hide it in the cellar...


    there are enforcers outside now, we can''t send it out." Chen Tan moved the living room table aside, opened the heavy wooden board on the floor, revealing a dark and narrow underground space.


    In this age without refrigerators, relying on the natural insulation of the cellar to store food was the best choice.


    He was about to throw Chen Ling in when he saw the gruesome neck wound and hesitated.


    "Go get Ah Yan''s costume," Chen Tan said, "Whatever it is, this is Ling''s body...


    without a coffin for burial, at least give him a decent outfit." Mentioning the costume, Li Xiuchun shivered slightly, "But last night...


    he came back wearing that outfit..." "It''s just a piece of clothing,"


    Chen Tan was about to argue, but thinking of the horrifying scene when Ling came home last night, he didn''t insist, "Forget it, let it be." Chen Tan threw Chen Ling''s body into the cellar, covered the wooden board, and placed the table on top, finally ending it.


    Next, Li Xiuchun began to clean the bloodstains in the house, although these things made her nauseous, she continued with her nose pinched.


    Knock knock knock - the urgent knocking suddenly sounded.


    Li Xiuchun, who was cleaning the room, missed a beat in her heart and turned sharply to look at Chen Tan.


    "Someone''s here?" "Ignore him for now, pretend no one''s home." Li Xiuchun nodded, and the two held their breath in the living room, with only the dull knocking echoing continuously.


    But the knocking showed no sign of stopping, instead becoming more forceful, followed by a low voice from the door, "Enforcers asking questions! Open the door immediately!"


    Hearing the word enforcers, the faces of the two turned pale, and after a moment of hesitation, Chen Tan gave Li Xiuchun a look, quickly changed his clothes, and unbuttoned, he walked towards the door.


    Creak - the door opened a crack.


    Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    Chen Tan stepped out sideways, closed the door behind him, "Enforcer, what''s the matter?" Drizzling rain fell from the gloomy sky, two figures in black and red uniforms stood outside, their faces somewhat grim.


    "Why didn''t you open the door after knocking for so long?" "I was just sleeping, took some time to get dressed," he smiled awkwardly.


    The two enforcers glanced at his unbuttoned clothes, looking slightly relaxed, "Is this Chen Ling''s house?"


    "...Yes."


    "Where is he?"


    "He left in the morning and hasn''t come back yet."


    "When he returns, pass this notice to him." One of the enforcers took out a document from his pocket, "The entire second and third districts are now sealed off, temporarily recruiting all pre-enforcers who passed the written test to assemble.


    He is also on the call-up list.


    Tomorrow morning at seven o''clock, be at the Enforcer Headquarters in the third district on time.


    Failure to attend will be considered as voluntarily giving up the spot."Chen Tan''s heart skipped a beat, but he still calmly took the notice, nodded, and said, "Okay, I will definitely pass it on." The two enforcers turned and left, and Chen Tan breathed a sigh of relief in his heart.


    He pushed the door and entered the room.


    Clang-clang-clang-clang- As soon as he entered the room, a piercing sound of metal friction entered his ears, like someone scratching a blackboard with sharp nails, making Chen Tan shudder instantly.


    At this moment, Li Xiuchun was huddled in the corner of the wall, trembling all over.


    When she saw Chen Tan return to the room, her almost collapsed eyes finally lifted, and she slowly stretched out a hand, pointing towards the kitchen...


    In the kitchen, a crimson figure with its back to the two of them, head lowered, as if chewing on something.


    Seeing that figure from behind, Chen Tan''s brain went blank instantly! It was a young man whose neck was almost severed, with the crimson flesh and blood visibly healing at a rapid pace.


    He held a kitchen knife in his left hand and a blood-stained axe in his right hand, both being stuffed into his mouth at the same time...


    As if sensing Chen Tan coming home, in the kitchen, the figure draped in a bright red robe slowly turned around.


    It was Chen Ling, the heartless and almost beheaded Chen Ling.


    His cheeks slightly bulged, chewing forcefully on the remnants of metal and wood, his scattered pupils resembling those of a beast, eerie and menacing.


    "Dad." A voice sounded from behind him, "I''m hungry..." ...


    Chen Ling had a dream.


    It was a cloudy afternoon, as usual, he finished exercising at the martial arts field in the suburbs, sweating profusely, and pushed open the door to his home.


    It wasn''t his birthday that day, but there was a butter cake on the dining table at home...


    The orange candle flames flickered in the dim living room, and two figures sat at the table, their eyes slightly red.


    A butter cake, worth 200 copper coins, was something their family could never afford on ordinary days.


    He was puzzled and asked what day it was today.


    His parents told him that it was the day his younger brother, A Yan, was about to undergo surgery.


    He was very happy to hear that.


    His brother''s congenital heart disease had been a nightmare for their family.


    In order to cure his brother, his parents and he had been running around seeking help, but all the clinics were helpless.


    A few days ago, his parents said they had found a hospital in District Two and had taken his brother there, with confidence in a cure.


    Hearing this good news, he happily finished the cake, but soon his consciousness began to fade, and he collapsed on the table.


    The last scene he saw was his mother, Li Xiuchun, covering her mouth, crying bitterly.


    "I''m sorry...


    I''m really sorry." He heard his father''s low voice, "A Yan needs a heart...


    You would be willing, right?" He opened his mouth, as if wanting to say something, but eventually fell into a coma.


    Then, he felt himself being stuffed into a bag, raindrops pattering on the surface of the bag.


    After a long time, he was finally placed on a table.


    He felt his chest being cut open, and something was taken out from it.


    Then, he was dressed in clothes, moved to a place in the heavy rain, and the thick soil gradually engulfed his body, everything around him plunged into darkness and silence...


    ...


    In the darkness, Chen Ling''s eyes suddenly opened.


    Spotlights lit up above his head, illuminating the red figure lying in the center of the stage.


    After a moment of confusion, Chen Ling propped himself up with his hands on the ground and stood up unsteadily.


    "Damn...How did I come back again?" Chen Ling''s face turned slightly pale, his gaze subconsciously falling on the screen in the center of the stage.


    ¡¾Audience Expectation +1¡¿


    ¡¾Audience Expectation +1¡¿


    ¡¾Current Expectation: 67%¡¿


    ¡¾Loss of actor connection detected, performance interrupted¡¿


    ¡¾Audience Expectation -50¡¿


    ¡¾Current Expectation: 17%¡¿


    ¡¾Warning! Warning!¡¿


    ¡¾Audience starting to intervene in the performance!¡¿¡¿

 Chapter 10 "Audience"

    Gurulu.


    Chen Tan couldn''t help but swallow his saliva.


    "How...


    how is this possible??¡±


    he hoarsely exclaimed, "No heart, head cut off, yet still able to move?¡±


    "Where did his costume come from? Didn''t we dress him up?¡±


    "I don''t know!!!¡±


    Li Xiuchun was completely overwhelmed by fear, incoherently replied, "When he crawled out from underground, he was already wearing this costume...


    it was the costume we draped over him when we buried him last night! He''s a ghost...


    he''s really a ghost!! A vengeful ghost coming to take our lives!¡±


    "Nonsense! There are no ghosts in this world!¡±


    The scene before them was too eerie, causing Chen Tan''s legs to weaken, but he mustered up the courage, picked up a kitchen knife from the ground, and stabbed towards Chen Ling''s face! If he killed Chen Ling twice, he could kill him a third time!


    Regardless of what was inside him, apart from looking scary, it didn''t seem as terrifying as the disasters rumored outside, which gave Chen Tan a considerable amount of courage.


    The sharp kitchen knife sliced through the air, but just as it was about to touch Chen Ling, it abruptly stopped in midair.


    Chen Tan was stunned, his hand gripping the knife with all his might, but he couldn''t move it forward even a fraction, as if an invisible hand was holding the knife blade, firmly locking it in midair.


    "Hehe.¡±


    A strange light laughter came from behind Chen Ling.


    The next moment, the kitchen knife in Chen Tan''s hand disappeared into thin air, replaced by a long red piece of paper.


    Chen Ling, with dilated pupils, chewed and swallowed the axes and cleavers in his mouth, staring straight at Chen Tan, he slowly approached, mechanically and hoarsely repeating the same phrase: "Dad, I''m hungry.¡±


    Just three simple words, but they made Chen Tan''s scalp tingle! He had no doubt that Chen Ling would grab his head in the next moment, forcibly stuff it into his mouth, and chew it to pieces...


    his bones wouldn''t be harder than the axes and cleavers! "Run!! Go find the enforcers!!¡±


    Chen Tan turned and ran towards the main gate! Chen Tan knew that the situation in front of them was beyond their control...


    the only way out now was to seek help from the enforcers, those powerful law enforcers must have a way to deal with the disaster! As for how the enforcers would judge their premeditated murder and organ theft, that was a matter for later.


    In any case, going to jail was better than losing their lives.


    Li Xiuchun, trembling on the side, was also brought back to her senses by this shout, scrambling towards the closed gate.


    Taking advantage of Chen Ling''s attention on Chen Tan, she successfully reached the gate and reached for the handle...


    Unauthorized duplication: this tale has been taken without consent. Report sightings.


    only to grab empty air.


    Li Xiuchun lowered her head in confusion, only to realize that the door handle had disappeared...


    no, not just the handle, the entire gate had turned into a picture on red paper, from three-dimensional to two-dimensional.


    She couldn''t open a door that was painted on paper.


    "Hehehehe...¡±


    The dense voices piled up from all directions, as if the room was now filled with countless invisible figures...


    they were watching the two of them, their crimson eyes full of mockery.


    The red paper fluttered around Li Xiuchun, and in a daze, she saw eerie faces.


    She kept screaming, retreating, her eyes filled with pure fear.


    Finally, her eyes rolled back, and she collapsed on the ground, unconscious...


    [Audience Expectation Value -1] [Current Expectation Value: 16%] Meanwhile, Chen Tan felt the ground give way beneath him, and he fell heavily to the ground.


    He turned around in astonishment, only to find that the entire ground had turned red, undulating like waves.


    He stared dumbfounded at the approaching figure of Chen Ling in red clothes, as if realizing something, he shouted in terror: "It''s true...


    what the enforcers said is true!¡±


    "You are the disaster!¡±


    "You are the disaster that has taken over Ah Ling''s body!¡±


    Upon hearing this sentence, the man in red, Chen Ling, stopped in his tracks.


    The corners of his crimson mouth slightly curled up, a pale finger pressed against his lips, making a "shush" gesture.


    "Shh¡ª" Just as the endless red paper was about to engulf Chen Tan, two sounds of breaking glass suddenly came from the side! "Disaster traces found at 128 Frost Street!! Destruction level assessed at four! Immediate request for enforcement officer support!!¡±


    Two figures in black and red uniforms broke through the window, one of them scanning the room and speaking quickly.


    "Received, support is on the way, try to hold off the opponent as much as possible!¡±


    A serious voice came from the enforcement officer''s walkie-talkie at the waist of one of them.


    One of the officers chuckled, "How could we possibly hold off a level four disaster?¡±


    Seeing the two officers suddenly burst in, the audience in the void made a soft sound, as if they had found a more interesting toy.


    With a flick of his hand, Chen Ling in red made Chen Tan, who had fallen to the ground, faint, blood flowing from his seven orifices, gradually staining the ground beneath his feet...


    "Create distance! Protect your lives!¡±


    An officer quickly retreated, drew a gun from his waist, and pulled the trigger repeatedly! Bang bang bang¡ª Brass bullets tore through the void, turning into tiny red paper scraps before reaching Chen Ling in red, dissipating in mid-air.


    Chen Ling in red raised his hand gently, and countless paper scraps emerged from the wide sleeves of his robe, binding the two enforcement officers like serpents.


    The paper wrapping the two suddenly twisted, like twisted into a spiral, then fell heavily to the ground.


    [Audience Expectation Value -1] [Current Expectation Value: 15%] Chen Ling in red gradually expanded in size, his costume forcibly stretched open, as if faces were about to burst out from under his skin, chaotic whispers filling the space.


    In just a few seconds, he turned into a monster dancing with red paper tentacles all over his body, crimson pupils opening on the paper, no trace of Chen Ling visible.


    It forcefully broke through the paper door, rushed into the deserted street, rain falling on its body, making no sound.


    It randomly chose a direction, turning into a crimson shadow and flying out! Almost simultaneously, a figure in black cut through the dark clouds, following closely behind at high speed.


    "Target disaster detected," Han Meng calmly spoke.


    "...Is it ''World-ending'' level?¡±


    A worried voice came from the walkie-talkie.


    "From the aura, it''s at most level five, it seems a disaster did indeed occur last night, but the energy intensity of the opponent was misjudged.¡±


    "Level five is still quite dangerous! Be careful, Mong!¡±


    Han Meng remained silent, following the red shadow to the edge of the wilderness in District Three, then suddenly plummeted like a cannonball! Thud¡ª!!


    The black meteor crashed into the wilderness, creating invisible shockwaves! Shattered sand and dust scattered in all directions, the red shadow forced to a halt, its red paper tentacles swaying lightly in the wind, all eyes looking towards the dust-filled area.


    A figure lit a thick cigarette, walked out slowly, the hem of a black windbreaker, four silver patterns faintly glowing.


    An invisible domain spread out like a gentle breeze, enveloping the red paper monster within.


    "I am Han Meng, Chief Enforcement Officer of the Aurora Domain District Three," he said, holding a cigarette in one hand and pulling out a black pistol from his waist with the other, thumb releasing the safety, the sand and stones in the domain trembling slightly,


    a sense of killing intent locking onto the red paper monster! He opened his lips lightly, his words carrying a rhythmic tone as if with the rules of law, "I uphold the justice of human civilization...¡±


    "I judge you to death.¡±

 Chapter 11 [Judgment]

    At the moment these words fell, Han Meng pulled the trigger.


    Click¡ª The mechanism collided, but no bullet was fired.


    However, at the same time, the ground in front of Han Meng instantly disintegrated, soil and debris vanished into nothingness, as if an invisible bullet shattered the material completely at the molecular level!


    And this "deconstructive" bullet flashed in front of the red paper monster in one-thousandth of a second! Under this invisible deconstructive force, the floating red paper tentacles in the air were forcibly torn open, followed by a circular wound with a radius of one meter, completely piercing the monster''s body!


    Through that huge circular wound, Han Meng could even see the streets of District Three in the distance, as this shot directly obliterated two-thirds of its body.


    Just as Han Meng was about to lower his gun, a mutation suddenly occurred! The red paper monster, with a gaping hole in its center, did not die, but continued to extend red paper as if nothing had happened.


    It crazily spread around, and within two seconds, not only did it repair the hole in the center, but its size also increased more than three times! Now, it looked like a giant red sun made of paper, with countless paper pieces twisting and hanging in the wilderness sky.


    [Audience Expectation Value -1] [Current Expectation Value: 14%]


    Han Meng''s pupils slightly contracted! He immediately raised the gun and pulled the trigger three times in succession, the deconstructive force breaking three large holes in the red sun.


    Fine rain drifted and fell from the three openings, hitting Han Meng''s solemn face, chilling him to the bone.


    Swish¡ª Countless paper pieces swarmed down like a red rain, creating chaos in the entire wilderness in an instant.


    Han Meng frantically fired his gun, managing to tear open a gap in the red rain to save his life.


    "This is bad..." Han Meng''s back was already soaked with sweat.


    He could feel that he was no match for this calamity! For some reason, the opponent''s aura seemed to have surged again, from the initial entry into Level Five to the top of Level Five, just a hair''s breadth away from stepping into the terrifying realm of Level Six!


    At that moment, a hand in a theatrical robe emerged from the paper monster and lightly and accurately pressed on top of Han Meng''s head!


    "Hehe." Laughter echoed in Han Meng''s ears, and the next moment, his whole body was pressed down by a palm, his head heavily hitting the ground! Boom¡ª!!


    The earth cracked, and Han Meng at the central point of impact violently spewed out a mouthful of blood, lying motionless like mud.


    The battle was over, the red paper scattered in the air returned to the monster''s main body, and a misty rain covered the devastated land.


    The red paper monster was about to leave when the theatrical robed arm that had emerged suddenly grabbed the main body of the red paper, tearing and pulling with force, as if something was about to emerge from within...


    You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.


    Five minutes ago.


    "The audience is starting to intervene in the performance?¡±


    Chen Ling saw the last line and his heart sank, looking up abruptly towards the front of the stage.


    Countless crimson pupils still stared at him in the darkness, but in a corner of the audience seats, some of the wooden chairs were already empty...


    Some of the audience had disappeared.


    Thud¡ªthud¡ªthud!! The shadows in the audience seats continued to stomp their feet on the theater floor, emitting a rhythmic and dull sound.


    In the confined space, the sound was like continuous thunder, their crimson pupils locked onto Chen Ling, filled with anger and questioning! Thud¡ªthud¡ªthud!! Under their rhythmic stomping, Chen Ling even felt the stage shaking, the overhead spotlight trembling slightly, as if it couldn''t hold on much longer.


    Chen Ling understood the situation.


    Because in reality, he had been killed by an axe, causing the "performance" on stage to abruptly stop.


    The performance was interrupted, and the audience was extremely angry, but they couldn''t communicate directly with Chen Ling, so they could only express their dissatisfaction and threats in this form! "So...


    I''m not actually dead, right?Chen Ling stared blankly at his hands, "But if my consciousness is here...


    then who is controlling my body now?¡±


    Chen Ling seemed to realize something, turned around, and saw a large black curtain covering the back half of the stage.


    He forcefully pulled open a corner, and a series of images flooded his mind! He saw himself turning a kitchen knife into paper, scaring Li Xiuchun and Chen Tan, and fighting with two law enforcers...


    This feeling was very strange, as if he was sitting in front of a big screen, watching his actions from a third-person perspective...


    Of course, at this moment, the "protagonist" was no longer him, but the "audience" who had taken over his body! The audience was intervening in the performance.


    [Audience Expectation Value -1]


    Chen Ling''s peripheral vision saw the characters on the screen flickering, and the next moment, another group of figures disappeared from the audience seats.


    "The lower the expectation value, the more audience members will intervene in the performance..." Chen Ling said, raising his hands.


    He saw his body gradually becoming transparent, "At the same time...


    will my existence also be gradually erased?¡±


    Indeed, if the audience completely becomes the "protagonist," what else does he need to do? Chen Ling''s heart sank, knowing he had to do something.


    Chen Ling stood in front of the curtain, took a deep breath, tentatively reached out his palm towards the flickering "image" behind it...


    Either reclaim his body and become the "protagonist" again; or die.


    Chen Ling''s fingertips passed through the curtain, as if touching a barrier, slowing down involuntarily.


    This barrier was not extremely hard, but rather like a "membrane," soft, with great resilience.


    After a few attempts, Chen Ling finally managed to pass through with one finger.


    "There''s a chance!¡±


    Chen Ling''s eyes lit up slightly.


    He exerted all his strength to push his palm through the barrier, followed by his forearm, elbow joint...


    At that moment, the characters on the screen flickered again: [Audience Expectation Value -1] As the expectation value dropped to 14%, another group of audience members disappeared, and Chen Ling felt the barrier becoming harder.


    He saw his body becoming slightly more transparent, and a thought flashed through his mind.


    It wasn''t that the barrier had become stronger...


    but that his body had become weaker.


    Chen Ling gritted his teeth, but could only slowly extend his arm through the curtain, much slower than before, feeling extremely anxious.


    With the current resistance, he estimated that if the expectation value dropped to around 10%, he would no longer be able to pass through the curtain.


    Finally, through his relentless efforts, one arm successfully passed through the curtain.


    He saw Han Meng struggling under the red rain in the image, hesitated for a moment, then slapped him on the head, knocking him unconscious with the help of the red paper monster''s power.


    This way, no one would witness him passing through the curtain and returning to reality.


    He reached out from the real world, grabbed the curtain, and tore open a narrow gap.


    The second hand reached out from the gap, forcibly widening it until his body could pass through.


    Chen Ling took a deep breath and plunged into the gap!

 Chapter 12 Chen Yan

    Ci¡ª¡ª


    A figure in a theatrical robe squeezed out of the red paper monster, hanging upside down in mid-air.


    Sensing Chen Ling''s imminent return, the red paper monster struggled frantically, its body becoming increasingly transparent, like wet paper being soaked in rain, getting thinner and thinner.


    Chen Ling, hanging on it, flew close to the ground, swaying constantly, feeling dizzy.


    The torn paper edges kept wriggling, as if trying to swallow Chen Ling back, while Chen Ling held on to the upper body tightly, enduring the dizziness and wrestling with it!


    Just then, a drenched teenager ran across the devastated land, heading straight towards here! "Brother!!" A hand grabbed Chen Ling''s arm and pulled it down forcefully!


    Chen Ling felt a surge of strength, and his lower body detached from the paper, passing through the gap between the theater and reality, falling heavily to the ground! At the moment Chen Ling broke free, the airborne paper monster completely melted away, as if it had never appeared.


    Chen Ling, draped in a bright red theatrical robe, lay on the muddy ground, breathing heavily.


    The sky was gloomy and oppressive, with scattered water droplets sliding down his hair.


    In the midst of the whirlwind, Chen Ling saw a familiar face appear before him, anxiously shaking his body.


    "Brother! Brother!! Are you okay?" The dizziness gradually faded, and Chen Ling focused his gaze, slightly stunned.


    "Yan? What are you doing here?" The young man in front of him was none other than his brother, Chen Yan.


    In the memories of the original owner, Chen Ling''s proudest moments in life were only two things.


    First, passing the law enforcement exam through his own efforts; second, having a brother like Chen Yan.


    This is not to say that Chen Yan is particularly smart or talented; on the contrary, Chen Yan is not smart, his grades in class are at the bottom, and he stutters when talking to others, making him the easiest target for bullying in school.


    But since Chen Yan was still wearing open-crotch pants, he followed him every day, doing whatever he asked, even when he mischievously buried Chen Yan in the sand almost suffocating him, Chen Yan''s first reaction after being rescued was not to cry, but to laugh foolishly at him.


    Since then, he took Chen Yan everywhere, and no matter what he did, Chen Yan unconditionally trusted him.


    Chen Ling was ordinary, but through Chen Yan''s eyes, he saw a different side of himself...


    a self that was admired.


    "I, I...¡±


    the soaked teenager stammered, "After waking up from the surgery, I''ve been waiting in the hospital for you guys to pick me up...


    and then I heard outside that a ''world-ending'' level disaster was invading, and I was very worried about you guys.


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    While the hospital staff weren''t paying attention, I sneaked out, planning to go home to find you, and then I saw you being hung on a monster...¡±


    "Aren''t District 2 and District 3 sealed off? How did you get here?" "It seems that the law enforcement personnel are short-handed.


    They only sealed off the outside of Districts 2 and 3, but there aren''t many people stationed between the two districts, so I sneaked over.¡±


    Chen Ling shook his head, finally managing to sit up, looking at the worried face with complex emotions.


    Li Xiuchun and Chen Tan conspired to murder him, just to give Chen Yan his heart...


    to save his life.


    In a sense, it was Chen Yan who killed Chen Ling.


    But upon closer inspection, Chen Yan himself did not know all this, he was just a fifteen-year-old boy, he only knew that his parents said there was a way to cure himself, and then he obediently lay on the operating table...


    Even if he was cured, he wouldn''t know that the beating heart in his chest came from his brother.


    Thinking of this, a hint of faint sadness flashed in Chen Ling''s eyes as he looked at him.


    "Brother...


    did you kill someone?" Chen Yan''s gaze fell on the blood-covered Han Meng, his young face as pale as paper.


    "I didn''t kill him.¡±


    Chen Ling subconsciously replied, "That''s not me, it''s...¡±


    But before he could finish his sentence, he froze.


    He didn''t know how to explain all this to Chen Yan.


    Chen Yan had seen with his own eyes the scene of himself coming out of the red paper monster, and now there was a fierce wound on his neck, covered in blood, looking nothing like a normal human being...


    Should he tell him that there was actually a group of "audience" in his mind? That he had just been possessed? Chen Ling''s mind was in chaos.


    He inherited the memories of the original owner and also inherited the feelings towards his younger brother.


    Deep down, he was even a little afraid...


    afraid that Chen Yan and his parents would see him as a monster too.


    Chen Yan just looked at him quietly, with no fear in his chestnut-colored eyes.


    After a moment of serious thought, he walked to Han Meng''s side, exerted all his strength to lift him up, and then staggered towards the deeper wilderness.


    "What are you going to do?" Chen Ling was stunned.


    The slender figure of the young man, carrying Han Meng who was almost twice his weight, left deep imprints in the damp wilderness with every step.


    Despite this, he gritted his teeth and stumbled forward.


    "Brother, he is a law enforcer.¡±


    "I know.¡±


    "Killing a law enforcer is a serious crime.


    Once they find out, whether or not it was you who killed him...


    they will come to kill you.¡±


    "...I know, I...¡±


    "Brother," Chen Yan said softly, "I''ll help you bury him.¡±


    Seeing Chen Yan''s firm and serious gaze, Chen Ling''s heart trembled slightly.


    He was stunned for a moment, and finally finished the second half of his sentence: "No...


    Yan, what I mean is...


    he''s not dead yet!" Chen Yan: ? Chen Yan, who was confused, turned around and saw Han Meng behind him, his eyelids twitching, emitting a slight groan, as if he was about to wake up soon.


    He exclaimed, lost his balance and fell to the side, causing the unconscious Han Meng behind him to fall to the ground with a thud.


    In a daze, Han Meng gradually opened his eyes a crack...


    A red figure suddenly rushed to his side, raised a fist high, and smashed it on the back of his head! Bang! Just as Han Meng was about to wake up, he felt a sharp pain in the back of his head, and his eyes rolled back as he passed out again.


    Chen Ling shook his aching hand and breathed a sigh of relief.


    He almost let this guy counterattack! Just now, through the stage curtain, Chen Ling saw the whole process of Han Meng fighting the red paper monster.


    Although he didn''t know what kind of special ability this man was using, without the red paper monster, he would definitely not be a match.


    "Let''s go.¡±


    Knocking out Han Meng, Chen Ling glanced at the increasingly heavy rain and immediately pulled Chen Yan away from there.


    In District Three, there was not only one law enforcer like Han Meng.


    Han Meng appeared here probably because he was the fastest...


    If they delayed any longer, after the other law enforcers arrived, they would have no chance to escape.


    Han Meng lay unconscious in the pit, while the two young men gradually moved away.The heavy rain washed away the desolate wilderness, muddy water flowing, erasing all footprints, and a few minutes later, a group of figures in black and red uniforms hurriedly arrived..

 Chapter 13 The Second One?

    "The aura of [Judgment] has disappeared.¡±


    "The aura of calamity has also disappeared.¡±


    "If nothing unexpected happened, Mong should have succeeded.¡±


    "Han Meng is too fast, even if we want to catch up, we can''t...¡±


    Under the rainy night, four figures wearing black windbreakers rushed towards the wilderness battlefield, they were the remaining law enforcement officers of District Three.


    They scanned the devastated wilderness with astonishment.


    How intense must the battle have been to turn this place into such a mess? "This calamity seems to be something...¡±


    As they spoke, they looked towards the other side of the battlefield, where a figure covered in blood lay motionless on the ground, like a corpse.


    "Mong?!" One law enforcement officer immediately rushed forward, picked up Han Meng from the ground, and nervously checked his pulse.


    The other three law enforcement officers stood still, exchanging glances with each other, their eyes flashing with a strange light...


    "Is he dead?" One of the three law enforcement officers, the second in command of District Three, Ma Zhong, asked.


    "Not dead! He''s still alive!" A hint of disappointment flashed across the faces of the three, two of them looked at Ma Zhong, who hesitated for a moment and shook his head at them.


    "Where''s the calamity? Why didn''t we see a body?" "Ran away?!" "Since we didn''t see a body, it must have run away...¡±


    Immediately, they searched the surroundings, but under the washing of the rain, there were no clues left.


    The calamity that had been fighting with Han Meng here not long ago seemed to have evaporated from the earth, completely disappeared.


    "Ma Ge! Ma Ge!!" At the same time, a law enforcer in black and red uniform hurried over from a distance.


    "What''s wrong? Why the rush?" Ma Zhong raised an eyebrow and asked.


    "We just received a report from District Two...


    Last night, District Two also experienced a calamity attack, half a street was bathed in blood, with a total of thirty-six deaths.¡±


    "What?" Ma Zhong was surprised, "Is it the same one?" "It is said that a level three calamity attacked District Two, it should not be the same one.¡±


    "Two calamities crawled out of the same gray realm intersection at once? This situation is unusual...¡±


    Ma Zhong pondered, "Were they killed?" "No, they said that after killing people, that calamity went to the mountains...


    Stolen story; please report.


    It is not ruled out that it passed through the mountains and entered District Three.


    District Two hopes we can send some help...


    their law enforcers are overwhelmed.¡±


    "Understood, I''ll handle this matter.¡±


    The law enforcers carried the unconscious Han Meng and quickly transferred him to the hospital.


    Ma Zhong''s gaze fell on the battlefield ruins and the silhouette of the mountains hidden in the night, pondering, "Two calamities at the same gray realm intersection...


    quite interesting.¡±


    ...


    "Brother, should we run?" As the night grew darker, two teenagers walked along a deserted path towards Frost Street.


    "Why should we run?" Chen Ling asked.


    Chen Yan was stunned, scratched his head for a while, and hesitated to speak.


    "Besides, even if we run, where can we go?" Chen Ling said helplessly, "The Aurora Territory is so big, with one city and seven districts, ordinary people can''t enter the Aurora City, and Districts Two and Three are sealed off...¡±


    "Then why don''t we find a place to hide in the mountains?" "Hiding won''t help, they will eventually find us, we can''t just retreat.¡±


    Chen Ling vaguely retorted.


    In fact, Chen Ling himself wanted to find a place to hide, but he couldn''t do it! Although he had regained control of the "stage" now, the audience''s expectations were still stuck at 20%.


    If he didn''t do something to raise the audience''s expectations, he would be taken over again and turned into a monster.


    Chen Yan vaguely felt that something was wrong logically...


    but he didn''t think much about it.


    Since his brother said they couldn''t hide, there must be a reason for it.


    "Ah Yan.¡±


    "Hmm?" "Aren''t you afraid of me?" In the darkness, Chen Ling turned to look at him, "You should have seen, I just...


    turned into a monster.¡±


    Chen Yan lowered his head, silent for a long time, "Brother, it''s okay to become a monster, as long as...


    you are still you.¡±


    "How do you know I am still me?" "It''s just a feeling...¡±


    Chen Ling looked deeply at him, the teenager''s expression blurred in the darkness.


    "By the way, how is your body?" he asked, "After a heart transplant surgery, don''t you need a long period of rest? Is it okay for you to be running around like this?" "That doctor seems to be very skilled, I recovered quickly.¡±


    "Oh...¡±


    Chen Ling suddenly realized that there seemed to be extraordinary powers in this world, otherwise, this world wouldn''t even have electricity, and heart transplant surgery couldn''t be performed at all...


    Maybe there is also a method for rapid recovery? Chen Ling''s gaze fell on his smooth neck, as if remembering something, "Oh, where is the protective amulet I gave you? The one you usually wear around your neck.¡±


    Chen Yan was stunned, reaching to touch his chest, only to find it empty.


    "I don''t know...


    maybe it fell off when I ran back.¡±


    "...It''s okay, I''ll make you another one when we get back.¡±


    "Okay.¡±


    Chen Yan spoke again, "Brother...


    are you really not going to clean up? If you go out like this, you''ll scare people.¡±


    Chen Ling was taken aback, subconsciously touching his neck, feeling sticky and already covered in blood.


    It was strange, after coming out of the red paper monster, the wound on his neck had healed exceptionally quickly, in just half an hour, most of the flesh and blood had reconnected, but it still looked crimson, making him look like a demon emerging from hell.


    Helplessly, Chen Ling had to find a nearby stream, casually taking off the red robe and starting to wash away the bloodstains on his body.


    "Brother, there''s something I wanted to ask earlier...¡±


    Chen Yan hesitantly spoke, "Why are you wearing my robe?" "I...


    don''t know.¡±


    Chen Ling looked blankly at the robe on his body...


    he remembered that when he was killed by an axe, he wasn''t wearing this.


    Thinking back, when he returned home that night, he was also draped in this red robe.


    From the words of Chen Tan and Li Xiuchun, it seemed that this was the clothing they used to wrap his body after they murdered him.


    But why didn''t they dress him this time, and how did the robe end up back on him? Chen Ling couldn''t understand, so he decided not to dwell on it anymore.


    Since crossing over to this world, strange things had been happening more and more...


    He had intended to burn this ominous robe, but seeing Chen Yan''s pitiful gaze, he sighed and silently washed the robe along with the rest.

 Chapter 14 You Are Also a Disaster

    This robe is indeed Chen Yan''s.


    Since eight years ago, a very small and shabby opera troupe came to District Three and set up a small stage in the wilderness to perform two plays.


    Chen Yan, only seven years old at the time, became fascinated by it.


    In this world, theatrical culture is not popular.


    The troupe worked hard to set up the stage for two days, but only five people showed up...


    Chen Ling and Chen Yan, who were temporarily attracted while playing in the wilderness, a passing porter who was pulled in to be an audience member, a beggar who came to beg from the troupe...


    And one, a teacher from District Two who came because of his genuine interest in theatrical culture.


    Among the five, only Chen Yan and the teacher listened attentively to the entire play.


    Chen Ling fell asleep halfway through, the porter hurriedly left at the beginning, and the beggar went up to beg for food during intermission, only to be kicked off the stage by a martial character and left grumbling.


    But Chen Ling saw that his brother''s eyes looking at the stage were full of light.


    After that day, Chen Yan began to study drama on his own.


    He found two books from somewhere, got up early every day to practice singing in the house, transcribed scripts, and even learned sewing to make costumes.


    The robe on Chen Ling''s body was sewn by Chen Yan himself, with a very small blue flower left at the corner where he sewed.


    "Here, it''s for you.¡±


    After washing the robe, Chen Ling handed it to Chen Yan, who looked at his reflection in the water, with most of the wounds and bloodstains gone.


    The two walked carefully along the path to the edge of Frost Street, looking towards home.


    Around the dilapidated house, the area had been completely sealed off by a cordon, with several law enforcers in black and red uniforms patrolling.


    On two stretchers at the entrance, lay two bodies covered in white cloth.


    "How''s the situation?" "No chance of survival.¡±


    A law enforcer looked regretfully at the white cloth, "They were ordered by Mong to track this couple, but they must have encountered a stronger force inside and sacrificed themselves in the struggle.¡±


    "What about the couple? Are they dead too?" "No.¡±


    The law enforcer''s gaze shifted to the entrance, where a man and a woman were being helped out of the house by other law enforcers, their eyes vacant, faces pale, trembling uncontrollably as if they had lost their souls.


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    "They survived.¡±


    "Weren''t they the first to be attacked by the disaster? Why did they survive?" "We speculate that although they were the first to be attacked, they did not resist.


    The two law enforcers angered the disaster by shooting, which led to their deaths...¡±


    "So, you mean, the disaster was playing with them at the time?" "That''s the idea.¡±


    "Any other clues?" "Almost none...


    the abilities of that disaster are very strange, it tore apart most of the house, leaving no valuable information behind.


    We can''t even determine from which direction it entered.¡±


    "Frost Street is so big, yet it happened to break into this household.


    Is it a coincidence?" "Hard to say, Frost Street is already on the outermost edge of District Three, behind the street is the back mountain, then the chaotic burial mound at the intersection of the Grey Realm, and then District Two...


    in terms of the path, if that disaster crawled out of the Grey Realm, went on a rampage in District Two, then fled into the back mountain, and then rushed to this section of Frost Street, it would make sense.¡±


    "The location of the District Two murder is also near the back mountain?" "Yes, these locations are not far apart and all on the same line.¡±


    The law enforcer nodded slightly.


    Before they could say more, a sharp, piercing roar came from nearby.


    "Disaster!! Disaster!!"Li Xiuchun suddenly broke free from the enforcers beside her, as if she had seen something extremely terrifying.


    While staring at them fiercely, she crawled back, "You will not harm me!! You will not harm me!!" As she continued to retreat, she suddenly bumped into the people behind who were supporting Chen Tan.


    This collision directly caused Chen Tan''s pupils to shrink suddenly.


    He immediately curled up, holding his head in his hands, muttering meaningless characters in his mouth, his eyes also full of fear.


    The enforcers beside each other glanced at each other, a hint of helplessness flashing across their faces...


    They were not too surprised by this, but skillfully tied them up with ropes, stuffed white cloth into their mouths to prevent disturbing the public, and then walked straight to the headquarters of Zone Three.


    Seeing this scene, Chen Ling breathed a sigh of relief.


    Dr.


    Lin had said that among the survivors of encounters with the Gray World convergence or disaster attacks, eighty percent would experience mental disorders, and most of them would never be cured.


    Now it seems that this symptom has also appeared in Li Xiuchun and Chen Tan.


    For Chen Ling, this was fortunate because she had only seen four people turn into disasters with her own eyes.


    Two enforcers had already been killed by the "audience," and once Li Xiuchun and Chen Tan revealed everything, she would immediately be wanted.


    Fortunately, Li Xiuchun and Chen Tan are both insane now, so her identity will not be exposed, and she can still walk the streets openly as Chen Ling.


    Of course, this is under the premise that the enforcers do not find him later.


    "It''s still not safe...


    It''s best to find a way to completely block their investigation...¡±


    Chen Ling did not like taking risks, and he did not like having his fate controlled by others.


    His brain was running at high speed, trying to find the most secure method.


    Just then, a figure rushed out from beside him! "Mom! Dad!" Chen Yan exclaimed, running towards the two figures being taken away, his haggard face full of anxiety.


    Chen Yan did not know what had happened, he was just a fifteen-year-old boy, and now seeing his parents being brought out of the ruins was like the sky falling.


    Chen Ling''s gaze slightly condensed, subconsciously wanting to grab Chen Yan, but after hesitating for a moment, he quickly followed behind Chen Yan, also calling out for his parents.


    Hearing their calls, the enforcers all turned around, only to see two teenagers running towards them in a hurry, then bowing their heads to read the documents.


    "This couple has two children, one is eighteen and the other is fifteen.¡±


    "I didn''t find any bodies in the house just now, I was about to send someone to look for them, but I didn''t expect them to show up on their own...¡±


    "Ah, poor children.¡±


    "...


    " Several enforcers whispered to each other.


    Chen Yan rushed to Li Xiuchun, about to say something, but Li Xiuchun''s pupils suddenly contracted.


    She somehow spat out the white cloth, staring ahead and shouting loudly, "Disaster!! You are also a disaster!! Do you want to kill me too?!" Chen Yan instantly froze in place.

 Chapter 15 Its you!

    At the same time.


    Chen Ling walked slowly behind him, his gaze passing through many enforcers, meeting with Li Xiuchun.


    The moment she saw him, Li Xiuchun''s pupils shrank again! "You...


    it''s you!!" Li Xiuchun went crazy trying to break free from the ropes, but was firmly held in place by other enforcers.


    "You should be dead!! You should have died long ago!! Disaster!! You are a disaster!!" Li Xiuchun''s roar echoed in the night, while Chen Ling stood quietly in place, looking at her eyes full of complexity.


    "A Yan...


    A Yan.¡±


    He called softly to Chen Yan beside him, "You go over there and wait...


    I''ll handle this.¡±


    Chen Yan stared blankly at the frenzied Li Xiuchun, called back to his senses by Chen Ling''s voice, and after a long silence, nodded...


    He walked alone into the dark corner of the wall where no one was, huddled with his knees hugged to his chest, his body trembling uncontrollably.


    "What''s going on, can''t even keep his mouth shut?" An enforcer glared at his colleague, immediately bent down to pick up the white cloth again and stuffed it back into Li Xiuchun''s mouth.


    He then sighed deeply, comforting, "Child, don''t take it too hard...


    your mother has gone mad, she doesn''t even know what she''s saying.¡±


    "For public safety, we will send them to a mental hospital for stable treatment, they still have hope of regaining their sanity.¡±


    "Of course, during this time, you can visit them anytime.¡±


    He gave a look to the other enforcers, and everyone immediately understood, hastening to transfer the two to headquarters.


    Chen Ling watched this scene calmly, unable to express what he was feeling.


    These two people raised the original owner, and then took his life, from the original owner''s perspective, their grievances had long been settled.


    Chen Ling inherited the memories of the original owner, as well as his emotions, and he could vaguely sense that the original owner didn''t actually harbor much resentment about this, largely because he really liked Chen Yan as his brother.


    If Li Xiuchun and the others had explained everything to the original owner, he would have been willing to give his own life to bring his brother back.


    Unfortunately, they didn''t believe the original owner...


    just because he was a found child.


    "You must be Chen Ling, right?" a figure walked towards Chen Ling, "Where did you just go?" Chen Ling turned around, as if in a daze for a moment, before hoarsely speaking, "Sir...


    what''s happening here?" "I''m asking you now.¡±


    His brow furrowed slightly, but thinking about what this young man was currently going through, after hesitating for a moment, he added, "A disaster broke into your house, scaring your parents...


    but luckily they didn''t resist, rest assured, there is no immediate danger to their lives.¡±


    "Oh, I see.¡±


    Chen Ling woke up as if from a dream, "Today I took my brother to practice.¡±


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    "Practice what?" "Traditional drama.¡±


    Chen Ling raised his hand, holding a neatly folded opera robe in his arms.


    Seeing this scene, the enforcer''s vigilance relaxed slightly, after all, ordinary people wouldn''t usually carry opera costumes with them, so when Chen Ling said he was going to practice, he believed most of it, but still asked according to procedure, "Where did you practice? Did anyone see you?" "It''s the vacant lot at the east end of Frost Street...


    no one saw us, my brother is shy, he doesn''t dare to sing in crowded places, otherwise he would just practice at our doorstep.¡±


    The enforcer nodded, "It''s not safe outside lately, don''t wander around, if you find anything suspicious, remember to find me...


    I''m Jiang Qin, patrolling the streets around here every day.¡±


    "Okay.¡±


    "By the way, where''s your brother?" "He...


    he was just scared by mom and is hiding over there.¡±


    Chen Ling pointed to the dark corner where a small figure was curled up, as if crying.


    Jiang Qin glanced over there and nodded slightly.


    At this moment, he seemed to have remembered something: "By the way, how many children do you have in your family?" "Two.¡±


    Jiang Qin narrowed his eyes, "Two?" Hearing the subtle change in Jiang Qin''s tone, Chen Ling''s heart sank.


    Having been in the performing arts for many years, he was very sensitive to such subtle differences in dialogue.


    He immediately steadied his mind and innocently asked, "What''s wrong?" "According to the records, your family has two children, and you said so too," Jiang Qin slowly spoke, "But last night we met your parents at the burial mound, and they said they came to pay respects to their son...


    If both of your sons are alive, then who are they coming to pay respects to?" The atmosphere suddenly became tense.


    "So that''s what you meant," Chen Ling''s thoughts raced, a knowing expression appearing on his face, "Many years ago, after my parents had Ah Yan, they also conceived another child...


    But at that time, my mother was not in good health, and the baby died of illness shortly after birth.


    My parents had to bury him in the back mountain, and every year on his birthday, they would go to pay respects.


    At that time, when this happened, Ah Yan was only a little over two years old and didn''t understand anything.


    I only remember a vague outline.¡±


    The last sentence was Chen Ling''s precaution to prevent Jiang Qin from separating him and Chen Yan, leaving a way out for each of them during interrogation.


    This way, even if Jiang Qin became suspicious and wanted to question Chen Yan again, Chen Ling could reasonably explain.


    Of course, he could also use the excuse of being too young at the time to avoid further questioning by the law enforcement.


    "A child who died young...


    No wonder there''s no record in the files.¡±


    It turned out that Chen Ling had overthought it.


    This law enforcement officer named Jiang Qin did not have such strong vigilance.


    He nodded, made a note casually, and then turned to leave.


    Chen Ling breathed a sigh of relief in his heart...


    He didn''t expect that on the night he returned, Li Xiuchun and the others also went to the burial mound, and they were almost caught by the law enforcement officers...


    It was a close call.


    "Oh, by the way!" Jiang Qin turned back again.


    Chen Ling: ...


    Is this ever going to end? Just as Chen Ling felt the tension rising again, Jiang Qin took out a letter from his pocket and handed it to him.


    "This was found on Chen Tan''s body.


    It''s a summons from the law enforcement for you.


    Report to headquarters tomorrow morning, don''t be late.¡±


    After saying that, Jiang Qin left, this time for real.


    As the law enforcement officers left, Frost Street fell into silence once again, and Chen Ling walked to a dark street corner, feeling complex emotions.


    "Ah Yan...¡±


    Chen Ling looked at Chen Yan, who was hanging his head, not knowing what to say.


    At this point, even if Chen Yan was foolish, he knew that the calamity that struck their home was his own doing...


    Although he had his body taken over by the "audience" at the time, he didn''t know how to explain it to Chen Yan.


    Chen Ling, who was always good at weaving "dialogues," was unusually at a loss for words.


    "Brother," Chen Yan spoke softly, "I''m tired...¡±


    Chen Ling was stunned.


    He never expected that Chen Yan would only say these three words in the end.


    There was no anger, no questioning, no confusion...


    Chen Yan''s chestnut-colored eyes looked at Chen Ling, as clear and calm as usual.


    Chen Ling was at a loss for a long time, realizing that he couldn''t see through what this young man was thinking.


    He gently bent down, ran his hand through his hair, and said, "If you''re tired, then go to sleep...


    I''ll be here by your side.¡±


    The once warm home now had two large holes, and the living room was in shambles.


    If thieves and burglars passed by, it would be a shame not to take something convenient.


    Chen Yan returned to his familiar bed, silently curling up under the covers.


    Chen Ling walked to his side, leaning against the broken walls, and sat down slowly.


    Through the broken roof, he could see the endless blue aurora dancing in the black night, as if a soft satin ribbon covered the sky.


    This was Chen Ling''s first quiet observation of the aurora in this world.


    It seemed that in that moment of seeing them, all the distractions in his mind disappeared, leaving only eternal calmness.


    "Brother, are you cold?" Chen Yan''s voice came from under the blanket.


    "Not cold.¡±


    "Oh...¡±


    Chen Yan fell silent, and after a long time, only the sound of even breathing lingered in Chen Ling''s ears.


    After an unknown amount of time, Chen Ling''s eyes gradually closed...


    He fell asleep.

 Chapter 16 The Dance of Slaughter

    Once again opening his eyes, a familiar light filled his vision.


    "Back again..." Chen Ling adjusted to the brightness of the spotlight, his gaze slowly scanning the surroundings.


    An old stage, black curtains, audience seats filled to capacity - he was back in this nightmare.


    "It seems that as long as I fall asleep or die, I will return here." Chen Ling concluded based on several experiences.


    Since he regained control of his body, the departed audience members returned to the theater.


    Although their gazes seemed displeased, at least there was no intention to strike again.


    Chen Ling''s gaze naturally shifted to the screen in the center of the stage: "[Audience Expectation: 24%]" According to historical records, the moment he regained control of his body, the expectation automatically rose to 20%.


    After the battles of wits with the enforcers, the expectation increased again, finally stabilizing at 24%.


    "Last time, death directly deducted 50% of the expectation.What will happen if next time my expectation is below 50% when I die?"


    Chen Ling did not know the answer, but he guessed that if the expectation became negative, he would most likely die completely and be taken over by the "audience," never to rise again.


    Just as Chen Ling was about to look away, he suddenly noticed a trembling little chest in the lower right corner of the screen.


    He clearly remembered that this thing was not there when he first entered the theater.


    Chen Ling hesitated for a moment, tentatively reached out his hand, and tapped the chest...


    Clang clang clang clang¡ª! The moment Chen Ling''s fingertip touched the chest, a thrilling music burst out from the speakers on both sides of the stage.


    The sudden music startled Chen Ling.


    The next moment, several spotlights moved behind him.


    He turned to look and found a table appearing out of thin air in the center of the stage.


    It was an ordinary wooden table, seemingly old, but it blended seamlessly with the wooden floor on the stage.


    The spotlight shone on the table, and a piece of paper reflected a pale halo.


    Chen Ling walked straight to the wooden table, and the two spotlights approached each other, eventually merging into one.


    At the top of the paper were a few lines of small text.


    "Audience expectation first exceeded 60%, unlocking achievement - ''Mostly Positive Reviews''!" "You gain an extra lottery chance." "After use, a random character skill from all characters in this performance will be selected for learning." Chen Ling''s gaze swept over these words.


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    Before he could react, the white paper suddenly disappeared, replaced by cards laid out on the table.


    These cards were of various colors, mostly white and gray, occasionally a few blue ones.


    The more vibrant the color, the more intricate the pattern, and the more precious they appeared.


    The next moment, these cards were all overturned, showing uniform backs, then overlapped at an astonishing speed, finally dispersing neatly on the table.


    Chen Ling also tried to trace the whereabouts of those blue cards, but this eerie shuffling method made it impossible to track the cards with the naked eye.


    "I can even draw lots...


    It seems that not everything in this theater is bad." Chen Ling took a deep breath, randomly picked a card in front of him, and gently turned it over on the table...


    It was a blue card.


    After Chen Ling made his choice, all the remaining cards disappeared simultaneously.


    At the same time, several lines of text appeared on the blue card.


    "Skill: [Dance of Slaughter]" "Belongs to: God of War, [Judgment] path, third tier." "Character: Han Meng." Seeing the two words "Han Meng," Chen Ling automatically recalled the trench coat figure he fought back and forth with the red paper monster last night...


    At this moment, he had only one thought in his mind.


    This wave is a win! Since Chen Ling crossed over, among all the people he had seen, Han Meng was undoubtedly the strongest in combat power.


    Although Chen Ling couldn''t understand what "War God''s Path," "[Judgment] Path," and "Third Tier" meant, there was no doubt that he had drawn the best option he could draw at the moment.


    The blue card turned into nothingness, and Chen Ling felt something new in his body, extremely mysterious.


    "Thank you for the gift," Chen Ling felt a bit embarrassed now.


    He had stolen...


    no, learned this skill from Han Meng.


    In a sense, Han Meng was his benefactor...


    but just a few hours ago, he had just beaten up his "benefactor" and even knocked him out.


    That blow...


    shouldn''t have killed his benefactor, right? He felt a bit guilty.


    ...


    The crimson disaster danced wildly above his head, the terrifying pressure made his mind tremble; a slender hand emerged from the disaster and pressed against his head...


    as if the hand of a god falling from the sky, ruling the world.


    On the sickbed, Han Meng suddenly opened his eyes wide, almost jumping up directly.


    "Hiss¡ª" The intense pain in the back of his head made him grimace, the world in front of his eyes blurred, and he fell back on the bed again.


    "Meng-ge!" A law enforcer dozing off next to him was startled, immediately supporting his body, "Meng-ge! What are you doing? Don''t move around, don''t break the wires..." Han Meng lay on the bed, finally coming to his senses, and asked blankly, "Where is this?" "The hospital!" "What about that long hand...


    no, that red disaster?" "It...," the law enforcer paused, "It seems to have escaped.


    When we arrived at the scene, we only saw you lying there..." Broken memories flooded Han Meng''s mind, and he couldn''t help but touch the back of his head, grimacing in pain.


    Did this disaster like to ambush the back of the head? "How is the situation? Any other casualties?" "Not for now.


    After you fought with it, that disaster never appeared again.


    It''s probably because you injured it too severely, Meng-ge." "I..." Han Meng was about to say that he didn''t actually hurt it at all, hesitated for a moment, and swallowed the words back.


    In front of his subordinates, he still needed to maintain his image.


    "What time is it?" "Six fifty." "...Help me up." "Meng-ge, the doctor said you need to rest..." "Rest my ass!" Han Meng gritted his teeth and stood up, "That disaster is very cunning.


    If we let it go on like this, it will cause big trouble sooner or later!" "Cunning? Meng-ge, do you mean dangerous..."


    This law enforcer was also quite knowledgeable, but it was the first time he heard someone describe a disaster as "cunning."


    "Dangerous, but even more cunning!" Han Meng subconsciously touched the back of his head, "And, I suspect it may have really fused with a human..."


    "Fused with a human?" Hearing these three words, the law enforcer''s face changed drastically, "Should we inform Aurora City immediately?" Hearing the second half of the sentence, Han Meng gradually calmed down.


    "No, not yet.


    I need to investigate further...


    this is just my speculation for now, without any theoretical basis."


    "So what do we do now..."


    "Let''s go to headquarters first.


    The group of new recruits should be ready soon.


    We''ll discuss the specifics on the way."


    "Okay."¡±

 Chapter 17 Policy

    The morning sun sprinkled on Chen Ling''s face, his eyelashes trembled lightly, and he slowly opened his eyes...


    "I''m back..." He rubbed his eyes, took a deep breath.


    After drawing the prize, he stayed on the stage for a long time, still unable to find any way out.


    It was only after the stage bell rang and the curtain opened that he automatically returned.


    "Current expectation value 23%...


    approaching the deadline again."


    Chen Ling recalled the screen characters before leaving, murmuring to himself, "I have to do something quickly..."


    "Brother..." The blanket was pulled back, Chen Yan rubbed his red eyes and sat up from the bed.


    "Morning."


    "Morning."


    Chen Ling looked at the clock on the wall, took out the last few copper coins from his pocket, handed them to Chen Yan, "I need to go out for a while, not sure what time I''ll be back, you have something to eat first today..."


    "Brother, where are you going?" "To catch myself." "...?" Chen Ling put on a cotton coat, tucked the envelope given by the enforcer yesterday into his chest, turned around and rubbed Chen Yan''s head, "Don''t ask too much, just wait for me to come back honestly, understand?"


    "Understood." Chen Yan nodded obediently.


    After watching Chen Ling leave, Chen Yan got out of bed, looked at the two big holes in front of the door, and frowned.


    "How am I going to fix this..." He looked at the few copper coins left in his hand, silently put them away, took out a heavy hammer and wooden board from the house, and began to compare sizes.


    Just then, a figure appeared behind the big hole, startling Chen Yan.


    It was a man in a wool coat, with a deep blue scarf around his neck and a pair of silver wire glasses on his nose, looking artistic and wise.


    But at this moment, as he looked at the house with only two big holes left, a hint of confusion appeared in his wise eyes...


    He wanted to say something, but felt it was impolite, so he tried to knock on the door.


    However, he circled the house and couldn''t find where the door was.


    He returned to the hole and looked inside.


    "Do you need something?" Chen Yan tilted his head.


    "Is Mr.


    Chen Ling here?" Hearing his brother''s name, Chen Yan''s eyes flashed with caution.


    He looked the man up and down, and asked again, "Do you need something?" The man took off his white gloves, took out a letter from his coat pocket, unfolded it in his hand, and calmly spoke to the house, "I heard that Mr.


    Chen needs a [doctor]." "So, I''m here." ...


    The chilly wind blew into the collar, making Chen Ling shiver involuntarily.


    "Young man, where are you going? Can I give you a ride?" A thin, dark-skinned man dragging a yellow cart hurriedly caught up with Chen Ling, grinning with a row of yellow teeth.


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    Chen Ling glanced at him, "Enforcer Headquarters."


    "I know the way, just dropped off two there, you''re all going to be reserve seats, right? In that case, I see you''re also destined, I charge them ten, I''ll charge you seven, how about it?"


    "...Forget it."


    "Six, six it is, can''t go any lower."


    "I don''t have any money on me."


    "No money?" The man frowned, glanced at him, and walked away muttering with the yellow cart, "No money to be an enforcer...


    bad luck." Chen Ling: ...? Chen Ling thought that the people in this world have really poor quality, rubbed his frozen hands, and couldn''t help but speed up his pace towards the central area of District Three.


    Before last night, Chen Ling had been thinking about how to avoid the enforcers from discovering any clues and investigating him again...


    now, he had an answer.


    That is to become an enforcer.


    Become an enforcer, participate in all disaster investigation actions, and then interfere with them, so they can never lock onto him.


    "I become, I participate, I disrupt, I run away." This is Chen Ling''s current policy.


    Chen Ling crossed several streets and finally stopped in front of a giant building that looked like a glass dome.


    "Such grandeur..." Chen Ling looked up at the dome and couldn''t help but sigh.


    "How much budget must have been spent to build this?" In this neighborhood full of two-story mud houses, the appearance of such a unique building stood out conspicuously, like suddenly having an art gallery in a rural area in a past life.


    At this moment, several young people were hurrying into the headquarters holding letters, exchanging polite smiles and nods as they passed each other.


    There were about seventy people who passed the literary test in District Three, and typically the elimination rate in the martial test was also 50%, so only around thirty people could become enforcers each year.


    Although this year''s martial test had changed its format, the final elimination rate would remain the same.


    In short, everyone entering this building right now was actually a potential competitor.


    Chen Ling entered the headquarters gate, under the glass dome, several rows of people were already standing neatly.


    Like Chen Ling, they were all dressed in ordinary civilian clothing, standing ten in a row, each one holding their head high and chest out, every muscle in their body tensed, looking like warriors ready to be called at any moment.


    Chen Ling arrived late and could only stand at the edge of the last row.


    After he took his place, an enforcer glanced at the list and nodded slightly.


    "Everyone is here." Another enforcer picked up a prepared speech and was about to speak when the headquarters door was forcefully pushed open, and two figures walked in slowly.


    Han Meng threw the burnt cigarette butt to the ground and crushed it under his foot.


    The four silver stripes on his black windbreaker sparkled, his gaze calmly sweeping over all the seats, a strange sense of oppression instantly enveloping everyone''s minds...


    except for Chen Ling.


    Chen Ling raised an eyebrow in surprise, his gaze unconsciously falling on the back of Han Meng''s head...


    He had recovered so quickly from the beating he received yesterday? Is this guy''s head made of steel? "It''s Han Meng!" "It''s really him...


    he''s here too?" "Who is Han Meng?" "He is the chief enforcer of our District Three, and the only four-stripe enforcer in District Three." "It is said that he is a super genius, promoted to four stripes at the age of 24, and even crushed all the enforcers in Aurora City at the same time...


    He is the pride of our Seven Districts!" "Crushed all the enforcers in Aurora City at the same time? Is that true? Since he''s so amazing, why wasn''t he absorbed into Aurora City?"


    "I don''t know...


    it is said that he had a conflict with a big shot in Aurora City." "I heard he''s a great fighter, my mom really likes him."


    "...How old is your mom this year?" "Almost fifty."


    "..." With Han Meng''s appearance, the people in the seats began to whisper, even the many enforcers standing nearby instinctively straightened their posture, looking serious and solemn.


    Han Meng stood still under the dome, suddenly feeling a chill at the back of his head, as if someone was scrutinizing his weaknesses...


    He subconsciously turned his head and found the group of people in the seats were secretly watching him.


    After locking eyes with Han Meng, all the people in the seats lowered their heads, no longer daring to discuss, and the entire headquarters fell into a profound silence.


    "My name is Han Meng, currently the highest-ranking official in District Three." Han Meng adjusted his mindset and slowly spoke, "The next three days will be your martial test assessment.


    Among you 72, only 30 will be able to stay in the end..." 30 people...


    even lower than the expected pass rate.


    Chen Ling pondered.


    This ratio also puzzled the other people in the seats, and they couldn''t help but exchange confused looks.


    "However, among these 30 people, there will be 3 who will be granted early access to the ''Ancient Martial Arts Repository''..." When Han Meng said this, the entire headquarters erupted in astonishment, even the enforcers standing nearby widened their eyes.


    Chen Ling didn''t understand.


    And most of the people in the seats didn''t understand either.


    Upon seeing this, Han Meng calmly explained, "Do you know the difference between enforcers and law enforcement officers?¡±

 Chapter 18 Shinto

    Everyone shook their heads.


    "Enforcers and law officers, one word difference, but a world of difference...


    This is not a difference in official position, but a difference in power.


    Enforcers are just ordinary people with the power of enforcement, while law officers...


    have their own path to the divine."


    "It is rumored that before the great catastrophe, there were a total of eighteen divine paths in the world, each path different.


    But with the changing times and the decline of civilization, now only fourteen of the eighteen divine paths remain."


    "These fourteen paths are..."


    "Book, Medicine, Soldier, Yellow, Green, Clever, Chess, Puppet, Witch, Power, Divination, Thief, Prostitute;"


    "It is said that each divine path leads to a ''divine position'', and if one completes all of them, they can transcend the mortal world and ascend to godhood..."


    "And the enforcers in our Aurora Realm are in charge of the ''Soldier Divine Path'' among the fourteen divine paths."


    "According to the regulations of the enforcers in Aurora City, after three years of probation, each enforcer can qualify for a chance to enter the ''Ancient Arsenal of the Soldier Path''.


    If they pass the trials in the ''Arsenal'', they have the opportunity to be chosen by the ''Soldier Divine Path'' and officially embark on this path to the divine."


    "Once on the path to the divine, Aurora City will change your identity from an enforcer to a law officer."


    After listening to Han Meng''s explanation, the eyes of the crowd lit up...


    Completing the path, one can ascend to godhood! For a group of young adults who have just come of age, this has a great appeal! In Chen Ling''s mind, the scene of the battle between the red paper monster and Han Meng last night automatically appeared...


    Han Meng seemed to have opened up some kind of mysterious domain, and then became exceptionally fierce.


    So that was the power of the ''Soldier Divine Path''? "May I ask, is it only by entering the ''Ancient Arsenal'' that one can obtain the path to the divine?" someone in the crowd asked cautiously.


    "In theory, no," Han Meng shook his head, "The key to stepping onto the path to the divine lies in gaining the recognition of the ''divine path''.


    If you have a strong talent on a certain divine path, or if the divine path believes that you are naturally meant to walk this path, then it will naturally guide you...


    These people are called ''Divine Favorers''."


    "I once saw a young man from the Southern Sea Realm who started drawing at the age of three, self-taught, and at the age of five, he casually drew a painting of ''Hundred Boats Competing in the Flow'', gaining the favor of the ''Green Divine Path'' and becoming the youngest divine path owner in history.


    " The whole audience was in an uproar."


    But those chosen by the divine path are rare, and the vast majority of people who want to walk the divine path can only rely on entering the ''Ancient Arsenal''...


    Of course, not all ancient arsenals are within the range of the human realm, and some are located at the intersection of the Gray Realm and reality, making it extremely difficult for ordinary humans to reach.


    This also means that few people can enter and pass the trials, and to step onto these divine paths, one must only rely on the ''divine favor'', so the number of people on these divine paths is extremely rare.


    For example, the Yellow Divine Path, the Play Divine Path, the Thief Divine Path, the Prostitute Divine Path."


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    "In short, these fourteen divine paths are the only extraordinary paths recognized by the human realm, and in the Aurora Realm, the vast majority of people''s choice is only the ''Soldier Divine Path''."


    "The only one recognized by the human realm?" Chen Ling asked, "So, are there paths that are not recognized?" Han Meng glanced at him, remained silent for a moment, and then answered, "There are...


    and quite a few, such as the ''Fusionists'' who attempt to abandon their human identity and voluntarily merge with the catastrophe; the cultists who worship the Red Star of Heavenly Calamity, the ''Crimson Sky Sect''...


    But you must never touch these paths.


    Once someone walks on these paths, the only outcome is to be wanted by all of the human realm and then...


    exterminated." At the mention of the words ''exterminated'', Chen Ling''s heart skipped a beat.


    If he guessed correctly, the ''audience'' inside him should be a ''catastrophe'', so does that mean he has merged with the catastrophe? Chen Ling didn''t know, and didn''t dare to ask.


    He suddenly felt that it was a very correct decision not to seek help from the enforcers before.


    If he really counted as a Fusionist, the enforcers'' first reaction upon knowing about this matter would most likely be to eliminate him along with the disaster inside him.


    Looking at the solemn group of enforcers not far away, sweat began to seep from Chen Ling''s palms...


    [Audience Expectation +10] [Current Expectation: 33%] Two lines of characters flashed in front of Chen Ling''s eyes in the void, and he couldn''t help but curse the "audience" in his heart for their abnormality.


    Their happiness was completely built on his life-threatening situation...


    However, despite the tension, Chen Ling wasn''t that afraid.


    After all, even Han Meng probably wouldn''t have expected that there would be a Fusionist who not only met the enforcers without running away but also actively approached them, trying to blend in with the enforcers.


    "Like the Fusionists and the Crimson Heaven Sect, is it possible for them to master the path of communication with the gods?" someone asked again.


    "Almost impossible," Han Meng said lightly, "There is no path of communication with the gods that would bestow divine favor upon the monsters embracing evil..." A hint of disappointment flashed in Chen Ling''s eyes...


    As a time traveler, he naturally hoped to have powers beyond the ordinary world.


    To be honest, when the path of communication with the gods was mentioned just now, he was also tempted...


    But if he really was a Fusionist, he couldn''t go down that path.


    "Next, someone will assign tasks to each of you.


    Three days later, whether you can stay...


    depends on yourselves." After saying the last sentence, Han Meng turned and left.


    The crowd began to discuss again.


    Next, several enforcers stepped forward to announce the tasks for each person.


    "Jiang Lipeng, Nie Yining, responsible for assisting in patrolling the Cold Cloud Street in District Three; Deng Feiliang, Gong Heng, responsible for assisting in patrolling the Cold Snow Street in District Three..."


    Everyone present was in the reserve seat and did not have the ability to patrol alone, so they could only help the formal enforcers solve some trivial matters.


    The people mentioned at the beginning were fine, but as they went on, the streets they were responsible for patrolling became more remote, and in the end, there were even personnel crossing districts to support District Two.


    "...Wu Youdong, Chen Ling, responsible for assisting in patrolling the Ice Spring Street in District Two..."


    When he heard his name mentioned in District Two, Chen Ling was slightly stunned.


    He clearly remembered that no one had gone to patrol the Cold Frost Street in District Three, and he himself was from the Cold Frost Street, so why did they specifically assign him to District Two? Although District Three and District Two were not far apart, commuting every day would take at least four hours...


    In this way, wouldn''t all his time be squeezed out?


    "The assessment starts today.


    Everyone now has three hours to prepare to go home," Han Meng said.


    Three hours later, they must be on duty.


    After the enforcers read out the list, they dispersed the crowd.


    Chen Ling vaguely felt that something was wrong, but couldn''t pinpoint it.


    "Brother, are you Chen Ling?" A slender young man cautiously approached Chen Ling.


    "You are..."


    "I am Wu Youdong, going to support District Two with you." "Oh, hello." Wu Youdong looked around, lowered his voice, and asked, "Did you bribe them?" "Bribe them?" Chen Ling was puzzled.


    "I mean the one who just read the list, the enforcement officer named Ma Zhong...


    He is in charge of personnel transfers.


    Where we go and what we do are all up to him." Seeing Chen Ling''s reaction, Wu Youdong sighed helplessly, "Judging by your appearance, you didn''t bribe them either...


    No wonder we are the most miserable." Hearing this, Chen Ling finally understood.


    He suddenly remembered what the man who drove the yellow cart said on the way here...


    "Can''t afford to be an enforcer without money?" "It seems that enforcers are not good people," Chen Ling sneered in his heart.


    Even the laborer pulling the cart on the roadside knew what kind of people the enforcers were, which was enough to illustrate how serious the internal problems of this organization were.


    "Where do you live?" "Cold Frost Street, No.


    128.""Coincidence, I am also on Hanfrost Street, but at the other end." "Brother, we are also in the same boat, when we get to District Two, let''s help each other out." Wu Youdong said a few words to Chen Ling, then hurried home to pack up.


    Chen Ling finally left the headquarters, just as he stepped out, a cold voice sounded from the door.


    "Stop." Chen Ling paused, he slowly turned around, only to see Han Meng leaning against the wall, with a cigarette in his mouth, his eyes staring at him like a snake.


    "Are you Chen Ling?"¡±

 Chapter 19 Temptation

    "...Captain Han Meng." The moment Chen Ling was stopped by Han Meng, a hint of guilt flashed in Chen Ling''s eyes, but he quickly regained his composure, "Is there something you need from me?¡±


    ¡°A fusionist dares to infiltrate the enforcers'' ranks...


    you''re quite bold," Han Meng spoke slowly, "Tell me, what is your purpose?" These words fell on Chen Ling''s ears like thunder! He found out?! No...


    it''s impossible...


    the one I fought with last night was the Red Paper Monster, and he never saw my face from start to finish! How could he recognize me at a glance? "Huh?" Chen Ling''s eyes were full of confusion, "Captain Han Meng...


    what are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Do you not understand my meaning?¡±


    ¡°...I don''t understand.¡±


    ¡°Where were you last night?¡±


    ¡°I was at home sleeping.¡±


    ¡°And before that?¡±


    ¡°I was practicing opera in the wilderness with my younger brother.¡±


    ¡°Your brother was practicing opera, what were you doing?¡±


    ¡°He''s timid, he wanted me to accompany him.¡±


    ¡°What piece were you practicing?¡±


    ¡°''Farewell My Concubine''.¡±


    ¡°What is the last line of dialogue?¡±


    ¡°...Oh no!¡±


    ¡°And the second to last line?¡±


    ¡°...As I see it!" Han Meng''s questioning speed was incredibly fast, leaving no time for Chen Ling to react.


    As Chen Ling answered, cold sweat dripped down his back, and by the time he reached the last three questions, he almost couldn''t resist turning and running away.


    Chen Ling had never been exposed to the world of drama, so he didn''t know what plays there were.


    He could only bravely mention the one he was most familiar with from his past life...


    he could only gamble that Han Meng didn''t actually understand drama! As for the lines, that was indeed not a problem for Chen Ling.


    In his past life, there were often Peking opera performances at the theater, and he had heard ''Farewell My Concubine'' at least twenty times.


    He still remembered the scene where Xiang Yu turned around and found Yu Ji committing suicide very clearly.


    As it turned out, Chen Ling had bet correctly.


    After asking the last question, Han Meng stared directly at Chen Ling, his eyes seeming to see through his heart...


    after a few seconds of silence, Han Meng slowly spoke: "Oh, I may have made a mistake." This guy, he''s really trying to deceive me! It seems that the blow to the head last night was too light! Chen Ling took a deep breath, "Captain Han Meng, if there''s nothing else, I''ll go back first.¡±


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    ¡°Wait." Han Meng stopped Chen Ling, "Which street were you assigned to?¡±


    ¡°...Ice Spring Street, District 2.¡±


    ¡°Don''t go home first...


    go straight there.¡±


    ¡°Huh? Didn''t they say we have three hours to prepare...¡±


    ¡°This is an order." With just four simple words, Han Meng shut down all of Chen Ling''s words.


    Chen Ling and Han Meng faced each other in the cold wind, their robes and coats fluttering, the world falling into a dead silence...


    After who knows how long, Chen Ling slowly spoke, "I understand...¡±


    ¡°It should take no more than two hours to get from here to Ice Spring Street in District 2.


    Two hours later, I will confirm whether you have arrived there or not...


    do you understand?" Chen Ling gritted his teeth, "My legs are tired, it might take a bit longer.¡±


    ¡°I''ll call a carriage for you.¡±


    ¡°..." If you need the full translation, please let me know.Han Meng calmly replied, "On the night when the Grey Boundary intersected, Li Xiuchun and Chen Tan went to the Disorderly Burial Mound in the rain, saying they wanted to pay respects to their son...


    The next day, disaster struck their home, killing two law enforcement officers who were following them, but spared the two of them...


    And during this process, the two brothers of the Chen family happened to be away from home, with no alibi.¡±


    ¡°But paying respects to their son has already been explained, many years ago they had a child who died young...¡±


    ¡°You''re missing the point.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°The point is not about paying respects to their son, but about going to pay respects in the early hours of the morning, braving a rare heavy rainstorm in the Aurora Realm for ten years...


    Do you think a child who died young without much emotional attachment is worth them doing this?¡±


    ¡°Well..." Jiang Qin was speechless.


    "The child who died young, as well as the opera singing practice, are all Chen Ling''s one-sided claims, without any evidence." Han Meng patted Jiang Qin''s shoulder, "As law enforcement officers, we need to use our own eyes to see, not just rely on what we hear.¡±


    ¡°...I understand, Meng-ge.¡±


    ¡°If you understand, then come with me to 128 Frost Street.¡±


    ¡°What for?¡±


    ¡°I''ve already sent Chen Ling away...


    All that''s left is to interrogate Chen Yan." Han Meng''s eyes narrowed slightly.


    ...


    Knock, knock, knock...


    The rhythmic pounding of a hammer slowly drove the nails into the wall.


    As the wooden boards were neatly laid out on the wall, the original large hole was gradually repaired.


    Chen Yan wiped the sweat off his face, secured the final piece of wood in place, and then sat panting in a chair.


    He turned to look at the living room, only to see the man with silver wire glasses curiously examining the newly laid wooden boards, lost in thought.


    "No one even offered to help..." Chen Yan muttered under his breath.


    Chen Yan didn''t really want to let this man into his home, but he held his brother''s handwritten letter, making him a legitimate guest.


    However, why had his brother never mentioned having a friend in Aurora City? After Chen Yan finished his work, the man stood up slowly, walked to the tightly fitted wooden board, and asked in amazement, "How did you do this...?¡±


    ¡°Repairing a house isn''t difficult, my brother used to build wooden houses with me when I was a kid...


    even though they were for birds." Chen Yan proudly raised his head, "I heard that people in Aurora City are very delicate, they shouldn''t have such good carpentry skills, right?" Just as the man was about to say something, a hurried knocking on the door was heard.


    "Law enforcement, open up for questioning immediately!" Upon hearing these words, Chen Yan''s face turned pale in an instant.


    He didn''t know why the law enforcement suddenly came knocking, but his intuition told him that their visit at this time was definitely not a good sign...


    Chen Yan quickly told the man, "When they come, say there''s no one at home." With that, he immediately hid in the bedroom, concealing his presence.


    "Law enforcement..." The man frowned slightly, hesitated for a moment, then went to open the door.


    Behind the door stood Han Meng and Jiang Qin.


    Seeing a stranger opening the door, Jiang Qin was puzzled and asked after looking at the doorplate, "Strange...


    did we get the wrong address?" Han Meng''s eyes slightly narrowed upon seeing the man, "What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°I thought it was someone else...


    turns out it''s you." The man smiled, pushed up his silver wire glasses, and casually said, "I should have realized earlier, the Third District is your territory." Seeing the two of them chatting, Jiang Qin leaned in and asked Han Meng softly, "Meng-ge, who is he?¡±


    ¡°Aurora City, Divine Doctor Chu Muyun.¡±

 Chapter 20 The Integrator

    "He should go back to find Chen Yan." The yellow sedan moved forward on the gravel road, with Chen Ling sitting in the car, his face extremely serious.


    He didn''t know which link went wrong, causing Han Meng to suspect him so quickly, even willing to pay out of his own pocket to send him away and question Chen Yan alone.


    But the problem was, all his routes were blocked now.


    Even if he went back to find Chen Yan, not to mention whether he could arrive home faster than the enforcers, once he left the yellow sedan, Han Meng would soon know, and then it would be difficult to clear his suspicion.


    Next, it would depend on how Chen Yan handled it...


    However, Chen Ling had already made up his mind.


    Once his identity was exposed, he would escape directly from District Two, after all, it would take time for Han Meng to rush over from District Three.


    As for Chen Yan, he was an ordinary person, unaware of his identity as an integrator, and he didn''t even know what an integrator was...


    Even if something happened to him, he wouldn''t be implicated.


    "Brother, you said you have no money." The man pulling the cart turned around and said, "Even Han Meng, the enforcer, reimbursed your travel expenses.


    Your identity is not simple.¡±


    ¡°Hehe, indeed not simple." The image of Han Meng appeared in Chen Ling''s mind, feeling a surge of anger in his chest, then asked, "How much longer?¡±


    ¡°Almost there, probably another ten minutes.¡±


    ¡°No need to hurry, go around this street a few more times.¡±


    ¡°...Huh?¡±


    ¡°Just run if I tell you to run, anyway, he pays based on the kilometers you run." Chen Ling sneered, "He has a lot of money, right? I''ll spend it for him...¡±


    ¡°So, so I really ran?¡±


    ¡°Run to where there are many people, let people see you, so he can''t deny the bill.¡±


    ¡°Got it!" The man pulled Chen Ling like this, running around the busiest street in District Two more than ten times.


    It was clear that the man was very excited, as just the extra distance he ran was enough for him to have clients for two or three days.


    When Chen Ling got off the cart, the man''s mouth was stretched to his ears, wishing he could bow down to this god of wealth on the spot.


    Since he was the only one "forced to leave," Wu Youdong would take a few more hours to arrive, so Chen Ling had to go to Ice Spring Street alone and meet up with the enforcers patrolling there in District Two.


    As soon as he arrived at Ice Spring Street, Chen Ling frowned.


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    The yellow caution tape almost sealed off the entire street, with a lingering smell of blood in the air.


    The low, dilapidated buildings on both sides were empty, with no one in sight, only a few crimson bloodstains splattered on the white walls, a chilling sight.


    Chen Ling bent down and crossed the caution tape, stepping on broken stones as if a ferocious beast had appeared here, slaughtering the entire street.


    "This is..." Chen Ling''s eyes showed confusion.


    In the distance, several figures in black and red uniforms were moving among the ruins.


    When they saw Chen Ling stepping into the caution tape, they walked straight towards him.


    "Are you the reserve from District Three? Why are you here so early?" Chen Ling handed over his deployment order, pushing all the blame onto Han Meng, saying he asked him to leave as soon as possible.


    The enforcer nodded, "It''s good that you came early, we happen to be short of manpower...


    I''m Qian Fan, currently in charge of Ice Spring Street as the enforcer, you''ll be working with me for the next two days.¡±


    ¡°Okay." Chen Ling paused, "Fan, what exactly happened here?¡±


    ¡°Haven''t you heard?" Qian Fan asked in surprise, "The night before last...


    that is, the day of the convergence of the Gray Realm, a disaster ran into District Two and killed half the street." Chen Ling was stunned, "The night before last?¡±


    ¡°Yes." Qian Fan nodded, "Didn''t your enforcer Ma Zhong from District Three tell you? This time, during the convergence of the Gray Realm, it''s very likely that two disasters emerged...


    one Level Five, one Level Three." The one that appeared in your three districts was only level five, but it seems to have weak destructive power and caused very few casualties...


    The level three in our second district, although not high in level, has a strong killing intent...¡± Hearing this, Chen Ling''s brain couldn''t keep up.


    He always thought that the only disaster that came out of the gray realm was the one in his mind...


    But now another one appeared? "What about that level three? Was it caught?¡±


    ¡°If it was caught, why do we need so many people here?" Qian Fan sighed, "After killing people, that disaster disappeared...


    But law enforcers witnessed its departure direction, it should have gone to the back mountain." Back mountain...


    Chen Ling remembered that the back mountain was between the second and third districts.


    "You said these two disasters are strange...


    Usually, after a disaster causes a big commotion, it will be caught soon, partly because of its large size, and partly because they can''t control their urge to continue killing...


    But this time, the two disasters disappeared at the same time, as if they evaporated from the earth!" Chen Ling''s heart moved, and he casually asked, "I heard that there are people called...


    fusionists?¡±


    ¡°Fusionists..." Qian Fan shook his head, "Do you think it''s easy for disasters to fuse with humans? To fuse with a disaster and survive, you must meet three conditions...


    First, you must ensure that the disaster does not kill you, just this one condition is enough to eliminate 99% of disasters, after all, most disasters lack self-control.


    You can say that you first bring it to the brink of death, but the next problem is that you must ensure that your physique is compatible with it...


    This is unpredictable.


    A human and a disaster are not the same species.


    The chances of the two fitting together are as slim as picking up a stone and finding that the natural pattern on the stone happens to be your name.


    Even if you are really lucky and meet the first two conditions, you must also ensure that you will not be tormented to madness by the other party''s will after fusing with the disaster...


    As far as I know, most fusionists are lunatics and don''t live for more than a few years." Chen Ling asked, "So, according to you, the probability of fusionists appearing is close to zero?¡±


    ¡°That''s right." Qian Fan nodded, "But I heard that some fusionists are already researching methods to increase the success rate of fusion...


    I don''t know the specifics of how far they have progressed." Originally, Chen Ling always thought he was a fusionist, but after hearing Qian Fan''s description, he felt something was off...


    His connection with the "audience" was entirely based on the theater, and there seemed to be no fusion process as he described...


    Although these "audiences" did occasionally drive him crazy.


    At the same time, a thought flashed through Chen Ling''s mind.


    Since he didn''t count as a fusionist...


    Is it possible that he could also master a...


    divine communication path of his own?

 Chapter 21 Peace Symbol

    "In short, your task for the next two days is to search this street, see if there are any disaster hairs under the abandoned ruins, or other unusual things...¡±


    ¡°Unusual things?¡±


    ¡°The power of disaster can affect the surrounding reality environment, how it specifically affects varies with the disaster...


    Some disasters just standing there will distort everything nearby, some disasters will cause fires, and it is said that even more bizarrely, they can control humans...


    We call this kind of influence ''disaster domain''.¡±


    ¡°The higher the level of a disaster, the higher the destructive power and range of the disaster domain.


    Overall, we classify all current disasters into levels one to nine, but each level will have some aliases to visually represent their destructive power.


    Just like a level nine disaster...


    We usually call it ''World Destruction''.¡±


    ¡°World Destruction..." Chen Ling was stunned, "So a level nine disaster can really destroy the world?¡±


    ¡°Although it has an element of exaggeration, it is not far from true world destruction...


    It is said that a world destruction level disaster has the power to completely extinguish a human realm." Qian Fan seemed to have realized something, lowered his voice and said, "Don''t you know?¡±


    ¡°Know what?¡±


    ¡°Actually, the one that came out of your Zone Three the night before last...


    was a ''World Destruction''.¡±


    ¡°!!!" Chen Ling''s face turned pale instantly.


    "Haha, I was just kidding with you." Seeing Chen Ling''s reaction, Qian Fan smiled and patted his shoulder, "I heard that the disaster pointer in your Zone Three did explode, usually only when ''World Destruction'' arrives does this happen...


    But no matter how you think about it, it''s impossible, right? It''s been almost a hundred years since the last ''World Destruction'' arrived, and if it were really ''World Destruction'', Zone Three would have been extinguished in the first instance, how could it have survived until now?


    So, I guess there is a disaster that happens to affect the disaster pointer.


    Didn''t your Han Meng enforcers fight it yesterday? It was confirmed to be a level five disaster, not a world destruction...


    So, relax." Qian Fan stood with his hands on his hips, his face full of smiles.


    But Chen Ling couldn''t smile.


    As the "culprit" who beat up Han Meng, Qian Fan''s "level five" disaster, he knew exactly what was going on.


    If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    The "level five" that Han Meng encountered was not really a "level five"...


    It was simply because at that time, the ''audience expectation value'' happened to be stuck at 14%-15%, and the ''audience'' who seized the stage were relatively the combat power of a level five disaster.


    And Chen Ling clearly remembered that the number of ''audience'' that ran out at that time was less than one percent of the entire audience...


    What if the ''audience'' collectively fled? Does that mean...


    a complete ''World Destruction'' will come? Thinking of this, Chen Ling broke out in a cold sweat.


    He had thought that the disasters in the ''audience seats'' would be strong, but he didn''t expect them to be this strong...


    It was a super disaster with the ability to ''destroy the world''! "Alright, you better get to work." Qian Fan said contentedly.


    "...Okay." As Qian Fan left, Chen Ling was left alone on the street of ruins.


    He took a deep breath, temporarily suppressing the fear in his heart, and began to search in the rubble...


    No matter what level the ''audience'' was, they seemed to have to abide by the rules of the theater, as long as Chen Ling always maintained the ''audience expectation value'' above 20%, nothing would go wrong.


    [Audience Expectation Value -1] [Current Expectation Value: 32%] Two lines of characters were outlined in the rubble, then disappeared in an instant.


    Since entering the law enforcement as an undercover agent, the audience''s expectations have increased by 10% in one breath.


    However, as time passed, it continued to decline at a stable rate.


    At the current speed, if he does nothing, he will drop back to 20% in a maximum of 36 hours.


    In the following time, Chen Ling carefully searched in the ruins, but after a few hours passed, he still did not find any clues or traces left by the ''disaster domain''.


    To be honest, Chen Ling was also very curious about what exactly the disaster that ran out with his "audience" was.


    "Chen Ling!" A voice came from not far away, and Chen Ling, who was seriously searching for clues, looked up to see his close friend Wu Youdong walking towards him.


    "I heard they said you came early this morning?" Wu Youdong was sweating profusely, most likely walking all the way from Zone Three on foot.


    "How come you''re here so fast? Didn''t you go home?¡±


    ¡°No, something came up.¡±


    ¡°Related to your brother?" Upon hearing this, Chen Ling suddenly raised his head, "What did you say?¡±


    ¡°Oh, when I passed by your house just now...


    I saw Captain Han Meng right there, saying he was looking for your brother." Wu Youdong wiped his sweat and couldn''t help but sigh, "But brother, your house is even worse than mine...


    Are all the rooms full of holes?" Chen Ling directly ignored Wu Youdong''s teasing and asked again, "Did Han Meng come to question my brother?¡±


    ¡°No, there was a tall man with silver-rimmed glasses standing in the house talking to him.


    I didn''t hear exactly what was said, but after a few words, Captain Han Meng left...


    without entering the house." A tall man with silver-rimmed glasses? Chen Ling was stunned for a moment, a thought suddenly flashed through his mind...


    he had actually forgotten about this! He had sent a message to Aurora City before, intending to have the "doctor" come and treat him, but with so much happening these days, it had completely slipped his mind...


    now it seemed that the "doctor" had come as promised to treat him.


    However, wasn''t Zone Three sealed off? How did he get in? Various doubts flashed through Chen Ling''s mind, and he urgently wanted to go home and see what had happened.


    "I won''t tell you for now.


    My task is to relocate the surviving residents of Bingquan Street, and there are a lot of things to do." Wu Youdong glanced at the time, bid farewell to Chen Ling, and hurriedly left.


    Since Han Meng was sent away, there should be no chance to interrogate Chen Yan, and the house should still be safe...


    Chen Ling thought to himself as he quickly walked towards Qian Fan and the others.


    The "doctor" was a completely unknown entity to Chen Ling, and he dared not let Chen Yan and the other person be alone for too long.


    He had to go home, right away.


    Creak¡ª Chen Ling took a step and crushed a piece of brick in the ruins.


    He looked down and saw a faint red color being pressed under the debris.


    Chen Ling furrowed his brows slightly, bent down to brush away the debris, and the outline of that red color gradually became clear...


    as he saw the full appearance of that thing, his pupils contracted sharply.


    It was a broken amulet.


    In the corner of the amulet, two small characters were embroidered¡ª Chen Yan.

 Chapter 22 Chu Muyun

    "Is it already this late..." Chu Muyun sat at the door, lowered his head to look at his pocket watch, and let out a long sigh.


    "Why hasn''t my brother come back yet?" Chen Yan leaned on his cheek, sitting next to Chu Muyun, also looking at the street outside the door.


    The dim yellow sunset gradually sank below the horizon, and the blue aurora in the sky became clearer...


    The two of them sat in a row like this, the cold wind blowing through the cracks in the wooden boards, causing the kerosene lamp on the table to sway unsteadily.


    Finally, at the end of the street where the aurora was surging, a figure gradually became clear.


    "He''s back!" Chen Yan immediately sat up and waved to the figure in the distance, "Brother!!" Chen Ling dragged his tired body slowly towards home, he saw the two people sitting at the door, squinted his eyes, but still waved back to Chen Yan at the first moment.


    Chu Muyun was stunned, stood up from the ground with his hands on his knees, politely smiled and waved.


    "You are...¡±


    ¡°You must be Mr.


    Chen Ling, right?" Chu Muyun pushed up his silver-rimmed glasses, "I am Chu Muyun, a [doctor] from Aurora City.¡±


    ¡°Oh...


    hello." Chen Ling shook hands with him, "Have you been waiting for me for a long time?¡±


    ¡°Not too long.¡±


    ¡°It''s been a while." Chen Yan immediately spoke up, "You just left this morning, and he arrived, then he has been sitting in the living room until now...¡±


    ¡°He came this morning? Didn''t you pour him some water?¡±


    ¡°I did...


    but he didn''t drink it himself." Chen Ling''s gaze shifted away from Chen Yan, looking apologetically at Chu Muyun, "Dr.


    Chu, I''m really sorry to have you come all this way and wait for me for so long...


    actually, my illness has already been cured, so how about I treat you to dinner tonight and send you back tomorrow?" Initially, Chen Ling was scared by the audience, so he sought help from a doctor, but now he didn''t think he was sick, nor did he believe that anyone could cure him...


    Can a "world-ending" level disaster be solved by any doctor who comes along? Not to mention there is a mysterious theater that can suppress the "world-ending" disaster.


    If Chu Muyun stays here, not only will he not be able to cure himself, but over time, he might even discover the disaster in his mind.


    Chu Muyun was stunned.


    He looked at Chen Ling for a while, hesitated, and then spoke: "Well...


    Mr.


    Chen, often times, the body does not realize it is sick, you may feel better now, but in reality, you are not.


    Perhaps, you need me to give you a detailed examination.¡±


    The narrative has been taken without permission. Report any sightings.


    ¡°No, I don''t need it." Chen Ling''s refusal this time was very firm.


    After all, he doesn''t even have a heart now...


    let Chu Muyun examine him? Wouldn''t that be equivalent to exposing his identity?! Chu Muyun:...


    "Dr.


    Chu, you came all the way from Aurora City, I am very grateful...


    but I really don''t need an examination or treatment now." Chen Ling realized that his attitude was a bit off and immediately added sincerely.


    "...Alright." Chu Muyun sighed, "But, I may not be able to go back now.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°District Three is completely sealed off, no one is allowed in or out, don''t you know?¡±


    ¡°...Then how did you get in?¡±


    ¡°I have a friend among the enforcers, I asked him to let me in." Chu Muyun smiled helplessly, "But you know, it''s easy to get in...


    but it''s not so easy to get out." The enforcers sealed off District Three with the intention of preventing the disaster from escaping, after all, some disasters are very small in size, they can hide in human backpacks or even merge with humans...


    In any case, the difficulty of getting in and out is not on the same level.


    This point is well understood by Chen Ling, who has joined the enforcers'' reserve.


    "This..." Chen Ling was a bit embarrassed.


    Chu Muyun came from Aurora City specifically to treat him, and he didn''t ask for any fees, saying it was not an exaggeration to do charity...


    Now that he has come, he can''t go back home, and he can''t just turn his face and drive him out of the house and let him wander on the street, right? "Brother, I feel he is not a bad person," Chen Yan timely spoke up, "Today that Han Meng law enforcement officer came, and he was very fierce, he helped me drive the person away." Hearing this, Chen Ling''s eyes lit up slightly.


    "Can I ask a question?¡±


    ¡°You ask." Chu Muyun nodded.


    "Today Han Meng came, how did you get him to leave?¡±


    ¡°Oh, I just told him that there was no one at home, and it is very impolite to enter someone else''s residence without the owner''s permission.¡±


    ¡°But he is a law enforcement officer, law enforcement officers have the right to search houses." Chen Ling didn''t believe that the tough guy could leave so easily.


    "I speak, he listens more." Chu Muyun replied lightly, "A few years ago, I saved his life...


    twice.¡±


    ¡°...I understand." Chen Ling nodded, "So before the unsealing of Zone Three, you can stay here first, but I have a condition.¡±


    ¡°What condition?¡±


    ¡°Without my permission, you cannot perform any form of examination on me...


    my brother either.¡±


    ¡°Okay." Chu Muyun pushed his silver-rimmed glasses lightly and agreed decisively.


    Chen Ling returned home and found that the original hole had been filled with wooden boards, although there was still a bit of wind leaking in occasionally, it was much better than the open air of last night.


    He turned back and saw Chen Yan with his hands behind his back, bowing his head slightly, as if waiting for his praise.


    "Thanks to you." Chen Ling patted his head, "Otherwise, tonight we would have to sleep in the open air again.¡±


    ¡°Actually, there are still some gaps that haven''t been filled...


    I''ll get some clay from the back mountain tomorrow and paste it up." Chen Yan said somewhat embarrassedly.


    Chu Muyun walked in and saw this scene, smiling, "You brothers have a good relationship.¡±


    ¡°Of course." Chen Yan pouted.


    "You also look quite alike.¡±


    ¡°Do we?" Chen Ling glanced at Chen Yan, "Actually, it''s not bad, after all, we are not biological brothers...


    but living together for a long time, we do become more alike.¡±


    ¡°I think you look quite alike." Chen Yan answered seriously.


    "By the way, that side is your room, the environment is a bit simple, don''t mind." Chen Ling took out the room that originally belonged to the Chen couple and said to Chu Muyun.


    "It''s okay, I''m not picky." Chen Yan watched this scene in the living room, a hint of complexity flashing in his eyes.


    Next, Chen Ling personally went to the kitchen to prepare dinner for the three of them...


    after a day of hard work and running around, he was also very hungry, fortunately, he had honed his cooking skills when he was a corporate slave in his previous life, and he could still support himself in this different world.


    Half an hour later, the hot dishes were ready, and the aroma made Chen Yan and Chu Muyun sitting at the table salivate.


    "Mr.


    Chen''s cooking skills are really good." Chu Muyun took a bite of the potato slice and couldn''t help but sigh, "Much better than most restaurants in Aurora City.¡±


    ¡°Just call me Chen Ling." Chen Ling ate while secretly assessing Chu Muyun.


    From his attire and demeanor, he was a typical intellectual, whether speaking or eating, he was gentle and refined, giving people a comfortable feeling as if a refreshing breeze had passed by.


    Chen Ling had never seen this kind of temperament in Zone Three or Zone Two...


    indeed, people from Aurora City were different.


    Suddenly, Chen Ling seemed to remember something, "Dr.


    Chu.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°How much do you know about the path of communicating with spirits?¡±

 Chapter 23 Divine Favor

    Upon hearing this, Chu Muyun''s eyes flashed with a hint of surprise.


    "What? Are you also interested in the Divine Path?¡±


    ¡°I am somewhat interested, and I plan to become an enforcer next, so...¡±


    ¡°Enforcer." Chu Muyun nodded, "So, you intend to follow the ''War God Path''?¡±


    ¡°I suppose...


    Enforcers, can they only follow the ''War God Path''?¡±


    ¡°Who said that?" Chu Muyun chuckled lightly, "Enforcers, or rather, the majority of enforcers are on the ''War God Path'' because it is the only Divine Path controlled by the Aurora Realm.


    However, among the enforcers in Aurora City, there are also other Divine Paths'' Divine Favorers,'' who can also become enforcers.¡±


    ¡°I don''t have any special talents, maybe I don''t even have a chance to become a ''Divine Favorer.''" Chen Ling sighed, "Most likely, I can only wait three years after becoming an enforcer and try my luck at the ''Ancient War Treasury''...¡±


    ¡°Brother, who says you don''t have talent!" Chen Yan immediately put down his chopsticks and said seriously, "You are so amazing, you must have many of those...


    divine paths, fighting over you!" Chen Ling smiled bitterly.


    Chen Ling was telling the truth...


    since the previous life, he had been a drop of water submerged in the ordinary tide.


    When he was young, his parents did force him to learn some music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, but he did not excel in any of them.


    After growing up, he forgot everything, his academic performance was average, his physical fitness was poor, he was the type who might know a little about everything but was not really good at anything, just an ordinary person.


    This life''s Chen Ling was the same.


    The ordinariness of two lives combined, Chen Ling did not think he had the potential to be chosen by the Divine Path...


    "Talent is indeed unpredictable." Chu Muyun pondered and said, "Some people may possess certain talents but have not shown them yet.


    Perhaps, at the right time, they will be revealed...¡±


    ¡°So, how can one know if they have talent for the War God Path?¡±


    ¡°It''s simple." Chu Muyun''s smile gradually faded, and in a very indifferent tone, he said, "You will know by killing...


    If killing one is not enough, then kill ten, kill a hundred...


    If after killing a thousand, the War God Path still does not favor you, then you can be sure you do not have this talent." Chen Ling''s chopsticks paused, and the living room fell into silence.


    "Just kidding." Chu Muyun laughed, as if melting ice and snow, a warm breeze swept over the dining table again, "If you don''t kill, then you can only enter the ancient treasury...


    Three years may be long, but you are young and can wait." Killing...


    Chen Ling looked at the rice in his bowl, recalling the night when the Red Paper Monster killed two enforcers, he suddenly felt nauseous.


    Chen Ling was an ordinary person, even though he had killed countless people in games in his previous life and had seen many bloody movies, when it came to actually raising a knife to kill someone, he still dared not...


    The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.


    He could not cross the bottom line in his heart, the bottom line established by reason and kindness.


    "Then what is the ''Path''?" Chen Ling remembered the ''Slaughter Dance'' he drew from Han Meng, which came from the War God Path''s "Judgment" Path, but he was not sure what the Path was.


    "You also know about the ''Path''?" Chu Muyun looked at him in surprise, "


    Let me put it this way, if becoming a god is likened to a mountain climbing path, then besides the main road, there will also be ''trails,'' the Divine Path is the main road, and the ''Path'' is the extension based on each person''s character and talents.


    For example, Han Meng, he is relatively stubborn and has a sense of justice, he is on the ''Judgment'' Path...


    Correspondingly, the abilities he gains when ascending different ranks may be different from other paths, more personalized." Chen Ling pondered, "How many paths are there on one Divine Path?""This is uncertain.


    Some god paths have more followers, so naturally there will be more paths explored, like the path of the God of War.


    As far as I know, there are seven different ''paths,'' but for some more obscure god paths, there may only be a few paths.¡±


    ¡°Dr.


    Chu, are you also an owner of a god path?" Chen Ling, thinking of Dr.


    Lin''s evaluation of him, asked in confusion.


    "Yes," Chu Muyun admitted openly, "I walk the ''Medical God Path.''¡°


    ¡°Medical God Path? Is the ancient medical path also in the Aurora Realm?" The moment this question was asked, Chen Ling realized, and opened his mouth in astonishment, "You...


    are a ''God Patron''?" Chu Muyun smiled without saying a word.


    Although Chen Ling had long guessed that Chu Muyun walked the medical god path, he did not expect the other party to be a ''God Patron''...


    Isn''t this thing supposed to be very rare? How did he encounter it so easily? "What does it feel like to become a ''God Patron''?" Chen Ling couldn''t help but ask.


    Chu Muyun pondered, "Hmm...


    it''s hard to describe, but it''s probably like suddenly feeling transcendent in an instant, as if there is a gaze looking at you in the dark...


    and then, the environment around you changes, and a path leading to the void god path automatically appears in front of you...¡±


    ¡°God path? Is it a real existing path? Not an illusion?¡±


    ¡°It''s real, at least at that moment it is real, but before you step on it, it will float in the sky, constantly swaying, like...


    like..." Chu Muyun couldn''t find a suitable adjective for a moment.


    "Like a ribbon?" Chen Yan, who was eating with his head down, suddenly spoke up.


    "A ribbon?" Chen Ling looked at him in surprise.


    "Yes, a ribbon." Chu Muyun''s eyes lit up, continuing, "And then, the moment you step on it, it solidifies, and then disappears...


    although you can''t see it, it will always exist within you." Chen Ling looked at Chen Yan in confusion, and the latter lowered his head, whispering, "I just heard his description...


    casually.¡±


    ¡°...Alright." Chen Ling sighed, "I hope I will also have the day to step on the god path."


    After finishing the meal, Chen Yan voluntarily rolled up his sleeves to wash the dishes, while Chu Muyun took out a book from somewhere, sat by the kerosene lamp, and read by the dim light, sometimes frowning, sometimes puzzled, lost in thought.


    As the night grew darker, the three of them each retired to their rooms.


    Chen Ling was the last to leave.


    He blew out the candles on the table, and as the flame flickered, he immediately plunged into darkness...


    His gaze turned to Chen Yan''s room.


    Chen Ling walked slowly to the door of Chen Yan''s room, took out a broken peace charm from his pocket, and was about to knock on the door when his fingers froze in mid-air.


    ["After I woke up from the surgery, I have been waiting in the hospital for you to come pick me up...


    then, I heard someone outside saying that a ''world-ending'' level disaster was invading, and I was very worried about you all.


    ["I took advantage of the hospital staff not paying attention, sneaked out, and was about to go home to find you, but then I saw you being hung on a monster..."] ["It seems that the enforcers'' manpower is insufficient, they only sealed off the outer areas of Districts Two and Three, but there are not many people stationed between the two districts, so I sneaked over."] ["Brother, aren''t we running away?"] ["Brother, it''s not a big deal to turn into a monster, as long as...


    you are still you."] ["That doctor seems very powerful, I recovered quickly."] ["I don''t know...


    maybe I lost it when I ran back."] Chen Yan''s words kept flashing in his mind, and Chen Ling''s fingers clenched tighter...


    he looked at the peace charm in his hand, his eyes full of confusion and bewilderment.


    Since finding this peace charm in the ruins of Ice Spring Street, Chen Ling''s heart has been on edge, even though he walked back for two hours, he kept thinking about this matter...


    Upon careful consideration, from Chen Yan''s appearance until now, many things simply cannot be explained." The timing and location of his appearance were really too coincidental...


    Can a teenager who has just undergone a heart transplant surgery really break through the law enforcement blockade and walk for more than two hours to the back mountain? Or...


    is he no longer human?

 Chapter 24 Poker

    "Wait! Why did he use "also"? Chen Yan is Chen Yan, not something else wearing his skin.


    Chen Ling can be sure of this.


    Since the same gray catastrophe has come, since the "audience" can merge with oneself...


    then why can''t the other catastrophe that comes merge with humanity? But all of this is Chen Ling''s speculation...


    What the truth is, perhaps only he knows if he asks him personally.


    Just as Chen Ling hesitated whether to knock on the door, the door was opened from the inside.


    "Brother." Chen Yan rubbed his eyes, "What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°...I have something to ask you." Chen Yan was about to say something, looked at Chu Muyun''s room opposite, pulled Chen Ling into the room, and closed the door.


    "A Yan, I''ll just ask directly." Chen Ling looked at him seriously, "The one who bloodied Bingquan Street...


    was it you?" Chen Yan''s body shook, seeing the peace symbol fragment in Chen Ling''s hand, he silently lowered his head.


    "...Yes." Seeing Chen Yan admit so straightforwardly, Chen Ling, who was about to continue persuading him, was stunned.


    "Really you?" Chen Ling asked again, "So, have you also merged with the catastrophe?¡±


    ¡°...I don''t know, I woke up and was already standing there.¡±


    ¡°Did you also lose a memory?¡±


    ¡°Yes." Chen Ling frowned slightly.


    He believed that Chen Yan would not lie to him, and even he himself was in this situation...


    inexplicably crossing, inexplicably having the "audience" in his mind, and when he woke up, he was already back home.


    "But the intersection of the gray world was not in the back mountain, right? You should have been in surgery at the time...


    why were you also affected?¡±


    ¡°I don''t know." Chen Yan shook his head again, "I just remember the doctor gave me anesthesia, and when I woke up, I was on Bingquan Street...I was very scared, so I hid in the back mountain, and when I came out again, I saw my brother crawling out of that monster..."


    Hearing this, Chen Ling connected the dots.


    But why Chen Yan was affected by the intersection of the gray world was still a question...


    Could it be that when that catastrophe entered District Two, it happened to encounter Chen Yan on the operating table?


    And then merged? Chen Ling didn''t quite understand this "merging" process, and he couldn''t think of anything else.


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    "I understand." Chen Ling nodded, "You stay at home these days, don''t go anywhere, understand? I''ll handle other things." Chen Yan hesitated to speak.


    "What''s wrong?¡±


    ¡°I...


    I wanted to take a look at Mom and Dad..." Chen Ling was stunned, after a long silence, he spoke softly, "Let me clear your suspicion first, and when things calm down, I''ll take you to see them, okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay." Chen Yan obediently nodded.


    "Stay away from Chu Muyun these days, don''t let him touch you, and talk to him less.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°If Han Meng comes to you again and asks you some questions, just answer like this...¡±


    ¡°Okay." After instructing Chen Yan, Chen Ling turned and left.


    Chen Yan gently locked the door and lay down on the hard plank bed...


    He turned his head to look out the window, and in his chestnut-colored eyes, there was a reflection of the blue aurora in the sky.


    Suddenly, at the end of the aurora sky, a faint red light lit up, like a cinnabar-like star.


    "Here it comes again." Chen Yan murmured to himself.


    As the cinnabar-like star shone brighter, a dreamlike road extended from nothingness, connecting directly to the head of Chen Yan''s bed...


    The road floated and swayed between the star and him, like a soft satin ribbon.


    Chen Yan lay on the bed, calmly watching this divine path, which was an olive branch thrown to him by a god.


    After a moment, he slowly raised his hand, grabbed the elusive ribbon...


    And then, he squeezed it hard! Bang - A faint sound lingered in Chen Yan''s ears, as he crushed the divine path with one hand, turning it into scattered dust that dissipated into nothingness.


    At the same time, the vermilion star in the sky quickly dimmed.


    He rejected the divine favor.


    Chen Yan opened his palm, revealing a thumb-sized fragment of the divine path lying quietly in his hand, resembling cinnabar glass.


    He casually opened the drawer by the bedside, threw the cinnabar glass fragment inside, and locked it shut.


    In the dark drawer, over thirty identical cinnabar glass fragments faintly shimmered.


    ...


    Morning.


    Chen Ling got up early to wash up.


    Today, there was no "kind person" to reimburse his travel expenses, so he had to walk to Bingquan Street, which would take over four hours round trip.


    Therefore, he had to get up early and return late compared to other trainee enforcers.


    To his surprise, Chu Muyun seemed to have gotten up even earlier than him.


    As Chen Ling entered the living room, he saw Chu Muyun sitting at the table in a casual shirt and knitted vest, holding an ancient medical book and studying it intently, occasionally pushing his glasses up.


    It was as if he was not in a drafty old living room but in an elegant caf¨¦ in Aurora City.


    Seeing Chen Ling get up, he smiled and put down the book.


    "Good morning.¡±


    ¡°Morning." Chen Ling replied casually and hurriedly left to have breakfast at Zhao''s breakfast shop across the street.


    Since the last time he informed Uncle Zhao, he felt a bit guilty, so he visited their house every morning to give Uncle Zhao some business...


    As for Zhao Yi, he had been grounded by Uncle Zhao for a week and had not left the house yet.


    After Chen Ling left, Chu Muyun slowly put down the book.


    He stood up and walked straight to Chen Ling''s room, his footsteps on the old floorboards making no sound...


    like a ghost.


    Chu Muyun walked to Chen Ling''s bedside, his eyes behind the lenses slightly narrowed.


    He put on white gloves, took out a pair of tweezers from his pocket, collected the scattered hairs and tiny skin flakes on the pillow, and put them in a brown empty bottle.


    After doing all this, he quietly left the room, waved his hand lightly, and a breeze swept across the floor, erasing all traces of his footprints.


    Instead of returning to his room, he walked out of the house, crossed several streets, and arrived at the entrance of a run-down convenience store.


    Ding-a-ling - As he pushed open the store door, a clear bell rang.


    "What do you want to buy?" A woman sitting at the counter lazily yawned and asked casually.


    "I want to buy a thread of hope." Upon hearing this answer, the woman''s gaze instantly froze.


    The previous laziness disappeared completely, replaced by cold and sharp eyes as she stared at Chu Muyun, and asked in a slow voice, "Show me your identity."


    Chu Muyun lightly raised his fingertip, and a white playing card appeared magically in his hand, which he placed face down on the table.


    The woman flipped the card -


    [Black Spade 7].


    "Password," she asked again.


    Chu Muyun calmly replied, "Human civilization...¡±


    ¡°Will never be extinguished."

 Chapter 25 Bowed Head

    "Black 7, what do you need?¡±


    ¡°I need a quiet room.¡±


    ¡°Reason?¡±


    ¡°Discovered a suspected fusionist, conducting a disaster level judgment experiment.¡±


    ¡°Fusionist?" The woman raised her eyebrows in surprise, "Is it possible to absorb him?¡±


    ¡°The target can exclude the possibility of being a fusionist, but there is a tendency to join for enforcers.


    Whether he has absorption value or not depends on my judgment.¡±


    ¡°Understood." The woman took out a key from the bottom of the cabinet, "The quiet room is on the second basement floor." Chu Muyun took the key, opened the dark door of the basement, and disappeared in an instant.


    The woman walked out from behind the counter, stood at the door discreetly observing the surroundings, then flipped the "Open for Business" sign at the door to "Closed for Business." Clang¡ª In the darkness, Chu Muyun lit an oil lamp and descended down the narrow staircase step by step.


    The dim light gradually sank down, and at the bottom of the stairs was a space of about ten square meters.


    Chu Muyun bent down to place the oil lamp in the center of the floor, then took out a brown bottle and poured out its contents.


    Chu Muyun took off his glasses, a blue light emanated from his eyes, and a strong pressure turned into a whirlwind stirring in the space! "Diagnosis...


    begin." ...


    Ice Spring Street.


    Chen Ling''s figure shuttled through the broken ruins, carefully searching.


    He was very grateful to be assigned to this place and tasked with finding clues...


    If Chen Yan had left any clues here, he would be the first to know and the first to cut off the clues.


    If the safety charm he picked up yesterday had fallen into the hands of other enforcers, the consequences would be unimaginable.


    But the fact was that Chen Yan had not left anything else.


    Chen Ling spent the morning turning the ruins of Ice Spring Street upside down, but apart from various flesh and limb remains, he found nothing else, not even a trace of the "Disaster Domain" mentioned by Qian Fan.


    Chen Ling couldn''t help but speculate in his mind, what ability did the disaster in Chen Yan''s body possess? Just as he was pondering, a figure walked towards him from a distance.


    "Wu Youdong?" Chen Ling recognized the person and was slightly surprised.


    Wu Youdong was also on Ice Spring Street, which was not surprising, but the current Wu Youdong had a metal crutch under his shoulder, one leg in a cast, covered in wounds and bandages, with a dark bruise under his left eye, looking as dirty as if he had just crawled out of a trench.


    Taken from Royal Road, this narrative should be reported if found on Amazon.


    Hearing Chen Ling''s voice, Wu Youdong, who had been hanging his head, finally showed a glimmer of light in his eyes.


    "Chen Ling." Wu Youdong smiled bitterly, "I thought I wouldn''t be able to see you alive...¡±


    ¡°What''s going on with you?"


    Chen Ling clearly remembered that when he left yesterday, the other party was full of expectations to complete the mission, so how did he end up like this today?


    "I don''t intend to be an enforcer anymore."


    Wu Youdong raised his head, looking at the aurora in the distance, a touch of sadness and desolation flashed in his dark eyes.


    "What happened?" Chen Ling knew very well that when he left yesterday, the other party was eager to complete the task, so how did he end up like this today? "Whether it''s the enforcers or Ice Spring Street, none of them are good things.¡±


    ¡°Chen Ling, do you know who lives on this street?¡±


    ¡°Debt collectors! Cultists! Fugitives! Illegal firearms, drug, and organ trafficking are everywhere here...


    Yesterday, I went to collect information from the survivors on this street, and they mocked and insulted me!¡±


    ¡°They kicked me into the toilet! Made me clean the toilet for them! When I refused, they broke my leg!" Wu Youdong''s voice trembled more and more, as if recalling some painful memories, veins bulging on his neck.


    "They did it on purpose!!¡±


    ¡°The enforcers in District 2 know what kind of place this street is! None of them are willing to come, so they asked for help from District 3! I don''t know what deal they made with Ma Zhong, but Ma Zhong brought people from the reserve in District 3 over!"


    "He knows we are newcomers, poor and powerless at home! If he doesn''t target us, who will he target??¡±


    ¡°To put it nicely, we are here to support, to put it bluntly, we are the offerings given by the high-level law enforcers! I guarantee it with my life! The high-level law enforcers must have connections with the underground transactions in Bingquan Street!¡±


    ¡°On what basis?!¡±


    ¡°My parents sacrificed everything to send me to school! I became a law enforcer based on my abilities!¡±


    ¡°Why do they insult me like this?!!" Wu Youdong roared angrily, his eyes bloodshot, but even at this point, he still dared not speak too loudly...


    because the law enforcers of District Two were nearby.


    Under the gaze of a lion, even if an ant is furious, it can only suppress and remain silent.


    Wu Youdong''s chest heaved violently, as if he was about to challenge Bingquan Street or the law enforcers single-handedly in the next moment, but with the sound of a voice, his body trembled again.


    "Wu Youdong, Chen Ling? What are you talking about?" Qian Fan, dressed in black and red uniform, approached with his arms crossed, asking curiously.


    Wu Youdong''s face turned pale instantly.


    "Wu Youdong, didn''t you say you didn''t want to be a law enforcer anymore?" Qian Fan spoke again, "Voluntarily withdrawing from the law enforcer exam, there is no chance of turning back...


    This should be an opportunity to change your fate for people like you, have you really thought it through? Or...


    if you think the law enforcers are not doing well in some aspects, you can raise it, and we can discuss it...


    " Wu Youdong''s face changed several times, wanting to speak but hesitating several times...


    but under Qian Fan''s gaze, he finally just shook his head.


    "No, no...


    I voluntarily withdraw.¡±


    ¡°What a pity." Chen Ling looked at Wu Youdong in front of him, feeling somewhat complicated...


    Wu Youdong dared to accuse the law enforcers in front of Chen Ling, but he dared not say a word in front of the law enforcers.


    But he couldn''t say that Wu Youdong was cowardly, because even if Wu Youdong didn''t become a law enforcer, he would still have to live in District Three or in the other major areas of the Aurora Realm, and no matter where he went, there would be law enforcers...


    For everyone living in the Aurora Realm, the law enforcers are like gods.


    Wu Youdong glanced deeply at Chen Ling, then lowered his head again...


    he struggled to support himself with his cheap crutches, gritting his teeth, limping towards District Three.


    His figure gradually shrank as he walked away, until it turned into tiny grains of light sand, scattered at the end of the road.


    Chen Ling knew that from now on...


    Wu Youdong might never lift his head again.


    "Well, I actually think he''s pretty good, hardworking, and has good potential."


    Qian Fan watched Wu Youdong''s departing figure, sighed deeply, "By the way, now that Wu Youdong is gone, there''s no one to do his job...from today, you will take over for him."


    Chen Ling was taken aback, turned to look at Qian Fan, and Qian Fan smiled back at him, under the sunlight, his smile was like that of a devil.

 Chapter 26 Are you ready to answer my questions?

    After Qian Fan finished speaking, he left.


    Chen Ling stood in place, involuntarily recalling Wu Youdong''s lowered head and clenched fists...


    Wu Youdong lowered his head, then what about him? If it were in the past life, Chen Ling might not be much different from Wu Youdong, only by lowering his head could he find a way to survive in society, but this time...


    Chen Ling slowly turned his head, looking at the surviving half of Bingquan Street, his gaze icy cold.


    Want me to bow my head? Heh......


    Zone Three.


    Basement.


    A cold gust of wind swept up from nothingness, howling as it struck Chu Muyun!


    The kerosene lamp on the ground swayed violently, extinguishing in an instant, plunging the entire basement into silence and darkness, Chu Muyun groaned, falling heavily to the ground!


    He raised his head in astonishment, his eyes full of shock and disbelief! Just now, in the moment he activated the Eye of Origin, he seemed to see pairs of bright red pupils, glancing from the endless distance of nothingness to here...


    Just that glance made his path of spiritual enlightenment tremble! "This, this is..." Chu Muyun stood still for a long time, then suddenly came to his senses.


    He immediately got up from the ground, rushed up the steps frantically, and returned to the convenience store! "What''s wrong with you, Black 7?" The woman frowned slightly at Chu Muyun''s sudden and flustered appearance.


    "...I saw it.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°''World Annihilation''." The woman was puzzled for a moment, not understanding what it meant.


    "That guy is a ''World Annihilation'' disaster!" Chu Muyun said firmly.


    "That''s impossible." The woman immediately shook her head, "No one can merge with ''World Annihilation'', even the leader of the Fusionists today cannot...


    you must have seen it wrong.¡±


    ¡°I definitely didn''t! Its gaze even made my spiritual path feel fear!¡±


    ¡°This...¡±


    ¡°We must inform the Red King and the Gray King immediately." Chu Muyun walked to the counter, took out pen and paper, and quickly wrote.


    "If this is true...


    it''s going to be a big mess." The woman immediately realized the seriousness of the situation, "Even if the Red King and the Gray King come together, we may not be able to deal with him, unless the Aurora Lord also joins us..." Hearing this, Chu Muyun''s fingertips paused.


    "What''s wrong?" the woman asked.


    "''World Annihilation'' level disaster, possessing the power to annihilate a human realm." Chu Muyun turned his head slowly to look at her, his eyes flashing with madness, "So if we kill him and release ''World Annihilation''...


    This narrative has been purloined without the author''s approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    then we won''t have to execute that plan, right?" The woman was stunned.


    "That''s a ''World Annihilation''! Are you crazy?!" The woman stopped herself halfway through her words, shook her head, "Almost forgot, you formal members are all crazy...¡±


    ¡°I was just speaking casually." Chu Muyun pushed up his glasses, calmed down, and said calmly, "Let''s first consult the Gray King and the Red King..." After finishing the letter, Chu Muyun handed it to the woman, who glanced at him.


    "By the way, weren''t you supposed to conduct an absorption assessment on him? Are you still going to do it?¡±


    ¡°...I will.¡±


    ¡°As the recommender, what is your rating for him...?¡±


    ¡°S+" Chu Muyun''s expression was unusually serious, "Extremely dangerous." Knock, knock, knock...


    The crisp knocking on the door interrupted the leisurely tea-drinking of the many Second District enforcers, causing them to look around in confusion.


    "Who would come at this time?¡±


    ¡°I don''t know..." Qian Fan said as he opened the door of the teahouse.


    Chen Ling was standing quietly outside the door, smiling and waving to the enforcers inside.


    These are the enforcers from District Two who were originally supposed to be in charge of Ice Spring Street, but now they are all here drinking tea, leaving everything to Chen Ling and Wu Youdong, which in itself indicates some issues...


    Now it seems that what Wu Youdong said is true.


    This group of enforcers is colluding with those people from Ice Spring Street.


    Instead of conducting a search, they only sent two new recruits, purely for show.


    This way, in case the headquarters of Aurora City asks questions, they can say they are short-staffed and that Chen Ling and the others are handling everything on Ice Spring Street, thus shifting the blame and at the same time maintaining good relations with Ice Spring Street, killing two birds with one stone.


    When Chen Ling arrived, the enforcers immediately lowered their heads and drank tea without any intention of conversing with him.


    "Is it you? Why are you here?" Qian Fan was surprised to see Chen Ling.


    "Regarding my work, there are some things that need clarification from you all.¡±


    ¡°What things?¡±


    ¡°My task is to question the survivors of Ice Spring Street about information regarding the disaster, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°And what if they don''t cooperate?" Upon hearing this question, Qian Fan sneered inwardly but patiently replied, "If they don''t cooperate, you find a way to make them cooperate...


    We are enforcers with the authority to enforce the law.¡±


    ¡°So, can I use force?¡±


    ¡°Of course." Chen Ling couldn''t help but laugh when he heard the other enforcers in the room.


    "I understand now." Chen Ling nodded, "If they don''t cooperate, I will bring them here for you to deal with.¡±


    ¡°Good, go quickly.


    Your assessment will end tomorrow, and you must complete the task today." As Chen Ling left, Qian Fan closed the door behind him and several unrestrained laughs followed.


    "This kid is really stubborn...¡±


    ¡°Even more so than Wu Youdong.¡±


    ¡°Did you hear that? He''s going to use force...


    Hasn''t he heard about what Ice Spring Street is like?¡±


    ¡°Well, he comes from a poor background, where would he get all that information? Don''t make fun of him...


    Let''s just drink tea." Faint laughter seeped through the door crack, but Chen Ling paid no attention.


    At this moment, his focus was on the prompts flashing before his eyes:


    [Audience Expectation +1...+1...+1]


    "Chen''s Directing Rule, Article 13:¡±


    ¡°In a situation where the conflict is already clear, emotions can be appropriately heightened through character relationships, pulling the audience''s emotions, enhancing the satisfaction when the original conflict erupts, and even adding a post-positioned conflict climax."


    Of course, Chen Ling could directly cause a scene in Ice Spring Street, but that would result in a relatively simple conflict, and the [Audience Expectation] wouldn''t increase much...


    So, he chose to involve the enforcers.


    Chen Ling walked through the half-ruined Ice Spring Street and arrived at the place with the most survivors...


    the Black Axe Tavern.


    This place is usually where the residents of Ice Spring Street frequent, and now that half the street is in ruins, it has become a temporary residence for some people.


    Yesterday, Wu Youdong was insulted here.


    But Chen Ling was not him...


    With a survey form in one hand, Chen Ling pushed open the tavern door.


    As the creaking sound echoed, the entire tavern fell into silence.


    Countless cold and menacing eyes turned towards the door, focusing on Chen Ling.


    "Hello, I am the enforcer Chen Ling...¡±


    ¡°Are you ready to answer my questions?"¡±

 Chapter 27 Answer

    After a brief silence, the tavern was filled with laughter.


    "Just as one Little Wu left, another one comes in.


    Captain Ma is really sincere!¡±


    ¡°You think so? If you hadn''t been so crazy yesterday, would that Little Wu have been scared away? That kid is honest, it would have been nice if he stayed a few more days...¡±


    ¡°But this one looks better than the one yesterday, quite good-looking.¡±


    ¡°Today, let''s keep our hands to ourselves.


    Lao Qian said if we scare this one away, there will be no one left...¡±


    ¡°Run? Don''t even think about running this time." A thin man slowly stood up, his deep-set eye sockets staring at Chen Ling like a zombie, "Not bad, quite young, good complexion, the parts on his body should fetch a good price.¡±


    ¡°Bone Knife, playing too big, it won''t end well later...¡±


    ¡°Hmph, Ice Spring Street was slaughtered by disaster, it was the fault of these law enforcers, why? Are we not allowed to ask for some compensation?" The thin man known as Bone Knife sneered.


    The people in the tavern all looked at Chen Ling at the door, like a group of greedy, hungry beasts examining their prey.


    Chen Ling stood there, seemingly oblivious to their words, took out a pen from his pocket, and tapped on the form.


    "Bone Knife, right?" Chen Ling wrote down this name, "Let''s start with you...


    Where were you on the night Ice Spring Street was slaughtered?" Seeing this young man daring to speak, everyone looked at each other in surprise.


    Yesterday, Wu Youdong saw this scene and was so scared that he couldn''t even speak...


    Is this kid really bold or just stupid? Bone Knife squinted his eyes, stood up, and walked slowly to Chen Ling.


    "Where was I?" Bone Knife blew on his black nails, then his pale knuckles clawed at Chen Ling''s neck like eagle claws! "I was on your mother''s bed!!"


    In the blink of an eye, a cold light flashed in Chen Ling''s eyes, his right hand holding the pen suddenly stabbed back, the tip of the pen instantly piercing Bone Knife''s palm!


    In excruciating pain, Bone Knife screamed, before he could react, a hand rapidly enlarged in his field of vision, then pressed down on his head, slamming it heavily to the ground! God of War Path, Third Stage - [Slaughter Dance]! Bang!! Wood chips flew, crimson blood flowed.


    The people only felt a blur in front of them, and Bone Knife was smashed into the ground by the young man with one hand, the heavy cotton coat slightly lifted, and the whole tavern fell into silence.


    "Attacking law enforcers, a serious crime," Chen Ling said lightly.


    He slowly straightened up, patted his blood-stained hands, and glanced at the crowd.


    [Audience Expectation +2] [Audience Expectation +2] [Audience Expectation...]


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    After a brief silence, the people in the tavern finally came to their senses, their astonishment and shock in their eyes were overshadowed by anger, and three of them even pulled out their guns and aimed at Chen Ling! "Damn, a tough guy?!"


    Chen Ling already knew they had guns, and at the moment they pulled out their guns, he overturned the table next to him!


    The huge table flipped in mid-air, a group of figures immediately retreated to both sides, the front fell into chaos, at the same time, Chen Ling bent over and flashed out from under the table, swinging a wine bottle and smashing it towards the nearest gunman''s face! Crack!


    The wine bottle shattered, sharp remnants cut across the man''s cheek, leaving several crimson bloodstains.


    Chen Ling followed up with an elbow strike, knocking him unconscious on the ground.


    In an instant, two streaks of fire splashed in the distance, bullets whistling straight towards Chen Ling! In the dim light, Chen Ling''s figure moved agilely like a ghost, his heavy cotton coat fluttering and twisting, pierced by two bullets, but none of them hit Chen Ling''s body.


    This was Chen Ling''s first time using [Slaughter Dance], and the most obvious feeling was that his body seemed weightless like a ghost.


    In such a narrow and chaotic tavern, he was able to move around like a fish in water.


    As long as he could observe the enemy''s gun-raising movements in advance, he was confident he could dodge the bullets...


    Of course, the premise was that there were not many gunmen.


    As he dealt with the first gunman, the other two immediately felt a sense of being targeted by a wild beast.


    Their eyes tried to track Chen Ling''s position, but with Chen Ling continuously overturning tables and chairs to block their view, it was almost impossible.


    Just then, a whistling sound came from beside his ear, and the next moment his head was struck heavily, losing consciousness.


    Chen Ling once again dealt with a gunman, snatched the gun, and pulled the trigger at several big men rushing with knives.


    Bang bang bang¡ª! Several blood blossoms bloomed on their legs, and they immediately screamed in pain, falling to the ground one after another.


    The sounds of wailing, cursing, gunshots, and falling tables and chairs were heard one after another.


    Within thirty seconds of Chen Ling entering the room, the entire tavern descended into chaos.


    Out of the original fourteen people in the tavern, thirteen were brutally defeated!


    Chen Ling casually threw the emptied pistol magazine aside, stepped over the body of a big man with four broken ribs, and as the big man screamed in pain, he calmly walked to the only intact chair in the room and sat down.


    "Boss, a whiskey." Chen Ling kicked the big man again, and the screams rang out once more, "Charge it to his head." The one-eyed boss standing behind the counter throughout finally came to his senses, looking at Chen Ling with fear in his eyes.


    Able to run a tavern on Ice Spring Street, which had become the gathering place for most residents, this one-eyed boss was naturally not an ordinary person.


    He had traveled through the seven districts and met many people, but someone as decisive and ruthless as Chen Ling, a young man, was a first for him.


    Is this a reserved seat?!


    If you said this guy was a law enforcer, he would believe it! The one-eyed boss discreetly put away the revolver he had hidden in his hand, lowered his head to take out a glass, and began preparing the whiskey.


    "Name." Chen Ling crossed his legs and placed the form on his lap, saying lightly.


    In the silent tavern, no one answered.


    "I''m talking to you!" He kicked the big man''s broken ribs.


    "Ah ah ah ah...


    Li Mang! Li Mang!" The big man immediately gave in.


    "Where were you on the night of the disaster invasion?¡±


    ¡°I, I was in this tavern.¡±


    ¡°Did you see the appearance of that disaster?¡±


    ¡°I think I saw it...


    I happened to be out relieving myself and saw it flash by on the street...


    It seemed to be humanoid." The big man shakily told the truth.


    Chen Ling said nothing more, stood up, took the whiskey from the counter, swirled it lightly, and the clear ice cubes clinked against the glass.


    Then, he lifted the glass and slowly poured it down towards the big man''s bloody wound...


    "Ah ah ah ah ah ah!!!!" A heart-wrenching scream echoed through the street, "I''m telling the truth!! It''s all true!!¡±


    ¡°Do you know? Without concrete evidence, just relying on words like ''seems like'' and ''should be'' to report to law enforcement...


    is considered spreading rumors." Chen Ling''s eyes narrowed slightly, "I''ll ask you again...


    Did you see it?¡±


    ¡°I, I...


    I really..."


    The glass in Chen Ling''s hand tilted gradually, more and more alcohol poured onto the wound, causing the big man to tremble all over! "...I didn''t!! I didn''t see anything!!"

 Chapter 28 He finished work

    Upon hearing this, Chen Ling finally placed the wine glass back on the ground and wrote a line in the column of the form: "No witnesses."


    Then, he ordered another glass of whiskey and walked to the next resident of Bingquan Street.


    "Name.¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Name!¡±


    ¡°Sun Laoliu.¡±


    ¡°Did you see the disaster?¡±


    ¡°I...


    I..." Sun Laoliu saw the encounter of the big man just now, swallowed his saliva, "I didn''t see it." Chen Ling nodded and continued to the next person.


    Watching Chen Ling interrogate everyone alone, Sun Laoliu and others simultaneously had a thought in their minds...


    Is Ma''s surname trying to trap us?! Weren''t the ones sent here supposed to be inexperienced rookies? Looking at his ghostly evasion ability just now, he is not far from a law enforcement officer, or...


    was he a law enforcement officer from the beginning? Could it be that the matter of Bingquan Street has been exposed, and Ma''s surname intends to take this opportunity to solve them all, and then wash himself clean and come out on top? The more people speculated, the uglier their faces became.


    They all stared at Chen Ling, afraid that after he finished questioning, he would pull out a gun and shoot them one by one.


    Chen Ling calmly recorded the statements of all the people, took their fingerprints, and for those who had been knocked unconscious, he directly wrote "No witnesses" and forcibly took their fingerprints.


    Then, he went to find the boss and asked for a thick rope, tied everyone''s hands together, and pushed open the door of the tavern.


    "Thank you for your cooperation...


    See you tomorrow." The teenager in a tattered cotton coat stood at the door, smiled slightly at the people in the tavern, and then turned and left.


    The tavern was in chaos, engulfed in silence.


    They''re not dead? After an unknown period of time, Sun Laoliu woke up from that gaze, his back already soaked in cold sweat.


    He turned to the boss, "What are you standing there for? Come and help us untie this!!" ...


    "Did you hear gunshots just now?" Inside the teahouse, a law enforcer hesitated to speak.


    "No...


    Did you mishear?" Qian Fan answered casually while playing mahjong, "Don''t worry, the people of Bingquan Street know their limits.


    At most, they''ll use knives, not guns, to avoid making a big scene.¡±


    ¡°True.¡±


    ¡°Is that kid Chen Ling still around today?¡±


    ¡°Hard to say...


    This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    His appearance is better than Wu Youdong''s.


    If those people are ruthless...¡±


    ¡°What if there''s a fatality, will it be difficult to explain to District Three?¡±


    ¡°There''s nothing to explain.


    He''s just a poor kid from Hanshuang Street.


    I heard his parents were scared silly by the disaster.


    Even if he dies here, bury him anywhere, who would know? Who would come and cause trouble?¡±


    ¡°Don''t worry, District Three is Ma Ge''s territory, he can handle it...


    Three bamboos.¡±


    ¡°Pong!" Bang bang bang¡ª The knocking on the door sounded again.


    "Who is it now?" Qian Fan stood up somewhat displeased, "Every day, why are there so many things happening.¡±


    ¡°Probably that kid realized something was wrong and came out to report to us, haha.¡±


    ¡°He hasn''t been gone for long, will he just take a look outside and come back?" Amidst the discussions of the crowd, Qian Fan opened the door and saw Chen Ling standing at the door, his brow furrowed.


    "Why is it you again? Haven''t I explained it to you?¡±


    ¡°This is my work report.¡±


    ¡°...?" Chen Ling took out the form from his pocket, ready to hand it to Qian Fan.


    Suddenly, he saw a bit of blood and skin fragments on the corner of the form, flicked them away with his finger, wiped it clean, and handed it to him with a smile.


    Qian Fan was stunned.


    The other law enforcers playing mahjong inside were also stunned.


    Qian Fan took the form, looked at it suspiciously for a while, and then smiled, "Xiao Chen...


    I know this job is a bit challenging for you, but you can''t just stamp it yourself to fool people...¡±


    ¡°I didn''t fool anyone." Chen Ling said seriously, "They are in the tavern, if you don''t believe me, you can go ask them." Qian Fan''s brows furrowed even tighter as he looked at Chen Ling, not sure if he was joking or serious...


    No, how could that group of people be so honest in investigating him? This kid, could he have betrayed them for beauty...


    But isn''t this too fast? "I''ll go check." Qian Fan immediately got up, about to walk out the door, suddenly remembered something, turned back and said, "You should know that falsifying task results will result in disqualification from the exam, right.¡±


    ¡°I know." Qian Fan put a cigarette in his mouth, walked towards the tavern stubbornly, the other law enforcers exchanged glances and curiously followed.


    Seeing many law enforcers leaving, Chen Ling looked down at the mahjong table, and a few lines of characters flashed by: [Audience Expectation +1...+1...+1...] ...


    Black Axe Tavern.


    "Can you move faster?" In the messy tavern, cries of pain were heard one after another, Sun Laoliu was relatively lightly injured, and at this moment, he couldn''t help but curse as he watched the boss cutting the ropes slowly.


    The boss gave him a cold look, "Say one more word, and I''ll kill you.¡±


    ¡°...Why weren''t you so tough just now?¡±


    ¡°That kid is a law enforcer, is it useful for us to be tough?¡±


    ¡°He''s really a law enforcer??" Sun Laoliu widened his eyes, "Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Many years ago, when I was trafficking drugs in District Three, I was tracked by a law enforcer...


    his movements were exactly the same as that young man''s, if I hadn''t been lucky at the time, I wouldn''t have been able to escape to District Two." The boss paused for a moment, "Do you know who that law enforcer is?¡±


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°The Chief Law Enforcer of District Three, Han Meng." Sun Laoliu stood still.


    Creak¡ª The door of the tavern was opened.


    Qian Fan stood at the door, looking at the messy tavern and the many residents of Bingquan Street covered in blood, struggling to survive, with an expression of disbelief in his eyes!


    "This..." Qian Fan stood at the door like a statue, "Did that kid do this?" The many law enforcers who arrived later were also shocked.


    Qian Fan walked into the tavern, carefully stepping over the corpses and the big man who was still groaning, and anyone who was still conscious stared at them law enforcers with anger burning in their eyes.


    "Qian Fan!!"


    Sun Laoliu gritted his teeth and sat up, "You son of a b****! I''ll kill you!!" Qian Fan frowned, "What did you say?" Click¡ª


    The sound of a bullet being loaded rang out, the boss had already walked up at some point, pointing the gun at Qian Fan''s forehead.


    The other law enforcers were shocked and drew their guns, aiming at the boss and the struggling tavern patrons trying to get up.


    In the bloody tavern, the atmosphere suddenly froze.


    "What do you want to do?" Qian Fan''s temples were sweating coldly, he lowered his voice and said, "Don''t forget, we are in a cooperative relationship.¡±


    ¡°Cooperation? You sent that guy to cause trouble, and you want to talk about cooperation with me??" Sun Laoliu gritted his teeth.


    "...I don''t know what''s going on, Chen Ling is just a reserve...¡±


    ¡°Bullshit reserve!!" Sun Laoliu pointed at the groaning people on the ground, "Tell me again, is this a reserve?!!¡±


    ¡°I..." Qian Fan was speechless.


    "...Where is Chen Ling??" he turned to another law enforcer.


    "He seems to have left.¡±


    ¡°Left?¡±


    ¡°Yes...


    he said he was off duty."

 Chapter 29 Dawn

    "Alas...


    lost big." Chen Ling walked on the mountain road back home, looking down at his cotton coat with two holes punched in it, his eyes full of heartache.


    The preparatory seat during the exam period did not pay, and there was no subsidy for the torn clothes.


    Calculating like this, he lost a piece of clothing for no reason during his part-time work...


    which added insult to injury to a family that already had no source of income.


    Of course, he still had gains today.


    [Current Expectation Value: 40%] Since being instructed by Qian Fan to take over Wu Youdong''s investigation, the audience''s expectation value has been steadily increasing.


    During the period of going to the teahouse to find the enforcers, it increased by 5%, and it rose by 10% in one go when killing through the tavern.


    Originally, Chen Ling thought that the enforcers returning to the tavern would also gain expectation value, but in fact, it did not.


    It seems that only when he personally witnesses the situation can the audience''s expectation value increase.


    Chen Ling felt that he had vaguely figured out the way to quickly gain expectation value.


    He walked along the mountain road for more than two hours and finally returned to Hanfrost Street.


    Before he entered the door, he heard a clear and melodious opera tune coming from the house.


    "The young nun is twenty-eight years old, in her prime, her head shaved by her master.


    Every day, burning incense and changing water in the Buddha hall, seeing a few disciples playing at the mountain gate.


    He looks at us, we look at him.


    He and us, we share with him, both sides have many concerns..." Hearing this opera, Chen Ling''s eyebrows slightly raised.


    This segment of "Sifan" is a classic bridge in opera, known to the world in the previous life through the famous movie "Farewell My Concubine," which Chen Ling has also heard many times.


    But what surprised him was that the opera repertoire in this world was actually the same as in the previous life.


    Even more surprising to Chen Ling was that Chen Yan''s voice was so pleasant to listen to, and his singing skills were extremely solid.


    Even compared to the famous actors he had seen in the theater in his previous life, they were not much inferior to him.


    In theory, it would be impossible to reach this level without a famous teacher...


    While thinking about this, Chen Ling walked into the house and saw Chu Muyun still sitting in the living room in the same posture, earnestly reading a book.


    "You haven''t moved all day, have you?" Chen Ling couldn''t help but ask.


    "I did, I went out for a walk in the morning to get some fresh air." Chen Ling nodded, "Did Yan disturb you?¡±


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    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°That''s good." Chen Ling sat down at the table, his gaze towards the bedroom, where Chen Yan was practicing eyebrow shaping in front of the mirror while singing.


    Chen Yan''s voice gradually became softer, as if he heard Chen Ling come back, he immediately ran into the living room and excitedly asked, "Brother, do I look good with this makeup?"


    Chen Yan blinked, the red apricot-like eye shadow spreading to the sides, soft and elegant, the eyes lifted and hung up under the thick black eyeliner, looking particularly divine.


    Chen Ling recognized this as the makeup of a "dan" role, but probably because Chen Yan self-taught, there were still quite a few differences compared to the previous life.


    But even so, this was still an absolutely flawless, perfect handsome young face.


    "Looks good." Chen Ling sincerely replied, "But there seem to be some details that are not quite right...


    When I have time, I''ll help you adjust it.¡±


    ¡°Brother, do you also understand opera makeup?¡±


    ¡°A little bit." Chen Yan looked at him with admiration in his eyes.


    "Brother, do you think I can perform at the New Year''s Eve party after I return to school?¡±


    ¡°Of course you can.


    In the whole Third District, only our family''s Yan can sing opera.


    When you put on the opera costume, do your makeup, and start singing, your classmates will surely be amazed." Chen Ling chuckled.


    "Does he still need to go to school?" Chu Muyun asked in surprise.


    "Yes," Chen Ling nodded, "He just started high school...


    but he got sick shortly after starting school.


    Now that he''s better, he should be able to start school with the new students of the next year.¡±


    ¡°Brother, what should I sing then?¡±


    ¡°If you''re the only one singing, ''Yearning for Mortality'' would be good...¡±


    ¡°Then I''ll go practice again!" Chen Yan''s eyes lit up, immediately put on the open red robe, and hurried back to the bedroom to start practicing again.


    In the end, Chen Yan was just a fifteen-year-old child, at an age where he longed for friends and attention...


    When Chen Ling was in school, he had fantasized countless times about taking a guitar and performing in front of numerous teachers and students.


    Unfortunately...


    he didn''t know how to play at all.


    But for Chen Yan, being able to combine his interests with performance was a very exciting thing.


    "Don''t rush." Chen Ling smiled helplessly, "Tidy up a bit, we''ll prepare dinner later." Seeing this, Chen Yan obediently came to help Chen Ling wash the vegetables, and at that moment, he caught sight of two large holes on the cotton coat, his eyes slightly narrowed.


    "Brother, what happened to your clothes?" His tone suddenly became serious.


    "It''s nothing, just got scratched." Chu Muyun, who was reading, heard the conversation and squinted his eyes behind the lenses...


    "Did you get shot?" Chen Yan suddenly looked up.


    "No, I wasn''t hit." Chen Ling felt Chen Yan''s gaze and explained immediately, "They shot too slowly, so I dodged...


    I''m not injured." Chu Muyun glanced at him and nodded slightly, "Indeed, no injuries.¡±


    ¡°Brother, who shot at you?" Chen Yan asked coldly.


    "It was..." Chen Ling was about to say Ice Spring Street, but seeing the chilling gaze in Chen Yan''s eyes, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "It was just two thugs...


    they''ve been arrested by the enforcers." He knew Chen Yan was a Fusionist, and he knew that night, Chen Yan had gone on a killing spree on Ice Spring Street...


    If he mentioned Ice Spring Street again, he was afraid that Chen Yan would go back and slaughter the street again tonight.


    After all, that street was probably now occupied by the enforcers, and if Chen Yan went back, he might encounter a Judge.


    Hearing this, Chen Yan''s expression finally softened, and he silently picked up the torn cotton coat, "...I''ll sew it up for you." Chen Yan made his own robes, so mending a piece of clothing was not a difficult task for him.


    "They had guns...


    how did you win?" Chu Muyun stared into Chen Ling''s eyes, as if trying to see through his soul.


    "They had guns, but didn''t know how to use them, they even shot a few times and all the shots hit the clothes...


    why are you asking about this?" Chen Ling naturally couldn''t mention that he possessed the ''Dance of Slaughter,'' as that involved the existence of the theater and the "audience.¡±


    ¡°...It''s nothing." Chu Muyun withdrew his gaze, staring at the cover of the book, lost in thought.


    After dinner, the three of them went back to their rooms, the night enveloped the entire sky, with only the silent floating of the azure aurora.


    Chen Ling, who had fallen asleep, had his consciousness already drifted into the theater.


    In the dim and silent room, a figure slowly approached.


    It was Chu Muyun.


    The lenses reflected a pale light under the aurora, and those cold eyes gazed at the sleeping Chen Ling, a hint of killing intent appearing in his eyes.He raised his right hand holding the short knife like a cold moon slowly..

 Chapter 30 Good night

    However, his hand stopped halfway up.


    He saw a ray of moonlight piercing through the clouds, perfectly shining through the window, pouring onto the wooden floor beneath his feet...


    The light and shadow danced, and two characters slowly appeared.


    "Go back." Below these two characters, there was a reflection of a playing card.


    It was a gray JOKER, a gray ¡¾King¡¿.


    The moment Chu Muyun saw this card, his pupils contracted, and he immediately put down his arm.


    The short knife seemed to disappear into his sleeve like a snake.


    A dark gray cloud came with the wind, covering the hazy moonlight, and the characters on the floor disappeared with it, as if they had never appeared.


    Chu Muyun looked deeply at Chen Ling, who was sleeping, and turned to leave.


    As he gently closed the bedroom door, the room fell into silence.


    A few seconds later, in the corner''s shadow, Chen Yan, wearing pajamas, walked out slowly.


    The young crimson eyes stared fiercely in the direction of Chu Muyun''s bedroom, holding a blood-stained bone-cutting knife in his hand.


    As Chu Muyun''s bedroom door closed completely, the young man''s eyelids drooped and closed, and when he opened them again, the murderous intent had been buried deep in his eyes.


    The elusive aurora surged outside the window, and Chen Yan turned slightly to look at Chen Ling sleeping on the bed.


    "Brother...


    good night." He murmured to himself.


    As he spoke, his figure quietly passed through the wall and returned to his own room.


    ...


    At the same time.


    Zone Three, Enforcer Headquarters, Office.


    "Ma Ge, there''s news from Bingquan Street." A three-stripe enforcer hurried over.


    Ma Zhong raised his eyebrows, "What did they say?¡±


    ¡°Um..." The enforcer hesitated for a moment, "They cursed very badly." Ma Zhong: ? "Why? Is it because the blockade hasn''t been lifted yet?¡±


    ¡°No, they said you have no sense of morality, not only did you not abide by the agreement yourself, but you also sent people over to insult them." The enforcer added, "It''s the reserve seat you assigned to support Bingquan Street...


    It''s said that the people at the Black Axe Tavern were beaten by him, and Bone Knife is about to explode.¡±


    ¡°Reserve seat?" Ma Zhong asked in confusion, "Who is it?¡±


    ¡°One named Wu Youdong, and one named Chen Ling.


    Wu Youdong has been scared by those people and voluntarily withdrew from the enforcer exam.


    The one who beat people is that Chen Ling.¡±


    ¡°I seem to remember...


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    Is it the child from Frost Street whose parents were scared by the disaster?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it''s him.¡±


    ¡°He beat the people in the Black Axe Tavern?¡±


    ¡°I don''t believe it either, but that''s the fact." The enforcer paused for a moment and cautiously asked, "Ma Ge, do you think...


    he might have received the ¡¾Divine Favor¡¿?" Ma Zhong did not answer, he frowned and lit a cigarette for himself, and the enforcer immediately stepped forward to light it with a lighter.


    "Is the Third Zone...


    going to have another enforcer?" Ma Zhong exhaled a puff of smoke.


    "Currently, there are five enforcers in Zone Three, and three of them are ours...


    but if another one appears, it will be troublesome." The enforcer muttered, "He beat the people in Bingquan Street, he must know something, it''s probably difficult for him to join us...


    Instead of letting him grow up and become a help to Han Meng, it''s better for us to take action in advance..." The enforcer narrowed his eyes and wiped his neck with his palm.


    Ma Zhong chuckled, "Chang Lin, Chang Lin...


    your vision needs to be broadened." The enforcer named Chang Lin was stunned.


    "Am I wrong?¡±


    ¡°You''re right, but your perspective is too narrow." Ma Zhong flicked the cigarette ash and said lightly, "Even if this kid has received the ¡¾Divine Favor¡¿, he is only at the first level now.


    It will take a long time for him to pose a threat to us.


    Instead of targeting him, it''s better to change the target...


    and solve the problem fundamentally.¡±


    ¡°You mean...


    Han Meng?""Before Han Meng arrived, the Three Districts were our territory.


    Our industry was the largest in the seven districts at that time.


    Even the current Bingquan Street is only half our size...


    But ever since this kid parachuted in as the Chief of the Three Districts, he has cleaned up the Three Districts, cut off our source of income directly, and forced us to rebuild relationships in Bingquan Street." Ma Zhong''s eyes gradually turned cold as he stubbed out his cigarette in the ashtray.


    "He is the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of the Three Districts.


    We had no chance to act before, but now it''s different...¡±


    ¡°Why is it different?¡±


    ¡°Under what circumstances would a Four-Stripe Law Enforcement Officer die in the Three Districts?" Chang Lin pondered for a moment, as if he had figured something out, his eyes suddenly lit up.


    "Disaster?¡±


    ¡°The Chief Law Enforcement Officer of each district is an important position.


    If something happens, people from Aurora City will definitely come to investigate.


    We couldn''t touch him before, but now there is a ready-made ''culprit''...


    someone who happened to arrive in the Three Districts, had previously defeated Han Meng head-on, and then disappeared without a trace, the ''culprit''!" Ma Zhong sneered, "By killing Han Meng, making it look like a disaster struck and they both perished, not only would we get rid of this major headache, but we could also legitimately lift the ban on the Three Districts and quickly restore trade with the Second District...


    This way, the anger from Bingquan Street will also subside.¡±


    ¡°But what if the disaster reappears after everything is over?¡±


    ¡°Who can prove that the one who reappears later is the same as the current one?" Chang Lin was stunned for a moment, couldn''t help but sigh, "It has to be you, Ma Ge!¡±


    ¡°Now that Han Meng has been injured by the disaster and his strength is not what it used to be, as long as we plan properly, he will undoubtedly die."


    A hint of killing intent flashed in Ma Zhong''s eyes, "Call Lao Tao over, let''s discuss this properly...¡±


    ¡°Alright...


    Oh, what about that Chen Ling?¡±


    ¡°He..." A sharp light flashed in Ma Zhong''s eyes, "Don''t let him have any more contact with the people from Bingquan Street, so as not to provoke them again...


    Find a reason for him to join the law enforcement team first.


    Once we deal with Han Meng, we will be his superiors.


    By then, we can do whatever we want, right?¡±


    ¡°Understood." ...


    "Good morning, bro." Chen Ling pushed open the door and saw Chen Yan sitting in the living room, smiling and greeting him.


    "Up so early?" Chen Ling asked in surprise.


    "Couldn''t sleep last night, so I got up early to review my lines." Chen Yan raised a handwritten script in his hand and said seriously.


    Chen Ling nodded, about to wash up and leave, when Chu Muyun also came out of the room.


    "You''re the one who slept in today.¡±


    ¡°...Yeah." Chu Muyun casually replied, with dark circles under his eyes, looking like he hadn''t slept all night either.


    "Is your exam ending today?" Chu Muyun seemed to remember something.


    "Yes, today is the last day.¡±


    ¡°Good luck! Bro!" Chen Yan made a cheering gesture, "You will definitely become a law enforcer!¡±


    ¡°I hope so." Chen Ling smiled.


    After what happened yesterday, Chen Ling no longer had hopes of becoming a law enforcer...


    For ordinary people like him and Wu Youdong, it was as difficult as reaching the sky to become a law enforcer through their own efforts.


    Moreover, he had fought with the people from the Black Axe Tavern yesterday, completely making enemies with Ma Zhong, the law enforcement officer of the Three Districts.


    They would definitely not let him advance.


    But even if he couldn''t become a law enforcer...


    it wouldn''t be bad to reap some expectations in Bingquan Street, right?


    Chen Ling stroked his chin, thinking so.

 Chapter 31 Extinguish (Two-in-One Chapter)

    Chen Ling walked out of the door while thinking, a few snowflakes brushed past his eyes.


    He was slightly startled and looked up at the sky.


    "¡­It''s snowing?" Under the azure aurora, snowflakes drifted down like cotton from the sky.


    Chen Ling reached out and caught one, the octagonal crystal slowly melting in the warmth.


    "The aurora realm is different from other realms, there are no seasons, only winter." Chu Muyun walked out of the house slowly and also reached out to catch a snowflake, opening with some confusion, "But, isn''t this snowfall a bit sudden?" "Very sudden?" Chen Ling asked.


    "Just a few days ago, there was a rare heavy rain, and today it suddenly started snowing again...


    I always feel that the celestial phenomena in the aurora realm are getting more chaotic." Chu Muyun pondered, his brows furrowing tighter.


    "Brother, the snow is falling so fast." Chen Yan, wearing a theatrical robe, quickly rushed onto the street.


    He stood amidst the increasingly dense snowflakes, his chestnut-colored eyes filled with excitement and anticipation.


    "At this rate, we''ll have enough to build snowmen by tomorrow!" Watching the red-clothed youth reaching out to catch snowflakes, a gentle expression appeared in Chen Ling''s eyes.


    He smiled and said, "We build snowmen every year, haven''t we built enough?" "This time is different." Chen Yan said seriously, "This snow is heavy, maybe I can build a dozen at once...


    We can build a tall platform, and I can perform on it, with the snowmen as my audience." "Do I not count as an audience for you?" "Brother, who performs with only one audience every time..." Chen Yan pouted, "If I never have an audience, how will I overcome stage fright when I perform at school?" "...True." Chen Ling smiled and looked up at the sky, "It would be nice if this snow could keep falling." "If it keeps falling, it will turn into a snow disaster." Chu Muyun pushed his glasses, hesitated for a moment, then took out a woolen coat from the house and put it on, "I need to go out for a while." Chen Ling and Chen Yan glanced at each other.


    "Will you come back for dinner?" "I will." As Chu Muyun''s figure gradually disappeared at the end of the street, Chen Ling checked the time, "I should go too, it''s not easy to walk on the mountain road in the snow..." "Wait!" Chen Yan seemed to remember something, hurried back into the house, and handed the cotton coat he had repaired overnight to Chen Ling, "Brother, I fixed it for you...


    Be careful going up the mountain today, don''t get into fights again." Chen Yan''s tone was unusually serious.


    Chen Ling carefully examined the coat and found almost no signs of damage, as perfect as new.


    He couldn''t help but praise, "Our Yan is really skillful..." Chen Yan chuckled.


    "I''m off." Chen Ling waved his hand and walked straight to District Two.


    The snow was falling as Chen Yan had hoped, getting heavier and heavier.


    By the time Chen Ling reached halfway, the snow had already submerged his shoes, the icy snowmelt seeping into his feet, making him feel cold from the inside out.


    Rubbing his hands together, he pushed forward through the snowflakes, murmuring to himself: Could this really turn into a snow disaster? He walked for a long time, the pedestrians on the street becoming fewer and fewer, but the law enforcers rushing past him became more and more numerous.


    They were dressed in black and red uniforms, riding horses hurriedly in a certain direction, not even sparing a glance at Chen Ling as the snowflakes stirred by the airflow hit his face.


    He wiped his face, looking puzzled in the direction they were heading...


    "What''s going on?" Chen Ling didn''t know, nor was he interested in investigating.


    As long as these people weren''t heading to Frost Street, he didn''t care where they were going.


    After about three hours, Chen Ling returned to the familiar Ice Spring Street.


    The ruins had been mostly cleared, the desolate half of the street appeared even more lifeless under the cover of white snow.


    Just as he was about to go find Qian Fan and the others to ask about today''s tasks, several figures hurried towards him, waving enthusiastically.


    "Brother Chen Ling!" It was none other than Qian Fan and the others.


    "Mr.


    Qian."Chen Ling still politely added the suffix ''sir,'' after all, he and Qian Fan and others had not completely torn their faces apart, so they still had to maintain a polite appearance.


    ''What is today''s task?'' ''Task? No need for tasks anymore.'' Qian Fan waved his hand, ''Considering your...


    um, excellent performance yesterday, it has been decided above to reserve a law enforcer position for you.


    You can go home directly today and report to the headquarters in District Three tomorrow.'' Chen Ling was stunned.


    He thought of a thousand possibilities on the way, such as being ambushed by a group of people from Bingquan Street who were ready to retaliate against him, or Qian Fan and others completely tearing their faces apart, making things difficult, or being told to directly remove the law enforcer position and roll back home...


    But he never thought he would be directly accepted? Impossible...


    Could it be that Ma Zhong really valued his strength and wanted to recruit him? Chen Ling had only met Ma Zhong once and didn''t know much about this person, so he couldn''t figure out what the other party was thinking...


    ''From now on, we are colleagues.'' Qian Fan patted Chen Ling''s shoulder with a smile, as if the two were long-time friends, ''There may have been some misunderstandings between us before, Chen Ling, my friend, don''t mind, okay?'' ''Yes, Chen Ling, my friend, feel free to come to District Two to play cards with us when you have time.


    We are always welcome.'' ''Almost forgot, there''s this...


    This exam is different from previous years.


    Although you were on standby, you did the work of a formal law enforcer for three days, so it has been decided to give you a subsidy, although the amount is not large, but the road ahead is long...


    The salary of a law enforcer is quite generous.'' Qian Fan handed Chen Ling a small tube of oil paper, and the latter took it in surprise, opened a corner and glanced inside, ten silver coins.


    Chen Ling was shocked.


    In this world, the purchasing power of one silver coin is equivalent to 250 copper coins, and the purchasing power of copper coins is equivalent to the previous RMB.


    In this small tube of oil paper, it amounted to 2500 pieces...


    Although not a large amount, Chen Ling had only worked for two days, right? While Zhao Yi helped the Road Bureau to melt frost, working hard for a day, the two of them only received 20 copper coins...


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    Just the subsidy for two days on standby was so high, then how high would the salary of a formal law enforcer be? Chen Ling looked at them deeply, feeling that sometimes respect and politeness are truly reserved for the strong...


    Yesterday, they had just driven away Wu Youdong.


    If he didn''t have the [Dance of Slaughter], he would probably have met the same fate...


    And now, they could only smile at themselves, because now they had the qualifications to sit on an equal footing with them.


    Chen Ling considered himself not a protagonist of a cool novel, unable to rely solely on a fervor of ''if you provoke me, I will kill you!'' to kill these hypocritical people on the spot...


    Doing so would be tantamount to declaring war on the entire law enforcement system of the Aurora Domain.


    His home was still on Hanfrost Street, he had a younger brother who was about to return to school, and he needed a law enforcer status to pursue the ''God of War Path''...


    No matter from which angle he thought about it, he should go with the flow and let this matter end here.


    ''Thank you all then.'' Chen Ling didn''t even look up, and said indifferently.


    ''Chen Ling, the road is slippery in the heavy snow, be careful on your way back.'' Qian Fan''s smile didn''t fade, ''The list of standby seats that will be confirmed should be posted at noon today.


    You can pay attention on your way back, we may meet again.'' Chen Ling replied lukewarmly and walked home.


    As Chen Ling walked away, the warm smiles on Qian Fan and the others'' faces gradually faded, replaced by coldness and disdain.


    ''This Chen Ling really has no shame.'' A law enforcer sneered.


    ''When Ma Ge finishes, District Three will change...


    By then, let''s see where he can still jump to?""Has there been any news from Brother Ma''s side?" "I don''t know..." "Calculating the time, it should be soon." Just as the few people were talking, a figure hurriedly ran from a distance, slipped and stumbled in the heavy snow, almost falling to the ground.


    "Dead...!" "What''s dead?" "The Chief Law Enforcement Officer of District Three, Han Meng, is dead!!" He stood up and said loudly, "News came from District Three, saying he fought alone against two calamities and perished in the end!" "Law Enforcement Officer Ma Zhong is temporarily taking over as the Chief, he has already ordered District Three to be unsealed immediately, and District Two will also be unsealed soon!" Upon hearing this news, the eyes of the crowd lit up instantly! "It''s done!!" "Is it confirmed? Did that Han Meng really die?" Qian Fan asked again.


    "The news from District Three says so, it was personally passed on by Brother Ma''s confidant." Qian Fan felt relieved and smiled happily.


    "Once this mountain of Han Meng falls, our days will be better." "The business in Bingquan Street can finally operate...


    Go, gather those Bone Blade people, find more dancers and prostitutes, good wine and meat, organize a celebration feast! Let them know who to follow for a share of the meat in the future." "Okay, Fan Brother!" ...


    Chen Ling, with ten silver coins in his pocket, slowly crossed over the hill, and the flying snow turned his black hair frosty white.


    He had just spent two hours walking from District Three, stayed for only five minutes, and now had to return the same way...


    By the time he got back to the Frost Street, it would probably be noon.


    But no matter what, he had received some good news and got ten silver coins, enough for him to buy some new clothes for himself and Chen Yan, and to have someone fill the leaks in the house to avoid freezing on snowy days.


    "There''s still a lot to look forward to, I can live peacefully for a few days." Chen Ling glanced at the characters flashing in the snow and muttered to himself.


    But compared to when he first crossed over, it seemed like he had really improved a lot...


    Ever since he took back his body from the "audience" that time, the "audience" had not interfered with his surroundings for a long time, and everything was developing in a better direction.


    He walked in the snow for a long time, until the snow was over his ankles, and finally returned to Frost Street.


    He was about to go straight home when he caught sight of a snack shop that was about to close, and with a thought, he slowed down.


    "Boss, how much is this cake?" Chen Ling pointed to a delicately shaped cake in the display window.


    "Two hundred copper coins." The boss looked up and saw it was Chen Ling, his eyebrows slightly raised.


    "Ah Ling? Why suddenly want to buy a cake?" As neighbors in Frost Street, the boss also recognized Chen Ling, but with the conditions of Chen Ling''s family, they had never bought anything from the shop...


    To be honest, in the whole Frost Street, there were few people who could afford a cake for two hundred, let alone fifty for a small cupcake.


    "Passed the martial test." Chen Ling smiled, "I''m buying a cake to celebrate, my little brother has never eaten cake before." "Promoted to a law enforcer?" The boss was surprised, "That''s indeed worth celebrating...


    In that case, I''ll give it to you for one hundred and fifty." "Thank you, boss." "No need to thank me, Frost Street will rely on you in the future." The boss wrapped the cake, tied it with a festive red ribbon, and handed it to Chen Ling.


    Chen Ling took the cake, paid, and walked straight home.


    After a few steps, he heard a few law enforcers rushing past from the side: "The calamity has been eliminated! District Three is unsealed!" "The calamity has been eliminated! District Three is unsealed!!" "..." As the voices of the law enforcers gradually faded away, some residents of Frost Street began to come out of their houses, feeling a sense of relief.


    Since the disaster alarm sounded, the three districts have been locked down for five days, and people everywhere are in a state of panic.


    Now that the disaster is over, everyone''s lives can return to normal...


    Thinking this, they suddenly found the heavy snowfall pleasing to the eye.


    When Chen Ling heard this news, he was suddenly shocked.


    The disaster is over? He is still here...


    Could it be Yan? Chen Ling subconsciously quickened his pace and hurried home, but when he reached the doorstep, he knew his worries were unnecessary...


    He saw the familiar figure of the young man in red squatting at the doorstep, earnestly making snowballs.


    He carefully stacked the snowballs on top of each other to outline the shape of a snowman, but his hand slipped, and the two snowballs instantly shattered.


    Chen Yan sighed, and with a glimpse, he saw Chen Ling approaching from a distance.


    His furrowed brow instantly relaxed, and he joyfully exclaimed, "Brother, why are you back so early?" "I passed the assessment early, so I came back sooner," Chen Ling breathed a sigh of relief and smiled.


    He didn''t know what had happened on the enforcer''s side, or which disaster they had eliminated...


    Since both he and Chen Yan were safe and sound, nothing else mattered.


    "You passed?" Chen Yan''s mouth dropped open, "Brother, you''re really going to be an enforcer?" "Yes." Chen Ling walked into the house, placed the cake on the table, and beckoned to him, "It''s a rare opportunity, I bought a cake, let''s celebrate together." Upon hearing the word "cake," Chen Yan''s eyes lit up instantly.


    He quickly ran into the house, his flowing robe catching snowflakes, and he sat at the table in a flash, curiously watching Chen Ling unpack the box.


    "Brother, is this cake expensive?" "Not really," Chen Ling smiled and took out a handful of silver coins from his pocket, spreading them on the table.


    "I have money now...


    We will be even richer in the future." "So much money," Chen Yan exclaimed, wide-eyed.


    "We can use it for a long time..." "Just in time for you to go to school, so the tuition issue is also resolved." Chen Ling unwrapped the package, revealing a large cream cake on the table.


    For Chen Ling, the craftsmanship and ingredients of this cake were incomparable to his past life, but for Chen Yan, it was something he had longed for countless times in front of the window.


    Chen Yan couldn''t help but swallow his saliva.


    "Brother...


    Should we wait for Doctor Chu?" "No need to wait for him, he doesn''t know when he''ll be back, just save a piece for him." Chen Ling took out a few complimentary candles and lit them on the cake in succession.


    The orange candlelight flickered in the room, reflecting the faces of the two young men and the snowflakes flying outside.


    "Yan, why don''t you blow them out?" "Can''t we blow out the candles even if it''s not a birthday?" Chen Yan asked.


    "Of course you can...


    Remember to make a wish before blowing." "Okay!" Chen Yan immediately clasped his hands together, solemnly bowed his head under the candlelight, as if a devout worshipper.


    Chen Ling didn''t know what wish Chen Yan had made, he only saw Chen Yan open his eyes, smile at him, and his chestnut-colored eyes were as clear as water.


    "What did you wish for?" Chen Ling asked.


    "Can''t say, it won''t come true if I do..." "That''s true..." "Excuse me, is Chen Ling at home?" As they were talking, a figure cautiously approached the door, standing in the snow outside and looking into the house.


    "Wu Youdong?" Chen Ling recognized the figure leaning on a cane, raised an eyebrow in surprise, "Why are you here, come in and talk." Wu Youdong smiled awkwardly, walked slowly into the house, and glanced at the cake and candles on the table, his eyes filled with envy...


    "I just saw the list posted on the street, you''ve been confirmed, right?" "Yes." "...Congratulations." Wu Youdong smiled with a hint of bitterness, "I thought you would be forced to leave like me, but I didn''t expect...


    you actually succeeded." When he said this, Chen Ling heard the bitterness and helplessness in his words.


    "Brother, who is he?" Chen Yan curiously scrutinized Wu Youdong.


    "He is Wu Youdong, a friend who went to Bingquan Street with me these past two days." Wu Youdong was stunned.


    "A friend?" Chen Yan seemed to ponder, "Then let''s give him a piece of cake too?" "Yes, of course we should share a piece." "Should I cut it or should I?" "No rush, the candle hasn''t been blown out yet." Chen Ling said as she waved to the bewildered Wu Youdong next to her, "Youdong, don''t just stand there, sit down and have a piece with us." "Huh? Oh...


    okay." Wu Youdong slowly sat down at the table, looking at Chen Ling with a strange expression, then glanced at his side...


    "Chen Ling..." "Hmm?" "Can I ask a question?" "What?" "Since just now...


    who have you been talking to?" Chen Ling was stunned.


    A bone-chilling cold wind suddenly entered the room, and the burning candle flame was extinguished abruptly.

 Chapter 32 Thug

    [Audience Expectation +20] The snowman remnants melted in the silence, after the candle extinguished the blue smoke, Chen Ling''s face was pale as paper.


    "I..." Chen Ling hesitated to speak, "I was talking to my brother..." "Where is your brother?" Wu Youdong looked at the empty seat beside him, "In the room, isn''t it just the two of us?" Chen Ling looked at the opposite seat, and at some point, it was already empty...


    In a daze, the faint image of a smiling youth faded in memory.


    Beads of sweat dripped from Chen Ling''s forehead, his back soaked in sweat, his bewildered and empty eyes trembling incessantly, like a sleeper just awakened from a nightmare.


    "No, it''s impossible..." Chen Ling suddenly stood up, the table legs scraping the ground with a harsh creaking sound.


    "How could it be just the two of us??" Chen Ling''s voice suddenly raised, "My brother was just here...


    Earlier, he was building a snowman at the door, this morning he was at the door seeing me off, my padded coat was sewn by him!" He forcefully took off his padded coat, pointing to the perfectly patched spot, "Look! This is An''s work! I don''t know how to sew clothes at all!" "And, these wooden boards on the wall, he fixed them all!" "There''s also a doctor from Aurora City living in our house, he has met An, you can ask him if you don''t believe me!" "I...


    I understand." Wu Youdong seemed to be frightened by Chen Ling, he said in a flustered manner, "I just...


    wanted to ask...


    because I saw you talking to yourself in the air just now...


    it was quite scary." "I wasn''t talking to myself in the air!!" Chen Ling pointed at the emptiness in front of him, his bloodshot eyes staring at Wu Youdong.


    "My brother was sitting there just now, you should have seen him when you came in, right??" "I...


    I really didn''t see him." Wu Youdong looked aggrieved, he looked at the eccentric behavior of Chen Ling in front of him, hesitated for a long time, and tentatively asked, "Chen Ling...


    have you encountered a disaster recently?" Chen Ling stood still.


    [So, have you also merged with the disaster?] [I don''t know, I woke up and was already standing there.] [Have you also lost a memory segment?] [Yes.] [But isn''t the convergence point of the Ashen Realm in the back mountain? You should have been in surgery at that time...


    why were you affected too?] [I don''t know...


    I just remember the doctor gave me anesthesia, and when I woke up, I just...] Familiar dialogue lingered in Chen Ling''s ears, he seemed to have caught something faintly, his pupils slightly contracted.


    The author''s tale has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.


    "No...," Chen Ling muttered to himself, "It''s not right...


    none of it is right..." "Chen Ling, are you okay?" "...Back mountain?!" Chen Ling suddenly looked in a certain direction, went crazy and rushed out of the house without even taking the padded coat he had just removed, wearing only a thin shirt, and plunged into the heavy snow.


    Just as his figure disappeared at the end of the street, Chu Muyun, wearing a woolen coat, arrived at the door of his house.


    He looked puzzled in the direction Chen Ling had left, about to enter the house, but seeing Wu Youdong standing alone in the living room, his brows furrowed.


    "Who are you?" "I...


    I''m Chen Ling''s friend." Under the silver-rimmed glasses, his eyes immediately narrowed, exuding a dangerous aura...


    "What did you say to him just now?" "I didn''t say anything...


    I just, I just found it strange that he was talking to himself, so I asked him who he was talking to...


    and then..." Chu Muyun''s face changed drastically! He looked in the direction Chen Ling had left, "Do you know...


    what you''ve done?" Chu Muyun''s voice seemed to come from the underworld.


    "I..." At the moment when Wu Youdong''s gaze met Chu Muyun''s, Wu Youdong''s heart trembled.


    He had never seen such cold and crazy eyes before.


    Wu Youdong was extremely afraid.


    He took a half step back, trembling, and was tripped by the chair, falling to the ground with a thud.


    Chu Muyun took a deep breath, stepped into the room, and gently closed the door with both hands.


    The drafty door blocked the light and snow outside the house, casting a dim shadow over the living room.


    The figure in the wool coat slowly walked towards Wu Youdong.


    He pushed his glasses, and beneath his cultured appearance, a fierce and unmasked malice emerged, like a ferocious beast imprisoned in a human shell, shedding its disguise to reveal its bloody and ferocious fangs.


    "Do you know how rare it is to have a fusionist who maintains a delicate balance between madness and normalcy as a research subject?" "Do you know how much effort I put into pretending with him so he wouldn''t notice his abnormality?" "Do you know...


    what kind of monster you might unleash?" Wu Youdong was scared silly.


    Already with his legs broken, he couldn''t escape and could only drag his body backward bit by bit...


    "I don''t know, I really don''t know," he pleaded.


    "I''ve been guarding here for three days, not letting anyone near Chen Ling or this room...


    and yet, you had to barge in yourself." "...Why???" Chu Muyun suddenly lifted a corner of the chair and smashed it down on Wu Youdong''s head! Bang!!! A muffled sound echoed in the room, and Wu Youdong fainted on the spot.


    A large gash was opened on his forehead, and crimson blood flowed crazily, quickly pooling into a puddle.


    Chu Muyun showed no signs of stopping.


    He stared fixedly at Wu Youdong''s body on the ground, which looked like a corpse, and lifted the chair, repeatedly smashing it down on him! "Why?!" "Why?!!" "Why?!!!" The scalding blood splattered on the wool coat, staining the lenses of the silver wire glasses crimson.


    Chu Muyun no longer had the gentlemanly demeanor he had before.


    He was like a ruthless executioner, venting his anger in the dark where no one noticed.


    With each blow of the chair on the rotten body, Wu Youdong''s breath gradually disappeared.


    Bang¡ª With the final blow, the chair finally shattered.


    Chu Muyun wiped the sweat off his forehead, his chest heaving violently.


    With blood-stained fingertips, he lightly pushed up his glasses, his deep blue eyes staring at the pool of blood and mud at his feet.


    After an unknown amount of time, the madness in his eyes gradually faded, and a sharp scalpel fell into his palm...


    Meanwhile, a figure stumbled through the snow and arrived at the back mountain.


    His thin clothes were already soaked with sweat, and the heat and cold intertwined on Chen Ling''s body.


    He crossed the deserted yellow caution line, passed through snowdrifts with wooden signs, as if searching for something.


    This is where everything began...


    and also where the truth is buried.


    The mass grave.

 Chapter 33 Memory

    Chen Ling has never been here.


    Except for the time when he was dragged here by Chen Tan and Chen, who were buried in his inherited memory.


    But for some reason, when he set foot on the land of the chaotic burial mound, a strange sense of familiarity emerged in his heart...


    This sense of familiarity is not one, but two.


    He looked at the tombstones buried under the heavy snow in front of him, fragmented memories surged into his mind, as if two completely different memories were converging here.


    One belongs to Chen Ling...


    The other belongs to Chen Yan.


    He navigated through the tombstones by intuition, as if searching for something.


    Finally, he stopped in front of a mound without a wooden sign or any markings.


    He stared blankly at the mound for a long time, knelt down on the thick snow, the pale snow swaying in his vision.


    In a daze, the memories belonging to Chen Yan became clearer...


    "Name." "Chen Yan." "Age." "15." "Identification number." "39180." On the cold operating table, Chen Yan answered carefully.


    A strong light shone from above, making it impossible for him to open his eyes, only seeing blurry figures moving around the operating table.


    "The person matches, no mistake." "Such a young age, getting this disease...


    tsk." "When will the surgery start?" "Wait a bit, the heart over there is not in place yet.


    If we don''t get it, we can''t cover it up here." "With the high price of hearts on the black market now, did the parents manage to get the heart we requested?" "Get it? They are just a family of poor ghosts, can''t even afford it even if they sell their house." "Then where did the heart come from?" "Hehe...


    don''t you know?" "What?" "They want to use the heart of their eldest son to save this younger son..." "Really? Is it necessary?" "The couple was diagnosed early on, said they couldn''t have children, so they picked up a child from the street to raise, planning to take care of themselves in old age...


    but a few years later, unexpectedly, they got pregnant again and gave birth to a son.


    The couple who were prepared to accept their fate were overjoyed and immediately treated him as a treasure..." "If it were you, a wild child picked up from the street, and a biological son born with difficulty, which one would you choose?" "Tsk..." Upon hearing this conversation, Chen Yan lying on the operating table suddenly opened his eyes! He struggled to sit up, looking at the two people talking, his pale face full of astonishment and disbelief.


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    "You said...


    whose heart is it??" "Your brother''s." The bone knife in sterile clothing casually blew his nails, "What, didn''t your parents tell you?" "Otherwise, with your family''s little money, how could you possibly find a suitable heart for you?" "Brother..." Chen Yan stayed on the operating table for a long time, until the two doctors beside him began to push him down, he came to his senses and began to struggle like crazy! "I don''t want...


    I won''t do it! I won''t have surgery!!" Chen Yan''s voice carried a hint of crying, "I don''t want my brother''s heart! Let me go! I don''t want his heart!!" "The heart is already on its way, whether you want it or not, it''s not up to you." "Please, please, tell my parents, tell them I don''t want the heart...


    I don''t want to go back to school, I don''t want to go on stage to sing...


    I don''t want anything, just let my brother go...


    please..." "Lie down...


    lie down!!" It''s unknown where Chen Yan got the strength from, he actually forcibly broke free from the grip of two adults, suddenly flipped off the operating table, and staggered towards the direction of the operating room door! At that moment, the operating room door opened automatically, and a figure walked in, holding a mysterious metal box in his hand.


    Chen Yan bumped into him, falling to the ground.


    "The heart is in hand," the man said.


    "Well, that couple looked like cowards, but surprisingly efficient." Bone Knife took the metal box in surprise, a smile curling at the corner of his mouth.


    Chen Yan sat dumbfounded on the ground, the scattered pupils reflecting the shadow of the metal box, his lips and face pale, his body trembling uncontrollably...


    "No...


    I don''t want..." A needle gently pierced his body.


    Bone Knife crouched behind Chen Yan, his narrow eyes squinting like a snake or scorpion.


    "You don''t want it? Hehehe..." As the liquid in the syringe was gradually injected, Chen Yan felt his head getting heavier, his consciousness fading like the ebbing tide...


    Just before falling into complete unconsciousness, he vaguely felt someone leaning close to his ear, whispering like a demon: "You didn''t really think...


    we would transplant the heart to you, did you?" ...


    Chen Ling suddenly woke up! The cold wind carried snowflakes swirling in the cemetery, making a mournful sound.


    His eyebrows and hair were dyed white by the snowflakes, the piercing cold seeping through his clothes, chilling to the bone...


    Yet, he couldn''t stop sweating profusely.


    [Audience Expectation +5] "A Yan..." He stared blankly at the snow-covered mound beneath him, trembling as he raised his hand and began to dig down.


    His palm dug through layers of ice and snow, turning red from the cold, then encountering the frozen, rock-hard soil below.


    At this moment, he almost stopped thinking, with only the lonely mound and Chen Yan''s struggling face in his mind.


    As he dug deeper into the soil, the second memory flooded uncontrollably into his mind...


    "...Damn, why is it raining so heavily?" "Be careful, the mountain is all muddy, don''t slip." "Why do we have to come here to dump the body, can''t we just bury it near Ice Spring Street?" "Fool, burying near the street will be sniffed out by stray dogs sooner or later, once discovered, the enforcers will have to dig him out, and then launch an investigation...


    Qian Fan said, this cemetery is full of bodies, dumping here won''t be found." "Do we still have to share this deal with Qian Fan''s people?" "For Ice Spring Street business, the enforcers have to take a cut of thirty percent...


    Otherwise, why would they help us?" "Thirty percent? That''s a hefty share...


    Have they squeezed all the profits out of this kid?" "Kidneys, liver, corneas, bone marrow, blood...


    Bone Knife has taken everything that can be taken, now this kid is just an empty shell...


    You didn''t see it, when he was on the operating table, this kid was already a mess, how disgusting..." "Too bad we don''t know where that couple buried his brother, otherwise, dig him out, and we can harvest more..." Two figures in raincoats, carrying a black cloth bag, struggled through the mountain path in the pouring rain, arriving at the cemetery.


    They found an empty space, placed the black cloth bag down, and one of them took out a shovel, skillfully starting to dig the soil...


    until the depth was right, they casually threw the black cloth bag in like trash.

 Chapter 34 Clown

    "It''s done, let''s go." The two patted the mud off their bodies, confirmed that the pit had been completely covered, and then turned to leave.


    Pouring rain watered down on countless barren mounds, dark red blood mixed with mud rolled down the cliff, and after a few dozen seconds, two figures wearing raincoats struggled up from the mountain below.


    "Let''s do it here..." The two carried glass kerosene lamps, scanned their surroundings, not noticing the dark red mud flowing in the darkness, and walked straight to the freshly dug pit.


    They placed their cloth bags on the ground, took out shovels, and began digging slowly next to the dark red pit.


    "...An''s party will be fine, right?" Raindrops fell on the two''s raincoats, making a pitter-patter sound, the woman''s hands in her sleeves clenched pale, her voice hoarse.


    "It will be." The man digging the soil said in a deep voice, "The heart has been sent, the surgery should have started...


    Tomorrow, tomorrow we can go see him in District Two!" Hearing this, the woman''s expression softened slightly, she looked at the black cloth bag at her feet, her eyes full of guilt, "An Ling has suffered..." "We must keep this to ourselves." "What if An asks about his brother when he comes back?" "Then we''ll say he passed the law enforcement exam and was transferred to District Seven...


    Can''t come back." "Will he believe that?" "..." The man didn''t speak, just silently plunged the iron shovel to the bottom and forcefully lifted a large piece of soil.


    "Let''s bury it like this." he said.


    The two together threw the black cloth bag into it, burying it bit by bit.


    The woman hesitated for a moment, picked up a wooden board from the side, seeming to want to write something, but was stopped by the man.


    "What are you trying to do?" "It''s a mother and son after all...


    Let''s make a monument for An Ling." "No, if we erect a monument here, what if the law enforcers or others see it?" "Then..." "I said, from now on, keep this to yourself." The woman remained silent for a long time, but still threw the wooden board aside.


    Seeing this scene, the man comforted her softly, "It''s okay...


    When you wake up tomorrow, everything will be over." The two took a final look at the land and disappeared into the rain curtain.


    The heavy rain washed away the dark red soil, as if trying to wash away their grudges and grievances, two solitary graves separated by a thin layer of sand, connected to each other.


    Just as everything was about to be silenced by the downpour, a strange gray spread from nothingness...


    The Gray Realm, intersecting.


    ...


    "An...


    An!" Tears uncontrollably rolled down Chen Ling''s eyes, he frantically dug through the mud and sand with his hands until his fingertips blurred with blood.


    He didn''t know what happened after the Gray Realm intersected, why he was the only one who survived...


    No, Chen Ling didn''t survive either, he just turned into himself...


    But at this moment, who he was didn''t matter anymore.


    This world played a joke on Chen Ling, letting him die at the hands of his foster parents Chen Tan and his wife...


    But at the same time, the world played an even bigger joke on Chen Tan and his wife.


    Chen Ling''s vision blurred with tears, in his mind, scenes of the past two days flashed crazily.


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    The Gray Realm intersected, a figure struggling to climb out of the chaotic burial mound, the chest wound gradually healing, countless pairs of crimson eyes opening behind him, the rainwater on the ground converging into a line of characters...


    [Audience Expectation: 17%]; On a broken twig stuck in his fingernail, a shattered talisman swayed in the wind; The second disaster that struck Ice Spring Street may not have existed at all, from the beginning, it was Chen Ling himself...


    or rather, it was the self who lost his sanity after the expectation dropped below 20%.


    He was manipulated by the audience, slaughtering half of Bingquan Street, until the audience was satisfied, and then he walked slowly towards District Three...


    "No, it won''t be like this..." Chen Ling muttered to himself, "Is it really possible...


    that it''s just me from beginning to end?" On the hill behind, he washed the costume by the stream, handed it to Chen Yan...


    but when he was questioned by Jiang Qin, the costume mysteriously appeared in his arms again; The Chen Tan couple who were taken away by the enforcers, their gaze pierced through Chen Yan''s body, staring at him fiercely, roaring and cursing; On Hanfrost Street, enforcer Jiang Qin followed his finger and looked towards the dark corner of the street, but only saw a blurry figure; Chu Muyun stood with a letter at the door full of holes, facing the empty house, saying, "I heard that Mr.


    Chen needs a [doctor], so I came..." The empty room was being repaired; The torn cotton coat was being patched up; But from beginning to end, there was not a single person who spoke to Chen Yan.


    All of this seemed to indicate that Chen Yan had once existed...


    like a ghost by his side, or perhaps just his own bizarre delusion.


    Chen Ling kept digging, and the soil below gradually oozed blood, just as he was about to continue digging, a hand suddenly grabbed his wrist...


    Then, a large red costume gently draped over him, covering him from the snowstorm.


    Chen Ling was stunned.


    He looked up and saw the familiar young man squatting in front of him, tears streaming down his face.


    "Brother, don''t dig anymore...


    please, don''t dig any further, okay?" "...Ayan." Chen Ling stared at him blankly, his hands, covered in blood and mud, lifted up, as if wanting to touch Chen Yan''s cheek...


    and he did.


    "Ayan...


    are you alive?" Chen Ling''s voice trembled, "You are alive, right?" "I..." Chen Yan looked at the bloody soil, lowered his head, and dared not look into Chen Ling''s eyes.


    "I am already dead, brother..." "But you are clearly here!" "I am here because of your power." Chen Ling was taken aback, "Me? What kind of power do I have, I..." Before he could finish speaking, a raging snowstorm engulfed Chen Ling''s vision, and the next moment, Chen Yan''s figure disappeared again, as if he had never appeared.


    [Audience Expectation +5] [Current Expectation: 63%] Chen Ling''s gaze uncontrollably turned to the two lines of characters appearing in the snow, as if he had realized something, his pupils slightly contracted.


    "Audience," possessing the power to influence reality.


    After crossing over, they had influenced things around him more than once, the water stains in the kitchen, the pranked Dr.


    Lin, the gnawed bone knife...


    but since Chen Yan appeared, they seemed to have never intervened in his life again.


    So, the appearance of Chen Yan in his eyes was also the work of the "audience"...? "...It''s you." Chen Ling clenched his blood-stained hands tightly, he glared at the emptiness in front of him, the veins on his neck bulging one by one: "It''s you who made me see him...


    it''s you who made me get used to him...


    from the beginning, you just treated him as a prop, used to deceive my emotions, and then destroyed him with your own hands..." "You have been waiting for this moment for a long time, haven''t you?" [Audience Expectation +5] Another line of small characters appeared, completely igniting the suppressed anger in Chen Ling''s heart, he suddenly got up from the snow, a red robe roaring in the storm, like an enraged lion! "Are you satisfied now?!!" "Have you had enough of this play?!! Are you enjoying it?!!" "Do you think I acted well?!!" "Fuck you!!!"Chen Ling seemed to have imagined that in the dimly lit grand theater, countless pairs of crimson eyes peered through the curtains, watching him as he had been conversing with Chen Yan for the past few days, watching himself agreeing to perform at the school''s New Year''s Eve party, watching Chu Muyun lost in thought on the side...


    They orchestrated everything, they knew everything, they watched him pour out his emotions on stage, the corners of his mouth uncontrollably curling up in the darkness...


    He felt like a clown, a clown immersed in a false performance alone, a clown entertained by others.


    His chest heaved violently, the flames of anger seemed to burn through the heavy snow, and he frantically searched in the snow, trying to find a knife or a gun to end this absurd life.


    He didn''t want to be a clown, let alone a tool for the "audience" to play with.


    Just then, he suddenly slipped under his feet, and a few things slipped from his pocket, falling onto the pristine snow, reflecting a silver light...


    Nine silver coins.


    It was this morning that Qian Fan handed them to him with a smile as "payment." The moment Chen Ling saw these silver coins, his pupils contracted.


    He stopped in his tracks, a hint of clarity appeared in his angry eyes, then turned into even stronger hatred.


    He stood still for a long time, bending down to pick up the few silver coins one by one.


    "...Alright." Chen Ling''s voice was hoarse, he slowly raised his head, looking towards the direction of District Two, his eyes flashing with unprecedented murderous intent and madness! "You want to see a good show, don''t you..." "Then I''ll..." "Give you another performance." Chen Ling smiled, his smile amidst the snow and ice, like a demon.

 Chapter 35 Lost

    District 2.


    Ice Spring Street.


    At the end of the street, a mansion covering hundreds of square meters was bustling and lively, with numerous torches scattered throughout the mansion.


    Under the sweeping heat wave, the flying snow had not yet touched the ground before silently dissipating.


    This place was usually uninhabited, like an abandoned mansion, but only a few people knew that the owner behind this mansion, large enough to buy half of the Frost Street in District 3, was named Ma Zhong.


    And at this moment, this mansion, which had been deserted and dilapidated, was transformed into a lively scene, with enchanting music playing continuously, women''s coquettishness mixing with men''s laughter, like a paradise.


    "Ma Ge''s mansion is really nice...


    It''s a pity that it has been abandoned for so long." Qian Fan, dressed in the black and red uniform of an enforcer, sat in the front row, squinting at the women on stage dancing provocatively, unable to help but sigh.


    "What''s there to regret? Ma Ge''s mansion in District 3 is even bigger than this." Another enforcer sitting next to him raised his glass and clinked it with Qian Fan, then drank it all in one go.


    "I envy it...


    When can I buy a mansion like this?" "With Han Meng dead, no one can disrupt our business.


    In a few years, each of us brothers will have our own." "Hahaha, come, let''s have another drink!" "By the way, has Ma Ge arrived yet?" "He''s on his way, he said we should start without him." Qian Fan nodded, about to say something else, when Bone Knife approached him with a dance girl in his arms, smilingly coming to Qian Fan''s side.


    "Come, let''s toast to our boss Qian! We had some misunderstandings before, but in the future, please take care of our business relationship..." "Bone Boss is joking.


    Ma Ge is the host this time, I''m just here to join in." Qian Fan smiled, "But in terms of business, we will definitely cooperate sincerely for mutual benefit..." "Well said, mutual benefit!" The nineteen residents of Ice Spring Street present all stood up, clinked glasses with Qian Fan.


    Some of them were in the firearms business, some in the drug trade, some in the flesh trade...


    But at this moment, they all smiled so gently and harmlessly that if someone stumbled in, they would probably think it was a gathering of business tycoons.


    "Boss Qian, how did that batch of goods from a few days ago go?" Bone Knife seemed to remember something, lowered his voice and chuckled, "That heart and those organs, the quality was good, right?" "Good." Qian Fan nodded slightly, "The buyer was very satisfied." "It''s not common to have a buyer who buys all the organs in one go...


    Did the goods go to Aurora City?" Hearing the three words "Aurora City," Qian Fan narrowed his eyes and slowly said, "Bone Boss, in this line of work, it''s best not to inquire about things you shouldn''t...


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    Be careful not to get into trouble." "Hahaha, my bad, I''ll drink to that!" Bone Knife downed the drink in one gulp, his gaze shifting to the voluptuous dancers on stage, his hand sliding down the shoulder of the woman beside him, casually playing with it amidst a chorus of coquettish voices.


    "Speaking of which, it''s always the same few performances back and forth...


    Isn''t there anything else?" "What else do you want to see?" "I heard that in Aurora City, there are performances like singing, skits, magic, opera...


    How come we only have dancing here?" "As you said, that''s in Aurora City...


    In District 3, where can you find so many varieties? It''s already good enough to have so many dancers and accompaniment for you." "...How boring." Bone Knife''s cheeks flushed with alcohol, he pushed away the two beautiful women in his arms, walked straight to the center of the stage, disrupting the formation of the dancing women, who looked at each other in confusion.


    On the side of the stage, the rhythm of the drums and the playing of the instruments suddenly stopped.


    "Don''t stop, keep dancing..." The body of Bone Knife lightly pressed against one of the dancers from behind, his hands wandering on her body like snakes, finally grabbing her wrist, as if manipulating her dance steps like a puppet, causing her to move strangely and awkwardly on stage.


    The dancer''s face turned pale with fear, but she dared not resist, allowing Bone Knife to manipulate her body, while the other dancers glanced at Qian Fan below the stage, pretending nothing was happening, and continued to dance neatly...


    The drumbeat continued, the music was melodious.


    "Hahaha, Bone Knife, your dancing is so ugly!" "I could do better!" "Don''t, I think he''s doing pretty well, keep dancing, keep dancing! Hahaha..." "I didn''t expect you to have a talent for dancing? How about a pole dance for everyone!" "..." The people of Bingquan Street below laughed, as if they had found something amusing, pushing the already lively atmosphere to a higher climax.


    Just then, a figure pushed open the gate of the courtyard in the heavy snow and walked slowly towards them.


    "What? Has Brother Ma finally arrived?" Everyone turned to look, their eyes falling on the front yard, but they all froze in place.


    It was not Ma Zhong who had come, but a young man in a bright red opera gown.


    He silently crossed the front yard stone path, his temples dusted with white snowflakes, in the pale world, that touch of crimson was so glaring and hot.


    Seeing the person''s face clearly, most of the people inside the house''s expressions changed, as if recalling something, with a hint of resentment and malice in their eyes.


    At the same time, Qian Fan was slightly startled, he exchanged a glance with the enforcer beside him, and stood up from his seat.


    "Brother Chen Ling, why are you here?" A warm smile appeared on his face, "What a coincidence, as soon as you left, the second and third districts here were unsealed, and we wanted to have a celebration, I even said earlier that we should keep you here in the morning..." "Come, now that you''re here, sit down and have a drink with us." Chen Ling did not answer, he calmly walked through the snowy courtyard, his muddy shoes stepping into the house, leaving behind deep imprints.


    "No need." He said lightly, "I came to take something..." "Take something? Did you leave something behind?" In the eyes of everyone, Chen Ling walked through the banquet, step by step onto the stage...


    his gaze locked on Bone Knife from start to finish.


    "Oh, I thought it was someone else, turns out it''s Brother Chen, the enforcer..." Bone Knife, who was drunk, sneered, released the dancer in his hand, and pushed her aside, "What, dressed like this, are you here to perform for us?" Han Meng is dead now, Ma Zhong is back in control of the third district, Bone Knife and the others don''t believe that Chen Ling would dare to act recklessly...


    now, the second and third districts are under their control! "Hahaha! Let him perform one!" "Dressed like this, is he going to sing a play? Which one will he sing?" "...


    " At this moment, the people were fearless, holding their wine glasses, looking at the red-clothed Chen Ling with mocking eyes.


    Qian Fan''s brow furrowed tighter and tighter, feeling that something was not right.


    "Chen Ling, if you lost something, just tell me...


    I''ll help you find it." "I lost a heart." Chen Ling stared straight at Bone Knife''s face, "And my brother''s life." The next moment, a hand pierced through Bone Knife''s chest in an instant!

 Chapter 36 Who can punish me?

    The crimson blood splattered on the screen behind the stage, the drum beats and the sound of silk and bamboo on both sides of the stage disappeared in an instant! Everyone was stunned for a moment, their pupils suddenly contracted, the strong smell of blood suppressed the alcohol in their bodies, they suddenly stood up, their faces filled with disbelief! "You..." The gaze of Bone Blade slowly lifted from his own blood-red chest and looked at Chen Ling''s face.


    He seemed to have realized something.


    "You are...


    that kid''s...


    brother?" A large amount of blood gushed from his throat, making his words unclear, his expression extremely terrified.


    "Do you like to dig into others'' hearts and lungs?" Chen Ling''s cheeks were blood-red, and in his eyes, intense hatred and madness emerged.


    "Today...


    I will also dig you up, clean and thorough!" "Give me the knife!!" Chen Ling raised his hand towards the void behind him.


    A sharp dagger suddenly trembled violently around the waist of a resident of Bingquan Street who was standing still below the stage! As if an invisible hand grabbed the handle of the dagger and suddenly pulled it out of its sheath, whistling towards Chen Ling in the center of the stage! "Audience," in cooperation with his performance.


    Chen Ling grasped the dagger and lightning-fast stabbed it into Bone Blade''s chest, down along the blood hole he opened with his hand, instantly splitting him open! Bone Blade''s mouth opened wide uncontrollably, extreme pain made him unable to help but howl, but the continuous gushing blood from his throat blocked his airway, only hearing the painful whimpering.


    Blood mixed with organs flowed outward from the cut, Bone Blade knelt down weakly on the ground, his hands frantically trying to stuff those things back in, but after a few pulls, his movements slowly stopped...


    He died.


    In his pupils, the blood-red stage was reflected, along with everything about himself...


    more so, fear and helplessness.


    Chen Ling looked at Bone Blade kneeling dead in front of him, his expression did not change much.


    This was his first time killing someone, but perhaps due to the surge of hatred and adrenaline, he surprisingly didn''t feel much...


    except for a faint sense of nausea.


    He did not notice that at this moment, above the snow-filled sky, a black star faintly lit up.


    "Chen Ling?! Are you crazy?!!" "As an enforcer, without reason, killing at will!! You will face punishment!!" Qian Fan saw this scene, his pupils involuntarily dilated, and he immediately shouted.


    On the blood-red stage, the figure in red slowly turned around...


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    The young man''s cheeks still had hot blood, he held a dagger, overlooking the terrified crowd below the stage, his eyes full of killing intent and madness! At this moment, on the screen behind him, the blood was faintly lit up densely, as if countless crimson eyes opened in the darkness, sitting in the void audience seats, watching everything.


    [Audience Expectation Value +5] Clang¡ª Only a light sound was heard, and all the torches in the courtyard were extinguished at the same time.


    "Punish me?" Chen Ling chuckled, he slowly raised his fingertips, dipped in the hot blood on his cheeks, and drew a bloodstain at the corner of his eye...


    the once outlined red makeup of Chen Yan overlapped with Chen Ling''s face in a daze, and the whole person''s breath suddenly became eerie and bloody! He was the soul of Chen Ling, and also the soul of Chen Yan, performing alone under the gaze of the "end of the world" catastrophe.


    "Why do you have the right to punish me?" "Who can punish me?" In the next moment, the figure in red disappeared from the stage in an instant.


    A dagger simultaneously cut through the void, so fast that no one in the audience reacted, followed by a muffled groan, and the resident of Bingquan Street closest to the stage splattered blood on his neck and fell to the ground.


    Li Mang, Sun Laoliu, and others were shocked.


    They had all fought against Chen Ling and knew the terror of the other party.


    The key point is that today they are all here to celebrate and enjoy, almost no one is carrying a gun, at most hiding two cold weapons on their bodies...


    But even when holding a gun in the tavern, they couldn''t deal with Chen Ling, let alone now? The red specter shuttles through the banquet, crazily harvesting the lives of these people.


    As more and more people are killed, Chen Ling has completely overcome some of the shadows of evil deeds, and inexplicably becomes more skilled.


    Amidst the vast snow, a bloody and eerie massacre takes place in the courtyard.


    At the same time, a hundred meters away from the courtyard.


    "He actually attracted the attention of the ''God of War Dao''?" Chu Muyun stood under a snow-covered tree, gazing at the distant courtyard, "I didn''t expect him to be a genius...


    in the aspect of killing." "Not just the ''God of War Dao''." In the void, a man shrouded in black shadows slowly emerged.


    "Haven''t you noticed? The stars of the ''God of Shaman Dao'' have also reacted..." "''God of Shaman Dao''?" Chu Muyun was startled, "What does he have to do with the ''God of Shaman Dao''? Why would he attract the ''God of Shaman Dao''?" "I don''t know." "But don''t you find it strange?" "What?" "How can a Fusionist attract the attention of the gods? And, he is a Fusionist carrying the ''World Destruction'' level..." "There''s nothing strange about this.


    He just attracted attention, as if his own talent was noticed by the gods, but he did not truly obtain the [Divine Favor]...


    The divine path will not be left to monsters." "I see." "But this kid is indeed crazy enough, ruthless enough, your judgment is correct." Chu Muyun smiled slightly, without saying a word.


    "But he will have difficulties ahead." "Why?" "I smell it." The shadowy man paused for a moment, "That enforcer named Qian Fan has the aura of a ''sacrificial vessel'' on him." ...


    Courtyard.


    As Chen Ling raised his hand and the knife fell, seven or eight residents of Bingquan Street died in succession.


    Without firearms, these Bingquan Street residents almost uniformly chose to flee, but their speed was far inferior to Chen Ling, who possessed the [Dance of Slaughter], and as soon as they ran to the front yard, they were captured and killed one after another! "Brother Fan! What should we do?!" A law enforcer hurriedly spoke.


    "He should have already obtained the [Divine Favor], stepping into the divine path..." Qian Fan recalled the scene where Chen Ling had taken the dagger out of thin air just now, his face extremely ugly, "Damn it, which divine path has he embarked on?" "Doesn''t that mean he''s considered a law enforcer?" Another law enforcer''s face turned pale, "How can we possibly defeat him?" "Why hasn''t Brother Ma arrived?!" "It''s too late...


    if this continues, not only will Bingquan Street be completely wiped out, but we may not be able to save our lives either." A fierce look flashed in Qian Fan''s eyes, he reached into his chest and pulled out something wrapped in black cloth, appearing in his palm.As he gradually unwrapped the black cloth, a broken finger bone was exposed in the air..

 Chapter 37 Divine Favor

    Descends "Sacrificial tool?!" The two enforcers beside him saw this scene, their eyes widened in shock.


    As the bone was exposed to the air, an inexplicable heat spread inside and outside the house, the flying snow was isolated outside the courtyard, as if an invisible domain had opened up.


    Qian Fan held the bone in his hand, looking at the figure in red robes in the distance, eyes flashing with killing intent.


    This sacrificial tool was bought by him at a high price in the black market of District Five two years ago.


    It was said to come from the body of an enforcer contaminated by the intersection of the Ashen Realm.


    Over the years, this thing has always been his life-saving trump card, never used.


    But this time, he had no choice.


    "Catch him for me!!" Qian Fan roared lowly, stabbing the bone into his own palm.


    As blood flowed over the bone, it seemed to come alive, crazily devouring Qian Fan''s flesh and blood, while a shadow flashed across the surface of the bone.


    In the courtyard, the snow-covered ground suddenly trembled! Chen Ling only felt a blur in front of him, the snow under his feet suddenly burst open, a pale spike resembling a giant rib shot out from the ground, lightning-like piercing his shoulder! Even though Chen Ling had vaguely seen the trajectory of that rib, its appearance was too sudden, he couldn''t react in time.


    In a moment of urgency, Chen Ling instinctively moved his body aside, avoiding his vital points.


    The intense pain of flesh being pierced came from his shoulder, Chen Ling''s movements paused, and then the second, third rib consecutively burst out from the ground! Chen Ling''s body had already been pierced by the first rib, with almost no space to dodge, he could only barely move his body, grazing the ribs to avoid them, but in doing so, his space for movement became smaller and smaller.


    With the appearance of the fifth rib, Chen Ling was completely locked in place, like a prisoner locked in a bone cage, unable to move.


    "What is this thing..." Chen Ling looked at the bone in Qian Fan''s hand, his face extremely gloomy.


    As the flesh and blood were continuously devoured by the bone, Qian Fan''s figure had shrunk by half, like a malnourished scavenger.


    But as the ribs stopped appearing, his figure also stopped thinning.


    Seeing this, Qian Fan immediately pulled the bone out of his body, tremblingly reinserted it into the oiled paper, a faint smile appearing on his pale lips.


    In terms of effectiveness, the money spent was worth it...


    this was already equivalent to the destructive power of the second tier of the divine path.


    Seeing Qian Fan easily subduing Chen Ling, the other two enforcers were secretly shocked, under their admiring and fearful gaze, Qian Fan slowly moved his body and walked into the courtyard.


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    "How was it?" Qian Fan sneered, "Did you enjoy the killing just now?" Bodies were scattered in the courtyard''s snow, blood flowing, staining the ground dark red...


    Chen Ling was imprisoned in the bone cage, looking coldly at Qian Fan in front of him, his eerie and bloody face showing no emotional fluctuations.


    "Is obtaining the Divine Favor so remarkable?¡±


    ¡°Even if you are a quasi-enforcer, in the end, you still fall into my hands?¡±


    ¡°Kid, I don''t care what grudge you have with Ice Spring Street, you are doomed...


    do you know how many people''s interests you have harmed?" Qian Fan slowly pulled out his gun, the black muzzle aimed at Chen Ling''s forehead, as he spoke, his emaciated face filled with resentment.


    "Oh no, can''t let him kill Chen Ling." Seeing this scene, the shadowy man outside the mansion frowned, ready to take action.


    "Wait." Chu Muyun suddenly spoke, under the lenses, his eyes flickering with a strange light, "The situation doesn''t seem right..." The shadowy man was stunned, "What do you mean?" Inside the mansion.


    With a gun pointed at his head, Chen Ling remained unmoved, his eyes calm as an abyss.


    Just as Qian Fan was about to pull the trigger, two stars suddenly shone brightly in the sky, a grand and majestic divine light as if a giant pillar from the heavens broke through the snow curtain, enveloping Chen Ling in the bone cage! Dong¡ª¡ª!! The surging divine aura swept ripples in the void, forcibly pushing Qian Fan back several steps, staggering and falling to the ground.


    He looked in astonishment at the two divine pillars descending from the sky, his eyes full of disbelief! "Divine Favor? How is this possible? Didn''t he already receive Divine Favor?¡±


    ¡°The black one is the ''War God Dao'', and the purple one is...


    the ''Witch God Dao''?" The other two enforcers were also shocked.


    "Being offered olive branches by two major divine paths at the same time, what kind of monster is this kid?" In the bewildered gaze of the three, Chen Ling, covered in blood, raised his head slightly and looked at the two stars above his head, shining with divine light like ribbons, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes...


    He had just prepared himself to die again, after all, his "expectation value" was already sufficient, even if he died, he would probably be resurrected directly...


    but he never expected to trigger Divine Favor.


    And not just one, but two.


    Speaking of which, when he killed the Bone Blade just now, he did have a strange feeling, not joy or disgust, but a feeling...


    as if he was born to do such things.


    According to what Chu Muyun said earlier, this was his first time killing someone, which triggered the favor of the "War God Dao", making him a peerless genius of the "War God Dao".


    But Chen Ling didn''t understand, what was the second purple star? Just as Chen Ling was puzzled, a third star slowly lit up in the sky! It was a crimson star, embellished in the sky, shimmering like glass, the ribbon-like divine light passing through the void, enveloping Chen Ling along with the divine lights of the other two divine paths.


    Chen Ling was stunned.


    "There''s another divine path??¡±


    ¡°Three divine paths descending at the same time, how is this possible?!¡±


    ¡°Wait, which divine path does this star represent? Why does it feel like I''ve never seen it before..." Qian Fan and the other two were completely dumbfounded.


    At the same time, the two people outside the courtyard were also somewhat astonished.


    "Red as cinnabar, shaped like glass...


    there''s no mistaking it, this is the ''Play God Dao''," the shadowy man said thoughtfully.


    "''Play God Dao''? That''s quite rare," Chu Muyun frowned slightly, "but what does he have to do with the ''Play God Dao''?¡±


    ¡°Is he good at acting or singing?¡±


    ¡°As far as I know, he''s not...


    but his imaginary younger brother is.¡±


    ¡°With three major divine paths descending at the same time, if this were a normal situation, he would definitely be a top genius, but unfortunately..." the shadowy man shook his head, "unfortunately, he is a fusionist, destined to never walk the divine path.¡±


    ¡°With three major divine paths appearing at the same time, someone in Aurora City must have noticed, they will definitely send someone over.¡±


    ¡°No need to wait for Aurora City..." The shadowy man turned slowly, looking in the direction of the wind and snow, "There''s an enforcer approaching here, he''s almost here.¡±


    ¡°We can''t let him interrupt this, I''ll go stop him," Chu Muyun said as he turned to go.


    "No need.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°...someone has already gone to stop him."¡±

 Chapter 38 The Retreat of Shintoism

    In the vast wind and snow, a figure in a black windbreaker walked slowly.


    Black boots left footprints in the snow, blood dripped from the hem of the coat, embellishing the snow like a long red line.


    Clusters, clusters, clusters! Sparks ignited by friction lit a cigarette, and he took a deep drag, exhaling slowly.


    "Almost cleared, just a few remnants left...


    This time, it should be resolved in one go," he muttered to himself.


    The windbreaker, stained with blood, shimmered with four silver patterns.


    At that moment, two stars in the gray-white sky simultaneously lit up, and a faint divine light descended on a distant mansion.


    Seeing this, his eyebrows raised slightly.


    "[Divine Favor]?¡±


    ¡°Looking in that direction, it should be Ma Zhong''s mansion...


    Among those remnants, there is actually a divine favorer?" As he muttered to himself, another star lit up, and a third divine favor poured down...


    "Three divine favors?" His surprise turned into shock, "What kind of monster is this..." He unconsciously quickened his pace.


    Snowflakes fluttered, chilling to the bone, the outline of the mansion in the distance seemed elusive.


    One minute, two minutes, three minutes...


    His brows furrowed tighter.


    No matter how he walked, the mansion remained hazy and distant, showing no signs of getting closer...


    like a mirage in a snowstorm.


    Finally, he seemed to sense something, turned back, and realized that the footprints he had left behind had all disappeared.


    The cold wind whistled in his ears, in the white world, it seemed like he was the only one left.


    "Who?" he asked coldly.


    His voice was swallowed by the swirling snowflakes, surrounded by an eerie silence.


    "...Playing tricks." A hint of killing intent flashed in his eyes, his right hand gripping the gun handle at his waist, an invisible field suddenly spreading out! He closed his eyes, the cigarette in his mouth burning silently, as if he was earnestly sensing something.


    Suddenly, he raised the gun barrel like lightning, aimed at a certain direction beside him, and pulled the trigger without hesitation! Bang! The force of deconstruction tore through the void, shattering all the snowflakes in its path.


    At the same time, everything around him seemed to ignite like paper, the earth, the sky, the snowflakes, the outline of the distant mansion...


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    he was enveloped in a cocoon, and with the gunshot, the cocoon shattered! The sense of unreality around him receded like a tide, and the distant mansion became clear again.


    "Huh?" A soft exclamation came from the trajectory.


    He turned to see a boy with a white paper covering his face, squatting in the snow, holding a twig in one hand, his eyes peering through the makeshift holes in the paper, looking at him in surprise.


    In front of the boy, there was a large circle outlined by twigs, and now the man''s figure was trapped in the center of this circle.


    However, a gap had been opened in the circle where he had just fired.


    "I thought you would take a few more minutes to figure it out." The boy shrugged, "It seems I underestimated you...


    truly worthy of being the legendary genius law enforcer.¡±


    ¡°Who are you?" Han Meng frowned at him, sensing that the boy''s aura was even stronger than his own, likely already at the fifth stage! But he was already twenty-five...


    and the boy in front of him looked no more than fifteen or sixteen! A fifteen or sixteen-year-old at the fifth stage? He had never heard of such a genius in the Aurora Realm.


    "Even if I cover my face, can I still tell you who I am?" The boy pointed to the white paper on his face, then seemed to struggle to breathe, so he casually poked another hole near his nose and continued softly, "At my age, why isn''t your brain more agile?" Han Meng''s face turned ashen.


    "Do you know what crime it is to obstruct a law enforcement officer from carrying out their duties?¡±


    ¡°Law enforcement officer? Are they very powerful?" The boy chuckled and casually drew a square pattern on the snow with a stick, instantly trapping Han Meng within it.


    "When you can walk out from inside, I''ll admit that you''re somewhat powerful...


    maybe one-tenth as powerful as me." The boy''s face under the white paper showed a smile.


    Han Meng looked down and saw that a giant playing card, the Eight of Clubs, had appeared in the snow beneath his feet...


    In the moment he saw the playing card, Han Meng seemed to remember something, and his pupils suddenly contracted.


    "...Twilight Society?!" Courtyard.


    Chen Ling stared blankly at the third star that lit up, with a hint of confusion in his eyes.


    He didn''t recognize this star, nor did he know why it was drawn to him...


    If killing triggered the attention of the "War God Path," then what about the other two divine paths? Chen Ling couldn''t figure it out, so he decided to stop thinking about it.


    For him, the choice of which divine path to take was the problem he had to face now.


    Once he stepped onto a divine path, he would be able to wield extraordinary power...


    Perhaps one day, he could break free from being a mere "spectator" with his own strength! A person cannot step onto multiple divine paths at the same time, just as one cannot split and walk two paths.


    Chen Ling looked at the three divine paths, hardly hesitated, and made a decision...


    After all, he only recognized the "War God Path." Moreover, the impression left by Han Meng''s "Slaughter Dance" was too deep, making him feel that the "War God Path" might be the most adept at combat among all the divine paths.


    Just as he was about to choose the "War God Path," a sudden change occurred! In the void behind him, pairs of crimson eyes suddenly opened, like a writhing sea of shadows! The "spectators" began to intervene in the performance! Thud-thud-thud-thud- In the theater, countless "spectators" watching the performance began to stomp on the floor, the dull rumbling sounding like continuous thunder! Countless gazes were cast from the theater towards the three stars in the sky.


    At that moment, a world-ending level of power emanated with the crimson eyes, as if an invisible and intangible super giant beast was silently roaring at the three stars above!! They were rejecting the divine paths; They were intimidating the divine paths! The next moment, the three stars in the sky trembled violently! The divine radiance enveloping Chen Ling shattered inch by inch, as if a divine road connecting heaven and earth began to collapse from the bottom...


    The divine paths were scared.


    They saw the monster behind Chen Ling, and despite their previous favor towards him, they began to fear his existence.


    They were unwilling to let that monster tread on the paths that belonged to them...


    Just like no one would willingly invite a fierce tiger into their home.


    Therefore, they severed their own divine paths and retreated from the forefront.The divine light enveloping Chen Ling shattered, the divine path quickly receded, and at this moment, both Chen Ling and Qian Fan and others present were all stunned..

 Chapter 40 Distorted God of Drama

    Countless cinnabar and glass beads fell on the snow, shining brightly like scattered stars on earth.


    "This is..." Chen Ling was stunned.


    "Brother, do you know...


    that red star represents ''drama''." Chen Yan raised his head, looking at the gradually receding divine path in the sky, and slowly spoke, "Since the day I started self-studying drama, I would occasionally sense its presence...


    It wants to take me away, but I don''t want to go.


    Every time it goes away, I would leave behind a piece of it.


    I thought that when I gathered enough, maybe I could take you, take our parents to the place it points to, to see what the end of ''drama'' is...


    Unfortunately, in the end, I only gathered thirty-six pieces." "Now...


    I can''t go anymore." Chen Yan smiled helplessly, he slowly grabbed all the cinnabar and glass beads, and forcefully waved them towards the receding divine path in the sky! In the next moment, countless divine lights bloomed from these divine path fragments, rapidly interweaving in mid-air, reuniting into a misty divine path like a ribbon, chasing after the receding divine path! "Brother, you must live on...


    What is the end of the path of drama, can you go see it for me?" The two divine paths collided in mid-air, and the brilliant divine light illuminated the sky! "God of Drama," reconnected; The cinnabar stars in the sky never expected that their divine path could be forcibly left behind, the divine light trembled in mid-air, as if trying to pull it back...


    On the other end of the divine path, the young Chen Yan stood quietly there, although his body looked thin and frail, on top of the talent of the "path of drama," he was so powerful, transcendent, as steady as Mount Tai.


    He firmly nailed the starting point of the drama divine path in front of Chen Ling! The divine path betrayed Chen Ling, but not Chen Yan; "What happened??" Outside the courtyard, the shadowy man and Chu Muyun looked in astonishment at the sky under the cinnabar stars, a broken path was rapidly being completely repaired! "Why was the path of drama stopped??" "It chose Chen Ling? How is that possible?!" Even the usually calm and wise Chu Muyun couldn''t help but widen his eyes, the two of them carefully scanned around Chen Ling in the center of the courtyard, but found nothing unusual...


    In their sight, they couldn''t see anything.


    "Wait...


    something''s not right!" "What''s wrong?" "That path of drama is not right, it''s distorted...


    I have never seen any divine path like this." "What will happen if a distorted divine path is taken?" "If a path''s markings are altered, who knows where its final destination will be? Heaven? Or...


    hell?" "You mean..." "Hurry, stop him!! He must not take that distorted divine path!!" Two figures rushed towards the courtyard at high speed! Chen Ling stared blankly at Chen Yan standing on the path of drama, not knowing if it was an illusion, his figure seemed to be fading little by little...


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    "Yan...


    Yan!" Chen Ling''s pupils contracted, with strength he didn''t know where it came from, he forcibly pulled his shoulder bit by bit out of the skeletal cage, the sharp bone points tore flesh and blood, crimson blood dripped down his arm, quickly gathering into a pool of blood.


    He gritted his teeth tightly, unable to help but howl, only completely breaking free from the cage after about ten seconds, stumbling towards Chen Yan! "Yan!" He reached out to Chen Yan with one hand, but could only pass through lightly from the void...


    Before, he could touch Chen Yan.


    "Brother, this time I really have to go." A unique smile of youth, pure and gentle, appeared on Chen Yan''s face, "This path is different from other paths of drama...


    It may make your life full of twists and turns, but it may also help you get rid of those things." "Where are you going?" Chen Ling''s face was pale from the loss of blood.


    "Return to where I should be...


    at the same time, it will also become the cornerstone of your godhood." Chen Yan took a step back, fully displaying the godhood in front of Chen Ling.


    His figure almost faded away, leaving only a voice lingering in Chen Ling''s ears.


    "Walking this path, the world will belong to my brother." "Chen Ling!! Stop quickly! You can''t walk that path!!" Chu Muyun''s voice came urgently, but Chen Ling seemed to ignore it.


    He was wearing a bright red robe, standing at the starting point of the godhood, slowly lifting his right foot, and then...


    stepping on it.


    Thud!! As his foot landed, the ethereal godhood instantly solidified, like a blood-red staircase leading to the sky.


    In the next moment, this staircase to the heavens rapidly shrank beneath Chen Ling''s feet, eventually fading into nothingness...


    That twisted godhood seemed to have disappeared, or perhaps...


    it was already beneath Chen Ling''s feet.


    Chu Muyun and the shadowy man arrived at the scene, leaving Chen Ling alone with his head bowed, standing in place.


    "Chen Ling, didn''t you hear me calling just now?" Chu Muyun frowned and walked up, about to say something, but suddenly stopped in his tracks.


    "What''s wrong?" the shadowy man asked.


    Chu Muyun''s voice rang out again.


    The shadowy man paused for a moment, turned to look at Chu Muyun, only to find that the latter hadn''t spoken at all...


    "What''s wrong?" Then, his own voice also sounded from the front.


    Both of them looked ahead, a chilling wind swept across the snowy ground, the young man in the bright red robe, with his back to them, his neck twisting strangely backward...


    "Chen Ling, didn''t you hear me calling just now?" "What''s wrong?" "Chen Ling, didn''t you hear me calling just now?" "What''s wrong?" "Chen Ling, didn''t you hear me..." Chu Muyun and the shadowy man''s voices overlapped from Chen Ling''s throat, while his face kept switching between the two of them...


    Yes, switching.


    On Chen Ling''s face, it was as if there was an easily tearable mask like a calendar, with each word he spoke, he would transform into the corresponding person''s appearance, and with the next word, a mask would automatically tear open, revealing another person''s appearance.


    Eyes, stubble, mole, voice, every detail was perfectly reproduced, and the two of them felt a shiver as they watched Chen Ling''s face constantly changing between their own faces.


    "What...


    what''s wrong with him?" the shadowy man asked in confusion.


    "Generally speaking, stepping onto the godhood means reaching the ''First Step,'' and with each step, one will automatically master a corresponding path skill...


    his appearance should be the result of the first step skill of the Play Godhood." "The first step skill of the Play Godhood is face-changing?" "Square 7 told me that most of the awakened skills of the first step of the Play Godhood are [Thousand Faces], an extension of the basic disguise ability of actors...


    from the description, it''s very similar to Chen Ling''s current situation." "Then why does he seem not quite clear-headed?" "His godhood has been twisted, so the awakened skill should also be twisted...


    most likely, he is being backlashed by his own skill." "I see...


    no wonder he was imitating us just now." "But he''s not imitating now..." Chu Muyun looked at Chen Ling, who had suddenly fallen silent, frowned and said, "I suddenly have a bad feeling..." The shadowy man was about to ask what the feeling was, when Chen Ling raised his head again...


    A face was torn off his face.


    Above Chen Ling''s neck, a large, pitch-black handgun barrel was aimed at the two of them.

 Chapter 41 Under the Skin

    Watching Chen Ling''s head turn into a gun barrel, Chu Muyun and the shadow man were dumbfounded at the same time.


    "Bang!" Chen Ling''s vocal cords simulated a gunshot.


    A dazzling fire burst from the muzzle, and the two figures standing directly in front quickly came to their senses and dodged swiftly! They crossed dozens of meters in the snow at an astonishing speed before coming to a stop.


    Looking back, they found that no bullets had been fired from the gun barrel at all, only continuous sparks bursting from the muzzle, as if simulating the act of firing a gun.


    "This..." the shadow man asked in confusion, "Did Square 7 ever mention that ¡¾Thousand Faces¡¿...


    can transform into a gun barrel?" "No," Chu Muyun shook his head, "¡¾Thousand Faces¡¿ has the ability of disguise, only able to change appearances, but he...


    seems to be able to transform objects as well." "That''s just too abnormal, is this the power of that twisted divine path..." "But great power usually comes with a greater cost." Chu Muyun calmly gazed at the red figure in the snow, imagining itself as a gun barrel, with a complex expression.


    "Bang, bang, bang!" The gun barrel transformed by Chen Ling continuously fired into the void, like a soulless walking corpse.


    Until his gun barrel "saw" the three people cowering under the house, Qian Fan, and suddenly stopped...


    as if contemplating.


    "Does he still retain his sanity?" the shadow man asked in astonishment.


    "I would say, instinct," Chu Muyun said lightly, "the instinct for revenge." At the same time, Qian Fan and the other two people targeted by the gun barrel turned pale again.


    They had just witnessed Chen Ling''s resurrection of the divine path, tearing his body apart, and then turning into a madman shooting wildly...


    The successive cognitive shocks had almost stopped their brains from functioning.


    "Why the hell...


    won''t you die? Why aren''t you dead yet?!" Qian Fan roared, raising his gun barrel again and pulling the trigger repeatedly at the red-clothed monster! Bullets hit Chen Ling''s body, splattering fresh blood, even though his appearance had turned into a gun, his physical strength had not increased significantly, as if he had just changed his skin...


    The next moment, a face skin was once again peeled off from Chen Ling''s face.


    The originally huge and bizarre gun barrel disappeared without a trace, replaced by a red figure with a "Danjiao" appearance, with eyebrows like hooks, bearing a striking resemblance to the deceased Chen Yan from the eyes.


    The bright red opera gown stepped lightly through the snow, like the only crimson in the pale world.


    The "Danjiao" stared straight at Qian Fan and the other two, lips slightly parted, followed by Chen Yan''s melodious and penetrating singing voice echoing in the courtyard! "The little nun is twenty-eight years old, in her prime, her head shaved by her master.


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    Every day, burning incense and changing water in the Buddha hall, seeing a few disciples playing at the mountain gate..." The opera continued, the red figure trailing an afterimage, disappearing in an instant...


    Qian Fan felt a blur before his eyes, and his wrist was cut open by a dagger, he screamed in pain, and the gun fell into the snow.


    His other hand immediately reached into his chest, trying to pull out a sacrificial object, but a cold light flashed, and his other hand floated lightly out of his arm...


    "He looks at us, we look at him..." Under the red apricot eye makeup, a pair of hollow pupils stared straight at Qian Fan, almost touching his face.


    "Chen Ling...


    Chen Ling! I know I was wrong!!" Qian Fan''s features contorted in agony, but fear dominated his heart, "Spare me...


    I''ll give you all my money! I''ll never...


    again..." "Puff!" A sharp blade pierced Qian Fan''s chin, silencing his pleas.


    "He and us, we share, both sides have many concerns..." Qian Fan''s body fell stiffly to the snow, and the "Danjiao" slowly withdrew the dagger, looking at the only two law enforcers left in the courtyard.


    The two exclaimed in surprise, without the slightest thought of resistance, they turned and ran towards the gate of the courtyard.


    At the same time, "Danjiao" moved lightly across the ground, his wide sleeves fluttering like butterfly wings, the cold light of the dagger cutting an elegant arc in the snow, and two splashes of blood sprayed out.


    He slowly stopped his steps.


    As the last two bodies fell to the ground, the entire courtyard was soaked in blood.


    The figure in red stood amidst the corpses, blood dripping from the blade, like a demon walking out of hell.


    After some time, the disguise on Chen Yan''s face dissipated, and Chen Ling returned to his original appearance.


    He stood alone in the sea of blood, the dagger gently falling to the ground, and with a cold wind blowing by, he fell to the ground like withered grass.


    "Finally, it''s over..." Chu Muyun and the others walked over from a distance, looking at the unconscious Chen Ling, sighing deeply.


    "The fusion of the ''world-ending'' disaster has embarked on a twisted path of gods...


    From now on, he is destined to be different," the shadowy man said slowly.


    "Different, isn''t that the best?" Chu Muyun smiled, "The Twilight Society accepts the different." "Are you sure you want to include him in the Twilight Society?" "It''s not me..." Chu Muyun took out an envelope from the pocket of his coat, holding it between his fingertips.


    On the envelope was a red Joker card.


    "It''s the Red King." ...


    Boom! A buzzing sound came from the void, and the snowflakes shattered in an instant.


    In the wilderness several kilometers away from the courtyard, a bored boy holding a stick suddenly looked up in surprise.


    In the center of the snow-covered "Plum Blossom 8," a fierce crack spread wildly, and Han Meng''s hands reached out from the crack, grabbing the edge and pulling hard! The "Plum Blossom 8" shattered, and Han Meng''s body passed through the void completely, his black windbreaker covered in dust and blood, looking extremely disheveled.


    "He actually made it out?" The boy covered his mouth in astonishment...


    or rather, the big hole on the white paper representing the "mouth." Han Meng''s chest heaved violently, as if the previous action had taken a toll on him.


    He stared fiercely at the boy sitting in place and raised his gun without hesitation! "Don''t be so excited.


    I admit I underestimated you just now.


    I didn''t expect there to be a genius in the Aurora Realm," the boy said with interest, propping his chin.


    "Your name is Han Meng, right? Do you want to join our Twilight Society?" "Not interested," Han Meng''s voice was icy cold.


    "An organization of lunatics and executioners, when did they dare to appear openly in the human realm?" "Tsk, it seems you have a deep bias against us." "This is a fact." An invisible field opened around Han Meng.


    "Human Convention Article 139, any realm, once a member of the Twilight Society is discovered, they are immediately placed on the highest level of the realm''s kill list, with priority even above the ''Fusionists'' and ''Fire Usurpers''...


    You are enemies of the human realm." "Don''t say that, we haven''t done anything heinous." The boy spoke displeased.


    "Is that so?" Han Meng sneered, "Including...


    wiping out an entire human realm?"¡±

 Chapter 42 [Secret Eyes]

    The boy raised his eyebrows, about to say something, when a curve of light shot into the sky from the courtyard behind him.


    "So, people have a lot of prejudices against us..." The boy casually waved his hand, "I won''t tell you, you''ll understand one day." Han Meng narrowed his eyes and immediately pulled the trigger! The buzzing of the gun rang out, the strong wind lifting his coat and the deconstructive bullet piercing through the boy''s body, leaving a head-sized hole! However, as the bullet passed through his body, there was no trace of blood, the boy''s figure gradually turning pale, like a fading piece of paper.


    "Han Meng, I''ll remember you...


    Until we meet again by fate." The boy''s body became flatter and flatter, in just a few seconds, turning into a flat, two-dimensional sketch without thickness, fluttering onto Han Meng''s face with the cold wind.


    Han Meng furrowed his brow, took down the sketch, and saw the boy wearing a white mask sitting cross-legged, extending a middle finger towards himself...


    He immediately tore the sketch into pieces.


    "The Twilight Society has appeared in the Aurora Zone...


    This is trouble." Han Meng took a deep breath, glanced in the direction of the courtyard, and walked straight ahead.


    No one stopped him, and soon Han Meng arrived at the entrance of the courtyard.


    He pushed open the gate with force, and in a creaking sound, the ground was covered with corpses, nine silver coins scattered on the blood-red ground...


    A total of twenty-two people from Ice Spring Street''s celebration, none survived; ...


    Chen Ling slowly opened his eyes.


    He saw the spotlight above, covered his eyes with his hand, but did not immediately get up...


    He lay on the floor of the stage, quiet like a corpse.


    In just a few hours, he had experienced too much.


    Chen Yan''s disappearance, the brutal truth, the raging revenge, the redemption he thought he could have, then despair, and then finding a glimmer of hope...


    all of this left Chen Ling numb and hopeless.


    How he wished it was all a dream, that he would wake up to his mother calling him for breakfast, hastily put on his clothes, wear his work badge, and continue being a wage slave at the theater.


    Unfortunately...


    what awaited him was still the silent and eerie theater.


    After a long time, Chen Ling finally sat up slowly, looking at the densely packed crimson eyes in front of the stage, feeling extremely complex.


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    Even if he embarked on the path of the God of Drama...


    would he ever be able to break free from this group of "audience"? Or, in their eyes, had he just become more interesting? Chen Ling had no answer.


    But at least, he now had one more reason to live.


    He stood up from the floor, walked to the center of the stage in front of the big screen, a series of characters appearing before his eyes.


    [Audience Expectation +1] [Audience Expectation +1] [Audience Expectation...] [Current Expectation: 77%] [Detected loss of actor connection, performance interrupted] [Audience Expectation -50] [Current Expectation: 27%] These are the changes in expectation values that occurred in the courtyard, and after Qian Fan shot himself once, he had already lost one connection, deducting 50% of the expectation value.


    But perhaps because the expectation value remained above 20% even after the deduction, none of the "audience" fled.


    "As long as the total expectation value is controlled, even in death, I won''t end up like last time being usurped of my body...


    it''s a chance for resurrection." "But, it''s not easy to raise the expectation value to over 70..." Chen Ling''s gaze fell on the corner of the screen, where the pulsating treasure chest icon appeared again.


    He lightly tapped it, and an exciting music played, accompanied by the stage lights.


    When Chen Ling turned to look, a table appeared in the center of the stage.


    "First time the audience expectation value has exceeded 70%, unlocking achievement - ''Special Praise''!" "You have earned an extra lottery chance.""After use, a random character skill will be selected from all the characters in this play for learning." Chen Ling walked to the table, and cards with various colors and patterns appeared on the table out of thin air.


    Like last time, most of them were white and gray, but the number of blue ones had increased compared to last time...


    There should be new characters appearing, along with an increase in skill cards.


    With a light wave of Chen Ling''s finger, numerous cards flipped over simultaneously, the uniform card backs flashing at an astonishing speed.


    After a moment, they neatly settled in place.


    Last time, Chen Ling drew Han Meng''s "Slaughter Dance," changing his fate in one fell swoop...


    This time, will the goddess of luck still favor him, drawing a skill card that could overturn the situation? Chen Ling hesitated for a moment, raised his fingertip, and tapped on one of the cards.


    The card flipped over.


    A touch of blue appeared before Chen Ling.


    "Skill: [Mystic Eyes]" "Belongs to: Medical God Path, [Blood Butcher] Path, First Tier;" "Character: Chu Muyun." The moment Chen Ling saw the information on this card, his eyes narrowed slightly...


    Drawing Chu Muyun''s skill card was within Chen Ling''s expectations, but the large "Blood Butcher" made him unable to help but feel puzzled.


    Is this path really part of the "Medical God Path"?? As Chen Ling absorbed the card, the method of using [Mystic Eyes] appeared in his mind.


    Unlike the [Slaughter Dance] of the "War God Path," [Mystic Eyes] leaned more towards being a support skill, helping the user better capture, analyze, and distinguish details...


    A good doctor can judge the severity of a patient''s condition through their behavior, including a psychologist who can even confirm a person''s thoughts and predict future actions through microexpressions.


    [Mystic Eyes] elevate this ability to its peak.


    As Chen Ling finished absorbing the ability, the cards on the table disappeared simultaneously, but the table itself remained there.


    "...What does this mean?" Chen Ling walked forward and found a new piece of paper on the table.


    On the paper, there were also a few lines of small text.


    "Congratulations on completing the play, the initial chapter - ''Heartless''." "The highest audience expectation for this play: 78%" "You have obtained one designated lottery chance." "After use, you can designate a character from all the characters in this play, randomly draw the opponent''s ability, and the probability of drawing rare skills is related to the overall audience expectation value of this play." After reading all the text, under the spotlight, the table suddenly filled with pages, and countless words appeared on them.


    ["Who...


    am I?"]"Boom¡ª¡ª" "Pale lightning flashed through the ink-like clouds, rain pouring wildly, the god-like thunderstorm pouring down on the muddy earth..."

 Chapter 43 Act

    Chen Ling''s gaze swept over the opening lines, and as the pages turned, he saw many familiar scenes and sentences, as if everything he had experienced in the past few days had been compiled into a play, recorded on it.


    ["It''s you." Behind the wooden table, a man in a white coat slightly turned sideways, "Are you here to get medicine for your brother again? Didn''t he transfer to the hospital in District Two?"] [...] ["A Ling, you are already dead, you shouldn''t be here." Chen Tan''s eyes were bloodshot, he tightly gripped the axe, hoarsely said, "No matter what is occupying your body...


    I will set you free." A deep thunder flashed across the dim sky...] [...] ["Don''t be afraid, brother." Chen Yan whispered, "I buried him for you."] [...] ["Hello, I am the enforcer Chen Ling...


    Are you ready to answer my questions?"] [...] ["Rather than being a puppet for a lifetime, Chen Ling would rather choose death."] [...] ["Monster...


    Monster!!" A law enforcer shouted in horror, "He''s not human! He''s a monster!!"] [...] And the last line was a descriptive one: ["He stood alone in a sea of blood, the dagger gently falling to the ground, as a cold wind brushed past, the whole person seemed like dry grass, falling backwards on the ground."] Seeing this, Chen Ling felt a tingling sensation on his scalp.


    Although he had long been prepared for the feeling of being watched, it was not until now that he truly felt the strangeness of it.


    Most importantly, Chen Ling could only see his own lines, everything that happened when he was not present was blocked by thick black threads...


    even as the "protagonist," he did not have the full review rights of this play.


    "Based on my personal experience, written into a play..." Chen Ling muttered to himself.


    As the last line finished, these papers automatically bound themselves into a book in the void, falling into Chen Ling''s hands, with a few lines on the cover particularly prominent.


    [Act I] [Chapter One - "Heartless"] [Starring: Chen Ling] [Other Cast: Chen Yan, Han Meng, Chu Muyun, Chen Tan, etc.] At the same time, in a corner of the stage, a wooden bookcase appeared out of thin air.


    Chen Ling looked deeply at the play in his hands, and after a long time, he walked towards the bookcase...


    he placed this play in the first slot on the far left, with the words "Heartless" on the spine facing outward, visible at a glance.


    Just as Chen Ling was about to turn around for the second designated draw, a familiar voice sounded in his ear: ["Intermission is over, please continue the performance."] The black curtain slowly opened, Chen Ling''s consciousness left the theater, drifting into the void...


    "Are you awake?" As Chen Ling opened his eyes, Chu Muyun''s voice came from the side.


    The heating was running in the room, Chu Muyun had already taken off his wool coat, wearing a shirt and vest, sitting quietly on a chair by the window, flipping through a medical book.


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Before he could say the next word, a short knife had already swiftly reached his throat, the chilling killing intent extinguishing the candlelight in an instant! In the dim room, Chu Muyun''s eyelids twitched, looking at the red figure in front of him and slowly spoke: "It seems that the divine path indeed has an impact on your character...


    is your killing intent so strong?¡±


    ¡°You know that An Yan is fake, yet you pretended nothing was wrong and stayed for so many days...


    what is your purpose?" Chen Ling''s eyes flashed with fierceness.


    "I am a doctor, I came to District Three, of course, to treat your illness." Chu Muyun closed the book, "If I had ill intentions towards you, you would have died countless times already." Chen Ling stared at Chu Muyun, "How much do you know?¡±


    ¡°Unfortunately, I know everything.¡±


    ¡°How much is everything?¡±


    ¡°What do you think?"Chu Muyun''s mouth curved up slightly, and he leaned towards Chen Ling, "I''m very curious...


    how can you remain rational while merging with a ''world-ending'' calamity? Or rather...


    how are you balanced?" Upon hearing this, Chen Ling''s pupils suddenly contracted.


    Since their first meeting, when Chu Muyun tried to stay behind, the other party should have already sensed that something was amiss.


    In the following days, he had been observing himself, even taking the initiative to subtly inquire about Chen Yan''s characteristics...


    This man with silver-rimmed glasses, who appeared gentle and cultured, was actually the one with the deepest scheming.


    But Chen Ling did not expect that as soon as the other party spoke, he would reveal his identity as a fusionist, and even mention the "audience" hierarchy.


    "So...


    what do you plan to do?" Chen Ling retorted, "Split my head open to take a look? Hand me over to the law enforcement officer? Or use this to blackmail me into doing something for you?¡±


    ¡°To be honest, I am very interested in the first matter," Chu Muyun shrugged helplessly, "but unfortunately, my superior does not allow it...


    As for the second point, it''s even more impossible.


    If I were to go to the headquarters of the enforcers with you, I would definitely be the first one to be caught...¡±


    ¡°Your superior?" Chen Ling keenly grasped the key point, "Aren''t you the divine physician of Aurora City? Who is your superior? The dean?¡±


    ¡°The divine physician is just a role I fabricated to infiltrate Aurora City.¡±


    ¡°Then what is your real identity?¡±


    ¡°...Have you heard of the Twilight Society?" Chen Ling shook his head.


    "The Twilight Society is a secret society established outside the nine...


    no, now it should be eight major realms of humanity, where all members are numbered according to the faces of playing cards and secretly infiltrate the various major human realms to engage in covert activities.¡±


    ¡°It doesn''t sound like a righteous organization.¡±


    ¡°No, we are a righteous organization." Chu Muyun pushed his glasses up and smiled, "It''s just that in the eyes of the world, our righteousness represents absolute evil...¡±


    ¡°Sorry, I''m not interested in joining a cult." In his previous life, Chen Ling had heard countless brainwashing techniques from cults or pyramid schemes, all of which were about instilling twisted ideas to control people''s minds.


    Even though he carried the "calamity" in this life, he had no intention of succumbing to it.


    "So, we are not a cult...


    just that our ideals conflict with this era." Chu Muyun patiently explained, "And, our salary is very high, probably ten times that of becoming a law enforcer.¡±


    ¡°Ten times?" Chen Ling looked at him in surprise, then shook his head, "But money doesn''t mean much to me...


    even if I have money, I still need to have a life to spend it." If it were his past life, Chen Ling would have been tempted by the tenfold salary, but things were different now.


    His biggest goal now was to break free from the control of the "audience," and everything else was just a passing cloud.


    "We also have many resources, and if you encounter obstacles in climbing the divine path, you can seek help from other members.¡±


    ¡°Are there many members in your organization?¡±


    ¡°Currently alive, there are probably more than twenty.""Let''s talk about our justice..."

 Chapter 44 Interrogation

    "I don''t need it." Chen Ling put away the short knife, took a deep breath, "Let me think about it first." Chu Muyun leaned back slowly in his chair, seemingly unsurprised by this outcome.


    He didn''t try to persuade, just calmly said, "No problem, whenever you''re ready, come find me at Xiaofang Grocery Store...


    I''ll be here waiting for you all day today." Chen Ling stood up, about to leave, when Chu Muyun took out a silver square from his pocket and handed it to him.


    "What is this?¡±


    ¡°A gift from my superior," Chu Muyun said lightly, "Through it, you might understand us a little better..." Chen Ling took the square, examined it in his hand for a moment, and nodded slightly.


    "Alright, thank you.¡±


    ¡°Also, pay attention to your mental state, don''t let the distorted divine influence affect you...


    Your path is quite mysterious." Chen Ling didn''t reply, he also noticed that his emotions had become somewhat strange since he set foot on that path...


    He needed to calm down and think.


    Leaving the room, Chen Ling went up the stairs and eventually arrived at a small store.


    A woman behind the counter, lying down and sleeping, glanced at him and went back to sleep.


    Chen Ling had some impression of this Xiaofang Grocery Store, although it was far from Hanshuang Street, the things sold inside were cheap.


    During the New Year, he would occasionally bring Chen Yan to buy things here...


    Unexpectedly, this was actually a stronghold of Chu Muyun''s organization.


    Chen Ling had no intention of chatting with the woman, so he pushed the door and left.


    The heavy snow did not stop with the end of the first act, still falling gently to the ground.


    By now, the snow had accumulated above the ankles, making walking more difficult.


    Chen Ling identified the direction and headed straight for Hanshuang Street...


    He didn''t know why he was going back there, as there was nothing left.


    But where else could he go besides Hanshuang Street? Chen Ling didn''t know, the small house on Hanshuang Street was his only sanctuary in this world, even though it hadn''t left him with any good memories...


    "Chen Ling!!" As Chen Ling approached his home, a voice rang out from not far away.


    Wu Youdong strode over lightly through the snow, coming to him, "Chen Ling, where did you go earlier? Is your health better now?¡±


    ¡°Why are you here?" Chen Ling looked at Wu Youdong in surprise.


    Just a few hours ago, he was barely alive, leaning on a crutch, but now he was moving freely and full of energy.


    "I came to thank the divine doctor!" Wu Youdong said excitedly, "The man who lives in your house, he''s amazing! I remember talking to him, then suddenly everything went black, and when I woke up, my leg was healed! The clinic doctors said I needed to rest for half a year, and there was a high chance of leaving behind a root of illness...


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    but he just healed me in an instant! I had a previous injury from heavy work, my knees and joints would ache on rainy days, but now I don''t feel anything, and most importantly...


    I feel like I''ve grown taller again!" Chen Ling looked at Wu Youdong and could clearly see that he had indeed grown taller...


    His head used to only reach his chin, but now it was close to his nose.


    Chu Muyun, is he that powerful? "He''s already gone," Chen Ling paused for a moment, adding, "And most likely, he won''t be back." Wu Youdong was taken aback, disappointment evident on his face...


    "Alright, then I''ll go back first." Watching Wu Youdong walk away, Chen Ling returned to the door of his house, about to push it open, when his outstretched hand suddenly stopped in mid-air.


    He looked at the old eaves, squinted his eyes, a hint of light flashing in his pupils.


    The "Secret Eye" gave him an extreme detail observation ability, instantly locking onto the fine snow stains on the eaves.


    No...


    Someone had entered the house while he was away.


    And most likely, they hadn''t come out.


    Chen Ling cautiously withdrew his arm, silently retreating two steps in the snow, and at that moment, a voice slowly sounded from inside the house.


    "Good observation, come in." It was the voice of Han Meng, as deep as ever, "Do you think you can stay away from home forever?" Chen Ling, seeing his whereabouts exposed, furrowed his brow, hesitated for a moment, and then forcefully pushed open the door.


    "What are you doing in my house?" he asked, looking at Han Meng sitting at the dining table, his voice heavy.


    "Investigating.¡±


    ¡°How is that different from a thief breaking into a house?¡±


    ¡°Law enforcers have the right to enforce the law and investigate, do I need to explain that to you?" Han Meng lightly tapped the table with his knuckles, "Don''t think I''m just here to investigate, even if I set the house on fire, what can you do?" Chen Ling''s gaze turned even colder.


    "But I really didn''t expect that you actually know Chu Muyun...


    how did you two meet?¡±


    ¡°What does it have to do with you?¡±


    ¡°I am now asking you as the Chief Law Enforcement Officer of District Three, Chen Ling, watch your attitude." Han Meng''s gaze slightly intensified, a strange sense of oppression suddenly enveloping the living room! Chen Ling stared at him for a long time, then slowly spoke, "Introduced by Dr.


    Lin at the corner clinic.¡±


    ¡°Why did you go see a doctor?¡±


    ¡°I wasn''t feeling well at the time.¡±


    ¡°Feeling unwell, and you needed to see Chu Muyun? Are you really physically unwell, or...


    mentally contaminated by the Gray Realm?" Han Meng''s gaze sharpened suddenly, like an eagle that could see into people''s hearts.


    "I..." Chen Ling''s mind shook, in front of Han Meng, he suddenly had a feeling of having nothing to hide.


    "On the night of the disaster, you talked to Jiang Qin, saying your brother was squatting at the corner, but today I happened to be investigating Ice Spring Street in District Two, and found that your brother Chen Yan had all his organs removed a few days ago and died tragically, so who was the brother you mentioned that night?¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    ¡°I searched the entire house, only traces of two people living here, one is you, the other is Chu Muyun, but why are there three bowls in the sink? Who was the third bowl for?¡±


    ¡°...¡±


    ¡°Before coming here, I talked to Wu Youdong, he said you were alone in the house lighting candles, and then...¡±


    ¡°Enough!!" Chen Ling suddenly stood up, his eyes bloodshot, "Yes! Am I crazy?!¡±


    ¡°Is my brain malfunctioning?! I can see Yan! I feel like he''s right beside me!!¡±


    ¡°Just a while ago! He was outside making a snowman at the door! Blowing candles with me in the house! He said he wanted to go back to school, wanted to sing at the New Year''s Eve party! To me, he is a living person!¡±


    ¡°He''s just an ordinary child! He got sick! He wanted to get better on his own! He wanted to stand on stage openly and perform one day! What''s wrong with that?!¡±


    ¡°Han Meng! You''re here interrogating me aggressively, but where were you when those people on Ice Spring Street killed my brother?!¡±


    ¡°When they colluded with law enforcers, forcing one ordinary person after another to their deaths, where were you?!¡±


    ¡°What about your investigative authority?! What about your law enforcement authority?!!" Han Meng''s body suddenly shook.


    Chen Ling''s chest heaved violently, he stared fiercely into Han Meng''s eyes...


    Han Meng''s originally calm eyes slightly contracted, unconsciously avoiding Chen Ling''s gaze.


    He just sat there quietly, head bowed, like a sculpture.

 Chapter 45 USB flash drive

    I don''t know how long it has been, Chen Ling finally calmed down.


    He said coldly, "Captain Han Meng, if your questioning is over...


    please leave my house." Han Meng did not speak again.


    He stood up silently and walked towards the door.


    He pushed open the door, and the dancing snowflakes floated into the room.


    The four-lined black windbreaker fluttered slightly...


    He paused for a moment and looked back at Chen Ling.


    "Whether you believe me or not, I have always been fulfilling my duties...


    If you really think this world lacks justice, why not become it yourself." "You passed the martial arts test as the top candidate, and now you are an official law enforcer.


    You can report to headquarters tomorrow." "And..." "The qualification to enter the ancient military secrets is also yours." After saying these words, he stepped into the heavy snow, and the black windbreaker gradually disappeared at the end of the street.


    Chen Ling''s gaze swept over the empty room, his expression somewhat complicated...


    When Han Meng walked far away, he also left the house and headed towards the back mountain.


    ...


    The mass grave.


    Chen Ling sat slowly in the snow, holding the box of uncut cake.


    "A Yan, I''m here." He looked at the uneven pit he had dug in front of him and spoke softly.


    Snowflakes stuck to the young man''s temples, resembling white hair.


    He took out the candles from the cake and inserted them into the snow.


    "You have made a wish before, so I won''t light the candles...


    I''ll cut the cake for you." Chen Ling took out a plastic knife from the packaging box and slowly cut the cake into two pieces.


    He neatly placed one piece in front of the pit and picked up his own piece from the box.


    Ice and snow covered the surface of the cake, and Chen Ling took a bite, not sure if it was cream or ice.


    As he chewed, he mumbled unclearly, "A Yan, do you know?" "This world is really messed up...


    This cake is so bad, yet it costs two hundred copper coins.


    In my original world, a cake that costs two hundred is bigger and much tastier." "If there''s a chance, I really want to take you back, even though I''m just a corporate slave, I earn enough money for you to eat and drink without worries." "But then again, if you go back with me, you''ll definitely have a better life than me...


    You''re good-looking, sing well, and just become a short video blogger casually, you''ll have millions of fans, a proper inheritor of traditional culture." Chen Ling''s face was red from the cold wind.


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    He took a few bites of the cake and looked up at the sky.


    "But there are good things here too..." "The aurora here is beautiful, whether it''s day or night." "But what''s the use of being beautiful?" "Just surviving is already a struggle for me..." "The path you gave me seems powerful, but it also seems to affect my mind...


    Is this what you call hardships?" "Han Meng asked me to join the law enforcers, but the ''world-ending'' disaster on me is like a time bomb.


    Once it erupts, I will become a target...


    In that case, is joining that society a step in the right direction?" "Instead of letting them find me and capture me, wouldn''t it be better to stand against them from the beginning?" "A Yan...


    How should I proceed on the path ahead?" Chen Ling muttered to the pit.


    Click¡ª At that moment, something slipped out of his pocket and fell into the snow.


    Chen Ling picked up the object, it was the silver square block that Chu Muyun had given him before.


    In the chilling wind, it felt icy cold in his hand.


    Chen Ling remembered that Chu Muyun had said that through this thing, he might understand them better...


    But how should he use this thing? He fiddled with the silver square block in his hand for a while, gently pushed the tip of his finger, and a silver sliding cover separated from the main body, revealing a silver piece of metal with some square holes, looking like a standard...


    "USB flash drive?!"Chen Ling looked at the USB flash drive in his hand in astonishment, feeling completely bewildered.


    Ever since he arrived in this world, Chen Ling had always thought that the technological level here was probably stuck in the Republic of China era of the previous world - coal oil lamps, yellow horse carriages, salt for melting snow, old-fashioned pistols...


    But when he saw this USB flash drive, Chen Ling was suddenly at a loss.


    Could this thing...


    really belong in this world? Where did the computers in this world come from? Without computers, where could this USB flash drive be plugged into? One question after another flashed through Chen Ling''s mind, and he absentmindedly picked up the USB flash drive and inserted it into the snow beneath him...


    The next moment, a string of deep green code automatically appeared on the snow! [Code 129439] [Reading...] [Reading complete] Chen Ling''s eyes rolled back, and he fainted on the spot...


    *Whoosh* The sound of rushing water echoed in his ears, Chen Ling suddenly opened his eyes wide, as if he had just awakened from a nightmare, cold sweat soaking his back.


    Somehow, he had already left the chaotic burial mound and arrived in a small square space, the sound of toilet flushing gradually fading away, replaced by a series of urgent knocking on the door.


    "Bro, are you done yet? I can''t hold it anymore..." Chen Ling snapped back to reality, quickly scanning his surroundings...


    "...A toilet?" Chen Ling stared in disbelief.


    It wasn''t the old, run-down toilet at Hanfrost Street, but a clean, bright, modern toilet.


    Whether it was the sensor light above his head or the "TOTO" toilet behind him, everything made Chen Ling feel a strong sense of familiarity.


    "Did I...


    travel back?" Chen Ling''s eyes were filled with confusion.


    "Bro, if you''re going to put on your pants, do it quickly.


    I really can''t hold it anymore..." The voice of the man outside the door was full of urgency.


    Chen Ling immediately pushed open the toilet door, and the man in a polo shirt at the door was overjoyed, quickly entering the stall, slamming the door shut with a bang, followed by a comfortable groan...


    Chen Ling looked around, subconsciously quickening his pace and leaving the toilet.


    The first thing that caught his eye was "Heytea." Next to it were KFC, Muji, Zhouheiya, Grandma''s Dumplings...


    Looking at these familiar brands and the pedestrians walking around the mall, Chen Ling''s pupils slightly contracted...


    He seemed to have realized something, and he hurriedly stepped through the crowd, rushing out of the mall amidst countless strange looks! Witnessing the towering skyscrapers with his own eyes, only one thought remained in Chen Ling''s mind...


    He had truly returned.


    "Did I...


    just have a dream?" Chen Ling held his head in his hands, muttering to himself, "No, if it was a dream...


    why would I wake up in a toilet?" "I was just at the chaotic burial mound, talking to Ayan...


    then I inserted the USB flash drive into the snow, and then..." "Was it that USB flash drive??" Just as Chen Ling was talking to himself, the large screen in the opposite building suddenly flickered, "We interrupt this program for an urgent news flash.""At nine o''clock this morning, a red meteor grazed past the Earth, while at the same time, extremely localized earthquakes erupted across the country...


    In just three short minutes, over a hundred buildings split and collapsed, including the Meishang Hotel, Jiangkou Football Stadium, and the Capital Theater...


    According to incomplete statistics, the current death toll exceeds two thousand people..."

 Chapter 46 The Secret of Twilight Society

    "Beijing Grand Theater..." Isn''t that the theater where I used to work? Chen Ling remembered the day when she was killed by a chandelier and crossed over, which seemed like an earthquake...


    So, did she really come back? At the same time, a group of pedestrians also stopped and pointed at the screen.


    "Red meteor?" "Come to think of it, I think I saw it this morning too...


    It passed by in a flash." "Ah, why didn''t it hit the Earth? Hurry up and destroy the world, I really don''t want to go to work..." "What kind of ghost earthquake is this in such a small area? I didn''t feel anything in the morning? Could it really be just those few buildings shaking?" "The news said it was caused by magnetic pole changes...


    Forget it, it didn''t shake me anyway." "..." As the news interruption ended, the screen in the building switched back to advertisements, and the crowd only lingered briefly before leaving.


    Only Chen Ling stood alone in place, lost in thought.


    Red meteor...


    So, could her crossing over be related to this meteor? A bus passed by Chen Ling, pulling him back from his chaotic thoughts.


    He looked at the red "Route 33" sign on the bus, as if remembering something, and immediately rushed towards the bus.


    A blur whizzed past the sidewalk, and he managed to get on the bus before the doors closed.


    "Young man, you''re quite agile." The elderly driver rubbed his eyes, "I didn''t even see how you got over here...


    Are you a sprinter?" It was then that Chen Ling realized, looking down at his hands, his brows furrowing tighter.


    [Dance of Slaughter]...


    Was he brought back by himself?? "Young man, scan the code." The driver started the bus and gestured with his chin towards the payment machine, "Two yuan." "I..." Chen Ling searched his pockets, "I don''t have any money on me." "Scan the code to pay, no need for cash." "...I don''t have a phone either." Saying this, Chen Ling felt like a wild man from primitive society...


    "Oh, why make it difficult for the child, I just broke two yuan buying vegetables earlier, I''ll help him pay." A curly-haired middle-aged woman in the front row took out two coins from her pocket and dropped them into the box with a clink.


    "Thank you, auntie." Chen Ling thanked politely.


    "Young man, are you an actor? Auntie also likes to watch plays, hey, which role do you play?" Hearing this, Chen Ling realized that he was still wearing that bright red opera robe, which was particularly eye-catching inside the bus.


    "I, I just sing casually." Chen Ling awkwardly replied.


    The bus seats were all taken, so he held onto the handrail, chatting with the auntie as the bus moved forward with a slight sway.


    As each bus stop passed by outside the window, Chen Ling''s heart gradually tensed up.


    He glanced at the next stop''s name, slowly moved towards the back door of the bus, and when the bus stopped, he quickly rushed down.


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    Across the platform was a residential area.


    Chen Ling took off the eye-catching opera robe, walked straight into the residential area, passed through the familiar path, and arrived in front of a small high-rise building.


    Seeing that the building was unharmed, Chen Ling finally breathed a sigh of relief...


    This was his home.


    What he was most worried about was if the earthquake had affected this place, and his parents would end up like him...


    Fortunately, everything was safe.


    Chen Ling entered the building, only to find white mourning cloth hanging inside.


    His heart skipped a beat, and he immediately took the elevator to the ninth floor.


    As the elevator door opened, a burst of crying reached his ears.


    "Caiyun, don''t cry, if you keep crying like this, what will happen to your health..." "Yes, if Ling is still alive, seeing you like this, she would be heartbroken." "Ling was a good child, but fate is...


    sigh."Chen Ling stood blankly in the elevator, his gaze passing through the half-closed door, seeing many figures surrounding a middle-aged woman, expressing sorrow and consolation.


    Chen Ling recognized them, they were relatives from his hometown in Beijing, aunts and uncles, all gathered here, and the woman in the middle was his mother.


    The middle-aged woman held a black and white photo in her arms, already crying.


    The figure in the photo...


    was Chen Ling.


    Two relatives stood in a corner, whispering to each other.


    "Where is Chen Ling''s father?" "Still at the hospital, discussing Ah Ling''s affairs over there...


    They said to let Caiyun come back first to pack up Ah Ling''s belongings." "Did you see Ah Ling''s...


    body?" "Yes." The relative nodded, "Poor child...


    there was a big hole in the head, they say it was hit by the chandelier." "At the hospital, Caiyun held Ah Ling''s hand and cried for over an hour, but was eventually taken away by his father..." "Ah...


    what a tragedy." "Let''s go, let''s talk to Caiyun, no matter what, we need to arrange Ah Ling''s affairs first..." "Yes." Chen Ling stood in the elevator, watching everything like a statue.


    He wanted to step into the elevator, but didn''t know how to explain after seeing his relatives and mother...


    his mind was in chaos.


    Just then, the elevator doors closed automatically.


    As the metal elevator doors gradually closed, the door of Chen Ling''s house was pushed open, and the relatives supported Caiyun as they walked out.


    Dong¡ª The elevator doors closed, perhaps someone downstairs pressed the button, and the car began to descend slowly...


    "...Mom." It was only at this moment that the pale-lipped Chen Ling hoarsely uttered this word.


    He looked at his reflection on the metal elevator door, and the image of his mother crying on the ground just now resurfaced in his mind, feeling a sharp pain in his heart...


    He took a deep breath, as if determined, and frantically pressed the button for the ninth floor.


    He wanted to see his mother.


    However, the elevator continued to descend.


    At the same time, familiar dark green text appeared in the void: [Code 129439 time limit reached] [Reading interrupted] Boom¡ª The elevator car plummeted rapidly downwards! "...Mom!!!" In the midst of a snowstorm, Chen Ling suddenly sat up from the ground.


    He breathed heavily, his pupils involuntarily dilated, he looked around and realized he was still in the cemetery.


    "Damn...


    what the hell is going on??" Chen Ling regained his senses and couldn''t help but curse.


    Just now, he almost thought he had really gone back...


    but when he opened his eyes, he was still in this wretched place! Chen Ling''s gaze fell on the USB drive in the snow.


    ["Through it, you may understand us a little better..."] What is the organization where Chu Muyun is located? Why do they have a USB drive? And can they even send him back to the previous life? Clenching his hands to support his body, Chen Ling couldn''t help but tighten his grip.


    He took a deep breath, grabbed the USB drive, and ran down the mountain...


    Little Fang''s grocery store.


    Beside the counter, a woman lazily stretched, watching the dusk outside gradually dimming, saying, "He might not come." "No, he will." Chu Muyun sat in a chair, flipping through a book attentively, and confidently replied.


    "Why are you so sure? Over the years, there have been many who refused the invitation from the Twilight Society, right?" "Hong Wang said he would come, so he will definitely come." As Chu Muyun''s words fell, the door of the grocery store was forcefully pushed open! Chen Ling stood in the snow outside the door, his chest heaving violently, as if he had run all the way from somewhere.


    "We need to have a good chat." He raised the USB drive, speaking slowly and deliberately.

 Chapter 47 Reversing the Era

    Chu Muyun was not surprised at the arrival of Chen Ling.


    He smiled slightly and dragged a chair out of the convenience store, gesturing for Chen Ling to sit down.


    "It seems that you finally have the patience to listen to me finish our ''justice''." "I''m all ears." Although Chen Ling was eager to know everything about the USB drive, he believed that since Chu Muyun had given it to him, he would definitely explain, so he patiently waited for Chu Muyun to start from the beginning.


    "How much do you know about the Great Cataclysm?" Chen Ling recalled what Dr.


    Lin had said before, "It was said that a red meteor streaked across the sky, the gray world intersected with this world, affecting this world...


    and disasters would emerge, and that''s it." At this point, Chen Ling suddenly remembered that he had also seen the news about the red meteor in the USB drive...


    He seemed to have realized something, his eyes widened in shock.


    "Wait...


    the one in the USB drive, is it the world before the Great Cataclysm?!" "That''s right." Chu Muyun looked at him in surprise, as if he hadn''t expected Chen Ling to figure it out so quickly, "What you just said is what most people in the Nine Realms know as the ''Great Cataclysm,'' but the actual ''Great Cataclysm'' is far more than that..." "What do you mean?" "It is rumored that the world before the Great Cataclysm was prosperous and thriving, people could do many things with the power of science...


    such as flying into the sky, resurrecting the dead, cities lit up like daylight all night, constructing virtual worlds in reality, even leaving this planet to explore the more mysterious and unknown ''universe''..." As Chu Muyun spoke, he observed Chen Ling''s expression and found that the latter showed no emotional fluctuations, couldn''t help but ask, "Aren''t you surprised?" "Huh?" "Aren''t those things I said surprising to you?" Chu Muyun, like everyone else in this world...


    no, in this era, grew up here since childhood and naturally had never seen the technological level before the Great Cataclysm.


    For them, everything described in the legends was nothingness, just like modern people hearing myths.


    "...Oh, it''s quite amazing." Chen Ling nodded expressionlessly.


    Isn''t it just airplanes, medical care, light bulbs, games, and spaceships...


    These things were already commonplace for Chen Ling, who lived in a modern city.


    But if his so-called "past life" was actually the world before the Great Cataclysm, wouldn''t that mean that he wasn''t traveling between worlds...


    but through time? "In any case, 379 years ago, a red meteor streaked across the sky, and since then, human material civilization began to regress." Chu Muyun recited as if he were reciting a set script, "The most proud technological achievements of humanity collapsed first, lithography machines, spaceships, and super weapons capable of destroying the world..." "You mean...


    human civilization is regressing?" "That''s right, people before the Great Cataclysm found that they could no longer create new things like these, as if the most basic scientific principles inside them had all failed, even if they were perfectly assembled with no difference from before, they just couldn''t operate...


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    As time passed, more and more things lost their function, phones, computers, high-speed trains, and large-scale power plants...


    Panic spread in human society, they didn''t know to which step material civilization would regress...


    In this fear, they began to kill each other." "Wait." Chen Ling interrupted Chu Muyun, "The regression of material civilization should be a dilemma faced by the entire human race.


    Why didn''t they unite and cooperate to overcome the difficulties, but instead resorted to killing each other?" "They did unite, but it was of no use."Chu Moyun paused for a moment, "And I also said that they possess some kind of super weapon that can destroy the world, but not every country has this kind of weapon...


    Once these weapons all fail, everyone''s technological civilization will regress to the same level, and the original balance of power will be broken...


    Strong countries are no longer strong, weak countries are no longer weak.


    In order to protect their status, resources, and wealth, they will choose..." "To launch all super weapons and destroy the weak countries that do not have these weapons?" Chen Ling seemed to realize something, "World War?!" Chen Ling of course knew the importance of nuclear weapons to strong countries.


    If a strong country knows that all countries'' technological levels will regress to the same starting line, it will inevitably launch a war first, because losing weapons means losing deterrence, and other countries will definitely target their oil, wealth, and other things...


    "What you said is basically correct, but strong countries do not only attack weak countries...


    they also attack each other, because if technological levels really regress severely, human resources are the real thing that determines the life and death of a country.


    They want to balance the strength of each country, so they must weaken the populations of countries with different positions as much as possible.


    The culmination of human civilization accumulated over hundreds of years, under the tide of regression, ultimately degenerates into pure killing machines..." Chen Ling remained silent for a long time, and slowly said, "The convergence of the Ashen Realm is not the root cause of the great catastrophe...


    it is the self-inflicted slaughter of humanity." "After that great catastrophe, the world was devastated, and the survivors thought that the world had a new order, but after a few days, the Ashen Realm began to intersect with reality...


    Pollution from the unknown world eroded the land, and brutal disasters slaughtered living beings.


    The already exhausted human society suffered a devastating blow.


    After that, the world no longer had national boundaries, and the survivors gathered together and established nine bases.


    Later, they mastered the methods to resist the convergence of the Ashen Realm, and the nine bases gradually expanded, becoming the nine major realms we have today." "I see." Chen Ling sighed deeply.


    Wait...


    If what Chu Moyun said is true, does that mean that his parents will also perish in the great catastrophe? Not only his parents, but all relatives, friends, and colleagues he knows will be swept into this disaster...


    and how many will survive? Those people who were watching the news on the street at that time would never have thought that the world would soon undergo a huge change.


    Chen Ling''s eyes trembled slightly.


    He now knew everything that happened in that era, he knew that almost everyone he cared about would perish, but he was powerless...


    that era, nearly four hundred years ago, what could he do now that he knew? "...You told me all this, and then?" "And then, it is the sole purpose of our Twilight Society, and also the ''justice'' we believe in." Chu Moyun pointed outside, "What do you think of the Aurora Realm?" In Chen Ling''s mind, the figure of Wu Youdong limping, the disdain of the man pulling the yellow carriage towards the enforcers, the sinister and arrogant people of Bingquan Street, and the enforcers colluding with them for profit all flashed before him...


    "...It''s chaotic." In the end, he could only squeeze out these two words.


    "What if I told you that, actually, compared to other realms, the Aurora Realm is already quite good?" Chen Ling was stunned.


    "The Twilight Society gathers a group of wretches who are not accepted by society.


    In the eyes of the world, we may be madmen, failures, executioners...


    Our only common point is complete despair for this era..." "So, we gather together." "Gather together, and then what?" Chen Ling asked.


    The dim yellow sun gradually sank into the earth, half of Chu Muyun''s face sinking into the shadows.


    He took a deep breath and spoke slowly, "Reverse the era, restart the world."¡±

 Chapter 48 [No Phase]

    "Reverse the era...


    Restart the world?" These eight words, Chen Ling understood each one, but put together, he did not understand their meaning.


    "It''s just the literal meaning," Chu Muyun said slowly, "to reverse everything from the great catastrophe to now, let human civilization return to the day when the Red Star descended..." "You mean, going back in time??" "It''s not going back, it''s restarting...


    there is a big difference between the two." Chen Ling looked incredulously at Chu Muyun, "Is this...


    possible?" "Haven''t you already seen it?" Chu Muyun pointed to the USB drive in Chen Ling''s hand, "Our experimental results." In Chen Ling''s mind, he suddenly recalled the scene of inserting the USB drive into the snow and traveling back to the "previous life"...


    undoubtedly, that was the world he had once existed in, the era when the Red Star had just descended.


    And the Twilight Society perfectly restored it and sealed it in this USB drive.


    "How...


    did you do this?" Restarting the world was like a fantasy to Chen Ling, but he was a firsthand experiencer.


    "The process is quite complex...


    we have worked hard so far, and have only completed this two-hour ''save'', but we have found a way, someday, we will make this save replace history and restart the world." "But if the world can really restart, then you should represent ''justice'' yourselves, why are you being hunted by the nine major human domains? Why not join forces with them?" Chen Ling retorted.


    Chu Muyun smiled.


    He pushed his glasses and calmly said, "You will understand in the future." Chen Ling fell silent for a moment, then nodded slightly.


    "I have already explained the most basic concept of the Twilight Society to you," Chu Muyun stared at Chen Ling, "now...


    you have to make a decision." "Join us, become the highest level wanted criminal in the nine major domains, a lifetime of wandering, despised and feared by the world...


    or leave?" Chen Ling''s eyes flickered, after a brief pause, he slowly raised his head and firmly said, "I will join." Reversing the era, restarting the world.


    For others, the great catastrophe was just a description in history, but for Chen Ling, it meant that everything belonging to him would be destroyed.


    He didn''t like this world, he didn''t like this era, he wanted to go back to where he belonged, to honor his parents, to live a peaceful life...


    he wanted to change the established history, so that his father, relatives, and friends could live well.


    He wanted to go home.


    Hearing these three words, Chu Muyun smiled slightly, took out three playing cards from his pocket, and placed them on the table one by one.


    Spades 6, Hearts 6, Clubs 6; "What is this?" "Joining the Twilight Society, for many of our members, means completely cutting off their past, including their names, families, identities...


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    they use the faces of playing cards to represent themselves, you can also choose one." "...Why are they all 6?" "The number represents seniority, the earlier you join, the higher the number...


    for your batch, it starts with 6." Chu Muyun shrugged, "Actually, 6 is not bad, I joined a few years earlier, and it''s only 7." "Then why are there only three suits? Where is the Diamonds?" "Two months ago, a new member joined and took the Diamonds." "Okay..." Chen Ling glanced at the three playing cards, subconsciously touched his chest...


    beneath the flesh, it was empty.


    "I choose Hearts, [Hearts 6]." Chu Muyun raised an eyebrow, nodded, and pushed the playing card in front of Chen Ling.


    "Well, officially welcome you to join the Twilight Society...


    [Hearts 6]." The woman who had been sitting silently in the corner all along, timely started clapping.


    Chen Ling looked at her strangely, and the woman yawned, then turned her head away.


    "Is she also a member of the Twilight Society? What card?" "She doesn''t have a connection to the divine path, nor any other abilities, just an ordinary person, so she''s just a peripheral member...


    generally responsible for passing on information, basically every domain, every city has one." "Then what card are you?" "¡¾Black Spade 7¡¿." Chen Ling nodded.


    He looked at the ¡¾Red Heart 6¡¿ in his hand, suddenly feeling unreal...


    he just randomly picked a playing card at the convenience store and became a wanted member of the Twilight Society in the nine major domains...


    just a few hours ago, he was convinced it was a cult.


    "That file, there are only three copies in the entire Twilight Society, one each for the Red King and the Gray King, this one is temporarily placed in your care, but can only be opened once a month, otherwise it will damage the contents inside." "So what should I do next?" Chen Ling asked, "Do I need to report somewhere, go through procedures, and then stay in a dormitory?" "...


    " Chu Muyun shook his head speechlessly, "The Twilight Society is an organization, with very loose management of members'' personal behavior, you can do whatever you want...


    just make sure to complete the tasks as soon as possible when assigned, then disguise yourself and ensure you are not discovered by the human domain.


    Speaking of disguises...


    you should be the best at it." "Me?" "Didn''t you embark on the ''Acting Divine Path''? Disguising yourself as different characters should be your strength," Chu Muyun said matter-of-factly, "And, your skills seem even more twisted than normal Acting Divine Path." "Acting Divine Path...


    skills..." Chen Ling seemed to remember something, his fingertips reached his chin, his mind moved, and the next moment he tore off his entire face.


    In the woman''s astonished gaze, two identical Chu Muyuns were sitting face to face.


    "That''s right, it''s this." The Chu Muyun on the left nodded, "After stepping onto the divine path, with each advancement, you will automatically master a corresponding skill, the skills will vary depending on the path you choose...


    you have taken a twisted divine path, so your skills should be unique." "I see..." The Chu Muyun on the right looked down at his body, even his attire and voice had changed.


    If the woman didn''t know their seats in advance, she wouldn''t be able to tell which one was the real ¡¾Black Spade 7¡¿.


    "As far as I know, the first-tier skill of the usual Acting Divine Path is called ¡¾Thousand Faces¡¿, which can freely change faces and voices, but cannot transform into objects...


    but you can do both," Chu Muyun paused, "You are the only one who has taken this path, why not give this skill a name?" "¡¾Thousand Faces¡¿..." Chen Ling thought for a moment, "In that case, I''ll name my skill ¡¾Faceless¡¿." Formless and faceless, appearance comes from the heart.


    "Your divine path is very strange, although your abilities are strong, the side effects are also very obvious, without any surprises, every time you advance in the future, it will trigger short-term mental confusion, which you should pay special attention to." "Mental confusion? Did I have it when I advanced?" "...


    " Chen Ling didn''t remember at all the process of turning into a gun barrel and Chen Yan after his advancement.


    Chu Muyun briefly described it to him, then looked at the dim night outside, slowly stood up.


    "It''s about time, I should go." "Where to?" "Back to Aurora City, I have a mission there." As he spoke, Chu Muyun took out a letter from his pocket and handed it to Chen Ling.


    "What''s this?" "This is your mission," Chu Muyun answered seriously, "A mission personally issued to you by the Red King...


    perhaps only you can complete it in the entire Twilight Society."¡±

 Chapter 49 The Cost of Progress

    When Chen Ling came out of Xiao Fang''s grocery store, it was already dark.


    Chu Muyun waved at him and walked straight towards the direction of Aurora City, while Chen Ling stood at the door of the store, watching him leave, and then walked in another direction.


    The heavy snow had stopped, but what followed was the chilling cold of melting ice and snow.


    Chen Ling walked on the deserted snow-covered path, his breath faint in the darkness, his right hand rubbing the USB drive in his pocket, his eyes shining with an unprecedented brightness.


    "Reboot..." Chen Ling took a deep breath and walked resolutely into the darkness.


    With a clear goal in mind, the shadows brought by the "audience" seemed to have dissipated a lot.


    What does it matter if the actors on stage are interfered with in their lives? Unless you kill me, I must go back...


    even if I have to die, I must die on the way home.


    But before that, he had to grow up quickly, while also concealing his identity as a member of the Twilight Society...


    becoming an enforcer seemed like a good choice.


    The Twilight Society did not resist members joining other organizations, and even encouraged it, because it meant that members could better hide themselves, and even help other members through their positions.


    "I become, I participate, I cause trouble, I run away...


    this policy is indeed correct." Chen Ling chuckled self-deprecatingly.


    He returned home, lit the kerosene lamp on the table, the orange candlelight illuminating the empty room, the cold wind seeping through the gaps in the walls and wooden boards, making a faint whistling sound.


    Chen Ling sat down at the table, took out the envelope given to him by Chu Muyun, and carefully read it by the light of the lamp.


    "Infiltrate the Bingdao Ancient Treasury, steal the Bingdao Dao Foundation Shard?" Chen Ling raised an eyebrow in surprise.


    The letter detailed a part of the map of the Bingdao Ancient Treasury, with a corner marked in red, which was most likely the thing the Red King wanted him to steal...


    Chen Ling finally understood why Chu Muyun said that only he could complete this task for the entire Twilight Society.


    Because only Chen Ling was an enforcer, and had just passed the assessment in first place, qualifying him as an enforcer to enter the Bingdao Ancient Treasury...


    at the same time, he also possessed the skill of "Wu Xiang".


    Besides Chen Ling, no one else would have a chance to enter the Bingdao Ancient Treasury.


    But why did the Twilight Society want the Bingdao Dao Foundation Shard? Chen Ling continued reading, the Red King did not explain this in the letter, only telling him that there would be a member of the Twilight Society to assist him and coordinate his movements, and provide support in the rear.


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    After reading all the contents, Chen Ling pondered for a moment and then handed the letter into the candle flame.


    The paper curled up, the bright flame reflecting on Chen Ling''s face, silently flickering in the darkness...


    ...


    That night, after Chen Ling fell asleep, he did not go to the theater.


    He had a dream.


    He dreamed that he had returned to the era before the Great Catastrophe, back to the familiar doorstep of his home, standing in the elevator, watching his mother holding his memorial photo, crying silently.


    Chen Ling felt his heart wrenching, even though his chest was empty.


    "Mom...


    I''m not dead." Chen Ling murmured as he walked out of the elevator, wanting to embrace the family he missed the most, "Mom, I''m still alive, I want you all to be alive..." Just as his foot was about to step out of the elevator door, the elevator car suddenly plummeted! A strong sense of weightlessness enveloped Chen Ling, and he struggled helplessly in the car, only to see the elevator shaft seemingly endless, in the endless descent, he could only watch his home, which belonged to him, crazily drifting away...


    Thud¡ª Chen Ling fell to the ground.


    It was an endless darkness, the lights of "home" seemed to have turned into stars, decorating the unreachable sky, Chen Ling stood in the darkness, like an ant banished to the depths, reaching out foolishly, trying to touch the starry sky.


    Just as he was desperate, a blood-red divine path extended from under his feet, spreading all the way to the unreachable stars above him...


    That was his way home.


    A twisted, eerie, crimson path...


    On both sides of the path, countless pairs of crimson eyes were staring at him, full of mockery.


    Chen Ling was standing on the first step at this moment, wanting to climb higher as soon as possible, but when he was about to take the next step, he found that his foot could not step on the next step no matter what.


    Chen Ling was stunned...


    He looked down and found a line of small words written crookedly on this step.


    [Complete a performance involving at least fifty people, and ensure that no one survives after the performance ends] The moment Chen Ling saw this line of words, his confusion deepened.


    He turned back and suddenly found another line of small words on the steps he had already walked on: [Lose someone who loves you the most, and become him] The surface of this line of small words was crossed by a line, like a completed performance checklist, stepped on by him.


    Chen Ling seemed to understand something, he looked back at the twisted path leading to the sky, fear appearing in his eyes...


    This was a living path, a monstrous path! The next moment, everything around him shattered...


    At midnight, Chen Ling woke up from his sleep, his face pale as he sat on the bed for a moment, then rushed down to the desk like crazy, picked up pen and paper, quickly wrote down the words on the next step: [Complete a performance involving at least fifty people, and ensure that no one survives after the performance ends] "Is this the price of advancing on the twisted divine path? Or...


    a condition?" Chen Ling muttered to himself.


    Chen Ling knew that what had just happened was definitely not as simple as a dream, he did not enter the theater after falling asleep today, which was already abnormal...


    Perhaps, this dream was a hint from his own divine path? Or...


    from Chen Yan? "This path is different from other divine paths...


    It will make your life full of twists and turns..." Chen Ling recalled the words Chen Yan said before he stepped onto the twisted divine path, lost in thought...


    Other people''s divine paths should not have something like a price, otherwise Chu Muyun should have reminded him today, so, are these small words on the steps unique to his twisted divine path? Is this what Chen Yan meant by "full of twists and turns"? Chen Ling looked at the line of words he wrote on the paper, his expression somewhat complicated...


    But now that he had embarked on this path, and this path would be his only way to escape the audience and his only choice to go home.


    But even so, how could he complete this "horror performance" involving at least fifty people? Chen Ling sat at the table, pondering for a long time.


    He seemed to have figured something out, slowly wrote four words behind this sentence: [Ancient Art of War] Then, he wrote a "?" afterwards.


    The tip of the pen stopped at the last point of the question mark, the black ink spreading on the paper, Chen Ling sat there like a sculpture, motionless.


    The aurora surged in the sky outside the window, Chen Ling did not notice, at this moment in the grand theater in his mind, the countless dark figures sitting in the audience seats, their mouths slightly upturned...


    As if laughing.

 Chapter 50 Attentive

    Three Districts, Headquarters of Enforcers.


    "Chen Ling, right?" After carefully verifying Chen Ling''s identity, an enforcer handed him two sets of black and red uniforms and an enforcer''s badge.


    Chen Ling changed into the clothes, had lunch at the headquarters, and in the afternoon, he took an oath of office in the square of the headquarters, followed by a leadership speech.


    This whole process made Chen Ling feel more like he was back in modern society...


    Even after nearly four hundred years since the Great Catastrophe, some human habits have been passed down, offering glimpses of the shadow of the civilization before the catastrophe.


    The only thing that surprised Chen Ling was that the "leader" giving the speech was not Han Meng, but another enforcer with two stripes that he hadn''t seen much before.


    "Where is Chief Han Meng? Why isn''t he giving the speech?" Another enforcer nearby also questioned.


    "Don''t you know? I heard that the enforcers in District Three rebelled a couple of days ago...


    It was that Ma Zhong, who ambushed Chief Han Meng with two other enforcers, but ended up being killed in return." "What? Is it true?" "Of course it''s true.


    It is said that Chief Han Meng was furious that night and executed Ma Zhong and the other two enforcers on the spot before officially approving any documents in Aurora City, and he even killed more than fifty enforcers who were involved with them...


    Haven''t you noticed that there are a lot fewer enforcers present today?" "Wow, killing so many people in one go, isn''t that cutting off the arm of the enforcers in District Three? Is Chief Han Meng that ruthless?" "Now there are only two enforcers left in the whole of District Three...


    One is Chief Han Meng, and the other is the enforcer Xirenjie on the stage; Xirenjie was promoted by Chief Han Meng himself, although he only has two stripes, his background is very clean." "But I heard that because Chief Han Meng didn''t report in time and took matters into his own hands to kill people, Aurora City is very angry and may take action against him during this time." "So that''s why he hasn''t shown up..." "Ah, what a pity." "..." Hearing the conversation nearby, Chen Ling''s eyebrows slightly raised.


    He suddenly remembered what Han Meng said to him at his home yesterday afternoon after a long silence, "Whether you believe me or not, I have always been fulfilling my duties...


    If you really think this world lacks justice, why not become it yourself." Chu Muyun''s evaluation of Han Meng before was that he had a sense of justice...


    Looking at it now, Han Meng seemed to have something after all.


    After Enforcer Xirenjie finished his speech, he began to assign tasks to the new recruits and designate the streets they would be responsible for patrolling from now on.


    Chen Ling, as the only enforcer this year who came from Frost Street, was naturally assigned to Frost Street.


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    After Han Meng cleared out the enforcers in District Three, the enforcer''s internal affairs had indeed become much cleaner...


    As Chen Ling thought about this, he walked out of the headquarters and headed straight to Frost Street.


    On the first day of being an enforcer, it was necessary to patrol their respective streets, make the residents familiar with themselves, which was also a form of "declaring sovereignty," as per the enforcer''s internal regulations.


    Since he put on this uniform and walked out of the enforcer''s headquarters, the passersby on the road avoided him, not even daring to make eye contact.


    "Chief...


    Would you like to have a peach?" An elderly voice came from the side.


    Chen Ling turned to see an old lady with white hair pushing a wooden cart full of peaches, her voice hoarse.


    "No, thank you." Chen Ling waved his hand to refuse.


    "Chief, please try it...


    I brought these from District Four this morning, the peaches there are good and cheap..." She grabbed Chen Ling''s collar, her cloudy eyes full of pleading.


    Chen Ling followed her gaze and saw a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes lying on the fruit cart, shivering in the cold wind.


    "Have a bite, if it''s not good, you don''t have to pay." She picked out the biggest peach from the cart, carefully wiped it with her clothes, and handed it to Chen Ling.


    Chen Ling did not eat because he was not sure if there was anything else inside the peach, like...


    poison.


    When this thought crossed his mind, he was startled...


    because he used to be different.


    If it were him before the great disaster...


    no, even if it were him yesterday, he would definitely lend a hand, even if it didn''t help much, at least he could buy a few peaches, showing some kindness.


    This was his kindness and perseverance, but now, these things seemed to fade little by little...


    Chen Ling and the old woman looked at each other for a moment, and he spoke: "How much for these peaches?" "One copper coin per pound." "Give me two pounds." Chen Ling expressionlessly took out two copper coins from his pocket and handed them to her.


    Seeing this, the old woman immediately took the copper coins with both hands, bowed to Chen Ling several times, thanked him, and then picked out a few of the largest peaches from the cart and put them in a bag.


    At the same time, Chen Ling suddenly said, "That child has a fever, take him to get some medicine." With his "Secret Eyes," Chen Ling could see at a glance that the baby on the cart was not well and he reminded the old woman.


    The old woman hesitated for a moment, a struggle and guilt appearing in her eyes as she looked at the baby, but she didn''t say anything, just silently picked two more peaches for Chen Ling.


    She didn''t weigh them, but even with the naked eye, Chen Ling could tell that these two bags of peaches were definitely more than two pounds.


    "Thank you, sir, thank you, sir..." After thanking Chen Ling repeatedly, she pushed the cart forward.


    Until she met the next pedestrian, she hurriedly ran up, her face and the baby''s face red from the cold wind, but the old and weak body remained standing.


    Chen Ling touched his pocket, shook his head helplessly.


    He only bought two pounds because he only had two copper coins left in his pocket...


    the silver coins he got from Qian Fan had long been lost in the blood pool of the courtyard.


    Just as he walked onto Frost Street, he noticed many people secretly standing at their doorways, looking in his direction...


    they saw Chen Ling approaching in uniform and began whispering to each other.


    "Oh, Officer Chen Ling!" The first shop on the street was the cake shop Chen Ling had visited before.


    The owner, seeing Chen Ling approaching, immediately put on a pleasing smile, "Officer Chen Ling, you look really handsome in that outfit!" "Boss Li." Chen Ling walked to the shop''s entrance and looked at the residents of Frost Street standing at their doorways, asking, "What''s going on?" "Oh, everyone is here to see you!" "To see me?" "Yes, the enforcer who was responsible for patrolling our Frost Street was said to have been killed by Officer Han Meng...


    today is the day a new enforcer takes office, so everyone wants to see who will be in charge of this street in the future...


    The list of enforcers who passed the assessment was posted on the street that day, and everyone guessed it might be you, after all, you are one of us from Frost Street...


    And here you are!"¡±

 Chapter 51 Peach

    Upon hearing this, Chen Ling finally understood the cause and effect, nodding slightly.


    "Chief Chen Ling." Boss Li glanced around and took out a small bag of oil paper from the cabinet, handing it to Chen Ling, "This is a little token of appreciation from the shop...


    You take it, if you want to eat cake in the future, just let me know, I will personally deliver it to your home." Chen Ling squinted his eyes and opened the oil paper, revealing two silver coins still smelling of cream in his palm.


    His brows furrowed instantly.


    Seeing Chen Ling frown, Boss Li, who was observant, felt a pang in his heart and immediately spoke, "Chief Chen Ling, this month has been filled with heavy rain, heavy snow, and disasters invading.


    My shop hasn''t earned much...


    Next month, next month will definitely be better." Looking at the two silver coins in his hand, Chen Ling seemed to know what the residents of Frost Street were whispering about just now...


    Chen Ling was about to speak when several figures emerged from surrounding shops.


    "Chief Chen Ling, I am from the tailor shop across the street, just call me Xiao Xu..." "Chief Chen Ling, do you remember me? I fixed the pipes at your house before.


    My hardware store is next door, this is a little token of appreciation from me..." "Chief Chen Ling, you are really handsome...


    Have some free time to visit our shop? We have many beautiful girls in our shop..." "...¡± It seemed that after seeing the boss of the cake shop take the lead, the other shop owners followed suit, all smiling and handing oil paper packets to Chen Ling...


    Judging by the weight, these bosses must have already discussed before his arrival, each shop giving two silver coins.


    Except for the middle-aged woman who asked Chen Ling to visit their shop and gave him five coins in one go, then gave him a knowing look.


    In just over ten seconds, Chen Ling had nearly twenty silver coins in his hand...


    If converted to the time before the Great Catastrophe, it would already be an income of five thousand RMB, and this was just stepping into the street.


    At this moment, Chen Ling suddenly understood why Ma Zhong, a law enforcement officer like that, could buy such a luxurious mansion in District Two.


    If an ordinary law enforcer could openly bring in such profits using their position, then Ma Zhong, as the all-powerful law enforcement officer of District Three, must be making terrifying profits.


    Moreover, his business also involved areas like Ice Spring Street, a black territory.


    Judging from the reactions of the residents of Frost Street, such things seemed commonplace in the Aurora Domain...


    "Sorry, I won''t accept it." Chen Ling shook his head upon hearing these five words.


    Upon hearing this, the faces of the crowd turned pale, and after exchanging glances, they cautiously asked, "So, what do you mean..." "No meaning, I just won''t accept it." Chen Ling directly placed the money from the crowd on the cake counter, walked out, and continued towards the other end of Frost Street.


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    The faces of many bosses became even more unsightly, gritting their teeth, they took out a few more silver coins from their pockets, stuffed them into their oil paper packets, and hurriedly followed.


    "Chief Chen Ling, our revenue this month is indeed not good, please show us some mercy and give us a month off..." "Yes, Chief Chen Ling, we are all neighbors on the same street, please, please be lenient!" "If you don''t take this money, we won''t feel at ease...


    If other law enforcers come, we won''t have anyone to cover for us..." The voices of the few people speaking grew softer, but Chen Ling''s heart became clearer.


    They were not just giving money, but also a form of protection fee...


    They wanted to continue operating in District Three, and it was not possible without someone covering for them.


    And if he didn''t take their money, they would be even more uncertain.


    They thought Chen Ling''s refusal was purely because the money they gave was too little.


    To accept or not to accept...


    Chen Ling squinted his eyes, and a thought suddenly emerged in his mind.


    "Are you testing the cadre with this?" he said coldly.


    As soon as this sentence came out, the other bosses were dumbfounded.


    "I, we...


    um, how much do you want, you tell us the amount first..." "I, Chen Ling, have never been interested in money." "Then what do you like, just say it, we will prepare it immediately!" Chen Ling slowly took out a peach from the convenience bag and handed it to Boss Li, "I want this kind, the exact same peach...


    start with a truckload." With that, Chen Ling turned and left directly.


    If these bosses were smart, they should go inquire where this peach was bought from, it wouldn''t be difficult to find the old lady selling peaches on the next street...


    In this way, they would have paid the old lady for the peaches and also received them, feeling at ease...


    Hmm, this plan is perfect.


    Chen Ling thought to himself.


    As his figure gradually disappeared, the gaze of the bosses fell on Boss Li''s hand...


    Two of them collapsed to the ground with weak legs.


    "He...


    he he he...


    he said, let us send him this kind of ''peach''?" The hardware store boss, a tough guy at 1.8 meters, was now pale with fear, "He...


    calls this a peach!?" At this moment, in Boss Li''s hand.


    A bright red human heart slowly stopped beating...


    [Audience Expectation +2] Seeing these words appear in the snow, Chen Ling was stunned.


    How come the audience expectation has risen again for no reason? Chen Ling furrowed his brows, replaying everything he had just done, but still couldn''t find where the increase in expectation was coming from...


    Could it be that the audience was causing trouble again? As Chen Ling pondered suspiciously, he continued to move deeper into Frost Street.


    More and more shop owners approached to build good relations, and Chen Ling handed out peaches from his bag, telling them to only accept this, then turned and left.


    The effect of giving out peaches seemed to be better than Chen Ling had imagined.


    After each distribution, the group of bosses no longer chased after him, they should have gone to buy peaches somewhere.


    [Audience Expectation +2] [Audience Expectation +2] [Audience Expectation...] As more and more expectation values appeared, Chen Ling''s brows furrowed tighter and tighter, he seemed to sense something, and looked down at the bag in his hand.


    Only one peach remained, lying there, smooth and fragrant.


    Chen Ling picked up the peach, examined it in his hand for a while, but found no issues, so he carefully took a bite.


    Hmm, it''s sweet.


    At the same time, across the street, a woman in a house was peeking through the window at Chen Ling, her eyes rolled back, and she fainted on the spot.


    Chen Ling finished the peach in two or three bites, by this time Frost Street was almost empty, he saw that it was not early, so he walked straight back to his alley.


    When he got back to his doorstep, he noticed that Zhao''s breakfast shop across the street had already pulled down the metal shutter, feeling slightly puzzled, normally even if Uncle Zhao wasn''t open at this time, he would still have the door open preparing for the next day''s ingredients...


    Chen Ling didn''t think much of it, went straight home, changed out of his black and red uniform, and sat on the doorstep.


    After some time passed, he looked at the deserted street and fell into contemplation...


    Why hasn''t anyone come to deliver peaches yet?

 Chapter 52 Demon Enforcer?

    At this moment, inside a shop on Frost Street.


    Dozens of bosses gathered together, their brows furrowed, as if the world was about to end.


    "Did he...


    really say he wants a ''peach'' that looks exactly the same?" one boss tentatively spoke up.


    "That''s right." "He told me the same thing." "When he handed over that heart, it was still dripping blood...


    I was almost scared to death at that time, you know?" "But...


    where can we get human hearts for him?" "He wouldn''t want us to perform human sacrifices, would he?" "It''s really strange, the previous enforcer was domineering, but at least money could solve it, but this Chen Ling...


    what does he want human hearts for?" "Today, the neighbor next door told me that they saw Chen Ling walking on the street, eating a heart in three bites..." "!!!" Upon hearing this, everyone''s eyes widened, imagining Chen Ling tearing apart a heart with a wicked smile...


    The temperature in the room suddenly dropped.


    Gurgle.


    Someone swallowed saliva.


    The more timid bosses trembled.


    "He...


    likes to eat human hearts? Isn''t that something only demons in legends do?" "He doesn''t like to eat, then why carry a big bag of human hearts around?" "So...


    where does he get his human hearts from?" "...Wait, the more you talk, the weirder it gets." Zhao Shu, who had been sitting quietly in the corner, couldn''t help but speak up, "I know Ah Ling well, I watched him grow up since he was a child, he''s a good kid...


    it can''t be as sinister as you all say, did you misjudge him?" "It''s impossible, so many of us saw it!" "Should we report him to the enforcer?" "Are you crazy? Report him to the enforcer? Chen Ling is the enforcer himself! Do you want him to dig out your heart and eat it on the street?" The boss who suggested this shuddered and fell silent.


    "So what should we do next...


    we can''t really get human hearts for him, can we?" The atmosphere of panic and confusion thickened as everyone spoke, and in the end, no one spoke again, instead lowering their heads in silence, seemingly considering whether to move away...


    But even if they moved, where could they go? Could they afford houses on other streets? "Here''s the thing." The oldest boss slowly spoke up, "Offering human hearts is definitely impossible...


    Xiao, you''re in the butchering business, right? Get some pig hearts and chicken hearts to send over to him first, see how he reacts..." "Pig hearts and chicken hearts, will that work?" "If it doesn''t work, what can we do? We can''t get the kind of ''peach'' he wants either..." "Let''s see how it goes, in any case, everyone must not provoke him, I have a feeling, he is more ferocious than any enforcer we''ve seen before..." "Understood." ...


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    Chen Ling waited until dark, but the peaches did not arrive.


    "Which part of the process went wrong...


    does it take so long to buy a few peaches?" Chen Ling was puzzled.


    Just as he was about to close the door and go back to rest, a figure walked up to his doorstep.


    Seeing the person''s appearance, Chen Ling''s eyes narrowed slightly...


    "Captain Han Meng? Why are you here again?" Han Meng was not wearing the black windbreaker with four stripes today, but casual clothes.


    Perhaps for this reason, Chen Ling did not feel any pressure from him this time, as if the person standing in front of him was just an ordinary young man.


    "I came to deliver a document to you...


    the quota for the Ancient Martial Arts Hall has been approved." Han Meng held a paper between his fingertips and calmly spoke, "How about it? Won''t you invite me in for a sit?" After a moment of hesitation, Chen Ling stood up and made way.


    Previously, Chen Ling would not have let Han Meng into the house, but since hearing those things at headquarters today, his impression of Han Meng has changed somewhat.


    Han Meng naturally sat down at the table, glanced at the neatly stacked enforcer uniforms on the side, and casually asked, "How does it feel to be an enforcer on the first day?" "The power of the enforcer is even greater than I imagined," Chen Ling said lightly, "I''m not used to it." "It''s normal, many people are overwhelmed by the sudden power and benefits when they first become enforcers, willingly fall into corruption...


    but you haven''t, I didn''t misjudge you on this." "How do you know I haven''t?" Han Meng looked around the drafty room and remained silent.


    "Of course, being too weak is not a good thing either, it will make the people think you are easy to bully, you must establish authority appropriately..." Han Meng was halfway through his words when a figure riding a bike happened to pass by Chen Ling''s door, perhaps because the doorstep was slippery, he fell to the ground with a thud.


    He cursed, about to ride away, but when he saw the house and Chen Ling inside, his expression changed instantly! "I''m sorry! Chief Chen Ling!! I disturbed your rest...


    I''m really sorry!!" Without saying a word, he knelt down on the ground and knocked his head three times with a thud.


    Then he scrambled up from the snow, as if fleeing for his life, and ran out of the alley without looking back, leaving a bicycle spinning empty in front of Chen Ling''s house...


    Han Meng: ...? "...


    " Han Meng fell silent for a long time, "Your authority...


    is quite good." Chen Ling recognized the man who had just fled in panic as the shopkeeper he had met briefly in the afternoon, to whom he had even given a peach...


    but he couldn''t understand why the man looked at him as if he had seen a ghost.


    "Let''s talk about business first." Han Meng handed the documents to Chen Ling, "Tomorrow at noon, gather with the other enforcers at the headquarters in District Three, prepare to depart for the ancient armory." "So soon?" It had only been two or three days since the martial examination ended, and he had just put on the enforcer uniform, and he was already arranged to go to the ancient armory? "Normally, the ancient armory opens three months later each year, but there are some exceptions this year." Han Meng paused for a moment, "Yesterday, Districts Five and Six encountered a large-scale convergence of the Gray Realm, and a fifth-order disaster emerged, almost all the enforcers in the two districts died..." "Another Gray Realm convergence?" Chen Ling was astonished, "Isn''t it rare for Gray Realm convergences to occur within the human realm?" "It used to be, but recently...


    there have been some abnormalities in the Aurora Realm." Chen Ling remembered that Chu Muyun had said something similar before, the rare storm that occurred not long ago caused a convergence at the Potter''s Field, and the consecutive heavy snowfall in the past few days triggered large-scale convergences in Districts Five and Six...


    it seemed that every chaotic celestial phenomenon would trigger a convergence.


    "Related to celestial phenomena?" Chen Ling asked tentatively.


    "Perhaps," Han Meng seemed to remember something, his eyes narrowed slightly, "and...


    the Twilight Society has also appeared." Hearing the three words "Twilight Society," Chen Ling''s mind stirred, and he casually asked, "Twilight Society? What is that?¡±

 Chapter 53 The Court

    "An evil organization that advocates destruction, whenever they appear, they will definitely bring disaster and misfortune." "Is it that serious?" "You haven''t seen them.


    Although the members of the Twilight Society are few, each one is a lunatic." Han Meng recalled the situation where he was manipulated by Mei Hua 8, and his eyes were even colder.


    "Is it them who caused the events in District Three and Five-Six Districts this time?" Chen Ling began to probe.


    "...That shouldn''t be them." Han Meng shook his head, "They can''t actively summon the Gray Realm, that''s the method of the Crimson Sky Sect..." "So what disasters and misfortunes have they brought to the Aurora Realm?" Chen Ling tried to make his tone sound purely naive...


    not to make Han Meng feel like he was trying to gather more information about the Twilight Society, but Han Meng was smart after all, and he caught that hint of strangeness.


    He stared at Chen Ling for a long time, not answering his question, but said seriously: "Chen Ling, you''d better not have any curiosity about this organization, and don''t have any form of contact with them...


    they are very dangerous, and good at brainwashing.


    You just need to know that once you encounter a member of the Twilight Society, the farther away you stay from them, the better, understand?" Unfortunately, a newly recruited member of the Twilight Society is sitting in front of you.


    Seeing that Han Meng had already reached this point, Chen Ling didn''t want to ask further, and nodded calmly.


    "In any case, District Five and Six suffered extremely heavy losses.


    According to incomplete statistics, more than three thousand people have died in this disaster, in addition to the annihilation of the Law Enforcement Team, these two major districts are considered ruined...


    Even though Aurora City urgently mobilized law enforcement officers to fill the vacancies, manpower is still insufficient." "So they advanced the opening time of the Beidao Ancient Treasury to quickly recover?" "That''s right." After three years of probation, law enforcers have a chance to enter the Beidao Ancient Treasury once, with a probability of being selected by the Divine Dao to become a law enforcement officer...


    Opening the treasury early means being able to quickly obtain a new batch of law enforcement officers, even if they are only first-tier.


    "The law enforcers dispatched by the Seven Districts this time, along with those sent from Aurora City, total seventy people...


    You need to take a boat across the Frozen Sea to reach the edge of the Aurora Realm, where the Beidao Ancient Treasury is located.


    At the same time, three law enforcers from Aurora City will lead the team to ensure your safety." "What is the Beidao Ancient Treasury like?" "The Beidao Ancient Treasury is very large, but the area for your trial only occupies a small part, you will know the specifics when you get there." Han Meng glanced at the time and said lightly: "It''s getting late, rest early, save some energy...


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    Also, if you encounter some...


    incidents in the treasury, don''t be too timid, you are a law enforcer of our District Three, even if you make a mistake, I will cover for you...


    Don''t embarrass our District Three." Upon hearing this, Chen Ling was stunned for a moment.


    Before he could ask anything, Han Meng turned and left.


    Chen Ling carefully pondered the last sentence Han Meng said just now, as if he was implying something? Perhaps...


    this was the purpose of his visit today? After thinking for a moment, Chen Ling shook his head, turned around, and lay down on the bed, gradually sinking into a dream...


    "Damn...


    can''t I just have a good dream?" Chen Ling opened his eyes and saw the spotlight above, sighing in his heart.


    After last night''s dream, Chen Ling almost thought that he might not have to "report" to the theater every night and could sleep peacefully...


    but he ended up coming back.


    Chen Ling got up from the stage, walked straight to the screen, and pressed the button on the corner of the treasure chest.


    After completing the first act last time, there was still one designated character lottery opportunity unused, and now he was about to set off for the Beidao Ancient Treasury, having an extra skill for self-defense is always good.


    As the exciting music played, Chen Ling turned and walked to the table, where countless cards flew and eventually neatly stacked on the table.


    "Please write down the name of the character you want to draw on the paper." A small line of text appeared on the paper.


    Chen Ling held the white paper in his hand, hesitated for a moment, and finally wrote two words: Han Meng.


    Since it was a designated character, Chen Ling naturally chose the one with the highest limit, and he only had Chu Muyun and Han Meng, two godly owners of the Divine Path beside him.


    Compared to the "Medical Divine Path," the "Warrior Divine Path" was definitely better at combat...


    at least that''s how he felt.


    Moreover, now that Chen Ling already had the "Dance of Slaughter," adding another Warrior Divine Path skill should be more suitable...


    if possible, Chen Ling even wanted to replicate a whole "Judgment" path.


    In this way, would he be considered a practitioner of both the Warrior Divine Path and the God of Drama? As the two words "Han Meng" appeared on the paper, all the cards on the table disappeared, leaving only twelve cards lined up, which were all the skills that Han Meng possessed, and one of the cards was gray and could not be selected.


    As far as Chen Ling knew, Han Meng was a four-line enforcer, corresponding to the fourth tier of the Warrior Divine Path...


    Among these twelve cards, only four were blue divine skill cards, while the others were probably ordinary skills like "Cooking" or "Tracking." As for the card that could not be selected, it should be the "Dance of Slaughter" that Chen Ling already had.


    A probability of one in three...


    no, the screen said that it would be enhanced based on the total audience expectation value of the previous play.


    Chen Ling rubbed his hands, hesitated for a moment, and finally chose one of the cards.


    "Skill: [Judgment Court]" "Belongs to: Warrior Divine Path, [Judgment] path, fourth tier;" "Character: Han Meng." Here it comes! Seeing this skill, the image of Han Meng shooting down the red paper monster with three shots flashed in Chen Ling''s mind.


    Without a doubt, this was one of the core skills of the "Judgment" path.


    As Chen Ling absorbed the card, all the information about this skill instantly appeared in his mind.


    Unlike the "Dance of Slaughter," this was a domain-type skill that would consume the user''s mental power when released...


    Speaking of which, whether it was "Formless" or "Secret Eye," Chen Ling felt no burden when using them.


    But the "Dance of Slaughter" only lasted for a dozen seconds, leaving the person very exhausted.


    "Skills from the first to third tier are based on physical qualities, while those above the fourth tier require mental power to be consumed..." Chen Ling pondered.


    He wondered if his current first-tier mental power could support him in using the "Judgment Court" once.

 Chapter 55 Face

    Thief Chen Ling and the other four entered the carriage.


    This train had a total of six carriages, with five dedicated to freight and only one for passengers.


    As soon as Chen Ling and the others boarded, they saw four figures dressed in enforcer uniforms sitting together.


    Without surprise, they should be enforcers heading to the ancient ruins of Beidao.


    "A-3...


    here," Zhong Yaoguang found his seat following the signs and sat by the window.


    "It''s a pity, if I had known, I would have brought some fruits and snacks, the journey wouldn''t be so boring." "If you want to eat, I have some here." Another person handed a bag of melon seeds from their bag.


    "Thank you." Chen Ling had no interest in eating melon seeds because since he boarded the train, he saw the condensation of fog on the window forming two lines of characters: [Audience Expectation Value +7] [Current Expectation Value: 36%] Something''s not right...


    Every time Chen Ling saw the audience expectation value inexplicably rise, he would tense up because it often meant that something was about to happen.


    "Chen Ling, aren''t you going to eat?" Zhong Yaoguang proactively offered the melon seeds to Chen Ling.


    Chen Ling squinted his eyes, this time he did not refuse, but took the melon seeds, crushed them in his hand, and watched them scatter bit by bit on the ground...


    No poison.


    Chen Ling pondered.


    "...


    " Zhong Yaoguang''s eyelids twitched slightly, "Chen Ling...


    even if you don''t want to eat, you don''t have to do this, right? You could just say no directly." Since they met, Chen Ling''s attitude had been extremely indifferent, as if he didn''t want to get close to them at all.


    To be honest, Zhong Yaoguang didn''t mind this kind of personality, after all, everyone grew up in different environments, but Chen Ling''s actions at the moment did make him feel a bit excessive.


    "Don''t argue, let''s be quiet for a while." Chen Ling was frowning, carefully looking for what was wrong, not interested in arguing with him.


    The expectation value suddenly rose after they boarded the train, so there must be something wrong on this train! "Chen Ling, you..." "Alright, stop arguing." Jiang Qin timely intervened, "We are colleagues from Zone Three, such a small matter, there''s no need to argue...


    Chen Ling is tired, let him rest for a while.


    Zhong Yaoguang, aren''t you bored? How about the three of us play cards?" Seeing Jiang Qin speak, although Zhong Yaoguang was unhappy, he didn''t say much.


    Since Chen Ling didn''t want to join, they would just leave him be.


    "Okay." Jiang Qin seemed prepared, took out a deck of cards from his bag, and started playing with Zhong Yaoguang.


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    Chen Ling''s gaze swept over half of the carriage, even with the enhancement of [Mystic Eyes], he didn''t find anything wrong...


    coupled with his limited knowledge of this era''s trains, it was difficult to gather any useful information.


    So, Chen Ling''s gaze fell on the four enforcers at the next table.


    "Which zone are they from?" Chen Ling suddenly asked.


    "Zones Five and Six." Jiang Qin glanced at their uniform numbers, "Indeed, only four of them came...


    just like the list." Sensing Chen Ling''s gaze, the four enforcers also turned to look at him, after a brief eye contact, they looked away, calmly gazing out the window.


    Chen Ling remembered that since boarding, he hadn''t heard a word from the four of them...


    not even a chat between themselves.


    Chen Ling frowned slightly, he vaguely felt that something was wrong, but couldn''t pinpoint it.


    "Where is the Winter Harbor located?" "It''s on the border of Zones One and Two...


    why?" "The Winter Harbor should be farther from the other major zones, they have no other way to come here except by train." Chen Ling''s brain was running fast, "But why...


    are there only us and people from Zones Five and Six on this train?" Jiang Qin was taken aback, "Maybe Zone Seven is too far away, so they took the train yesterday?" "What about Zone Four? Zones Five and Six chose to depart today, there''s no reason for Zone Four not to take this train...


    where are their people?"Zhong Yaoguang faintly opened his mouth, "Why don''t we just get on the car? What does it matter if the people from District Four are on board or not?" Chen Ling directly ignored his words because he felt that he had grasped something.


    "Captain Jiang Qin, how many people are here from District Four this time?" "About ten?" As the two were talking, Zhong Yaoguang, who was impatiently waiting for the sign, propped his head with one hand and glanced out the window.


    "Huh?" "What''s wrong?" asked the person next to him.


    "Did my eyes deceive me?" Zhong Yaoguang rubbed his eyes, widened them, and looked out the window, "...Where are the train tracks?" As soon as this was said, everyone was stunned.


    Chen Ling quickly looked out the window, where the snow was swirling in the air carried by the steam train, everything outside was white, and at some point, the train tracks had disappeared.


    "Gentlemen, please sit down and do not move around." A female stewardess carrying a black basket filled with snacks and fruits approached, smiling and asking, "May I offer you something?" Zhong Yaoguang and the others were all stunned, about to say something when Chen Ling''s voice suddenly rang out! "Watch out!!" Bang!! The roaring gunshot rang out in the carriage, a bullet pierced through the basket and instantly hit Zhong Yaoguang''s head closest to it.


    The next moment, Zhong Yaoguang''s bewildered head exploded, splattering red and white matter on the person sitting next to him, turning him completely red! This sudden turn of events shocked him and Jiang Qin, and then the stewardess pulled the trigger again! But almost simultaneously, a powerful whip kick hit the bottom of the basket, flipping it over! Bang¡ª The second gunshot, the bullet embedded in the train''s metal skin, emitting a sharp whine.


    Jiang Qin, being an experienced law enforcer, reacted quickly, immediately moving in front of the female stewardess and delivering a powerful right hook to her temple, the terrifying force sending her flying and crashing onto a nearby seat! He swiftly drew his gun from his waist, aiming it at the female stewardess, when another bullet was shot from a distance! This time, the four law enforcers from Districts Five and Six sitting by the window fired the shots.


    They sat calmly in their seats, squinting their eyes, looking at Chen Ling and the others with a mocking gaze.


    The bullet pierced through Jiang Qin''s palm, causing him to scream in pain as the handgun fell to the ground.


    At the same time, two figures appeared at the entrances on both sides of the carriage, one was a middle-aged man dressed as a train conductor, and the other was a male steward.


    Both stared coldly at Chen Ling and the others, sneering, "Nice reaction...


    but unfortunately, you can''t escape." "Number 17, if you don''t act soon, that kid''s blood will cool down in a moment." The female stewardess who was knocked down by Jiang Qin slowly stood up, casting a resentful glance at Jiang Qin, then walked to Zhong Yaoguang, whose head was blown off by a gunshot, and placed her palm on his face.


    A grayish light flashed, Zhong Yaoguang''s facial skin and features disappeared into thin air, leaving only a bare bloody face staring blankly at the ceiling.


    The next moment, the female stewardess''s face contorted dramatically, gradually transforming into Zhong Yaoguang''s appearance...


    She had stolen Zhong Yaoguang''s face.


    Seeing this scene, Jiang Qin widened his eyes in disbelief! "Thief God''s Path...


    Are you the Fire Usurpers?¡±

 Chapter 56 Theft God Way

    "Guessed right." The train conductor raised his eyebrows, "Too bad there''s no reward." "You dare to hijack the train?" Jiang Qin said, scanning the surroundings with the corner of his eye, "Do you know where this train is headed?!"


    "Lingdong Port, the ancient arsenal of the military way." The train conductor walked over to the female stewardess who had transformed into Zhong Yaoguang, casually tossing her white gloves into the pool of blood, and chuckled, "Otherwise, why would we steal your faces?"


    "So your target is the ancient arsenal of the military way..." Jiang Qin''s mind shook, then quickly picked up the pistol and repeatedly pulled the trigger at the train conductor! "Break the windows and run!!"


    Bang bang bang¡ª! At the sound of gunfire, Chen Ling pulled out a short knife from under his sleeve, smashed the window next to him with the hilt of the knife, and the glass shards, accompanied by the howling cold wind, crazily swept into the train.


    Without hesitation, he leaped out! While Jiang Qin was delaying time, Chen Ling had already guessed his plan.


    Now, with the opponents outnumbered and both ends of the carriage blocked, there was no way out except through the broken windows.


    Jiang Qin''s speed was also extremely fast.


    He shot the glass next to him, leaped out, heading in a completely opposite direction from Chen Ling.


    As for the other steward, his mind was not as quick.


    It was only after Chen Ling and Jiang Qin had jumped out that he suddenly reacted and quickly followed suit, diving out the window.


    In that brief pause, a bullet pierced through his head with precision, and he staggered and fell to the ground.


    The train conductor looked at the broken windows on both sides, his face somewhat grim.


    He exchanged a glance with the male steward and calmly said, "I''ll go after that senior enforcer, you go after the newcomer." "Okay." The two of them disappeared from the carriage at the same time.


    Another steward stepped forward, covering the face of the deceased enforcer with his hand, gradually transforming into his appearance.


    "The enforcers from District Three are quite interesting." The four "enforcers" sitting by the window casually remarked, "Unlike those four idiots from Districts Five and Six, who disappeared in an instant without any sense of experience." "It was the newcomer who discovered the clues." The "enforcer" sitting opposite him replied, "He doesn''t seem simple either...


    Will Number 13 make a mistake?" "Make a mistake? Are you kidding me? Number 13 is already at the second level of the ''Theft God Way.'' The newcomer doesn''t even have a god way, how could he make a mistake?" "...True." "Stop talking nonsense and come help me clean up the bodies.


    Blood is splattered everywhere, it''s disgusting." "..." In the midst of the falling snow, Chen Ling leaned over on top of the train, watching the figure rushing into the snow like a headless fly, his eyes slightly narrowed.


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    Yes, he never intended to escape...


    Although he didn''t know the principle behind it, since this train could move on the snow without tracks, running down recklessly on flat terrain would definitely not outpace the train, especially in a situation where he was being pursued.


    So, he chose to pretend to escape through the broken window, but in reality, he quietly grabbed the edge of the train under the window and climbed back onto the roof.


    The most dangerous place is also the safest place.


    Chen Ling moved along the top of the train, bending down towards the rear end of the train.


    The train had a total of six cars, and the last car was an absolute blind spot.


    As long as the train moved away from the pursuers, he could silently get off from there and leave.


    "Arsonists...


    their target is also the ancient arsenal of the military way?" Chen Ling walked and recalled everything that had just happened, "Could it be that they are also heading to the military god way base?" Chen Ling didn''t know much about the arsonists, but judging from Jiang Qin''s reaction just now, it seemed that all members of this organization were owners of the "Theft God Way" path.


    They stole the identities of new enforcers to infiltrate the ancient arsenal of the military way, which was similar to his own plan.


    "The enforcers of Districts Five and Six should have been wiped out.


    Including the train attendants and conductors, there are exactly eight people..." "No wonder they only allowed the enforcers from Districts Three, Five, and Six to board the train.


    They have calculated the number." "I wonder if Jiang Qin''s side can escape?" Chen Ling walked through the cargo carriage.


    By now, he was far from the passenger carriage, and with the wind and snow intensifying, he should have been in a blind spot.


    Just as he was about to jump off the carriage, a figure gasping for breath climbed up from the rear end.


    "I was wondering why I couldn''t find you...


    You''re quite good at hiding, huh?" The male attendant was sweating profusely, staring fiercely at Chen Ling.


    Chen Ling:...


    [Audience Expectation +3] Oh no, it seems this antagonist is quite clever.


    Without hesitation, Chen Ling drew his gun, aimed at the attendant, and pulled the trigger! Bang! The gunshot was drowned out by the roar of the train and the wind and snow.


    At the same time, the attendant sneered, showing no intention of dodging, and slowly walked through the last carriage towards him.


    The bullet had left the barrel, a gray blur passed through nothingness, and he was unharmed.


    Chen Ling furrowed his brows.


    Through the [Mystic Eye], he saw the bullet disappear just before touching the other person...


    Then, a crisp ding sound echoed as the vanished bullet fell from the attendant''s palm, hitting the steel train surface and disappearing without a trace.


    Chen Ling watched the approaching figure and pulled the trigger again! Bang! Bang! Bang! The consecutive gunshots rang out, but at such a close range, not a single bullet could touch the attendant''s body, as if they were magically disappearing into thin air...


    "Do you think a gun can hurt me?" The attendant sneered, "Kid, the power of the divine path is not something ordinary people can contend with." He casually raised his palm, and several bullets fell weakly into the snow.


    Just as Chen Ling was about to act, the attendant immediately raised his hand and with a grab, the gun in Chen Ling''s hand disappeared instantly! In the next moment, the gun was in the attendant''s hand, the black hole of the muzzle aimed at Chen Ling''s forehead.


    Surprise flickered in Chen Ling''s eyes.


    This was the first time Chen Ling had seen a divine skill beyond the martial divine path, where the opponent seemed to be able to steal anything around him, including fast-moving bullets and the gun he held in his hand...


    Is this the power of the "Thief Divine Path"? "Impressed?" The attendant seemed to enjoy the shock on Chen Ling''s face, smiling slightly, "Then it''s time to hit the road..." Bang! An orange flame flickered from the muzzle, and a bullet shot out instantly.


    Almost simultaneously, a residual image flashed by, a deep brown coat cut through the wind and snow, leaping over half of the carriage, the cold light of a short knife pressing towards the attendant''s eyes! "Impressed." In the wind, Chen Ling spoke lightly, "It''s time for you to hit the road too."¡±

 Chapter 57 Blood Handprint

    The pupils of the steward suddenly contracted! Just as Chen Ling''s short knife was about to cut his throat, a gray flash passed by, and his palm suddenly became empty.


    Chen Ling''s palm wind brushed past the steward''s neck, causing the latter to break out in a cold sweat.


    He quickly stepped back half a step and stabbed the short knife towards Chen Ling! Forgot that he could steal weapons...


    Chen Ling, empty-handed, could only helplessly dodge.


    This brief gap allowed the steward to distance himself from Chen Ling and barely stand firm on the roof of the car.


    "This speed...


    how is it possible?" The steward looked at Chen Ling in astonishment, "Have you also mastered the divine way?" He seemed to have realized something, his face changing continuously.


    "No, you are not an ordinary rookie enforcer...


    Who are you? A follower of the Vermilion Heaven Sect? Or a member of the Twilight Society?" Seeing his identity exposed, Chen Ling stopped pretending.


    He had to take out this guy as soon as possible...


    he knew too much.


    Even without a weapon, Chen Ling could still fight hand-to-hand with his speed.


    The killing techniques he learned from Han Meng were not to be taken lightly.


    Chen Ling changed his steps and quickly approached the steward.


    The latter, having suffered a loss once, seemed somewhat wary of getting close to Chen Ling and kept using his pistol and short knife to keep his distance.


    As Chen Ling gradually closed in, the steward could only retreat continuously, quickly reaching the end of the last section of the train, with almost no room to retreat.


    The deep brown coat danced at the top of the train, steam mixed with snow gradually engulfing the figures of the two.


    At the same time, in the direction the train was heading, a narrow tunnel was rapidly approaching! The tunnel was extremely narrow, barely taller than the train, and the two engaged in a life-and-death struggle saw the wall rushing towards them at lightning speed, both shocked at the same time! At the moment they were about to hit the tunnel, Chen Ling reached for his chin and tore it off with force! A face flew into the air.


    Buzz!! The train shot through the tunnel like a cannonball, the compressed air emitting a low rumble, the chaotic light and shadow flashing by, and after several tens of seconds, light once again enveloped the roof of the car.


    The steward, in a sorry state, climbed up from the sunken freight car...


    "Damn, that was close." Just as he was about to hit the tunnel, he used the skill "Steal" to take the sand and gravel loaded in the freight car, causing the canvas below to collapse suddenly, allowing him to escape.


    He barely stood firm and saw a blood-red cheetah crouching a few steps away, its crimson eyes staring at him intently.


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    A cheetah?? His pupils suddenly contracted at the sight of this creature.


    Before he could react to why a cheetah would appear out of thin air on this train, he was about to raise his gun to shoot when the crimson figure flashed like lightning over the roof of the car! The sharp claws cut his wrist, and the gun, along with his wrist, fell off the car.


    The cheetah then went mad, tearing at his neck and face, the piercing screams echoing in the wind and snow, soon drowned out by the roaring train.


    Clang clang clang...


    After who knows how long, the cheetah finally stopped slowly...


    It stood up, transforming into a human figure.


    He raised his hand, gently wiping the hot blood from his cheek.


    Behind the crimson, there was Chen Ling with a calm and suppressed yet crazy expression.


    Blood flowed down his mouth, and he picked up a handful of snow from the roof, rinsed his mouth for a moment, and spat it out.


    "This skill...


    unexpectedly useful," he muttered to himself.


    This was his first time facing an opponent with divine skills.


    Although he won in the end, the opponent''s bizarre abilities left a deep impression on him...


    However, he speculated that the man in front of him had at most second-tier strength.


    The first-tier skill was to steal items, and the second-tier skill was to steal faces...


    but strictly speaking, neither of these skills had any offensive capabilities.


    Thieves are thieves, in terms of direct combat power, they are still not as good as "soldiers." Chen Ling looked at the unrecognizable corpse, hesitated for a moment, bent down to strip off all its clothes, kicked the naked body under the carriage, and soon it was crushed into pieces by the steel wheels.


    Next, he crumpled up the conductor''s uniform and threw it into the nearby cliff, making it disappear.


    "Sorry, the foundation of the Dao of the Soldier God...


    can''t just be handed over to you guys like this." The usurper and his target are both ancient soldiers of the Dao, although he is only at the first level and alone, Chen Ling does not intend to give up like this...


    he plans to take a risk.


    The usurper is the enemy, but if used well, perhaps he can become his own weapon.


    Chen Ling looked at the position of the passenger compartment, a plan emerged in his mind, and madness flickered in his eyes once again! At this moment, Chen Ling could clearly feel his twisted Dao rejoicing, his empty chest pulsating, and every cell in his body waiting for him to dance between life and death.


    He knew that his twisted Dao was changing his character again...


    but this feeling, is really not bad! [Audience Expectation +12] [Current Expectation: 61%] ...


    "Which one do you think will come back first, Number 13 or Number 8?" Inside the passenger compartment, Zhong Yaoguang and another fellow student sat side by side in their original seats, cracking melon seeds and talking.


    "It should be Number 13, after all, the enforcer leading the third area looks like a fast runner." "I think I heard gunshots just now, at the back of the train, someone should have finished..." "I feel like it''s Number 8, after all, Number 8 is at the third level, and learning that skill, killing is not difficult for him." "Makes sense..." Just as everyone was talking, a figure draped in a dark brown coat lightly landed at the door of the carriage, stepping into the carriage with snowflakes.


    "So it''s Number 13 who came back first." Zhong Yaoguang smiled, "Why did you take so long?" "That kid pretended to escape, but actually sneaked onto the roof, made me run in circles before I found out, so tired." Chen Ling cursed as he walked casually to his seat.


    "Pretty clever..." "It''s obvious, after all, he was the first to spot us." Another enforcer replied.


    "Here, have some melon seeds." Chen Ling picked up two melon seeds, cracking them while looking inside the carriage.


    "The other one hasn''t been caught yet?" he asked casually.


    Jiang Qin ran at the same time as him, if he chose the right path, he actually had a chance to escape...


    Chen Ling didn''t care if others died, but he hoped Jiang Qin could survive.


    Chen Ling looked at his thick dark brown coat, feeling a bit worried.


    "Not yet, don''t know what''s going on." "...Forget it, I''ll go check it out." A glint flashed in Chen Ling''s eyes as he stood up and walked towards the carriage door.


    "No need." Just then, a figure walked into the carriage, facing him, walking slowly towards him...


    When he saw that person, Chen Ling''s pupils slightly contracted.


    He saw "Jiang Qin" covered in blood, dragging a corpse through the carriage, stopping in front of Chen Ling...


    The corpse in his hand was another Jiang Qin.


    "Jiang Qin" raised a hand covered in bloodstains, patted Chen Ling''s shoulder, "All members successfully stolen, well done." With that, he passed by Chen Ling.


    Chen Ling was stunned for a long time, lowered his head slightly, on the dark brown coat, there was a crimson blood handprint, a chilling sight.

 Chapter 58 Thief Saint The black steel beast galloped in the flying snow.

    In the only compartment, eight enforcers sat in their respective positions, perfectly reproducing the scene when everyone just got on the train.


    "We are almost at the Winter Harbor." Number 8 glanced outside the window and calmly spoke, "The first phase of the plan has been successfully completed.


    Next, is the most crucial step..." Number 8, who replaced Jiang Qin as the usurper, seemed to be the leader among the eight.


    As soon as he spoke, the others who were chatting and eating melon seeds fell silent.


    Chen Ling, who had been pretending to doze off, slowly opened his eyes.


    "In Winter Harbor, we will meet the new enforcers from other major regions and the three escort enforcers from Aurora City.


    According to the intelligence, among these three enforcers, one has five stripes and two have four stripes.


    The gap in strength between us and them is too large, we absolutely cannot confront them head-on.


    We must hide our identities well.


    Before coming, I have already distributed to each of you a brief introduction of the character and background you are replacing.


    You must disguise yourselves according to that, do not cause trouble, understand?¡±


    ¡°But what if other enforcers actively provoke us?" Chen Ling suddenly spoke up.


    "...Then we have to endure it." Number 8 paused for a moment, "This mission is crucial, we cannot afford any mistakes." Upon hearing this, the other usurpers were visibly displeased, but in the end, they nodded...


    "Number 8, do we really need to be this cautious?" Zhong Yaoguang asked puzzledly, "Wasn''t it said that a Thief Saint would come this time to escort us? The Thief Saint is a super strong seventh-tier, and there are only five usurpers in total...


    With him around, what are those enforcers?" Chen Ling''s heart sank.


    Thief Saint? Seventh-tier? Although Chen Ling did not understand what the title "Thief Saint" represented, he understood the three words "seventh-tier"...


    People say that on the path to godhood, reaching the tenth tier ascends to godhood.


    So, this so-called "Thief Saint" is only three steps away from godhood? So far, the strongest godhood owner Chen Ling has seen is Han Meng, who is only at the fourth tier.


    "Thief Saint?? Really?" Another usurper''s eyes lit up, "Red, yellow, blue, white, black, which one is coming?¡±


    ¡°White." Number 8 calmly replied, "Thief Saint, White." Chen Ling clearly felt the heavy breathing of the others, their eyes began to shine upon hearing this name! Chen Ling did not understand, but immediately followed suit, with a look of longing in his eyes.


    "With him around, what are we afraid of? Let''s just directly cause chaos in the Ancient Battlefield of the God of War?" someone among them spoke up.


    "Cause chaos in the Ancient Battlefield of the God of War? Do you take the God of War''s path lightly?" Number 8 glanced at him, "Among the fourteen godhoods in the world, the Ancient Battlefield of the God of War represents the ultimate in killing.


    Do you think you can break in with just a Thief Saint?" The group fell into silence.


    "No one in the world can forcefully enter the Ancient Battlefield of the God of War.


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    If you want the fragments of the foundation of the God of War''s path, you can only take advantage of the godhood trials...


    Otherwise, what should we do? If something goes wrong before entering the Ancient Battlefield of the God of War, such as the three leading enforcers having an accident, Aurora City will immediately close the Ancient Battlefield of the God of War, and none of us will be able to enter! So, before entering the ancient battlefield, everyone must behave.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    ¡°Usurping the Heavenly Path, seizing the Universe, in the name of the Thief God of the End, the Silver King...


    I hope this trip goes smoothly." Number 8 stood in the center of the compartment, his right fingertip touching his forehead, devoutly speaking.


    At this moment, everyone''s expressions became serious, as if performing a ritual of some kind, all placing their right hand on their forehead.


    "In the name of the Thief God of the End, the Silver King...


    I hope this trip goes smoothly." The Thief God of the End, the Silver King? Chen Ling imitated the others while jotting down this title in his mind.


    This sounded like a deity pointed to by the Thief God''s path, but also like the faith of the usurpers.


    Chen Ling sat in his seat, gazing out at the approaching harbor, lost in thought...


    Once again, he was the law enforcement officer of Aurora City, and once again, the arsonist stole the sacred.


    I wonder if the members sent by the Twilight Society to support him on this side are reliable or not? The train slowly came to a stop in the wilderness more than ten kilometers away from Winter Harbor.


    This train was not on record and definitely could not stop at the station.


    Number 8 found an abandoned factory warehouse to hide it, and then they walked there on foot.


    As the group approached Winter Harbor, the surrounding shops and pedestrians increased, and there was finally some liveliness on the streets.


    "Hot fried dough sticks, tea eggs, roasted sweet potatoes~¡±


    ¡°Tofu pudding, fresh tofu pudding!¡±


    ¡°Extra, extra, the latest news from the Aurora Daily, severe damage in districts five and six after the disaster, the possibility of two districts merging, will Aurora''s seven major districts become six major districts? And breaking news! The third young master of the Aurora City Star Merchants Guild marries a famous courtesan, only to discover after sleeping with her that she is actually his long-lost aunt!¡±


    ¡°Young man, give me a copy of the newspaper about the third young master sleeping with his aunt.¡±


    ¡°Sure thing!¡±


    ¡°..." The boy''s clear voice echoed on the street, immediately attracting a large crowd of passersby to buy newspapers.


    Chen Ling saw the ears of the other arsonists perk up, as if they couldn''t resist the urge to buy a copy.


    "Don''t make trouble." Number 8 glanced at them.


    The crowd shrugged with interest.


    "Newspapers, magazines, toys, poker, take a look?" A lazy voice came from the side.


    Chen Ling turned to see a woman sitting lazily in a dilapidated general store, casually calling out while playing with a deck of cards.


    On the cover of the box, a clear [6 of Hearts] was visible.


    Chen Ling''s heart stirred, then he glanced at the group heading towards the harbor and did not stop, but lightly shifted his gaze away and continued to follow the group.


    The eight of them crossed the street and went straight to the harbor, where many figures dressed in law enforcement attire had gathered, surrounding three law enforcement officers in trench coats.


    As Number 8 had said, on the hem of their trench coats, one had five stripes, and the other two had four stripes, clearly visible.


    "Hello, I am Jiang Qin, the leading law enforcement officer of District Three." Number 8 stepped forward respectfully and handed over several documents to the three law enforcement officers, "A total of 8 law enforcement officers from Districts Three, Five, and Six are participating in the trial of the ancient martial arts treasure, all present." One of the four-striped law enforcement officers scanned the crowd, picked up the documents, and carefully checked them one by one.


    When they joined the law enforcement, their images were recorded at headquarters, and now the law enforcement officers were comparing them with the photos, asking questions and scrutinizing each person''s face sharply.


    In the end, he nodded slightly and checked off the names of the people on the list.


    "By the way, how did you get here? The people from District Four haven''t arrived by train yet, how did you get here first?" The law enforcement officer suddenly asked.


    "We came by yesterday''s train." Number 8 smiled slightly, "They said they hadn''t been to Winter Harbor before, so we came a day early to take a look, and unexpectedly met friends from Districts Five and Six on the way.¡±


    ¡°Yes, quite a coincidence," nodded another law enforcement officer from District Five.


    "Alright, now just do some simple activities around here, and when the people from District Four arrive, you can board the ship...


    Don''t go too far, just stay within two hundred meters around here.¡±


    ¡°Okay." Upon hearing this, the other arsonists looked at each other and cautiously asked, "Captain Jiang Qin, can we go buy newspapers?¡±


    ¡°...Go ahead." The group turned and walked away.


    Chen Ling put his hands in his pockets and silently followed behind them.

 Chapter 59 Meeting Point

    Chen Ling walked about forty to fifty meters away, suddenly turned around, and turned into the public restroom on the side.


    He naturally saw the meeting point information given by the grocery kiosk, but the Winter Harbor was so small that he couldn''t just go up and chat with the kiosk owner in front of the three law enforcers and No.


    <ol start="8">


    <li> </li>


    </ol>


    To meet the mysterious Twilight Society member, he had to use a more discreet method.


    Chen Ling followed a lucky boy, and just as he was about to enter the cubicle to squat, a chop knocked him unconscious, and then he quickly dragged the boy and closed the door...


    When the door opened again, he had already transformed into the appearance of that boy.


    Chen Ling adjusted his slightly messy collar, walked out of the restroom, and headed straight to the grocery kiosk.


    "Newspapers, magazines, toys, playing cards...


    Anything you need? If not, I''m off duty~¡±


    ¡°Hello, I want to write a letter to my mom..." Just as the woman was yawning, a tender voice suddenly sounded.


    She looked down and saw a pair of innocent big eyes staring pitifully at her.


    "Little friend, we...¡±


    ¡°My mom has a heart disease, and I want to give her some hope." Before the woman could speak, the boy continued, "I only have six dollars left, can I send it?" Upon hearing this, a hint of surprise flashed in the woman''s eyes, and she immediately smiled and pushed the paper and pen towards him: "Of course, you can write it here.¡±


    ¡°Thank you." The boy picked up the pen and quickly wrote on the paper: [Infiltrators have joined the team, and the thief Saint Bai is also hiding in the dark, requesting support!] After writing the last word, he immediately folded the paper and handed it to the woman, while several law enforcers hurried past him and rushed towards the direction of the harbor assembly point.


    The law enforcers from District Four have arrived.


    Seeing this, the boy glanced deeply at the woman and immediately walked towards the restroom.


    This woman was not a member of the Twilight Society, but like the Little Fang grocery store in District Three, she only served as a messenger, although he did not see the society member who came to meet him, he knew the woman would pass on his message.


    In this way, the Twilight Society would also be prepared, perhaps sending a member who could suppress the thief Saint Bai, or at least ensuring his own safety, right? Thinking of this, Chen Ling''s heart suddenly felt much calmer.


    He returned to the restroom, changed back to his own appearance, and then calmly walked towards the assembly point...


    At the same time.


    The woman at the grocery kiosk scanned the surroundings vigilantly, carefully took the paper under the table, slowly unfolded it...


    Stolen novel; please report.


    and then froze in place.


    On the huge paper, there were only two blood-red words: ¡ª¡ª[Go die].


    Woman: ??? ...


    [Audience Expectation +5] At the moment he saw these words, Chen Ling''s heart skipped a beat.


    The audience''s expectation value surged for no reason, indicating trouble ahead...


    This was the experience Chen Ling had accumulated over the years.


    Chen Ling tried to find some clues around, but to no avail.


    No assassins, no danger, he even walked around the ship for a while, afraid that someone would secretly open a big hole under the ship.


    As the law enforcers from District Four arrived, the three law enforcers gathered everyone by district and boarded the ship one by one.


    "There are so many people from Aurora City...


    Almost half of them." Zhong Yaoguang couldn''t help but speak when he saw a large group of law enforcers gathered together.


    "Normal." Another infiltrator replied indifferently, "Aurora City is the core of the Aurora Realm, a city that monopolizes eighty percent of the realm''s resources.


    In the original design, the seven districts were meant to serve as peripheral factories for Aurora City.


    It''s more accurate to say that they are willing to give the seven districts so many slots, which is already good enough..." Chen Ling followed their gaze and saw a large group of law enforcers waiting at the ship''s side, ready to board, at least thirty or more people at a glance.


    They communicated with each other, not even looking at the enforcers of the Seven Districts around them.


    On the contrary, enforcers from other districts looked at them with envy and admiration.


    Just from their demeanor, you could see the difference between the Aurora City enforcers and the others.


    They exuded a confident aura in their every move, making the enforcers from other districts seem like clumsy bumpkins in comparison.


    Among the many Aurora City enforcers at this moment, there were three particularly prominent figures.


    They stood at the forefront, and no one dared to step beyond them, not even the three enforcers from Aurora City who intentionally kept their positions behind them.


    "Who are those three?" a fire usurper curiously asked.


    "The one in black clothes and black pants should be Lu Xuanming.


    His father is one of the Five Great Seven-Pattern Enforcers of Aurora City, holding a high position of authority.


    The one with the fan is Pu Wen, rumored to come from a prestigious family of book gods from another realm...¡±


    ¡°A family of book gods? Then why is he entering the Ancient Battlefield?¡±


    ¡°I don''t know...¡±


    ¡°And what about the one covered in jewels?¡±


    ¡°He..." Zhong Yaoguang hesitated for a moment, as if realizing something, picked up the newspaper in his hand, widened his eyes, and said, "I knew he looked familiar.


    He is the Third Young Master of the Star Guild, Yan Xicai." The crowd gasped in surprise.


    Chen Ling narrowed her eyes, deliberately raised her voice, and pretended to be shocked, "He''s the one who sleeps with his aunt?¡±


    ¡°Quiet." The leader with the number 8 frowned, "Don''t cause trouble." At the same time, Lu Xuanming, in black clothes at the front of the queue, glanced at the Three Districts and casually said, "Yan Xicai, your glorious deeds have already spread beyond Aurora City...


    in terms of fame, we are indeed not as good as you." Yan Xicai''s face turned extremely ugly, and he glared fiercely at the people from the Three Districts.


    "Damn it! When I go back, I will bankrupt the Aurora Daily, those bastards who throw stones in a well!¡±


    ¡°You better step onto the path of the God of War first, otherwise, even if you go back, you will be kicked out of the house.¡±


    ¡°What are you afraid of? With Old Pu here this time, I don''t believe I can''t ascend to the God''s Path...¡±


    ¡°Alright, get on the boat quickly." As the Aurora City enforcers boarded the ship first, others followed suit.


    Compared to the numbers from other districts, the eight people from the Three, Five, and Six Districts seemed a bit pitiful.


    After confirming the count, an enforcer nodded slightly, signaling to set sail.


    Amidst the roaring sound of the steam whistle, the ship slowly headed towards the center of the Frozen Sea.


    Just as Chen Ling stepped onto the ship, she heard an unmistakable voice coming from the middle of the deck.


    "Hey, you!" Chen Ling turned to see Yan Xicai standing there with a dark expression, waving at him.


    "Yes, you...


    come here." Seeing Chen Ling being called by Yan Xicai, the most nervous were not Chen Ling but the many fire usurpers beside him.


    They felt a sudden sense of unease...


    Upon witnessing this scene, a faint smile flickered imperceptibly in Chen Ling''s eyes.


    The fish took the bait.

 Chapter 60 Chen Lings Plan

    The bone-chilling cold wind blew across the frozen sea, making many usurpers feel a chill in their hearts.


    Since boarding the ship, the law enforcers had automatically split into small groups, scattered around the deck.


    Number 8 had originally wanted to avoid the group from Aurora City to prevent any variables, but they had still targeted them.


    At the same time, Lu Xuanming and Pu Wen turned their heads in this direction.


    In front of everyone''s eyes, Chen Ling finally took a step forward and slowly walked towards Yan Xicai, who was surrounded by many law enforcers from Aurora City.


    "Is there something you need?" he asked lightly.


    "What is your name?" "Law enforcer from District Three, Chen Ling." Yan Xicai looked him up and down, "Nice coat you have there, take it off and give it to me." "Why should I?" Chen Ling retorted.


    With that statement, a strong smell of gunpowder spread in the air, and anyone could tell that this young master was angry and wanted to assert his dominance over Chen Ling...


    but Chen Ling was clearly not an easy target.


    "Give him the coat, give him the coat, don''t cause trouble...


    we are about to enter the Ancient Treasury, don''t cause trouble..." Many usurpers held their breath, silently praying.


    Yan Xicai casually reached out to the side, and a law enforcer behind him immediately took out a thick stack of silver coins and handed it to him, tossing it carelessly.


    Clang! Dozens of silver coins were scattered, falling on Chen Ling, then dropping to the ground like trash.


    "Is this enough?" Yan Xicai lightly blew on his nails and leisurely spoke, "If it''s not enough, I can add your leg, how about that..." Before he could finish the last word, a cold gun barrel was pressed against his forehead.


    Yan Xicai froze.


    "Not enough," Chen Ling held the gun with one hand, his eyes narrowing dangerously, and with a click, he loaded a bullet.


    "How about adding your life to it?" Usurpers: ???? [Audience Expectation Value +5] [Current Expectation Value: 71%] A bone-chilling wind swept across the deck, and the next moment, the onlookers finally woke up from their shock!! Over ten law enforcers standing behind Yan Xicai were shocked and drew their guns at the same time! Countless gun barrels were aimed at Chen Ling, ready to turn him into a hornet''s nest if he dared to shoot.


    At the same time, Lu Xuanming and Pu Wen, standing in the distance, also showed surprise in their eyes.


    They had considered that Chen Ling might resist, not everyone was a pushover, but they never expected that Yan Xicai had only said a few words, and the other party unhesitatingly drew his gun! Surrounded by so many law enforcers from Aurora City, threatening the life of the Third Young Master of the Star Merchants Guild? Is he crazy?! At that moment, Number 8 felt like his heart almost stopped.


    Without hesitation, he rushed forward, pressed down the gun in Chen Ling''s hand, and glared at him fiercely.


    Chen Ling remained expressionless.


    This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.


    "You, you, you..." Yan Xicai''s face turned pale, it was the first time in his life that someone had threatened him so decisively and ruthlessly, "Do you know who I am?! How dare you point a gun at me?" Number 8 took a deep breath, lowered his posture, and apologized to Yan Xicai, "I''m really sorry, Chen Ling has just been promoted as a law enforcer, he''s too young, he may not know your identity..." "Chen Ling! This is the Third Young Master of the Star Merchants Guild in Aurora City.


    You should know about the Star Merchants Guild, they control ninety percent of the resources in the seven districts, sixty percent of the shops in Aurora City belong to them.


    In addition, they are the largest sponsor of the law enforcers'' headquarters in the Aurora Realm, they are the ones who pay the salaries of law enforcers and even law officials...


    Do you understand what I mean?" Number 8 stared at Chen Ling, almost gritting his teeth as he said this, especially the second half of the sentence.


    The Star Chamber is the money bag of all law enforcement officers, including the three Aurora City law enforcement officers who escort everyone.


    They have the power to interrupt the journey at any time...


    If you dare to hurt Yan Xicai even a little bit, everyone in the three districts will lose the qualification to enter the ancient treasury! Hearing the praise of Number 8, Yan Xicai''s expression finally eased a bit...


    The three districts are indeed rural areas, and it is normal for small law enforcers to not understand the value of their identity.


    The more ignorant, the more reckless and vulgar.


    Yan Xicai was about to say something when the gun was raised again.


    "Yan Xicai, right?" Chen Ling calmly spoke, "Is this the hand that threw money at me just now?" In the horrified eyes of everyone, Chen Ling pulled the trigger without hesitation.


    Bang¡ª Unlike last time, Chen Ling was too quick this time, and there was no warning at all.


    Everyone thought that after knowing Yan Xicai''s identity, he would be shocked and then give up resistance...


    But who would have thought that he would dare to shoot? "Ah!!" Yan Xicai watched in horror as the gun was aimed at his eyes, followed by the sound of the trigger being pulled.


    He screamed in terror, lost his balance, and fell backward! A bone-chilling wind swept across the deck, scaring Yan Xicai half to death...


    He stared blankly at the gun that showed no reaction, dumbfounded for a few seconds before coming to his senses.


    There were no bullets in the gun barrel.


    The dark brown coat swayed lightly in the wind as Chen Ling slowly lowered the gun, a hint of mockery in his eyes as he looked at the disheveled Yan Xicai on the ground.


    "Chen Ling!! What are you doing?!" Number 8 looked at Chen Ling in disbelief.


    "The people of Aurora City are just lucky, they are all a bunch of lucky winebags..." Chen Ling leisurely spoke, "Captain Jiang Qin, isn''t that what you told me?" Number 8 was stunned.


    He stared at Chen Ling''s face intently, and after a while, he hoarsely said, "Are you trying to rebel? No, you''re not..." He didn''t finish the second half of the sentence.


    But all the hidden arsonists seemed to realize something, their eyes flickering with hesitation and shock as they looked at Chen Ling.


    "Captain Jiang Qin, are you going to punish me?" Chen Ling calmly met Number 8''s gaze, his eyes narrowing slightly, "On this ship?" Number 8 was taken aback.


    To outsiders, this conversation undoubtedly created a conflict between law enforcers in the three districts.


    Only the arsonists could see something different from it...


    Either Number 13 wanted to rebel, but this possibility was slim; or the man in front of them was not Number 13 at all...


    but Chen Ling himself.


    On that train, everyone thought that Number 13 would surely kill Chen Ling, after all, one was a strong thief god of the second rank, and the other was just an ordinary person who had just become a law enforcer; How could an ordinary person counterkill Number 13, and even dare to play along with his "name" all the way with them in a dual identity? This was impossible no matter how you thought about it! But...


    this situation happened.


    Chen Ling calmly looked at Number 8 in front of him, a slight smile on his lips...


    He knew that his identity as an arsonist had been exposed, but he didn''t care.


    This was the ship heading to the ancient treasury of the Art of War.


    There were countless law enforcers on board, as well as three law enforcement officers.


    Even if the arsonists knew his identity, they would never dare to act, let alone expose him.


    Always hide your identity, stay hidden among the arsonists, safely enter the ancient treasury of the Art of War, and disguise yourself until the last moment to counterkill everyone...


    It was indeed a good choice, but for Chen Ling, it was not so attractive.


    Since this was a "performance," he wanted to increase the audience''s expectations as much as possible and design more interesting points of conflict.


    Chen Ling had a more crazy plan!