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Chapter 171: There Should Be Moonlight
“Strum the instrument and sing the mournful song with me!” In the hidden room, Red Eye’s head hovered in the air. There seemed to be snakes writhing under his twisted features, and they changed constantly. Before him, the sharp sacred music appeared from the ancient scroll and resounded in the darkness. Waves of hoa.r.s.e singing followed immediately in the darkness.
In the faraway “warehouse,” countless empty metal hooks on the ceiling shook…there was nothing there already! Those dead corpses had already started moving again! They crawled, writhed, walked and grouped outside the central security room, pacing through the complex underground palace. Without exception, all of their eyes turned blood red!
When the hymn sounded, all of the corpses began trembling. They turned toward the direction of the sacred scroll in unison. Their red eyes shone with fiery light as if they had been ignited.
The shrill hymn echoed in every corner. Under the music, the corpses raised their heads and opened their mouths, singing the fallen hymn in unison.
This choir of the dead—choir from h.e.l.l—hidden in the darkness was the result of Red Eye’s longtime experimentation. He did not care about his physical body because each of these mutants could become his new body. Now, his consciousness jumped out of his sh.e.l.l and flowed in these innumerable bodies. Under his control, the thousands of people were like one.
They sang hoa.r.s.ely, “Strum the instrument and sing the mournful song with me!” When the song resounded in the darkness, every Royal Musician looked up abruptly. They saw the shapeless darkness above their heads writhe. An open mouth seemed to form and chant the destructive hymn.
“The wheel of fate turns heartlessly. Destruction falls and pain is here! Do not hesitate now. The most courageous warrior has already collapsed under fate and is crying in pain. Offer petty alms, but for the extortion of greed…”
The Carmina Burana which required dozens of musicians to perform together was now produced by thousands of mouths howling, murmuring, and harmonizing. The fallen hymn moved the darkness and ignited the mercury runes carved into the layers of stone tiles.
In an instant, nightmarish fog poured out of thin air and swallowed the entire hospital. In the darkness, the silhouettes of countless demons danced. They wailed, impatiently waiting to take over the flesh and become substantial.
In the underground palace, mud dripped from the ceiling. A Royal Musician that was raiding outside felt something cold drip onto his neck. He wiped it away, but the squirming mud spread on his hand. The mud shot up his shoulder and burrowed into his heart, traveling through his blood. The flesh and bones in its path were turned into pure blackness.
He yelped and stumbled back. When his companions looked over, they saw him holding onto the wall and vomiting.
“Asa, what’s wrong?” A musician raised his lantern to illuminate the man.
“I—I’m fine.” With his back to the others, Asa shook his head. He wiped away the mud at the corner of his lips and breathed with difficulty. But an empty smile appeared on that stiff face. “I’m just…a little hungry.”
Outside the central security room, layers of blood-red music notes and scores appeared on the walls and dome. It was as if hemp and rattan were entangled with each other.
The darkness swallowed everything, turning the underground maze into something otherworldly. It was isolated from the outside world! This was the song of despair dedicated to fate. It was the ceremony of death dedicated to Satan.
The entire underground palace was now a giant quagmire. Everyone in it had sank and was struggling. They struggled with all their might, but all that awaited them was hopelessness.
–
“Just immerse yourselves in hunger. Tonight, you can feast here. Everything here is an offering to Hyak.u.me!” The robin gripped his half of the sign. His eyes were eerie and devoid of any pity, but when he looked at the two incoming figures, he felt slightly unsettled. These two—Holmes and Moriarty—must be killed!
“Red Eye, first corrode the two in the final laboratory. The sign must be in our hands!”
Red Eye closed his eyes and his sleeves shook before him. The hymn rippled and the dark mud moved under his control. It was as if the walls had turned into an angry current. It rushed toward the final laboratory instantly.
–
In the laboratory, the sticky black mud surged from cracks in the ceiling, floor, and walls. They transformed and corroded every living thing in its path.
Ye Qingxuan retreated slowly, but the mud was closing in on him. It radiated with a corrosive strength that made his vision go black faintly. Even the tiniest bit on him would have bad results. Now, there was no way for him to leave.
The phrase “no road towards the heavens, no door toward h.e.l.l” was probably made to describe these kinds of situations, right?
“I was too bold.” He chewed on his lips and his brows furrowed. “Miss Professor, can you not s.p.a.ce out now? We can talk about our matter and who the sign belongs to later. But now, do you have any idea how to let us get out of here?”
“Huh, even Holmes is powerless now?” The Professor chuckled, as if she were happy that Ye Qingxuan was lowering himself. “I have an idea. I’ll tell you if you beg me.”
“Okay.” Ye Qingxuan fluttered his lashes and gazed at her with innocent eyes. “Sister, please…”
“…” The Professor heard his plea, but she did not feel proud at all. Instead, there seemed to be something caught in her throat. “Don’t you have any dignity?”
“It’s just asking someone for help. There’s nothing to do with dignity. Life is precious and begging someone isn’t too bad.” Ye Qingxuan turned. He punched the ground and the vibrations forced the incoming mud back, keeping this small s.p.a.ce temporarily. “I’ve done much more lowly things to survive. If you want to see me humiliated, you’ll be disappointed.”
“…” Gazing at his backside, the Professor fell silent, but the look in her eyes was complicated. She could not help but sigh. “Since you know Black Friday, do you know Moonlight, the advanced movement?”
“It’s in my head, but I can’t play it.” Ye Qingxuan shook his head. “That’s a Resonance level movement. I can somewhat read the overture, but I don’t understand it.”
“What about Jiu Xiao Huan Pei?”
“…It’s here.” Ye Qingxuan raised his hand and showed her the instrument that was now a ring.
The Professor smiled. “Then, do you want to go into Coherence?” She looked into the youth’s eyes as if wanting to find the hidden fear. “If you want to leave this place, I can give you some energy. But aren’t you scared of being sucked dry by a demonic musician like me?”
Ye Qingxuan was silent for a moment. Then he gripped her hand. Her hand was soft and cool, but it was not frightening. Instead, it felt familiar. There was that feeling of familiarity again…
“Okay,” he said quietly.
“Let’s have a moment of silence for your choice.” She licked her lower lip and chuckled. “Falling into my hands is worse than death.”
Ye Qingxuan closed his eyes, letting her do whatever she needed to. He could feel a cold finger flitting across his neck, bringing a cold feeling. Then sharp teeth sank into his skin, piercing his blood vessel. His life was being sucked.
He could feel his blood being sucked continuously. A strong emptiness appeared in his heart, but Ye Qingxuan still did not feel shocked. He began playing Bolero again, taking in the water vapor and forming perception threads. The threads wrapped around the Professor and entered her body.
For the first time, he could sense the aether in her body. In an instant, his pupils dilated. “This is your sound of heart?”
–
It was as if he was listening to the morning tide crash onto the sh.o.r.e. The waves overlapped into a symphony. The roaring music filled his ears and the world quieted down. This was her sound of heart!
The sound rushed into Ye Qingxuan’s body through the perception threads. His vision went black, and the hallucination of endless ocean waves appeared before his eyes. He was practically drowning.
“Cleanse your soul.” The Professor embraced Ye Qingxuan from behind. Her voice, gentle and delicate, murmured in his ears, “Awaken Jiu Xiao Huan Pei and I’ll cooperate with you.”
The waves changed. Her sound of heart was tuned to Ye Qingxuan’s fluctuations.
He felt as if he had fallen into a bottomless sea, falling, falling, falling to the deepest part of the sea…
The sound of heart resounded in his body; the sound of tidal waves flowed endlessly to his fingertips. Burning light radiated from the instrument string and it vibrated without stop! Finally, it let out a crisp sound—a beautiful sound, but in actuality, a weapon responsible for life and death!
“Long time no see, Jiu Xiao Huan Pei.” Ye Qingxuan opened his eyes. Waves were reflected in his eyes. He looked down at the entangled strings around his body. They silver-white strings crisscrossed in the air, but the beginnings and ends could not be seen, as if they had stretched out from nothingness. After such a long time, Jiu Xiao Huan Pei had expanded fully once again.
His strength back then was incomparable to the Professor’s sound of heart. The forgotten jewel had finally revealed its true power. Ye Qingxuan only had to lightly touch it for all the mud around them to start shaking. The crisscrossed strings strummed, resonating with each other, and produced a clear sound that entered every pore.
Tuning with the perception threads and blood, Ye Qingxuan seemed to turn into the Professor and looked down at the world with her eyes. He could hear the waves in the darkness, the old song under the earth, the clanging of clouds rubbing in the sky…and his own heartbeat, now beating to the same rhythm as the Professor’s.
He could hear her breaths, the sound of blood flowing in her veins and the unclear melody she was humming. It was the melody—the familiar music score—carved into his mind.
“Is this Moonlight?” he murmured. With his eyes closed, he strummed the instrument.
In the sea of aether, ripples spread in all directions, brewing with immense power. In that instant, Ye Qingxuan forgot everything. The moment he pressed down the first note, his heart and mind were completely taken over by the music score in his memory. As if the music had come to life, Jiu Xiao Huan Pei expanded as he played. It guided his consciousness, controlled his body, and performed the cold and spa.r.s.e music!
Ye Qingxuan lowered his eyes, focused completely and immersed in the incredible power—immersed in Moonlight. There should be moonlight.
–
In the dark underground palace, the chaotic hymn of thousands of demons roaring had reached its climax. The solidified pieces of darkness contained power from Satan and extreme evil and wildness. Contact with a bit of it would cause it to invade one’s body, tainting the blood, burrowing into the lungs, polluting the mind, turning a human into a demon, twisting all reason into insanity.
The changing mud transformed into countless distorted figures. They walked through the underground palace, singing the crazed hymn in unison. Under the song’s influence, everyone turned wild. They could no longer restrain the irritation and anger within them. Some had already lost control…
But a gentle sound appeared over the shrill and cacophonous hymn. No one knew where it came from, but it echoed throughout the underground palace. It was as if a small white dot had appeared in the black mud. It was extremely glaring and strange.
In the hidden room, Red Eye furrowed his brows. He conducted the hymn and began the climax again, trying to destroy all resisting sounds. The fanatic hymn drowned the melody, but when it reached the peak, the cool melody reappeared. In fact, it had strengthened, and was brewing…
“What is this?” Red Eye murmured, opening his sole eye. In that eye, a sliver of light shone in the empty darkness.
There was light.
His head flew up and he looked in the direction of the central security room. There, the cool music was rising as if the long brewing process had finally ended. The rise and fall of tidal waves were cras.h.i.+ng down on the wild hymn!
In an instant, the angry rhythm was interrupted. A blank s.p.a.ce appeared in the shrill chorus of the countless zombies! And then, a beam of light shone through the darkness.
“What the f*ck?!” Red Eye roared. He extended his perception in that direction and used the zombies’ eyes to gaze into the mud-covered final laboratory.
He saw the darkness surging and tossing as if something huge was brewing within. It crashed against the locks repeatedly—it was about to burst out!
“Holmes? What is he doing?!” he muttered hoa.r.s.ely. He tried to add more power into the locks, but the sudden change caught him off guard.
Boom! In an instant, the black mud exploded. The youth’s figure was finally revealed, as well as the vibrating instrument strings in his hands, and something rising slowly behind him.
It was some sort of solidified power. It grew out of the darkness, but it shone with pure yet terrifying light. Like a lotus, like clear water, like a mirror, like an illusion of one’s heart, like an ancient song, like the convergence of all purity in the world…It was moonlight as pure as white jade!
The melody changed suddenly, transforming from cold and spa.r.s.e to a surging wave. The resounding melody grouped behind him, lifting the nonexistent moon into the sky. And so, there was radiant light in the darkness!
It was not burning, blazing or wild. It was merely cool and shone selflessly, giving its flawless light to the ceremony filled with evil.
He was only illuminated by it, but Red Eye felt a wave of pain. The eyes of the body he was using suddenly exploded, as if it could not make eye contact with such pure light. The illusion-like moonlight shone through the walls and tunnels, illuminating all that was dark, far and beyond.
The moonlight was like a tidal wave, but there was no thunderous crash. In its path, the black mud began to tremble, toss and turn. It evaporated into strands of black gas and disappeared in the moonlight.
As if a hammer was striking his heart, Red Eye’s single eye went black. If he still had a body, he would have started vomiting. He could feel the walking dead, the twisted humans, start to break apart and break down, swallowed by the moonlight. Even the Royal Musicians who had huddled together and used countless secret treasures and scores to avoid the mud were now immersed in the moonlight-like melody. Their eyes changed dramatically—sometimes ferocious, sometimes wild.
They tried so hard to fight against the moonlight. But in the end, they sat onto the ground soullessly. All that remained in their eyes was serenity. A drunken smile appeared on their faces. They were immersed in the all-consuming moonlight.
Crack! Before Red Eye, the Codex Calixtinus trembled suddenly. A crack appeared on the old lambskin scroll and the words written in blood began to fade. The treasure created from the lives of dozens of musicians had been damaged too, but Red Eye did not have the time to feel sad. He had to worry about himself now.
The frantic hymn began wildly again, fighting against the moonlight melody like a tsunami. It still held the upper hand and still had the absolute advantage, but it still could not eradicate the melody of the moonlight. No, even worse, the moonlight had started to…seep in!
In that moment, the bodies of the countless zombies in the underground palace shook and tremored. With every tremor, Red Eye’s reason would shake. He could barely keep sane. It was a shaking between his body and mind!
The moonlight’s gentle melody seeped into the zombies’ bodies, resounding in the long-dead minds. A crack appeared between the consciousness and bodies that had become one.
The dead bodies and Red Eye’s consciousness had always been two ent.i.ties. With each shake, the differences between them enlarged. They were close to tearing apart now!
As the consciousness did not belong to the dead, Red Eye felt his manipulation and control grow more difficult with each shudder. Every music note that rang struck his weakest spot, causing his mind to grow heavy. This was so cruel. Holmes was trying to cut off his source!
Red Eye’s broken face twisted. He roared suddenly and broke the connection, giving up on the advantage. During a fight where both sides were entangled, the worst was becoming muddled and confused. Cutting it off now was better than Ye Qingxuan taking over the connection completely and using the walking dead to control him. It would be truly problematic at that point!
His facial muscles twitched violently as sweat beaded on his forehead. It was difficult to breathe, but for some reason, something lit up in his eyes. He froze. Coldness spread through his body…it was the moonlight, the d*mn moonlight!
What was going on? When did it invade his will and plant such a fatal seed in his mind?!
He roared angrily. The Codex Calixtinus before him cracked abruptly and burned without fire. As it burned, the satanic power within it rushed into the remains of his skull. It transformed into horrifying anger and wildness, using his mind as a battlefield to fight the moonlight. But the light was like a tidal wave, drowning the darkness.
No matter if it was heinous hatred, wild murderous intent or uncontrollable anger, nothing could stop the invasion on the deepest part of his soul. Under the moon, hatred was smoothed, murderous intent dissipated and anger vanished. All will and emotions were a.s.similated under the moonlight. Even terror had disappeared without a trace.
Like water, the moonlight seeped into his soul. It was not cruel, but it washed away the dark memories in his mind like a G.o.d. All despair and darkness were washed away, transforming everything into tranquility and peace. All was pure.
Red Eye had never felt so relaxed and unrestrained before. He had become free of Satan’s control, as well as the evil thoughts and greed in his mind.
The redness in his eyes dissipated, gradually clearing. The clear eyes stared at the moonlight, shedding tears of repentance.
“It’s so beautiful,” Red Eye mumbled, drunk from the beauty of the flawless moonlight.
Like that, he bathed in the moonlight and took his last breath. Eternal peace fell upon him. He was dead.
“Beautiful?!” the robin muttered hoa.r.s.ely, curled up in the corner.
No, he did not see any beauty. The satanic blood within him had practically burst into flames. It pierced into his heart, burning his consciousness, torturing his soul. He felt uncontrollable anger and…pure terror!
“This is the moon of purity! The moon of purity!” He bit his lower lip and thought of the strange rumor pa.s.sed between the dark musicians. And the man who was like the Grim Reaper…
Chapter 172: It’s Only Moonlight
A faint hymn resounded in the sky outside the hospital. Heavy rain covered the world, extinguis.h.i.+ng the flames in downtown. With the last bit of fire put out, the world fell into darkness.
Occasionally, there was a flash of lightning. It would illuminate the menacing silhouette of the Arkham Asylum. Jerome stood in the downpour, studying the asylum quietly with dark eyes.
The aether ball in his hands shone dimly. Dozens of dim light spots shone within. They represented the Royal musicians swallowed by the darkness. The spots floated, sometimes converging and fighting against the darkness. They were like candles flickering in the wind. Some of the spots had already been completely extinguished.
Jerome’s brows furrowed. He held onto the leather case beside him. As an experienced commander, he did not move brashly. If he were outside, he would be able to detect changes at any given time and could provide help when needed. If he had charged in brashly and something changed, the entire group would be destroyed.
But if things did not improve in three minutes, he would use the secret royal order to open this leather case and take out what was sealed within. It was an instrument made from a saint’s bones. Once it was awoken, he would have the scepter temporarily.
But everyone who used it would be corroded by its strength. Those who could not withstand it would die on the spot. If he used it once, he might fall down one level and never be able to return in his life. This price was too much to pay.
As the seconds ticked by, the darkness surged and the hymn grew even wilder. He could not wait anymore and finally made his decision, but then the aether ball in his hand changed.
In an instant, the lights, like fragile flames s.h.i.+vering, suddenly extinguished. All light disappeared. As if they had been devoured by beasts, their connection was completely broken. Nothing he tried could reconnect them.
Jerome froze, horror flas.h.i.+ng past his eyes. What had just happened?
Then something pierced his eyes. It was the brilliant light s.h.i.+ning from the aether ball. He saw a giant tidal wave of aether appear from the darkness. The wave disturbed all the other aether fluctuations and muted all other noise. An abnormally angry wave surged in the sea of aether.
In an instant, the complex changes had pa.s.sed the limits of the aether ball. It went in overload and overheated. Even the raindrops that fell on the ball steamed and evaporated. Jerome’s expression changed and he tossed it away.
In the air, the metallic aether ball suddenly exploded, but Jerome did not have the time to worry about the object. In the downpour of rain, he raised his head in shock and looked into the surging darkness.
“What…the f*ck is this?”
–
Above the Arkham Asylum, the crazed darkness suddenly froze. As if it was a dying snake, it writhed in pain and slowly expanded. The hymn stopped abruptly and turned into the dying cries of the huge beast.
The screams filled with despair and wildness shook the sleeping city awake. The terrified men crawled out of bed in fear. Some people opened the windows carefully and stared in the direction of the screams.
They saw the darkness twist like a living thing, struggle and expand. Finally, it exploded! It had been killed. The destruction from the inside out dissipated with the wail.
Something brewed in the darkness and broke through the various locks, rising to the sky! In its path, all darkness was forced back, and the crazed hymn disappeared. Even Satan’s anger could not restrain it and was instead forced back into the abyss by it.
It was the pure moonlight!
Under everyone’s gaze, the pure white moon rose from the ground to the sky. Where its light reached, the storm stopped and the black clouds covering the sky retreated as well. Even the unsettled ocean calmed down.
The moon shone. All chaos became serene in this moment. The commotion and unrest disappeared and everyone’s hearts settled down. This was never seen before. There was no longer any fear or confusion. They were intoxicated by the moon and the pure gentleness of the light.
Under the moon’s light, sweat rolled down Jerome’s back. He struggled against the moonlight’s power, but his mind was a mess.
“Whose music score is this? Just resonating with the Originator is enough to form a Scepter in the aether world…” he murmured, trying to recall this familiar power.
A name paced between his memories, but he just could not remember. This was his first time experiencing this situation. Then why was his hand shaking?!
That person, that person…Who was it?!
Clang! A cold noise sounded behind him. It was the sound of a sword pulled out of its sheath. The blade and the sheath rubbed against each other and vibrated without stop! The whistle of the sword was like a lion’s roar. It sank into his mind and shook him from his thoughts.
The nightmare was finally over.
Jerome stumbled back and panted heavily. He did not dare to gaze at the moon’s radiance anymore. Behind him, someone pressed down on his shoulder. He looked back and saw a thin armored knight.
The knight was enveloped in a huge armor, hiding his face. The heavy armor covered his entire body and seemed majestic yet grave. Under the moonlight, the ridges were menacing. Jerome did not dare to make eye contact.
The knight’s other hand held a strange sword. This was the sword that had yanked Jerome out of his shaken thoughts. Its design was just like a large cross and looked as if it was forged by two steel bars. It was heavy and crude, but in the knight’s hand, it seemed to radiate with power.
Seeing him, Jerome no longer panicked.
Thud! Under his ardent gaze, the knight wielded his sword, stepped forward in the moonlight and thrusted the blade into the stone ground.
“In the name of the knights, eradicate all sorcery and evil!” The stern and majestic voice that came from the visor was a woman’s, but there was nothing gentle about it. Instead, it made one feel solemn.
Then, a heavy and regal bell rang in the distance. The enchantment that enveloped Avalon had been awoken. Shapeless power converged like a flood. Brilliant light fell from the sky!
The light shone onto the long sword and pierced into the darkness underground. This was the resonance with Avalon’s enchantment directly from the heart of the Westminster Palace—the strength from G.o.d attracted by the Elizabeth Tower. Any power that came from outside the enchantment would be forced away, regardless of whether it was a natural catastrophe or Satan!
The moment the light fell onto the blade, the sword roared like a dragon. The roar resounded in the moonlight, awakening everyone in the underground palace with the Royal Musician’s emblem from their stupor. The dazed men finally regained their sanity.
Drenched in sweat, they gaped at each other. No one knew what had just happened. They could only remember that they were sleeping in peace and could have slept for eternity.
Soon, the search began once again. This time, there was no more struggle. The demons were still dreaming and were killed one at a time. The power in the blood ritual was completely eradicated. It would never be an obstacle again.
Finally, they broke through the door of the final laboratory to search for the culprit, but the room was empty. The prepared Royal Musicians exchanged glances awkwardly, not knowing what had happened. Holmes, the Professor, and the illusionary music…had all disappeared.
…
The pure white moon hung in the sky, radiating with cool light and illuminating the world. The abnormal strength had vanished, but it was still so beautiful and dazzling.
“If this is the case, its power will be isolated outside the enchantment. A phenomenon from resonating with the Originator won’t last for long. It’ll dissipate in a short while. There’s no need to worry,” the Round Table Knight said as she sheathed her sword, but Jerome was still worried.
“Knight Galahad, thank you for your aid.” He saluted the knight.
“It is my duty.” The knight known as Galahad returned the salute. “Even if I didn’t act, you wouldn’t be afraid, right?”
Jerome shook his head with a bitter smile. He did not know how to start. Looking up at the heart-stopping beautiful moon, he asked quietly, “Do you know what this strange moonlight is?”
“Moonlight?” Galahad was silent for a while, as if she had sighed. “It’s just moonlight.”
It was moonlight from the past.
–
“The moon above the ocean, long time no see.” In the cemetery, the Shaman gazed up at the sky. He did not fear the demonic power at all. “Ye Lanzhou’s symphony of predestination…After a decade, it’s still so impressive.”
“Is this really only the overture?” Ghosthand gazed blankly at the moon. He felt as if his soul would a.s.similate with the moonlight, and quickly tore his gaze away.
“Yes, it’s only the overture. He had used this to break through the Distortion level and possess the Scepter of the School of Mind. He had this unmatched instrument and shook the world with his charm. If not for his sensitive status, he could’ve placed amongst the saints.”
The Shaman lowered his eyes and gazed at the dirt under his feet. Seeing the moonlight s.h.i.+ne onto the dirt, his eyes grew melancholy.
“Sadly, he trusted the wrong person…”
–
Under the same moon, some were melancholic while others cheered in excitement.
“As expected of the moon above the ocean! You didn’t let me down!” In the clock shop, Hermes gazed at the moon contently. His expression was spirited as he watched the drama without caring for the consequences. “And so, months of riots can finally end with a beautiful period tonight. Congratulations!”
Hermes was so happy he wanted to celebrate with a bottle of champagne—no, he really did open a bottle. The fragrant smell of wine burst into the air. It must have been a name brand. But unfortunately, Bai Xi was not into it. She looked at Hermes with doubtful eyes.
“Is everything really over?” she asked.
“Of course.” Hermes nodded. “The Shaman won, the parliament lost, and the Blood Path’s sign is shattered. Even the ‘moon above the ocean’ was brought out. Are there still any problems left unsolved?”
“Yeah, there is.” Bai Xi gazed at him and asked coldly, “Who was the one that said he has the key to the Blood Path and got everyone on his trail?”
“Of course it’s me!” Hermes pointed at himself and praised himself matter-of-factly. “Think about it. Other than me, the Trader who never lies, who else in Avalon could make everyone believe that the Shaman came back for the Blood Path and that the key was on that kid?”
And so the coldness in Bai Xi’s eyes intensified. “You want to kill him?”
“No, of course not! Bai Xi, you’ve wronged me. Why do you always think of me as the bad guy? How can you be like this to your teacher?” Hermes shook his head sadly and pretended to sigh, but there was no sadness in his eyes. Instead, he propped a foot on the counter and downed half his bottle of champagne. Wine trickled from the corner of his mouth and stained his collar, but he did not care.
Wiping his mouth, he continued, “To be honest, I think of highly of that kid! After all, I was friends with his dad. I’ve watched him grow up all these years. Even if he was thousands of miles away in Luther, I was still caring for him…
“Don’t think that I’m always so crazy. I just wish he could wake up one day and break through the Barrier of Knowledge, perform his symphony of predestination, raise his soul, become a saint, defeat Bach and become the best musician in the world!
“But he’s slow and never improves. It was making me impatient, so I had to give him some pressure.” Hermes shrugged, his face innocent. “Look, everyone has to be forced. Look how powerful he is now. He’s almost Avalon’s new legend!”
Bai Xi gazed at him blankly. Disgust was in her face. “You just do this for fun, right?”
“Aha, I can’t believe I’m like that in your mind. It makes me so sad. I’m the Trader, the one who never lies.” Hermes burst into laughter. He tossed his head back and finished the champagne in one shot. However, he did not say the second half of his sentence: After all, hasn’t the key to the Blood Path always been in his hands?
Chapter 173: Entrustment and Compensation
“It smells so bad…”
Ye Qingxuan held his nose and opened his eyes with difficulty. He could see blinding sunlight behind half a rotten leaf. The light was hot and it hurt his eyes. He lay in the foul odor and surrounding him was…oh, it was a pile of garbage. He was in a garbage pile?
Wait, why was he here?
He remembered that he had played the overture of Moonlight and sank into the melody. He did not even know to fight free. Then he became dizzy and the Professor…
Yes, he fell into the Professor’s clutches!
The thought gave him a headache. His head really did hurt. The blood loss and exhaustion gave him empty pain and uncontrollable hunger. He quickly felt around his body. Good, his equipment was still there. Jiu Xiao Huan Pei and Indra’s Eye were untouched too.
But…the Blood Path’s sign was gone.
In its place was a folded piece of paper. He opened it with difficulty and held it close to read the small words. The elegant and flowing script only wrote a few spa.r.s.e words.
“Come find me.”
The somewhat familiar face appeared in his mind again. Ye Qingxuan could not help but sigh. His head began to hurt again. That d*mned woman threw him in a pile of tras.h.!.+
He pulled himself up and stumbled out of the garbage, but he felt extremely weak. His head pounded, his body hurt and he was hungry. He could barely even stand up straight.
“Hey, friend,” he said to the beggar squatting beside the garbage. “Got any food?”
“…No!” The beggar froze before quickly hiding his bowl behind his back. He had half a bowl of leftover porridge!
“You have porridge! Why didn’t you tell me…”
Ye Qingxuan’s eyes brightened and s.n.a.t.c.hed the bowl without hesitation, using his hands to eat. He did not feel anything was wrong until he saw the beggar’s hurt eyes.
“Ah, sorry. I’m too used to stealing food.” He chuckled awkwardly and coughed, trying to put on a serious face. “How about this? Go tell the Shaman’s men that Holmes wants to see their boss…If you’re lucky, in twenty minutes, you’ll be sitting in…sitting in…” Ye Qingxuan thought for a bit and pointed at a cla.s.sy restaurant that had not opened yet. “I promise you’ll be sitting there eating steak!”
The beggar gaped at him in doubt.
Seeing him like that, Ye Qingxuan just shrugged instead of urging him. “Even if you don’t go, your porridge’s gone and you can’t beat me so…”
Hesitating a bit more, the beggar stomped his feet, grit his teeth and walked away with tears in his eyes.
–
–
Twenty minutes later, faint perfume filled the air, along with soft music.
A tidy server led the stinky beggar across the fine carpet to the best spot in the entire restaurant. The server pulled out the chair politely, gesturing for the beggar to sit. Then he gently offered the menu.
On the other side, another server brought over freshly-poured red wine and introduced softly, “Sir, today’s main course is Burgundian escargot. I also recommend you try the fried lobster and swan liver…”
The beggar sat on the chair in a daze. He felt dizzy, as if he was in a beautiful dream. The guy who stole his porridge was telling the truth? Was he dreaming?!
“I want this, this and this…and that!” He stared at the menu filled with delicacies and pointed randomly. In the end, he was completely dizzy. “I want everything on here! Uh…can I get take-out too?”
“It’s no problem, sir,” the server replied with a smile. “Please wait a moment. I will notify the head chef now.”
“Good! Hurry and go!”
The beggar was close to tears. They could even do take-out? Didn’t they say that there was a dress code here? Thank G.o.d…no, thank the mighty Sherlock Holmes!
–
Downtown, in an insignificant tavern, the Shaman stood before the bar and studied the youth beside him. After a long while, he nodded. “You look pretty good.”
“I smell horrible. Stop lying through your teeth.” Ye Qingxuan sighed. He stuffed rolls of paper up his nose but still could not block out the stench.
“Fine.” The Shaman sighed as well and moved to the side in disgust. “Can you go shower?”
“Sorry, but no.” Ye Qingxuan rolled his eyes.
“Then whatever.”
The Shaman shrugged and motioned for the bartender to leave. Soon, the tavern was empty save for the two before the bar. In the stillness, the Shaman pinched his nose and sipped from the cup of alcohol. He finally felt a bit better.
“Let’s talk about your work.” He gazed at Ye Qingxuan. “How did you do with what I entrusted you?”
“It was smoother than I’d expected. It was solved without any effort.” Ye Qingxuan arched an eyebrow and whistled. “Things happened as you wished, Mr. Shaman. From now on, the Professor won’t be an obstacle.”
“Really?” The Shaman fell silent and studied the smelly boy. As if he had been angered, metallic light reflected in his eyes, its edges sharp. “Ye Qingxuan, have I told you the rules of trading with me?” His voice was cold as he enunciated each word, “Never try to lie to me!”
“You think I’m lying?” Ye Qingxuan looked at those furious eyes and could not hold in his laughter. “But I feel like you already trust me.”
He paused and uttered the Shaman’s name.
The Shaman’s true name.
Silence.
Deathly silence.
The Shaman froze, as if he had turned to stone. He gaped at the youth. After a long time, he pulled out his pipe, lit it and took a deep breath before exhaling heavily. When he had almost finished the pipe, he finally asked, “When did you guess it?”
“Last night,” Ye Qingxuan replied lightly. “The Butcher’s actions confirmed my suspicions. At that time, I thought that you knew too much. Then this morning, when I stole a bowl of porridge and ate while squatting on the street, I suddenly had inspiration.”
“Inspiration?”
“Yes, inspiration.” Ye Qingxuan looked up at him. “It’s too coincidental, don’t you think? You’re really careful, but there are still too many coincidences. I read the files that the Avalon police department compiled about you. To be honest, you’re practically a legend and really impressive.
“A few minutes ago, I compared your tracks and the times you appeared and disappeared, and I suddenly thought of a name. I finally understand why you’ve always trusted me.”
“That’s it?” the Shaman asked coldly.
“That’s it.” Ye Qingxuan shrugged helplessly. “I have to say, it’s not your fault. The problem is that my father really didn’t know that many people in Avalon.”
“So it was Ye Lanzhou that messed up?” Stunned, the Shaman laughed at himself. “For all these years, I’ve gone through everything, trying to be mysterious. I thought that the secret was kept perfectly. But now, I’m old and you caught me…f*ck.” He could not help but curse.
“That’s how life is, isn’t it?” Ye Qingxuan raised his cup toward him. “Cheers to the Shaman’s victory.”
The Shaman did not reply. Ye Qingxuan shrugged and downed his cup. Then he rose to leave. “Thank you for everything you did for me, Mr. Shaman.” He put on his hunting hat and bid farewell. “Please take care of me in the future too.”
“It’s not over yet.” The Shaman’s voice stopped him. It was followed by the sound of wind.
Something flew over. Ye Qingxuan turned and caught it, realizing that the Shaman had thrown over a metallic plaque. The finger-sized plaque had a name on it. It looked like one could string a chain through it and wear it around one’s neck.
“What is this?”
“Since there’s an entrustment, there should also be compensation,” the Shaman replied lightly. “There’s an old guy called Dominic who guards the Jianlan Underground Palace at the Royal Academy of Music, right? He owes me. Take this to him and he’ll understand. You don’t have to reject this. This is the compensation that you exchanged your life for, so of course it’s a bit more bountiful. Be prepared for the surprise.”
“Surprise?” Ye Qingxuan could not help but chuckle bitterly as he stuffed the plaque into his pocket. “Let’s talk about surprises tomorrow. I still need to go to cla.s.s. I’ve been ditching a lot and even though the Professor won’t get mad, I still feel bad.”
“You’re a good student?” The Shaman gazed at him strangely. “That makes me pleased.”
“Your news is outdated, Mr. Shaman.” The youth walked through the door, only leaving behind a self-deprecating chuckle. “I’m the infamous disgrace of the Academy now.”
–
–
In the afternoon, sunlight poured from the sky. The busy streets were bathed in the warm glow.
It was the type of relaxed, long and warm afternoon that made one tired. Even the stray cat on the wall had lazily fallen asleep in the gentle suns.h.i.+ne.
After the rioting last night that was apparently terrifying, no one took the sunlight for granted. A few men sat in a café on the busy street, describing what had truly happened last night.
It was something about a Vengeful Spirit and the Professor dueling in the asylum. The Vengeful Spirit had turned into a giant bat and dropped from the sky. The Professor’s face was painted white. He opened his mouth and laughed crazily after seeing the Vengeful Spirit fall into his trap.
They described the scene as if they had witnessed it.
Chapter 174: Nowhere to Return to
According to that man, the Vengeful Spirit and the Professor fought intensely for the key to the legendary Blood Path. In order to fight, the Professor hired the Butcher, but even the Butcher had been defeated by the Vengeful Spirit.
In the end, the formerly undefeated Professor miscalculated and died in the Vengeful Spirit’s hands. After Holmes killed the Professor, he offered the body to Satan. The entire Asylum was turned into demonic territory.
Even the Round Table Knights had been startled. The knights Lancelot and Galahad worked together to attack Holmes, but Holmes had fought back and played an ancient score from the East. It was called the Xuanyuan Sky-breaking Melody or something scary like that. He wanted to completely destroy Avalon. But G.o.d bless Avalon. The Royal Musicians activated the enchantment, called forth the pure white moon and purified him!
“Hey, I was there when it happened and I saw everything!” someone else said with exaggerated features. “You were wrong about the Vengeful Spirit. After he called up Satan’s power, he escaped!”
Everyone burst into laughter. Another witness revealed that this guy had been hiding in a doghouse and almost peed his pants. How could he have seen the Vengeful Spirit? As they laughed, no one noticed that the door was pushed open.
–
Outside, someone opened the door and entered. The sunlight outside the window shone on his white hair and prosthetic arm. He quietly pa.s.sed through the hall and sat down in the corner. He put on an apologetic expression for the friend who had been waiting.
“Sorry, I’m late.” He sighed. “I haven’t gone out in a while and got lost…”
“It’s okay. I’ve just arrived too,” the muscular man across from him said. The man’s burliness was over the top. It seemed as if his entire body was covered in bulging muscles. Even his face was muscular and fierce, and he seemed unapproachable. The people around him all kept their distance subconsciously. They did not even dare to speak loudly, in fear of angering this guy and getting beaten up.
Seeing Abraham arrive, the giant man quickly put out his cigar. Rising, he raised his arm in salute. But when he raised his arm halfway, he finally realized what he was doing and sat back down awkwardly.
Relieved sighs sounded around them. Everyone was worried for the old man who sat before him.
“Is that guy going to hit him?”
“This place is regulated. He wouldn’t, right?” someone replied quietly. “It looks like the leader of a gang coming to extort money. Look how scared the other guy looks.”
“No, I think he looks respectful. Look, he laughed.”
“Of course he’d laugh if he got money! I think that old guy sold everything to get this money. Otherwise he’d get killed on the spot.”
“Yeah, I heard…”
“…” As if he had heard all the murmurs, the burly man’s expression darkened. He clenched his fists which were bigger than a jug of beer. His joints popped and cracked, scaring the onlookers and forcing them to look away.
Abraham cast a soundproof wall between them and the voices became unclear and distant. The corner was quiet again.
“Long time no see, Seton.” His expression was worried. “You haven’t contacted me in a long time. Did something happen?”
Seton shook his head quickly. He sat straight as a rod with his chest puffed and head up, like a studious little kid. Hearing Abraham’s words, he pulled a book from his pocket and offered it up with both hands.
“General, I finished reading this book. I can return it now.” In his hands was a thin pamphlet—Collection of Anglo Fairy Tales. It was obvious that the reader had treasured it. Even the corners of the pages had been flattened carefully and preserved its original state.
“Seton, you finally learned how to read? That’s great.” Abraham became happy. “I’ll get you some more books. Don’t worry, they won’t be too complicated. I’ll find ones that suit beginners. You’ll like them.”
“General, I…I don’t want to read anymore.”
“Why?” Abraham was stunned and a bit confused. “These are all good stories. Look how interesting they are.”
“General, what’s the point of reading these things used for fooling kids?” Seton mumbled, avoiding Abraham’s eyes. “Stop forcing someone who can only kill to read those things.”
Abraham stared at him for a long time before finally understanding something and growing dejected. “Okay, I know. Some things don’t work even when forced.” After he took the book, he looked up and saw Seton’s dark eyes.
“Old George died a few days ago,” he said. “I went to his funeral.”
Abraham’s expression darkened and he nodded lightly. “…Becoming free after living so many miserable years is a good thing.”
“He was mocked until he died. Those people didn’t believe him. All his life, people thought he was a liar who could only fantasize.” Seton hung his head. “General, these years…these years, we’ve all been sad.”
“Everyone has a hard life.” Abraham’s eyes were dark. “Not many things are difficult, compared to living.”
“General, aren’t you the same?” Seton said in a hoa.r.s.e voice, gazing at him. “We live in the cages that the country made for us every day. They draw the circle and don’t let us take a step out of line. Every breath we take has to be investigated. Every word we utter has to be harmless. Even if we want to buy a razor, we have to make a request and record it. What is this? How is it different from being a prisoner?”
“Seton…”
“I know, I shouldn’t think like this. I know!” Seton interrupted. “At least we’re all alive. At least we don’t have to go onto the battlefield and return to that dark world…but are we only living?
“No, we’re also humiliated and looked down upon. We’re like wild dogs in a cage for people to look at! Why is it like that? When Gaius defected, he dragged us all down!”
“Seton, enough,” Abraham ordered, raising his voice.
“General, do you still not understand?” Seton roared in anger. “That despicable old b*stard insulted our loyalty and belief. He’s the culprit for destroying our glory and breaking apart the Dragon Riders! Do you still believe that he’s going to save us? He didn’t appear when we were like dogs without a home. He didn’t come back when we were captured and killed one by one. It’s been ten years. Do we still have to believe that trai…”
Bang! The table was flipped over and a crude metal hand tightened around Seton’s neck. It lifted him up and threw him against the wall in a cloud of dust. Dust fell from the ceiling into a furious eye.
“Seton,” Abraham uttered, emphasizing each word, “I said, enough.”
No one expected this old man to be so terrifying when angered. Seton was like a little kid before him. He did not even have the chance to react before he was rolling on the ground and hacking, trying to catch his breath.
But he still pulled himself up stubbornly. His eyes were forlorn. “General, are you really content?” he asked hoa.r.s.ely. “We sacrificed so much for the country, put in so much, but this is how we’re treated. We…we were heroes!”
Abraham was stunned. After a long while, he dejectedly sat back into his chair. “Seton, that is all in the past,” he murmured, as if talking to himself. “It’s all in the past.”
“As long as we’re still alive, it’s not the past.” Seton held onto Abraham’s shoulder, his eyes full of antic.i.p.ation. “General, the Dragon Riders haven’t died out. They can’t keep us caged. We can break free and take back what we’ve lost. Even if there’s no place for us in Anglo, it’s okay. Even if we go back to the Dark World as mercenaries, it’s okay! We just need your word, General! Just one word…”
But Abraham did not reply. He just lifted his hand to remove the hand on his shoulder and made Seton sit again.
He waved the terrified server over to clean up the mess, turn the table over and change the cups. Everything was returned to its original state.
“Seton, we were soldiers, obedient killing machines. We started learning the cruelties of this world since birth. They taught us how to use daggers, spears and poison and taught us how to kill people or monsters. But no one taught us how to live like a regular person.” He sighed dejectedly.
“To be honest, even now, I’m still confused by this world. I don’t understand their trendy jokes, and I don’t know what the mood of a room is. If someone speaks a little less than straightforward, it’s hard for me to comprehend it.
“Sometimes, when I sit in a banquet, I feel like I don’t belong there. When I sleep, I wake up with a start, thinking a beast will come in. I’m scared without a weapon. Sometimes, I want to return to the battlefield. That’s where I belong. But then I realize that even if I go back, it’s meaningless.
“Hadn’t we spent the first half of our lives there? There is no death or life there…There’s nothing in the Dark World, other than darkness. So, I’m sorry, Seton. I want to stay here.” Softly, he said, “There’s still something here that I must do.”
Seton was stunned. He saw the sharpness in Abraham’s eyes disappear. Dim light fell onto his face, illuminating the wrinkles. He had returned to the submissive man. Insipid, wooden, and slow, he was as harmless and as average as a fallen leaf on the ground.
He often rambled when he spoke. Now, his voice was slow and gentle. “You know, Seton, I have a really troublesome kid. When he was little, he often had nightmares and would cry softly when he woke up. He’d get scared when I wasn’t around. I raised him and now, he’s still troublesome and often gets beat up.
“Now, I have a smart student. He has white hair and is stubborn and brave when deciding his future. He likes to cause trouble too. I have another student. She’s a girl who likes to cut cla.s.s and go play. She’s innocent, cute, and carefree. She’s going to be a beauty when she grows up. But she likes to cause trouble too.
“To be honest, they’re all children that make me feel helpless and worried, but when they call me ‘professor,’ I feel happy.” He looked up at Seton and asked quietly, “What will they do if I leave? Who will take care of them…”
“But…” Seton stared at him, unable to speak. “But…”
Abraham shook his head and did not say anything else. And so, it was a long silence.
Finally, the time-telling bell rang in the distance, outside on the street, and resounded through the city. The sun had traveled across the sky without either realizing and descended into the ocean. The sun had set.
–
“We haven’t met in such a long time and things turned out unhappily. I guess I really don’t know how to talk,” Abraham said. “I’m sorry, but I must go. It’s almost time for cla.s.s.”
Speaking of cla.s.s, he could not help but chuckle. The chuckle and smile were filled with substantial happiness, as if he had finally found a home. Seeing the smile, Seton remained silent. There was nothing more he could say.
Abraham rose. Giving one last glance at Seton, he turned to leave. But for some reason, he stopped after two steps.
“Seton, you have to look forward. You can’t live in the past.” He bid farewell quietly, not daring to look back. “The Dragon Riders…are something eliminated by time.”
The door closed. All was silent.
Seton stared blankly in the direction Abraham had gone. He stared at the door, as if he was waiting for Abraham to return. But the figure did not turn back, even after a long time. It was as if he had disappeared forever.
After a long, long time, Seton finally understood something. He hung his head listlessly and his shoulders shook.
Everyone in the café turned in shock to look at the lonely figure in the corner—the burly beastly man was crying? He was crying like a child. Beasts would cry too, when they realized that they had nowhere to return to.
Chapter 175: The Cursed Blood
The evening bells came from the direction of the Westminster Palace. The glow of the sunset fell from the sky and cascaded over the white city, making the royal palace s.h.i.+ne majestically. Light pa.s.sed through the narrow, colorful window and dimmed.
The dim light fell on Hermes’s face. Sitting on the chair, he looked at the intricate patterns on the stained gla.s.s in boredom. Behind him was a heavy curtain.
Compared to the splendor of the royal palace, this room was too simple and too clean. There was not even the slightest bit of décor. The smell of medicine hung heavily in the air. A woman’s hoa.r.s.e cough sounded faintly behind the curtain, making the room seem like a hospital; however, this was not a hospital room, but the bedchamber of the Queen.
–
Through the curtain, one could vaguely see a black iron coffin shaking crazily. The iron coffin was shaped like a gigantic infant. It had complete facial features and limbs. It seemed that something strange was sealed inside of it, and it emitted a strong smell of blood.
Some monks with gloomy expressions stood around the coffin. They were dressed in white, and were bald and barefoot, standing in a pool of blood. They took sharp iron thorns from their a.s.sistants and nailed them into the prepared holes on the coffin with expertise and cruelty. The thorns pierced into the living creature inside, digging into the bone.
The coffin trembled wildly as each nail was put in. The woman imprisoned inside screamed painfully with a hoa.r.s.e voice. Blood spilled out from the holes endlessly, and dyed the monks’ white robes and hands black.
Yes, it was black. The sticky black blood gathered beneath the iron coffin and meandered along the reserved grooves before finally dropping into a silver urn.
“Enough.” During the long ordeal, Hermes suddenly spoke up, making the monks pause.
Someone carefully lifted the copper kettle from the stove. Some sort of light golden liquid boiled inside quietly. It flashed with red light as if it was melted iron. The burning ‘melted iron’ spilled out as the copper kettle was poured. It flowed through the coffin into the mouth of the woman. Gulping sounds could be heard from the coffin. They were full of greed.
The long nails stabbed into the coffin shook as they were forced out by the power brewing inside. The nails fell on the ground one by one, making crisp and heart-stopping sounds. Finally, the ‘melted iron’ had all been drained into that mouth. Not a drop remained.
The monks collected the long nails and tools, then silently retreated and disappeared into the darkness. The only sound in the stillness was the heavy pants from inside the iron coffin.
“More.” In the iron coffin, the woman’s hoa.r.s.e voice came again, “I need more…”
“It is beyond the limit, Your Majesty.” Hermes shook his head. “If we add more, even the Red Dragon’s blood vessels would break down. The effect of the potion is getting worse, and if the guys at the Research Inst.i.tute still can’t find a new way, it’ll be hard to maintain this situation, let alone find a cure.”
“…It is because the curse is getting stronger,” the hoa.r.s.e voice said. “It’s getting stronger and stronger. I won’t be able to suppress it soon.”
“Yes, Avalon’s Shadow is calling. It’ll wake soon. That’s why the perception of the curse is intensifying,” Hermes said. “Your Majesty, you should’ve known long ago that there is no cure. Unless the curse is eradicated, it’ll always haunt the descendants of the royal family. You have to pay for what you’ve done.”
The woman in the coffin was silent for a long time. Then the hoa.r.s.e voice asked softly, “How much longer do I have?”
“Five years is the maximum. Then, you will die in pain and madness as Arthur did. Or in one year, you will die in your sleep as the Prince of the Thames did…” Grimly and bluntly, Hermes continued, “If I may say, the most important thing for you now is to choose an heir since the crown prince is a r.e.t.a.r.d…True, he didn’t inherit the curse, but if he inherits the throne, the entire country will be cursed, rather than the royal family.”
Faced with such blasphemy, the Queen was not angry. Instead, she pondered and asked, “How about the crown princess?”
“Her Highness Mary?” Hermes thought for a while and nodded. “She could be considered, but her cursed blood is no less than yours. You’re the one on the throne, but I’m afraid that she’s been affected too. I’ve heard stories about her since five years ago.”
“…” The Queen was silent and sighed softly after a long time. “When will the humiliation of the past generations be cleared? I’ve given so much. Isn’t it enough? ”
“Because everything you’ve done has been useless.” Hermes’s voice became cruel. “Whether it’s the secret research that the Royal Research Inst.i.tute is doing, or the purification technology for the Eastern Dragon Bloodlines, they are all in vain. These things can’t solve the core of the problem at all.
“That’s why you let the parliament study taboo technology freely, and let them explore the ‘Blood Path,’ right? Unfortunately, it’s impossible to reverse the situation with these things. Even if they succeed, they’ll only worsen the outcome.”
After a long silence, the Queen in the iron coffin sighed. “Is Anglo doomed?”
“Perhaps. But, Your Majesty, you have another choice.” Hermes raised his eyes and smiled meaningfully. “Why don’t you try to trust me? I am the greatest artist, alchemist, composer, and musician in the world. This curse is a desperate situation, but if the royal family is willing to let me study it, there might be a way.”
These words seemed like a frivolous joke, but everyone knew that the trader would never lie. If he said he could solve it, then he was certainly able to solve it. If he said there was a way, then there must be a way. He seemed to be able to do everything in the world, as long as one paid the price…
If these words were heard by other people in desperate situations, they would have definitely been ecstatic and see it as a glimmer of light in the darkness, as their last lifeline. But the Queen did not refuse or agree. She did not have even the smallest bit of joy in her expression. Instead, she fell silent. Fury exuded from the silence. It was murderous!
“Hermes, have I not tolerated you enough?” she asked in a cold voice. “Do not provoke the limits of the royal family, and do not do unnecessary things! Letting you live in this country is already the limit. It’s been so many years. Don’t you understand? No matter what you do, no matter where you are, all you make is chaos and destruction.”
“Oh, that really hurts me.” Hermes sighed. “Have I gone from your good friend to a prop? Pa.s.sion is so fragile. Arthur deserved to…”
The one behind the curtain was silent, but the smell of blood was full of murderous wrath.
Hermes, feeling the sting of the murderous intent, revealed a respectful expression. “Rest a.s.sured, Your Majesty, I’ll keep my promise. All these years, I’ve never done anything, right?”
“Good, because you don’t have to do anything, Hermes. There’s no need for you to be here either,” the Queen said coldly. “Don’t you like watching? Sit there and be quiet. That’s all you need to do.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” Hermes bowed, and the corners of his lips curled into a wistful smile. “As I witnessed the beginning from Arthur, I will witness the end from you.”
–
In the long corridor, the door to the bedchamber opened silently, and Hermes exited. He seemed to be in a good mood, but he was always like this—a frivolous expression, cheerful gait, and a strange, elusive smile.
Just behind the door, an old man stood near the wall, as if waiting for the Queen’s summon. When Hermes saw the old man, he stopped and smiled more warmly.
“Ah, I didn’t expect you, old guy. Long time no see.” Hermes studied at the old man before him. “You haven’t died yet?”
“I’m old but vigorous.” The man known as the Shaman glanced at him. “Also, I’m not the one Ye Lanzhou referred to as ‘old guy,’ Hermes.”
“Oh, that’s why I wish you would die soon. Two of men sharing a nickname is as shameful as wearing the same pair of trousers.” Hermes looked expectantly at the Shaman. “Please, hurry up and die. Deal?”
The Shaman just shook his head. “Sorry, I’ve recently learned from someone that life is precious, so I refuse.”
“That’s okay. You don’t have much longer to live anyway.” Hermes stretched out his hand and carefully fixed the Shaman’s collar for him. Finally, Hermes patted him on the shoulder and gently comforted him, “The life of trash is hard. Enjoy the rest of your life, for, after death, there is no more joy to speak of.”
The Shaman was silent but Hermes chuckled. Humming, he turned away, disappearing at the end of the corridor.
–
After a long while, the door opened again. The Shaman entered in silence, lifted the curtain, tread over the dried blood on the ground and approached, kneeling one knee. Facing the iron coffin, he lowered his head.
“Long time no see. I thought you had really gone.” A hoa.r.s.e sigh came from the coffin.
The Shaman shook his head. “Avalon is here. How can I leave? I will never leave you, Your Majesty.”
And so, the hoa.r.s.e voice in the iron coffin laughed in pleasure. “Hearing such heartfelt words of love as an old woman feels really good. It’s as if I’ve returned to my younger days.”
“You are beautiful as ever.” The Shaman stared at the iron coffin as if his vision had penetrated the hideous ridges and fell upon that gloomy face.
“Don’t say such sad words.” The Queen’s voice had an undertone of fatigue. “’You’ve appeared with this look again. Do you have good news for me?”
“Yes, Your Majesty.” The Shaman whispered, “From now on, all of Avalon is in your hands!”
Chapter 176: Nibelungenlied
Late at night, the midnight bell dissipated in the sky above the Sacred City. The main hall was in darkness. The pillars rose as if extending into the darkness. Small spots of silver light hung in the air and shone like stars. Sparks flew when they crashed against each other. It was as if the entire starry sky was hidden inside the hall.
An old man clad in a red priestly robe sat under the starry sky. He raised his head, watching the s.h.i.+ning stars intently, staring at the dazzling Milky Way. This was the reflection of the Aether Sea that represented the resounding power between the skies and earth.
Each star represented a Resonance level musician. Each crash represented a ground-shaking battle and fight. The light from the countless aether illuminated the hall. Stars filled the sky.
Those that had not broken past the Barrier of Knowledge had no right to be included. Resonance musicians were in the lowest, dimmest section. The starry sky was ordered from high to low and divided into nine levels.
At the highest point, three stars shone like the sun in the dark starriness. Those lights were the scepters of the three kings, Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart. For centuries, they fought the darkness and illuminated the world. They had announced the end of the Dark Ages and the arrival of the Golden Age.
Like blazing suns in the sky, they glowed day and night. There was endless darkness outside their darkness. That was the Dark World—the dark territory that humanity had not yet and could not enter.
As time pa.s.sed, the old monk in a red robe sat in the darkness, focused on meditating and pondering. Until the clanging of metal boots on the stone ground rang out in the distance.
The old monk was startled from his thoughts. He could not help but yawn and ask quietly, “It’s so late. Who would come?”
“It is Father Bann of the Knights Templar. You’ll see him in three minutes,” a mature yet gentle voice answered. “Bishop Albert, you should tidy up. If you meet a knight from the Knights Templar like this, you might lose credibility and prestige.”
“Ah, here again.” The corners of Bishop Albert’s mouth twitched. He raised his sleeve to wipe the saliva from his beard. “This is okay. We’re both servants of G.o.d, no need to worry about too much. And anyway, what prestige does an old guy like me have before the Knights Templar that represents the power of G.o.d?”
Soon, the distant figure neared. His old armor reflected the starlight, glowing with a cold s.h.i.+ne.
“Bishop Albert.” He saluted to the old bishop gravely and then looked up at the dome overhead. “Your Majesty, Nibelungenlied, long time no see.”
“We meet again, Father Bann,” a gentle voice came from above. “We meet again. I have already sent the new robe to your home. Tomorrow is your promotion ceremony. You should rest earlier tonight.”
“Thank you for your reminder. I will do it,” Bann nodded.
Albert gazed at Bann’s forever-emotionless face and could not help but sigh. “I always feel like I can’t breathe when I’m with you serious people. You should smile some more, Bann.”
“I will take note of that.” Bann was still emotionless.
“…Never mind, you just keep doing that.” Albert shook his head helplessly. He lifted a hand to move the starry sky and asked, “You’ve just returned from the Armageddon Defense Line and tomorrow is your big day. Why are you here at midnight instead of sleeping? You want to talk to an old guy like me?”
“No,” Bann replied. “I just came to look.”
“…Has anyone told you that you don’t know how to hold a conversation?”
“Yes.” Bann nodded. “Many.”
Albert suddenly felt weak. It was so tiring to communicate with someone like this guy. “Then look around. I’ll keep observing.” He stopped talking and raised a finger, guiding the starry sky down. He zoomed into a certain point and retrieved the records with experience. One could see time turn back and stop somewhere.
Before Albert, the stars shook violently. Flash after flash burst out. Those flashes were blood-red and filled with an ominous aura. There was the vague mark of an eye within it.
“What is this?” Bann asked with furrowed brows. Satan?”
“Yes, it’s the mark left behind by Hyak.u.me,” Albert said. “Those men will do something big again in recent days. I’m afraid they’ll need the Knights Templar to take care of the mess in the end.”
Bann studied the distribution of the stares and compared it to the map in his heart. His expression darkened. “Where?”
“Avalon,” Albert stated. “The source of all evil in Anglo. It’s getting messier these days.”
Bann seemed to think of something, his expression darkened even more. There seemed to be thunderstorms in his eyes. “Are there more detailed records?” he asked.
“If there is, then I wouldn’t be squatting here a.n.a.lyzing everything at midnight.” Albert scratched his chin, messing up his beard. “Look, here’s the recorded image of last night.” He pointed at the wavering sky and the streaks of light that flashed, extinguished and disappeared.
“Nibelungenlied first sensed the aether tide that burst in Avalon and discovered it was related to the blood sacrifice to Satan. It raised its security two levels and reported to me directly. But because of the enchantment over Avalon, we have no way of knowing exactly what happened. The message from their Musician Union was unclear too. Seems that they don’t want the Church to look into it. But through our observations of the aether world, we found many interesting things.”
“Interesting?” Bann furrowed his brows.
“That’s right. Look.” Albert adjusted the starry sky and redisplayed the recording. Stars lit up and went out continuously in the chaotic sky. But there seemed to be a thin veil over it that made one unable to see clearly.
But in the blurriness, a stark celestial object appeared in the darkness and crept up. Its brightness was blinding. In comparison, the other stars were like dust. All flashes of light and blood were dispersed by the giant star and disappeared. Even Avalon’s enchantment was unable to stop it, and it rose to the sky.
All there was in the night sky was that single s.h.i.+ning star. The brightness rose and illuminated Bann’s eyes, causing him to arch an eyebrow slightly. “What is that?”
“A unique phenomenon created by a musician’s resonance with the Originator. At first, we thought that it was the ripple caused by someone breaking through the Barrier of Knowledge. But now, it just seems similar. Its essence is completely different. It is too complete…”
Albert paused the starry sky and enlarged the star. It grew bigger and bigger until the two of them were enveloped in it. Bann gazed around and saw numerous music notes jumping and connecting with each other. The notes formed a detailed yet complete music score. The constantly changing music score was breathtakingly meticulous. Each detail was perfect.
“Do you see it?” Albert murmured, drunk in the beauty. “It’s been years since I’ve seen such a unique music score. It doesn’t contain any impurities. It is pure and clean like moonlight.” He paused and sighed. “It’s beautiful to the point of being terrifying. It’s as if it contains a soul.”
“Is it a projection from a saint?”
“I’ve already compared it to the records.” Albert shook his head. “Of the nine saints, six are exploring the Dark World, and the remaining three were nowhere close to Avalon. I’ve also consulted Mr. Haydn. He seems to know something, but he won’t tell me.”
Bann froze. “Does Nibelungenlied not have any records?”
“This is what makes me feel the most defeated.” Albert pursed his lips and looked up above. “What was your exact quote?”
“Sir, Nibelungenlied is not all-powerful,” the gentle voice stated. “We are only recorders.”
Bann wrinkled his brows. As a judge for a so many years, he had sensed an unsaid meaning. Nibelungenlied did not directly answer Albert’s question. It did not say it knew or it did not know. It did not even coldly refuse to answer and say “no comment.”
This question had sunk to the bottom of the ocean. No matter how many times the question was asked, Nibelungenlied would answer like this, adding another mystery to Bann’s mind.
“But I tried to research what happened in Avalon through other channels and found an interesting thing.” Albert pulled a small paper box from his pocket and opened it for Bann. “Do you want to play? These are the much-loved ‘legend poker cards’ of Avalon’s gamblers.”
“Legend?”
“That’s right. Many legendary figures are printed on the cards. Some even update their content according to changes in eras. It’s surprisingly interesting. I’ve decided to take this opportunity and tell the Church to release a set too. It’ll be called musician poker. What do you think?” Albert spouted as he shuffled the cards with expertise.
“Don’t stray from the topic,” Bann reminded him.
“Right, let’s continue. Some of the content is quite good, but others aren’t so reliable. Like that weird guy who runs naked under the moon, and some dog? I don’t know what they’re thinking. But that isn’t the main point. The main point is that in the newest version, there’s a new card.”
The cards flipped in his hands and one shot out, flying toward Bann. He caught it easily and looked at the front. It was a pure black card, but in the blackness, one could see a faint shadow. The silhouette of the robe revealed a subtle ferocity. The figure gripped his cane and his posture was polite, but it felt so strange. The artist had clearly put in a lot of effort to make the aura so realistic.
“What…is this?” Bann asked.
“Sherlock Holmes,” Albert said. “Everyone calls him Holmes, the Vengeful Spirit. According to our research, it can be said that this man inadvertently caused the riot and became its biggest winner.
“He’s become a terrifying legend in Avalon. People who broke the rules will wake up from their nightmares and see him standing before the bed to punish them for their sins.”
“A dark musician?” Bann asked.
“No, the Silence Governance looked at his reports and made comparisons. They haven’t found any characteristics of dark musicians on him. Otherwise, he would’ve been on our wanted list a long time ago.
“In addition, this guy is like a dark musician killer. It’s been confirmed that the brothers Blue Teeth, Yellow Foot, and Red Eye were all killed by him. But some also say that Holmes never kills people…it sounds like a contradiction, right?”
“No.” Bann shook his head. “There are punishments crueler than death in this world.”
Albert stared deeply into him. He could not help but smile in self-mockery. “Yes, that’s true. That’s why he seems even crueler…”
“Do you think the phenomenon has something to do with him?”
“By process of elimination, there’s the possibility. But elimination isn’t the most reliable method. As of now, we don’t know anything. I’ve already told Nibelungenlied to record the melody. The next time it appears, we’ll be able to collect more detailed information.”
Albert paused and looked up. “But no matter what, many abnormalities will become more obvious as Avalon’s Shadow wakes. So Bann, are you ready?”
“Ready for what?”
“Ready for fighting against natural catastrophes.”
Albert’s words stunned Bann. “What do you mean?”
“I mean what I mean. Don’t forget that King Arthur created Avalon’s Shadow to fight against the weaponry and power of the sea monster. Its awakening means that the sea monster Leviathan, one of the ‘four living creatures’ and more powerful than most natural catastrophes, will come back to life as well.”
Albert rose and said quietly, “If Anglo’s royalty still cannot complete the task given by their ancestors, we’ll have to act out of our responsibilities. At that time, Avalon will become another Armageddon—another battleground for humanity and the G.o.ds to fight to the death. This is Nibelungenlied’s decision.”
Bann looked up at the dome in silence. Above the dome, the gentle voice sounded. “This will be a tragic sacrifice. We have no other choice. We can predict that there will be the possibility in the near future.”
Bann was silent for a long while before shaking his head slowly. “Since this is Nibelungenlied’s prediction, the Knights Templar will obey.”
“Don’t tell anyone of what we’ve said today. The Cardinal hasn’t made an official decision yet. We can only wait and see for now.” Albert patted his shoulders. “Go home and rest. Don’t think about these heavy topics. Starting tomorrow, you’ll be the third commander of the Knights Templar.” With one last glance at Bann, Albert’s red robe disappeared in the darkness.
Bann raised his head and studied the starry sky. After a long pause, he suddenly asked quietly, “Nibelungenlied.”
“Yes, lord Bann,” the gentle voice replied.
“Is there any word on what I consulted about a few days ago?”
“Yes, there is news,” Nibelungenlied told him. “The child you adopted is living happily in Avalon. He has been accepted by the Royal Academy of Music and became a student with good grades. As you wished, he has a trustworthy teacher and a new life. Occasionally, there are problems, but life is mostly average.”
“That’s great.” Bann’s eyes grew content.
“In a few days, you’ll receive his letter,” Nibelungenlied said. “But if you can’t wait, I can read it to you.”
“No need.” Bann shook his head. “There are so many hards.h.i.+ps and troubles in this world. I should leave some good news for tomorrow.” He turned and left as he had come. All that remained in the darkness were the s.h.i.+ning stars.
–
Under the starlit sky, the city was shrouded in fog. The dark streets were still and silent.
“Is it here?” Ye Qingxuan stood before an old mansion. He stared past the iron bars and thick fog into the hidden building. According to his imagination, the Professor would live in a sewer or some eerie ditch, or even a hidden room in the slums. Either way, it would be a place filled with sinister darkness and secrets.
But he had never expected that…the Professor had bought an old mansion with a garden on Queen’s Avenue, the wealthiest street in Avalon. Ye Qingxuan quietly estimated the cost and suddenly wanted to cry for being poor as a dog. How could this woman be so rich?!
After thinking for a long time, he finally raised his hand and rang the doorbell.
Ding! The crisp bell sounded behind the gate and resounded in the white mist. Soon, a hunched figure with a cane appeared in the mist. He hobbled over and raised the lantern in his hands. Illuminating the youth’s face, his voice grew dark and complicated with unrestrained hatred. “Oh, what a rare guest…long time no see, Mr. Holmes.”
Ye Qingxuan c.o.c.ked his head. Using the lantern, he saw the ugly face clearly. The face was unbelievably disfigured, as if there was a layer of chicken pox and measles on it, but one could still see his original appearance.
“Sam, the Pyramid King?” Ye Qingxuan thought for a moment and understood. He could not help but laugh. “Truly long time no see. How have you been?”
“Come with me.” Instead of replying, the Pyramid King took out his key and opened the gate. “Master has been waiting for a long time.”
–
The next time Ye Qingxuan saw his master, it was at the very back of the mansion. There was only one lonely lantern in the vast library.
Under the light of the lantern, one could vaguely see the four walls crammed with old books. The books seemed to fill every crack and reached upward, extending into the darkness that light could not reach.
“You came later than I thought,” a cool voice came from beside the lantern. She was leaning back in an ottoman with a blanket over her knees. Her expression was lazy and seductive, as if she had woken up from a short nap. Sensing that the youth had sat down before her, she raised her hand and pointed at the tea set on the table. “Newly arrived flower tea. Pour a cup for yourself and, while you’re at it, pour me one too.”
Ye Qingxuan stared at her and she stared back. After a long pause, Ye Qingxuan sighed and picked up the kettle to pour her another cup. Flumes of hot steam rose from the delicate enamel porcelain teacup. It blurred the beautiful face like mist.
“We finally meet again.” Ye Qingxuan looked into her eyes and asked, “Should I call you Lady Moriarty or…Professor Lola Caput?”
“Lola is fine.” An authentic guest lecturer of the Royal Academy of Music, the up and coming star of the School of Revelations, the renowned history scholar, the weak and ill-bodied lady—Lola Caput smiled. “Now that I see it, you look exactly like the Professor back then when you furrow your brows.”
Chapter 177: Something Seems Wrong
It was the next day at the Jianlan Underground Palace. As the eerie door opened slowly, darkness surged, and the smell of ancient dust surged forward. Sinister wind came from the darkness and snuck into the collars, causing one’s scalp to go numb.
“So cold…” Bart s.h.i.+vered subconsciously. Hearing the small sounds in the darkness, his face paled slightly. “Professor, is this really part of the Academy?”
“Don’t make such a fuss. There are haunted places even in the Academy,” Ingmar replied lightly.
The middle-aged man wore a spotless long coat and had attractive features. His long hair had grayed due to studying Revelations for so long and was tied behind his back, making him seem elegant and mysterious.
Whenever he looked into the darkness, his expression became disdainful and proud. As the director of the School of Revelations and an important member of the school board, he could not stand having something out of his control.
Every year, Jianlan Underground Palace would carve out a sky-high budget from the school board for no reason. And yet, it had never handed in a report. It was absolutely absurd. Who knew what was going on in there?!
“Is your student ready?” The guard at the door glanced at Bart’s pale face and chuckled. “Do as you please. I’m leaving now. There’ll be someone inside to guide you.” Perceiving the disgust in Ingmar’s eyes, the guard chuckled lightly and turned to leave.
“Pretending to be mysterious,” Ingmar huffed as he watched the man walk away. If not for the special circ.u.mstances, he would not even be willing to come. Every time he saw Dominic’s cold eyes, he felt humiliated. This was the only place those old war dogs could pretend to be powerful.
At this thought, Ingmar became even more upset. “Bart, stop s.p.a.cing out. It’s highly difficult to enter the library of the Royal Academy of Music. You must know that our school has given a lot to win this chance for you. Don’t let me down.”
Bart nodded quickly.
“Good.” Ingmar ordered coldly, “Remember the t.i.tles I’ve told you. Don’t be like the disgrace of the Academy and come out empty-handed.”
“I will take use this opportunity well.” Bart’s eyes were determined.
“Very good.” Ingmar nodded. “The school anniversary is soon. You must prepare beforehand so you won’t be defeated by a student taught by that blasphemous and crippled Abraham. This time, we’ll show the old cripple our true colors, understand?”
“I understand…” Bart rubbed his still-hurting chin and his eyes turned sinister. “I understand.”
“Then go.” Ingmar watched as Bart walked past the doors and the corner of his lips curled into a smile. One day, that blasphemous old guy who dared to disagree with him would be forced out the Academy.
–
An eerie wind blew. Footsteps echoed in the dark pa.s.sageway as Bart raised his lantern and looked around in confusion. He could still hear the small broken sounds around him and could not help but tremble. This place was just too creepy.
He rubbed the ring on his finger and gathered his courage. This time, his professor had given him the quota of the School of Revelations so he could enter the library and read the handwritten music scores collected there.
Though they were scores below the Resonance level, they were all personally handwritten by previous saints. They contained the soul and mysteries of music scores. Readers could grasp the melody and strength much faster than the average person.
Ingmar had tailored a book list for this reason. As long as Bart learned all of the melodies according to the list, his skills would skyrocket. These scores were templates carefully chosen by Ingmar to help Bart further grasp his unique music score: the first movement of the Crown Sonata. If he was able to use it to break into the Musician level and be blessed by the G.o.ds, there would be even better things waiting for him.
There were only twelve hours, but it did not mean he had no other choice.
Bart squeezed the ring on his forefinger and smiled faintly. This was the ‘secret memorizer ring’ that he had spent a fortune on. Once activated, it would increase the wearer’s comprehension and memorization abilities. There were also hidden ways to record what the user read and saw into the gem. Even if copying was forbidden, he could still duplicate the files without a sound! The day he officially entered the Musician level would be the day that Eastern b*stard and his useless teacher was kicked out the Academy!
A ruthless look flashed past his eyes. The School of Revelations had been enduring the humiliation brought on by the History Department for all this time. That old cripple had strayed and stubbornly insisted on researching his interpretation thing, ignoring their kindness, refusing to return to the right path. Karma would get him one day!
Bart had already decided. During the school anniversary celebration, he would make the d*mned Easter—the disgrace of the Academy—kneel before him. “You’ll have to pay sooner or later,” he murmured, clenching his fist.
The entrance to the library was before him. Bart felt the bag of money he had prepared beforehand for the manager and nodded in satisfaction. Good, the plan was perfect.
As long as he had a warm smile and offered the generous sum at the right time, he believed the manager would make things easier for him. At this thought, his lips curled into a smile and he pushed the door slowly.
And so, he opened the door, and saw the ground covered in marbles…
–
In the library’s vast empty s.p.a.ce under the warm lighting, columns of old bookshelves radiated with mysteriousness. The shelves rose like trees, extending to the limit of his vision. He could not see the end. But in the office area at the entrance, the tables and chairs had been pushed to the side into a careless pile. What replaced them were marbles scattered all over.
A figure sat amongst the marbles with its back to Bart. It grasped marbles and studied the situation attentively, not even noticing that Bart had entered. Then with a soft sound, the marbles suddenly started rolling even though there was no wind. They crashed against each other, producing crisp sounds. It was extremely strange.
In the eerie atmosphere, Bart felt his hair standing up. “Excuse me,” he asked in a trembling voice after gathering his courage, “is the library’s manager…”
“s.h.!.+” The squatting figure raised a finger, telling him to shut up. Bart could only shut his mouth awkwardly and wait in his spot in fear.
After thinking for a long time, the person flicked the white marble in his hands. The marble left his hand but jumped dramatically on the ground! Endless clatters sounded instantly. Along the way, all black marbles were forced away and began rolling randomly. They created complex crisscrossed lines, hitting each other, but all landed inside a chalked circle in the end. None missed.
“Tsk.” It seemed like someone had made an upset sound.
“Ah, I won without meaning to again?” The manager whistled proudly and wagged his finger. “Don’t be a sore loser. Pay up, pay up…”
There was the sound of a child’s cold humph. Then a few old collector bottle caps fell out of thin air, landing at the manager’s feet, as if saying scornfully, “Take it!”
“Hey, you should be more polite. You don’t have the manners of a gambler.” The manager picked up the caps without looking down on it at all. “We agreed that ten bottle caps can be exchanged for one copy written by a saint. Don’t go back on your words.”
Slam! An ancient yet thin pamphlet appeared out of nowhere and was slammed down like a fly swatter, falling onto his face—”Take it!”
“…Whatever, I won’t bother with you.” The manager took the book from his face and sighed. Then he flipped through, nodded and rolled it up carelessly before stuffing it in his pocket! He took it for himself!
This guy’s movements were so smooth and natural. He did not feel bad for taking public property at all! Bart’s eyes reddened but he pretended not to see. Instead, he made a note of this corrupted b*stard in his mind.
“When I get out, you’ll be waiting to be interrogated by the school board!” Bart thought angrily. But for some reason, he felt that the figure looked so familiar. There was something wrong…
“Was there someone asking for me?” The manager yawned and looked back lazily. His eyes lit up instantly. “Oh, what a coincidence. I know you!” With that, the white-haired youth smiled his trademark hearty smile. “Bart, how may I help you?”
“You—you—you…” Bart gaped at the youth, feeling like he was in another nightmare again. He could not help but yell out the name, “Ye Qingxuan! Why is it you again?”
“Oh, you don’t know?” Ye Qingxuan chuckled in embarra.s.sment. “Starting today, I’m the manager of the library. How is it? Are you happy? Are you surprised?”
It felt as if a steel hammer just wacked him in the face. Bart felt his vision go black and he almost coughed up blood. “Impossible!” He was speechless. “Just—just you…you can…in your dreams!”
“You’ve misunderstood me. Mr. Dominic forced me to come. I had no other choice.” Ye Qingxuan sighed, his expression sad and depressed. “Maybe it’s because I’m too attractive? Being attractive is so annoying.”
Bart’s face turned beet red. It looked as if he was going to die from holding his breath. For some reason, he felt a deep stomach ache.
What was that saying? It was like he had been cursed!
Chapter 178: Demon
The sound of a wall collapsing came from afar. In the darkness, the dome trembled. Dim candlelight flickered from the faint shaking causing dust to fall. It stung slightly when it fell on one’s face.
The terrified crowd inside the sealed sanctuary let out restrained cries of shock. A sharp wail sounded faintly. Through the thick dirt, one could sense them approaching and pacing in the ruins of the village. They had come.
In the silence, even the sounds of breathing became harsh and terrifying. The refugees tried to hold their breath as thuds sounded continuously overhead. The entire village was shrouded in the sudden disaster.
“Oh G.o.d…” In the claustrophobic atmosphere, the priest prayed hopelessly. The survivors curled up in the darkness and closed their eyes.
–
This was the frontier of humanity, the place with the dimmest light. Tonight was destined to be the darkest moment of this small village. Death, disaster and chaos had come. Waves of demons and beasts had arrived without any warning, and the traps outside the village could not stop them. The high walls and garrison were weak as thin paper.
The alarm rung. That was the one fortunate event of all the misfortunes. The alarm rang seventeen times, shocking the sleeping villagers awake. They opened their eyes and saw the burning village and the demons on the streets. In the end, only a few dozen people had the chance to hide in the church’s sanctuary. The others, the remaining ones…had all become the demon’s food.
“They’re finished…” someone murmured.
The survivors sat on the ground in exhaustion. They stared at the fear in each other’s eyes and tried to restrain their breathing. Through the heavy gates, there was the sound of something approaching.
It was the sound of the demons’ rampage in the village. They followed the scent of blood to find their prey. The roars of beasts and painful cries of men sounded continuously.
“Mommy, I’m scared.” A child’s restrained crying sounded in the darkness but his mouth was quickly covered by his mother. Teardrops fell on his cheeks.
“Don’t be scared, don’t be scared…the demons are all gone. Don’t be scared?”
Had they really gone?
Everyone’s eyes were filled with deep terror because the sounds were still above their heads. The demons were still pacing on the ground above the thick dirt and layers of stone tiles. They had feasted on fresh blood but were still not satiated. There were still remaining breaths lingering above the ruins, leading them to patrol lazily for the existence of any living person, even if it meant digging six feet deep.
Boom! The looming clock tower suddenly collapsed and fell to the ground, raising a thud and a cloud of dust. Deep underground, restrained cries sounded among the people in the sanctuary. They shook. Someone was pushed to the ground and let out a m.u.f.fled cry. She curled up in pain and could not stand up.
“You—are you okay?” The panicked man was at a loss. The woman froze before squeezing out a ghost of a smile. There was something magical about the smile, mesmerizing the man.
“What are you looking at? B*tch!” A bloated woman sneered and dragged her man back. When she looked at the other woman, her expression was full of disgust, as if she were looking at something dirty.
The woman on the ground was taken aback. Sensing that she was not welcomed, she curled up in the corner and hung her head. Fiery red hair tumbled down her shoulders. Like dim flames, they revealed a strange beauty under the candlelight.
The men could not help but look over. Even in such a dangerous time, they were still seduced, and their eyes were l.u.s.tful.
“Shouldn’t have let her in.” The bloated woman glared at the pitiful woman, her eyes full of jealousy. That b*tch was still flirting…
The red-haired woman heard her words and carefully curled up in the corner. She worked hard to squeeze a favorable smile onto her face. Unclear sounds came from her mouth. “Uh…uh…” She was mute.
The bloated woman froze. But when she saw the raised stomach, the disgusted expression intensified. She spat, “Wh*re…”
The red-haired woman was taken aback. Her pale face darkened and she breathed quietly in pain.
“Don’t be scared, my child.” The priest wrapped his rosary beads around her hand, his expression sympathetic. “G.o.d will protect you.”
Her body trembled, but she lowered her head and grasped the beads as if G.o.d really would protect her.
–
This woman had come last winter. She had not come with a merchant group or from the road. She had come from the direction of the Dark World.
That afternoon, a hunter saw her in the swamp. She was wearing ragged white clothing and walking barefoot in the swamp. She was on her last breath. Everyone thought that the red hair was like dying flames and was beautiful, as if it were a gift from the demons.
“She must be cursed,” was what everyone thought when they saw her.
No one knew how she came out of the unknown darkness. She was mute and could not talk. She could not write either, but no one here knew how to write. It was obvious that she had wandered for a long time. In the end, she stayed in the village.
The village “selflessly” accepted her. As long as she was willing to sell her body, she could receive precious food. Was this not common sense? She had no money or any skills. If she wanted to survive, she had to pay something.
In the beginning, she protested, but then she stopped. Maybe she had accepted her fate.
“She does it willingly,” was what everyone said.
Later, her stomach grew bigger day by day. No one knew whose child it was. Every man had fallen for her beauty and loved this wh*re, forgetting their crude and bloated wives…She was so beautiful.
The young priest snuck a glance at her side profile and gulped. Even restrained by his vow, he could not help but thirst and l.u.s.t.
“Don’t be scared. G.o.d will protect you…” He reached out to caress her cheeks. But a rumbling forced that thought away.
–
The earth began to shake. Another wall had fallen with a crash. The roars of beasts echoed in the darkness, as well as faint cries. In the sanctuary, everyone’s face was deathly white.
This was all in their mind, right? No sound should be able to get past the heavy gate. But the sound was there, resounding in their hearts. Their fear caused them to hold their breaths.
Had a demon’s voice gotten closer? They were attracted by something. Was it the smell of fear? Or was it the pained whimpers? Because of the wails of grief?
Everyone was stunned. They looked behind them at the woman curled up on the ground, whimpering in pain. Her face was white and she covered her mouth, trying to suppress her pain, but she could not stop moaning. Redness spread over her lower body and dyed the ragged dress…It was blood.
“She’s giving birth?” Everyone finally realized it. F*ck, her water had broken from the fall and now she was going to give birth soon! That d*mned baby just had to come out at this time!
Pain ripped through her body and she shook, using all her might to stop herself from crying out. Tears rolled down her pale face.
The cries of demons neared.
“That’s her voice…” someone murmured in horror.
“Shut up!” The bloated woman’s expression changed abruptly. “Shut up, do you want to kill us all?”
“Stop crying!”
“Are we going to let her give birth here?”
“Strangle her…” someone yelled quietly, “Don’t let this b*tch endanger us all.”
Instantly, all sound vanished. Everyone froze. In the long silence, the crowd stared at her, but the fear in their eyes had been ignited and turned into a beastly glint. That was all they could do…right?
Someone stepped forward subconsciously.
The red-haired woman froze. She watched as the people crowded around her. Their expressions became fierce and vicious as if they were going to do something.
“I’m sorry.” A woman holding a child looked at her. Her eyes were blank but filled with cruelty. “My son is only two years old…I’m sorry, but he can’t die yet.”
“Uh, uh…” She finally realized what would happen next. She screamed and shook her head with force, edging back until her back was to the heavy gate. There was nowhere to run.
The cold eyes fell on her with malice. They murmured, “Shouldn’t have let her in here!”
“It’s all your fault for wanting to have the kid.”
“Don’t blame us. If that d*mn b*stard wasn’t born…”
Tears fell from the red-haired woman’s eyes. She tugged at a man’s pant cuff and knelt before him, begging, “Uh…uh…”
“D-don’t touch me.” The man stumbled back as if he had seen a ghost. The terror in his eyes was tinged with menace. “B*tch, you want to get me killed?!”
She was kicked away. The rosary beads in her hand broke and tumbled onto the ground, rolling to the priest’s feet. He looked at her fiery red hair and his eyes moved once. Twice. He felt that he should do something and save this poor woman, representing G.o.d, but he could not move under those cruel gazes. He could not find the weak lambs who prayed. When lambs went crazy, they were more terrifying than wild beasts.
“W-wait!” he forced out. But the gazes cast upon him scared him. Those gazes were like nightmares.
“She’ll kill all of us.” The woman holding a child stared at him coldly and said in a hoa.r.s.e voice, “Can’t you hear it? Those beasts are going to be led here because of her!”
“There’s another way. I have a way…” He blocked them, his face pale and hesitant. He looked back at the hopeless woman on the ground, his expression twitching. “Don’t be scared. G.o.d will protect you.”
After hesitating, he took off the holy emblem from his neck. It reflected the light and illuminated his pale face and dark eyes. “Just abort the child. Without it, you’ll be pure…” the priest murmured. He stared at her, mesmerized by the red hair.
She froze and tried to crawl back, scared of getting close to him.
“Don’t be scared. I’ll help you.” The priest forced a look of benevolence onto his twitching features and placed the holy emblem before her. “Come, kiss it and G.o.d will forgive you. You won’t feel pain anymore. G.o.d will protect you.”
She shook her head fiercely, hiding from the emblem. Its light illuminated her tears and fear.
“What are you doing? I’m helping you…” The benevolence in the priest’s face stiffened and gradually broke down, becoming eerie and terrifying. He clenched the woman’s chin and forced the emblem to her lips. “Kiss it!”
Crack! The holy emblem fell to the ground. Its light extinguished as it tumbled. The priest froze in the darkness. He gaped at the woman before him, stared at her hand and felt the stinging pain on his face.
She…hit him? She dared to…
“Of all the men here, I’m the only one that didn’t f*ck you! Only me! I’m the only one who truly cares for you! But why won’t you look at me…you—you b*tch!” The priest wrapped his fingers around her neck, strangling her as his expression twisted. “I was trying to save you! You asked for this…you asked for this!”
The woman choked, unclear moans coming from her throat. Gradually, she stopped moving. Her eyes went blank, reflecting the priest’s twisted features. Maybe she had given up. Or maybe…
“She’s dead?” The priest stumbled back and looked at his two hands. She was dead…he killed her. He turned back at the dazed crowd and his face paled when he saw their eyes.
“You were the ones who killed her. Why are you looking at me?! I—I didn’t want to…” he mumbled, running out of words. “I did this for her own good, to save everyone!”
That was what he told them and what he told himself. He weakly knelt on the ground, not daring to look at the woman in the corner and her dull hair. He did not dare.
In the stillness, there was only silence. The demon’s voices disappeared and the footsteps faded in the distance. The people exchanged glances, pleasant surprise in their eyes.
“They left?”
“We’re saved,” the woman with the child said in surprise. “We’re saved.”
“We’re still alive. Oh my G.o.d, we’re still alive…”
“Hurrah! The demons finally left!”
The people began cheering and danced, celebrating the end of this long night. They forgot about the red-haired woman on the ground behind them. They also did not see that the metal door behind them was gradually melting like a candle. When a crack appeared, there was darkness and red eyes.
The demons who had returned licked their lips and took in the smell of life. They cracked open their mouths as if they were laughing. As if they were celebrating with them.
Among the crowd, the child in his mom’s arms looked back and saw the menacing creatures. He froze and began crying, howling in fear.
The dim candles went out without a sound. Cries of despair and terror came from the darkness, as well as the sounds of carefree munching. One could vaguely hear the holy emblem clattering to the ground and a wail coming from a ripped throat.
“Oh G.o.d…”
There was only darkness.
–
In the darkness, the blood-curdling screams and wails gradually disappeared. The gluttonous feast was about to end. But suddenly, a chilling roar sounded from the darkness outside the sanctuary.
A deafening roar, a rumble, a tremor, a flash and burning firelight swept through, turning the earth to scorched dirt. Horrible cracks appeared on the ground. The ceiling of the sanctuary shook. It was as if a giant was walking in a human’s world. There was thunderous wrath and destruction fell upon the earth.
The destruction was mighty. It lifted waves of air, ignited flames and spread lightning and frost. The deafening sounds approached the sanctuary. A burly figure ripped the metal door apart and entered the darkness.
His upper body was bare and he wore a horse mask on his head. His large body shone with layers of detailed runes. Blood vapor hovered around him, transforming into faces that sang hysterically. Two burning bone saws were in his hands. The sticky blood of demons evaporated, sizzling.
The demons whinnied and roared wildly. It was as if they had seen a truly strange creature.
Under the music of deafening roars, the giant creature swung his bone saw and ma.s.sacred what was left in the sanctuary. The demons in his path were halved, shattered, shriveled and slaughtered completely. Finally, the stillness returned.
The flames on the bone saw were extinguished. The burly creature took off his mask and revealed his exhausted face. “Commander, we were late.”
Behind him, the frail middle-aged musician gazed around. The prosthetic arm lit up a ball of fire and shone in the heavy darkness. The firelight illuminated his long-whitened hair and dark eyes. “Keep looking,” he murmured. “Keep looking. There must be someone still…” The cries of an infant interrupted him.
Stunned, he looked at the corner in confusion. There, an infant cried with difficulty in a puddle of blood. His voice was weak and his skin had turned blue from the cold. The umbilical cord was still wrapped around his body, and he was embraced by his dying mother, lying in hair red as dying embers.
This was the cursed child. He was born in the ma.s.sacre of demons, born in death and sin.
“Still alive?” The one-armed musician cried in joy. “Someone’s still alive! Doctor, where’s the doctor? Miss, please hold on. The doctor will come soon…” But his voice died off because of the woman’s mournful yet relieved eyes. She lowered her head and kissed the infant’s cheek. The terror and despair in her eyes were gone, as if she had received the most precious treasure on earth.
The infant opened his eyes and stared at her. He raised a hand, touching her cheek. She smiled and quietly hummed a lullaby. Her voice was full of content and unwillingness to part. Cold blood flowed under her dress. It was extreme blood loss. The wild refugees did not kill her; the wild demons did not destroy her. But now, she was going to die.
How nice it was that the misfortune and darkness was all going to disappear. The long life of misery and torture was finally going to end. There would no longer be redemption and pain waiting for her…
She used all of her strength to lift up the child, and gave him to the dazed musician. Her eyes were grave and pleading. The cold prosthetic arms scooped up the child clumsily. The middle aged man carefully took him, stiffly yet gently, as if he was holding the weight of the world.
She could not help but laugh seeing the musician’s awkwardness. Her expression was one of relief and peace. Finally, she reached out a hand. Her finger brushed against the infant’s cheek and slowly gestured using sign language, one word at a time.
She said, “Please tell him that I am happy.”
The musician froze, and then slowly nodded.
And so, she closed her eyes. She died.
In the stillness, only the infant touched her dropping cheek. When he did not feel any warmth, he began wailing, as if he knew what he had lost.
After a long time, the musician lifted the infant and turned to leave this giant tomb. After a few steps, he could not help but look back at the dead woman. She was curled in the corner, her red hair as beautiful as dying flames. All pain had left her—she was so lonely and so serene. The steel door slowly fell and darkness swallowed her content smile. All was still.
Chapter 179: Past Mistakes
Ye Qingxuan woke from his nightmare with a start. He climbed out of bed, sweat pouring down his back.
Before him, a b.l.o.o.d.y conch hovered above a white palm. There were fine veins in the conch, detailed to the point of abnormality. Tiny music notes in the veins formed a vast and mighty music score.
The only sound in the silent sealed room was the youth’s breaths. A faint breeze blew past the conch, producing a faint echo. The echo was like a person murmuring in one’s ear, describing an unspeakably dark secret. As one listened, one could not help but focus on it entirely and become obsessed.
“Failed again?” On the chair, Lola played with the conch, unperturbed. “You need to get used to it.”
Ye Qingxuan was dazed for a long time. “I had a nightmare.”
“As expected. I told you to be prepared because it won’t give you good dreams or sleep.” In her hands, the conch-shaped sign shone with the red glimmer of blood. It illuminated her cheeks, adding a shade of seductiveness and magic to the peaceful and mysterious face, making it mesmerizing.
This was one of the sign’s powers. There was an endless amount of hopelessness and wildness crystallized within it, naturally connecting it to the Avalon’s Shadow. It sent the sounds in the darkness to this world. Though it had lost the ability to activate the Blood Path, with some refinement, it was still a rare and perfect instrument.
With this as the medium, it could cast one’s consciousness into the dark side of Avalon, enter other nightmares, and use them for exploration and practice. However, the pressure was a bit too much.
“You can’t take it anymore?” Lola asked lightly. “Seems like you need to practice your endurance a bit more.”
Ye Qingxuan heard but did not listen. He just thought back to the dream in fear. “Whose dream did I just see?”
“It could be anyone’s. You’re just a pa.s.serby in the dream. Don’t lose yourself in it, otherwise you’ll die from the chaos in your mind.”
“I’m just sad.” Ye Qingxuan raised a finger and wiped his tears. “Let’s stop for a bit. I want to rest.”
Lola tossed a handkerchief onto his lap. “Five minutes.”
–
A few days ago in the hidden room under the building. Frost covered everything. Ye Qingxuan was suffocating. Deathly white frost flowered at his feet and snaked up his calves. His frozen blood transformed into icicles, piercing his body. Thousands of frost blades tore at his body bit by bit, pus.h.i.+ng his consciousness into endless darkness.
Finally, he woke with a yelp. He found himself sprawled on the ground unharmed. It was as if nothing had happened. Lola rested in the chair before him, looking down at his pathetic state with a mocking expression. In her hands, the silver flute twirled and radiated with the remains of the dispersing melody.
“I told you before. There should be a limit to not knowing your limits,” Lola stated. “If you’re throwing a fit, can you do it somewhere you have the upper hand?”
Ye Qingxuan straightened out with difficulty and sat on the ground. He rubbed his face, dispelling the drowsiness in his brain. He grit out, “Again!”
“Okay, any time.” Lola lifted the tea kettle easily and poured another cup for herself. Steam rose from the red tea with a light fragrance. She seemed to not be prepared at all.
Bang! Ye Qingxuan pressed his finger and Jiu Xiao Huan Pei rang out, but it stopped abruptly. He froze and reflexively tried to retreat, but he could not move. He only felt unbearable heat.
It was as if his blood was boiling. Scalding heat rose in his chest, turning into flames. The flames burned his body dry and shot out from his pores, dissipating in the air. He turned into a pile of ashes and scattered in the wind before vanis.h.i.+ng.
But in the next moment, he opened his eyes in shock. Before him, Lola was still lifting the tea kettle. The cup was not yet filled with red tea. The fragrance of roses spread from the red liquid.
“Want a cup?” Lola asked softly. She placed the warm cup into his hands and her voice grew gentle and caring. “You’ll feel better after you drink it.”
Ye Qingxuan looked down at the tea in his cup. He threw his head back and downed it. Placing the teacup on the ground, he grit out, “Again!”
Lola shook her head and sighed. “So reckless.”
The sound of a rope tightening came from the darkness behind the youth. Ye Qingxuan spun backward, but a menacing and burly giant threw a sack over his head. In an instant, his vision blurred and there was a rope around his neck. He could vaguely see cruel sunlight through the sack.
“Hang him! Hang him!” an angry crowd roared. “Hang this d*mn murderer!”
The wooden boards under his feet were opened and his body fell abruptly, but the noose around his neck tightened, pulling him up harshly.
Crack. Was this the sound of his neck cracking? An endless period of suffocation followed…
When Ye Qingxuan opened his eyes again, he had practically forgotten how to breathe.
“Continue?” Lola’s smile was cheerful.
Ye Qingxuan had almost lost the strength to grit his teeth. “Yes.”
–
When he woke up for the last time, it was already light out. As morning birds chirped, he wore the robe of a housekeeper and knelt before Lola in the living room of the old building. He enthusiastically recited a poem that would make even traveling poets blush. His entire body was sore.
–
“What is wrong with me?” He looked around blankly and realized that the living room was clean as if it had been washed with water. He could see his reflection on the s.h.i.+ny floor. Lola smiled without saying anything. Beside him, the Pyramid King handed him a crystal prism to show him the recorded video.
The youth sang drunkenly under the moonlight. He took off his clothes as he ran around the building. Then he started to fetch water, chop firewood, wash dishes and clean the entire building. Finally, he changed into the housekeeper’s uniform and allowed himself to be ordered around like a loyal dog. He enthusiastically served the n.o.ble lady Lola, pouring tea and taking care of all details…
After watching all this, Ye Qingxuan felt weak. He fell into a chair and shook his head. “I surrender. I give up.”
“Oh? What a pity.” Lola tasted the breakfast that Ye Qingxuan had made and nodded in satisfaction. “Your breakfast is quite good. I’d planned for you to make lunch.”
“Do you lack cooks?!”
“What’s that saying again?” Lola thought for a moment and revealed an elegant and charming smile. “It makes me happy.”
This f*cking woman…Ye Qingxuan glared at her and swore in his mind.
“Someday, I’ll make you ma.s.sage me and play the harp while singing…” Lola said out loud as if she could read his mind. “Should I praise you for your impressive goal or tell you that you’re too weak?” She gazed at the awkward Ye Qingxuan and shook her head in pity. “Are you too scared to think about something excessive?” She paused meaningfully. A flirty smile appeared on her white and lovely face, making one feel the heat.
“…” Ye Qingxuan cleared his mind, killing the growing thought in his mind. He did not dare to think about it.
This story proved that you should never think about weird things in front of a musician from the School of Mind. You would be eavesdropped on without even knowing it.
But it was crazy! When she was still the Professor, Ye Qingxuan had control no matter what. He could fight when he wanted to and escape when he wanted, but now that she had revealed her true ident.i.ty, he became the one that was eating dust. This made no sense!
“Give up?” Lola asked. “I thought the same trick wouldn’t work on you twice. It really scared me.” She patted her chest dramatically, pretending to be relieved.
“Stop patting. Your chest is so flat already. What if it disappears now?” Ye Qingxuan retorted. “You just beat me. What’s there to be proud of?”
“But it makes me happy to beat the dark musician Holmes.” Lola shook her head in mocking pity. “But it’s a pity that you’re so weak and were just getting beat up by me. I couldn’t even get serious.”
Ye Qingxuan almost spat out blood. “You’re at least a fourth level Resonance musician. You’re a whole realm and two levels away, alright? And I can’t even use any equipment. If you can’t beat me like this, then you shouldn’t even be a musician. Just go back and be your n.o.ble lady in peace.”
“Really?” Lola giggled. “If I told you that everything I used was from the Musician level, only one level above you, and didn’t even use my sound of heart or other powers…would you think that the problem lies in you?”
“…” Ye Qingxuan was stunned. He thought back to the process of their duel and furrowed his brows in the end. “Are you joking?”
His answer was the glow of the aether ball. The ball with gold thread and jade embedded in it shone in Lola’s hand, flas.h.i.+ng slightly. This was the easiest way for musicians to measure their levels. Their skill level could be measured with the aether ball’s sophisticated sensing capability after projecting their spirits into it.
The nine levels of musicians were all different. The indications were all different for each school as well, but it was enough for a basic diagnosis. But now, Ye Qingxuan was already shocked.
“What…is this?”
–
Light shone within the aether ball. The light was unstable, like a candle flickering in the wind. It was worse than Ye Qingxuan! In fact, it was quickly weakening, until it fell into the Student level, and then went even lower than that. One could only say that it was better than nothing. The sight simply made one speechless.
“What…is this?” Ye Qingxuan pressed a finger onto the aether ball and fell into a confused daze after confirming that Lola was not cheating. She could not even be compared to a student now!
“It’s simple,” Lola stated. “If your symphony of predestination was destroyed, you’d be like this too.”
“Impossible!” Ye Qingxuan insisted.
–
On the musician path, ninety-nine percent of musicians were stuck in the Musician level for life because of the Barrier of Knowledge. That was the first obstacle. But following that, there was an endless stream of challenges.
Like going against the current and retreating rather than moving forward, the road would only become more and more narrow—more and more dangerous. Sooner or later, one would venture into uncharted darkness and continue in solitude.
The Resonance level, the Disturbance level, the Distortion level…Every level required a tremendous amount of resources and hidden rituals to break through. And finally, the road would come to a dead end. Here was the limit of humanity. After it was a sheer cliff over an abyss of darkness.
Only one out of every ten-thousand musicians could break through the abyss and create their own ‘scepter’ to become a saint! These musicians either had incomparable power or were absolutely brilliant geniuses. What they used to break through the abyss was the power brewed by their soul—the symphony of predestination!
This was a music score created by upgrading a musician’s sound of heart and tenacity. It was unique and represented the musician’s soul. Their tenacity, thoughts, and heart were all contained within.
If destroyed, it was not just the music score that was destroyed, but also the musician, his life and all its essence. This represented the overturn of one’s sanity. One’s personality would become unstable.
But the mental breakdown was only the beginning. After that, one would die from the backlash of one’s symphony of predestination. There was no cure.
For centuries, so many musicians had rushed forward in an attempt to break through the last obstacle, but ended up scattering like ashes with his symphony of predestination. Countless people had left behind examples of mistakes. They were all b.l.o.o.d.y lessons to be learned.
If Lola’s symphony of predestination had truly been destroyed, then the thing before Ye Qingxuan should be a cold tombstone. Ye Qingxuan had seen an example with his own eyes—the Royal Musician Claude.
Only his sound of heart had been destroyed, but he was instantly crippled. If he had not found a doctor from the School of Choir, he would have died. If it was the symphony of predestination that contained everything?
“Don’t scare me, Moriarty!” Ye Qingxuan looked into the Professor’s eyes and said coldly, “If your symphony of predestination had been destroyed, the best situation would be dying from psychosis.”
Lola laughed. “It’s normal to be suspicious…”
She was speaking lightly, but Ye Qingxuan’s vision blurred. His collar was grabbed by her and he was yanked forward before he could react. He saw Lola’s pale face and dark eyes. There was a tinge of blood in her eyes. The angry blood-color was like flames, burning away her rationality day and night. She was constantly at the border of insanity. Then strands of blue-green veins appeared on her white face. She looked fierce yet fragile, as if she would break apart at the slightest touch.
“Death from psychosis?” She laughed. Her sneer was cold and twisted, devoid of any grace or elegance. “How far do you think I am from being a psycho?”
Ye Qingxuan did not reply. Which was the real her?
Tortured day and night by the backlash of her symphony of predestination, she was constantly at the verge of mental and physical breakdown. On this wire, death was on the left and psychosis was on the right. Beneath her was a bottomless abyss. They were only a hair’s breadth away from her.
In the long silence, Ye Qingxuan looked away first and surrendered. “Sorry.”
“It’s okay, I forgive you.” Lola slowly loosened her grip and tidied his collar for him. Her eyes softened. “Don’t worry. You’re my only companion in this world—I’ll forgive you no matter what you do.” Ye Qingxuan was silent. “Aren’t you curious how I survived?”
Lola returned to her seat and lifted the red tea that contained drugs. Her trembling hand finally stabilized. Don’t forget, I’m not the same as the average person. The natural talent of the moon spirits kept me from dying on the spot.” She smiled, revealing her slightly sharp canines. “To be honest, I never thanked my demonic bloodline. To live, I signed a contract with the Indigo Moon, but my power can never return to how it was. It wavers with the moon phases, sometimes strong and sometimes weak.
“My old injuries still haven’t healed completely. A large portion is used so I can manage to maintain my sanity. Ye Qingxuan, don’t you think it’s laughable? At my strongest point, I was only a step away from the Scepter level. But now, I’m sometimes weak as a child. For example…you can reach over and strangle me now.” She raised her chin, revealing her neck to the youth. Her neck was long and pale. It seemed that one could grasp it completely it with one hand. And if one tightened slowly, she would die. So easy.
“How about it? Do you feel the urge?” Lola smiled tauntingly.
Ye Qingxuan did not look. Instead, he asked quietly, “Are you injured because of my father?”
Lola fell silent. After a long while, she sighed softly. “That was in the past.”
–
“As you know, I have the moon spirit’s blood in my veins. I was born as a demon. This was my original sin. My original name was very long. You can just call me Moriarty. Lola is actually an alias.
“My father was killed before I was born. My mother was human. The musician thought she was raped by my father and did not see that she was pregnant, so he brought her back to the human world.
“Then I was born. When I was three, my mother pa.s.sed away. I was taken by an elder of my clan. I returned and stayed there for a long time before coming back out. Later, I became your father’s student. Someone with demonic blood became the heir of the natural enemy of demons, the Moon of Purity…it sounds like an incredible joke.
“Because of this, I severed ties with my clan. I designed a battle for them to think that I was killed. After that, no one knew I was a moon spirit, except for my teacher. After a while, he got married and I went to travel and study.
“When I came back, I found that everything was different. Teacher had disappeared and you and your mother were exiled to the frontier. At that time, I wanted to find out the truth. But in the end, I fell to this state. I could only change everything and sneak back into Avalon to investigate what had truly happened back then.
“Until now, I still haven’t solved many mysteries. I just know that he has some relations.h.i.+p with Avalon’s Shadow.”
A pregnant pause.
“…That’s it?” Ye Qingxuan’s mind was muddled.
“Yes.” Lola nodded. “That’s how simple things are. How can there be complicated matters to speak of?”
“But it’s too simple.” The youth furrowed his brows. “It’s suspicious.”
“You think I’m lying?”
“Not exactly lying, but you didn’t tell me everything.” Ye Qingxuan shook his head. “How did you meet my father? Why did he accept you as a student? What did you find out? And who destroyed your symphony of predestination? You didn’t talk about any of this. Don’t say that they don’t matter. And…” His gaze as he looked at Lola was strange. “You fell for him?”
“…” Lola froze and grew angry.
Ye Qingxuan nodded in understanding. “It seems that you fell for him.”
“That was one of my many mistakes.” Lola looked away, finding excuses for herself. “Superst.i.tions are engraved in a demon’s beliefs. And anyway, I was young…”
Ye Qingxuan had no words and did not want to keep insisting on this awkward topic, so he changed the subject. “After all these years, have you found anything from the parliament? I just know that he taught in the academy before.”
“Yes.” Lola’s expression changed slightly. “Later, he worked in the Royal Research Inst.i.tute, but they don’t have his files. His doc.u.ments during his career are in the Arkham Asylum.”
“Where?” Ye Qingxuan’s expression darkened. “Did he partic.i.p.ate in the forbidden technology for mutations?”
“Back then, it was only a secret department of the Inst.i.tute, specifically for researching the habits and structures of demons and finding the essence of natural catastrophes. Later, he was a.s.signed elsewhere and the department was abandoned too. The mutations came after. As what he did afterward, I can’t find anything else.” Lola sighed in regret. “You should know that he rarely went home for a time.”
“Where did he go?”
“I don’t know.” Lola’s eyes were cold. “But undoubtedly, it’s the place that killed me.”
Ye Qingxuan shook his head and corrected her, “He’s still alive.”
“He’s dead.” Lola raised her voice, eyes growing troubled. “Ye Qingxuan, accept reality. I saw with my own eyes…”
“He’s still alive, I can feel it,” Ye Qingxuan repeated. His expression was determined. “This isn’t refusing to accept reality or fantasizing. I can only say that he’s still alive in some corner of this world.”
After a long silence, Lola asked softly, “Are you sure?”
“To me, the only good thing about the Dragon Bloodline is that we can sense each other. When I entered the Student level, I felt the resonance between us. So Lola, rest a.s.sured. Someday, I’ll yank him out with my own hands.”
“Yank him out?” She felt that something was wrong. “And then what?”
“And then?” Ye Qingxuan smiled and flexed his fingers, face full of antic.i.p.ation. “We’ll talk after I beat him up.”
Chapter 180: The Fast Method
In the large library of the old building, spa.r.s.e instrument strings hovered in the air. They crisscrossed, wrapping around the youth. As his fingers pressed down, a crisp crack-like sound was produced. The sound was distant, and its echoes snaked up to the ceiling beams.
Before him, Lola’s eyes were slightly upset. “Long time no see, Jiu Xiao Huan Pei. Sadly, you’ve fallen into that guy’s hands and won’t be used to your full potential.”
Hearing the bitterness in her voice, Ye Qingxuan snickered. “Would you take it if I gave it to you?” With that, the strings were pushed forward. Lola’s eyes grew angry and she glared at Ye Qingxuan. It would be okay if it was a regular harp, seven-stringed or twelve-stringed instrument, but Jiu Xiao Huan Pei was the kryptonite for demons. No one knew how many demons had died because of it over thousands of years.
Back then, Ye Lanzhou came to the West by himself. He came by land rather than sea! He had gone directly through the Dark World, cutting a path through the sea of demons and beasts. No one knew how many demons had died from the music of Jiu Xiao Huan Pei. A small clan had even been wiped out by it.
The lives of innumerable demons had given Jiu Xiao Huan Pei its powerful name. No one could remember it, but Jiu Xiao Huan Pei’s lethality was no joke. This was the reason why Lola had chosen to work with Ye Qingxuan instead of playing it personally. If she tried to use the instrument, it would be like a rat eating a.r.s.enic—complete suicide.
“Keep it for yourself,” Lola stated coldly. “You’ve had it for more than ten years but only officially awakened it for the first time a few days ago, and you don’t feel ashamed to brag about it?”
“Of course I have to brag. I have to make it obvious too! After all, it was thanks to you, wasn’t it? Look, look…” Ye Qingxuan picked up the instrument and shook it before her.
Lola was annoyed, but whenever she was about to unleash her anger, Ye Qingxuan would give her some time to buffer, causing her emotions to stop at the awkward border. After a few times, she finally processed it. Clenching her teeth, she grit out, “Ye Qingxuan! Is this how you use the heart mirror?!”
“…Uh, I’m just experimenting.” Ye Qingxuan awkwardly looked away. His eyes were black, but under the candlelight, they looked like copper mirrors, reflecting Lola’s image. In the reflection, red light representing anger was wrapped around her and burned.
This was one of Jiu Xiao Huan Pei’s abilities—heart mirror. All instruments in this world, other than those made for students to practice on and produce goods, were the finest items created by alchemists with blood, sweat, and tears.
Not only could the instrument’s timbre adjust according to the musician’s thoughts, but they also had a wide range of uses to make a musician’s playing easier. Jiu Xiao Huan Pei was a legendary item that reigned over the entire range of string instruments. In fact, it could change its key and take over parts of the piano’s range.
In addition, all instruments had a unique point. Take the ecliptic series for example: all twelve instruments had their own unique and mysterious point. Maybe it was sensing danger or reducing energy use…Every time one was released, people would flock to the market to spend fortunes for one. But with Ye Qingxuan’s current abilities, he could only use Jiu Xiao Huan Pei’s most basic feature: heart mirror.
As the name implied, it was the mirror of one’s heart. With this effect, he could easily see every change in emotion of the living things before him, whether it be anger, frustration, hesitance, confusion or fear. The specific applications required large amounts of practice and trials, but at least he would be able to scare people more easily from now on.
“Seems like you’re determined to become the Vengeful Spirit,” Lola scoffed. “Speaking of which, you’ve really become a legendary figure of Avalon after ‘killing’ me. Do you feel happy?”
“It’s okay.” Ye Qingxuan pursed his lips. “After being beaten by you this morning, that small amount of fame won’t make me happy anymore.”
“Oh? Seems like you’re not as stupid as I thought.” Lola put down her book and said lightly, “Then let’s continue our topic from this morning. Where do you think you lost?”
Where else? Ye Qingxuan smiled bitterly. He could only say that he had no way of fighting back. He had been played by Lola the entire time and was under both the School of Illusions and Mind. He could not have died a better way.
Seeing his pain, Lola laughed, but her mouth was still merciless. “You’ve won so much, but it was never because of your music skills. You won because of your calculations and plans. Ever since the beginning, you’ve relied on sneak attacks and the enemy’s weak points. You even take advantage of their crises, don’t you?”
“Yes.” Ye Qingxuan sighed. He was not lowly enough to deny his weaknesses.
“Ye Qingxuan, don’t let the fame get to your head. You’re only at the Rhythm level. You haven’t even fully grasped Black Friday yet, so don’t even think about Moonlight, which is even more profound.
“In a face-to-face battle, even a regular third level musician would be able to win you easily, if you only use your own skills. Face your situation clearly. You can’t live lawlessly in this world with your amateur illusions. Otherwise, you’ll be like me and fall to this state.”
Lola’s voice grew hoa.r.s.e and her eyes darkened. Ye Qingxuan wanted to comfort her, but he realized that he did not know what to say. Lola was just like him. She was not the type to cheer up after hearing those warm and pretty words. They did not need pity.
–
Neither Ye Qingxuan nor Lola was the type to drown in negative feelings. They quickly pulled themselves back together and began discussing what action to take next. No matter what, the parliament’s preparations and plans all these years had completely failed after the Arkham Asylum. The giant beast had gone into hibernation and the robin had disappeared too. It was clear that there would not be any new traces in the short-term. This meant that they had received precious time for a break.
“But you can’t let down your guard because of this,” Lola said gravely. “Your most important task now is to make up for what you lack. Just live here starting tomorrow.”
“Wait!” Ye Qingxuan waved his hand. “I still have to go to school! It was so hard for me to get in. I can’t get expelled because of my attendance!”
“Just say that you’re my student now.” Lola made it sound simple. “My ident.i.ty as a Revelations musician is fake but I still have a bit of fame. Those old guys at your school won’t stop you.”
“A little bit of fame?” As a renowned history scholar and Revelations musician, Lola was practically seen as a grand master. Without speaking of her beauty, so many people would kill to be her student just for influence and power. But…
Ye Qingxuan felt a bit helpless. “Actually, I have a teacher.”
“Abraham?” Lola chuckled. “Indeed, he’s a good musician, but what can he teach you? He’s an expert at the School of Abstinence, but those are cla.s.sified secrets from the military. Without special permission, he won’t dare teach you a single word. Otherwise, he’d be hurting you.”
“I think he’s good at teaching Revelations too. The interpretation method is pretty useful!”
Lola scoffed. “Don’t you know that the academic world sees his stuff as blasphemy? It has its advantages, but compared to the mainstream theories of Revelations, it’s a completely different school. Unless he can prove that his theories are actually effective, the interpretation method is just a joke to most musicians!”
“That’s because they’re short-sighted.” Ye Qingxuan’s expression was still neutral, but his eyes were determined. It was clear that this topic was not up for discussion.
Lola looked at him for a long time. She laughed suddenly. “Whatever you want.” Ye Qingxuan felt his hair rise at the smile. With that, she tossed over a heavy book that she had just finished explaining, and was densely filled with annotations. “Just come over every other day,” Lola said. “At least I can teach you what I learned from Teacher.
“I don’t care what Abraham teaches you, but I at least have to make you inherit Teacher’s mantle and become a musician from the School of Mind. Don’t be scared. I’ll start from the basics.”
–
“The School of Mind?” Ye Qingxuan accepted the book and flipped it open. After reading two lines, he felt his scalp go numb. Flipping to the end, he felt his body go cold. Closing the book, he could not help but inhale sharply. “Are you sure that I won’t turn into a madman if I learn what’s in this book?”
He had just scanned it quickly, but under Abraham’s guidance, he had become sensitive to resources and music theory. The result was that he was scared by the brewing evilness in the book!
How was this a beginner book for the School of Mind? This was practically a Wikipedia page on how to play with someone’s soul! Every line, every pa.s.sage of information was about how to destroy one’s sanity. Every chapter was suffused with poison, wanting to push one’s soul into the deep abyss. All the material and methods were for one goal: to make the enemy lose their sanity and play with them like a puppet. Was this woman trying to turn him into a dark musician?!
“Holmes can be scared of this stuff too?” Lola laughed seeing his shocked expression. “You should like this stuff. They all say that you’re the guardian angel of the Arkham Asylum now.”
“That’s not my fault.” Ye Qingxuan widened his eyes. “I didn’t do it on purpose!”
Lola nodded and patted his shoulder, comforting him gently. “Yes, after you learn all this, you can do it ‘on purpose.’”
“…” Ye Qingxuan suddenly felt slightly depressed. It was so painful to not be understood by the world. He looked through the content more and discovered a problem. “At least I have some knowledge of Revelations, but I don’t even have a foundation for Mind. Are you sure I can learn all this in a short time?”
“Of course.” Lola’s smile gave him a bad feeling. “Naturally, it’s hard if you go step by step, but fear not. I have a faster method.” She pulled out something that Ye Qingxuan predicted—the blood-red conch. The sign shone lightly, tugging at one’s heartstrings as if it had some magical power forcing one to become drunk in it.
“…What faster method?” Ye Qingxuan felt coldness at the back of his head.
Lola’s voice was extremely gentle, making one panic. “According to my experience, if you can go crazy ten times, you’ll be able to find a way to make others go crazy. Seeing that you’re talented in this aspect, as long as you cooperate…”
“Uh, what are you saying? I didn’t hear…ah, I’m sorry but I’m busy this afternoon. I’ll be going now.” Ye Qingxuan shot up with a stiff smile on his face. He quickly retreated, almost running for his life.
“Only an idiot would cooperate! I don’t want to be a crazy dark musician!” He had to leave. If he did not run now, it would be too late when he was pinned to the chopping board!
“Now you want to run?” Lola shook her head as her gentle voice sounded behind Ye Qingxuan. “Too late.” There was a flash of red.
Ye Qingxuan fell to the ground with a thud. He was immobile. All that could move were his large eyeb.a.l.l.s rolling around in confusion.
“Don’t worry, you’ll get used to it quickly.” Lola breathed softly into his ear, causing him to s.h.i.+ver despite the temperature. Then the Pyramid King pulled on his legs and dragged him to the secret room behind a bookshelf. A gentle laugh sounded in the darkness. “It’s just a nightmare…”
