Translated by: TaffyGirl13
Chapter 5: Why don’t you ask the magic conch?
Fu Xing followed Fidel through countless snow-white hallways before arriving at the forbidden curses room in the deepest area of the building. The doors were made from steel, and had various types of defensive measures on it, both magical and physical. The stringent security was not to prevent people on the outside from intruding, but to keep the things sealed inside from escaping.
Fidel scanned his ID Badge and typed in a string of numbers. The heavy doors separated open and slid into crevices in the walls.
The room was brightly lit, yet was deathly still and had a gloomy ambience. The walls were lined with glass panes. Each glass section glowing with runes contained a cursed soul. They were like humanoid dolls, laying unmoving in their displays with their eyes covered.
Fu Xing slowly passed by each display. The things standing behind the glass were a mix of ethnicities, genders, and age. Their only commonality was their darkness, a heavy sense of despair that seemed to surround them like an aura of death.
Even though their flesh was perfectly preserved and they were clothed in clean, white robes, it was easy to distinguish them from the living.
Fu Xing couldn’t contain a shudder of fear. “What kinds of people were these cursed souls made of?” He casually asked, simply to divert his attention. “Are there specific selection requirements? Do they have to have been powerful souls when they were alive?”
“They are all ordinary people.” Fidel smiled bitterly, his steps stopping in front of one of the glass displays. With a reminiscing and melancholic gaze, he stared at the person inside. “These were all once my companions.”
Fu Xing was stunned. “What?”
Companions.
This term resonated slightly within him like a gust blowing through and snuffing out the rapt excitement that had been stirring restlessly in him since earlier. Instead, it rekindled his original mindset that he had nearly lost from his arrogant pride and self-satisfaction.
“Truthfully speaking, using the deceased is not any grand approach,” Fidel sighed softly. “The difference in strength between humans and Yin beasts is too great. Before cursed souls were invented, it was practically a one-sided advantage. There was no other option but to use such means to face the Yin beasts.”
As Fidel spoke, his brows furrowed deeply. Fu Xing could clearly see the internal conflict going on.
“Ahem, but,” Fu Xing coughed awkwardly. “If they are your companions, they would surely forgive it.” Just as his companions would.
His powerful, beautiful companions, his companions that he could only ever watch in admiration forever as he could never catch up to them…
“Thank you.” Fidel smiled faintly in response before turning to continue walking forwards.
He stopped once more when they reached a metal display in the innermost part of the room. All the walls were made of steel, its surface smooth and shiny without any visible runes.
Fidel grabbed one of the corners and muttered a spell under his breath. Numerous lines appeared on the display’s upper side, which then circulated clockwise. It turned the display invisible to reveal the item stored inside.
“This is the Requisciet Campana. It is a magical weapon that can control and destroy cursed souls.” Fidel took a step back for Fu Xing to take a closer look.
“Patriarch Zephon used his own eye, flesh and bone on this to perfect it.”
Fu Xing recalled the scene he had seen in the flow of space-time. When Zephon had returned, he had been missing an eye and a finger.
“I want…ahem, I mean, can I ask you to take it out for me to see? It’s fine if you can’t though…” Fu Xing tried to boldly make the request, though his words switched to the polite form he was most accustomed to using.
He couldn’t help it, he was too used to being useless. After playing the role of a bystander for over twenty years, it was hard to suddenly switch to acting like a hero.
Fidel chuckled. “Of course.” He reached in and carefully picked up the Requisciet Campana to pass to Fu Xing.
Fu Xing hesitated for a moment, reeling in disbelief.
“Did you change your mind?”
Fu Xing frowned slightly, as though peeved. He extended his hands to take it with somewhat rough movements.
The surface of the bell was dark brown that had a faint metallic sheen to it under the light. Fu Xing knew how gorgeous it had shone before it had been dyed with this colour of dried blood.
The Requisciet Campana, the magical weapon that could control cursed souls and deceased spirits, was in his hands. That meant he could…
Fu Xing clutched the bell as various ideas flashed through his head.
As though seeing through Fu Xing’s intentions, Fidel smiled and said, “It can only be activated by reciting a complicated spell in an ancient language, combined with using an array. Even the Patriarchs that inherited part of Zephon’s soul cannot directly control it.” He gently shattered Fu Xing’s foolish thoughts without a trace.
A faint tremor passed through Fu Xing’s body as he struggled to conceal his disappointment.
“Do not worry. If you become familiar with the World Sanctification Court’s operations and how we fight, I can teach you how to use it,” Fidel consoled, taking the opportunity to persuade Fu Xing to join them.
“Mm…” Fu Xing nodded. He stared at the bell in his hand as he thought of Zephon. “If the war ends and all of the enemies have been eliminated, what will happen to these cursed souls?”
“They will be destroyed.” With a sorrowful expression, Fidel replied, “After all, their existence defies the heavens. The reason the Requisciet Campana was created was to keep the deceased in this world or to destroy those that were lingering…”
“You can’t do that,” Fu Xing reflexively blurted out.
“Why not?” Fidel asked with a smile.
“Um, I just think…it’s a bit irresponsible…”
Summoning these souls without consent, only to eliminate them again at will was horrible.
Even if the other party had died long ago, those with souls could feel pain, sorrow, and many other emotions, regardless of whether they were alive or dead…
“Perhaps.” Fidel shrugged. “Such a powerful magical weapon is too difficult for an ordinary person to command anyways. At the moment, we can only use it at about 60% of its efficacy. The original creator is the sole person that can control this bell as they please.”
“I see.” What a pity…
Fu Xing gently rubbed the surface of the bell as he sank into deep thought.
He then turned to look at the people in the glass displays behind him, and he couldn’t help but recall the maids’ souls in Countess Lee’s castle that night.
Countess Lee had once said something similar. When the war ended, she wished for those girls to return to the place where the deceased rested.
Aside from summoning departed souls and protecting Countess Lee, Zephon had created this magical weapon for one other important reason — in hopes that once everything settled down, this bell could send the deceased back to heaven…
To let the dead return to peace.
This thought echoed through his mind like an important charm, a fragmented murmur next to his ear.
To let the dead return to peace.
Fu Xing sensed a power within him responding to the dark bell.
He wanted to do something for these people.
But how? The Requiescit Campana only obeys the creator’s commands.
Can someone tell me what I need to do…
As though a locked door was suddenly opened, his tense emotions were soothed. Indistinct thoughts began to form as the power hidden deep within him silently resonated with the bell.
Ah, I think I know.
His consciousness and the energy slowly flowed from his palms like warm water as it circulated through his body. A hazy concept took form in his mind, murmurs of unknown knowledge filling his thoughts.
I think I know how to control this bell…
His body seemed to have a mind of its own as it gripped the handle on the bell and gently shook it.
A voice echoed through his mind together with the simplest desire. He soundlessly called out his command and prayer to the bell.
—To let all the deceased shackled to this world be free of these binds made from tears and blood, and return to peaceful rest.
Fu Xing had fallen silent for nearly two minutes with an empty look in his eyes when Fidel sensed something was wrong.
“Fu Xing, are you alright?” He reached out to pat Fu Xing, but the moment his fingertips touched the other, a powerful shock repelled him.
Fidel stared at Fu Xing in shock, then down at his fingers that were now red as though having been stung by jellyfish.
The runes on the surface of the Requiescit Campana whirred into motion like an army of ants swarming about.
What is this?
The glass display closest to them let out a faint noise as the cured soul inside began to shake.
In a flash, Fidel realised what was going on. He focused on Fu Xing, filled with both unease and anticipation as he waited to see what would happen to the cursed soul.
Clang. With a flick of the wrist, the bell let out a soft ring as clear as spring water.
The cursed soul in the display did not move again, but the sealing runes on the cloth covering its eyes glowed before melting away.
A pale hand came out from under the white robe. After a few stiff jerks, it slowly rose up to carefully tear off the cloth from its face, revealing a haggard, familiar face with an ashen complexion. With a trace of life, it stared at Fidel in confusion as it assessed its surroundings.
“Bednar?” Fidel called out his companion’s name, his voice filled with hesitation and uncertainty.
The person in the display turned at the sound of its name, its expression shifting into one of delighted surprise, just like a living person. “Fidel? Long time no see!” He looked down at his body, then back at their surroundings, and realisation dawned on his face. “I was turned into a cursed soul…”
“…I’m sorry.”
“No, no, you did what you should have.” Bednar smiled. “Looks like I’m more valuable dead than alive.”
“Don’t joke around,” Fidel chuckled. It felt like he had returned to those glorious times when he had fought alongside his companions.
“Why do you still look so depressed, Fidel?” Bednar shook his head and clicked his tongue. “If you haven’t died yet, you need to live happily.”
“If possible, I’d love to…”
“Live happily and keep trying your best until the very last second. Then you can rest—properly rest, for a very, very long time.” The energy in Bednar’s eyes began to fade like he was falling asleep. “Finally, I can truly rest…”
He closed his eyes, and his body suddenly slumped forwards to fall against the wall of the display. It appeared he had gone into a deep sleep.
Now, he was no longer a cursed soul — all that remained of him was a pure, dead body.
“Ah, hah…” Fu Xing gasped for breath, panting heavily as though he had just undergone intense exercise.
What just happened? I can control the Requisciet Campana?!
“You truly are the one that will end the war.” Fidel just barely suppressed his excitement as he said to Fu Xing, “Your honorable self is the key to turning the tides for the World Sanctification Court!”
Fu Xing raised a brow.
“Your honorable self?” He was not used to such a respectful form of address, but he could not hide the pride from hearing it.
Fidel reverently bowed at the waist to Fu Xing, as though he was a noble saint.
An unprecedented feeling of satisfaction flooded Fu Xing’s heart.
He had the abilities to be a powerful figure, someone worthy of being worshipped — it was something he had always dreamed of, yet had never experienced.
He began to convince himself with certain conjectures.
If this complicated series of fated events were arranged by the heavens, was it all for the purpose of having him stand with the World Sanctification Court? Everything made sense that way.
He could feel himself surrounded by an untouchable divine glory.
“There’s no need for that, Fidel.” Fu Xing smiled as he gestured for Fidel to stand upright, even if the attitude made him beyond happy.
“It’s only necessary for your honorable self to receive the respect you deserve.”
Fu Xing chuckled as he reached to help Fidel up. The action made him feel amazing, like a magnanimous king helping his subordinate, a powerful yet merciful figure…
Clack.
An object fell to the ground, making a faint clattering noise that drew Fu Xing’s attention.
When he looked down, he saw the silver-blue “LUCKY STAR” keychain that was always in his pocket, now lying on the snow-white tiles.
“Keep proper care of it, don’t lose it again.”
Leon’s words from the school trip were a muffled echo through his mind.
Fu Xing froze in place, his mind abruptly clearing like a bucket of cold water had been dumped over his head.
“You seem to have dropped something.”
Fidel had originally wanted to help Fu Xing pick it up, but Fu Xing moved quickly to bend down and take the keychain first, gripping it tightly in his fist.
Don’t lose it again…
He Fu Xing, are you going to throw away your friends now?
Fu Xing took a deep breath as he sighed in relief from the close call.
He was no grand saviour. In the past, he would yearn to be the object of attention, yearn to be someone important that received respect from those around him. He had even once dreamed of being an unknown hero, a powerful figure that rescued those in need. That was a weakling’s daydream — a laughable, lamentable, and ridiculous daydream.
Really…what was I thinking…
That’s all just chuunibyou. Did you really think you could be that fierce? His rational mind coldly roasted himself.
He thought back to the pentagram he would draw on the back of his hand in elementary school, pretending to be a mage while shouting random words and claiming to erase demons.
At the time, Lin Lin and Fu Qing had just laughed and played along, even tying colourful ribbons to a mop to call it a magical staff named “Sun’s Flames”. They had also attached an orange at the top and claimed it was a divine sunstone.
He had happily brought the magical staff outside with him to show off, only to trip down his home’s front steps and land on his “Sun’s Flames”. The divine sunstone had been smashed under his butt, leaving orange stains along with the dirt on his grey pants. It had just made him look like a stinky brat that had urinated and defecated in his pants.
Fu Xing dropped his head, a frown forming on his face.
Am I still an elementary schooler?
He was embarrassed just thinking about his pompous attitude earlier, to the point where he just wanted to find a hole to crawl into. But through the embarrassment, he also felt deeply grateful — grateful that he had snapped out of it in the critical moment.
He preferred happily living life with his friends more than having a halo above his head with people revering him.
After attending Shalom and encountering so many events there, he finally realised that the weak did not necessarily have nothing. In fact, he just had been blind to what he did have. The dream he had chased after his whole life did not belong to him, and it would ultimately leave him in disillusionment and despair.
What he wanted was to share life’s joys and hardships with his friends, to laugh and overcome trials together with them!
He wasn’t any hero or the one that would end the war. He was He Fu Xing, a member of Shalom Academy’s Class 3-C, only affiliated with his family and friends.
The ones he cared about were still waiting for him to return!
The corners of his lips curved up into a determined smile as he earnestly tightened his hold around the keychain and placed it back into his pocket.
“May I ask if you are…alright?” Fidel was somewhat taken aback by Fu Xing’s change in emotion.
“No need to speak so respectfully towards me. I’m no one that grand.”
“The ability you just displayed has confirmed your esteemed status that surpasses ordinary people.”
“Oh, I guess so.” Fu Xing scratched his head, slightly distressed by this fact.
Alright, I really do seem to have certain abilities, but they’re of no use to me. All I care about right now is the fact that my semester grades and GPA might completely tank after missing so many classes. A special skill like summoning dead spirits doesn’t seem to help my issue. I don’t want to be held back a grade! It’s way too shameful and I’ll look so stupid!
However, considering his current circumstances and the situation outside, rather than worrying about being held back a year, he was more worried about not being able to go back at all. Moreover, if the war truly did intensify, would Shalom be able to continue operating as usual? Would the world of special animate beings be safe?
Fu Xing contemplated all these questions as he stared at the bell in his hands.
The reason the Requiscet Campana had been created was for Countess Lee to control departed souls. One that could control this power that both humans and special animate beings feared had the means to force both parties to set down their weapons and discuss matters instead.
A realisation flashed through the depths of his mind, the fact dawning on him.
The tool to control that power was in his hands right now. And he could control it however he pleased.
He would fulfill Countess Lee’s final wishes.
This wasn’t for his sake, nor was it to rescue the common people or calm the chaos.
He simply wanted to deal with the annoying matters as quickly as possible, then safely return to Shalom and spend his last moments at school with his friends!
It seemed selfish, but that was what He Fu Xing, an ordinary, half-human-half-monster, wanted to do.
“Um, Fidel.”
“Do you have any commands?”
“Thank you for treating me so well.” Fu Xing smiled gratefully, though it then awkwardly shifted into an expression of slight guilt. “And, I’m sorry.”
“What—”
As Fidel was still trying to figure out what that meant, Fu Xing lifted the Requiescit Campana and gave it a firm shake.
Awake—for me!
The deep and resounding noise of the bell echoed through the narrow room. The cursed souls peacefully resting in the glass displays began to stir and shake.
“Fu Xing, you—”
“I’m sorry, but I can’t stay here. My friends are waiting for me. I have to go find them…” Fu Xing paused for a moment before adding, “I must protect them.”
Fidel could not understand, hurt and disappointment showing on his face. “May I ask if that means you are betraying humankind and choosing to help the Yin beasts instead?”
Fidel’s expression made Fu Xing’s heart clench in pain.
Even now, you’re still speaking respectfully to me…
“I wasn’t a human to begin with, but I also don’t plan on choosing one side.” Fu Xing earnestly stated, “I only wish to peacefully spend my days together with my friends. I want the war to end!”
Fidel was completely lost. “Then what do you plan to do? In order to end the war, there must be a victor.” He heaved a sigh and said with a bitter smile, “For there to be a victor, you must choose a side, Fu Xing. Forgive my impundence, but the moment your friends are safe will be when we suffer.”
“You really can stop speaking so politely.” Fu Xing furrowed his brow. He muttered in embarrassment, “You’re also…my friend…so…ahem…Anyways, just leave it to me! I will make you happy!”
Ahhh! Why does that sound so weird and embarrassing? It’s like a strange love confession. He was suddenly very glad that Zhu Yue wasn’t present.
Fidel was somewhat stunned, not quite sure whether to laugh or cry.
“Perhaps you have majestic ideals or a grand plan. However, I am afraid I cannot allow you to leave the World Sanctification Court so easily.” Fidel took a step towards Fu Xing. “I humbly request for you to put down the Requiescit Campana and return to your room to rest.”
Fu Xing hugged the Requiescit Campana tightly against his chest as he anxiously took a step back, his eyes locked onto Fidel in panic.
Fidel let out a soft sigh. “Forgive me.” He reached out to forcibly grab the Requiescit Campana.
Clap! Before he could reach it, a snow-white palm slapped his hand away.
A crimson phantom silently materialised like an evening breeze, standing between Fu Xing and Fidel.
“Lee!” Fu Xing cried out happily, even though he knew that this cursed soul-version of Lee no longer had any emotions.
Fidel’s eyes widened, but his expression immediately hardened. He swiftly pulled out a spirit-sealing dart and threw it at Lee’s eyes with precise aim. However, the beautiful figure was faster, angling its body to dodge the attack while simultaneously lifting Fu Xing and tucking him under an arm. With a leap, it sailed through the air and landed behind Fidel.
“Thanks.” Fu Xing coughed awkwardly, his cheeks slightly red. I’m definitely not feeling this way because my face was pressing against the side of Countess Lee’s soft chest, mhm!
Fidel shot towards them to stop Lee in her tracks.
“Avoid Fidel’s attacks,” Fu Xing blankly commanded while shaking the bell.
He did not really know how to control the Requiescit Campana, but his instincts told him that it didn’t follow any set method.
Countess Lee paused for just a second, making Fu Xing start to think his attempts at control had failed. However, his attention was immediately shifted to the sound of the glass breaking around him.
His first thought was that it was Fidel launching another attack, but the scene that met his eyes when he turned around made him tremble in fear. All the cursed souls locked behind the glass panes began to break free of their cages, jumping out of the shattered displays to surround Fidel with predatory looks.
Fidel retreated to a corner. It was evident that he was at a disadvantage, so he did not dare to act recklessly.
Fu Xing was dumbstruck, but also felt relieved. It appeared that he was temporarily free of the crisis.
Although it was very inappropriate, he couldn’t help but be reminded of the tale of Urashima Taro. The turtle had been rescued by Urashima Taro from being tortured by a group of brats, then was brought to the Palace of the Dragon God where they lived freely and happily….
The turtle that had been pushed back into a corner—or rather, Fidel, snapped in a chiding tone, “He Fu Xing! Do you want to destroy all of humankind?!”
Such a powerful spell, with such a large-scale army of souls! Without a doubt, this will bring upon a destructive calamity to the world! With these cursed souls, there will be nothing to restrain the Yin beasts!
“No! I just want to peacefully graduate!” Fu Xing hurriedly refuted. “Don’t worry! Everyone will be safe and sound!”
Both monsters and humans would be. He did not want to see any side in victory or defeat. What he hoped for was true peace and harmony, not the terrifying equilibrium of a cold war!
“Let’s go.” Fu Xing quietly ordered Lee behind him, “Bring me out of the World Sanctification Court.”
Countess Lee turned to face Fu Xing. As Fu Xing wondered if he had relayed the command incorrectly, Countess Lee bent down slightly to grab him at the waist. She then abruptly lifted him up, and tossed him over her shoulder to heroically hold him there.
Er, alright then. I can’t run that fast after all, so I guess this is the only way. But you could at least use a princess carry instead…
Despite her wine-red heels, Countess Lee maintained exceptionally good balance as she raced towards the doorway with stable strides.
The sealed steel doors appeared before them in a matter of seconds, the complex locks only openable by the higher-level senior commanders. However, Countess Lee had no intentions of stopping, her pace instead increasing in speed.
“H-hey! Slow down! The door hasn’t opened yet! Can’t you see it?! Can you really not see it?! Ahhhhh—”
Approximately one metre away, Countess Lee nimbly jumped up and spun around to land a flying roundhouse kick at the door.
Zap—Boom! The force of two curses clashing created an electric shock, followed by the deafening noise of the door exploding.
When Fu Xing covered his ears from where he was hanging over her shoulder, he nearly slipped off. Fortunately, Countess Lee hoisted him back into his previous position.
After landing, she lithely continued forwards, leading the other cursed souls behind her as they advanced straight ahead.
Fu Xing clicked his tongue in wonder at the massive hole in the steel door behind them.
High heels really are the fiercest weapons in mankind…
The scarlet figure passed through the World Sanctification Court and headed up the staircase in search of an exit.
The World Sanctification Court’s structure was as complex as a maze. Some corridors were connected, others led to dead ends. As time passed, they seemed to remain quite far from the exit, and the number of troops rushing over to stop them increased as well.
The cursed souls following Lee were subdued one after another. When their eyes were covered by the sealing cloth, a soft yellow glow would pour out from their eyes. By the time it faded, the cursed souls would collapse unmovingly like machines that had run out of battery.
As the number of cursed souls dropped, more holes formed in the barrier protecting Countess Lee and Fu Xing, allowing World Sanctification Court’s people to press closer in on them. There were multiple times where they nearly nabbed Fu Xing, only to be struck back by Fu Xing and his “new weapon”.
“Go away, go away! Retreat! Retreat!” Fu Xing frantically swung the Requiescit Campana around, smashing it on the heads of any nearby attackers.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Resounding thuds sounded out, and the assailants struck in the forehead by the heavy metal bell felt their ears ringing and vision blurring before they collapsed on the floor.
Fu Xing nodded in self-satisfaction as he glanced admiringly at the Requiescit Campana in his hands.
As expected of a divine artifact, it’s extremely useful!
Countess Lee continued charging forwards while evading the attackers coming at them from behind. But no matter how strong she was, it was only natural that her pace would slow when carrying a weighty object on her shoulders and gaining an increasing amount of pursuers, and her movements gradually turned more sluggish as well.
As they passed through a hall in the middle of two intersecting corridors, Fu Xing realised with a shock that there were already people standing guard in the pathway in front of them, while their pursuers were about to catch up. With their paths ahead and behind blocked, there was nowhere to retreat, and they could not go anywhere.
Fu Xing uneasily glanced around and found that the troops of cursed souls that had been standing guard around them had at some point all been taken down.
“Fu Xing, please stop…” Fidel entered Fu Xing’s field of vision and patiently advised, “You are unable to leave.”
Fu Xing gritted his teeth in frustration. “I cannot stay here.”
Fidel heaved a long sigh before strongly urging, “You should just stop before the matter escalates further, Fu Xing, while the situation is still salvageable.”
“Are you certain this situation is still salvageable, Fidel?” A cold and furious male voice suddenly cut in.
Fidel’s expression instantly changed, evident panic flashing across his usually calm face. Their surroundings fell into dead silence as all the members of World Sanctification Court froze with bated breaths, not daring to move.
Stable footsteps gradually grew clearer. The crowd around one corridor entrance slowly split apart to respectfully form a pathway.
“Master Elijah…” Fidel began to move towards Elijah, but was stopped in place by the other’s frosty glare.
Elijah, dressed in a white robe, slowly stepped into the centre. His initial focus was on Countess Lee, but his line of sight shifted upwards to her shoulders where a person’s butt was facing him.
“Putting on this farce at the commanding headquarters in the middle of the night…” Elijah’s brows knit together as he shook his head instead of finishing his sentence.
Fu Xing pushed his upper body up from Countess Lee’s shoulders and twisted around to see who had arrived behind them. When he saw the person, he cried out in shock, “Zephon?!”
Elijah stared at Fu Xing, slightly astonished to hear that name being called out.
“Zephon was the name of the 58th Patriarch. I am the 77th Patriarch, Elijah.” Having heard Fu Xing speak in Chinese, Elijah chose to speak in Chinese as well.
“I see, you look so much like Zephon.”
Mn, looking more closely, there does seem to be the slightest difference. Even though they share an external appearance, they give off entirely different auras.
Hm, but why do I feel like there’s another person in my memories with the same face…
The people around them silently watched their Patriarch speak with the young man that had created a disturbance, afraid to utter a noise. Between the cold-faced Elijah, the beautiful soul Countess Lee, and He Fu Xing hanging over her shoulder with a confused expression, it was a bizarre and ridiculous scene.
Fu Xing knew Elijah was not Zephon, but seeing the familiar face made him unconsciously drop the guard he had initially raised against the stranger.
“Every Patriarch shares a similar appearance. It is essentially a mark in itself.” Elijah peered intently at Fu Xing’s face in careful assessment, and some astonishment flickered across his face. “I recognise you.”
Despite having seen Special Case #13’s images before, they were taken from surveillance cameras and blurred with motion, making it different from him in real life. Special Case #13’s name in the case file had also been spelled in Roman letters, so he had never connected it with the name in his memories.
Only now, after seeing He Fu Xing with his own eyes, did the clear sense of deja vu rise within him. Deep in his mind, in the memories passed down from the patriarchs of the past generations and the torrent of memories from his past lives, he had a memory of one of his past selves meeting this youth before—during the time his name had been “Zephon”.
“He…Fu…Xing…” Elijah repeatedly looped the name through his mind while searching through more of his memories from the past. Scene after scene from his preconsciousness generations ago swiftly played in his head like old films.
“Master Elijah?” Fidel was puzzled by Elijah’s reaction.
“Hmph.” A mirthless scoff came from Elijah’s throat. “Fidel, did you fake the test results last time? He’s a Yin beast, a bat spirit, yet you said he was human.” Dark eyes glowed sinisterly, “Don’t tell me you were once again deceived by laughable emotions?”
“Not at all!” Fidel hurriedly fell down to one knee before Elijah. “This subordinate is deeply sorry for creating such great disturbance. However, it was not an attempt at a cover-up nor was it a mistake! The test results confirmed without mistake that He Fu Xing is not a Yin beast. Furthermore, he is able to control the divine artifact, the Requiescit Campana, as he pleases. That is enough to indicate his extraordinary identity.”
After pausing for a moment, Fidel boldly stated his conjecture. “I believe He Fu Xing may be the one in the oracle that will end the war, which is why—”
Elijah sighed in exasperation. “This bell was created by him and Zephon together. It contains his traces.”
In his memories, the Requiescit Campana had only been semi-complete until He Fu Xing had helped cast a spell to activate it. Zephon had created the body of the bell, while He Fu Xing had provided its spirit.
“He is one of its creators, so he is naturally able to control the Requiescit Campana.”
Fidel was stunned. He could not comprehend how He Fu Xing was also a creator. Did that mean He Fu Xing was over three hundred years old? Is he really a Yin beast?
“With the ability to create a divine artifact, his identity must be different from a typical Yin beast…” Fidel tried to defend Fu Xing again, though his tone was now weaker.
“Even so, based on his current actions alone, you should be able to tell that he is not someone on our side,” Elijah coldly reminded. Without giving Fidel another chance to speak, he sternly commanded, “Seize this person for interrogation. If he resists, you can directly eradicate him as well. The hunting apparatus is no longer lacking in soul jades.”
“Master Elijah!” Fidel wanted to stop him, but the Patriarch could not be refuted with his supreme status.
Fu Xing’s eyes widened as he anxiously clutched Countess Lee’s shoulders. Countess Lee immediately shifted into battle stance, prepared to face any incoming attacks.
Is this really the end?
He inwardly sighed to himself. Rather than the fear of imminent death, he felt a stronger sense of helplessness, remorse, and infinite regret.
My family and friends will be heartbroken when I’m gone, I’m sure. Will Leon and Isaac still make up? When can the war finally end? Who will be the ultimate victor? What will happen to the losing side?
When Lia had been killed by the World Sanctification Court, Leon had gotten caught up in vengeful resentment for her. In the past two years of Fu Xing’s companionship with Leon, Leon’s thorny heart had finally softened somewhat. If I meet my end this time too, will Leon fall back to seeking revenge?
Or worse still, will my family and other friends all become swamped by hatred?
Fu Xing bitterly stared at the Requiescit Campana in his hands. In the end, he really wasn’t worth anything, even after taking such a powerful weapon.
When he raised his head, his eyes just happened to meet Fidel’s worried gaze. He scratched his head and smiled awkwardly just as he always did whenever he ruined something.
“Sorry for giving you so much trouble, hehe…”
Fidel clenched his jaw and forced himself to look away.
World Sanctification Court’s people raised their weapons and slowly began to close in on Countess Lee and Fu Xing.
Although the troops made it clear that Fu Xing had fallen into dire straits, his mood was not as heavy as he had expected for some reason. It just did not feel real, that everything could end so easily.
An indistinct voice in his subconsciousness seemed to console him, saying that the situation he faced was not necessarily the end, and that he would absolutely not die here—
“Because you are my king chess piece, Fu Xing…”
These unfamiliar words echoed through his mind, yet gave him an unusual feeling of familiarity.
Who told me that?
As though responding to Fu Xing’s question, the ground began to vibrate. It was not an earthquake, but rather the result of the building being struck heavily from above, the shock passing through the rafters made from reinforced steel.
Everyone stopped in their tracks, seemingly hearing something to the side. In unison, all eyes turned towards the entrance to the corridor next to the hall.
Fu Xing turned his head to follow the crowd’s gazes. There stood a young man in black clothes, leisurely walking over while surveying the situation, as though he was just passing by.
The World Sanctification Court’s people were frozen in shock, an indescribable bewilderment in their eyes.
The youths’ face was practically identical to Elijah’s. They were like mirror reflections of each other, with the only difference being that Elijah’s features were more mature.
“So this is where the lice’s nest is.” The young man smirked mockingly, “Hiding underground is very consistent with how you normally act, after all.”
~Taffy Translations~ 