–Who was the vanquished one of the Hunt Alliance?– Robin Lo rubbed his hands and asked the Nightmare Train with concern.
This was intelligence he had only heard of but never grasped, known only to the elders at headquarters.
In a world where everyone could attain lifespans of centuries or millennia, surviving a few years already qualified as being seasoned.
{A lady who broke away from the Hunt Alliance, Black Swan, and later a newcomer, Zhao Anlong. They established the Monster Hunter Alliance and the Goddess Alliance.}
「……」
{If not for the valiant resistance of the Xiongying Group’s leader at the time, they would have nearly unified the city. Your headquarters, the Monster Hunter Camp, borrowed the name ‘Hunt Alliance’—its prestige was at its peak then, and inheriting that name signified legitimacy.}
In Yang Zicang’s mind flashed the image of a youth of ordinary stature but robust build, whose single punch seemed capable of tearing through space.
Such a figure was unexpectedly one of the founders of what was now called –headquarters.–
–What about Shi Qian?–
{I only know this much, heard during their conversations. Shi Qian vanished many years ago.}
Among the candidates summoned by the councilor, that individual was not present, but perhaps among the other two, his true name might exist.
Now, however, another person claiming to be Shi Qian appeared in the Shibin Wastes, stealing the water well meant for the small tents.
Such a person can never be compared to one who resolutely split from the Hero Class to form a new organization representing their own faction.
Robin Lo tremblingly picked up a can of beer.
Yang Zicang, lost in thought, glanced at this man, whose face was twisted in pain.
–I thought you had quit drinking.–
–Just a small sip.–
–We’ll be counting on you for the gathering later—don’t mess things up.–
–Aiya, aiya, as for the intel we have, we’ve pretty much analyzed what we could. The rest is up to my Moxel—no problems. As long as you two meet, I can snag his little tail and pin him down. Sōsō, sōsō… Hiss hiss~–
When he returned, the time had already passed zero hour by over ten minutes.
Yang Zicang didn’t have time for introductions; he grabbed Robin Lo and hurried out the door, speaking as they went:
–Just stay outside, and don’t break the Syn-Link with me.–
Robin Lo nodded. The hallway was still now. This building originally housed few guests anyway, with only the guard patrol passing by downstairs from time to time.
Yang Zicang reached the second floor, smoothed his attire, and strode toward Room 33.
Thud, thud-thud.
–Come in,– came a young man’s voice from inside.
A Moxel glow shimmered on Yang Zicang’s chest as he twisted the handle and gently pushed the door open.
The light inside the room seemed to be absorbed by some mysterious treasure; the room was still the same room, but the atmosphere it exuded felt as though it belonged to another dimension.
–This is the effect of the ‘Place of Stillness,’ though, of course, it only borrows the name; the real Place of Stillness isn’t like this.–
–What’s its effect?–
–It blocks out all distractions.–
Yang Zicang took a step forward, sensing that the Moxel before him felt as if it might cut off, but ultimately it managed to sustain itself with difficulty.
The man inside the room, who had his back to the door and was brewing tea, turned his head to look, slightly startled.
–So it didn’t break. Your mental fortitude is impressive; even an average Quad-Moxel would have severed by now.–
–It’s nothing much.–
Yang Zicang took another step forward, gently closing the door behind him. Instantly, the room felt utterly isolated from the outside world, an atmosphere that was truly soothing.
–Hmm, hmm-hmm-hmm~–
The man across hummed a little tune, carrying over the teacup of black tea and placing it on the edge of a round table aligned with a chair.
–Fermented black tea. The flavor is mellow and smooth. This amount won’t cause insomnia—though hardly a concern for someone like you, is it?–
He returned to the cabinet, took a sip of the remaining cup, then drew the curtains shut. He strolled over, pulled out a chair, sat down, and crossed his long, straight legs.
Yang Zicang, seeing his relaxed demeanor, pulled up a chair and sat down as well. He then took a letter from his bosom and placed it on the table.
–Well, that letter was left by Zorro,– the man said indifferently.
–What about you? I thought you were Zorro.–
–Even if he trusts people, he wouldn’t do something so, well, romantic in a world like this, right? That only exists in novels. Is there anything you want to ask?–
–Who are you? Why did you ask me to meet you?–
–I thought you’d ask about him directly. Oh, of course, to you they’re just dispensable characters. It’s normal whether you care or not.–
After saying this, the man picked up the teacup by its handle, showing no intention of introducing himself.
–Zorro intends to give Shi Qian one more enemy like me, doesn’t he?–
–No, Zorro doesn’t care about them at all.–
Them…
The prepared words stuck in Yang Zicang’s throat, all pouring back at once.
–Then why did you impersonate my assistant?–
–That’s not impersonation, in a sense.–
–If that’s not impersonation, then what the hell is?–
Yang Zicang and Robin Lo on the other side both felt their rhythm disrupted.
–Hmph. If you have no other questions besides this, our conversation tonight can end here.–
Yang Zicang let out a speechless sigh. After exhausting himself for an hour or two, he had barely gotten his feet wet—how could this just be over?
Thinking it over, the other party had hinted subtly from the start that they would only answer questions about Zorro.
So Yang Zicang adjusted his mindset, following the other’s lead to ask: –Alright, then who exactly is the phantom thief Zorro?–
–First, let me correct Mr. Yang’s wording—it’s the Knight Zorro, not the phantom thief. Whether in novels, films, or here, Zorro is no phantom thief. He has done nothing wrong.–
The man holding the teacup fixed a clear, unwavering gaze on the young man across from him, whose face carried a look of suspicion.
–Fine, suppose that’s the case. Then what was his purpose for attending the auction under the guise of my assistant?–
–To make you famous.–
Yang Zicang’s first thought went to his own mission.
–Fame?–
–No, it’s the fame as we understand it—letting people know you exist, letting the bigwigs here know that someone can produce high-quality water source engines. He wants to create more orders for you, to give more people access to clean water. That’s his entire original intention.–
–I…– Yang Zicang nearly choked, that single breath almost catching in his lungs.
–Fuck me!–
Someone had voiced the curse that was stuck in his throat.
What a considerate guy, thinking of others like that. How nice. Yang Zicang gritted his teeth and mentally cursed the meddlesome bastard. In the past afternoon, the Syn-Link requests he received had been as frequent as spam calls after leaving a bad review on an online purchase.
–So, when you said that in a certain sense, he wasn’t impersonating my assistant, that’s what you meant?–
–Mm-hmm. He’ll help you. The next target is the Chuo Works. He’s already on his way there. It’s a bit far, but he can get there within three days.–
He didn’t even know what the shithole place was, and that Zorro guy had already gone?
Gone to do what, schedule his work plan for him?!
–He’ll find a way to get them to come over and place an order.–
As if he knew what Yang Zicang was thinking, the man smiled and said, –Now you know. He’s not your enemy. He’s truly an assistant you don’t need to pay.–
–How many Chronos did he sell? If he’s not my enemy, then please have him give it back to me.–
–First of all, he’s not the one who stole your engine. If you want to recover your losses, you shouldn’t be looking for him.–
Robin Lo, connected through the spiritual link, felt a chill upon hearing this.
{Great, flawless logic, completely shirked responsibility.}
Yang Zicang tugged at the edges of his coat, tightening it around his body as he leaned casually against the back of the chair, letting out a breath.
–I think I’ve asked just about everything I need to. But I’m still curious—what is he to you?–
–You can ask him what I am to him, and I’ll take it as if you meant it that way. Mm, he’s my unpaid assistant; he serves me.–
–Good.– Yang Zicang propped one hand on the table, ready to rise and leave.
The man across from him set down his still-refined teacup, his gaze warm yet holding a sense of measured distance as he looked at him.
–Something else?–
–I’ve been having a bit of tough luck lately—Mercury in retrograde, you know. Rare to run into someone as fortunate as you; keep me company for a few more words.–
Yang Zicang was taken aback, realizing the man was probably referring to the unpaid assistant situation, and couldn’t help but feel a mix of exasperation and amusement.
–Are you someone sent by Hubville? You’ve got a mission, right?– the man asked.
–Sort of.–
–The mission is to find the place that enhances the Moxel lines, isn’t it? And you’re working tirelessly to boost your reputation for it.–
Suddenly, Yang Zicang felt as if the entire world—the sky, the earth, the buildings—every single thing—was watching him.
Snap, the Syn-Link tremblingly disconnected.
–You…–
–You’re going through a Mercury retrograde too, see how it’s turned out. Life is just so unpredictable.–
The man across from him smiled as he watched Yang Zicang.
–Still, maybe my luck is about to get better.–
He picked up the teacup jokingly, as if uncertain whether he was being serious.
Yang Zicang sat down gently, exuding a faint aura of danger.
However, the pressure of the world quickly suppressed his intent, as if protecting the person before him who had uncovered the hidden conspiracy.
Yang Zicang felt, in an obscure way, that some door would forever be locked to him.
On this land, certain preexisting entities harbored extreme wariness toward him, ensuring that from now on, he could never establish a direct connection with them here.
It was like a resident who knew that the guest entering his house was harboring ulterior motives, planning to take something that didn’t belong to him right under his nose—then the room where those items were stored would never be allowed within the guest’s reach.
–I don’t know what you’re talking about.–
Yang Zicang calmed down.
The opposite man chuckled, his expression seemingly telling him not to bother trying to deny it.
–It’s fine. Just as Zoro doesn’t care whether you regard him as your assistant, he considers himself your assistant regardless. That place will think the same way.–
Yang Zicang didn’t know what to say for a moment.
–There are many things too difficult to speak of? This place is like that—nothing to be done, you know.–
The man’s clean, fair fingers tapped lightly on the table.
–Spoken words, written words, and even tapped-out Morse code are all forms of information transmission—even Syn-Link. You damn journalists know everything.–
Yang Zicang fixed his gaze on the interrogated man, uttering each word with deliberate force.
–Or maybe it’s for the sake of fairness, or because the people there aren’t fools. Do you really think they can’t see through your schemes, or feel them? After all, we’re all people of Hubville—they’re not easy-to-trick single-celled organisms. I’m just telling you not to wait until the very end to realize you’ve been seen through all along, only to find it all futile.–
The man placed both hands on the table, bracing himself, and said:
–Think about it—it’s like a bunch of thieves disguised as security guards sneaking into a bank’s main office to do menial day-to-day work, just seeking a chance to steal the vault keys. But they’ve already been marked with a circle as suspicious characters during the pre-employment interview stage. Isn’t that a complete waste of energy?–
–Heh, that really is.–
A look of irritation flared across Yang Zicang’s face.
–But none of this was ever your concern in the first place. You’ve sabotaged our plan. Even if I don’t come after you, the controllers of Hubville will teach you the consequences of speaking so recklessly.–
–Whatever. It’s not like I scare easily.–
Yang Zicang stood up and posed his final question.
–So, do you know what’s going on with Shi Qian?–
–I have no idea. There are too many treacherous fellows like that in this land. All I know is, they always style themselves as Shi Qian, busy with nothing more than petty thievery and sneaky deeds.–
–Farewell.–
Yang Zicang flicked his collar, took a step, twisted the doorknob, and walked out.
The faint breeze and chirping of insects, the murmur of the air, even the vitality and human warmth recorded in the building, all washed over him anew, as if he had returned from another world.
Both the oppressive weight and the eerie stillness had dissipated.
He couldn’t help wondering what a true place of tranquility would look like. Could such a thing—or such a space—even exist?
Was there any place beyond the reach of all gazes?
–Holy crap! You damn bastard!–
Robin Lo ran over, jumped, and slapped a hand onto Yang Zicang’s head, hissing in a low, hoarse voice.
–Are you asking for a death wish?–
Yang Zicang, in a foul mood, shook off Robin Lo’s hand.
–You’re going after something big, man! Something huge! Bro, take me along!–
When Robin Lo heard that man mercilessly lay bare Yang Zicang’s ultimate purpose for coming here, his mind went completely blank.
He was actually planning to tamper with the Moxel’s form-cutting capability—and what’s more, dive straight into the raw production phase of that thing!
What difference was that from sneaking into a mint to steal the mold templates?
Yang Zicang let out a cold, angry laugh. –This can’t be spoken aloud. If we say it, this very space will know, and then our plan is ruined.–
–Huh?–
Robin Lo stood there dumbfounded in an instant.
–Wh-what, just like that, it’s gone?–
Then, Robin Lo’s skin flushed red-hot in an instant. Yang Zicang could viscerally feel the fury radiating from him.
At that moment, the guy was bursting with the urge to charge into the room down the hallway and beat the person inside senseless—from head to toe, from butt to chest—until they were crying for their parents, and even that wouldn’t quell his anger.
–So, what do we do now?– Robin Lo asked, turning his head.
Yang Zicang let out an impatient sigh.
–What a bastard.–
The two of them went back and reintroduced themselves to Zuo Feixian and Shiu Siuchuan. Then, Yang Zicang offered to send him back, but Robin Lo shook his head like a rattle-drum, refusing to leave.
–Fine then, hang around here for a while.–
Helplessly, Yang Zicang led him to his own room, tossed him a polyester fiber bedsheet, and made Robin Lo sleep on the floor.
Even though that thing wasn’t very breathable, Robin Lo was still quite satisfied.
–It’s been ages since I last slept in a real room. So comfy, even the floor feels comfortable. Ah, screw his ancestors.–
He was still fuming over the tenant of Room 33 below.
Yang Zicang lay on the bed, saying, –Alright, let’s get some rest. I still have to continue collecting the Lost Memories Moxel tomorrow.–
–Mm. Oh, right, should I keep gathering intel about this incident?–
–No need.–
–Alright then.– Robin Lo closed his eyes and soon began snoring loudly.
After tossing and turning for a long time, Yang Zicang suddenly sat up, glanced at the fat man on the floor, and helplessly summoned the train. He first sent back the Lost Memories Moxel collected today, letting the people left there stabilize terrain that was valuable and prone to easy destruction, like those rivers.
Midnight was dark yet the horizon remained vaguely visible. Having finished his work, Yang Zicang stood at the base of a snowy slope that was barely thirty or forty meters in circumference, its surface already partially thawed.
–The work shed is ready. Hmm, brother, will you take charge of it yourself?–
Looking at Qian Zhongsheng, Yang Zicang said, –You handle it. This is something everyone needs to participate in. As long as you’re willing, this place can become your permanent home from now on. I’ll be heading back to the Trade District soon.–
Meanwhile, in the darkness of the wilderness.
A dark red vintage Harley-Davidson motorcycle sped across a vast gravel-covered surface. The man, a bag dangling from his waist, leaned forward, letting the rushing current of air slide along his back and trail behind him.
A face mask was strapped horizontally across his face, leaving only his eyes visible.
A faint ray of light refracted into view.
Sensing the person opposite, the man in the car curled his lips and said, –You’ve already told him?–
{After this, I’ll be leaving. Trajectory indicated that a spot has been reserved for me, and there’s one for you too.}
The man who lived here under the name of Zorro fell silent, and after ten or so seconds, he spoke: –Sir Xuchen, good luck to you.–
{Thank you.}
At this moment, the two each decided the direction they would take in the future.
One chose to continue moving forward, while the other resolved to stay behind.
[I am a companion of justice, the tireless little red horse, feeling the joy of galloping!]
The nightmare motorcycle’s speed instantly surged faster, almost turning into a streak of dark red light within the gloom.
……
At noon the next day, when Yang Zicang came out of his room, the five people in the adjacent room were already gathered together comfortably, eating fruit and chatting.
–Apart from items like water, beverages, and tea, paper and ceramics have always been indispensable in daily life.–
–Some items can be made within individual Peng Zones themselves, without needing to import from Hubville, but anything slightly more complex won’t cut it—anything involving petrochemical materials must be replicated using a Shin Engine.–
Robin Lo found it quite novel: –Can all basic things be made in the Peng Zone?–
–The items produced by each Peng Zone settlement vary, depending on what materials the stable terrain nearby can provide.–
–Electrical appliances? Tch, I don’t think that’s possible.–
–Dry-cell batteries, though, might work—like flashlights or small bulbs. But those really need a blueprint to make. Hey, Bro A is awake.–
Yang Zicang walked in, picked a small apple from the cloth bag, and took a bite—it was crisp and delicious.
–Just now, Wuyou Penglord contacted me and asked me to come over. Have lunch on your own, and look after my friend here well.–
–Got it!–
Shiu Siuchuan and Zuo Feixian both stood tall, brimming with confidence.
The two were the ones with the most Chronos here and had already crowned themselves the group’s protectors.
Wuyou Penglord invited Yang Zicang to join his trade district— as always, without success.
At the luncheon, Penglord introduced several nearby large and medium-sized Peng Zone leaders, along with a few top-tier engine makers from the recent auction. Amid raised glasses and clinking cups, everyone got acquainted with one another.
Though Yang Zicang had crafted a high-quality water well, his brilliance paled in comparison to those who had produced clothing, locks, and life-production tools at the table. Only the ambitious leaders desiring a more luxurious lifestyle were keen on him—inviting him to join their settlements.
After being refused, they expressed willingness to exchange resources for the well engine. Yang Zicang did not decline this. By the end of the meal, orders had already reached as many as fifteen.
–I only feel sorry for those few over there. But then again, can they even get out anymore?–
The moment Yang Zicang thought of Lyu Bu’s methods, a sense of helplessness overwhelmed him.
The fact that he could still strike with Chronos beyond twenty meters was already considered rare and remarkable. Sending those heavily depleted headquarters personnel to deal with the nightmare satellites in the sky was about as difficult as sending –Ben Bo’er Ba– alone to capture and bring back Tang San—an equally absurd and hopeless task.
……
Within the solemn meeting hall, a low, rumbling murmur of debate echoed back and forth.
–We still haven’t come up with any countermeasures this time.–
–I think we should pool our wisdom and listen to more suggestions from our new comrades.–
On one side of the large oval table, that man exhaled a heavy breath and said: –Everyone, throw out a few ideas. Also, if any of you know of, or have heard about, any impressive newcomers, feel free to recommend them. Who knows? The key to breaking the threat of that ‘Fang Tian’ may very well lie with these newcomers.–
As the others spoke, Chen Yu, seated on a wooden chair by one side of the oval table, interlaced his fingers and placed them on his abdomen. Turning to a young man behind him, he said, –Li Mi, do you have any suggestions for dealing with that bastard?–
The soft-eyed young man nodded at Chen Yu: –I have one, but it’s difficult to put into words.–
Hearing this, Chen Yu perked up a little.
–What’s so difficult to say?–
This young man was a rising newcomer who had recently stood out during his contact with Yang Zicang.
He handled matters methodically, saving me a lot of trouble. The connection with Yang Zicang had now shifted from that initial lucky individual to being managed by him.
But this time, Li Mi just shook his head, refusing to utter another word.
Chen Yu found it a bit strange. Li Mi rarely refused tasks assigned to him, but now he had tossed out the hint that he had an idea and then stopped.
After a moment’s thought, Chen Yu said, –Come to my room later, and we’ll discuss it in detail.–
–Alright.–
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