Chapter 126: Never See Him Again
The next day…
On the platform, the Daoist continued his lecture on the Dao Scripture, the content identical to yesterday’s.
Qingying felt that no matter how many times she listened, she wouldn’t be able to understand the abstract and profound concepts.
She sat beside Chen Yin, mostly lost in thought, occasionally glancing at her brother to see if he had made any progress.
Chen Yin, like yesterday, sat quietly, saying nothing.
“The Dao is infinite. Today’s lecture is over. Have any of you gained any insights?”
Following the Daoist’s gentle voice, several people stepped forward, offering their interpretations. Some spoke eloquently, while others carefully chose their words, their faces reflecting deep contemplation.
This time, Qingchen also went forward.
But judging from the disappointed expression on his face, he still hadn’t found the correct answer.
After a round of questioning, the crowd dispersed.
“How many times do we have to watch this repeat?” Qingying couldn’t help but ask.
Chen Yin shook his head.
“It won’t be long.”
At least, that’s what he had thought initially.
He had thought that if he couldn’t comprehend the Dao, he would be trapped here forever, listening to the same lecture day after day, year after year.
But he hadn’t expected everything to crumble so quickly.
It was like an avalanche. At first, there was only a faint rumble.
But once it started, the collapse was swift and devastating.
Back at their dwellings, Qingchen still bowed respectfully to the empty air. “Greetings, newcomer. Today, my understanding is…”
Qingying listened silently, watching him return to his house after sharing his insights.
Another day had ended.
…
Seven days passed.
The same scene played out seven times.
Waking up, eating, listening to the Daoist’s lecture, failing to answer, returning home to rest.
During these seven days, Qingying had become somewhat familiar with the five hundred or so cultivators trapped here.
Every evening, she and Chen Yin would stroll around, observing the lives of these illusory figures.
Some were reclusive, unwilling to interact with those who came after them, even though they knew their actions were being recorded.
But most, after accepting their fate, would leave behind some words or advice. Because this place was simply too boring.
Everyone else was an illusion. There were no other living beings. Besides talking to yourself to maintain a semblance of sanity, all you could do was cultivate in this desolate and isolated world.
Loneliness was truly the most terrifying thing.
Among the illusions, there were also those who had entered together, like the Daoist couple.
They were kind, warm, and always talked about their child.
“Our little one is so adorable! In a few years, they’ll definitely be a prodigy!”
The male cultivator, Huang Manlou, embraced his wife, Yu Manli, and said with a smile, “Newcomer, maybe in your time, Huang Qingqing has already become an immortal!”
Qingying blinked, looking at their happy faces.
“They have such a loving relationship.”
Chen Yin didn’t answer.
A few houses away from the couple lived a fourteen-year-old girl named Xu Xiu. Although exceptionally talented, she was incredibly shy and soft-spoken.
“Newcomer, did you also walk through that darkness to get here?”
Xu Xiu smiled, her eyes crinkling into crescent moons. “You’re amazing for making it this far~”
Qingying couldn’t help but feel a sense of warmth towards this slightly chubby girl.
“How did such a young girl endure that terrifying darkness?”
Chen Yin still didn’t answer.
And then there was Qingchen. His life here was incredibly regular. He woke up at sunrise and slept at sunset, leaving his insights and reflections at his doorstep every day.
“Greetings, newcomer. These are my insights from today…”
At first, Qingying would always feel a pang of sadness whenever she saw her brother.
But over the past seven days, she had gradually calmed down.
She realized that her brother was actually doing quite well here.
No more killing and scheming as a member of the secret division, no more life-or-death battles.
He could finally focus on what he loved most—comprehending the Dao.
Seeing his happy expression as he listened to the Daoist’s lectures every day brought her a sense of peace.
In the evening, after watching A’Chen return to his house, Qingying leaned against a tree by her door, her arms crossed.
“If… A’Chen is truly trapped here, maybe it’s a blessing in disguise.”
She whispered, “Thank you. I’m content.”
Chen Yin glanced at her, a hint of sadness in his eyes.
His gaze made Qingying uneasy.
“Wh-what’s wrong?”
“…You haven’t seen everything yet.”
He looked away. “If he was simply trapped here like this, perhaps it would indeed be a blessing.”
Access to the profound Dao Scripture, absolute peace and quiet, and an endless supply of spiritual energy for cultivation.
This was a paradise for any cultivator.
Qingying frowned. “What do you mean?”
“It’s almost time.”
Chen Yin turned to leave. “You’ll understand tomorrow.”
Seeing his reluctance to explain, Qingying called out, “Wait!”
“There’s something I’ve been wanting to ask you.”
She looked at him intently. “You said A’Chen was the five hundred and sixty-ninth person, and we’re the five hundred and seventieth and five hundred and seventy-first.”
“But you said you’ve been here before. What do you mean? Shouldn’t there be one person missing?”
Chen Yin stopped.
After a long silence, he turned to her and said softly, “No one’s missing. Just consider it a lie.”
Then he entered his house.
Qingying frowned deeply.
“…System, what is Chen Yin hiding from us?”
“Why do you care so much?”
The System grumbled. “Powerful people always have secrets. Why do you have to pry?”
“Don’t anger him, or he might abandon you here. Then let’s see who will save you.”
“You useless System, always siding with him.” Qingying said angrily.
“Hey, I’m just a small System, barely even a blip on the radar.”
The System said nonchalantly, “Years of experience have taught me that the key to survival in this world is to cling to a powerful thigh.”
“And you, you have a perfectly good thigh right in front of you, but you insist on antagonizing him and giving him the cold shoulder. Sigh.”
It sighed dramatically, like a nagging mother. “You’re so troublesome.”
…Useless. Qingying pouted.
What thigh? That lecherous and vulgar man? What’s so good about him?
After A’Chen’s matter is resolved, she’ll stay far away from that bastard. She never wanted to see him again!
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