Hearing the voice in front of him already trembling with sobs, Cheng Shi felt a deep sense of sorrow.

Nangong is too kind-hearted. In order to repay his debt of gratitude, he even wanted to let go of himself, the one who "intruded" into the fire-bringer's life.

This is irrational, but it's very Nangong.

Looking at the hand that was gripping his wrist, now covered with rows of scarlet, hideous scars, Cheng Shi sighed.

She was indeed one of the vessels the Firebringers sought to adapt to the [Rotten] container.

It seems the deification plan is going very smoothly.

Even if things go smoothly, it can't be smoother than Qin Xin, who inherited everything from the war.

Cheng Shi couldn't bear to deceive this innocent young girl any longer, so he gently removed his hood and looked at her...

He frowned and asked in confusion:

"Nangong, what's wrong?"

I saw Cheng Shi. Where is he?

Why do you look at me like that? Don't you recognize me? It's me, Choi Qiu-shi. My father once tried to bear the burden of the "decaying" vessel alongside you...

"Hey? Nangong? Blink! Are you hallucinating?"

Nangong was stunned.

She couldn't understand how the figure etched in her mind, one she would never mistake, could transform into the torchbearer, Choi Qiu-shi, the moment he took off his hat.

Of course she knew Cui Qiushi, and she was certain that the person in front of her was Cui Qiushi, because no one except the real Cui Qiushi knew so many secrets about the transmission of the fire!

Nangong was stunned. For a moment, she didn't know how to explain. Like a startled rabbit, she let go of his hand, took two steps back, and stammered in a flustered and helpless manner:

"I...I'm sorry, I mistook you for someone else. No, I didn't mistake you for someone else..."

I was just... haha, just kidding, not funny, huh?

"That's all for now, I'll be going. Um, please take good care of Old Cui, he's had a tough time."

With that, Nangong ran outside without looking back.

Just as she was about to run out of the shadows, a figure suddenly blocked Nangong's path, looking into the depths of the shadows with some confusion, and asked with concern:

"Nangong, what's wrong? Why are you running in such a hurry?"

"!!??"

Nangong was shocked and looked up at Cui Qiushi in front of him in disbelief, his pupils dilating as if they had experienced an unimaginable earthquake.

"You...you..."

Cui Qiushi was completely bewildered: "What about me?"

"!!!"

Nangong suddenly turned around to look behind him, but there was no trace of the person from before in the shadows.

Cui Qiushi was no "new recruit." Nangong's unusual behavior immediately alerted him to the danger lurking in the shadows. His face darkened, and he immediately drew his sword and shield, ready to investigate. But Nangong grabbed him, shaking his head with a mixture of panic and forced composure, gritting his teeth as he said:

Don't go.

Cui Qiushi's gaze sharpened. He slightly pulled away from the other person's hand and stared intently at the shadow, asking, "Who's there?"

Nangong remained silent for a long time, his expression complex:

"Our own people."

"?" Cui Qiushi didn't believe it. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure." Nangong took a deep breath, his face filled with struggle.

Cui Qiushi frowned, glanced at the shadows, then at Nangong in front of him. Suddenly, he softened his demeanor, smiled, and patted Nangong on the shoulder, saying:

"That's good. You look a bit weak. It's probably because the container's corrosive effect was too severe. You should take some time to nourish your body."

As he spoke, he genuinely stopped doubting what was happening and strolled away.

Watching the other person's departing figure, Nangong's heart tightened again. She blurted out, "Call me back," and subconsciously asked, "..."

"You...believe me?"

Cui Qiushi was taken aback for a moment, then turned his head and smiled:

"Of course, I believe in all my fellow torchbearers."

Even if they have unspeakable difficulties, they must be protecting their own shared happiness.

...

Meanwhile, deep within the Fire Transmission Hall.

The upside-down candle flame figure listened to the conversation between the two people on the other side, its expression incredibly fascinating.

How could you bear to lie to them?

A snickering sound came from the darkness.

"It is better not to lie when you can, just as it is better not to fight when you should."

Now that I've finished deceiving you, it's your turn, the Firelinkers, to fight for yourselves.

...