Chapter Twenty-Five
Baozhu slumped back onto the bed and pushed the remaining talisman in front of Saixue.
The cat demon looked at the talisman with suspicion, poking at it with its front paws and asking, "What's this for?"
“See through the illusion.” Baozhu said succinctly.
Sai Xue listened and did the same, the talisman burning between her claws.
A moment later, Sai Xue suddenly jumped out of bed, arched her back, and her hair stood on end.
She instinctively let out a threatening growl from her throat.
Baozhu looked at her, and she turned to look at Baozhu as well.
"what to do?"
"We can only wait."
Li Zhi couldn't have obtained such powerful talismans on his own; they must have been made by a Celestial Master.
It's just unclear what exactly the Celestial Master needs Li Zhi to do.
After calming down, Baozhu slowly came up with an idea. She said softly to Saixue, "What do you think, how about we help him?"
Sai Xue, who had been jumping around on the bed anxiously, stopped upon hearing this, tilted her head and thought for a moment: "That's a good idea."
Since that's the case, then we should participate more actively in various activities in Gejiabao and actively explore the secrets of the fortress.
Baozhu picked up Saixue and sighed, "Why did I like lively places before?"
She looked at the door, and in the eye that could see the real thing, it was nothing more than something like chunks of flesh, piled up in layers with many gaps in between, and could hardly be called a "door".
The pile of dark red flesh seemed to have a life of its own; after blinking, Baozhu felt that they were different from the previous moment.
Nobody wants to touch such things, but they always have to go out.
Baozhu steeled herself and stepped forward, trying to push open the "door".
Once you see the truth, you can feel the truth.
The pearl felt a warm, smooth touch on her fingertips, like touching the smooth flesh of an animal after its skin has been peeled off.
She got goosebumps all over, quickly covered her hands with her clothes, and pushed hard.
The door opened, revealing a dark area that had been a narrow corridor.
She looked down and saw what appeared to be a monster that could devour light.
Sai Xue buried her head in Bao Zhu's arms in fear. The fox demon gritted her teeth, tore off a piece of her clothes, and tied it around her left eye.
In the world seen through the right eye, everything appears normal.
Baozhu turned around and knocked on Xiaoman's door. In the past, Xiaoman would always take her and Saixue running around. This seemed to be the first time she had taken the initiative to go to Xiaoman since she came to Gejiabao.
Therefore, even Xiaoman, who was reciting quotations, opened the door with a look of surprise.
"Baozhu, is there something you need?"
Faced with Xiaoman's enthusiasm, Baozhu said awkwardly, "No, I was just thinking that I haven't helped you since I came to Gejiabao, and I feel a little guilty, so I came to ask if there's anything I can help you with."
Xiaoman laughed and said, "It's easy to help. There are a few new mortals who have recently arrived. You can help them get used to their new environment. If they like it, you can take them to Yingnuo Hall tonight. They live on the street across the street, you know that, right?"
That's why Baozhu knocked on the door; of course, she was willing.
"By the way, what's wrong with your eyes?" Xiaoman pointed with concern to the strip of cloth covering Baozhu's eyes. "Are you feeling unwell? Should we go see Madam Ge?"
"No need, I'm a monster, I'll be fine in a little while."
As Baozhu spoke, she turned to go find Li Zhi and the others.
Before she knew it, Xiaoman called out to her again.
“Precious Pearl, Snow-like Beauty”.
The two little demons raised their heads together and looked at Xiaoman.
The burly bull demon scratched his head sheepishly and chuckled, "You don't dislike me, right?"
Baozhu stared wide-eyed and looked down to meet Saixue's gaze.
"Why should we hate you?" she asked, puzzled.
Xiaoman was completely fooled by Madam Ge, and Baozhu felt sorry for her.
"I look terrifying. Both monsters and mortals are afraid of me. Apart from my little sister, I have never had any friends."
Xiaoman forced a smile, her voice filled with desolation.
"I really want to help everyone and be friends with you, but I'm too stupid and I can't do it well. If I could receive the blessing of the Supreme Being and become a part of the Supreme Being, I think I would be able to gain everyone's love and help my friends forever."
“Xiaoman…” Baozhu felt upset after hearing what he said. “We don’t dislike you and we are willing to be your friend. You really don’t have to do this.”
“Baozhu Saixue, I have decided that the day after tomorrow at the latest will be my day of blessing, and I invite you to be my witnesses.”
Seemingly embarrassed by Baozhu's words, Xiaoman finished speaking shyly and immediately closed the door without waiting for their reply.
Baozhu wanted to say something more to him, but her outstretched hand stopped in mid-air.
She stood in front of Xiaoman's door for a long time, but never knocked again.
With a heavy heart, Baozhu carried Saixue downstairs and met the old man who lived on the second floor at the door.
The old man's face twitched as he greeted her, "Going out?"
"yes."
The two exchanged a few polite words and then went about their own business.
Baozhu took two steps, and as if possessed, tore off the cloth strip from her left eye and turned to look at the old man's back.
This place is pitch black, with only a few faint rays of light.
The old man, who appeared perfectly normal in the illusion, revealed his true self to Baozhu.
He was hunched over, and a huge tail grew out of his human body.
Like bees, or ants.
Gejiabao is a place where the sun never shines; he is more likely an ant.
The old man's tail was so heavy that it was almost beyond what a person could bear. The old man could only hunch his back and carry it with difficulty, and even so, part of it still dragged on the ground.
Its trembling tail dripped a clear, saliva-like substance along its path.
Then the clear saliva turned dark red.
Baozhu raised her head blankly, looked at her residence, and then turned to look at every house on the street.
They were arranged neatly, and each one was exactly the same size.
It is composed of a dark red, meat-like material.
This is a huge underground nest, built by the hard work of worker ants. It needs no mortals, nor any other monsters, only dedicated worker ants who give their all and sacrifice their lives to nourish it.
Baozhu covered her eyes again.
She took a few steps forward, her stomach churned, and she couldn't help but bend over and dry heave.
Sai Xue jumped down from her arms and paced anxiously on the ground. In the blink of an eye, she transformed into a tiny little girl as thin as a bean sprout.
The little girl, who only reached Baozhu's chest, supported her, gently patted her back, and comforted her, saying, "Don't be afraid."
Sai Xue was born with a deficiency and could not control her physical form.
Her eyes flickered between green and black, eventually settling on heterochromia.
Sai Xue frowned, and with a serious expression, tiptoed to pat Baozhu's head.
“Don’t be afraid, we’ll talk to Li Zhi properly, and we can both get out.” She paused, then emphasized, “Xiaoman won’t end up like that.”
Baozhu took a deep breath and smiled, saying, "It will definitely be so."
They walked across the street and found where Li Zhi and the others were staying. They knocked on the door and asked, "Are you there? Xiaoman asked me to come and see if you need any help."
A moment later, footsteps came from behind the door, and Li Zhi's voice rang out: "Perfect timing."
He opened the door and said to Baozhu with a smile, "One of my companions has an upset stomach and is feeling unwell. Does Miss know where there is a doctor in Gejiabao?"
In the illusion, Li Zhi's eyes flickered, as if there were a beautiful lake within them. He looked at Baozhu, saying completely unrelated things, yet Baozhu could still discern his thoughts from those eyes.
If I watch for a little while longer, I'll become completely absorbed in it.
Baozhu lowered her eyes and replied softly, "I'll take you to find Madam Ge."
"Yes," Li Zhi replied, his eyes still fixed on Baozhu's face.
In this moment when no one was around, his pretense crumbled.
"Why don't you bring the person over here?"
Sai Xue, whose height was less than the chests of the two, was completely ignored and spoke up in dissatisfaction.
Li Zhi seemed to only then notice her, touched his nose sheepishly, and turned to go into the room.
"That's really silly."
Sai Xue crossed her arms and gave her comments.
Baozhu had not responded to this sharp comment for a long time. When she looked up, she saw Baozhu staring straight at Li Zhi's back in the room.
"You're pretty silly too."
Sai Xue curled her lip in disdain.
The villagers in Gejiabao were used to going to Madam Ge whenever they needed something.
This old woman could handle everything from headaches and fevers to farming and rice planting; she was practically omnipotent.
Only occasionally would she leave Gejiabao for a few days, during which time Ying Ji would handle the affairs of the fortress.
Ying Ji was not as good-natured as Madam Ge. She would be turned away eight out of ten times she went to see her. Apart from distributing food to the villagers at every meal, she seemed to pay no attention to anything else.
Madam Ge also indulged her greatly. Although she was the mother-in-law, no one had ever seen Madam Ge put on airs with Ying Ji.
Li Zhi's companion is lucky today. Lady Ge is going to Yingnuo Hall to speak to the believers tonight and should be in the fortress at this time. Baozhu doesn't need to take him to find Ying Ji.
Li Zhi carried his unfortunate companion on his back and waited at the door of Madam Ge's house—the only single-story house with its own courtyard in Gejiabao.
Baozhu stepped forward and knocked on the door, saying softly, "Is Madam Ge here? One of my companions is feeling unwell and would like you to take a look at him."
They waited behind the door for a while, and then heard footsteps coming from the courtyard. The courtyard door creaked open, but the person who opened it was not Madam Ge.
The squinting man, wearing a cloak, stood casually in the doorway and asked, "What symptoms?"
Baozhu turned to look at Li Zhi.
“Abdominal pain, fever,” Li Zhi answered for his companion, who was already somewhat delirious.
"Oh." The squinting man looked like he knew everything. "It's nothing, just go back and get some sleep."
Baozhu glanced at the mortal body on Li Zhi's body, and she could feel his life force constantly draining away.
Can't I just go back and get some sleep?
She hesitated, then ultimately said nothing.
They were sent back without even seeing Madam Ge.
Just as the group was about to head back, they heard the squinty-eyed man speak again: "That scholar seems somewhat familiar. May I ask where you are from?"
Baozhu broke out in a cold sweat.
She suddenly remembered that Li Zhi was also present when she met the man in front of her that day.
Was Li Zhi seen?
Did this squinty-eyed man recognize Li Zhi?
Baozhu dared not turn around, afraid that her expression would betray her true feelings.
Li Zhi, on the contrary, was quite frank. He replied, "My hometown is Qiling County."
The squinting man gave an "oh," a hint of doubt flashing in his narrow eyes. However, he had been too busy lately, and he figured that a mere mortal couldn't cause any trouble.
He waved his hand casually and said, "Go back, this person will be fine after a good night's sleep."
Baozhu, holding the silent Saixue's hand, returned to her residence with Li Zhi.
At this point, Li Zhi's roommate had completely lost consciousness.
Baozhu stepped forward to examine him and hesitated before saying, "For some reason, he seems to have been poisoned. If there is no antidote soon, he may die tonight."
Li Zhi frowned slightly and remained silent for a long while.
The room fell silent for a moment.
Sai Xue looked up at everyone's faces, biting her finger and said, "What's wrong with him?"
"food."
Li Zhi spoke first.
"But we had all eaten it before."
Baozhu and Saixue looked at each other, but they didn't react at all.
"After you opened your third eye, you probably haven't gone to queue up for food yet, have you?"
"It wasn't in time."
"That's not food, it's Ying Ji's saliva. If you drink it, it will make you lose consciousness and become immersed in illusions."
Li Zhi spoke in a flat tone, uttering nauseating words.
Baozhu clutched her stomach as discomfort returned.
"Is it because a mortal's body is too weak to withstand it? Then how come you're alright?" Sai Xue grimaced in disgust, but still didn't forget to ask the question.
"I am not an ordinary mortal."
As for why he was not ordinary, Li Zhi did not explain. He glanced out the window and said with a solemn expression, "Do you know why I am here?"
"I guessed a little," Baozhu said.
"Then I'll get straight to the point."
“Their tentacles cannot reach every corner of the nest, so our conversation is relatively safe.” Li Zhi spoke quickly, “but time is running out. The Celestial Master is waiting outside the fortress. I need to set up formations in five locations within the fortress to break the deadlock from within.”
"How can we help you?" Baozhu asked.
“I have set up the formation in four directions these past few days, and now only one is missing.” Li Zhi looked into Baozhu’s eyes and gently pointed to the ground. “I need to go to the underground place in the very center of Gejiabao.”
"There."
Baozhu bit her lip in embarrassment.
"But the place you're talking about can only be entered by the most devout believers who have received the grace."
The very center of Gejiabao is not Yingnuo Hall, but the one used by the believers of Yingji's Blessing.
“You’ve only been here a short time, I’m afraid you won’t be able to go there,” Sai Xue said.
Upon hearing this, Li Zhi frowned even more deeply.
He sighed, "If only that one spot is missing, the magic array will be complete."
"Actually, there's another way," Baozhu said in a low voice, "but it might take a while, is that alright?"
"You mean?" Sai Xue looked at her excitedly.
“You can’t go, but Sai Xue and I can. Give me the things, and I’ll go set up the formation,” Baozhu said.
Li Zhi was taken aback.
To avoid attracting the attention of the people in the fortress, Baozhu could not stay in Li Zhi's room for too long. Therefore, without waiting for Li Zhi's permission, she left his residence with Sai Xue.
On their way back, they ran into the old man who had just returned from working outside the city.
"You're back," Sai Xue greeted him.
The old man ignored her, his eyes fixed, his steps faltering as he walked straight ahead.
Sai Xueqi said, "He's ignoring everyone."
Baozhu also found it strange; how could the old man have changed his temperament?
At this moment, the old man's back looked even more hunched, as if a heavy burden was pressing down on him.
Baozhu removed the cloth strip from her left eye to look.
Several thin lines guided the old man's limbs, propelling him forward.
Baozhu looked toward where the thread came from.
They had just been to that place; it was Madam Ge's little courtyard.
The old man's behavior was so strange that the villagers scattered around on the street all ignored him.
With happy smiles on their faces, they brushed past their former companions, none of them wanting to lend him a helping hand.
Baozhu stood there stunned for a moment.
She unconsciously took a step and followed.
Along the way, Baozhu saw several villagers who behaved strangely like the old man. They had thin threads on their limbs, and some were mortals and some were monsters, some were men and some were women. They all had long, heavy tails that did not match their bodies.
However, they all looked very old, and some of them no longer secreted mucus from their tails.
They are too old to be of any use anymore.
This is a group of abandoned worker ants.
Sai Xue became frightened and turned back into a white cat, snuggling into Bao Zhu's arms.
The worker ants trembled as they walked toward Mrs. Ge's courtyard, lined up outside the gate, and waited for something.
In reality, this small courtyard is a huge, round ball of flesh that trembles from time to time, covered with a lot of semi-solidified liquid.
Dark red, like someone's flesh and blood.
Baozhu quietly hid in the shadows of a nearby nest, where even the few rays of light couldn't penetrate, and she almost blended into the darkness.
She saw in the distance that the squinty-eyed man was helping the heavily pregnant Ying Ji walk over.
The abandoned worker ants, controlled by thin threads, knelt down before Ying Ji.
Ying Ji walked past them without glancing to the side, and pushed open the door to enter Madam Ge's courtyard.
The old man downstairs from Baozhu Tower was the first to step into this ball of flesh.
A dark red light flickered inside for a moment, then calm returned.
Then came the second worker ant.
When he went inside, the light was dimmer than the old man's.
Then came the third, the fourth...
The worker ants standing in front of the fleshy ball lined up and went inside. Baozhu watched intently, but didn't see anyone come out.
Her eyes stung from looking at it.
After a while, the squinty-eyed man helped Ying Ji out from inside.
Ying Ji walked with an odd posture, her belly seemingly larger than before she went in, swaying like a water balloon with each step.
She walked very slowly, but the squinty-eyed man supporting her was very patient.
Even the formulaic smile on his face seemed genuine, and his tiny, narrow eyes were fixed on Ying Ji's abnormally large belly, filled with sweetness.
Ying Ji did not respond to the squinty-eyed man's tenderness.
She let out a burp, licked her lips with lingering satisfaction, and sighed, "Too old."
"There are many people here this time, so you can enjoy your meal sooner."
Ying Ji giggled.
She gently stroked her belly, and the two walked further and further away.
Baozhu hugged Saixue tightly, staring at Yingji's back.
Her true eyes couldn't discern the squinting man's true form.
But Baozhu saw Yingji's.
Ying Ji had a long, bloated belly, which was bulging and almost transparent, filled with countless smooth eggs.
Just like the eternal bliss bestowed upon believers by the Supreme Being.
Ying Ji is the queen ant, and the worker ants in the nest are all her subjects, born because of her and dying for her.
She is the master of life and death in this underground lair.
She possesses boundless power bestowed upon her by her people.
"So that's how it is," Baozhu murmured.
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com