As these words were spoken, the conference room fell into a deathly silence.
Everyone's expressions were grave, the atmosphere solemn.
The fact that the parallel world was making deals with the foreign black market industry chain was already deeply concerning to them. Who could have imagined that Tong Yang would now proactively suggest making a deal with the parallel world?
Ye Huai asked, "Miss Tong, what is the reason?"
Tong Yang's gaze swept over the group as she relayed her daytime conversation with Meng Xiao.
After hearing it, everyone remained silent for a long time, not making an immediate decision.
"Tong Yang, while I understand your thinking—to stop the parallel world's deal with the Meng family and prevent bigger problems down the line—do you think the Meng Xiao from the parallel world you mentioned is trustworthy?"
"Letting her sister stay in our reality to live is, for us, no less than a threat. Moreover, we don't know if she's deliberately saying these things to lure you into the parallel world, or intentionally sowing discord to make the Meng family and those on the industry chain resent you and our country."
Chu Shiyu nodded. "Even if what Meng Xiao says is true, once the Meng family knows you're the one who sabotaged the deal, affecting the cooperation on the industry chain, your situation will become extremely dangerous."
Tong Yang said, "I've considered that point too. But if we allow them to complete their cooperation, the connection between the foreign entities and the parallel world will spiral completely out of control. By then, even if our country could manage to remain unaffected by the parallel world, the global landscape would have already changed. How long could we hold out?"
Unlike the parallel world, their world's landscape was still one of rivalry and mutual checks and balances. Resources weren't monopolized by the upper echelons of society, creating that strange phenomenon of 'great unification'. Once the balance of their world was disrupted, the scales would inevitably tip in favor of the side cooperating with the parallel world. If they didn't want to be completely swallowed, they would have no choice but to passively accept the terms proposed by the parallel world and cooperate with them.
At that point, with the parallel world holding the lifeline of the real world, everything would be destroyed.
Resources would continuously dwindle. One day, the real world would become just like the parallel world, and then they would seek out the next target to invade, continuing this vicious cycle.
After hearing Tong Yang's words, the others also envisioned this chain of events.
"If the parallel world and the Meng family complete their transaction, the outcome will definitely not be what any of you want."
After a moment of silence, Ye Huai asked, "Do you have a solution?"
Tong Yang shook her head. "I don't have a foolproof plan at the moment. That's why I've gathered all of you here."
Ye Huai nodded in understanding. "Cooperating with Meng Xiao from the parallel world carries certain risks, but the result would be more beneficial than harmful for you."
"To stop the parallel world's deal with the Meng family without incurring their hatred and pushing them closer to the parallel world, there is actually a surefire method."
Tong Yang gave him a deep look and picked up the thread. "We take the initiative to cooperate with the Meng family and find suitable bone marrow for them."
Ye Huai said, "Even if suitable bone marrow is found for a transplant, there's still a chance of rejection. The reason the Meng family wants to cooperate with the parallel world, having the Meng Xiaos from both worlds perform the transplant surgery, is likely to completely avoid rejection."
"Therefore, if you want to cooperate with the Meng family, you either need to obtain the gene therapy to cure her illness, or, like the parallel world, transplant the bone marrow from the parallel world's Meng Xiao."
Tong Yang pondered for a moment before speaking. "The parallel world plans to use inferior gene therapy to cure Meng Ting's illness, then gift the healthy bone marrow to the Meng family. But the side effects of the inferior gene therapy are severe. Meng Ting's lifespan would be shortened to just one month."
Ye Huai asked, "Miss Tong, in your judgment, is cooperating with Meng Xiao necessary?"
Tong Yang shook her head. "No."
"Then figure out a way to obtain the premium gene therapy and give it to the Meng family unconditionally."
Tong Yang said, "Although cooperating with Meng Xiao isn't strictly necessary, our understanding of the parallel world is far too limited. If we can win her over to gather intelligence on the parallel world for us, it would be very useful in the future."
Tong Yang looked up at everyone. "Actually, I have a very risky plan that could both win over Meng Xiao and allow us to cooperate with the Meng family."
"What is it?"
"Go on, tell us."
Tong Yang explained, "The parallel world intends to use inferior gene therapy on Meng Ting, sacrificing her for the deal with the Meng family. Meng Xiao wants me to help her put on an act to save Meng Ting and stop their transaction."
"The side effects of the inferior gene therapy will kill Meng Ting. What if... I manage to get the premium gene therapy, use it to cure Meng Ting, then cooperate with Meng Xiao's act to bring Meng Ting to our reality, and have her donate her bone marrow to the Meng family? This way, Meng Ting doesn't die, we achieve cooperation with the Meng family, we keep Meng Ting under surveillance in the real world, and Meng Xiao works for us in the parallel world, with her loved ones as leverage. Three birds with one stone."
Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned.
"Tong Yang, have you gone mad?"
"Didn't Meng Xiao say the premium gene therapy is extremely rare even in the parallel world?"
"Your plan may be perfect in theory, but it's too difficult. I don't recommend this approach."
"Your thinking is too bold, and the risks are enormous. If Meng Xiao is deliberately luring you into the parallel world, or if the plan is exposed, you will be dead for sure!"
Xu Junyue, however, clapped her hands and exclaimed, "Incredible, Tong Yang! I love this idea!"
She immediately received a chorus of disdainful looks.
Tong Yang said solemnly, "I know the risks are huge, but the final outcome is worth the gamble."
"Of course, our cooperation with the Meng family wouldn't be unconditional. Their international influence is significant. They would need to assist us in thoroughly investigating traces of the parallel world within the black market industry chain. We could also use their connections to engage with foreign powers and jointly develop plans to resist the parallel world, so we aren't isolated and without support later on."
Tong Yang's thought process was like solving a complex problem, seeking a near-perfect solution.
Dr. Luo exchanged glances with the others and asked, "Tong Yang, what are the odds of success?"
"Not more than thirty percent."
Regarding the specifics of the parallel world's situation and how to obtain the gene therapy, Tong Yang had no certainty at all.
"But, I have a ninety percent chance of surviving," Tong Yang added.
Everyone's focus shifted to her, each person's expression extremely grave.
"If there's a ninety percent chance of survival, it's worth a try," Ye Huai said.
Chu Shiyu also said, "As long as you can survive, trying is better than doing nothing."
"I give it my full support, hands and feet!" Xu Junyue's eyes sparkled with excitement, clearly already eager to proceed.
She and Chu Shiyu knew Tong Yang's secret about the time loops, which made them deeply believe in Tong Yang's claim of a ninety percent survival rate.
"I agree too," Tang Shuyan chimed in.
Police Officer Lin worried, "It's too dangerous."
Director Zhao, who had remained silent until now, suddenly spoke. "Tong Yang, aren't you afraid?"
Tong Yang said, "What are you referring to?"
"You've repeatedly come into contact with parallel worlds. You should understand better than any of us that parallel worlds are extremely dangerous. Even if you're confident you can survive, can you guarantee you'll be able to handle the potentially dangerous situations you might face?"
Then, he looked at Chu Shiyu and the others, "You all too. The oldest among you is only nineteen. Can you bear it?"
Tong Yang said, "I can accept it. Even without your help, I would choose to do this myself."
"Then why did you gather them here?"
Tong Yang said, "Because I want to eliminate any worries holding me back."
"What do you mean?"
"During and after I complete this task, I want you—meaning the state—to promise to ensure the safety of my younger brother and the family he's staying with."
Chu Shiyu nodded and said, "I'm the same as Tong Yang. As long as my family's safety is guaranteed and I have no worries holding me back, I can focus on completing this task."
Xu Junyue said, "Me too. Although, our Old Xu is a police officer; he can protect himself."
Ye Huai kept his eyes downcast, "I feel the same."
Tang Shuyan's eyes swept over them and he said, "I'm fine either way. Respect the fate of others. If someone's destined to die, just let them."
Director Zhao narrowed his eyes and asked, "You're willing to accompany Tong Yang into the parallel world?"
"Yes."
"Of course I'm willing! I've been through life and death with Tong Yang!"
"Mhm, I'll cooperate with her."
"I'm fine with it, and I'm quite curious about parallel worlds."
Police Officer Lin's brows were tightly furrowed, clearly disapproving of their plan. "Is there no other way?"
Ye Huai said, "Miss Tong's proposal is the only method that can perfectly resolve the dilemma while also allowing you to gain benefits."
Dr. Luo sighed, "I admit, Tong Yang's method is very useful for us. But you are, after all, a group of kids. If something were to happen to you..."
Director Zhao interrupted her, "The Meng Xiao from the parallel world specifically asked Tong Yang to do this; there must be a reason. Tong Yang, you must have some idea yourself, right?"
Tong Yang hadn't told them that she was a temporal anchor point, a restriction on the parallel world's invasion of the real world.
Director Zhao saying this probably meant he had guessed Tong Yang was keeping a secret from them.
"That's right, I can confirm Meng Xiao won't betray us."
Director Zhao had no intention of prying into the secret. He nodded and said, "Do you need any help? Feel free to ask."
Police Officer Lin said, "Then I'll go in with you."
Tong Yang glanced at her and shook her head, "No need. Police Officer Lin, I want you to take people to negotiate with the Meng family. Stabilize them first, to prevent the parallel world from completing the transaction for the superior gene therapy with the Meng family using it as leverage before we finish our plan."
"But..."
Director Zhao said, "Listen to her."
Tong Yang continued, "If we enter the parallel world proactively, they won't recognize us. So, before we find the superior gene therapy, we cannot attract widespread attention. The number of people going with me shouldn't be too large; it's best if they have some understanding of parallel worlds."
Moreover, this trip would most likely involve time loops, so the fewer people entering the parallel world, the better.
"I can go," Chu Shiyu said.
"Anyway, I definitely have to go."
Tang Shuyan said, "I'll go too."
Ye Huai naturally didn't need to be asked; as the one guiding them in and out of the parallel world, he had to participate.
Tong Yang looked at them. Chu Shiyu and the other going with her was fine. As for Tang Shuyan...
Although she didn't know him well, having him along meant someone could look after Ye Huai in critical moments.
Tong Yang said, "The number is sufficient. I'd like some micro firearms, just in case."
"Do you know how to use firearms?"
"We can practice, can't we?"
Director Zhao asked, "So, when do you plan to enter the parallel world?"
Tong Yang said, "The transaction between the parallel world and the Meng family is on September 5th. There are still three days. Today, everyone should make preparations in advance. We'll enter tomorrow night."
"However, Police Officer Lin, you need to persuade the Meng family as soon as possible and find a way to get them to agree to cooperate."
Police Officer Lin's expression was solemn, "I understand. You all... must be careful."
"Although I'm ninety percent sure I'll come back alive, the probability of completing the mission is very small. So, during this time, it's best if you can come up with another solution."
Dr. Luo nodded, "I understand."
At this point, Tong Yang looked at Chu Shiyu and the others again and said, "You need to think it through clearly. Your chances of survival will definitely be lower than mine. Especially you, Ye Huai. Your survival probability is probably less than fifty percent."
Ye Huai's expression was calm, "I know."
Chu Shiyu and Xu Junyue had no objections; they were already prepared for death.
Tang Shuyan didn't seem particularly concerned about life or death. He shrugged, "I don't mind."
Police Officer Lin looked at the young people and said, "Tong Yang, you're all too young. Are you sure you don't need help from professionals?"
Tong Yang said, "No need. Our goal is to obtain the superior gene therapy and avoid direct conflict with them as much as possible. Having some understanding of the parallel world is better."
After all, the parallel world was unusual. People who didn't understand it might cause chaos if they encountered unexpected situations. If they were truly short-handed, they could always leave midway to seek help.
"Then let's settle it like this for now. We'll contact again tomorrow."
As for Meng Xiao, Tong Yang believed she definitely wouldn't refuse the proposal.
After leaving the Public Security Bureau, Xu Junyue, using the excuse that she wouldn't be able to go out again if she went home, took them all to stay at a hotel.
Early the next morning, Tong Yang arrived at the café before nine.
Meng Xiao was sitting in a corner of the café, looking up from time to time. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Tong Yang walk in.
"Have you made up your mind?" Meng Xiao asked with a hint of urgency.
"Yes, I've made up my mind."
Tong Yang told her the plan discussed the previous night in its entirety, including using the superior gene therapy to cure Meng Ting's illness, and then having her donate bone marrow to cure the real world's Meng Ting.
Meng Xiao agreed almost without hesitation.
"Before entering the parallel world to act out the charade with you, I will first ask Meng Ting if she shares the same intention. If she is unwilling to donate bone marrow, I will bring the superior gene therapy back and give it directly to the Meng family. If she changes her mind after using the gene therapy, I will force her to donate."
Meng Xiao said, "I won't go back on what I promised you."
"I know you won't."
"Why?"
"If you regret it, your initiative in contacting me and sabotaging the cooperation between the parallel world and the Meng family would be exposed. At that point, neither world would have a place for you. What would be the point?"
Meng Xiao smiled faintly, "So, if any of us reneges, the boat capsizes, and everyone drowns."
Tong Yang didn't confirm or deny it, "As long as you understand."
"Pleasant cooperation?"
"Pleasant cooperation."
"Also, I'm a bit curious, what method do you guys actually use to traverse space?" Tong Yang asked.
Meng Xiao shook her head, "Can't say. Would die."
Tong Yang raised an eyebrow in surprise, "Is that so."
"Yes."
Tong Yang didn't press further, knowing she wouldn't dig out their method of traversing space so easily, and said, "Tonight we will enter the parallel world. You are responsible for ensuring we don't encounter danger after entering and for helping us conceal our identities. If there's any important information, you can tell me now."
"Understood." Meng Xiao nodded in agreement. "Important information... if you're referring to information about the gene serum, I don't know much more than you do."
Hearing this, Tong Yang didn't ask more. The specific situation would only become clear after entering the parallel world.
She just hoped Police Officer Lin could reach an agreement with the Meng family as soon as possible, buying them more time. With only two days, they might not be able to successfully complete the plan.
After agreeing on the location for the spatial traversal with Meng Xiao, the two parted ways.
Tong Yang and Chu Shiyu returned to the Shuangbai District Public Security Bureau to familiarize themselves with the use of small firearms. Tang Shuyan joined them as well.
Ye Huai stayed at home to conserve his energy and prepare some useful medicines, though Tong Yang planned to try and place him in a safe location as much as possible.
As evening approached, Tong Le called her as usual.
"Sis, I'm out of school. Where are you?" Tong Le's childish voice came through the receiver.
"I'm out," Tong Yang replied.
After entering the parallel world, she didn't know when they'd be able to come out. Tong Le called almost every day to confirm she was safe, so she had to find a way to fob him off.
"Tong Le, tomorrow Shiyu-jie and I are going to a place where there might be little to no signal. We might not be able to answer your calls, so don't call us. I'll contact you as soon as we're back."
Tong Le asked, puzzled, "Sis, where are you going? Why would there be no signal?"
"Wasn't there no signal at Dongyang Residential Area at night too? It's just a relatively remote place."
"Will it be dangerous?" Tong Le's tone grew somewhat tense.
"No."
"Don't call me, okay?"
Tong Le mumbled unhappily, "No, I want to call you. What if there is signal? Anyway, if it can't connect, it means no signal. If the call goes through and you never answer, then I'll know you're definitely in danger, and I'll ask the police officers to help you."
Tong Yang looked exasperated and said, "Fine, then. If it connects, I'll answer."
Signal coverage was a tricky thing. Previously, in the interstitial space between the old city district and Xili Mall, the phone signal hadn't been completely cut off.
After hanging up, the time grew closer to midnight. Ye Huai, dressed in clothes suitable for action and carrying a black men's messenger bag, arrived at the police station.
After a day of recuperation, he looked much better than yesterday. The messenger bag was probably filled with the emergency medicines he'd prepared for himself. After all, he had to hold on until the end to guide Tong Yang and the others back to the real world.
"Sorry, we're not sure when we'll be back. Are you okay with that?" Tong Yang asked.
Ye Huai said, "My physical condition is quite good now. I can hold on."
"That's good."
"What's that?"
Ye Huai looked at the pendant swaying on her phone and asked.
Tong Yang picked up her phone and shook it. "A pendant my brother gave me. Why?"
Ye Huai pursed his lips and shook his head. "It's nothing."
"Is everyone here? Then let's set off." Police Officer Wan called out.
The safe location agreed upon with Meng Xiao was in a mall near Banyue Manor. The police had already made arrangements, turning off the mall's surveillance cameras in advance and ensuring there were no unauthorized people in the mall to avoid getting dragged into the parallel world.
After seeing them into the mall, Police Officer Wan cautioned, "You must be extremely careful. If you need help, at least have one person come back and tell me. I'll go in to help you immediately."
Xu Junyue curled her lip. "Got it. Don't be such a mother hen. We've all been through storms and waves."
Tong Yang asked, "Any results from Police Officer Lin's side?"
Police Officer Wan replied, "I heard he's already met with the chairman of the Meng family. They're still in specific discussions, but don't worry, it shouldn't be a big problem."
"That's good. Try to buy as much time as possible."
"Okay. Be careful, and definitely don't engage in direct conflict with them. Protect yourselves at all costs."
Tang Shuyan said lazily, "Relax. As the only older brother here, I'll definitely protect them."
"The time is almost up, Police Officer Wan. You all should leave now."
"Alright then. You must protect yourselves, understand?"
"We know."
After Police Officer Wan and the others left the mall, only the five of them remained in the vast space.
The mall lights were off, with only the safety exit signs emitting an eerie green glow. Carrying backpacks filled with things they might need, they stood side by side in the center of the hall, like students planning a trip together.
"Tong Yang, what if we can't complete the mission?"
Tong Yang said, "Then we bring Meng Ting back first, to disrupt their plans."
Chu Shiyu said, "Maybe during this time, Dr. Luo and Police Officer Lin can think of other solutions."
"Tsk... This is my first time coming to a place like this in the middle of the night. It's creepy and kinda thrilling."
Tong Yang hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Tang Shuyan, why did you become an external member of Bureau 749?"
Tang Shuyan let out a cheeky laugh. "All thanks to my dad throwing money at it."
"Oh ho? Can't tell you're quite the rich kid. I thought you were just an ordinary charlatan."
Ye Huai listened to their banter, not saying much.
What kind of normal person has the mood to tease each other at a time like this?
"Alright." Tong Yang cut off their chatter. "Anyway, be careful in all things. I'm not clear on what we'll encounter next."
"By actively entering the parallel world, they won't be bound by the rules. According to the situation in the parallel world, even if our identities aren't exposed, there's still a chance we could be killed."
Tong Yang paused for a few seconds, feeling it necessary to tell them one thing.
"If you encounter a dangerous situation that can't be avoided, try to gather as many clues as possible, and then... die at the hands of someone from the parallel world." Tong Yang lowered her voice.
Chu Shiyu and Xu Junyue understood the meaning behind her words and nodded silently.
Tang Shuyan, however, asked curiously, "If we're going to die anyway, why must we gather clues and specifically die at the hands of someone from the parallel world?"
Tong Yang said, "Because as long as you die at the hands of someone from the parallel world, I can save you."
"What? You can bring us back to life? Really?"
"I understand," Ye Huai responded.
Tong Yang didn't explain further, adding, "Ye Huai, if you have a heart attack, I can't save you."
Xu Junyue said, "Then wouldn't it be fine to just have someone from the parallel world kill him before the illness causes death?"
"Mm, that's right."
"In that case, let's begin."
Having had the experience from the previous few times, Ye Huai already had the steps of the "Elevator Game" memorized.
They closed their eyes, their bodies swallowed by darkness, Ye Huai's voice being the only clear thing.
When they entered the interstitial space between worlds, an unfamiliar voice appeared beside them.
At the same time, Tong Yang heard a faint noise not far away.
"If someone else appears beside you, please do not believe them."
Ye Huai guided them out of the interstitial space and into the parallel world.
"Please choose whether to open your eyes."
A cool breeze blew against them, and the sound of ropes swaying came from the air.
Tong Yang slowly opened her eyes, smelling the damp and rusty odor floating in the air.
"Ah!!!"
Suddenly, a scream came from not far away.
The familiar voice made Tong Yang immediately turn to look. The abandoned mall was lit by dim lights. A girl in a white school uniform, her face pale, her eyes wide with terror, was slumped on the ground.
"Wh-where is this?"
Everyone followed the sound and couldn't help but be stunned.
"Ahhh!! Sister Tong Yang!!"
The girl, as if seeing a lifeline, carrying her backpack, ran towards Tong Yang without stopping.
Tong Yang was stunned. "Yan Qing?"
"What is this place? Is there really a parallel world? Who was the person talking just now? That scared me to death!"
Yan Qing clung to Tong Yang's arm, keeping her head down the whole time.
Everyone was dumbfounded, not knowing where this person had suddenly appeared from.
"How are you here?"
Yan Qing hunched her shoulders, not daring to look around, and said, "I came to the mall to buy something after school. The police officers notified the person in charge to close early. I heard them mention your name, so I secretly hid in the bathroom... But you guys didn't come all night, the doors were locked so I couldn't get out, and my phone died!"
"I thought I'd just stay here for the night, but who knew you guys really came, so I came out while you had your eyes closed..."
"Are you out of your mind? You followed us in without knowing anything?" Tong Yang gritted her teeth and scolded.
"I-I was curious! Who knew there was really a parallel world?"
Tong Yang laughed angrily. "Get lost back. This isn't a place for you. Ye Huai, send her..."
"No! I'm not going back!" Yan Qing shook her head like a rattle-drum. "I already told my mom I wouldn't be home tonight, and if I go out, won't I still have to stay in the mall all night? Just let me follow you, I'll be obedient!"
"If you're obedient, then get lost back. Don't make me say it a third time." Tong Yang's face darkened. Yan Qing fearfully shrank back, accidentally bumping into something light, floating in mid-air.
She instinctively reached out to push it away, suddenly touching a pair of icy cold feet. Turning her head to look, her pupils dilated sharply, and she screamed, throwing herself at Tong Yang.
"Ah!!!"
"Shut up!" Tong Yang covered her mouth. "If you attract those things over, you're dead!"
Tears welled in Yan Qing's eyes. She nodded, pulling Tong Yang's hand down. "Why are there so many dead people here?"
Different from the real world, this was just an abandoned building.
A few dim lights lit the corridor. Blood and filthy water mixed on the floor, garbage and human tissue were everywhere. Some corpses were hung in mid-air by hooks, their blood long since drained, almost turned into mummies.
Tong Yang glared at her. "Otherwise, what did you think a parallel world was? Some fun place?"
The others were already checking the situation in the building, only Tong Yang and Yan Qing remained in place.
"Hurry up and go back."
"I'm not going back! You're in danger here, maybe I can help you!"
"You help us? Not causing trouble for us would be enough."
Yan Qing pointed at Ye Huai unwillingly. "He even has a heart condition! I'm at least healthier than him, I can run and jump, there must be something I can help with!"
Ye Huai was examining a corpse on the ground. Hearing this, he looked up at the two of them, his expression unchanging.
"Anyway, don't chase me away!"
Chu Shiyu had looked around nearby and returned to the two of them. "It seems this place has experienced several rounds of self-destruction games. The times of death are different."
Xu Junyue pulled a machete from her backpack, slung it over her shoulder, and glanced at Yan Qing. "If the little girl wants to stay, let her stay."
Yan Qing nodded hurriedly in agreement. "This older sister is right, just let me stay."
Xu Junyue continued, "If we encounter danger, we can throw her out to attract attention, buying us time to escape."
Yan Qing stared wide-eyed in disbelief. "You, you..."
"Anyway, no one knows you're here except us. It doesn't matter even if you die."
"Sister Tong Yang!" Yan Qing, terrified, hid behind her.
Chu Shiyu said helplessly, "Junyue, stop scaring her."
Then, she said softly, "Little sister, Tong Yang doesn't want you to stay here for your own good. See these things? They're very dangerous."
Yan Qing shook her head. "I'm not afraid! I know you have a mission. I can help you, really!"
"You're not afraid?" Tong Yang sneered, pushing the person clinging to her away. "Really not going back?"
Although somewhat scared, Yan Qing still shook her head forcefully. "I'm not going back."
Tong Yang looked at her with a half-smile. "Then you're on your own."
Yan Qing immediately breathed a sigh of relief, looking around fearfully yet curiously. She sighed, "So this is the parallel world? Looks like a horror movie set."
She carefully walked up to a body hanging in mid-air and poked it. "Are these things real?"
Tang Shuyan strolled back. "Pretty interesting. But it's a bit of a pity, never having participated in a self-destruction game."
"The ways these people died are all different. Must have been quite lively."
Xu Junyue rolled her eyes at him. "Lively to death."
Ye Huai said, "There's no one nearby. Let's go outside and look."
"Let's go."
"You think, will there be someone who looks just like me in the parallel world... Holy crap! Sister Tong Yang! Wait for me! Don't leave me here alone!"
"Keep your voice down." Tong Yang shot her a glare.
The parallel world was also deep in the night. Stepping out of the abandoned building, everything around them was shrouded in thick fog, making the night seem even more mysterious and terrifying.
"It's so dark here, can't see anything." Yan Qing held onto Chu Shiyu's arm, shivering as she hid behind her.
Among these people, only Chu Shiyu seemed relatively normal.
"Tong Yang."
Suddenly, a voice came from the right.
Everyone turned around. A blurred figure appeared in the black fog.
Xu Junyue took out her phone, turned on the flashlight. The beam illuminated the dust floating in the air. At the same time, a girl walked towards them.
"Turn the light off," the girl snapped.
"Who are you? Why should we listen to you?"
Tong Yang shook her head at her, signaling her to turn off the light.
"Oh." Xu Junyue turned off her phone's flashlight.
"Follow me." Meng Xiao waved at them.
Tong Yang signaled for the others to follow, taking the lead himself.
As they walked into the thick fog, a pungent smell of decay assaulted them, making everyone instinctively cover their noses and mouths. It felt like being thrown into a pile of dead rats.
"It stinks so much..." Yan Qing pinched her nose, her voice hoarse.
"Don't make a sound."
The warning came again, and Yan Qing immediately shut her mouth, falling silent.
Meng Xiao led them along a desolate road. A cold wind howled, occasionally rustling leaves that scraped across the ground.
Passing one section, Tong Yang observed the surroundings. Aside from being more dilapidated and bleak, it was essentially no different from the real world.
"Waaah..."
In the silent night, the cry of an infant rang out, coming from a place not far from them.
Moonlight filtered through the dense fog, revealing an infant in swaddling clothes lying under the shade of a roadside tree. A small, indistinct creature crouched on the baby, its teeth tearing into flesh, the sound of chewing audible.
Gradually, the crying stopped, and deathly silence returned.
They instinctively lightened their footsteps, afraid of drawing the attention of things lurking in the fog, and followed closely behind Tong Yang.
Before long, the group stopped in front of a building.
Meng Xiao pushed open the door before them, and dim, yellowish light spilled onto the damp floor.
"Come in."
Entering the building, they found it to be a simple, crude room.
After they had all entered, Meng Xiao closed the door.
"Alright, you can relax a little now," Meng Xiao said.
"Holy crap! Was that baby just... eaten?" Yan Qing said, incredulous.
Meng Xiao looked at the few people in the room, her gaze finally settling on Tong Yang. "You only brought a few weaklings and invalids?"
Tong Yang nodded, surveying the room. "Yes, bringing too many would only attract attention."
"Where is this?"
Meng Xiao said, "My sister's place."
"Where is she?"
Meng Xiao walked over to an area shrouded in layers of bed curtains, yanked them open. A gaunt, emaciated woman was propped up against the headboard. Her face was pale, her pupils unfocused, her posture almost eerily still, unmoving.
"Is... is she dead?" Yan Qing exclaimed in surprise.
Meng Xiao shot her a sidelong glance. "You're the one who's dead."
"Sis, sis!" Meng Xiao leaned over and shook her a couple of times. The woman frowned, her pupils gradually focusing.
"Ah Xiao? You're back." The woman's voice was as unpleasant as an old, broken bellows.
"Yeah, you rest well."
"Okay, okay..."
Meng Xiao let the curtains fall back into place and led them back to the living area.
Tong Yang asked, "You don't usually live here?"
The room had a musty, damp smell, not like a place where living people moved about regularly.
Meng Xiao said, "No. I live with my parents in the Ninth District."
"The Ninth District?"
"You can think of it as a safe zone. My sister is sick and can't contribute, so she can't live in the Ninth District. However, tomorrow night she should be taken to the First District to receive a gene therapy injection."
Xu Junyue said, surprised, "Since she's already slated to be a sacrificial offering for the Meng family, why wasn't she moved to the First District earlier?"
Meng Xiao said, "They won't waste a single resource on someone insignificant."
"Where is this place?" Tong Yang asked.
Meng Xiao said, "This is the Nameless District."
"Nameless District?"
"Your world's capital is divided into twelve safe districts, located in different areas. Everywhere outside the safe districts is the Nameless District, where ordinary people live."
"How can your sister survive here alone?"
Meng Xiao said, "Because of my and my parents' status, there's a Ninth District ban order posted at the door. Others don't dare to enter."
After a moment's hesitation, she looked at Tong Yang. "You'd better not expose your identity here. The people roaming this area want your life even more than those in the safe districts."
Tong Yang nodded. "Is the Self-Destruction Game also conducted in the Nameless District?"
"Yes."
"Do you know where to find high-quality gene therapy?"
Meng Xiao was silent for a moment, then said, "Although I agree with your idea, obtaining high-quality gene therapy is as difficult as climbing to the heavens."
"In the entire Ninth District, as far as I know, there's only one dose of high-quality gene therapy."
"Who has it?"
"The Ninth District's instructor has it. Even though my parents and I live in the Ninth District, opportunities to get close to him are few and far between, let alone for you outsiders."
Tong Yang pondered for a moment, then said, "How can we enter the Ninth District?"
"Extremely difficult."
"Aside from those who already live there, others can only prove their worth by participating in the Self-Destruction Game to gain recognition for entering a safe district and enjoying its resources. And even then, they are only the lowest class within the safe district."
"Is there no other way?"
Chu Shiyu said, "Even if we know where the gene therapy is, it's meaningless if we can't get into a safe district."
Tong Yang lowered her head. "So we have to go through at least one round of the Self-Destruction Game to enter the Ninth District?"
"Correct."
After a pause, Meng Xiao added, "You could also choose to become Order Keepers."
"Impossible."
"I thought so."
Meng Xiao said, "So, if you give up on obtaining the high-quality gene therapy, you can take my sister and leave right now. You won't encounter any danger."
No one spoke, their gazes gathering on Tong Yang.
Obtaining the high-quality gene therapy was no easy task, but giving up before even starting didn't suit Tong Yang's character either.
Moreover, Police Officer Lin had probably already negotiated with the Meng family.
"Let's try," Tong Yang said.
The others had no objections to her decision.
Meng Xiao looked at them deeply. "The game areas are under surveillance everywhere, and the footage is livestreamed for people's entertainment. I can't take you there; we'd be discovered."
Xu Junyue snorted derisively. "Livestreamed? You people treat it like watching a movie?"
"It's one of our forms of amusement."
Tong Yang frowned. "We've participated once before."
Meng Xiao was taken aback. "The Ninth District didn't receive any news about that."
Tong Yang lowered her gaze. That time Dr. Wu took her in, probably very few people knew about it.
Tong Yang thought for a moment, then asked, "Do they know what I look like?"
"We don't care about your appearance. Finding you has nothing to do with your looks."
Then it was only her identity.
The Time Anchor Point was like a respawn point after a game character's death.
Not many people here knew her face, which made things much easier.
However, bringing Ye Huai and Yan Qing into the Self-Destruction Game was definitely not a wise choice, but leaving them alone here didn't seem appropriate either.
"Knock, knock—"
At that moment, a knocking sound suddenly came from the door.
Meng Xiao frowned, and the others also tensed up.
"Who is it?"
"First District."
Everyone's expression changed to shock, the atmosphere instantly becoming tense.
"What is it?"
"We've received information that the Time Anchor Point has entered the main world."
Tong Yang's breath hitched. The news had spread that fast?
How was that possible?!
