89 Puppet Jade
Confronted with the presence of the formidable Puppet Jade, Cong Xia felt irresistibly drawn to its immense power. To him, the existence of the Puppet Jade was like having a giant standing beside him, impossible to ignore. Unable to resist, he secretly absorbed a small amount of its energy from a distance. As the energy flowed into his body, it felt like a rushing torrent, as if it were being poured into him.
Remembering his experience from yesterday, he quickly cut off the energy supply, afraid of losing control. During the explanation, he tried this absorption process twice more, each time in a steady and controlled manner. He discovered that by absorbing the energy in a slow and steady manner, he could maintain a sense of safety. At least, if there were any signs of losing control, he could still manage himself. However, if he were to absorb the energy in a reckless and frenzied manner, like he did yesterday, he feared that he would lose his sanity once again.
Zhuang Yao remarked, “I’ve always been curious why Cheng Tianbi’s cultivation speed is much faster than ours. Initially, I thought it was due to his exceptional talent or the inherent difference between naturally evolved humans and us. Now I understand that it’s because of the Puppet Jade. Although this soft metal blocks most of the Puppet Jade’s energy release, to the point that even Cong Xia couldn’t sense any difference between Cheng Tianbi and other energy beings, nothing can completely block energy. After all, there are microscopic gaps between molecules, no matter how small. In the case of Cheng Tianbi, who has the Puppet Jade implanted in his body, he is directly influenced by its power. His cultivation speed surpasses ours by a significant margin, progressing almost linearly. Yesterday, when he unleashed that strike, it not only caught the enemy off guard but even surprised me. With that level of strength, I believe that even if Zhao Jin were to stand before you, it would not be enough to pose a threat.”
Cheng Tianbi responded, “It was also because of my excessively fast cultivation speed and the information I heard from the Bat man that I began to suspect the object inside me is the Puppet Jade.”
“So, that’s why you didn’t want to go to Luoyang? I remember, back when we were still in Guiyang and had just encountered the Bat man, both of you were filled with curiosity about the Puppet Jade. But gradually, you realized that you might be carrying the Puppet Jade on yourself, especially when we reached Chongqing and I shared the information I learned from those old professors with you. That’s when you became even more suspicious that your mission target was the Puppet Jade, and that’s why you decided not to go to Luoyang, is that correct?”
Cheng Tianbi nodded lightly, “When I began to suspect that I was carrying the Puppet Jade, I realized the seriousness of the situation. I just wanted to return to Beijing immediately and hand over the item to the country.”
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Hbwydt Zys pxkzle tldvzu, “R oydv vs ypj, clpkelp vbl xlxclap sq vbl pnkldvkqkn lmrlekvksd vlyx, eslp ydusdl lzpl kd Jlkfkdt jdso vbyv usw yal nyaaukdt vbl Vwrrlv Kyel?”
Ubldt Mkydck nzldnble bkp qkpvp yde tyhl bkx y nsze tzydnl, “R byhl ds nsxxldv sd vbyv iwlpvksd, yde esd’v lhld vbkdj ycswv vaukdt vs vyjl vbl Vwrrlv Kyel. Gp zsdt yp R’x yzkhl, R okzz xyjl pwal vs cakdt kv yde Usdt Dky cynj vs Jlkfkdt.”
Hbwydt Zys pyke, “R byhl ds kdvldvksd sq vyjkdt vbl Vwrrlv Kyel qasx usw, sa ayvbla, R byhl ds kdvldvksd sq vyjkdt uswap. Ms cl bsdlpv, R oswzed’v eyal vs pvlyz qasx usw. R dlle vs pvyu yzkhl. Tsolhla, dso vbyv ol byhl vbl Vwrrlv Kyel, yde ol yzps byhl Usdt Dky, vbl nsxckdyvksd sq vbl Vwrrlv Kyel yde Usdt Dky tkhlp wp yzxspv zkxkvzlpp rsola. Rd vbkp pkvwyvksd, es usw pvkzz osaau ycswv zspkdt? Fbswzed’v ol ts vs Nwsuydt yde plkgl vbyv rklnl sq Vwrrlv Kyel? Ekvb vbyv fyel, usw nyd qwzqkzz uswa pynale xkppksd cu alvwadkdt kv yde nsxrzlvkdt uswa vypj qsa vbl tshladxldv. Gde ol, vss, okzz byhl y rsolaqwz vyzkpxyd yde yd ldlatu lmvaynvksd pvyvksd.” Hbwydt Zys’p hsknl clnyxl psxlobyv lmnkvle. “Rq ol ts cynj vs Jlkfkdt qkapv yde alvwad vbl Vwrrlv Kyel vs vbl tshladxldv, vbld ts vs Nwsuydt, ol osd’v byhl pwnb y talyv nlavykdvu. Zsw pll, yp zsdt yp Usdt Dky nyd nsdvkdwswpzu ycpsac ldlatu, ol yal raynvknyzzu… kdhkdnkczl.”
Rdhkdnkczl!
Mbl osae “kdhkdnkczl” lnbsle kd vbl lyap sq lhlausdl, ktdkvkdt y cwadkdt qkal okvbkd vblx. Rdhkdnkczl, obyv y xyahlzswp yde rsolaqwz osae. Mbl xspv osdelaqwz vbkdt kp vbyv, yv vbl xsxldv, vblu olal kdelle yzxspv kdhkdnkczl. Usdt Dky nswze nsdvkdwswpzu ycpsac hypv yxswdvp sq ldlatu qasx vbl Vwrrlv Kyel. Mblka kdfwaklp oswze kxxlekyvlzu blyz, yde vblka elrzlvle ldlatu oswze cl alrzldkpble. Rv nswze cl pyke vbyv yzz vbl ldlxklp vblu bye ldnswdvlale yzsdt vbl oyu olal dsvbkdt vs osaau ycswv, yde lhld qwvwal ldlxklp olal dsv osavb vblka nsdnlad.
Gde yzz sq vbkp oyp clnywpl vblu bye scvykdle vbl Vwrrlv Kyel, rspplppkdt pwnb y xkaynwzswp valypwal. Ebs oswze okzzkdtzu tkhl kv wr? Gnvwyzzu, okvbswv Hbwydt Zys pyukdt kv, lynb rlapsd kd vblka blyavp ulyadle vs byhl vblka sod rklnl sq vbl Vwrrlv Kyel qsa vblka vlyx.
Gzvbswtb Ubldt Mkydck oyp yzps hlau vlxrvle, bl nyzxzu aykple y iwlpvksd, “Jwv ulpvlaeyu, Usdt Dky ycpsacle yd lmnlppkhl yxswdv sq ldlatu yde bye yehlapl alynvksdp.”
Usdt Dky pyke, “Zlp, ulpvlaeyu R ycpsacle ldlatu, alynble vbl nakvknyz rskdv sq vbl qkapv pvytl, yde kdpvydvzu casjl vbaswtb vs vbl plnsde pvytl. Mbld R qlzv y pbyar rykd, yde R oyp rwpble yoyu cu vbl Gdnkldv Kyel.”
Zhuang Yao said, “The Puppet Jade and the Ancient Jade may have some sort of repelling effect. Moreover, I feel that the purpose of the Ancient Jade is to protect you. Although we don’t know what will happen when you absorb too much energy, based on logical inference, just like a balloon that can only hold one liter of water, if you inject more, it will explode. The energy core is the same. The first stage of the energy core has a limited capacity, and forcibly filling it in this manner may pose a danger to a person.”
Cheng Tianbi said in a deep voice, “So, absorbing energy from the Puppet Jade carries risks.”
Cong Xia hurriedly said, “But just now, I tried to absorb some energy from a distance. If I do it slowly, I can control myself. It’s just that the speed is slower, even slower than absorbing energy from deceased energy beings. But the energy is endless.”
“Well, and when you absorb it slowly, you can control the intake of energy and not exceed the critical point of the energy core. That should be safe. Otherwise, the Ancient Jade wouldn’t activate its protective mechanism when you break through the critical point.”
Cheng Tianbi remained somewhat worried, “We shouldn’t jump to conclusions so quickly. We don’t understand the Puppet Jade. It is the culprit of the Second Cambrian, not some benign object.”
“For ordinary humans, certainly not, as it is the perpetrator causing mutations in all surrounding organisms. But for mutants, it is a treasure,” Zhuang Yao’s eyes lit up. “With it, a team can truly become powerful, and because of Cong Xia’s presence, we can be a hundred times stronger than other teams.”
Cong Xia couldn’t help but be tempted, “The ability to absorb energy at any time is truly a miracle. If we have the Puppet Jade, none of us will ever be injured again. Moreover, our collective training speed will increase.”
Liu Fengyu whistled, “This thing is so awesome. Although I’m also eager to return to Beijing, I hope we can return as strong individuals. If I’m fortunate enough to find my parents, I want to give them the best life.”
Tang Yanqiu also nodded, “Although the Puppet Jade feels evil, it is indeed a rare treasure. I’m also intrigued. If you plan to detour to Luoyang, I have no objections.”
The gaze of everyone fell on Cheng Tianbi. Cheng Tianbi said in a deep voice, “I don’t deny that I’m tempted just like all of you. I’m just concerned…” He looked at Cong Xia, thinking of Cong Xia being thrown away yesterday, which made it clear that the value of the Puppet Jade came with its risks, and currently, these risks seemed to be targeting Cong Xia alone, benefiting the rest of them. He couldn’t accept this. He couldn’t accept having Cong Xia bear the risks for them.
Cong Xia comforted him, “Tianbi, I know you’re worried about me, but what I said earlier is true. I quietly tested it, without direct contact with the Puppet Jade, and when absorbing it slowly and in small quantities, I can control it. I feel no discomfort, and I can stop when approaching the critical point. I believe as long as the absorption speed is not too fast, I won’t lose control. As long as I don’t surpass the critical point, I won’t be in danger. And if all else fails, I still have the Ancient Jade. It can be said that despite the risks associated with the Puppet Jade, its value outweighs the risks. Tianbi, you have your duty as a soldier, and we all respect your mission. We will protect the Puppet Jade in your hands with our lives. At the same time, we also need this item. We need a piece of the Puppet Jade to make us stronger.”
Zhuang Yao added, “Furthermore, the soft metal has been destroyed, and the Puppet Jade can no longer be hidden. Similarly, your and Cong Xia’s abilities cannot be concealed. Yesterday’s battle attracted attention, and it’s uncertain whether news of our situation has spread. Additionally, I believe you remember what the companion of the Bat man said. Many people are trying to seize the Puppet Jade. What does that prove? It proves that they have a way to detect the Puppet Jade. It’s not like Cong Xia’s ability, but an energy fluctuation that humans cannot feel, yet instruments can detect. Therefore, if we don’t have enough strength, even the Puppet Jade in your hands won’t be safe. Do you understand? On our way to Beijing, we will likely face attacks from other groups. Yes, we are safe as long as we have the Puppet Jade, but what happens after we return it? What if someone seeks revenge? What if someone still believes the Puppet Jade is in our possession? Will we have peace then? If we don’t have a piece of the Puppet Jade for self-defense, our disaster will have only just begun. So, at present, obtaining a piece of the Puppet Jade is of utmost urgency.”
Under the expectant gazes of everyone, Cheng Tianbi nodded gently.
He also knew that every word spoken by Cong Xia and Zhuang Yao made sense. Not to mention that they were deeply attracted to the Puppet Jade and extremely eager to possess it, even if they didn’t want it, they needed it for their survival and safety.
Moreover, they needed to obtain a piece before returning the Puppet Jade.
Zhuang Yao exclaimed excitedly, “Great! We still have time to plan. Once we reach Xi’an, we’ll make large-scale purchases.”
Cong Xia sighed softly, feeling uneasy at the thought of them willingly engaging in battles to seize other people’s possessions. He used to be content and satisfied, rarely sighing, but now he found himself sighing frequently because there were too many things that warranted it.
Zhuang Yao continued, “Now that we’ve discussed the Puppet Jade, let’s talk about the Ancient Jade.”
Cong Xia tightened his grip on the Ancient Jade. “Zhuang Yao, I won’t tell you everything. You have to give me some time to see if you’re worthy of my trust.”
“I understand, but I will guess. Firstly, this is the reason why you possess energy and abilities completely different from ours, right?”
Cong Xia nodded.
“Secondly, your cultivation methods also come from this, don’t they?”
Cong Xia nodded again.
“Besides the cultivation methods, there should be a lot of other knowledge involved in it. It’s like a treasure trove, providing advanced teachings on energy cultivation and usage, and even resisting the Puppet Jade to save you in critical situations. It’s as if it has a life of its own. It, like the Puppet Jade, is a form of energy entity formed by non-attributable energy. But it seems to be in a state of apparent hostility with the Puppet Jade. Have you ever wondered what the Ancient Jade truly is?” Zhuang Yao asked.
Cong Xia shook his head. “I’ve had many speculations, but I couldn’t confirm them.”
“Perhaps the Ancient Jade is the treasure that can counteract the Puppet Jade and even the ‘Cambrian Consciousness.’ Because the information it provides you is all about aiding human evolution. As for who created such a transcendent artifact that surpasses human intelligence and imagination…” Zhuang Yao’s eyes showed a mix of admiration and yearning. “The ultimate mystery, one day I will unravel it.”
Cong Xia looked at the Ancient Jade. “This jade is different from the Puppet Jade. Although it should also be a collection of some kind of attributeless energy, I don’t sense any non-attributable energy from it.”
“It must be different from attributeless energy. I have a feeling that the secret of the Ancient Jade is as fascinating as the secret of the ‘Cambrian Consciousness.'”
The others looked at him with a hint of confusion, unable to understand his fervor. It was clearly not something to be excited about. Whether it was the Cambrian Consciousness, the Puppet Jade, or the Ancient Jade, the emergence of these things indicated the end of human civilization. It was far from being exciting, yet Zhuang Yao seemed thrilled as if he had discovered a new continent.
Zhuang Yao glanced at his watch. “It’s getting late. Let’s hit the road and make our way to Xi’an as quickly as possible. Hopefully, the situation there is favorable. We need to stock up on supplies, and most importantly, we need to make the arrowheads for Tang Yanqiu’s bamboo arrows.”
Everyone tidied up their belongings, got into their respective vehicles, and set off again towards Xi’an.
The first car was driven by Cheng Tianbi, and Cong Xia also got into the car.
Cong Xia whispered, “Tianbi, I understand your worries. In fact, I don’t want to do many risky things. I’m naturally timid. But I feel like we have no way out. In yesterday’s battle, we couldn’t kill all those birds. If there was even one human among the birds that escaped, our secret would be exposed. We either become stronger or…”
Cheng Tianbi replied in a hoarse voice, “I understand.”
Cong Xia grabbed Cheng Tianbi’s hand and forced a smile. “Tianbi, with you by my side, I’m really not that afraid. But I’m afraid to see you getting hurt. Honestly, if I can exchange a little risk for the ability to heal you whenever you need it, it’s the most worthwhile trade-off.”
“But I’m worried. The actions of the Ancient Jade yesterday were a warning to you.”
“Yes, it should be. It warned me not to absorb too much energy at once. After all, the capacity of my energy core is limited. I have to rely on self-practice to truly upgrade the energy core instead of forcefully breaking through.”
If only it were that simple… Cheng Tianbi thought, but the uneasiness in his heart grew stronger.
Cong Xia gently pinched Cheng Tianbi’s palm and smiled. “Tianbi, don’t worry. I don’t want to see you getting hurt one day while I’m unable to do anything. That would make me even more miserable.”
Cheng Tianbi lightly pressed his fingertip against Cong Xia’s finger. “I understand.”
Cong Xia leaned back in his seat, tightly holding Cheng Tianbi’s hand, and lightly stroked the back of his hand with his fingertips. A warmth spread in the area around his heart.
All he hoped for was to continue walking this road with Tianbi, to walk it safely.
Author’s Note: These two chapters are introducing the background, and although they may be a bit uneventful, they are necessary. The introduction is done now. In the future, I’ll try my best to add more excitement.
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