Chapter 64

Chapter 64

Man and wolf retraced their steps, the Black Wolf leading the way. Just as they turned into a side alley, it stopped abruptly, crouching low as if facing a formidable enemy. Chu Ya hurried to catch up, though he already sensed something amiss. His mind buzzed when he saw the figure at the alley's entrance.

Gu Lin slowly approached Chu Ya, his leather boots crunching on the snow in a chilling manner. Chu Ya stared at him intensely for a few seconds before turning around, only to find Jin Gao approaching from the other end of the alley.

Aware of the chip on his person, Chu Ya glanced at the wall beside him, contemplating an escape. However, Gu Lin loudly declared, "Don't run; you won't get far. My men are outside both walls, and in this freezing weather, running around and ending up pinned in the snow wouldn't be pleasant, would it?"

As soon as he finished speaking, several soldiers appeared atop both walls, their guns aimed directly at Chu Ya.

The Black Wolf growled fiercely, ready to charge, but Chu Ya held it back with a hand.

He was no longer the man blinded by hatred, though the urge to kill the approaching figure still burned within him. He knew all too well that he was not a match for him now.

As Gu Lin drew near, the Black Wolf could barely contain itself, ready to pounce. He immediately halted, raising his hands: "Don't be rash, let's talk."

"Don't move," Chu Ya whispered soothingly.

The Black Wolf stood beside Chu Ya, its eyes fixed on Gu Lin, poised to attack at the slightest provocation.

Gu Lin raised his gloved hand to brush off the snow from his shoulder, addressing Chu Ya, "Cold, isn't it?"

Chu Ya remained silent, staring at Gu Lin with the same intensity as the Black Wolf, his fists clenched at his sides, veins bulging.

"Xiaoya, you were careless. How could I have just one sentinel watching you? When you left Mixin Town for Keke Town, I had already set out from Cloud Peak. You're smart, but not cautious enough. Learn from your mistakes," Gu Lin's tone was like that of an elder brother advising a younger sibling, adding kindly, "Hand over the chip. Your injuries haven't fully healed; don't make a move. The outcome will be the same—me taking the chip and you getting beaten."

Chu Ya stood motionless, head slightly lowered, his gaze filled with hatred locked onto Gu Lin. Gu Lin met his gaze, asking, "Don't trust me? That's understandable, but Xiaoya, you have no other choice."

Gu Lin sniffed, cursing the weather, and extended his hand toward Chu Ya, "Give me the item, and you can go. After all, you're my cousin; I won't deliberately make things difficult for you. From now on, you'll be free to do as you please, even return to Cloud Peak."

Chu Ya watched his lips move, despite the cold gun barrels pointed at him and the A-level sentinel opposite him. Hatred and despair burned within him, threatening to consume him entirely.

In the next moment, Chu Ya lunged forward, the blade of his dagger reflecting a cold gleam as it aimed for Gu Lin's chest.

Simultaneously, the Black Wolf leaped, baring its sharp fangs, aiming for Gu Lin's throat.

But just as Chu Ya was halfway through his leap, an invisible rope bound his body, sapping his strength, halting his momentum, and causing him to crash heavily to the ground.

The Black Wolf was also intercepted by a black snake and a giant spider, the three quantum beasts grappling and biting on the snowy ground.

Chu Ya lay limp on the ground, his head stepped on by a heavy boot, pressing his cheek against the snow.

The guide's mental restraint quickly dissipated, and he regained his strength, but before he could struggle, two cold gun barrels pressed against his forehead and the back of his head.

"Don't move, I said don't move."

Gu Lin's cold voice echoed, and the foot on his head began to grind slowly. A hand searched his body, quickly retrieving the password box from his pocket.

"Fingerprint-activated." Gu Lin examined the box, then leaned down to take Chu Ya's hand.

"Ah!!" Chu Ya struggled fiercely, but several men held him down. His hand was forcibly lifted, his curled fingers straightened until they touched the metal surface, and the click of the box opening was heard.

"Finally got it. Search him again, see if he has anything else."

Chu Ya, restrained like a trapped beast, was thoroughly searched, including his shoes being removed.

"Chairman Gu, he has a letter."

Seeing his father's letter taken by a soldier, Chu Ya struggled harder, a painful growl escaping his throat.

His eyes bloodshot, he glared at Gu Lin, watching him take the letter, skim through it briefly, and chuckle ambiguously before tossing it into the snow.

The letter drifted to rest beside Chu Ya, snowflakes landing softly on the paper.

"This uncle's love for his son, cousin, take care of yourself. If you ever encounter difficulties, come to your cousin. Your home in the plantation is still there. Whether you want to stay in the Abyss or return to Cloud Peak, it's up to you."

Chu Ya's body was released, and he heard Gu Lin's laughter fading away, the sound of footsteps passing by. His fingers, pressed against the snow, curled and straightened, sinking deeply into the snow.

He lay there motionless, seemingly oblivious to the cold, allowing the snow to gradually cover his back in a grayish-white layer.

After an unknown amount of time, something nudged his shoulder, and he slowly raised his head to see the Black Wolf standing before him, smoke rising from its injured body, green eyes filled with concern.

Chu Ya turned his head, looking at the letter partially blown by the wind. With great effort, he pushed himself up, picked up the letter, and slowly unfolded it.

The paper was damp with snow, some words blurred. He used his sleeve to wipe away the moisture, carefully drying it bit by bit.

Dad, I'm useless, I've failed your expectations. I lost the chip, I lost it...

Chu Ya choked back a sob, continuing to dry the wet spots on the letter, tears blurring his vision as he carefully read his father's words.

Take care, grow up well.

You will face many storms on your journey. If you can't bear them, come back and visit the little bird.

...

Chu Ya stared intently at the last line, suddenly scrambling to his feet and stumbling towards the small building. He rushed inside, nearly falling, and without steadying himself, lunged for the stairs, climbing them on all fours.

Standing at the attic window, he panted while removing an iron box hanging outside.

It was an empty iron box, containing only a few withered blades of grass. Chu Ya shook the box, found an iron rod, and pried open the lid, revealing a hollow compartment inside.

He inverted the box and shook it, and a silver chip fell onto the floor.

Chu Ya picked up the chip with his frozen fingers, examining it against the light streaming through the window, and slowly clutched the cold, hard object in his palm.

This was the second chip his father had prepared for him.

His father had anticipated that the first might be taken, so he placed another here.

He couldn't tell whether he was excited or ashamed, only kneeling with his head bowed, and after a moment, intermittent sobs escaped his lips: "...Gu Lin was right, I wasn't cautious enough... Dad, Mom, I will learn from this, I will become stronger, I will kill Gu Lin with my own hands..."

When Chu Ya returned to the hospital, he saw that the two soldiers were gone, presumably having received orders not to watch over him anymore.

Rong Chen and Director Liu were sitting in the hall, staring at Chu Ya in shock.

At this moment, Chu Ya's head and body were covered in snow, and there were abrasions on his face from the fight. He kept his head down and said nothing, walking back to the ward in a daze under their gaze.

Director Liu soon entered the room, holding a bottle of iodine. He neither asked where Chu Ya had been nor what had happened, but simply handed him the iodine and cotton.

Chu Ya silently took the iodine and cotton, while Director Liu went to Lin Duozhi's bedside to check the IV bag and feel his forehead.

The iodine stung the wounds on his hand, but Chu Ya felt nothing. After hastily treating his injuries, he sat numbly by the bed.

"Go to sleep, it's almost midnight, we have to leave early tomorrow," Director Liu said.

Chu Ya nodded, turning to look at Shen Juanjuan, whose face was flushed from sleep. He gently placed the foot hanging off the bed back under the covers.

Chu Ya took off his outer clothes and prepared to lie down. Feeling the coldness of his hands and face, he sat for a moment until his skin warmed up, ensuring he wouldn't chill Shen Juanjuan before slipping into bed.

Lying still, he stared at the ceiling, occasionally reaching to pinch the chip hidden in his clothes.

When sewing this surgical jacket, his technique was still not very proficient, leaving a few stitches incomplete along the side seam, which allowed him to hide the chip inside.

Now, he hadn't completely lost. He knew Gu Lin had a chip, but Gu Lin didn't know he had one too. Gu Lin now considered him a useless cripple and would no longer keep an eye on him, giving him sufficient freedom.

In the middle of the night, the anesthesia wore off for Lin Duozhi, and he cried out in pain on the bed. Shen Juanjuan was woken up, rubbing his eyes groggily, wanting to get out of bed to give Lin Duozhi water. Chu Ya quickly held him back.

"He just took more painkillers, he'll be fine in a bit," Chu Ya whispered.

Shen Juanjuan leaned forward to look at Lin Duozhi, who was trying to tear at the bandage on his left hand with his right. Rong Chen held his arm, preventing him from moving.

"Just hold on a little longer, you'll be fine soon," Director Liu, holding a bandage, carefully wiped away Lin Duozhi's tears and sweat.

Shen Juanjuan had never seen Lin Duozhi like this, feeling both anxious and panicked, calling his name repeatedly.

"Juanjuan, it hurts, it hurts so much..." Lin Duozhi looked at Shen Juanjuan, crying.

Tears streamed down Shen Juanjuan's face as well: "It wasn't hurting just now, why is it hurting again? Did you break another finger?"

"No, no, it's still the same one," Lin Duozhi gasped, encouraging himself: "Don't be afraid, just bear it. My finger is already gone, if I can endure, I can go to Cloud Peak, I can do it."

"Foolish child, don't think about going to Cloud Peak anymore, foolish child," Director Liu's hand trembled as he wiped Lin Duozhi's sweat, then removed his glasses to wipe his eyes.

Fortunately, the painkillers soon took effect, and Lin Duozhi stopped crying, falling into a deep sleep. Shen Juanjuan watched him from the bed, turning to look at Chu Ya behind him once he was asleep.

"Shen Miaomiao."

Chu Ya softly said, "Go to sleep."

"Okay." Shen Juanjuan nodded, about to crawl under the covers when he noticed Chu Ya's hand.

"What happened to you?" Shen Juanjuan pulled Chu Ya's hand, asking anxiously, "Did you fight someone? Did you fight?"

"No, I fell outside."

"Does it hurt?" Shen Juanjuan pouted and blew on the wound.

"It doesn't hurt."

"Walk slowly, don't run. Look where you're going," Shen Juanjuan, with a red nose, looked at him, "Lin Duozhi is hurt, and you're hurt. Don't make me worry, okay?"

"Okay."

Shen Juanjuan grumbled and lay down, but after a while, he reached out to take Chu Ya's hand, examining it closely to ensure it was just a minor injury before falling asleep.

Seeing Director Liu's bloodshot eyes, Rong Chen persuaded him to rest in the adjacent room, lying down on the chair beside Lin Duozhi's bed.

Chu Ya also lay quietly, staring at the ceiling. Suddenly, he heard Rong Chen say, "Chu Ya, did Director Liu say anything to you?"

"What?" Chu Ya asked hoarsely.

Rong Chen paused for a moment before saying, "Then he probably hasn't mentioned it yet. He might tell you tomorrow."

Chu Ya responded with a heavy heart, "Mm."

Early the next morning, a welfare home manager arrived at the hospital to specifically care for Lin Duozhi. Since Lin Duozhi had entered the differentiation period, Director Liu sought help from a close friend, a hospital director, to ensure everything went smoothly before returning to the welfare home with peace of mind.

Shen Juanjuan and Lin Duozhi bid each other a tearful farewell, with Chu Ya leading them out of the ward.

"Lin Duozhi, when I get back, I'll find some treasures for you."

Lin Duozhi seemed much better this morning, though his face was still pale, his wounds were less painful, and he no longer cried.

"I want a slingshot," Lin Duozhi said weakly.

Shen Juanjuan quickly replied, "Okay, I'll find some rubber bands to make a slingshot for you."

On the way back, they all boarded the welfare home's minivan. Chu Ya no longer needed the wheelchair for disguise, but seeing Rong Chen pushing it, he said, "Chief Administrator Chen, throw it away."

"You won't need it?"

"No."

"Then push it back, at least it can be used as a stroller."

Director Liu sat in the back, closing the door, and driver Xiao Wang started the vehicle. Chu Ya looked out the window at Black Wolf and asked, "Do you want to get in? Come and squeeze in with us."

Shen Juanjuan also stuck his head out the window, "Do you want to come? You can lie on—on the director's feet, or you can hang on the car door if you want."

The Black Wolf snorted disdainfully, kicked a large pile of snow onto Shen Juanjuan's face, and then sprinted towards the town gate.

"Look at it, look at it." Shen Juanjuan didn't rush to wipe the snow off his face; instead, he faced Chu Ya with a snow-covered face, complaining, "It hit me, it used snow to hit me. Look at how much snow is on my face."

Chu Ya took out a handkerchief to wipe his face: "We'll use snow to hit it back later."

"The storm that raged all night has stopped, but the snow on the road is still thick. The vehicle got stuck in the snow several times, and the Black Wolf, which had run out of sight, returned just in time, impatiently pushing the minivan out of the snowbank before dashing forward again.

Everyone was exhausted from last night, and they were all dozing off as the vehicle moved along. Chu Ya leaned against the seat back with his eyes closed, while Shen Juanjuan lay in his arms, softly snoring.

When the minivan stopped, Chu Ya instantly woke up and saw the wire fence blocking the entrance to Mixin Town outside the window. Just as he was about to wake Shen Juanjuan, he heard Xiao Wang, the driver, say "Hmm?" in confusion.

"What's wrong?" Director Liu asked, just waking up.

Rong Chen, sitting in the front passenger seat, opened his eyes, rolled down the window, and poked his head out, shouting for Manager Li. Only then did Chu Ya see a snow-covered figure stumbling towards them, with the Black Wolf closely following, alert to every move.

Before Manager Li reached them, his voice carried over: "People from Cloud Peak have come to select children, they've gone to the orphanage to choose children."

Director Liu abruptly pulled open the car door: "When?"

Manager Li, panting, replied: "Just now, they just arrived at the orphanage. I couldn't reach you on the phone, so I had to wait for you on the road."

"Hurry, we need to get back quickly," Director Liu urged.

Chu Ya quickly opened the car door next to him, intending to let Shen Juanjuan out first, but the Black Wolf suddenly turned its head toward the direction of the orphanage, baring its teeth and growling fiercely. Chu Ya's heart tightened, and he quickly held Shen Juanjuan back: "Wait."

A military vehicle was already driving towards them from the direction of the orphanage, honking twice from a distance.

Chu Ya immediately closed the car door.

It was too late to let Shen Juanjuan out now. The people on the military vehicle were likely Sentinels or Guides, and if they saw Shen Juanjuan hiding, they would certainly release their mental powers to investigate, revealing that he was in the differentiation period.

"Aren't we getting out?" Shen Juanjuan, now awake, rubbed his eyes and asked curiously.

"We'll go out in a bit."

Director Liu got out of the car from the other side and stood in the middle of the road with Rong Chen. Snow had already settled on their gray robes, which fluttered slightly in the wind.

"What are we going to do?" Shen Juanjuan sensed something was wrong and looked tense.

Chu Ya pushed Shen Juanjuan to the backseat: "Quick, crawl under the seats."

His expression and tone were so serious that it seemed something significant was about to happen. Shen Juanjuan didn't ask any more questions and quickly crouched down under the seat.

"Don't come out when I tell you not to, and don't make a sound, okay?" Chu Ya whispered.

Shen Juanjuan nodded, but realizing Chu Ya couldn't see him, he responded in a whisper: "Okay."

Chu Ya also got out of the car but left the door half-open, making it look like an empty vehicle from the outside.

Rong Chen and Director Liu stood in the middle of the road, their shoulders and heads covered in snow, their gray robes contrasting with the white ground, like two ancient pines standing in the wilderness. The military vehicle approached without slowing down, and neither of them showed any intention of moving, remaining steadfast in their positions.

Chu Ya stood beside the minivan, his eyes fixed on the approaching military vehicle, and called out: "Black Wolf."

The Black Wolf, already eager, leaped from the ground, soaring through the air towards the front.

In mid-air, the Black Wolf bared its sharp claws, aiming at the driver behind the windshield of the military vehicle. But two dark shadows instantly appeared in the air, quickly forming the shapes of a lynx and an antelope. The three animals collided in mid-air and landed together, sending a cloud of snow into the air.

Just as Chu Ya was about to rush out to push Director Liu and Rong Chen away, a screeching brake sound echoed, and the military vehicle skidded to a stop, leaving long tracks in the snow. The front of the vehicle came to a halt less than half a meter in front of Director Liu and Rong Chen.

The wilderness fell silent, and Chu Ya finally relaxed his tightly clenched hands, which were now damp with sweat.