Chapter 1359: Suffering

Soon after, a familiar figure in a large red opera robe appeared in the underground palace.

"You're finally back?" Jian Changsheng immediately tossed aside the candied hawthorn he was holding. Just as he was about to discard the poisoned insect sashimi, Sun Bumian, standing nearby, slowly spoke: "You can't throw those away; we still need to stir-fry them for dinner."

Jian Changsheng was speechless.

Chen Ling had indeed returned, but that didn't mean they wouldn't have to eat insects anymore. The only difference was that they could eat something hot.

Chen Ling paused slightly when he saw the "6th generation" members.

During his absence from the Ghost-Mocking Abyss, Jian Changsheng and Sun Bumian had both lost weight. Jian Changsheng was fine; he simply ate less. Sun Bumian, however, seemed to suffer from severe digestive issues, constantly eating and then getting sick. In just over three days, he had visibly thinned down significantly. Both of them also had dark circles under their eyes, as if they hadn't had proper rest in a long time.

The only one who hadn't changed was Jiang Xiaohua. He was currently sitting silently in a chair, lost in thought, and his mental state seemed less active than when he first arrived.

"Red Heart, where have you been these past two days?" Sun Bumian asked, puzzled. "Didn't you say you'd be back soon?"

"...There was an unexpected incident."

Chen Ling briefly explained the situation with the Ember of Civilization to the three of them, and also mentioned the Silent Angel, Shen Qingzhu. However, he did not elaborate on her background of coming from another Candlelight World.

After hearing Chen Ling's account, the "6th generation" members were stunned for a while before coming back to their senses.

"The Gray Realm used to have human civilization too?"

"If that's the case, won't this world be finished when the Red Star returns again??"

The past of the Gray Realm, the origin of the disaster, and even the so-called meteor shower, all overturned their understanding. If this information were to be revealed in the Human Realm, they would likely be arrested as criminals for spreading panic and rumors. But the "6th generation" members would never doubt Chen Ling; if he said it, then it must be true.

"What's certain is that it will definitely return," Chen Ling said, pausing for a moment. "But what will happen when it returns next time is unknown..."

"If the Red Star that returns is the same one that previously pierced through the Gray Realm," Sun Bumian suddenly spoke, "doesn't that mean it will be weaker this time?"

"Why?" Jian Changsheng asked, puzzled.

"Think about it," Sun Bumian explained, "when it pierced through the Gray Realm, it already shed so many fragments, giving birth to the world-ending disaster. And it split again when it passed by Earth. So, its size should be much smaller than before."

"Huh... you have a point," Jian Changsheng said, suddenly understanding. "Does that mean we're not completely without a chance when the Red Star returns this time?"

Sun Bumian recalled what his master had told him. After a long hesitation, he finally fell silent.

Chen Ling didn't respond either. From the perspective of the world-ending disaster, whether humanity could survive this Red Star attack was not important. After all, as a Mocking Calamity, even if Earth turned into a purgatory like the Gray Realm, he would still survive.

This miserable life of mine is truly as tenacious as a cockroach.

"Wait, why is everyone so quiet?" Jian Changsheng's expression became somewhat unnatural as he saw everyone fall silent.

Jian Changsheng disliked the Human Realm, but that didn't mean he could accept the entire Earth being pierced by the Red Star. Even though the world was rotten, not everyone in it was. If human civilization truly became extinct, how long could they survive?

"There's no point in thinking so much," Sun Bumian said, glancing at him. "The Red Star is coming soon... and with your rank, there's nothing you can do. When the sky falls, it's up to those in higher positions to bear the burden."

Jian Changsheng wanted to retort, feeling indignant, but he opened his mouth and still couldn't find the words.

Sun Bumian was right. The Red Star's predicted return time, according to Lord Tian Shu, was only a few months away. Even if he could rise to the seventh or even eighth rank like a rocket, it wouldn't be enough against the Red Star.

"I wasn't here for the past two days; nothing happened, did it?" Chen Ling changed the subject.

"Of course not," Jian Changsheng replied, "except for the sashimi being a bit... well... too fresh, and it was a bit boring. Nothing else."

"Alright, I'll go rest for a bit. I'll make dinner tonight."

"Sounds good."

As Chen Ling went back to his room to rest, Jian Changsheng and Sun Bumian glanced at the poisoned insect sashimi on the table. After exchanging glances, they tacitly decided to save some room for hot food that evening.

"I guess I'll go back and get some sleep too," Jian Changsheng said, standing up and yawning.

Just as he was about to turn and leave, he stepped on the half-eaten candied hawthorn that had just fallen to the floor. Slipping on the smooth surface, Jian Changsheng momentarily lost his balance and stumbled forward.

At that very moment, the dining hall door conveniently opened. A large scorpion, carrying a plate of freshly sliced toad, crawled in, and was startled by Jian Changsheng, who was rushing menacingly towards it!

Before it could react, the plate on the scorpion's tail hook fell directly and shattered into pieces. It hastily tried to move aside, but it was too late. Fortunately, Jian Changsheng was now extraordinarily agile; he quickly regained his balance and abruptly stopped his movement right on top of the scorpion!

A tail hook, emanating a chilling gleam, was just a hair's breadth away from piercing his forehead.

Jian Changsheng gasped sharply.

"Are you alright?" Sun Bumian and Jiang Xiaohua immediately rushed forward.

Chen Ling, who had already left the dining hall, heard the commotion and quickly rushed back.

"I'm fine, of course I'm fine," Jian Changsheng said, pausing briefly before coming back to his senses and waving his hand. "Just slipped a bit."

Jian Changsheng nonchalantly straightened the collar of his leather jacket and then walked directly towards his room, with an air that a minor wardrobe mishap was beneath his concern.

Seeing this, Sun Bumian's expression changed several times, and he finally let out a helpless sigh.

Chen Ling watched the scene from a distance, his brows furrowing deeper and deeper.

"Shhh... shhh... shhh... shhh..."

"Shhh... shhh... shhh... This is Chen Yu, front-line reporter from the Hanging Jade Realm!

"Due to the tactical repositioning of the defense line, we have now begun evacuating some residents from the West District. We are also requisitioning some private homes and underground pipe networks to build a new defensive line. If you and your family are within the requisitioned area, please do not panic. Evacuation will be arranged soon. Repeat, please do not panic. The situation on the front lines remains within controllable limits.

"At the same time, due to the high-frequency impacts of the Calamity Waves, some areas in the Hanging Jade Realm are experiencing water shortages. Our logistics personnel are currently working urgently to restore supplies. Please, residents, do not panic, and do not rush to the streets to seize bottled fresh water!

"Currently, the Hanging Jade Realm has requested support from the Spirit Void Realm and the South Sea Realm. Support troops from both realms are swiftly en route. This contingent of support troops is larger in number and stronger in combat power, and they are expected to arrive on the battlefield soon to once again stabilize the front-line situation..."