Chapter 31: Extinguishing (Combined Chapter)

Chapter 31: Extinguished

Chen Ling, deep in thought, walked out the door. Several white flakes drifted past his eyes.He paused slightly, looking up at the sky."…Is it snowing?"

Under the blue aurora, snowflakes drifted down like catkins. Chen Ling reached out and caught one; its eight-pointed crystal slowly melted in his warmth.

"The Aurora Realm is different from other realms; there are no four seasons, only perpetual winter," Chu Muyun said, slowly stepping out of the house and catching a snowflake himself. He spoke with some doubt, "But, hasn't this snow come a bit suddenly?"

"Is it very sudden?" Chen Ling asked.

"Just a few days ago, we had a torrential downpour, the heaviest in ten years, and today it suddenly starts snowing again… I just feel like the weather phenomena in this Aurora Realm are getting increasingly chaotic."Chu Muyun pondered, his brow furrowing deeper.

"Brother, this snow is falling so fast!"Chen Yan, clad in his opera robe, quickly rushed onto the street. Standing amidst the increasingly dense snowflakes, his chestnut eyes sparkled with surprise and anticipation. "At this rate, there'll be enough snow to build snowmen by tomorrow!"

A gentle warmth appeared in Chen Ling's eyes as he watched the red-robed boy reaching out to catch snowflakes. He chuckled,

"You build them every year. Haven't you had enough yet?"

"This time is different," Chen Yan said seriously. "The snow is really heavy this time; maybe I can build a dozen at once… Then we can pile up a high platform, and I can practice opera on it, with the snowmen as my audience."

"Isn't it enough for me to be your audience?"

"Brother, who performs opera with only one audience member every time…" Chen Yan pouted. "If I never have an audience, what if I get stage fright when I perform at school?"

"…That's true." Chen Ling smiled, slowly raising his head to look at the sky.

"Then it would be great if this snow could keep falling."

"If it kept falling, it would turn into a snow disaster." Chu Muyun pushed up his glasses. After a moment of hesitation, he took a woolen overcoat from inside the house and put it on. "I need to go out for a bit."

Chen Ling and Chen Yan exchanged glances.

"Will you be back for dinner?"

"Yes."

As Chu Muyun's figure gradually disappeared at the end of the street, Chen Ling checked the time. "I should get going too. The mountain roads are difficult to travel in the snow…"

"Wait!" Chen Yan seemed to remember something. He quickly ran back into the house and handed Chen Ling a cotton overcoat he had mended overnight.

"Brother, I mended it for you… Be careful climbing the mountain today, and don't get into fights anymore."Chen Yan's tone was uncharacteristically serious.

Chen Ling carefully examined the coat, finding almost no trace of damage; it was as good as new. He couldn't help but praise,

"Our A-Yan is so skillful…"

Chen Yan giggled.

"I'm off."Chen Ling waved his hand and walked straight towards District Two.

Just as Chen Yan had hoped, the snow grew heavier. Halfway there, the accumulation already covered the soles of Chen Ling's shoes, and the icy-cold meltwater seeped into his feet, chilling him from the inside out.

He rubbed his hands together as he pushed through the snowflakes, muttering to himself,'It wouldn't really turn into a snow disaster, would it?'

He walked for a long time. Pedestrians on the street became increasingly scarce, but more and more enforcers sped past.

They wore black and red uniforms, riding their horses swiftly in a certain direction, not even glancing at Chen Ling as they passed. Snowflakes, disturbed by the airflow, hit Chen Ling's face. He wiped his face, watching the direction they disappeared in with confusion…

"What happened?"

Chen Ling didn't know, nor was he interested in following them to investigate. As long as they weren't heading towards Cold Frost Street, he didn't care where they went.

After about three hours of walking, Chen Ling returned to the familiar Ice Spring Street. The ruins had mostly been cleared, and the desolate half of the street appeared even more lifeless under the blanket of white snow.

Just as he was about to look for Qian Fan and the others for today's assignment, several figures quickly approached, waving warmly at him.

"Brother Chen Ling!"It was none other than Qian Fan and his group.

"Lord Qian."Chen Ling still politely added the suffix 'Lord,' as he hadn't completely fallen out with Qian Fan and the others, so maintaining a facade of courtesy was necessary.

"What's today's assignment?"

"Assignment? No assignment needed," Qian Fan said with a wave of his hand. "Given your… er, excellent performance yesterday, the higher-ups have decided to secure you a spot as an enforcer. You can go home directly today and report to the headquarters in District Three tomorrow."

Chen Ling was stunned.On the way, he had imagined a thousand possibilities: perhaps a group from Ice Spring Street would ambush him to seek revenge, or Qian Fan and his group would completely drop their pretense and make things difficult for him, or he would be directly informed that his enforcer spot was revoked and told to go home…But he never expected to be directly accepted.That's impossible… Could Ma Zhong truly value his strength and want to recruit him?Chen Ling had only met Ma Zhong once and didn't know him well; he couldn't figure out what the other party was thinking for a moment…

"From now on, we're colleagues." Qian Fan smiled and patted Chen Ling's shoulder as if they were old friends. "There might have been some misunderstandings between us before, Brother Chen Ling, please don't take it to heart, okay?"

"That's right, Brother Chen Ling. Feel free to come to District Two and play cards with us whenever you have time. You're always welcome."

"Almost forgot, there's also this… This year's assessment is different from previous years. Although you were probationary enforcers, you did work for us official enforcers for three days, so the higher-ups decided to give you a subsidy. The amount isn't large, but you have a long road ahead… The salary of an enforcer is very generous."

Qian Fan slipped a small paper-wrapped tube into Chen Ling's hand. Chen Ling, surprised, took it, peeled back a corner, and peeked inside.

Ten silver coins.

Chen Ling's heart skipped a beat.In this world, one silver coin had the purchasing power of 250 copper coins, and copper coins were equivalent to the renminbi of his previous life. This small paper tube, therefore, contained the equivalent of 2,500 yuan…Though not a huge sum, Chen Ling had only worked for two days!Meanwhile, Zhao Yi and his partner worked hard all day for the Road Bureau, thawing frost, and only earned 20 copper coins together… If the subsidy for two days as a probationary enforcer was so high, how substantial would the salary of an official enforcer be?

Chen Ling gave them a deep look, realizing with a sigh that respect and courtesy were truly reserved for the powerful sometimes…Just yesterday, they had forced Wu Youdong away. If he hadn't possessed the 'Dance of Slaughter,' he would likely have suffered the same fate… But now, they could only plaster smiles on their faces, because he now had the qualifications to stand as their equal.

Chen Ling didn't consider himself a protagonist from a 'cool' novel, unable to simply rely on the hot-blooded notion of 'if you provoke me, I'll fight you to the death!' and kill these hypocritical small-minded people on the spot… Doing so would be tantamount to declaring war on the entire law enforcement system of the Aurora Realm.

His home was still on Cold Frost Street, he had a younger brother who would soon return to school, and he needed an enforcer identity to pursue the 'Path of the War God'... From every angle, he should go with the flow and let the matter rest.

"Then I thank you all," Chen Ling said indifferently, without raising his head.

"Brother Chen Ling, the snow makes the roads slippery, so take your time on the way back," Qian Fan said, his smile unwavering. "The list of probationary enforcers who have been made official should be posted this afternoon. You can check for it on your way back. We'll meet again if fate allows."

Chen Ling replied with a few lukewarm words, then turned and walked towards home.

As Chen Ling walked away, the warm smiles on Qian Fan and the others' faces gradually faded, replaced by coldness and disdain.

"This Chen Ling really takes grace for granted," an enforcer sneered.

"Once Brother Ma finishes up, District Three will change… Then, let's see where he can jump to?"

"By the way, any news from Brother Ma?"

"Don't know…"

"By my reckoning, it should be soon."

Just as they were speaking, a figure rushed from afar, stumbled in the heavy snow, and nearly fell.

"Dead…!"

"What's dead?"

"Han Meng, the Chief Enforcer of District Three, is dead!!" He stood up and shouted, "News from District Three says he single-handedly fought two calamities, and they perished together!"

"Enforcer Ma Zhong has temporarily taken over as Chief, and has already ordered District Three to be immediately unsealed. District Two will also be unsealed soon!"

Hearing this news, everyone's eyes instantly lit up!

"It's done!!"

"Is it confirmed? Is Han Meng really dead?" Qian Fan asked again.

"That's what the news from District Three says. Brother Ma's confidant personally delivered the message."

Qian Fan immediately felt a sense of relief, breaking into a wide smile.

"With Han Meng, that great mountain, gone, our days will be much easier."

"The business on Ice Spring Street can finally operate… Go, gather Bone Knife and his crew, and find some more dancers and prostitutes, good wine and meat, let's hold a celebration banquet!It's also to let them know who they'll get rich following from now on."

"Understood, Brother Fan!"

Chen Ling, with ten silver coins in his pocket, slowly climbed over the back mountain. The flying snow frosted his black hair white.He had just spent two hours walking from District Three, stayed for only five minutes, and now had to return the same way… By the time he got back to Cold Frost Street, it would probably be noon.

But regardless, he had received good news and ten silver coins. This money was enough for him and Chen Yan to buy some new clothes, and he could also hire someone to fill the gaps in the house, saving them from freezing at home during heavy snow.

"There's still a good amount of expectation value left, enough for a few peaceful days," Chen Ling muttered to himself, glancing at the characters flashing in the snow.

Speaking of which, compared to when he first transmigrated, things really seemed to have improved significantly… Ever since he took his body back from the 'Audience,' the 'Audience' hadn't interfered with his surroundings for a long time. Everything was developing in a better direction.

He walked for a long time in the snow, until the accumulation surpassed his ankles, finally returning to Cold Frost Street.

He was about to head straight home, but his peripheral vision caught sight of a pastry shop on the side, preparing to close up. His heart stirred, and he slowly stopped.

"Boss, how much is this cake?"Chen Ling asked, pointing to an exquisitely shaped cake in the display window.

"Two hundred copper coins." The boss looked up, saw it was Chen Ling, and his eyebrows slightly rose. "A-Ling? Why are you suddenly buying a cake?"

Being neighbors on Cold Frost Street, the boss recognized Chen Ling. However, given Chen Ling's family's circumstances, they had never bought anything from the shop before… To be honest, very few households on the entire Cold Frost Street could afford a cake costing 200 copper coins, and even the 50-copper-coin small cake cups were rarely bought.

"I passed the martial trial," Chen Ling smiled. "I bought a cake to celebrate. My younger brother has never eaten cake since he was little."

"You've become an official enforcer?"The boss exclaimed in surprise. "Then you really should celebrate properly… How about this, I'll give it to you for 150."

"Thank you, boss."

"No need to thank me. Cold Frost Street will still rely on your care in the future."

The boss wrapped the cake, tied a festive red ribbon around it, and handed it to Chen Ling with both hands.

Chen Ling took the cake, paid, and walked straight towards home. After only a few steps, he heard several enforcers speeding past:

"Calamity eliminated! District Three unsealed!"

"Calamity eliminated! District Three unsealed!!"

As the enforcers' voices gradually faded, some residents on Cold Frost Street began to emerge from their houses, all feeling a sense of relief.

Since the disaster bell rang, District Three had been sealed for five days, and people everywhere were in a state of panic. Now that the calamity was dead, everyone's lives could return to normal… Thinking this, they suddenly found the heavy snowfall quite agreeable.

When Chen Ling heard this news, his heart suddenly jolted.

'Calamity eliminated?'But he was still here… Could it be A-Yan?!

Chen Ling instinctively quickened his pace, hurrying towards home. But upon reaching his doorstep, he knew his worries were unnecessary…

He saw the familiar red-robed boy crouching at the doorstep, earnestly rolling snowballs. He carefully stacked them to form the outline of a snowman, but then his hand slipped, and the two snowballs instantly smashed into pieces.

Chen Yan sighed. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw Chen Ling approaching from a distance, and his tightly furrowed brow instantly relaxed. He spoke with delight,

"Brother, why are you back so early?"

"I passed the assessment early, so I came back a bit sooner," Chen Ling said with a sigh of relief and a relieved smile.He didn't know what had happened with the enforcers, or which calamity they had eliminated… Since he and Chen Yan were both safe and sound, nothing else mattered.

"You passed?" Chen Yan's mouth dropped open. "Brother, are you really an enforcer now?"

"Yes."

Chen Ling walked into the house, placed the cake on the table, and waved to him. "It's a rare occasion, so I bought a cake. Let's celebrate together."

At the word 'cake,' Chen Yan's eyes immediately lit up. He quickly ran into the house, his flowing opera robe sweeping up a flurry of snowflakes, and whooshed into a seat by the table, watching curiously as Chen Ling unwrapped the box.

"Brother, this cake must be expensive, right?"

"Not expensive," Chen Ling smiled. He took a handful of silver coins from his pocket and spread them on the table. "Brother has money now… In the future, our family will be even richer."

"So much money!" Chen Yan's eyes widened in shock. "We can use it for a long, long time…"

"And since you're also going back to school, the tuition problem is solved too."

Chen Ling unwrapped the packaging, revealing a large cream cake on the table. To Chen Ling, the craftsmanship and ingredients of this cake couldn't compare to those in his previous life, but for Chen Yan, it was something he had yearned for countless times while gazing through shop windows.

Chen Yan couldn't help but swallow.

"Brother… should we wait for Doctor Chu?"

"No, let's not wait for him. We don't know when he'll be back; just leave a piece for him." Chen Ling took out a few complimentary candles, stuck them into the cake, and lit them one by one.

The flickering orange candlelight swayed in the room, reflecting on the faces of the two youths and the swirling snowflakes outside.

"A-Yan, you blow them out."

"Can you blow out candles even if it's not your birthday?" Chen Yan asked.

"Of course you can… Just remember to make a wish before you blow."

"Okay!"Chen Yan immediately pressed his palms together and solemnly bowed his head in the candlelight, like a devout worshipper.

Chen Ling didn't know what wish Chen Yan had made. He only saw Chen Yan open his eyes and smile at him, his chestnut pupils as clear as water.

"What did you wish for?" Chen Ling asked.

"Can't say, or it won't come true…"

"True…"

"Excuse me, is Chen Ling home?"As the two were speaking, a figure cautiously approached the doorway, standing under the heavy snow and looking inside the house.

"Wu Youdong?" Chen Ling recognized the figure leaning on a crutch, his eyebrows raised in surprise. "Why are you here? Come inside and talk."

Wu Youdong gave an embarrassed smile and slowly walked into the house. He glanced at the cake and candles on the table, his eyes filled with envy…

"I just saw the list posted on the street. You've been made official, haven't you?"

"That's right."

"…Congratulations," Wu Youdong said with a bitter smile. "I thought you'd be forced out, just like me. I never expected… you actually succeeded."

As he said this, Chen Ling detected the deep bitterness and helplessness in his words.

"Brother, who is he?" Chen Yan curiously observed Wu Youdong.

"His name is Wu Youdong. He's a friend who went to Ice Spring Street with me these past two days."

Wu Youdong froze.

"A friend?" Chen Yan said thoughtfully. "Then let's give him a slice of cake too?"

"Yes, of course, he should have a slice."

"Should you cut it or should I?"

"No rush, the candles haven't been blown out yet."

As Chen Ling spoke, he waved at the bewildered Wu Youdong beside him. "Youdong, don't just stand there. Come sit down and have a piece with us."

"Huh? Oh… okay."

Wu Youdong slowly sat down at the table.He looked at Chen Ling with a strange expression, then glanced beside himself…

"Chen Ling…"

"Hm?"

"Can I ask a question?"

"What?"

"Since just now… who have you been talking to?"

Chen Ling froze.A bone-chilling gust of wind suddenly swept into the room, and the burning candle flames abruptly extinguished.