Chapter 592: Lights Ablaze

"To verify our past?"

"The simplest way, of course, is for us to directly acknowledge each other. I'll call you Dr. Su, and you'll call me Director Chen. Then we'll say 'long time no see,' reminiscing about everything we experienced together centuries ago, including this very conversation we're having in the ruins... If all that happens, it will naturally confirm that everything here is real."

Su Zhiwei asked, puzzled, "Isn't that normal?"

Chen Ling sighed, "But when Yang Xiao met me, he was... very vague? He seemed to recognize me but didn't want to directly acknowledge me. I don't know what he was thinking at the time."

"So, you're worried that I'll be vague like him?"

"Exactly... That's why I hope we can agree on something beforehand." Chen Ling said seriously, "If everything goes smoothly, we'll acknowledge each other normally. But if some complicated factors arise that prevent a direct acknowledgment, we'll agree on a code phrase."

"Hmm... Alright, what code phrase?"

Chen Ling thought for a moment. "Do you know Li Bai's poem, 'In the red dust, we meet, with a high bow and golden whip'?"

"I know. Should we use that line?"

"No, we'll modify it slightly... When the time comes, I'll say 'In the world of mortals, we meet,' and you'll respond 'A faint smile, and long years pass.'" Chen Ling paused for a moment. "As long as you say the second part, it will confirm that everything happening now is real, and even if we don't acknowledge each other directly, I'll know for sure."

"No problem, I've got it."

"Thank you."

Chen Ling flipped open his clamshell phone. Less than ten seconds remained until the end of this era's save.

He took one last deep look at Su Zhiwei, smiling faintly.

"Then, I look forward to meeting you in another era."

Simulation time limit reached.

Reading interrupted.

Red Dust Main City.

Cloth shoes splashed through muddy puddles on the road, creating ripples in the disturbed reflections. A figure in tattered linen robes slowly walked through the dilapidated alleyway.

It was a woman who looked like a beggar, draped in brown hempen clothes, seemingly salvaged from who-knew-where. Her black hair was matted with mud, coiled up and hidden beneath a ragged hood. Even if someone brushed past her in the alley, they wouldn't look up at her; instead, they would actively avoid her.

It wasn't until she reached the rooftop of a long-abandoned, unfinished building that she slowly stopped. From a box in the corner, she pulled out a carefully wrapped steamed bun and sat down, taking small bites.

On her face, obscured and mottled by dirt, a pair of eyes as deep as a lake constantly observed her surroundings.

Liu Qingyan's heart was peaceful.

Six months ago, after flaying and killing that disgusting old man at the Huadu Consortium's headquarters, she completely went into hiding, concealing herself among the common folk of Red Dust Main City.

On one hand, it was to evade pursuit from the police and the Huadu Consortium. On the other, it was to deeply explore the essence of this "path."

Liu Qingyan could feel that her own path was different from others'.

Six months ago, when she embarked on this "divine path," she vaguely sensed two diverging routes extending from it... They were vastly different yet subtly connected: one was smooth and expansive, the other thorny and overgrown.

The one she ultimately chose was the thorny one.

This path was arduous and obscure. Even now, Liu Qingyan didn't know what she had truly chosen, nor was there anyone to guide her. She wasn't even clear about what the divine path or the concept of a "path" truly entailed; she was like a blind person groping in the dark.

After embarking on this path, Liu Qingyan instinctively grew tired of performing, tired of gazes filled with various desires. Especially after personally killing Zong Wen, something within her seemed to awaken, guiding her away from the world's turmoil.

The good news was that after killing Zong Wen, she also took the valuables from his safe. After selling everything, she sent all the money back to her hometown in Liu Town.

This money should be enough for her parents to repay their exorbitant debts and for her younger brother to see a doctor. She no longer had to be a celebrity, an exploited tool for the consortium, just to pay off her father's debts.

These past six months had been difficult for Liu Qingyan, yet also liberating. She observed the diverse people in the Red Dust realm, and without realizing it, she ascended to the second stage.

But now, she couldn't discern where her next step lay.

Liu Qingyan watched as the sky gradually darkened. Lights flickered on in the gloom, slowly forming continuous illuminated patches. The bustling "red dust" awoke amidst the neon glow, as people, finally finished with their day's work, began to seek physical and mental pleasure.

Strangely, however, parts of the city's widespread lights had recently been plunging into darkness, like patches of mold growing in a neon world, emanating an inexplicable eeriness and gloom. And as time passed, these dark areas were only increasing.

"Is the power out...?" Liu Qingyan murmured to herself.

She rose and descended from the unfinished building, her grimy clothes seemingly merging with the dark alleyway. After a few steps, she felt something underfoot.

Liu Qingyan looked down and saw a newspaper discarded on the roadside.

The newspaper's surface was covered in footprints, and by the date, it appeared to be several days old. She casually picked it up. The first page featured news about the decisive defeat of the Twilight Society. After a few glances, her brow furrowed unconsciously.

She read the content carefully, then flipped to the next page and saw a wet profile on a stage, suddenly freezing in place.

"He's back..."

Liu Qingyan's eyes gradually lit up. Her gaze instantly locked onto the three characters "Jinghong Tower" within the article. Without caring how dirty the newspaper was, she rolled it up and stuffed it into her embrace, then hurriedly ran in a certain direction.

She moved through streets bustling with people and past stores adorned with flashing neon lights. Even the mud-caked strands of hair beneath her hood floated freely as this hurrying, beggar-like girl attracted puzzled glances from passersby.

Liu Qingyan seemed oblivious to them. She ran through several blocks, finally stopping before a particular street.

This block, too, seemed to be shrouded in a mold-like darkness. The surrounding buildings were without power, and pedestrians and shops everywhere were using kerosene lamps for illumination... Only one building was an exception.

It was an old-fashioned opera house. At its entrance, two large trucks filled with lanterns were parked.

Seven or eight figures were carrying lit lanterns, hanging them inside and outside the opera house. The lanterns' glow completely dispelled the darkness; even without electric lights, the opera house was as bright as day!

Meanwhile, a group of people, holding what looked like tickets, were queuing outside the opera house. Seeing the incredibly brightly lit building, they couldn't help but marvel and praise it.

Inside the opera house.

Chen Ling, who had been ready to slack off and rest, stared blankly at the entrance. He saw Kong Baosheng excitedly directing the hanging of lanterns and Li Qingshan backstage, eager as if planning to sing all night. Chen Ling couldn't help but palm his forehead.

"What a mess..."