Golden Finger 18

Xiao Bao hadn't yet grasped the significance of it, but tears were already streaming down his face.

 

The Young Leader screeched at Chen Xing, and they flew off into the distance.

 

Taking a few steps forward, Xiao Bao inquired, “Xing Xing, why did they leave?”

 

Chen Xing gazed at the Young Leader and the others, now transformed into scattered starlight and disappeared into the sky, explaining, 'Because they were going home.'

 

In that moment, Chen Xing's voice lost its usual sweetness, sounding somewhat empty and distant. Though clearly Chen Xing spoke, it didn’t entirely resemble her. Chen Xing's eyes seemed to embody the passage of time, only to return to normal in the next moment. 

 

She remarked, “One day, I will go home too.”

 

Xiao Bao failed to comprehend, growing even more bewildered.

 

While the two were engaged in conversation, Qin Ji emerged from the treehouse. Sensing the absence of spiritual energy within him, he found that the once easily navigable height now required the aid of vines. Descending, he approached Chen Xing, furrowing his brow as he surveyed the surroundings, asking, "Where are we?"

 

As he spoke, the enchanting forest that had captivated Xiao Bao's eyes vanished, and the tall, intricate tree houses dissipated like illusions.

 

Xiao Bao exclaimed in surprise, glancing around in a state of confusion. Almost instinctively, he positioned himself protectively in front of Chen Xing.

 

This place seemed more like underground. In their immediate sight lay the skeletal remains of a massive bird, its wings extended and bones emitting a golden glow. Below its wings were the fragmented bones of numerous smaller birds, sadly shattered and impossible to reconstruct.

 

It was only now that Xiao Bao grasped the situation. He gazed in bewilderment and questioned, "Young Leader, Ali?"

 

Qin Ji furrowed his brow as he observed the surroundings, glancing around. He vividly recalled the scene he had witnessed upon first arriving—this was undeniably an illusion. However, looking at Chen Xing and Xiao Bao, it seemed they were unharmed and thriving within this illusion.

 

Acting swiftly, Xiao Bao retrieved a handful of spiritual grass and presented it to Chen Xing, insisting, "Young Master, these are real."

 

Understanding Xiao Bao's concern, Chen Xing elaborated, "Because he belongs to the Phoenix Clan, and phoenixes inherently possess the gift of rebirth. They possess a natural connection to time and space. Hence, these spiritual grasses are genuine, and what we witnessed was real. He has transported us to a time when they were still alive."

 

Despite this explanation, Xiao Bao remained puzzled and inquired,

 

"But he mentioned the East Continent and West Continent, which are clearly the same as now."

 

Even in the presence of the skeletal remains, Xiao Bao was unwilling to believe it. It was just moments ago when they were joyfully dancing, planning to embark on a more distant adventure. "Ali mentioned a beautiful flower we had agreed to pick together."

 

Chen Xing had discerned early on that this was a beautiful but ephemeral dream. As a member of the divine beast clan, she could seamlessly blend into this dream, and so could Xiao Bao as an affiliate of the Dragon Clan. However, Qin Ji couldn't. Being an outsider, the dream would fade away upon his awakening. That's why, the first time Qin Ji attempted to wake up, Chen Xing had to incapacitate him. Unfortunately, they couldn’t stay in this dream for any longer as it posed a risk—they might not be able to return if they lingered any longer.

 

The Young Leader was aware, as was the doctor, so they didn't obstruct the situation. Instead, they engaged in a dance—a blessing to each other as members of the divine beast clan and a farewell.

 

It was during this period that Chen Xing also solidified a realization. Although she remained in the dark about the actual expulsion of the demon clan to another land and the appearance of that distant continent, she had gleaned fragments of truth. She had also become attuned to her own aspirations; she hoped that the sealed-off land was a good place, where the so-called demon clan thrived even better than the inhabitants of the cultivation world.

 

Yet, these sentiments were things Chen Xing couldn't share with anyone. She had to keep them secret, for she needed to continue living, driven by the quest for truth.

 

Chen Xing extended her hand and gently caressed Xiao Bao's head. "Because it was an illusion, we mustn't entertain doubts; otherwise, we'll wake up. The responses they provided were tailored to our inner thoughts; they weren’t real."

 

Xiao Bao cried sadly.

 

Qin Ji observed Chen Xing, sensing a change in her during his period of unconsciousness.

 

Chen Xing glanced once more at the skeletal remains and said, "Xiao Bao, I have a crucial task for you. Can you handle it?"

 

Xiao Bao, teary-eyed, looked at Chen Xing and nodded vigorously. "I can."

 

Speaking with warmth, Chen Xing said, "The Phoenix Clan values cleanliness the most. Could you tidy up this place a bit? Then, retrieve the flowers I've stored in the storage ring and arrange them beautifully."

 

Xiao Bao nodded, "Ali loves beautiful things."

 

Xiao Bao immediately began working. Chen Xing then turned to Qin Ji and suggested, 

 

"Qin Ji, let's not disturb Xiao Bao. Let’s talk on the side."

 

Qin Ji nodded in agreement. Unlike Chen Xing and Xiao Bao, he refrained from casting a prolonged gaze at the colossal bird's skeletal remains, as it triggered a sensation of dizziness for him.

 

Originally, Chen Xing intended to stand between Qin Ji and the Young Leader's skeletal remains to obstruct Qin Ji's view. However, once she positioned herself there, she realized that, given her height, she couldn't effectively block the sight. It also made it easier for Qin Ji to peer beyond her to the skeletal remains. Chen Xing even attempted to stand on her tiptoes but eventually sighed and said, "Let's change direction."

 

Qin Ji was momentarily puzzled but then grasped Chen Xing's intention. At that moment, he sensed the familiar Chen Xing returning. He complied with her suggestion, and they shifted positions. Now, Chen Xing confronted the skeletal remains of the giant bird, while Qin Ji faced the stone wall. The wall had once featured paintings, but they were now indistinct and blurred. Qin Ji remarked, "We are still in the Desolate Spirit Desert."

 

This statement carried a sense of certainty. Despite being underground, the feeling of spiritual energy was unmistakable.

 

Chen Xing nodded in agreement.

 

Qin Ji lowered his gaze and recalled something. "In the Desolate Spirit Desert, there's a mirage city that evokes the deepest desires and aspirations within a person. Those who venture into it never come back, and even after the mirage city disappears, no one has ever been discovered, not even their remains."

 

Chen Xing nodded in agreement. "That mirage city might serve as a mere entrance, transporting individuals to different locations within the Desolate Spirit Desert. Alternatively, they could be ensnared in an illusion, unable to find their way back."

 

Qin Ji questioned, "Is this place genuine?"

 

Chen Xing affirmed, "It is indeed real."

 

Without realizing it, Chen Xing and Xiao Bao had entered the mirage city, drawn either by the desires within Chen Xing's heart or the mutual attraction of being fellow divine beasts. They now stood in the burial ground of the Phoenix Clan.

 

Qin Ji let out a soft sigh. According to the records in the cultivation world, the Phoenix Clan was supposed to have departed from this small world alongside the Dragon Clan. Who could have anticipated finding such a place beneath the Desolate Spirit Desert?

 

Xiao Bao suddenly exclaimed.

 

Chen Xing swiftly turned around to see what had caught his attention.

 

Xiao Bao pointed at the ground, saying, "Young Master, there are numerous human bones here."

 

Chen Xing wasn't surprised; she had directed Xiao Bao to tidy up with the intention of clearing these remains. Upon hearing this, she remarked, 

 

"Gather them into a pile, and I'll burn them later."

 

To Chen Xing, these human bones were comparable to debris, necessitating a cleanup.

 

Xiao Bao agreed without objection and immediately began the cleaning.

 

Chen Xing quickly advised, "Wear gloves; it's quite dirty."

 

As the sole human cultivator present, Qin Ji couldn't shake the feeling of being targeted.

 

Xiao Bao agreed, already sporting gloves and commencing the task of sweeping up the bones.

 

Chen Xing reminded, "If there are any treasures, set them aside. We can check if there's anything useful."

 

Quickly, Xiao Bao assured, "Young Master, don't worry." He then bent down and picked up a jade token. "Hmm, this one looks similar to ours."

 

Qin Ji had already walked over swiftly. "Can I have a look?"

 

Without hesitation, Xiao Bao handed it to Qin Ji.

 

After careful examination, Qin Ji pursed his lips slightly. "This belongs to a disciple of the Guiyuan Sect."

 

Considering Qin Ji's feelings, Chen Xing suggested, "Then, let's gather the remains of Guiyuan Sect disciples separately."

 

Qin Ji cast a contemplative gaze at the bones scattered on the ground. Despite having been standing in this spot moments ago, he had failed to notice the unsettling scene below. Were it not for Chen Xing directing Xiao Bao to tidy up, he might never have discovered the heaps of bleached bones, including those of his fellow disciples.

 

Observing Qin Ji's expression, Chen Xing proposed, "How about I explain your situation, and then you can think about it while arranging their skeletons?"

 

Qin Ji responded, "Okay."

 

Chen Xing shared with Qin Ji the fact that the poison in his body had been successfully neutralized. She added, 

 

"However, your cultivation is gone. You might want to consider practicing demonic cultivation or explore other alternatives. Is there any method within the Guiyuan Sect that could help?"

 

Having already assessed his own condition upon awakening, Qin Ji found that his Nascent Soul and Sword Heart were gone. His Dantian and meridians were damaged, preventing the storage of spiritual energy. He didn't even have the chance to change to body cultivation. Consequently, he refrained from inquiring about his own situation, experiencing a fleeting moment of vulnerability and the inclination to evade.

 

Observing Qin Ji's silence, Chen Xing, driven by curiosity, approached him. She extended her hand, initially aiming to pat his shoulder for reassurance, but finding it awkward, she adjusted her wrist and patted his chest instead, saying, "There's always a way out."

 

Despite the common belief that the Dragon Clan was favored by the heavens, Chen Xing held the view that it was the human race that was truly blessed. Turning her gaze to the colossal skeleton, she added, "So, just take some time to figure it out."

 

Considering Qin Ji's personality, Chen Xing doubted he would embrace demonic cultivation. Her hope rested on the possibility that the Guiyuan Sect held a solution. Otherwise, she might have to prioritize her own well-being over Qin Ji’s wishes by taking him away. In a scenario where a solution existed, Chen Xing genuinely wished that both of them could achieve their respective desires. If that proves impossible, she’ll have to be a bit more selfish.

 

Chen Xing rushed to the remains of the Young Leader, placing her hand upon them to convey her sentiments. However, a profound and enigmatic message swiftly unfolded in her mind. Pensively, she observed the bones of the Young Leader and then glanced at the fellow tribespeople sheltered beneath his wings.

 

Finally, she pressed her lips together, directed her gaze at Qin Ji and Xiao Bao, lowered her eyes in contemplation, and posed a question, 

 

"Qin Ji, do you believe in the cycle of cause and effect?"

 

As a cultivator, Qin Ji naturally adhered to such beliefs. He met Chen Xing's gaze, anticipating her next words.

 

Chen Xing smiled and remarked, "Regardless of your belief, I do."