The Mysterious Burning and Killing

Chapter 11

“You’re not bad either,” Clary replied with a smile.

The situation took a sudden and unexpected turn, clearly exceeding the comprehension of the villagers. The terrified villagers hurriedly gathered around, looking around in bewilderment. Anthony quickly directed them to take the wounded into the house and hand them over to Li Shang for treatment.

Hui Ren's injuries weren't serious; he had only lost a lot of blood, and Li Shang quickly bandaged him up, so he was fine. Yu Ke's injuries were much more severe. The strenuous exercise had reopened his old wounds, and the bleeding wouldn't stop. He developed a high fever shortly after being taken to his room, and his life was in danger. Even Li Shang was at a loss.

"I don't know when he woke up..." Li Shang said apologetically.

"Is there no hope?" Anthony asked, touching Yu Ke's burning forehead.

“We need some medicine… but there’s no medicine in the village.” Li Shang shook her head and said, “My instant healing spell can only treat external injuries, it’s ineffective against his high fever.”

“Then I’ll go pick some,” Anthony said, walking towards the door, but Li Shang reached out to stop him.

“It’s no use, all the herbs in the forest have withered and died…” Li Shang said. She was gradually becoming agitated; Yu Ke’s life force was growing weaker and weaker. In such chaotic times, life and death were commonplace, but this time, Li Shang could not let this person’s life slip away before her eyes again. This was not only because of his heroic actions today, but also because of a sense of responsibility.

She saw Yu Ke's gaze fixed on her in the woods, and she knew what it meant, because she had been watching Anthony in the same way for years. She also knew how much power it took to stop the twin swords in mid-air, and she knew where that power came from.

But there was nothing she could do; she already had someone in her heart.

A sudden surge of pity and remorse left Li Shang wondering why she so desperately wanted him to come back to life, even though it might mean him even greater suffering...

It's already a tragedy anyway...

Li Shang couldn't understand these things, and the more she thought about them, the more confused she became, so she simply went outside.

In the open space outside, Krusen and his four companions had the boy firmly under their control. The boy struggled frantically in Richard's grasp, biting and tearing at him, desperately trying to break free.

"Oh dear, what did your mother teach you..." Clary said, touching her arm where the boy had scratched her with heartache. Not only her, but almost everyone around had some kind of bruise, some on their hands, some on their faces, showing how much effort it had taken to subdue the boy.

"How could this happen..." Cage pondered, the turn of events somewhat unexpected. But to be honest, when he first met the child, he already felt something was wrong, he just didn't expect it to turn out like this.

"Cage, hurry up and teach him a lesson!" Orlando snapped Cage out of his reverie. Cage had a large cut on his face, and the pain made him want to cry. He had originally wanted Li Shang to help treat it, but compared to Yu Ke, his injury was nothing. Orlando wisely thought it best not to distract Li Shang.

Cage immediately opened his arms, and a swarm of Bachooshka worms sprang from his palms. He gently placed the worms on the boy's forehead. These Bachooshka worms, from the rainforest, possess extremely strong parasitic abilities; upon contact with human skin, they can enter the body. Cage also concentrated his energy, attempting to connect with the boy's consciousness and search for the power behind him.

The Baballish Chica worms hatch rapidly. The larvae can develop into adults in just one minute. They can enter the human brain, lie dormant, and gradually absorb human consciousness as their food. Of course, they will also transmit this consciousness information to their owner, Cage, without reservation.

But this time, Cage was taken aback. His surprise was followed by great disappointment: the boy's consciousness was a blank, with no past, no future, only the present moment. This momentary information was fleeting and then disappeared without a trace.

How could this be? Cage was wondering when suddenly a figure flashed through the boy's consciousness, swiftly striking Cage's Baskin-Robbin...

The connection of consciousness was severed.

"What happened?" Everyone asked anxiously when they saw Cage emerge from his meditation with a pale face.

“I don’t know…” Something seemed so familiar, and Cage remembered it, blurting out, “Rakshasa!”

"A Rakshasa?!" Clari exclaimed in surprise, "Where did it come from?!"

“It must have been Huizhi who planted it in his body…” Cage said bitterly, no wonder they found him so easily, “We’ve been tricked.”

"Isn't there any way to get rid of it?"

“It’s unlikely. The power of the Rakshasa is too great; it’s not something that the Bajushika worm can handle…” Cage said with difficulty.

Clari took two dance steps, waving her hands to release a mist, hoping to control the person before her through it. However, to her disappointment, the mist was meant to control consciousness, and at this moment, the boy was completely unconscious—or rather, his consciousness had already been controlled by Rakshasa, who had acted before Clari!

"It's okay, it's okay, let's try this!" Orlando somehow produced a thick, long hemp rope. Seeing that there was no other way, the group had no choice but to tie the boy to the pillar for now and figure out a solution later.

It's so disappointing. At this time yesterday, everything seemed hopeful, as if all the dark past was about to pass, as if the light was about to arrive, and as if all good things would come true today...

But what awaited them was this disheartening outcome.

+: The Corpse King, the Feudal King

- Mystery Tribe

Chapter 25, Guarding their master

Yesterday's joyful mood has plummeted to rock bottom today. Li Shang wanders through the village with heavy steps, unsure of what to do. This troubling feeling lingers in her heart, refusing to dissipate.

"Hahahaha!" Suddenly, a clear laugh rang in her ears.

Who was it? She turned around and saw Orlando sitting on the ground beside her, idly playing with a small leaf.

"Orlando, what are you laughing at?" Li Shang asked, puzzled.

"Me? Did I laugh?" Orlando looked up at her, puzzled.

"But I definitely heard someone laughing."

"Really? I didn't hear that?" Orlando shook his head and said, "You're just too tired. Play with me for a while."

"No..." Li Shang turned around dejectedly. She clearly heard laughter, but maybe she was just too tired.

Just then, an idea gripped her tightly:

What is Orlando doing?

She turned around again and found Orlando still sitting there.

That's right, there was a leaf in his hand!

Where did the leaves come from?

"Orlando, where did you get those leaves in your hand?" Li Shang asked, enunciating each word clearly, her heart pounding uncontrollably.

"Found it..." Orlando stared at Li Shang's eyes in confusion, and suddenly he seemed to understand something.

Their gazes slowly moved upwards together...

Good heavens! That big poplar tree is already covered with tender green leaves, rustling in the wind.

"The poplar tree is alive!" Orlando exclaimed excitedly. He turned and ran towards Huiren's room, shouting all the way, "Master! Master! The poplar tree is alive! The poplar tree is alive!"

His cheers attracted many villagers, who gradually gathered around the revived poplar tree, chattering amongst themselves. Before long, Huiren arrived, supported by the crowd. Upon seeing Huiren, an older-looking villager immediately approached him, pointing at the poplar tree and chattering incessantly.

"What are they saying?" Orlando asked Li Shang.

"I don't know..." Li Shang stared at the large poplar tree, feeling that something was off. Strange, this poplar tree looked so strange! Li Shang observed it carefully, and suddenly it dawned on her: this wasn't a poplar tree at all, it was clearly a Bodhi tree! Looking closer, she noticed that the closer she got to the area stained with Hui Ren's blood, the more lush the tree's branches and leaves became. Ah, that's it, Li Shang gradually understood.

"What's going on? What's going on?" Orlando asked hurriedly as he saw Li Shang's eyes gradually brighten.

"It's just a legend, I don't know if it's true or not..."

"Oh my god, stop keeping me in suspense and just tell me!"

"Alright!" Li Shang said slowly, noticing that people's attention was gradually turning to her.

"Rama, who once served under Socrates, was a warrior of the gods. During the war between gods and demons, Socrates was fatally wounded while fighting the demons. Rama remained loyal to his master, but Socrates eventually died under the Bodhi tree. Rama then transformed into a spring to water the tree. The tree will only wither when the spring dries up."

“Qingquan? That big man selling vegetables mentioned Qingquan!” Upon hearing Li Shang’s words, Krusen, who was standing to the side, suddenly remembered something.

"Could there really be a clear spring?" Li Shang asked in surprise.

"Look!" Orlando exclaimed, pointing at the crowd. The entire village had come out of their houses and gathered under the Bodhi tree, worshipping devoutly.

"What are they doing? The people here are getting weirder and weirder."

Just then, everyone suddenly noticed that the soil beneath their feet was gradually becoming moist. Before they could react, a clear spring suddenly broke through the soil and gushed out from the roots of the Bodhi tree!

"Spring! There's water!"

The crowd erupted in cheers once more! The clear spring water, carrying the fresh scent of earth, sprayed freely amidst a beautiful rainbow, leaving everyone stunned by the sight. At the foot of the fountain, the once-parched earth was instantly covered with lush green grass. Moreover, wherever the spring water touched, life immediately returned.

People danced in the spring, cupping the water in their sleeves and drinking it, savoring its unprecedented sweetness. Gradually, Orlando was astonished to find that the people bathing in the spring began to change. Their disheveled appearances seemed to dissolve from their bodies like masks, revealing blond-haired, blue-eyed faces behind them. Even their clothes began to change, transforming into glittering golden armor and cloaks.

"Ah! So you are..." Orlando exclaimed in surprise. Not only were the faces of these people different, but their speech and behavior were also completely different from the locals.

+: The Corpse King, the Feudal King

- Mystery Tribe

Section 26, Your Honor Will Live Forever

"Salute to the heroes who revived the Bodhi tree!" Led by a blond commander, all the villagers—no, all the men and women warriors—stood up straight and solemnly saluted Anthony and his men.

"Your honor will live on forever!" The leading commander saluted Anthony and said politely, "We are the Western Knights responsible for guarding the Linden Tree, and we now obey your command!"

"Who are you?" Although he had roughly guessed where these people came from, Anthony still had some questions.

“I am Sir James Van Williams,” the commander introduced himself with a deep bow, then gestured to the other knights behind him. “They are my most loyal men. We left our homes and families to swear to guard this linden tree forever.”

“We have always been stationed around the Bodhi tree, not allowing anyone to approach. Until ten years ago, the Bodhi tree suddenly withered and died, and we became in that dishonorable state to repent for our dereliction of duty. Only when the Bodhi tree revived did we return to our original form. Therefore, we are now willing to follow your command and contribute our strength.”

“We are going to fight an evil royal advisor in the ancient city to find the fragments of the Seven Aliens, and there may be Dark Messengers coming against us after that… Are you willing to help?” Anthony said.

Sir James turned to look at his men, who all drew their swords and held them to their chests.

“We are willing to serve you, we swear by honor!” James drew his sword and bowed again.

"Thank you so much!" Anthony exclaimed with delight, and quickly turned to call Richard over. "These knights will fight alongside us from now on!"

“No problem!” Richard said. When the noble knights saw that the newcomer was outstanding in both appearance and physique, they all lowered their swords and showed Richard their sincere respect.

“Let’s get started now,” James gestured to his men, who immediately dispersed throughout the village, dismantling the filthy shacks and burning all the unwanted trash. Meanwhile, another group began setting up sentry posts, command posts, and spacious, well-lit military tents around the village. Their movements were swift and skillful; they were clearly well-trained professional soldiers.

Hui Ren used his robe to collect spring water and walked towards the boy who was still tied to the pillar.

Upon seeing Huiren approach, the boy struggled and bit wildly, even shaking the pillar. But Huiren simply applied a few drops of spring water to his forehead, and he immediately calmed down. Not only that, his previously hateful gaze gradually softened, as if reason had returned to him. At the same time, the "Buddha" character above his head slowly faded, eventually disappearing altogether. It turned out that the "Buddha" character had been written by Huizhi using magic!

"May I have your name?"

Hui Ren untied the ropes binding him and asked with loving kindness.

“Nayan…” the boy replied.

+: The Corpse King, the Feudal King

- Mystery Tribe

Chapter 27, The Elf Disguised as a Jade Buddha

"Things don't seem to be going as smoothly as you said..." the lame old monk said, still facing the wall without turning his head.

Moonlight streamed in through the skylight, casting a strangely shaped shadow on the floor. Huizhi suddenly felt as if it were a ferocious beast, poised to pounce and devour him at any moment. The thought sent a chill down her spine.