Uncanny Valley - Chapter 36
Anmi waved his hand: "No! I'll go alone. There's only one enemy. If we rely on numbers to win, we'll inevitably be ridiculed by outsiders. Besides..." He chuckled again, "If he's scared out of his wits by our warrior and refuses to show himself, wouldn't that be troublesome? In such a large jungle, if he really hides, it won't be easy to find him."
The tribesmen laughed along with him. In their eyes, their leader was undoubtedly the most powerful warrior in the world, and any enemy who appeared before him would surely face annihilation.
Xu Xiaowen and Suo Tulan frowned slightly, showing some concern about Anmi's confidence.
Anmi noticed the emotions of the two men. He turned to Sotulan and said, "High Priest, please put away your unnecessary worries. What you should do now is offer farewell wine. Then, just wait for the good news of my victorious return."
Soon, the fine wine was served. Sotulan poured Anmi a large bowl full. Anmi drank it all in one gulp, his face glowing red, adding to his heroic air. Then he smashed the bowl on the ground and said to his people, "Hamo warriors, after I leave, the defense of the village is in your hands. You must be on your guard and not let the cunning enemy take advantage of any weakness."
Seeing everyone respond in unison, Anmi nodded in satisfaction. Then he called over four of his followers, whispered something to them, and looked at Luo Fei: "Luo, before many things have a final outcome, I still have to ask you to make do for a while."
Luo Fei understood what the other party meant, and could only shake his head with a wry smile. Four attendants came over and tied his hands behind his back once again.
Anmi was finally relieved. He took a torch and, amidst the awe and anticipation of his people, embarked on his journey to the Valley of Terror.
In the holy war more than three hundred years ago, Aliya launched a surprise attack on Li Dingguo and later personally beheaded him, achieving a complete victory in that battle. As time has passed and fate has brought their descendants together for a new life-or-death struggle.
Who will be the ultimate victor this time?
Anmi stood tall and proud, holding a torch in his left hand and his right hand firmly on the hilt of his sword. His steps were steady, and his gaze was resolute. When you saw him, you felt that he exuded an aura of power, an unstoppable domineering presence.
With courage, wisdom, anger, a sense of justice, honor, and responsibility, he possessed almost all the qualities a hero needs to win. He had every reason to face the upcoming final battle with pride and confidence.
Who could know what state and mood the other protagonist of the battle, the young man who was once imprisoned in the Kunming Mental Hospital, Li Dingguo's descendant Li Yanhui, would be in at this moment?
Apart from the warriors sent out to patrol the villages, almost all the Hamo people were gathered at the sacrificial site, awaiting the triumphant return of their leader. The saintess had recovered, and the resurrected "demon" was about to be defeated. The fear and anxiety that had accumulated over the past six months finally had a chance to dissipate tonight.
They desperately need this victory. For those tribespeople who grew up listening to the legends of holy war, the epic tales of tribal heroes have become the most glorious pillar of their lives. If this pillar were to collapse, what would that mean for these people who still live deep in the jungle?
Monsa was also among the crowd at that moment, and he had a unique understanding of this issue. Therefore, when he looked at the road leading from the village entrance to the mountains, his expression became even more devout, and his eyes held a greater sense of urgency.
Luo Fei was also waiting. He came because of the medical case in Longzhou City, but here he found himself embroiled in a century-old feud. He thought he had roughly grasped the ins and outs, but everything that happened tonight showed that he had still underestimated the complexity of this feud. It was like a huge whirlpool that had already formed; you could feel it, even be in it, but you had no power to stop it from spinning, no power to save those things that were about to be destroyed in the whirlpool.
This feeling was something Luo Fei had never experienced before in his previous detective work; he even felt a sense of helplessness and sorrow. All he could do now was try his best to protect those innocent people from being swallowed up by that terrible vortex.
Yakuma, Bai Jian'e, Dierga, Xue Mingfei, Wu Qun, Zhao Liwen... Too many people have died, and what fate awaits the living?
Luo Fei's gaze swept over the Hamo tribe members, finally settling on Xu Xiaowen. She happened to be looking at him too, and their eyes met. Xu Xiaowen immediately gave him a reassuring and trusting smile. However, this smile caused Luo Fei a pang of pain in his heart; he had a vague premonition, a feeling that things were about to spiral out of his control.
Luo Fei's mood underwent a strange change. For the first time, his innate curiosity was suppressed by another emotion. He suddenly hoped that Anmi's trip could resolve all the problems and bring everything to an end, even if the unsolved mysteries might be buried forever as a result.
With everyone in such a state of mind, after a long wait, Anmi finally returned.
It was late at night, the mountain wind was chilly, and the overcast sky was devoid of stars. Anmi, carrying a torch, emerged from the jungle and walked slowly toward the group. He moved slowly and looked very tired, but his gait was still normal, not like he was injured.
"Lord Anmi is back!" Someone shouted first, and the tribespeople cheered. The tension they had been feeling eased, and everyone beamed with joy.
Anyone could guess that since Anmi returned safely, he must have won the final battle against the "demon".
Anmi ignored the cheers of his people. He continued walking slowly, his head slightly lowered, his gaze fixed on the ground three or four meters ahead. Apart from the alternating movement of his feet, he made no other movements, like a walking puppet. As he drew closer and finally reached the sacrificial site, the noisy crowd fell silent, their smiles freezing on their faces, for everyone sensed an unusual atmosphere.
Anmi returned safely, but that only applied to his physical body. Much of his spirit had vanished: pride, confidence, courage, even dignity—all were now irrelevant to him. He hunched over like a lowly prisoner, his expression blank, a complete change from the heroic and domineering figure he had when he left the mountain stronghold.
"Lord Anmi?" Sotulan stepped forward and called out nervously.
Anmi stopped and looked up at Sotulan in a daze. After a moment, he swept his gaze over the people around him. His eyes were empty and devoid of any light. His beloved people seemed to have suddenly become strangers.
"Anmi, what's wrong? Did you see him?" Luo Fei realized something was wrong and shouted.
The shout seemed to bring Anmi to his senses slightly. He turned to the guards watching over Luo Fei and said, "Let him go... Dilga's death has nothing to do with him, and besides, he was a man who deserved to die anyway."
The attendants quickly untied the ropes binding Luo Fei, who rubbed his wrists, which were aching from being bound, while looking suspiciously at the Hamo tribe leader who had suddenly changed his personality not far away.
Everyone present was completely bewildered. The ordinary tribespeople, constrained by their status, dared not speak, and could only wait anxiously. After a moment's hesitation, Sotulan stepped forward again, asking the question that had been lingering in everyone's minds: "My lord, that demon… have you… defeated him?"
Anmi shuddered, as if something had struck a nerve. He didn't answer the question, muttering to himself, "A demon... defeat him?"
Suddenly, he chuckled, one laugh after another, seemingly without a trace of joy, but instead filled with sorrow and mockery. At the same time, he stared at Sotulan with a strange look, conveying an overwhelming sense of despair.
Sotulan felt uneasy under his gaze and asked tremblingly, "Sir, what...what are you laughing at?"
Anmi remained silent, her laughter growing louder and more sorrowful until it became indistinguishable from a painful wail. The surrounding tribespeople could no longer contain themselves; they began whispering amongst themselves, most their faces showing terror.
Seeing this situation, Shui Yidi couldn't help but frown. He took two steps forward and shouted, "Lord Anmi!" His shout was full of energy, and although the scene was chaotic and noisy, it drowned out all other sounds.
Anmi's laughter abruptly stopped, and he stared blankly at Shui Yidi, as if he had lost his soul.
Shui Yidi remained composed, bowing and clasping his hands in front of his chest, saying, “Why do you do this, my lord? Even if you are defeated, the thousands of warriors of the Hamo tribe will still remain, the spirit of holy war passed down through generations will still remain, and the great Aliya and Helai will still bless and protect us. Victory will eventually belong to us, and that demon will be punished for the crimes he has committed, just like his ancestors.”
Shuiyi's words were forceful and resounding, temporarily calming the tribesmen. They all fell silent, turning their gazes to Anmi, awaiting their leader's reply.
Anmi stood there blankly, lost in thought.
"My lord, please give the order!" Shui Yidi said loudly again, "As long as you raise your sword and give the order, I, Shui Yidi, will be the first to rush into the Valley of Terror, and even if I bleed to death, I will fight that demon to the death!"
A series of clanging sounds rang out in the square, as many tribesmen drew their swords in response to the Shuiyi Die.
Anmi finally reacted; he threw away the torch and drew his scimitar with both hands.
This is a hero's sword passed down through generations; it was with it that Ali used to behead Li Dingguo years ago.
Anmi held the knife handle and examined it for a long time, a helpless bitter smile appearing on his lips. Then he suddenly turned the blade, pressed the tip against his heart, and with a flick of his wrist, plunged it straight in with a "plop".
This scene was completely unexpected by everyone. Chaos erupted instantly, with screams and cries of alarm filling the air. Sotulan, unable to catch his breath, felt dizzy and on the verge of collapse. Shuiyi, seeing the consequences of his audience, was terrified and prostrated himself on the ground: "Lord Anmi!"
Luo Fei was also quite surprised. Being closer, he reacted quickly, taking two strides to catch the swaying An Mi in his arms. The four attendants followed closely behind, kneeling helplessly at An Mi's feet.
Soon, Xu Xiaowen arrived, her face filled with anxiety, her voice trembling with tears: "Lord Anmi, why...why did you do this?"
Upon hearing Xu Xiaowen's cries, An Mi felt as if he were a drowning man grasping at a straw in the water. A glimmer of hope suddenly flashed in his desperate eyes. He struggled to push Luo Fei away and knelt down in front of Xu Xiaowen.
Xu Xiaowen was completely flustered. She quickly knelt down and held the other person's shoulders: "Lord Anmi...you..."
Anmi stared intently into Xu Xiaowen's eyes: "Great Holy Maiden, you...you must promise me."
"Promise what?"
“Save…” Anmi turned her gaze to the panicked crowd, “Save our people.”
Under these circumstances, Xu Xiaowen had no time to think. Without hesitation, she replied, "I promise you, I definitely will, as long as I can do it."
"You can do it... Only you can do it." An Mi smiled with relief. He could no longer support his heavily injured body and collapsed softly into Xu Xiaowen's arms.
The blood flowing from Anmi's chest stained Xu Xiaowen's white clothes. She called out Anmi's name while looking pleadingly at Luo Fei beside her.
"Zhou Liwei!" Luo Fei shouted as he helped Xu Xiaowen support An Mi, "Aren't you coming to save her?!"
Zhou Liwei and Yue Dongbei also arrived at this time. The former briefly checked An Mi's injuries and then shook his head helplessly.
"No, don't save me." Anmi pushed Zhou Liwei's hand away and looked at Xu Xiaowen devoutly. "Respected Holy Maiden, please forgive me... forgive my cowardice. I... I don't have the courage... to bear the consequences..."
His voice grew weaker and weaker, clearly indicating that he could no longer hold on.
"What responsibility?" Luo Fei quickly asked.
“Suffering…” Anmi suddenly grabbed Xu Xiaowen’s hand and said with her last bit of strength, “Please, please you must bear the Holy Maiden’s…epic suffering…”
After saying this, Anmi's breath stopped flowing, but he still stared intently at Xu Xiaowen with wide eyes. Only when Xu Xiaowen nodded firmly did he let out a long breath, as if he had achieved some wish, and slowly closed his eyes.
"Lord Anmi!" Sotulan cried, tears streaming down his face. Finally, he could no longer hold on and collapsed to the ground. Shui Yidi, who was standing nearby, quickly got up and helped him up. At this moment, the square was filled with the sound of weeping. The bravest warrior of the Hamo tribe, the beloved leader Anmi, was dead, and the great enemy was still at hand. Despair instantly enveloped the hearts of every tribesman.
The outcome of this duel was something Luo Fei had never anticipated. In the three or four hours since Anmi left, his opponent had clearly dealt a fatal blow to his mental state. This blow led the almost arrogant Anmi to ultimately end his life by suicide.
This seems contradictory, but it actually makes perfect sense. The more proud a person is, the more likely they are to experience a complete breakdown when the spiritual pillar that gives them confidence is shattered.
The key question is, what exactly was it that could break down Amy's spiritual pillars and strip him of all his glory and dignity?
While pondering this question, Luo Fei examined An Mi's body. Apart from the stab wound he inflicted on himself, there was no other wound on his body, not even any signs of a struggle.
So, how was the duel that just took place conducted?
One unusual thing caught Luo Fei's attention: An Mi was always tightly clutching something in his right hand, and even when he drew his sword to commit suicide, that thing was never released.
The deceased's body was not yet stiff, so Luo Fei gently pried open his fingers and took out the lump.
The leather item was soft and yellowish-white. Luo Fei had seen it just before Anmi left; it was the sheepskin map found on Dirga's body.
Was this map left behind by Li Yanhui? What was his intention? Luo Fei unfolded the map in front of him and examined it carefully.
Although he had seen the map twice before, he had only glanced at it briefly. Now, after experiencing some things, he re-examined it with a purpose and quickly made new discoveries.
The map depicts the terrain and mountains of the Valley of Terror, with several special areas marked in red. At the northernmost point of the map, the red dot adjacent to the mountain pool undoubtedly represents the village of the Hamo people; the red dot on the southern slope of the low mountain in the middle is the location of the Valley of Terror, which likely represents the place where Li Dingguo's army was stationed; further south, after leaving the Valley of Terror, there is a narrow mountain pass between two peaks, a treacherous place that acts like a gate, the only southern exit of the Valley of Terror to the outside world.
A red dot marks the location of the Qing army's main camp in the mountain pass. Wu Sangui's army held this "gate," trapping Li Dingguo's remaining troops in the Valley of Terror.
Another red marker on the map indicates the location of the suspended lake. Unlike the other red dots, this marker is depicted as a red flame, the meaning of which Luo Fei had already deduced: this is the place where Li Dingguo buried the explosives to blast the lake.
Starting from the suspended lake, a strange curve meanders northward. This curve is drawn in black, following the contours of the mountains, passing through the Valley of Terror, and finally pointing to the Qing army camp in the mountain pass.
This is the direction of the flash flood! Luo Fei was shocked. In the explosion that happened not long ago, the lake water rushed along this curve and headed south!
In the blank spaces of the map, many strange things were written, including words, numbers, and mostly symbols, arranged densely yet neatly. Luo Fei didn't recognize the symbols, but when he saw a sketch mixed in among them, his mind suddenly cleared.
They were two straight lines connected by a smooth arc in the middle, which matched the topography of the cliff at the suspended lake.
These are ancient calculation formulas! Luo Fei almost couldn't help but shout out loud. The floodwaters that were blown apart crossed the low mountains and flowed towards the mountain pass to the south. This was not the luck of the Hamo people, but rather something that had been calculated long ago, and this result had been drawn on Li Dingguo's military map more than three hundred years ago!
Li Dingguo planted explosives at Xuanhu Lake not to blow up Hamo Village, but to blow up the Qing army camp in the southern mountain pass!
Did Li Yanhui blow up the suspended lake and leave a map in the village before doing so to prove this?
Yes, chronologically speaking, everything makes sense. The map must have appeared before the lake was blown up to be convincing, and since Li Yanhui knew the lake wouldn't destroy Hamo Village, it's reasonable that he made the "duel" agreement before the lake was blown up.
Luo Fei looked up in astonishment. He had just discovered a tremendous secret that had been sealed away for hundreds of years; and everyone in front of him was still kept in the dark about it.
Aliya wrongfully killed Li Dingguo! If this is indeed the case, then the holy war that the Hamo people have been celebrating for generations is not only meaningless, but also an indelible shame for the entire tribe!
Luo Fei's head was throbbing; he knew he couldn't reveal this secret. To him, it might just be a distorted piece of history, but to the Hamo people, it concerned the faith and spiritual strength passed down through centuries. If they believed his speculation, then without a doubt, everyone would, like Anmi, instantly lose all tribal honor and the courage to continue fighting.
Luo Fei scanned the Hamo people around him with a complex look in his eyes. He saw Meng Sha, Anmi's followers, Suo Tulan, and Shui Yi Di. Finally, his gaze settled on Xu Xiaowen.
Xu Xiaowen had already laid down Anmi's body. She sat upright to one side, taking a letter wrapped in sheepskin from Shui Yidi's hand.
Judging from its condition, it was clearly something that had been around for a long time. Luo Fei knew that this was the suffering passed down through generations of the Holy Maiden, and he had even vaguely guessed what it contained.
Down from Sotulan, all the tribesmen respectfully stepped aside, their expressions solemn. Only Shuiyi Die remained by Xu Xiaowen's side. The latter then tore the letter out of its sheepskin and presented it to her.
"No, don't look." Luo Fei shouted subconsciously, standing up and taking two steps forward.
Xu Xiaowen turned her head and stared at Luo Fei with wide eyes. She remembered the words that Yakumato Shuiyi had told her: "The Holy Maiden must be fully prepared. Once she chooses to open the letter, she will bear the suffering of the entire tribe alone, and there will be no turning back."
Shui Yiyi drew his sword and stood in front of Luo Fei, his expression extremely dignified and unapproachable.
“Luo, please step back,” Sotulan said solemnly. “It is the age-old clan rule of the Hamo tribe that when the Holy Maiden reads about suffering, only her guards can stay by her side, and no one else is allowed to approach and disturb her.”
Luo Fei shook his head with a wry smile. Yes, the suffering was written in Chinese, and the Holy Maiden had to understand Chinese, while the Holy Maiden's guards were strictly forbidden from learning Chinese. That's why the content of the suffering could be passed down among the Holy Maidens from generation to generation, and at the same time, it had not been leaked out for hundreds of years.
Xu Xiaowen looked at Luo Fei, a flicker of hesitation crossing her mind. But when her gaze swept across the distance, she saw her people. Their expressions were filled with fear; the sudden turn of events had pushed their psychological defenses to the limit. Now, everyone, including Sotulan, was looking at her with hopeful anticipation; she had become their only remaining hope.