Chapter 67 Chapter 67: 【Survival】 and 【Civilization】
Chapter 67: 【Survival】 and 【Civilization】
"Answer me—my kin!!!"
Facing Ya's interrogation, Kevin did not waver in the slightest. He was not her kin, and it was even more impossible for him to empathize with "Beasts."
"Ants? Humans? Perhaps I truly have no right to judge the people here."
"But humans are definitely not ants to be slaughtered at will."
Having witnessed that epic of resistance, having witnessed those brilliant people, Kevin's faith in humanity had never wavered even once.
Whether in the "past" or the "present," "Kevin" had never changed.
He raised his sword, pointing at the Beast agent before him, pointing at that arrogant "Beast."
"What you have chosen is called survival.
What humanity has chosen is called civilization!"
!!!
Ya's expression darkened, while Ling was momentarily stunned before giving a carefree smile.
"It seems you have been deeply poisoned by humans. We can only take you back by force."
Ya lowered her gaze, her long blade raised high and then swung down naturally.
This strike was not an attack, but meant to tear apart "something"!
The world spun; the very heavens and earth seemed to twist because of this blade.
Yellow sand, fierce winds, city walls—everything faded, disappeared, dissipated.
Replacing them were picturesque mountains and waters like ink, the sky, a jade lake.
Reeds swayed, ripples spread across the water, clouds and mist gathered and dispersed.
A river flew cold, a thousand trees formed icy cliffs. Hazy and illusory, one could not see the end of this world.
This was not an illusion.
Kevin knew this. Bearing the Taboo, he had lost the qualification to "dream"; no illusion could possibly affect him.
Then, there was only one answer: this was a real world!
It disappeared at some fleeting moment in the past, yet existed now in this moment that would never return to the past.
Hunting in those bygone years, holding reins and drawing bows!
"Misjudging Spring and Autumn"—this was Ya's authority, the might unique to Beasts!
Swish!
The blade light was sharp and cold. Unlike outside, within this world, this strike contained the wrath of heaven and earth.
Frost and snow! Bitter winds! Mountain collapse!
Everything pressed down upon Kevin and Ling. Ya's gaze was icy and merciless, as if she were the true ruler of this world.
(Inhale)
Ling took a deep breath, her lamp staff firmly planted at the center of the lake. Supporting herself with one hand on the staff, she stood tall like a proud, cold pine!
The lantern suddenly lit up! Light! Endless light!
Illuminating the darkness! Tearing through the shadows!
Propping up that frigid canopy of heaven!
Carefree and rising, a drunken dream on paper, the staff stabilizing mountains and rivers with none to sing its praise!
"With just you alone, how many moves can you withstand?"
Ya sneered, raising her long blade high again.
"How many moves? I think there's no need~"
Ling chuckled lightly, retracting her lamp staff and lazily stepping aside.
Roar!
Calamity flames hung high—that sword which once represented humanity's grand aspiration.
What 【Kevin】 must lead has never been an era, but humanity. Perhaps those newly born no longer need to bear the mission of 【saving the world】 and being pioneers.
But only one thing remains eternal and unchanging.
Kevin belongs to humanity!
"Judgement of Shamash—Unsheathe!"
The overwhelming calamity flames dyed this world crimson, turning the lake into a bay of rubies.
Snow melted, grass was scorched and pressed low. The burning sword cleaved this world that Ya had carefully tailored in half!
Blazing heat devoured all the beautiful scenery and also devoured that lofty "Ya"!
......
Tap. Tap.
"Finally back. Hmm—I really worked hard today."
Ling stretched her waist, her dragon tail wrapping around the gourd of wine and offering it to Kevin.
"Have a drink together to celebrate?"
"No need."
Kevin reached out, catching a wisp of ember drifting from the sky.
That touch of black spread and dissipated in his palm.
"What a pity. That guy was just an agent, something 'Ya' created."
Being refused didn't bother Ling; she was mainly used to it.
"Hmm, it doesn't matter. Next time we meet, I'll strike with my sword again."
"Hahaha, I wonder what expression He'll make when He hears that."
Ling laughed heartily; for some reason, the wine in her hand seemed even more intoxicating.
——————
Night fell. At the banquet, cups were raised and exchanged.
"Yumen's specialty, 'Lie Daozi.' It might not compare to fine wines, but since Duke Wei has come to Yumen, you must try it."
"Good."
Zuo Xuanliao and Wei Yenwu toasted each other and drank in one gulp.
"There are still military affairs in Yumen City. My capacity for alcohol is limited, so I'll only have this one cup. I hope Duke Wei won't mind."
"For Great Yan to have officials like General Zuo who serve the country and its people is the fortune of the common folk. How would I dare to blame you? Or does General Zuo think I am a petty-minded person?"
"I wouldn't dare, I wouldn't dare. Come, have some dishes."
Zuo Xuanliao smiled and urged them on. Five dishes and one soup, all characteristic Yumen cuisine—very abundant but far from extravagant.
Yumen often operates in the northwestern deserts; resources are inherently scarce. As a general, he naturally must set a good example.
Five dishes and one soup: enough to show respect for guests without being wasteful—just right!
......
"Then I'll trouble Duke Wei with the matter of material transactions."
"Easy to say, easy to say. I will definitely live up to General Zuo's entrustment."
Zuo Xuanliao saw Wei Yenwu and Wen Yue to the door. After some warm pleasantries, they left.
"Chief Wei, shall we return to the prefectural residence first or...?"
The driver attendant asked.
"Let's stroll around Yumen City. It's been a long time since I've seen such a market."
Staying too long among Lungmen's skyscrapers always makes one forget some things.
Wei Yenwu leaned against the car window, propping his chin as he spoke thoughtfully.
"Hmm, indeed. It's been several years."
Wen Yue also agreed with Wei Yenwu's idea.
.......
"Freshly baked feather beast stewed flatbread! Oil cakes!"
"Yumen wine flowers~"
"Kevin, Sister Ling, over here~"
Fiammetta shouted with a flatbread in her mouth, her words muffled.
"Coming."
Ling and Kevin followed behind. She was still her usual self, carrying that wine pot.
Kevin had changed into casual clothes at Pozëmka's request, his hands tucked into his pockets.
Thump!
"...Sorry, sorry."
Fiammetta turned around but unexpectedly bumped into another woman's embrace. Realizing it, she quickly apologized.
"Hehe, it's alright. Just be more careful next time."
This was a woman with strong Ancient bloodlines—in short, not very human-like...
But the woman smiled kindly, like a gentle elder. Beside her stood another dragon Ancient.
"Are you alright?"
Both Ling and Kevin quickened their pace as he asked.
"I'm fine~"
Fiammetta showed herself; there were no signs of injury.
"Hmm."
Kevin nodded to Wen Yue in apology.
She also waved her hand to indicate it didn't matter.
After this brief interlude, the trio passed by the couple.
"Huff~ Madam is not in danger. Continue vigilance."
The guards hidden in the darkness suppressed their urge to act and let out a sigh.
Completely unaware they had brushed shoulders with death.
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