Chapter 68: Chapter 68: The Choice to Embrace Death (Revised and New Chapter)
Translator: 549690339
(This chapter is a revision of the original Chapter 68 and a combination of the Chapter 69 that should have been released in the evening. It is now one chapter, with a little more content than the original two chapters combined. The first half should have been read by those who have been following the story. I have made some adjustments to make Chu Mu’s choice less abrupt and inexplicable…)
“You think you can be stronger than me, don’t you?” Xia Guanghan looked at Chu Mu, a sinister smile appearing on his face before continuing, “Ten years ago, I survived there for three years…”
Xia Guanghan’s words were still understated, but they made Chu Mu’s heart churn with emotion…
Seeing Chu Mu’s surprised expression, Xia Guanghan’s lips curled up in a smile, then pointed to the mysterious girl standing on the railing, looking out to the distant sea, and began to speak, “She signed a soul contract with the White Nightmare Demon at the age of thirteen and has been feeding it since then. Her White Nightmare Demon has already reached the fourth rank.”
“You’re a Four Thoughts Soul Master, but you only have two soul pets now. I don’t know what’s wrong with your body, but I think even if it was normal, she would easily defeat you.”
Shock!!!
After hearing this, Chu Mu was even more astonished, his gaze immediately fixed on the mysterious girl!!!
This girl gave Chu Mu the impression of being beautiful and cold, exuding elegance and n.o.bility. She did not deliberately place herself above others, but always gave people the feeling that she could only be admired from afar. Chu Mu had to admit that she indeed had her unique charm.
However, Chu Mu never imagined that such a seemingly delicate and n.o.ble girl, who should have been treated like a princess, could have signed a soul contract with the White Nightmare Demon, let alone raised the White Nightmare Demon to the fourth rank!!!
The White Nightmare Demon was an extremely terrifying devil. Chu Mu knew all too well the pain he had to endure in signing the soul contract with it. Even if his soul power was always sufficient, when the White Nightmare Demon’s strength increased, he would still suffer the pain of a soul attack.
Chu Mu had only fed the White Nightmare Demon to the second rank, and his body and mind were already tormented. The feeling of constantly being chased and pressured by the Grim Reaper was worse than death…
However, a girl who looked about his age could endure such torment and raise the White Nightmare Demon to the fourth rank, which was simply unbelievable to Chu Mu!
It can be said that even if you live in your clan for twenty years, after twenty years, all your Soul Pets combined will not be as good as her sub-pet.” Xia Guanghan spoke disparagingly.
Chu Mu didn’t speak. Having a fourth-rank White Nightmare Demon at this age was almost beyond Chu Mu’s understanding, especially since the other party was a seemingly weak woman. This was a big blow.
“Your family is declining and has now withdrawn from the ranks of the Four Great Families of Gangluo City. It is very likely that you will be stripped of your right to recommend for The World Decree. You must understand what losing this right means…” Xia Guanghan said.
Upon hearing this news, Chu Mu’s heart sank. The Chu family was indeed declining over the years, and he had antic.i.p.ated that they would eventually be squeezed out of the Four Great Families, but he didn’t expect it to happen so soon.
The once-prosperous family had declined rapidly over a short period, and Chu Mu could imagine the sorrow and frustration his parents and ancestors must have felt when they learned of this news.
Xia Guanghan asked what was stopping Chu Mu from giving up his miserable life. The reason was the rapidly declining family and the father who had been traveling around for the family’s sake, barely seeing each other a few times a year…
Chu Mu understood the situation of the family and estimated that the family could hold on for another two or three years based on his expectations.
However, in just half a year, the family had completely withdrawn from the ranks of the Four Great Families. The only reason was his own disappearance.
Chu Mu could not be sure what sacrifices his family and father made because of his disappearance, but thinking that they had paid such a huge price for his sake, a wave of bitterness welled up in Chu Mu’s heart…
Seeing Chu Mu’s inner struggle, Xia Guanghan merely lifted the corners of his mouth and looked at the girl who always liked to be alone and wishful. He slowly began to speak: “The little princess is giving you a chance at life…”
Xia Guanghan paused briefly before continuing, “I cannot disobey the little princess’s orders. I can give you a chance to live. You can go back to your family now…”
Chu Mu was stunned, and after a moment, he suddenly cast his gaze at the girl who had always been veiled!
The girl still stood quietly, with a trace of melancholy that outsiders couldn’t fathom. Her enchanting figure and unique temperament unconsciously created a beautiful and touching picture with the deep blue sea and sky…
Chu Mu was amazed. In his eyes, this Nightmare Demon Palace girl should be cold and heartless like other Nightmare Demon Palace members. Even when he unintentionally made eye contact with her, Chu Mu could feel her pride in her gaze. But it was such a woman, whom Chu Mu considered disdainful and self-righteous that actually helped him for no reason…
“Why…why did she help me…” Chu Mu looked at this unique girl, his image of her in his heart changing drastically once again.
‘Maybe she thinks you’re pitiful…” Xia Guanghan smiled indifferently and continued,
“Actually, it doesn’t matter if I let you live. Your family can no longer provide you with strong support. If someone wanted to kill you, they can still hire people like me to take care of you. The so-called hope of your family’s future, in the eyes of others, is like an ant that can be easily crushed.”
Facing Xia Guanghan’s cold words, Chu Mu had no reb.u.t.tal. In fact, Xia Guanghan was not wrong. With the decline of his family, as soon as he returned, there would undoubtedly be a new wave of attacks. Chu Mu could only grow under the protection of his elders.
It can be said that Chu Mu’s return would definitely add more burden to his family…
“Now, you have two paths to choose from. The first path: Choose to return to your family. If you choose to return to your family, I will take back the White Nightmare Demon, and from then on, you can continue to live a comfortable life. However, I think your achievements can be considered to have come to an end. In this lifetime, you will never surpa.s.s me, let alone people at the level of the Little Princess.”
Xia Guanghan’s words were heavy, making Chu Mu’s breath even more difficult. The matter of his family weighed on Chu Mu like a mountain, and he struggled to live up to now. However, he had a clear understanding that with his current state, it was impossible for his family to rise again, let alone to step out of his family and city and become a true top Soul Pet Master.
“The White Nightmare Demon may be a devil, but it constantly stimulates your greatest potential, allowing you to tirelessly pursue strength without stopping for a moment.”
“The second path is the one I’ve chosen for you: you should know what this path is without me saying. As long as you can survive and make it out alive, I can give you this exceptionally talented White Nightmare Demon and absorb you as a member of the Nightmare Demon Palace. You will gain the status and power of the Nightmare Demon Palace. What you can achieve in Nightmare Demon Palace is something your family can’t provide…” Xia Guanghan said.
“These are two completely different paths. The first one may allow you to barely survive, along with your pathetic family’s slow decline. The second one, as long as you follow it, survive, and climb out, you can have the qualifications to rise above others!”
Xia Guanghan’s words were like sword blades, deeply stabbing into Chu Mu’s heart!!
Chu Mu looked at the proud Xia Guanghan, his emotions fluctuating violently once again!
In just a short amount of time, Chu Mu’s emotions had fluctuated several times,
Without Xia Guanghan explaining, Chu Mu knew the path he had arranged for him.
Three thousand lives for one, a race against the Death G.o.d on Prison Island!
If it was a day earlier, Chu Mu would have chosen the first path without hesitation. The half-year of life had left him mentally and physically exhausted, and only his home could heal such a wound…
But at this moment, Chu Mu didn’t have the courage to choose this path, the ending of which he could already guess…
Xia Guanghan’s strength, the girl’s astonishing power, the family’s decline and humiliation, the arrogance and disdain of other families…
As Xia Guanghan said, he was too weak now. How could he return to his family and simply watch them continue to decline…
Moreover, Chu Mu was sure that once the family declined, other families would not give the younger generation of the Chu family the chance to grow. They would constantly suppress and limit them, eventually creating a vicious cycle…
“Whoosh-
The seawater surged around the ship, wave after wave, and Chu Mu’s heart never calmed down like the sea…
This was a choice, a choice that would change his life!
Xia Guanghan observed Chu Mu with a smile, waiting for his choice without showing any impatience.
At this moment, Chu Mu thought about countless things…
“Splash-
A restless wave suddenly rolled, spraying water all over Chu Mu. His body instantly felt cold, bringing his thoughts back to reality.
Chu Mu’s chest heaved as he looked at Xia Guanghan and asked, “Is it Yang
Luobin who hired you to kill me?”
“I’m not sure if it’s him, but it’s indeed someone from the Yang Family. The Yang Family didn’t give me what I wanted, so I’ll deal with them sooner or later. Of course, without the employment relationship with the Yang Family, you’re a complete stranger to me. I’m telling you this because I appreciate your potential and think you can become a strong one…” Xia Guanghan said.
Chu Mu nodded, and at this moment, he had made up his mind.
Looking at the haughty Xia Guanghan, Chu Mu spoke with determination, “I choose the second path!”
Hearing Chu Mu’s answer, Xia Guanghan laughed, his smile eerie and chilly.
“Are you sure you want to choose the second path? Describing Prison Island with the saying ‘needing nine deaths to receive a new life’ seems too generous…”
“Yes.” Chu Mu nodded, his eyes filled with determination at this moment.
“Very well, it seems I don’t need to let you go in front of Little Princess and then secretly kill you later.” Xia Guanghan suddenly chuckled.
Chu Mu seemed to antic.i.p.ate that Xia Guanghan wouldn’t let him go easily, so he wasn’t too surprised by that sentence.
“This is what you plan to send out, right?” Xia Guanghan spoke, and somehow, a letter appeared in his hand.
Chu Mu’s expression changed slightly as the letter in Xia Guanghan’s hand was the one he had written in Heng City. Although he didn’t expect someone from his clan to rescue him, Chu Mu still wanted to inform them that he was still alive, so they wouldn’t worry about him.
However, Chu Mu didn’t expect Xia Guanghan to be so well-connected that the letter he had entrusted someone to send fell into his hands.
“There’s no need to send this letter, as they already think you’re dead. After three years, if you can walk out alive, you can tell your clan yourself that you’re still alive. If not, there’s no need to give them hope and let them wait bitterly for three years.” Xia Guanghan casually threw the letter into the sea.
Watching the fluttering paper in the wild wind, Chu Mu clenched his fists, his heart filled with even greater determination:
Three years! Within three years, he must walk out of the Prison Island alive, stand on a height that could support his clan, and ruthlessly trample those other families underfoot!
“Tomorrow I will send my Soul Pet to transport you to Prison Island. Three vears from now. regardless of whether you’re alive or dead. mv Soul Pet will fly
over the island…” Xia Guanghan said.
Chu Mu nodded and asked, ‘What if I’m the only one left on the island in two years?”
“Then you’ll live alone with those fierce Soul Pets on the island for a year. The Soul Pet resources on Prison Island are plentiful; using them well can still change your life.”
“Oh, by the way, I’ve already thrown Cao Yi onto that island. Whether you can kill him or not depends on your luck.”
After finishing, Xia Guanghan turned and left the deck, returning to his room.
Even after Xia Guanghan left, Chu Mu’s emotions were still turbulent for a long time.
Having already chosen the path, Chu Mu didn’t regret it. It’s nothing but battle and slaughter; if Xia Guanghan can do it, he can do it too!
The sea breeze softened in the night, gently brushing the long hair of the girl leaning on the railings. Her graceful attire fluttered elegantly…
She had stood there for quite a while, quiet and unresponsive, not bothered by others’ gazes, only gazing back silently.
“Woo woo
The delicate voice sounded as Little MO Xie, charming and lovely in appearance, jumped onto the railing. With its mouth holding a small paper strip, it stared at the unique girl with a pair of gorgeous eyes.
The girl came to her senses, seeing Little MO Xie suddenly appear, her eyes flashed a trace of surprise, but within moments, her gaze became incredibly gentle. She couldn’t help but reach out to touch MO Xie’s clean, silver-white
fur…
The girl quickly noticed the small paper strip in MO Xie’s mouth, took it, and opened it with some puzzlement.
“Thank you.”
There were only two simple words on the paper, and the girl soon understood. She turned around to search for Chu Mu’s figure but failed to find him. She remembered that Chu Mu used to sit outside the deck, practicing his spells against the waves…
Unable to find Chu Mu, the girl didn’t continue searching. Instead, she reached out, picked up the delicate MO Xie, and asked with an ethereal voice, “Little guy, will you accompany me to watch the sea here?”
“Woo woo woo—–”
MO Xie didn’t resist, quietly lying in the girl’s arms, its eyes gazing at the ocean…
Elsewhere, Chu Mu stood behind the ship’s pa.s.sage, watching the girl holding MO Xie from a distance. For some reason, a strange feeling lingered in his heart at that moment. He inexplicably wanted to talk to her, to unveil her mysterious veil, to understand her melancholic inner world…
White seagulls chased the waves, and gray clouds chased the sea breeze. The blue sky and blue sea, calm and beautiful, complemented each other, interpreting the most enchanting blue world…
“Oh, did he choose that himself?” The veiled girl asked, her eyes staring at the black Winged Rank Tiger disappearing between the sea and sky.
“Yeah, he chose it himself.” Xia Guanghan nodded and glanced at Chu Mu, whom his Soul Pet had sent away.
The girl fell silent, recalling the image of the young man holding the
Moonlight Fox on the edge of the ship. During the half-month ocean journey, she often saw this teenager accompanied by the Moonlight Fox—the teenager appeared cold and indifferent, but his eyes always changed when he spoke to the Moonlight Fox. It was a rare sight…
“Do you think he will walk out of there alive after three years?” The girl asked.
“Maybe not, but it’s his choice…” Xia Guanghan replied.
The girl took another look at the departing Chu Mu and said nothing more.
Perhaps, she would have forgotten about this event three years later…
In the sky, sitting on the majestic back of the Winged Rank Tiger, Chu Mu looked back at the distant ship with a complicated expression…
The girl might not care about such an ordinary event, but Chu Mu would always remember that in the wicked Nightmare Demon Palace, there was such a melancholic, lonely, and mysterious girl…
She was not only a goal for Chu Mu to surpa.s.s in his heart but also a unique lily swaying in the shadowy world hidden within him.
However, it would require at least three years for Chu Mu to feel he could stand at the same height as her…
(I have to admit, always being confined in an island or sea isn’t very exciting. But pa.s.sion isn’t something conjured out of thin air. This book is like a stew made with slow-burning fire; the longer it simmers, the more flavors it develops. One day, you’ll suddenly find the taste incredibly pure and cla.s.sic and can’t get enough….)