Chapter 221

Chapter 221 – Balance on Both Sides 02

“Theory that anchor points can dock is not necessarily completely correct.” Li Wanran said in a low voice, “But this indeed is a possibility. Have you shared this theory with others?”

“No.” Kui Xin replied.

“Good, thank you for letting me know specifically. This guess is too shocking… Do you plan to make this public on the forum?” Li Wanran asked.

“We have plans to do so, but we need to wait a few days to observe the situation first,” Kui Xin said, “Players must understand their circumstances, they should know where they stand and what roles they play in the World Fusion. Only with such awareness can they be mentally prepared when disaster strikes and make the right response.”

Li Wanran looked at Kui Xin with worry and heaviness, speaking carefully, “I understand your intentions. World Fusion will undoubtedly produce serious consequences; players indeed need to prepare themselves. Before becoming players, most people were ordinary citizens. The theory about anchor points… It might not be suitable for large-scale discussion in the short term, partly because we cannot confirm its accuracy and partly to prevent irrational actions from players…”

“We will handle it cautiously,” Kui Xin said.

Li Wanran continued, “In the Second World, although the players are moving towards unification, the Federation is pressing too closely. Players lack channels for information flow and mutual contact. Wuiguang placed a big advertisement in the White Whale City, now capable players will certainly find a way to join him in White Whale City. All players’ positions are aligned, but how does Black Snake intend to deal with players unable to reach the White Whale City?”

“A preliminary plan has been established and needs to be realized after returning to the Second World,” Kui Xin explained, “Wuiguang is part of the player organization, but player organizations are not only represented by Wuiguang. We are just the largest among them. All player organizations maintain contact, helping each other. Professor Li, if anything goes wrong for you in the Second World, Wuiguang will do their best to provide assistance.”

“Thank you. The same applies to me here.” Li Wanran paused to glance at her time, then said, “I need to leave to guard at the tobacco factory. Farewell.”

“Farewell.” Kui Xin said.

Li Wanran left, while Kui Xin remained where she was.

Once her shadow vanished completely, she gazed to her right front, at the dark spot where weeds and shrubs thrived, perfectly suited for hiding people.

The second person came to see Kui Xin, Tang Guan.

He looked much the same as before, his spirit calm, gaze steady. It seemed that he had survived well these past few weeks since returning to the Second World, at least surviving with his life.

“You heard our conversation.” Tang Guan plainly stated.

“Yeah, doesn’t matter.” Kui Xin asked, again, “Did you encounter anything unusual during your travels across worlds?”

“The question about anomalies refers to temporal disturbances, or…” Tang Guan’s eyes, visible outside his mask, conveyed a different emotion. He locked eyes with Kui Xin under the hood.

“I’m asking about that latter aspect,” Kui Xin confirmed something from Tang Guan’s trailing speech.

“Red Gem and Blue Gem, which one do you choose?” Tang Guan’s voice was so low it was nearly indistinguishable; were it not for Kui Xin’s remarkable hearing, she would have missed it.

Kui Xin’s heart skipped a beat. She and Tang Guan silently stared at each other.

His voice grew hoarse, “According to the Anchor Theory, Professor Li indicated special players might be anchor points. How can one determine if they’re an anchor point? If others haven’t encountered the Red and Blue Gem questions, we did. Does being ‘special’ mean we’re the anchors?”

Tang Guan’s calm demeanor hid immense confusion and fear beneath.

Struggling to protect his family and the life he knew, what if the source of threat to both lay within himself? He felt disoriented, his mind tangled, his internal world filled with ghostly laughter and restless xenomorphic creatures seeking freedom.

“Messenger Pigeon,” Kui Xin moved closer to Tang Guan.

Tang Guan abruptly regained clarity, controlling himself. The ghost’s laughter reduced, the chaotic sounds of xenomorphs grew faint. He stepped back, his heart pounding, barely managing breath.

“I’m sorry, not feeling well, spacing out,” Tang Guan admitted.

“Your condition seems worse than merely being out of sorts,” Kui Xin pointed out his sweaty forehead, “Pigeon. Your nom de guerre ‘Pigeon’ implies you aspire to peace?”

“Yes.” Tang Guan forced a smile, “The hope for peace might be unattainable, that choice question, does it aim to force us to make a life-altering decision?”

“Not certain,” Kui Xin replied.

“Do you know why it’s us?” Tang Guan asked.

“Speculated, but unknown,” Kui Xin said, “Only options lie in front of us. Having a choice is good; it provides insight, future leeway. Without options and guidance, unforeseen significant decisions might not be made well.”

“Do the balances signify hints for you?” Tang Guan pondered what Kui Xin meant.

“An example. You think like someone given a cancer diagnosis choosing between conservative treatment or abandoning it entirely. Actually, if you possibly had cancer, you met a doctor advising checks and preparing for cancer.” Kui Xin clarified, “It’s different.”

“Your analogy is strange, pessimistic yet optimistic. However, you’re right, it’s different. A prompt might well be beneficial… maybe we don’t have ‘cancer’.”

That was the self-assurance he could hold onto.

“Why did you seek me?” Kui Xin asked.

Tang Guan collected his thoughts, saying once steadied, “I want to ask you if you know Tang Guan?”

Kui Xin was surprised by Tang Guan’s direct address.

“In the Second World, the Mechanized Dawn might still detain him. If he seeks rescue, he’d need external help.”

Listening to Kui Xin and Li Wanran’s conversation, Tang Guan knew Kui Xin belonged to ‘Wujuang’, one of the prominent player groups online. After arriving back in the Second World, he checked forums — Wujuang’s emergence shook the community — likely the strongest and most famous group.

“I know.” Kui Xin softly said, “You are Tang Guan, right?”

Tang Guan took out a knife from his pocket, slashing his left arm, blood seeping out, the wound unhealed. Next, his right arm bled blue — xenomorph blood!

The wounds healed swiftly. Tang Guan wiped the blood, leaving clean skin.

“I’m a monster hybrid. The monster returned with me, my body merging with the Second World’s, do you know what this means?” Tang Guan whispered, “When I heard anchor theories, I understood that this is real. The mutation begins with the players, starting with me, one of the fusion points.”

“I don’t know what to do anymore, Saberhead Viper,” Tang Guan lamented, “I planned to convince you to collaborate in escaping the Mechanized Dawn, but now… Is dying in the Second World more advantageous to the First World?”

“No, Non-Human Blood Fang died and still triggered mutations. In the uncertainty, your sacrifice might not make a difference; it may hasten anchoring points,” Kui Xin looked at his pain, speaking gently. “Now, no sacrifice is needed. Preserve your life.”

Tang Guan watched Kui Xin, lips pressed tight, “Where are you located in the Second World?”

“Fu Gang City.” Tang Guan answered.

“One hundred percent sure?”

“Largely,” Tang Guan said, “While unconscious, the creature inside me listens to everything, including the researcher’s words about surrounding me.”

“Are your circumstances dangerous?” Kui Xin probed.

“Not while I have research value,” Tang Guan replied.

“Anyone else detained near you?”

Tang Guan shook his head, “I am a risky experimental sample, held alone, only see researchers occasionally.”

“Understood,” Kui Xin nodded. “Wujuang will save you when the time is right.”

Tang Guan hesitated, “Really? Just like that?”

“Otherwise, why not?” Kui Xin said, “When we can save a comrade, we do it. Our goal is consolidating player forces. Saving others also secures us. Lone survivors won’t last long.”

Tang Guan’s brows relaxed, “You’re right.”

“Earlier at sea … apologies, couldn’t rescue you,” Kui Xin apologized.

“It’s fine,” Tang Guan smiled slightly, “We all face tough times.”

“Can you control the creature?” Kui Xin questioned.

“In this world, yes.” Tang Guan replied, “We’ve reached a truce agreement. It won’t disrupt or control me, wanting to leave confinement.”

“Any way to separate it?” Kui Xin asked.

“Difficult,” Tang Guan admitted, “but I can attempt suppression.”

If his symbiotic extraordinary ability upgrades, he can counter the ghost. On the ship, he kept the ghost at bay until mental breakdown allowed complete possession.

“What’s the extent of共生超凡能力?” Kui Xin meticulously asked.

“Well-integrated. It knows my thoughts.” Tang Guan stated.

“Unfortunate.” Kui Xin sighed, “Prepare yourself.”

“For failure and loss?” Tang Guan inquired, “I’m ready.”

“Good,” Kui Xin said, “Then persist longer, Pigeon.”

At parting, Kui Xin asked for Tang Guan’s contact info, to ensure quick connection in emergencies.

Today is August 24th.

Tomorrow is the registration for university, August 25th, spanning two days.

Kui Xin checked new messages on her phone. The high school teacher sent a message at 9 PM, a day before.

“Xiao Xin, come over for lunch tomorrow? Are you ready for college? Since you’re going for the first time, I’ve prepared some items I thought you might need. Check if they’re useful.”

The teacher always supported Kui Xin’s dignity, aware of her financial situation, always subtly aiding while not making it feel like charity.

Kui Xin was financially sound, living expenses earned from tutoring Su Rong, Gan Qing Xie had transferred 100 thousand in compensation, ample to support her studies.

Facing the message, Kui Xin felt disoriented.

In the teacher’s timeline, they recently dined together, yet time stretched much longer by Kui Xin’s reckoning.

She was constantly busy, with no time to reflect on personal affairs or future plans. Her initial plan involved work and studies in parallel, but current chaos meant other considerations.

Even if eventual tranquility returns, her mindset won’t.

The Second World affected her not physically but psychologically. Thoughts shifted from mundane life to higher stakes.

Another message arrived from Su Rong, asking about tonight’s conditions and shadow patrol need.

“No need, rest. Opening soon, Rong Rong, take care.”

Rong: “Oh my god, Sister Xin, now I’m worried about opening!”

Unable to suppress a chuckle, Kui Xin viewed another message.

He Kangshi: “Boss, Augus contacted again. Wondering why I stopped hunting players. Asking about Red or Blue Gem choices. What’s the catch? By the way, latest Forum updates say Remover 777 killed players again…”

Smile vanished, Kui Xin grimaced at news.

“Tell him to crawl away,” she typed monotonously.

“Ah?” responded He Kangshi.

“… Boss, feeling off today?” he asked cautiously.

Exhausted, Kui Xin avoided riddles with Augus.

“Let him decide. Come to TONGLIN if killing’s his goal, or go far otherwise.”

Her words twisted in He Kangshi’s mind. Initially shocked, then agitated and concerned.

Translation software produced: “Boredom’s getting to me, playing a game. Located at TONGLIN. Want me dead? Show up. Prove strength. Or quit the game.”

Effortlessly confident, baiting.

Seconds later, reply arrived.

Single sentence: “Can’t turn down your invitation.”

…

Returning home, Kui Xin went straight to bathroom to check the小白鼠.

Mouse No. 3 consumed remaining food in cage, visibly altered. Spine protruding, fur shedding, tail gaining rough spines.

“Mutated. Polluted blood triggers changes,” she confirmed.

Other injected mice remained lively.

Initial judgment: “Diluted xenomorphic blood lacks contamination effects…”

Relieved, she bathed and ate, eventually collapsing into bed.

Forum discussed “Wujuang” extensively.

Author’s Notes: Messenger Pigeon symbolizes “Noah’s Ark”. Flood loomed, building ark to house wildlife, awaiting land confirmation via released pigeon. Pigeon returned with olive branch, signaling safe passage.

In the story, Tang Guan served as messenger, delivering safety warnings to the protagonist aboard the Kraken.