95: choose

Listening to the reply, Xu Yan raised his hand, pointed to himself, and asked, "So, the so-called 'visitor from beyond the heavens' who can bring about a turning point, as you mentioned, is referring to me?"

Hearing this, the other party nodded.

"The owner of that gaze did not conceal their aura. Before the Leader fell into slumber, they gave me a Token that can detect auras similar to the world where that gaze originated.

At least, over the past decade or so, you are the only one who has caused this Token to react."

Listening to the other party's reply, Xu Yan remained silent for a moment before asking, "So, what exactly do you want me to do?"

Somewhat unexpectedly, in response to Xu Yan's question, the other party shook their head and said with determination and resolve, "If possible, we hope you do nothing at all."

This answer left Xu Yan puzzled. Did the other party mean that doing nothing would bring a turning point to this world, or did they simply not want him to bring a turning point to this world?

Seeing Xu Yan's confused expression, the other party did not hide their intentions.

"We do not wish for you to bring about a so-called turning point for this world, nor do we want to save this world that is about to perish.

In fact, perishing along with this world would be a form of liberation for us Ghostly beings and for the common people."

Listening to the other party's words, Xu Yan recalled the information he had seen in the memories of the three individuals in the Dense Forest earlier.

Ordinary people kept like livestock in Human Enclosures, Lingering Souls born from obsession and resentment, Ghost Controllers who command these souls, and three Ghostly beings 'manufactured' by sacrificing hundreds, thousands, or even tens of thousands of people.

Seeing Xu Yan's thoughtful expression, the Green-robed Ghost knew that Xu Yan must have some understanding of the current state of this world, and continued speaking:

"You should know the reason for the existence of us Ghostly beings: while alive, our lives were a pre-planned script, enduring all kinds of humiliation and suffering.

We died carrying immense obsession and resentment, living every moment tormented by that obsession and hatred. We are also driven by those so-called Ghost Controllers to do things we don't want to do, unaware of who our true enemies even are, let alone finding liberation.

The common people are the same; they are confined to Human Enclosures by those so-called Ghost Controllers and their families, toiling day and night just to survive, and their meager output is subjected to severe exploitation and oppression.

It's bad enough that survival is difficult, but after reaching a certain age, they must endure torment for the sake of the Ghost Controllers and ultimately sacrifice their lives. If they fail to achieve the desired result, even in death they are dismissed disdainfully as "Useless Trash."

Whether it's us Ghostly beings or the common people, living is inherently painful. It would be better to perish along with this world, taking those who persecuted us with us."

Perhaps having recalled something, the other party's emotions grew increasingly agitated while speaking these words to Xu Yan.

The Green Robes they wore, though made of ordinary material, were clean and neat, but now they became tattered due to the fluctuation in their emotions. Both the skin exposed beneath the rags and their formerly beautiful face were covered in marks from various beatings, appearing somewhat horrifying.

Simultaneously, the previously calm Blood Pool began to boil as a result of this change in the other party, and blood-colored bubbles burst from it. With every bursting bubble, a mournful wail could be heard.

Listening to the words spoken by the other party and seeing the marks on their body, Xu Yan fell silent.

Combining both of his lives, Xu Yan had never experienced anything too tragic, nor had he even witnessed it. The most extreme things he had encountered were merely some videos he had scrolled through in his previous life.

Xu Yan could understand the emotions the other party was displaying, but he could not empathize with them.

However, one thing Xu Yan knew was: Do not preach kindness to those who have not endured suffering.

When the other party fell into this somewhat frenzied state, it was crucial not to mention things like the Common People of the World or other innocent individuals. The more such things were said, the easier it was to provoke them. The best approach was to listen quietly and wait for the agitated emotions to subside.

After a long while, the Green-robed Ghost, finally calming down from their agitated state, looked at Xu Yan with a slightly blank expression. A hint of complexity flashed in their eyes, and they spoke with some difficulty, "You are a very good listener. So, what are your thoughts regarding my request?"

Hearing the inquiry, Xu Yan asked in return, "If I refuse, what will you do? Will you keep me here?"

In response to Xu Yan's counter-question, the other party shook their head again: "Neither the power behind you nor the beings guarding you are entities we wish to provoke.

Therefore, no matter what choice you ultimately make, we will not attack you.

Likewise, our original intentions and plans will not change just because you choose to stand against us. We will still strive to perish along with this world.

Even if we ultimately fail, it will only be because we are too weak, not because our ideas and choices were wrong."

Listening to the other party's determined words, Xu Yan was momentarily at a loss for words. The other party, seeing Xu Yan fall silent after hearing their speech, said nothing more, merely observing him quietly.

After a long silence, Xu Yan finally spoke again: "I cannot truly empathize with your experiences, and I cannot hastily make a decision based solely on what you have told me."

Hearing the hint of refusal in Xu Yan's words, a look of disappointment flashed in the Green-robed Ghost's eyes.

It seemed that this visitor from beyond the heavens, who was supposed to bring a turning point, was ultimately not one of them. Their next meeting might be as adversaries.

It was just a pity about this excellent listener they had finally encountered.

The Green-robed Ghost thought this to themselves.

After receiving Xu Yan's answer, just as the Green-robed Ghost was about to conclude the conversation, dissipate the surrounding Blood Pool, and return the Ghost Infant in their arms, Xu Yan spoke up again.