145: Civilization Saint (two in one)

Facing Qin Jin's gaze, she added, "I learned this script when I was a child."

Qin Chi was silent.

He had considered that a solution might exist within this civilization's ruins, but he never expected that his classmate would have studied a script potentially from another civilization.

"What kind of background would lead to such an education in childhood?"

Bai Huaiyu became even more mysterious in his mind.

A thought flashed through his mind, and Qin Jin said, "Bai Huaiyu, since you've studied it, do you know the origin of this script?"

"This is a script once used by an ancient civilization in the Star Sea."

Bai Huaiyu's voice was calm as she slowly explained, "The Star Sea is vast and also full of unknowns. Within the Star Sea, there are relics left by some ancient civilizations that have been unearthed in the past. We call them Pioneer Relics. This script comes from one of those Pioneer Civilizations."

She pointed to the book: "That civilization was called [Shepherd Spirit Civilization]."

When she said this, Qin's eyebrows slightly raised, and he asked, "Are the civilization ruins we are currently in built as a replica of the [Shepherd Spirit Civilization] ruins?"

"No."

Bai Huaiyu shook her head, looking around: "Here, there are indeed some similarities to the Pioneer Relics, but it's more like a special relic set up by the organizers. It most likely has its own background story, and trying to apply the Pioneer Relics to it would probably be wrong."

At this point, Bai Huaiyu paused: "After all, this is a competition supported by the Federation and jointly organized by various academies. There wouldn't be such an obvious loophole to exploit."

Qin Chi nodded.

Listening to Bai Huaiyu's words, she clearly not only mastered this ancient script but also had a deep understanding of the civilization it originated from.

If this place truly was a replica of the so-called [Pioneer Relics], then she alone could obtain astonishing [Information Points].

However...

As she said, there wouldn't be such a large loophole in the Po Xian Cup.

"Mastering the script can already play a huge role."

"The team competition is more like an overall consideration; accumulation of knowledge and other aspects can also play a significant role."

A thought flashed through his mind, and Qin directly took out the diary from his spatial equipment.

"Bai Huaiyu."

"Help me translate the content within."

"Okay."

Bai Huaiyu took it, placed the book in her hand aside, and opened the diary.

The entire diary contained only sporadic records; there wasn't much information.

Bai Huaiyu's gaze fell on the diary. She didn't speak but directly took out a pen from her spatial device—it seemed to be something she had found—and began translating the text next to the diary's information.

Compared to verbal translation, this method was undoubtedly more convenient for others to understand.

Qin Jin's gaze fell on the diary.

[Pioneer Calendar, January 7, Year 193]

[※ The tide erupted, and the city became completely chaotic]

[January 9]

[Fortunately, the underground safe house I built can still be used]

[January 12]

[Damn it, more and more compatriots are being [contaminated]]

[January ?]

[Supplies in the safe house are running low, I must temporarily leave the safe house]

[? Month ? Day]

[How did the outside world become like this? Contaminators, mechanical beings, it's truly ridiculous]

[The most suspected object is protecting the last pure land, and the creations developed to contend with it have become the source of the true disaster—

The information stopped abruptly here.

Qin Jin swept his gaze.

He pointed to the [symbol] in the first paragraph and said, "Is that what the original text meant?"

"The original text is garbled, meaningless characters."

Bai Huaiyu's reply came, "It seems the owner of this diary didn't know what to call it."

"Or perhaps—"

Bai Huaiyu raised her eyebrows slightly, thoughtfully, "He didn't dare to write the name of the source of this disaster."

"Didn't dare?"

Qin Jin mused.

"Mechanical beings, I've already encountered them. Contaminators, I haven't seen yet. Are they in the deeper areas of the ruins?"

He organized his thoughts and said, "So, the background story of these civilization ruins should be that the original inhabitants of the civilization developed and created some kind of [creation] to contend with a certain existence, which ultimately led to its demise."

"You and I are thinking similarly."

Bai Huaiyu nodded in agreement, handing the diary to Qin Jin: "Once this exploration is over, we can scan and verify it back in the lounge to see if our guess is correct."

"That's right."

Qin Jin looked at her: "When we go back, you can also try to see if you can get points by acquiring information."

"Test whether it's enough to master information to exchange for points, or if you must possess the carrier of the information."

"Mm."

Just as the two were conversing.

Sensing something, the two, one after another, looked towards the main entrance of the library.

"Someone's coming."

Bai Huaiyu's voice sounded, and she tilted her head: "Are you going or am I?"

"I'll go."

Qin Jin put the diary back into his spatial device: "You master this script, so your efficiency in the library will be higher."

"I'll handle the people outside."

With that, he stepped out.

Under Bai Huaiyu's gaze, Qin stepped out of the library.

In place.

Bai Huaiyu picked up a book, briefly flipped through it, then exchanged it for another.

"They're all fantasy novels."

"Is this the [Fiction Section]?"

She raised her delicate eyebrows slightly and stepped up to the second floor.

On the second floor, there was a dedicated reading area with more bookshelves than the first floor. However, at a glance, it was much more chaotic here. Bookshelves were toppled, and the tops were empty, suggesting a struggle had occurred, and the number of books on the ground had drastically decreased.

"When disaster strikes, knowledge is equally important. Were valuable books plundered by the former inhabitants here?"

Bai Huaiyu walked in and began to search carefully.

Her expression was relaxed, and the corners of her mouth were slightly upturned; she seemed to be in a good mood.

"The things the Federation comes up with are still novel."

"If I were at home, I wouldn't have so much fun."

On the other side.

Qin stepped out of the library.

On the path directly opposite the library, three figures were rapidly approaching together.

A man, a woman, and—

A machine.

A mechanical being!

This mechanical being was human-sized, with cluttered mechanical parts on its body, appearing to be assembled later.

It's worth noting that it followed closely beside the man and woman, not attacking. Judging by its movements, it was even protecting the two.

"They also obtained the core components of a mechanical being and performed some kind of modification to use it for themselves?"

A thought flashed through Qin Jin's mind. Seeing the mechanical being's protective behavior, he thought of more: "Contaminators, mechanical beings—"

"So, mechanical beings are the protectors, and contaminators are the destroyers?"

Ahead.

The two people's gazes fell on Qin Jin, their expressions becoming a bit serious. After exchanging glances, the man spoke, "Friend, we are from Jiuzhang Academy."

"This search has just begun. Mutual injury is not good for anyone. Could you please step aside?"

Jiuzhang Academy!

One of the seven academies in the Corridor Star System.

Named Jiuzhang, it truly had nine ace specializations within the academy.

Hearing his voice.

Qin Jin's expression remained unchanged; he simply said calmly, "I am from Martial Abyss."

As soon as the words fell.

The man and woman's expressions both became serious.

Both from the Seven Academies, in this Star Dome Breaking Limit Cup, they were each other's biggest competitors. So, upon encounter, one side naturally couldn't escape unscathed.

"So it's a student from Martial Abyss."

The man's eyes narrowed: "In that case, excuse us."

The moment his words fell, the man's hand formed a virtual grip, and with a flicker of light, an arm-thick metal long staff fell into his hand from his spatial equipment. It looked as if it had been dismantled from somewhere.

With the staff in hand, he charged forward, his steps surging with power within his physique, as if a secret technique was being performed, and his body suddenly swelled.

Solid muscles stretched his combat suit, and a fierce wind swirled around him.

At the same time.

Behind him, the woman's eyes flashed with light.

The mechanical being protecting her seemed to receive an instruction, its figure darting out, flanking the man with the staff from left and right.

After controlling the mechanical being, the light in the woman's eyes grew even more dazzling. A faint glow flickered around her body, and she raised both hands, as if manipulating threads or drawing in mid-air. As she moved, an extremely special power surged out from her body, converging in mid-air to form runes.

This was a—

Spiritual Energy User!

As she moved, the runes formed, and power gathered from various points in the void.

Qin had already acted the moment the man moved.

His figure charged forward, his palm descending, and within his palm, lightning surged out, instantly transforming into a halberd. With the Fangtian Halberd in hand, both charged forward, their speeds closing in an instant. He neither dodged nor evaded, swinging the halberd.

On the other side, the long staff swept horizontally!

Halberd and staff clashed.

In that instant, the muscular man from Jiuzhang Academy clearly felt a huge force coming. He was knocked back, the long staff in his hand suffered immense power, his hands ached, and the long staff flew out of his grip, spinning in the air.

Meanwhile, Qin Jin retracted his halberd, raised his fist, and facing the man who was rapidly regaining his balance, threw a punch.

The fist had not yet reached its target.

But with this movement, a primal power surged out, forming a phantom fist in the void, which slammed heavily into the man's chest.

His chest caved in, and his entire body, due to the angle of the force, was slammed hard onto the ground.

A teleportation halo lit up.

At the same time, looking at the approaching mechanical being, Qin Jin already had experience in dealing with it. His primal power shifted from lightning to ice. While enduring the opponent's attack, his palm passed through its chest, and he retrieved the black box-like mechanical core.

It was like taking a heart and returning.

The mechanical being scattered on the ground.

With a clatter, the metal staff spinning in mid-air also fell to the ground.

Everything ended in an instant.

In the distance, the runes in front of the woman shone, and a spiritual energy beam shot out, assaulting Qin Jin.

She clearly saw her "two" teammates fall.

"So... so strong."

"Chu He even lost his strongest power to him!"

She gritted her teeth, and the light in her eyes intensified.

The beam was incredibly fast, reaching Qin in an instant. As he put the mechanical core into his equipment, Qin stomped his right leg, and his figure suddenly flashed.

The spiritual energy beam was dodged.

But—

Just as Qin Jin dodged, the spiritual energy beam, which was originally a straight line, suddenly changed direction, drawing an arc in mid-air. Runes flickered at the corner, chasing after him.

"Is it a lock-on attack method?"

As this thought flashed through Qin's mind, his figure darted forward, dodging while approaching the Spiritual Energy User.

He dodged again.

The spiritual energy beam changed direction again.

Moreover.

Just after Qin completed this dodge, he clearly sensed that the spiritual energy beam seemed to absorb power from the void, and its might increased.

At the same time, his primal power clearly sensed that around him, within the surrounding space, an extremely special power seemed to be awakened, its attention gradually focusing on him, and a sense of suppression emerged.

"Is it spiritual energy?"

"Is this a Spiritual Energy User?"

Qin Jin's thoughts raced as he looked at the woman in the distance: "It seems this isn't her own technique; rather, when she casts a spiritual energy attack, it automatically awakens the spiritual energy in this area, awakening this primal energy in the universe."

"Truly a favored child of the universe."

Qin dodged the attack again, approaching the opponent.

At this moment.

More spiritual energy was awakened.

It seemed that the spiritual energy was autonomously protecting the Spiritual Energy User.

Thinking of this, Qin stopped dodging, landing on the ground and standing firm.

The next moment, a surging spiritual energy impact swept over him, and dazzling light enveloped Qin Chi.

In the distance.

Seeing her attack hit, the woman wiped the sweat from her forehead: "Such a strong opponent."

"Fortunately—"

She breathed a sigh of relief.

But at the same time, she suddenly realized: "Where's the teleportation halo?"

Dropping to 50% health means elimination and teleportation out.

This was also a form of protection.

The runes dimmed, and the light beam receded.

What met the woman's eyes was Qin Jin, surrounded by surging lightning, as if forming armor.

The lightning formed a shield, intercepting the spiritual energy impact.

He looked... completely unharmed.

As the runes faded, the spiritual energy's gaze also dissipated. Qin's speed erupted, and his entire being transformed into a streak of lightning, cutting across the sky, already arriving in front of the woman.

"Wait."

Just then, a cry sounded: "I surrender!"

Looking over, the woman suddenly raised her wristband.

In front of her, Qin stopped.

His gaze fell on the woman, and Qin Jin asked, "What realm Spiritual Energy User are you?"

"Ah?"

The woman looked surprised, but then replied, "Second Realm, almost Third Realm."

"I've already mastered some Third Realm techniques."

"Oh."

Qin nodded, calmly looking at her.

The woman gritted her teeth and lightly touched her wristband. Just before operating it, she said, "Leave your name, at least let me know who defeated me."

"Martial Abyss, Qin Jin."

A calm reply sounded.

"Qin Jin."

The woman softly repeated the name, didn't linger, and directly chose to surrender.

Points increased, and spatial equipment fell to the ground.

Qin opened his palm and picked it up, sensing it briefly.

It was empty inside; after all, the search had only just begun.

"Spiritual Energy User." Qin Jin's eyes flashed with thought: "If viewed purely in terms of strength, her own power isn't strong, but her entire being is like a switch. Through her own methods, she can cause more spiritual energy to awaken, boosting her combat power."

"No wonder—"

He thought of the Evil God Sect ritual site that exploded in the academy mission: "Back then, that Spiritual Energy User from Shi Lv Academy probably awakened the spiritual energy of the ritual site, which then conflicted with the special power contained within the ritual, causing that great explosion."

"Among those of the same realm, a Spiritual Energy User's methods and combat power can definitely be described as uniquely blessed."

"However, she seems slow in performing her techniques. Is it because her own realm is still low?"

"After the team competition ends, I'll directly contact Teacher Chu to ask for information."

"Know yourself and your enemy, and you will never be defeated. In individual combat, it's possible to fight a Spiritual Energy User in the arena."

Having made his decision, Qin stepped back into the library.

He made no attempt to conceal his footsteps, only seeing Bai Huaiyu after reaching the third floor.

"How was the harvest?"

Qin Chi's inquiry sounded.

"Most of the books left here are fantasy literature, not very useful."

Bai Huaiyu's reply came: "In the background set for this ruin, it should have already been plundered by the original inhabitants."

"However, I found some trinkets."

A pen-like object with a screen appeared in her hand, which she tossed towards Qin Chi.

"This is—"

Qin Jin took it: "A translator?"

"Mm."

Bai Huaiyu nodded: "This should be like spatial equipment and food, not belonging to the civilization ruins, but placed here by the organizers."

"However."

"Spatial equipment and food are common; this kind of equipment should only appear in specific places."

Qin Chi nodded, acknowledging her speculation.

Mastering ancient script allows one to understand information first, but there are other methods for deciphering it, though obtaining it is more difficult, which is a form of fairness in some sense.

"Besides that, there's also this."

Bai Huaiyu picked up a torn piece of paper with a hole in the center from one side.

That was a map!

A map of this city!

Qin Jin's gaze immediately focused on it, using the translator to understand.

From the map, this civilization ruin was once a city, circular in shape, with the outermost ring being a defensive boundary zone. Inside, the areas were separated, interlocking, forming inner cities, cities within cities, divided into different regions.

Residential areas, energy areas, industrial areas, technology areas, archive areas—and so on.

And as one delved deeper, some special terms appeared.

For example: Star Dust Area, Secret Area—etc.

The very center of the map was directly torn off, making it impossible to identify the central area of this civilization ruin.

"Qin Jin."

Watching Qin Jin finish understanding, Bai Huaiyu's voice sounded: "After looking at this map, I believe that the points gained in the first few days are not that important."

Qin Chi looked at her.

"This ruin clearly shows that the deeper one goes, the higher the value of the items that can be obtained."

"The initial explorations, rather than being about gaining points, are more about familiarization and preparation."

"The strength of the players participating in the team competition is uneven, but within this ruin, there are external items that can help improve. The so-called 'corrupted' and 'mechanical beings' mentioned in the diary, I haven't seen yet. Perhaps as we delve deeper, the environment of the ruin itself will become harsher."

"At that time, those with insufficient combat power, let alone searching, might even struggle to survive within the ruin."

"Then, there will be two directions."

"Players with sufficient combat power can continue to act alone."

"Those with insufficient combat power can team up with others, using the supplies they've found to assist. Since there are translators, there must also be communication devices within this ruin."

At this point, her tone shifted: "Let's split up for now."

"The two of us acting together is too much of a waste."

Qin Chi nodded.

The two walked down the stairs of the library.

Just as they reached the first floor.

In his faint perception, Qin Chi's expression became slightly solemn. He mentally scanned his surroundings and, in an instant, suddenly came into contact with a mental force exploring from outside.

He was very familiar with this mental force.

"It really is you."

"Qin Jin!"

"Is there anyone else with you? Wait for me to come over."

Han Miao.

Qin Jin had cooperated with Han Miao before and was aware of her mental strength, sensing her approach immediately.

He gestured to Bai Huaiyu to wait, and before long, under their gaze, two figures entered through a broken floor-to-ceiling window on the side of the library.

Han Miao.

Yu Xingchen!

Han Miao led the way, with Yu Xingchen behind her, cautiously observing the surroundings.

"I sensed an unusual power fluctuation here."

"After getting closer, I faintly detected residual power similar to yours. It really is you."

Han Miao's mental voice sounded: "Huaiyu is here too, that's great."

"Quickly accept my mental seed. I've already tested it, and it won't fail due to teleportation. As long as we are in nearby areas during the search time, we can establish contact through me."

As her words fell.

Gentle mental energy was transmitted to Qin Chi and Bai Huaiyu.

Qin Chi was already familiar with this method and immediately chose to incorporate it into his mental world.

Mental seed connected.

At this moment, Qin Jin shared Han Miao's mental world, clearly seeing that several mental seeds were connected to different individuals. At a glance, including him and Bai Huaiyu, there were already six people.

"It seems you put in a lot of effort during the first search."

Han Miao smiled.

"I didn't gain many points; I've been looking for other classmates."

Her tone was relaxed: "Since it's a team competition, everyone needs a way to communicate, so I'll temporarily act as a communicator."

"With a means of communication, if anyone encounters any problems later, others can provide timely support."

Each of the Eight Immortals crosses the sea, each showing their unique powers.

As Shi Lv Academy students, everyone exerted themselves in their most skilled areas.

Qin Jin's gaze fell on Yu Xingchen.

He was clearly temporarily acting as Han Miao's bodyguard, moving together with her.

"Han Miao."

With a thought, Qin Chi said in a deep voice: "Next, you will judge who has encountered an accident. If you think I can provide timely support, then contact me immediately."

Upon hearing this, Han Miao's mental voice carried a sense of seriousness, and she responded earnestly.

The four of them shared information and then disbanded on the spot.

Just as Bai Huaiyu said, the current 'intensity' of this civilization ruin had not yet reached the point where the team needed to act together.

Explore, search.

The second search period was still three hours. Qin Chi's own gains were average, but this time, realizing that 'big finds' were unlikely in the outer areas, Qin Jin actively changed his strategy.

He shifted from finding items to finding people.

Regardless of the opponent's gains, defeating them yielded a fixed number of points.

The three hours passed in a flash. Qin Jin's actions were quite urgent. After intercepting another wave at the evacuation point, the search ended.

His figure flickered, and he appeared in the courtyard.

Qin Chi did not hesitate, immediately taking out the diary and attempting to scan it again with his wristband.

During the scan, information appeared on the wristband.

[Detecting civilization ruin information carrier]

Student Qin, please submit the information analysis content. After the prompt appeared, an input window popped up.

Qin Chi did not hesitate to input the known information.

[Evaluating]

[You have gained 800 points]

Two lines of information flashed by, then disappeared.

"Eight hundred points, not a small amount—but compared to the larger context of the civilization ruin, it's definitely not a lot."

"Is it because it's too scattered?"

"Only by thoroughly investigating the origins of the corrupted, mechanical beings, etc., including understanding the 'tide' within the diary, should there be an opportunity to gain more points."

As thoughts flashed, he sorted out his other gains.

Finally, the points were tallied.

[Current cumulative points]: 3790

"When the third round of exploration begins, I'll decide the specific tactics based on where it's located within the ruin."

His gaze returned from the wristband, and Qin Chi entered cultivation.

After two explorations, the team competition seemed to enter a rest period, with the third round of exploration being long overdue.

The day passed, and on the morning of the second day, a prompt sounded, and the third exploration began.

Qin Chi was already prepared and stepped into the teleportation gate.

The sensation of traversing faded. The moment he appeared, Qin Chi's eyes suddenly narrowed.

He looked around.

Around him were mechanical beings.

Compared to the mechanical beings he had encountered on the streets before, the surrounding mechanical beings had formed teams. They clearly looked like regular soldiers. Although their mechanical parts showed signs of damage and aging, they were not haphazardly assembled and were well-organized.

Qin Chi's eyes deepened slightly.

Within his mental world, Han Miao's mental seed was in a dormant state.

This indicated that the distance between them exceeded Han Miao's connection limit.

"Did the teleportation location change, or is the area too large?"

As thoughts arose in his mind.

The mechanical beings surrounding him emitted mechanical sounds.

"Qin Jin, as a Pure One, you don't have to participate in this defense war."

"No one will blame you."

"It's not too late to regret now. I will take you back to the bunker to settle down."

Listening to his words, Qin Jin's thoughts raced.

"There really are NPCs in this civilization ruin."

"It's not just a simple search, fight, and retreat."

He thought of the two factions mentioned in the diary, and combining them with the current scene, he responded: "I want to protect my homeland."

As soon as he spoke.

This mechanical being squad around him fell silent for a moment.

Then, the mechanical being who had just spoken straightened its body and solemnly said: "Salute to the Pure One, Qin Jin!"

As the voice fell, each mechanical being straightened simultaneously.

"I will take you to the battlefield."

The mechanical being's eye components glowed: "If you make a contribution in this defense war and return alive, I believe the Saint will be willing to summon you and personally bestow glory upon you."

"Please follow me."

After speaking, the mechanical being turned around.

Other mechanical beings clustered around Qin Chi, heading east.

"Not only are there NPCs, but participants are also given specific identities."

"Pure One, corresponds to the corrupted in the diary?"

As thoughts flickered.

Qin Jin sensed something. His gaze suddenly turned to other places.

There.

Mechanical beings were clustered around others. He saw other participants!

More than one.

Some, like him, were heading to the battlefield, while others made different choices, turning back and being led by the mechanical beings back to the [bunker].

Thoughts raced in his mind.

"Two possibilities."

"First, Han Miao and others also came here, but the distance is too far, so they cannot connect through mental seeds."

"Second possibility—"

"After the first two explorations, perhaps due to specific points, or perhaps due to other differences, some participants gained the opportunity to participate in a [hidden dungeon]."

"Is it because I learned about the mechanical beings and the corrupted?"

His gaze shifted, and he thought of the initial rule description [The implicit rules within the civilization ruin need to be explored independently].

"The Saint is probably the big BOSS on the mechanical being side among the opposing factions within the civilization ruin."

"If that's the case—"

Qin Jin's eyes flickered, looking forward, thinking of what the mechanical being captain had just said: "It seems it's time for the part where I don't know where it is, or who it is, or whether I should go on a killing spree."

Surrounded by mechanical beings, he continuously moved forward.

Qin Chi took a moment to check the countdown on his wristband.

[9:53:23]

This exploration time was ten hours long!

Stepping forward, the sound of gunfire continuously came from ahead.

"Qin Jin."

"I hope you return alive."

They were walking on a high platform. After the mechanical being captain said one more thing to Qin Jin, he led his squad and suddenly jumped down from the high platform.

Qin Jin's gaze looked forward.

Below the high platform, it seemed to be a temporary camp for the mechanical being faction. Numerous mechanical beings moved back and forth, and there were many severely damaged mechanical beings being repaired by other mechanical beings.

This scene was somewhat eerie.

"Saint, mechanical beings—"

"Automaton army?"

Qin Chi let his imagination run wild.

His gaze swept towards the distant end.

In front of the camp, amidst the ruins of the city, a fierce battle was underway.

On one side, a torrent of steel mechanical beings.

On the other side, grotesque monsters made of flesh and blood, both humanoid and beast-like.

Corrupted!

At this moment, Qin Chi understood the meaning of 'corrupted'.

Their appearance was like superhumans affected by the corruption within extraordinary factors, or like living beings infected by Evil God power!

"This Po Xian Cup team competition map feels like it has a deeper meaning."

"How are these corrupted created?"

As thoughts flashed.

Qin Chi leaped down from the high platform.

At the same time.

In another exploration area.

Han Miao sensed her mental seed, her delicate brows slightly furrowed, and her voice sounded on the mental plane, transmitted to others through the seed.

"Two people's mental seeds have gone dormant. They don't seem to have been teleported to our area."

"Who are they?"

A question arose on the mental plane.

"Qin Jin."

"And—An Shi."

The Star Dome Breaking Limit Cup continued.

At the same time.

In an unknown area of the Star Sea.

Suddenly, the already silent starfield instantly turned black and white, like a silent film. A figure appeared in this black and white Star Sea.

Su Buhao.

He stood still, eyes slightly closed. At this moment, the Star Sea rippled, and voices sounded.

"What is it that requires you, Old Brother Su, to contact me so urgently?"

"Hmm? You're here too?"

"What a rare grand meeting. We haven't gathered for a long time, have we?"

Different voices came from within the Star Sea.

Su Buhao opened his eyes.

"Everyone."

His voice was calm: "I sought you out because I need you to bring out some of your hidden treasures to assist me. If necessary, I might need you to hold the line for me."

"It's rare for you to ask for help proactively."

"Just say what you need."

"What is it that requires such solemnity?"

Questions sounded in alternation.

A hint of relief appeared in Su Buhao's eyes, and he said calmly: "This matter involves—"

"My life."]

}