Chapter 455: Scars

It must be said that although some old fogeys are useless every day, acting like the frail and sick everywhere, they ultimately haven't slacked off too much.

Occasionally, they are still a little useful.

Once you get used to the terrifying mobility of the rabbit hole in this fantasy, you can’t leave it at all.

Ignoring all situations anytime, anywhere, pulling away and jumping down, you instantly return to the city.

As long as you pull the entrance back in time, even if the other end is collapsing, this side has nothing to do with it.

Ji Jue suspected that there were still some good things in the old guy’s pocket, but unfortunately, he couldn't find an opportunity to squeeze them out.

Even more unfortunately, the advantage of strange creations is that their spirituality is active and they have the ability to think independently, but the disadvantage is the same. Even if you kill him and explode them, if they don't want to be used by you, you still can't use them.

Ji Jue even suspected that this old man knew he understood this point, which is why he shook in front of him every day with an annoying smile.

At this moment, the two had just returned to the camp when they heard cheers and shouts like thunder, endless.

Every face was flushed with excitement, as if they had seen everything that had just happened with their own eyes, and the entire camp was immersed in a sea of joy.

Calling their names in unison.

In the crowd, Bao Dachai grinned, watching them being swallowed by the joyful crowd and lifted up, making a "no thanks" gesture to Ji Jue.

Right in the center of the camp, the scene in the void was still frozen at the moment Wen Wen killed the Saint. Under the projection of the Elf’s Ether Eye, everything was reflected before them.

Never imagined that one day, they would be able to witness such a scene.

Even though they had already experienced the changes brought by Ji Jue and felt the hope and possibility of success, when they witnessed the death of the Saint with their own eyes, they still couldn't restrain their excitement and enthusiasm.

Before this, everyone was either suffering through the days, prepared to burn in the abyss forever, struggling in vain. Or they were gradually slacking off and becoming numb, escaping the final outcome like ostriches, suffering day by day.

When dawn arrived, they were still dazed and confused, but when the sun truly rose before their eyes, tears and cheers could no longer be blocked.

The entire camp had never been in such a spirited state.

The banquet started again. Unlike the previous embarrassment, thanks to the generous sponsorship and help of many Chief Priests, the supplies of the resistance camp were unprecedentedly rich, and there were even members who had been chefs cooking on the spot, with fine wines once exclusively for the upper echelons of the order being served without limit.

Except for the necessary sentries, almost everyone was dead drunk, but even if they were about to pass out, there was still a large group of people crowding around Ji Jue, persistently asking when they could participate in the action, when they could take revenge, even if it meant moving supplies and acting as cannon fodder.

At this time, Yan Fei on the side suddenly became proud, raising her neck, not speaking but acting like an expert—I am Mr. Ji’s guard, do you understand guard?

Rounding it off, I cut ninety points with Mr. Ji!

Although the position of guard seemed to be self-appointed, Mr. Ji didn't object, did he?

"Don't worry, everyone, there will be opportunities, very soon."

Ji Jue smiled and raised his glass, boosting morale.

After the atmosphere became lively, he took advantage of others not paying attention and got up to leave.

Perhaps he was used to the coldness and quietness of the workshop, and he was always a bit unaccustomed to the noisy and boisterous environment, and at the same time, it was difficult to integrate.

Rather than staying and disturbing the atmosphere, it was better to hide for some peace and quiet.

Along the way, satisfy his curiosity.

Why did the person who should be most used to such a lively atmosphere and most at home disappear after the banquet started for a while?

Didn't knock everyone down and take the opportunity to dazzle all the wine reserves?

Did she quit drinking?

Or did the sun rise from the west?

Ji Jue knocked on Wen Wen’s door, and then, impolitely, pushed the door open.

"Sister Wen, are you there?"

From the direction of the bedroom, there was a clattering sound, as if she had been startled. Soon, there was the sound of a shower, but immediately afterward, as if she realized that finding this excuse was too stupid, she turned it off like an ostrich burying its head in the sand.

Soon, Wen Wen finally poked her head out, pretending to wrap her hair, and seeing Ji Jue sitting in her messy living room, she couldn't hold it anymore.

"Cough cough, Ji Jue? What’s the matter? I just fell asleep."

She coughed twice, squeezed out a serious expression: "We’re familiar, but you ran into my room; if you don't explain it well, I won't let you off so easily—"

"How are your injuries?"

Ji Jue interrupted her words and asked bluntly, causing her expression to stiffen, delay, widen her eyes, and ask blankly: "What injuries?"

Ji Jue sighed helplessly.

"Sister Wen..."

"Ah? Mm? What’s wrong?"

"...Has anyone ever told you that you are really bad at lying?"

Ji Jue shook his head and asked bluntly: "Acting with you is actually quite tiring. We’re all so familiar, why not be straightforward and let me see the condition of your injuries?"

Wen Wen stared: "I don't know what you’re talking about!"

"Trouble not hiding your right hand behind your back when you speak, okay? Also, where is there anyone wearing a whole layer of clothes inside their pajamas?"

Ji Jue raised his hand and pointed out the suspicious points one by one: "I won't even mention what you were trying to do by turning on the shower and then turning it off. Even if you knocked over a wine bottle, the smell of blood can't be covered up in a hurry. If I were you, I would at least use perfume to cover it up, but you probably don't have this kind of—pfft!"

Before he finished speaking, he was beaten.

Not unexpected!

It can only be said that the Wasteland’s mouth and fists are equally hard. If you don't intend to recognize one of them, then you have to taste the other!

Then, the scars on her palm could no longer be hidden.

Wen Wen’s wrist was gripped.

Forcibly pried open her fingers.

That wound cut by the thunder sword hadn't healed until now. The white wound was slowly oozing blood, soaking the bandage,

deep enough to see the bone.

It had been so long, and there was no sign of recovery at all. It didn't look like a Chosen One at all. Not to mention anything else, just in terms of healing ability, it was even worse than ordinary people.

The moment he noticed the wound, Ji Jue had some realization.

No, it should be said that there was a realization and regret that a guess had been implemented—just as Wen Wen instinctively resisted this fantasy, although the interference of everything in the dream was difficult to cause her influence, all convenience was also unrelated to her.

She wouldn't lose any self, and at the same time, she wouldn't get any replenishment.

Including the magical effect of being able to re-stitch and be perfectly fine even if cut into pieces.

For her, all injuries were difficult to recover from.

It’s just that she had always been too strong, even strong enough to ignore this weakness, and such a situation had never occurred.

So much so that even Ji Jue had no expectations.

At this moment, after a brief astonishment, the corner of Ji Jue’s Ether Eye twitched, and he sighed silently:

"At least stitch it up, right?"

Wen Wen hesitated, wanting to speak but stopping.

It had come to this. The fact that she had hidden in the bedroom and gestured with a needle for a long time, and finally built up her psychological construction, only to find that she couldn't stitch at all, and the needle couldn't pierce in, was already unspeakable!

"Speaking of which, you wouldn't have hidden in the bedroom and gestured with a needle for a long time, and then—pfft!"

Ji Jue’s vision went black, dull, indignant: "Why hit me for this too?!"

"...Sorry, habit." Wen Wen looked away awkwardly, wanting to pull her hand back, but found it was gripped tightly, and then, sharp pain.

"Hiss—"

"Sorry, no anesthetic can take effect on you, please bear with it."

Ji Jue had already started stitching, without even saying hello. The moment his two hands gripped Wen Wen’s palm, he started physical stitching!

To be precise, it was spiritual quality welding!

Directly extracting blood from the wound as material, under the operation of alchemy, directly reshaping and reconstituting the cracked palm!

First, repair the cracks on the bones, and then, forcibly align the wounds on both sides, piece together the broken muscle and flesh, reconnect them, and replenish the missing parts.

Starting from the palmaris longus tendon, the opponens pollicis, the first, second, and third lumbrical muscles... meticulously and carefully ensuring that the operation of the muscles would not be hindered.

Wisps of silver light flashed and shuttled between the wounds, like stitching needles, reintegrating everything that was torn, leaving no stitches or traces, and repairing them.

After the repair was completed, using the fluid alchemy method, through the inner spirit driving the outer form’s strengthening, the last hidden danger was completely erased.

Ah, seems to have forgotten to cut off the nerve transmission... but it doesn't matter, as strong as the Wasteland, she certainly wouldn't care about such a small pain.

No, actually she cared super much!

Her expression was completely wrinkled into a ball, constantly twitching, gritting her teeth and enduring.

But now, things that could relieve pain were completely unspeakable.

Soon, Ji Jue’s hands slowly loosened. Wen Wen was still gritting her teeth and enduring, her expression twitching, not noticing that it was over. When she realized it, she found that it didn't hurt anymore.

The wound disappeared, leaving only a faint red mark. Soon, after moving it a few times, the subcutaneous bruising also dissipated, and no traces could be seen at all.

"Wow, didn't expect you kid to have this hand!"

She laughed, examining her palm, and patted Ji Jue’s shoulder: "Thanks, I’ll treat you to a drink later, um, after we get out."

"Sorry, my fault."

Ji Jue lowered his head, unable to face her gratitude.

If he guessed correctly, Wen Wen probably couldn't enjoy the healing and recovery in the fantasy, and even, if she died, there was no possibility of resurrection at all.

From beginning to end, she had never been able to fully integrate into this fantasy, but was being eroded by the Yellow Millet all the time.

Silently enduring.

"Don't stutter, it’s not your fault that I have a bad temper and went head-to-head with that guy."

Wen Wen grinned, not caring at all, and shook her fist at Ji Jue, "Don't worry, my life is hard, it’s just a small injury."

"Is it really a small injury?" Ji Jue doubted.

"What? Do I look like I’m dying?"

Wen Wen was amused, leaned closer, and asked playfully, "Or are you suspecting there are other wounds?"

Those eyes, close at hand, flashed with familiar crystal phantom light.

Reflecting Ji Jue’s face.

Faintly breathing.

It’s just a pity that it was replaced by a slightly immature look now, but instead, there was a sense of contrast like a child stealing adult clothes.

And Ji Jue didn't dodge as she expected.

Instead, he looked at her straight.

Nodded decisively.

"As everyone knows, we craftsmen cherish life and are experienced.

And besides the research on the vortex system, I am also a resident doctor certified by Quancheng Hospital, with rich rescue experience, and widely praised. In addition, I also took the first-aid certificate for trauma!"

He answered naturally and seriously: "Sister Wen, don't avoid the doctor, if you are willing to check—"

The words stopped abruptly.

A delicate and small fist had already been raised and shaken before his eyes.

As if saying hello.

"Is that so?"

Wen Wen’s smile remained: "Then do you want to talk to it?"

"...I’d better not."

Ji Jue raised his hands, pressed her fist down, squeezed out a smile, got up and said goodbye: "My intuition just told me that you are very healthy, and one punch can kill a doctor plus a craftsman, so, check-ups or whatever, let’s do it another day."

Wen Wen hummed and laughed, watching Ji Jue leave.

"Stinking kid—"

For a long time, she couldn't help but sigh silently.

In the silence, she raised her head and looked at the full-length mirror in the corner. In the reflection, that broken figure was also looking at her, mocking and laughing.

How long can you lie to him?

The broken reflection seemed to be across the mirror, admiring her hypocritical appearance, mocking and asking: Wen Wen, how long can you lie to yourself?

As long as you are still alive, you will eventually cause disaster and become the appearance he hates most...

Wen Wen was indifferent, just picked up the wine bottle on the table, raised her head, and drank the last bit of intoxication.

She didn't avoid the appearance of the reflection, just smiled slightly.

"Then wait until I die."

After closing the door, Ji Jue’s steps were as usual, walking out indifferently.

It’s just that in the silence of the corridor, his expression gradually became gloomy.

Absolutely, there is a problem!

Just when he was stitching Wen Wen just now, he could feel the hidden abnormality under the swaying spiritual quality, and the disharmony and tearing inside the soul.

It’s just a pity that under her eyelids, spiritual quality erosion couldn't be done quietly, and could only be limited to the wound part.

I’m afraid that even if he insisted on the diagnosis, it would only arouse her precaution and resistance.

It’s a pity, if it were outside, he could still secretly install a camera, ask her family’s remote control and TV for mechanical descent, and at worst trick her into the workshop...

"Hey, young man, your expression is very dangerous."

There was a playful laugh, Bao Dachai grinned, examining the young peer: "Are you pondering some very terrible things?"

"Tch..."

Ji Jue glanced at him and said unhappily: "Yeah, pondering how to kill you and take the strange alchemy as my own."

"You want to learn? I’ll teach you! I guarantee to teach you everything without reservation." Bao Dachai’s eyes lit up, as if he couldn't wait: "Come on, it’s not for nothing, I’ll teach you until you learn! Let’s start immediately..."

"Forget it."

Ji Jue shook his head, really too lazy to spend effort on skills that were destined to be insulated.

Not counting those things in the deep, just the fluid alchemy and the nine types were enough for him to study for more than ten years, why owe the old guy’s favor for nothing?

"So cold."

The old guy scratched his chin and sighed regretfully: "I’ve been running around these days, and I thought there could be something between us... oh, right, friendship and bonds, that’s what young people say, right?"

"Friendship? Bonds? Between craftsmen?"

Ji Jue’s brow raised, unbelievable: "Are you serious?"

"Strange alchemy is not as cruel as modern alchemy; it pays attention to an innocent and lively childlike heart and a gentle and kind soul. Long live love and peace!"

Bao Dachai gave a thumbs up and praised: "To tell you the truth, I saw at a glance that you are absolutely a good seedling!"

Ji Jue was about to be amused: "Where am I innocent, lively, gentle, and kind?"

"No matter how cold a person is, there is always a warm place in their heart~" The old guy’s smile became more annoying, "If you don't try, how do you know the other side of your heart?"

"Sorry, my other side told me to tell you that if your eyes are useless, you can sell them second-hand. He has no love, and no peace."

He had already begun to regret telling this guy about strange alchemy.

Once this topic started, the old guy was simply like glue, pestering him, almost taking out a divine skill manual and stuffing it into his arms to let him practice and try it out.

Helpless.

Ji Jue could only raise his hands to surrender: "Can we talk about business? If you came to me to talk nonsense, then I can only refuse to accompany you."

"Didn't you start the topic?"

The old guy held that strange hat in his arms, stroking the fluff on it like petting a pet, and in the casual walk, suddenly asked:

"Just feel, are you a bit too impatient?"

"Ah?" Ji Jue didn't understand.

"Didn't the Holy Seal just spread? Generally speaking, shouldn't it be better to spread it subtly and plan it slowly?"

Bao Dachai sighed: "Used to nest, although it caught a big fish, it also wasted such a good opportunity, triggering the order’s vigilance in advance, which is a pity."

"There’s nothing to pity. Once a thing like a Holy Seal spreads, it will definitely arouse the order’s vigilance, so it’s better to take the opportunity to catch a wave.

Besides, its principle is not complicated, and it’s very simple to imitate. As long as it’s scattered, someone will naturally use it, someone will grab it... We don't need to push it. As long as the order still uses faith to measure believers one day, there is no possibility of dispelling the poison of the Holy Seal."

Heavenly Human laziness is innate, and chasing convenience is the instinct of all living things.

After getting used to the convenience of the fully automatic prayer machine, how can one endure long and boring meditation and prayer? As long as you try it once, it’s hard to forget and abandon.

What’s more, its mechanism is exactly the same as the order’s prayer. If you really want to block it, that’s a fantasy.

At best, what Ji Jue gave was just a more comfortable method, a more convenient choice.

Just as all depravity originates from slackness and wishful thinking, although some people can resist temptation, decisively refuse all convenience, can endure boredom and suffering, and persistently maintain this faith... but among countless believers, how many can truly do this?

Except for the fanatical belief that the Holy God is completely in the brain, how would a person who can be self-disciplined and persevering to this extent view the 'merciful and generous' Holy God after realizing the essence of faith?

This is destined to be an unsolvable problem.

In time, it doesn't even need Ji Jue’s push to catalyze a huge wave that truly shakes the order.

But unfortunately, Ji Jue can’t wait for 'in time'.

How long would it take for such a wave to gestate and ferment? Ten years? Twenty years? Thirty years? Too long. He joined this inexplicable game, not to provide a ranking experience for that guy Wen Sheng.

On the contrary, he is better at making everyone lose their game experience.

This is just the first step.

By comparison, he is more concerned about the discoveries made in this operation.

To be precise, it is the message revealed in the order’s reaction...

"Although the Saint is important, that Holy God can catalyze dozens or hundreds of them at any time if he wants, right?

For the order, the Saint is indeed an unreachable existence, but for the Holy God, it is just one of seven tools, that’s all. Although it’s troublesome, it can be replaced at any time.

By comparison, in this system with faith as the core, the loss of believers should be the truly irreparable loss, right?"

"Mm?"

Bao Dachai’s brow picked, his expression inexplicable: "What do you want to say?"

"Asymmetry."

Ji Jue said decisively: "Just lost one Saint, and the order went to great lengths to cast one-third of the believers in the core of the entire Eastern Diocese, at least one diocese, into the abyss.

What for?

Even if it’s for venting anger and warning, they should seize the opportunity and come at me and Sister Wen. But in fact, in terms of the order of execution of the countermeasures, we actually became secondary—"

He raised his head, looked at the old guy in front of him, and suddenly asked:

"—Then what is primary?"

Ji Jue said decisively: "The Order went to such great lengths, sacrificing just one Saint to cast the core of the entire Eastern Diocese—at least one-third of the believers in one diocese—completely into the Abyss.

What for?

Even if it were to vent their anger and issue a warning, they should have seized the opportunity to target me and Sister Wen. But in reality, judging by the sequence of their countermeasures, we have actually become secondary—"

He raised his head, looked at the old fogey before him, and suddenly asked:

"—Then what is primary?"