Chapter 381

"Indeed, as Shajin said, this woman is very off." The silent Eagle Eye suddenly interjected, "It's not just you and Baji; even my memory is having problems… one or two would be understandable, but it's impossible for the three of us to have memory issues simultaneously."

The far‑older battle between Huanlong and Jingyuan is still vivid in his mind; he recalls every detail of the fight with crystal clarity. Yet the Yellow Springs he has only just learned about are as blank as a sheet of paper—simply bizarre.

Just as the early Breeding had affected the insects of the world, Mi Huoke can almost conclude that they have been influenced by some brutally unreasonable fate.

"Whose great handiwork of the Star God is this? Why are the beings in the heavens one more bizarre than the next?" Keluokedar said irritably.

Mi Huoke said lightly, "Since I witnessed the universal locust plague, these things no longer surprise me. You call this the Star God's handiwork? Impossible. If it were the Star God, its actions would be grander and its impact deeper. Yet we have simply forgotten everything about Yellow Springs… I fear this is the work of Yellow Springs alone."

——

"I also need to know who she is; if my good luck is genuine, she will certainly become an important piece. And the more 'friends' who can help me with this matter, the better."

"But to be honest, the murder case is probably unrelated to her. I still hold the view that something went wrong within the family. Otherwise, why would our Mr. Xingqiri arrange a private meeting? This is not an interrogation, but a secret negotiation."

Shajin said confidently, "Watch. Using Zhigengniao's death as a chip, I will win back my freedom and power. In the end, I will overturn this beautiful dream and create the greatest death."

"If stepping through this door can bring a chance of triumph, even if the probability approaches zero, I have no reason to hesitate, do I?"

Laatio snorted, "On what basis do you think you can win, damned gambler?"

"Three chips are enough."

Shajin slowly opened his eyes; in those eyes, more splendid than violet, a storm seemed to churn.

"All, or nothing."

——

Silver Soul.

"Whoa! This guy's about to start showing off, Aru!" Kagura, perched on Ding Chun's back, was thrilled, "Just like in a JUMP manga when you challenge the final boss, shouting a cool line and then the classic battle scene begins!"

"Hey hey, how could Xingqiri possibly be the final boss? At best it's just an experience pack for the party that shows up at the start. The real boss surely hasn't appeared yet, probably lying somewhere drinking a big gulp of Sula."

Gintoki, lounging on the sofa and idly picking his nose, said, "And Shajin never looks like a member of the party, okay? No party member ever starts by threatening or bribing the protagonist right away."

Kagura scratched her head, "But his background is so tragic. Isn't a tragic background a standard trait for party members?"

"Hmm, that does make some sense…" Gintoki thought carefully, noting that in JUMP manga the fourth or fifth members of the party often can't even produce

"Hey hey, can you stop bringing what happens in the galaxy into the manga? Can reality be like a manga?" Xin Bajie nudged

"What you say does have some point… So does that mean we might see a subverted trope next?"

Ginsan began to analyze seriously, "Could it be that Shajin is killed by Xingqiri alone in a room, and then Shajin passes Xingqiri's intel to the stars in a dream, causing them to unite and defeat Xingqiri?"

——

He pushed open the big door; Xingqiri was standing with his back to him, gazing at the books that covered the walls of the room.

This was not an invitation but a summons. Because Professor Laatio had previously guaranteed it, the two still exchanged a relatively courteous greeting, but after the salutations ended, Xingqiri was the first to launch an attack against him:

"There is one thing I must question you about: your intellect has been misapplied, causing you to arrange a meeting with someone you shouldn't have, appearing in a place you shouldn't be… witnessing a tragedy that shouldn't have occurred."

Shajin gave a faint smile, "You don't look well. May I confirm—am I the one making you restless? …If not, then I am on your side."

Xingqiri's expression darkened, "If I understand correctly, your words… constitute a grave accusation against the family."

"You are indeed correct in not understanding, because evil is quietly growing beside you. We need not hide, let's talk about your sister. Her talent in the performing arts is unrivaled, but you also know that after returning to Pinokangni, her voice has been off‑key."

"Even worse, she can no longer sing now. Who did it? People think the murderer is an outsider, but I know… you have another answer in your heart. Now, your noble status has become shackles, preventing you from acting to capture the murderer and avenge your sister. Isolated and helpless, you feel frantic."

Shajin's tone carried a dangerous temptation: "But don't worry, I am on your side."

"Mr. Shajin, your consideration is my great honor—someone as selfless and generous as you would surely not demand anything in return, would you?"

"Of course, you won't lose anything because of this; I only wish to retrieve what originally belonged to me: my personal freedom, and the belongings kept by the family—the bag of gift money, and…"

"…the box that stores the Foundation Stone."

Shajin smiled and nodded, "Exactly."

"Foundation Stone—I've heard it's a valuable asset of the Strategic Investment Division, a sealed Preservation Order that grants the Holy Stone of great authority, listed as a liquidation expert (ten Stone‑Heart members) each receiving one."

——

Game Life.

"I said why Laatio, upon hearing that the box storing the Foundation Stone was confiscated by the family, turned around and rushed home—so it's such a powerful artifact…"

"At first, Kong didn't understand Laatio's actions, but now it seems he fully grasps his thinking; how could such a tool imbued with Preservation divine power be handed over lightly?!"

"If Shajin's negligence caused the Foundation Stone to be seized by the family, he'd probably lose his life… even ten lives he couldn't afford to repay."

"It's like max‑level gear in a game; when PvPing another player, the opponent suddenly strips you of all your divine equipment, and even a blind person can see there's no point in continuing—the fight would just waste time."

"The great authority of the sealed Preservation Order… then, can Shajin become the Order's holder?" White tugged his brother's shirt.

"Probably not. The ten Stone‑Heart each hold a Foundation Stone; if each could become a holder, the Strategic Investment Division would have eleven holders and could sweep the galaxy, right?"