Chapter 7: The Late-Night Guests (Three)

The Late-Night Guests (Three)

Qing Qing Xukong leaned back in his chair, looking slightly weary; today felt to him like decades of events compressed into a single day.

"Accidents, dreams, the Enders, the Final Beasts... am I really still in reality? Too much... too much I cannot understand..." Qing Qing Xukong scratched his hair in frustration a few times.

Qing Qing Xukong recalled Ling Yu's words: "Yes, young man, we will be staying here for a while. Of course, if you need anything, come find me anytime, day or night." If he visited that girl now, consequences that could not be undone might occur; Qing Qing Xukong still could not set aside the doubts in his heart. After careful consideration, he decided to visit Yan.

Qing Qing Xukong left his room and walked straight to Yan's room. Yan lived alone in the study on the third floor; Qing Qing Xukong had not cleaned it for some time and wondered whether Yan would blame him for it.

"Isn't this my home?" Qing Qing Xukong smiled helplessly and knocked tentatively on the door.

"Come in," came the reply from inside.

Qing Qing Xukong carefully turned the handle and peered into the room; seeing no sign of annoyance on Yan's face, he entered the room with relief.

"Tea? Black tea," Yan asked casually without looking at Qing Qing Xukong.

"Mm." Qing Qing Xukong glanced around the room and replied absentmindedly.

The room was neatly arranged; many tea canisters and cups had appeared on the cabinet, a teapot of seemingly high quality sat on the table, and a coffee machine stood against the wall. Qing Qing Xukong had never seen these things at home before; he could be certain they were Yan's personal belongings.

Qing Qing Xukong pulled out a chair and sat down, thinking perhaps these fellows were not so different from ordinary people.

"Ceylon black tea; if you're not used to it, I also have Darjeeling and Assam here," Yan said, placing the black tea before Qing Qing Xukong.

"Thank you, no need." Qing Qing Xukong lifted the black tea and took a sip; to be honest, he didn't drink much black tea, but this truly ranked among the best he had ever tasted.

"You didn't come here specifically for tea, did you? Don't be so reserved; if there's something you want to ask, just say it." Yan seemed to have seen through Qing Qing Xukong's unspoken thoughts.

"Mm, so what exactly is Star Energy, and what is the reason I was targeted by that so-called 'Final Beast'? And also... what do you mean by 'God'?"

"The abilities and power brought by Star Energy do not come without cost; this energy replaces a portion of the emotions in one's heart, but the replaced portion does not simply vanish; instead, it is hidden within the possessor's body in crystalline form. We call it 'Spirit Crystal.' Depending on the possessor's abilities and personality, it manifests in different properties and shapes. It has an inseparable relationship with Star Energy and serves as an excellent conductor and carrier. Therefore, Enders often treat it as a weapon-like object and also as the means to use their abilities. However, the consequences of its shattering are unbearable. As for the so-called Final Beasts, their emotions are completely replaced by Star Energy; their emotions, in crystalline form, cover their entire bodies, which is why they appear as you see them. Powerful Enders are excellent nourishment for them; this is why they have long coveted you, but this time is an exception. Qing Qing Xukong, you are completely different from them..." Complex expressions revealed themselves in Yan's eyes.

"The reason emotions can be replaced is that the vessel holding emotions is limited; it is like a sphere carrying our emotions, while Enders have lost a portion of it, allowing Star Energy to dwell within, much like cutting a pizza. Only this pizza is a three-dimensional sphere. But you are different, Qing Qing Xukong; within your emotions exists a vast void, where immense Star Energy dwells. At the moment you died in that accident, the loss of a portion of your emotions exposed the immense Star Energy within, causing you to unintentionally reset the entire Earth's timeline with your ability and making you the target of those Final Beasts." Yan explained to Qing Qing Xukong while sipping his black tea.

"Then, what does 'God' mean?"

"That is how you humans refer to us; we merely serve a great existence. Compared to us, They are the ones who truly deserve to be called gods." As Yan spoke these words, a trace of unease seemed to surface in his expression, but it did not escape Qing Qing Xukong's eyes.

"Alright, I understand the gist now. Thank you for the tea."

"Compared to you, we should be the ones expressing gratitude; suddenly intruding makes us appear rude."

"Then, see you tomorrow."

"..."

Qing Qing Xukong walked out of Yan's room as if relieved of a heavy burden, feeling somewhat lighter in his heart. He returned to his room, recalled the trivial events of the day, and fell asleep shortly after lying down.

In this future woven from the mundane and the unexpected, the youth of the Void will eventually find his home.