Free Web NovelChapter 234: Chapter 38: The First Generation Mask and the Third Generation Mask
: "Just a little," he nodded thoughtfully, Sharp Forest showing a trace of surprise.
"So, why do you seem very familiar with Ji Yimi? Because you met him very early, which is the reason? Jiang Yimi is, after all, familiar to you, and by extension, familiar to me. Is your Time and Space Ability related to what I know? This kind of power doesn’t belong to any ranks, and it doesn’t belong to any known lists; it’s a special kind of quality," said Chu Jing.
White Mist shook his head: "
Sharp Forest pursued the question, "Who is he really?"
"It seems we have both encountered the same person at some point," White Mist answered.
Sharp Forest turned to look at White Mist, realising that it was White Mist who had picked up the mask piece. "This mask carries a very dangerous aura, and it comes with its own strength from the Well. I originally thought this was a very ordinary piece. But that person told me it came from somewhere. I’ll ask him again later."
Even if he couldn’t already recall the name of the person, let alone that it was himself, Sharp Forest at least understood the name was not his own.
White Mist suddenly remembered the strange words spoken by the mask wearer, thinking it was odd he couldn’t reveal his own name, Jiang Yimi, because that name might invite some consequences.
Even though he’s already dead, why is Chu Qing still not brave enough to speak to Sharp Forest?
White Mist also felt that the First Generation Mask was a bit secretive and equivocal.
Sharp Forest thought back to the many riddles spoken by the mask wearer, realizing most of his words were indeed enigmatic.
"The journey has no end, there’s a final path to follow. He’s done everything he possibly could; there’s still more to be done. I should be repairing outside the tower now; that’s where I’m supposed to be. If I keep fixating on something that has passed, it will only drive me further into madness... I’m not supposed to enter the high tower; they won’t even let me," the First Generation Mask person reflected carefully.
"Compared to what?"
"He said a lot of strange things," was the response.
"Did you say he was about to die?"
Sharp Forest and it may not necessarily be the same person, but there were striking similarities between their presences and the abilities they exhibited.
Even among the unknown divine secret territories, such as the "Papa" of the farm in Well Six, there existed people like the First Generation Mask, unknown to others.
To date, White Mist, who now had powers beyond comprehension, only had the testimony of his eyes, which were the clearest evidence of existence. There were only four others witnessing this.
While it was very clear that he and the First Generation Mask were not on the same level, Sharp Forest, who was extremely powerful, and Clock Xu, who was also formidable, had almost reached a certain territory’s extreme, a notion carefully considered by the First Generation Mask.
Is the First Generation Mask really from this era, or did he possess the Time and Space Ability? How did Sharp Forest encounter two such powerful figures by chance?
White Mist hypothesized that this mask wearer was the First Generation Mask person.
"He might be stronger than my great friend. That was the only time he was about to die when he had the piece. Because of the piece, he found me... There’s a special meaning to recognizing him, and he also counts as a benefactor from previous generations," White Mist said.
White Mist asked, "Have you encountered any other mask wearers?"
White Mist, who would even nosebleed at the sight of a woman, could hardly recognize himself, despite trying his best. But his bodily reaction was very honest; he didn’t have any desire for food, but seeing beautiful food could still trigger a reaction.
White Mist had already caught a whiff of a certain fragrance that made it hard for people to stop secreting saliva, a clear sign he was approaching the great gates of the food domain.
This piece of mask had led to a long and protracted accident, something he had not expected.
This was also White Mist retrieving the mask from the weapon’s warehouse because Wu Jiufu had sworn to keep Chu Jing’s secret safe.
He considered it his duty to help his team maintain the secret, despite not wearing himself out trying to guess it. After all, he might be able to figure it out if he delved deeper into it... like figuring out what kind of gift Wu Jiufu had.
White Mist had a certain talent, which he had discovered long ago. Although the exact nature of this notion was still unclear, it was a likely assumption. Wu Jiufu certainly didn’t get White Mist a bunch of flowers from outside the tower.
"The affair was arguably a stroke of great fortune, but Well had no way of knowing the tremendous influence the man in the white fog wielded," he said, "Nor did he realize the significance of the mask’s history and the incidents behind it, even though he was the owner of the item itself."
The speed of the three was very slow, and the suspension bridge was exceptionally long. The advent of white fog had intrigued them, and encountering another masked figure was clear evidence that this was not by chance—Sharp Forest was certain of it.
It was indeed a matter of great luck, to be able to place one’s faith in one’s own redemption."
"Although you are not truly the valiant hero of the mask, I have still grown accustomed to calling you this since we first met. It’s my legacy, passed down from The First Generation who had the mask before. Even now, I don’t feel much different when I’m with you, as if the original bearer had never passed away. I always hoped I could keep up with so many people as a normal part of growing old and dying, but maybe if I had a choice, I’d pick this," said Chu Qing.
Sharp Forest nodded silently.
"But you look nothing like that. I certainly haven’t lived for seventeen hundred years," he quipped.
Chu Qing spoke the flat truth.
"I think the reason I’ve changed is because I’ve come into contact with so many things over the past seventeen hundred years. I’m only here because the market’s investigative military group found me at Chuanbai Market. It’s as if I have never been sealed away."
Chaos felt this was a question that could potentially come up when he saw Sharp Forest, so he did not hesitate to ask.
"Isn’t this mask, in fact, yours from a previous life?" he asked pointedly.
Sharp Forest retorted with a question,
"But I’m not really like myself from before... it seems."
Although it certainly seemed like crossing fewer and fewer time periods, Sharp Forest had experienced many events and had a sense of déjà vu when it came to this scene from before.
As memories of difficult past incidents began to surface, it felt as though they were only contained within his mind. Listening to Chu Qing’s questions, Sharp Forest offered no immediate answer.
The suspension bridge felt a prickle of frost as autumn approached, and the temperature outside the tower was not quite normal.
Well and Sharp Forest were still chatting about the past as they journeyed through this stretch.
Their destination was the Fifth Level, as they strolled along the periphery towards the food domain fortress of the Sixth Level, where Well was headed.
Surrounded by Sharp Forest, he remarked, "I’ve never seen this kind of wonderful food in the seventeen hundred years I’ve been around."
"Let’s take a look. There’s no harm in walking to the end of this path, and if you’re not ready for the Hu-Si sea food feast ahead, the nutritious value alone, well, you’ll definitely like the taste once you try it," they suggested.
Well couldn’t help but look equally ready, regardless of what kind of food it was, due to his desire for something to eat.
"I’m just trying to restrain myself... but I also really want a satisfying meal," said Well, as he watched Sharp Forest make extensive food gestures.
The entire place was perfumed with a beautiful fragrance from various kinds of food, creating a luxurious ambience, accompanied by soft music constantly played day and night on violins.
The women, dressed in fine clothes and exuding elegance and grace as they were the main performers, were far removed from the image of the wicked and exposed, as they once were. The food domain was no longer just about hedonism and indulgence.
Covering the world that Chu Qing came from were exquisite dishes, special food ingredients served on platters, and a variety of precision-crafted meals including meat, vegetables, fruit, and cake piled high—the Sixth Level had the most in the food department.
The lower one went in the food district, the scarcer the food became.
Now, the clock paradise of enjoyment was in one of the two fortresses of the Sixth Level, where it seemed almost anything within the food domain was edible.
Viewing the groupings of food fortresses within, Chu Qing was reminded of tales of a wondrous pre-world life, due to the grandness of the entrance scenery.
The food domain was even more like a fairy tale, unable to compete with the enticing glamour of the flesh domain, which left men’s eyes unable to divert as the doors of the food domain slowly opened.
Listening to Sharp Forest’s raving about encountering this masked figure at the Jiang Yimi station, Well was convinced it was definitely the same person, though they only looked similar.
At that time, Sharp Forest was unaware of the immense power he already possessed. The masked figure left Sharp Forest after uttering a bizarre, incomprehensible phrase.
"You don’t need to ask where I’m going, my direction is nowhere to be found," the figure said.
"I’ve wanted to sleep for a very, very long time before, but now, I just think I should walk."
"You could say your girl friend died because you were so weak and fragile? Isn’t that the reason? Well, did the poor kid drink himself to death by trying to keep up with me? Honestly, you are not, but you have grown accustomed to Dugu, haven’t you? From now on, you will gradually become stronger."
"You’ll know what an enemy is eventually."
"But it’s not necessary to cling too closely to the big reason that’s involved because some minor cause will bring temporary confrontation with the enemy. You shouldn’t dwell on the past too much, you can try to do something good every day to get past that; what you should be watching out for is a new cause. This is the last time I talk about it – from now on, you and your First Generation Mask will have to figure out for yourself."
"How the world will change is beyond me, but at this point, having embarked on a journey, it really doesn’t matter what I say anymore. Whether evil or good, you must do what you need because I’m going to leave, so how can I be so anxious about you? Don’t worry."
"You just have to choose a good camp; even if it seems like you are doing something terrible for survival in this world where factions oppose each other. Are you really not capable of being ruthless enough? You’ve already received the First Generation Mask – supposed to be incredibly powerful – so how could you not possibly need to act evil at times, right?"
"It’s not just about not living too flat in a prosperous world, but isn’t this called double standards? Double standards."
"Sure, friends are actually very difficult to come by, and is it any wonder that you don’t laugh much because there’s no love? That could genuinely make someone suffer, huh? Friends?"
"I... actually wish I could compensate for your hardship with this laughter...hahahaha...hahahahahaha, you don’t seem too happy, huh... ah, isn’t that so funny, to be too happy and then die? Have a girlfriend?
"Ah, hey! You are still a child, forgetting that you’ve never drunk with us, oh? Can these little buddies of yours even hold their liquor? Although I don’t know if I’ll die afterward, you should definitely try out that exceptional liquor with bizarre effects. We’ve come to the last day, breaking all the rules seems fine now, eh?"
"I’ve been thinking about ways to change this chaotic world, actually, I’ve always wanted to do something with each piece of inherited property, which is, however, finite in nature. I’ve done a fair amount of things, you know, just to complete the journey as it’s really bothering me. But every death just starts something new, and an endless journey should always have an end point."
It seemed as if his jovial persona was just an act.
Not a trace of sorrow was felt for dying, simply because he was wearing a mask.
But in reality... it was grief, though he truly did feel a sense of honor.
Sharp Forest’s expression was very strange, after inheriting something that is both life and death, he should be the one to feel both grief and honor.
"He actually made an accurate guess before his demise... he gave me his strength."
Three people stepped onto the lift that led from the underworld to the heavenly hall, setting the cable car in motion.
There was a distinct odor, a pervasive stench that was exceedingly worse compared to any smell they had encountered before stepping onto the lift.
There was a huge pit and an imitation high tower structure in the Eating Realm stronghold, which was different from the rest of the realm in color and atmosphere.
In this place, where they had arrived in the white fog, three people had reached the Sixth Level of the Eating Realm stronghold.
"They have already changed... but I came to find them at this time."
All of a sudden, Sharp Forest’s hoarse voice sounded, carrying hints of the past seven hundred years that one simply could not let go.
"I think I should go save them; after finding one who can hide for at least a month in one underground place, I’ve been thinking on my way here..."
Although White Fog had already heard all this after arriving here, Sharp Forest continued to say it, and White Fog did not question any further.
Sharp Forest felt helpless and resigned at the time, and both Fifth Level and Chaos would have probably thought the same after hearing this conversation from Sharp Forest.
What else could they say to discourage him?
Not only is the city about to face a horrific decline, but there might not be security even in the suburbs.
The city had become degraded, and it was because of these people... and not because these people had left.
After observing for many days, Chuanbai had already realized that people were becoming fewer and fewer, competing for material wealth, so he left the city and separated from the group.
"Water Brother, are you sure you understand? Can I not understand better than you? Why do you insist on going with someone who is likely to die?" Water Brother finally broke the silence after a considerable pause.
"...If there are still smells of blood around, there certainly should be a careful observation of the surrounding area to see if there are any signs of a dragged body. Even if there is planning to act immediately in this small amount of time, remember to keep as calm as possible, but greed must not be forgotten, especially since the least evil is at its minimum during this time due to my observations over these few days. You all remember that it is best to act somewhere between four to five in the morning..."
After a long silence, Sharp Forest finally spoke,
"...Ah, Sharp Forest, during the time you could have waited, what exactly did you want from me..."
: Struck by a severe blow, Sharp Forest managed to respond with a poem, but
. He could only hope to lead the girl he liked by the heart, to walk alongside him, for he was unable to lead anyone else away, Sharp Forest’s final hope rested upon Cheng Shishi
? What was it based on, him being the most ordinary person among the ordinary people? Was he to inherit the legacy of the great heroes?
. Nobody would believe the words of a weirdo with a face mask, no one had their eyes set on him to judge him to be a "good luck charm", after he discovered himself in these people’s eyes, he almost felt like crying in desperation, Sharp Forest
. It was difficult enough to find things to eat even in the suburbs, yet he could still scavenge for resources, preferring to stay in the city where there was more depravity, which came from the suburbs, but Water Brother at least showed him some kindness in the season
. After one final attempt, Sharp Forest exhausted all his strength to persuade him to leave the big house and head to the suburbs where food was available
. Sharp Forest felt very frustrated at the time
. "Thank you all for then, I won’t come back unless it’s like praying to a weird face mask god. You have this blind workman groping around, don’t you understand? You have my number in your heart, don’t you feel it’s very dangerous? Don’t you know what terrible things could happen when you invite Evil into your home? Don’t you understand anything?"
: Water Brother looked even more disdainful, taking out his own notebook to record these various events that Sharp Forest had been observing these days
. His language towards Sharp Forest became more and more dismissive, though he directly felt it was neglect, but there was a lot of meaning to showing him to others, though Water Brother did not cheat on him again, gradually he came to recognize the change in people’s attitude towards him, pondering over this in the days to follow
. He was only liked by the weird face mask man because he was naïve, and not quite grown up yet
. People started doubting Sharp Forest’s abilities, after coming back complete, simply following someone to find food on the second day, without any responsibility
. In the end, Sharp Forest left empty-handed and even lost two companions... in this moment of brutal survival, at the end of the day
. But he didn’t listen to his friend’s warning to bury his survival quickly, he predicted a doom inside, looking around at the chaotic surroundings, in a convenience store storeroom, searching for food with a companion before Sharp Forest left, there was a severe shortage of food on the fourth day
. But he didn’t listen to his friend’s warning to bury his survival quickly, he predicted a doom inside, looking around at the chaotic surroundings, in a convenience store storeroom, searching for food with a companion before Sharp Forest left, there was a severe shortage of food on the fourth day
...the face mask was completely meaningless to him
. But the weird face mask man had already gone, no matter where he was, Sharp Forest was truly observing his surrounding environment and using his own intelligence, no matter how many times his ideas got rejected since the third day
. Water Brother became the leader of this group of people, starting from the second day
...the fourth day, the third day, the second day, they still waited for him, life was just a long wait
. On the first day, the crowd was lucky enough to survive. The big family no longer mocked this six or seven-year-old child for watching the weird face mask drawings
. Cheng Shishi also looked at Sharp Forest with admiration, and Water Brother did not cheat on him again. The relationship between Sharp Forest and them had definitely softened fɾeewebnoveℓ.co๓
. Water Brother was saved, as was Cheng Shishi, thanks to saving a group of escapees, because of the doom of a lizard monster
. Very quickly he changed again in the eyes of that group of people, he was just without the white fog afterward, but he seemed like a hero, copying them, meeting the white fog, Sharp Forest did indeed inherit the face mask
. The probability of survival will only decrease, with one disappearing as another grows, the dooms increase, and with each day that passes, the food population reduces
. The degree of doom finding ability will also increase significantly if there are no mutations immediately. It is possible that extreme grief, panic, and extreme distress could cause a mutation
. It was not just an ordinary escape, rather, it seemed like joining a game of survival, surviving in the city of food during the end times
? What was that disguise, where was the hero supposed to act?
. Sharp Forest appeared somewhat embarrassed by his own inner torment, using embarrassment as a shield
". You’ve practically killed your previous lives..."
"? What about the companion of the time? I never imagined you could grow up to be like this today, although I just wanted to make up for my obsession with you, but I was really quite moved, even though I was the one who gave you the face mask, I never thought I could see you again"
