"How did we get out?"
"It seems Apostle 01 has mastered the 'Moon Devour' ultimate move, channeling its energy onto us and teleporting us out directly."
"Can we go back in?"
Duan Chen shook his head, "Probably not. But to be safe, we should stay here for a few days and prevent the sea monsters from harming the kindergarten children. Speaking of children, Duan Chen looked at Zhan Ning, a gentle smile gracing his face.
"Big brother, you guys..."
"First, tell me, what's your name?"
"Zhan Ning."
"Why were you captured by that bad guy?" Duan Chen tried to soften his tone, hoping to calm the child.
He thought for a moment and said, "When I came out of the restroom, I found that the teachers were gone. I saw the door above was open, and I thought they were playing hide-and-seek with me..."
Duan Chen realized. It seemed he was discovered after entering the underground parking lot and was taken hostage by Moon Devour as leverage.
"Zhan Ning, after we go out, can you forget about what happened here? This will be our secret."
Duan Chen took out a few candies from his pocket and placed them in his hand.
Zhan Ning smiled, "Big brother, were you fighting just now? Were those people monsters?"
Duan Chen couldn't help but chuckle.
"Were you scared when that bad guy kidnapped you?"
Zhan Ning shook his head, "That brother said that after I cooperate with his act, he would take me to find my teachers and friends. He didn't intend to kidnap me."
Duan Chen was taken aback, then he patted his head.
"Alright, let's forget those memories. Shall I take you to find your teachers?"
"Okay."
Upon reaching the first floor, they found the principal and a middle-aged woman pacing anxiously. The moment the middle-aged woman saw Zhan Ning, she rushed over.
"Ning Ning!" 138 Reading Network
"Mom."
The woman looked at Duan Chen and held his hand, "Thank you. Did you help me find Ning Ning?"
Duan Chen smiled, "You're welcome. It's our duty."
"Mr. Duan..."
The principal walked over, full of guilt, "I am truly sorry for troubling you."
"No, he was very well-behaved."
Duan Chen didn't mind; as long as the child was safe.
"However, Principal, we might need to trouble you for a few more days. The kindergarten probably cannot hold classes normally these days..."
He said somewhat apologetically.
The principal shook her head, "It's alright. The kindergarten can conduct online classes. The sea monsters are a serious matter, and it's best to resolve it. If this situation persists, I won't feel at ease."
"Thank you."
Qi Qing emerged from the men's restroom in the back, sighing with relief.
He had been invisible since the fight began, which was quite uncomfortable.
"We'll stake out here for two days. If nothing happens, it's likely that this altar has been abandoned by the apostles. If there's no activity in a few days, we'll move to the next location."
"Okay."
Earlier, Duan Chen had placed several pinhole cameras in the underground parking lot where the sea monsters appeared. After all, they couldn't openly watch from the side, so this was the only method.
The group found a hotel nearby to discuss their next course of action.
"Besides monitoring the kindergarten's underground parking lot, there's nothing else we need to pay attention to for now. Xue'er, come with me for a moment."
Duan Chen called Mi Xue'er into another room. As they approached each other, the King piece within Duan Chen's body would stir. He suspected that Mi Xue'er might become his White piece.
However, this was something he had to ask for her consent, as it was no trivial matter.
"Brother Duan Chen, what is it?"
Duan Chen reached out his hand, and a warm, jade-like white chess piece appeared in his palm.
"Ah?"
Mi Xue'er was about to take it.
"Wait a moment."
"What? Brother Duan Chen, what exactly is it?"
Duan Chen exhaled, "Wait until I explain what this White piece represents, then you can decide whether to accept it, alright?"
Although she didn't understand, Mi Xue'er nodded.
"No problem."
Then, Duan Chen explained everything from the beginning, including Wu Suowei's identity, his current stance, his mission, and the significance of this White piece.
After he finished, Mi Xue'er was lost in thought for a long time.
Gods, evil gods, and the conflict between them were all things that required time for her to process, as it was simply too fantastical.
Furthermore, Duan Chen had mentioned that accepting this chess piece meant preparing for sacrifice or the loss of freedom.
The former included Old Zhang and Gao Tiankai, and the latter, Zhao Yuan.
It could be said that none of them were good outcomes. Guarding the realm gate sounded incredibly noble, but who knew the suffering it entailed?
Even Bai Ye, who had already accepted his White piece, Duan Chen couldn't guarantee what benefits he could provide.
In the confrontation with the evil gods, they might be defeated, or they might succeed; it was all uncertain.
"Brother Duan Chen, earlier when I used the fifth move of the 'Unswerving Sword Style,' they mentioned White pieces and spiritual pressure. Did they mean this?"
"Yes, your father, Mi Buwei, was likely a White piece before. His current whereabouts are unknown."
Mi Xue'er's eyes were filled with confusion.
Her family also included Zhong Yu and her brother. She didn't want these two to suffer any further harm. If she sacrificed herself in the battle against the evil gods, she couldn't imagine how heartbroken Zhong Yu would be.
Compared to herself, she cared more about those around her.
"Xue'er, I won't force you. You can think about it for a few days. It's alright to refuse, don't put too much pressure on yourself."
Duan Chen said in a relaxed tone and patted her shoulder.
This was indeed not a small matter.
The group took shifts monitoring for five days. After confirming that there were no incidents in the underground parking lot, they packed up and left.
Mi Xue'er did not tell Duan Chen her decision, nor did Duan Chen ask.
He was waiting.
...
The Divine Hall.
On the chessboard, a chess piece carved with flower petals shattered with a loud noise.
The silhouette of the monster convulsed violently.
Behind him, a slender figure slowly emerged from the void.
"What's going on?"
"...It's Duan Chen."
"The mask shattered?"
"Yes."
Apostle No. 01 stood behind him with no expression.
"Were the masks of 06, 03, and 05 recovered?"
"They are all with me."
The silhouette monster did not reprimand, but said lightly, "The time has come. Activate the secret technique."
"Are you sure?"
The young man glanced at him.
"Are you questioning my decision?" The silhouette monster's tone had become somewhat impatient.
"Don't make me repeat myself. Oh, and pay close attention to Mi Buwei's daughter. That girl has great potential. I don't want her to become the next Mi Buwei, understand?"
"Understood."