Night’s Nomenclature

"You enjoy spending time with Ding Dong, so you're willing to travel thousands of miles to Forbidden Zone 00, just to eat some fruit he prepared for you, and then leave."

In the twilight, Yang Yang softly said.

The setting sun's rays shone on both of their faces until it finally sank lonely into the mountains.

"Yes," Qing Chen nodded: "Because seeing him reminds me of what kindness originally looked like. Yang Yang, before the crossing incident, I was just an ordinary student, not knowing how to live tomorrow, and every day I had to go to that small path in Junmin Alley to play chess with the Boss. The Boss knew I was poor, so even though he always lost, he kept playing with me. It wasn't about learning chess, but he was moved by my efforts to survive, wanting to help me. At that time, I thought he was the kindest person, but my self-esteem kept me from mentioning it, as if those chess games were fair trades."

Qing Chen was in that small path, sitting under the supermarket's awning

Watching raindrops fall on the ground outside the awning.

He used to feel safe there, but only within that small path. After leaving there, he still had to face the whole world.

Qing Chen: "It's too difficult to maintain kindness in this world. Life will repeatedly tell you how insignificant your moral standards are. Murder and arson bring wealth, while building bridges and roads bring no reward. Vivid success stories teach you to use any means necessary, so sometimes I also get lost. But now, when I make choices, I think of that Boss, think of Ding Dong, they are like anchors in my spiritual world. With them, the lonely ship sailing in the black sea won't be overturned by the black storm and sink to the bottom."

Qing Chen: "When I'm with Ding Dong, I don't need to consider the purpose behind his actions, nor do I need to consider what his intentions are. He's genuinely kind to all living beings."

"Ah, this..." Qing Chen couldn't answer; he didn't expect Yang Yang to bring this up.

The scent of the girl's hair filled the orange-red air, lingering under Qing Chen's nose.

The two suddenly enjoyed the moment's tranquility.

Qing Chen understood.

In fact, when Yang Yang approached him in Luo City, she discovered that he might be someone close to Li Shutong.

So she wanted to use Qing Chen to win over the Knight Order and overthrow the Federation together with Black Spade.

Qing Chen was so wary of Yang Yang at first because the girl's arrival in his world was too sudden, too purposeful.

Renting a house opposite his.

Using the excuse of being directionally challenged to go home with him.

Quickly closing the distance between them by driving in front of other classmates.

In fact, even the most directionally challenged person couldn't forget a 5-minute journey, could they?

At that time, Yang Yang was more like a secret agent using a beauty trick on him.

Qing Chen didn't like that feeling, so he kept his distance from her, delaying adding Yang Yang to the Daybreak group.

However, their relationship progressed later, becoming friends, and even slowly surpassing friendship.

The girl helped him more and more, and he also began to have the same goals as her, eventually forgetting their initial intentions.

Black Spade Yang Yang, now also became Daybreak Yang Yang.

Moreover, Yang Yang even coaxed Xu Linsen and Jiang Mubei to City X to work for Qing Chen.

Of course, Black Spade probably wanted more than just to win over the Knight Order. They knew their strength was still too weak against the Federation, so they needed any force that could work together.

To this end, Blackheart A Xu Linsen, realizing his own limitations, was even willing to work for Qing Chen in City X.

Under Yang Yang's efforts, Black Spade was almost merging with the Guardians' Union.

Luo Wanya even told him on her last return that after City X was settled, Xu Linsen didn't leave the Guardians' Union but led a team to City 4 further north, continuing to help the Guardians' Union with urban renewal as the Golden Family.

Of course, Xu Linsen didn't admit his Blackheart A identity, and Luo Wanya didn't reveal it either.

Black Spade now genuinely felt that the Guardians' Union path was very reliable, and it was the path Black Spade wanted.

Sometimes, Qing Chen suspected that Yang Yang was also a beta tester, chosen by Yan Liuyuan from the wilderness.

Because her behavior also carried some wildness belonging to the wilderness, direct and straightforward, eager to pierce your heart with words on the spot.

Some say Yang Yang, like Hu Xiaoniu and Zhang Tianzhen, is a rich second-generation from Haicheng High School, but she never mentioned her parents, and Qing Chen couldn't find out what her parents did.

Moreover, if Yang Yang replaced Inner World Yang Yang to become a member of Black Spade, and Black Spade knew she was a Time Traveler, why would they tolerate their friend and organization member being replaced so ruthlessly?

Like Shadow's treatment of Qing Chen, if there was an Outer World Qing Chen who replaced Shadow's brother, he would probably die on the spot.

No family member could accept this outcome.

Yan Liuyuan seemed to choose beta testers quite evenly; he chose one from each faction, and then watched these beta testers undergo Outer World transformation and return to the Inner World to divide the Conglomerate from within.

Judging from Yan Liuyuan's choice of Shinguji Maki as Shendai's beta tester, the god's brother actually wanted to destroy Shendai.

Otherwise, why would he choose someone who naturally counters Yin-Yang Masters as a beta tester?

Although the person among the living who was closest to the god didn't say anything, he had already expressed his attitude.

However, the existence of someone like Shinguji Maki also shows that the time the beta testers arrived in the Outer World was not the same, at least Shinguji Maki and Qing Chen's were different.

Qing Chen suspected that not only was the time different, but some beta testers might not have had their memories sealed, or they might have already been Metahumans when they arrived in the Outer World.

Anything is possible.

Of course, not all beta testers would choose to change the world like Qing Chen; some might integrate into the world and be assimilated by it.

Koshima, Shendai, Qing Family, Li Clan, Chen Family.

Black Spade and Fire Pit, Forbidden Artifact Tribunal.

These are some of the larger organizations within the Federation.

Therefore, Qing Chen guessed that Yang Yang was most likely one of the beta testers.

He looked at the girl beside him: "When did you go to the Outer World?"

Yang Yang was stunned, then laughed: "Guess?"

Qing Chen laughed: "Forget it if you won't say."

Yang Yang changed the subject: "You're leaving."

"Yes, as you know, the time Shadow bought me is limited. I need to have the power to fight against Chen Yu before he can return, although it's difficult," Qing Chen nodded: "What about you? Do you want to go to City 10?"

"No, I definitely want to go to that new settlement," Yang Yang sat on the edge of the tree trunk and laughed: "Although our goals are the same, you have your things to do, and I have mine."

"Understood."

Yang Yang said: "Take Xiao Mengqian with you. Sun Chuci, Tuanzi, Zard, and Huan Yu will go to the settlement with me. The wilderness is also not peaceful recently; the Federation's army is hunting them, and there will be fights between families within the Wildlanders. With Zard there, I can also be more at ease."

Qing Chen laughed: "Zard and Huan Yu are time bombs; aren't you afraid they'll explode sometime?"

Yang Yang leaned on Qing Chen's shoulder, moving her head to find a more comfortable place to rest: "Even if Dayu comes out, it's okay. At that time, I'll let Zard stand by the fire. If Dayu dares to threaten the safety of the wilderness settlement, Zard will commit suicide! Don't worry, he won't act rashly."

Yang Yang said it so casually, but Qing Chen felt that Zard would be very willing to cooperate with this kind of thing.

Qing Chen stiffened: "Uh, you can wait for me in Forbidden Zone 00; I'll have someone meet you. Perhaps they can be your help. However, before they become help, they need to be screened by Ding Dong."

Yang Yang helped him, and he naturally had to help Yang Yang.

Both of them knew they still had different missions, so they were both restrained and didn't break through a certain level of relationship, but they were now the most tacit partners. Whatever Yang Yang did, Qing Chen would naturally help.

Yang Yang curiously asked: "Who are you going to have meet me?"

"Guess?"

"You're quite resentful, boring!" Yang Yang muttered: "I can guess it's the people you brought out from A0 Base, but why didn't you take them away at first but sent them back to the Li Clan and Qing Family?"

Qing Chen said with a smile: "I had to let them enjoy a few good days before making a choice."

At this time, he stood up and looked at Ding Dong: "I'm leaving."

"Ding Dong!" Ding Dong was full of reluctance.

When will you come next time?

Qing Chen laughed: "I'll come often. Next time, I want to bring many Knights to settle accounts with the old guys."

The wind in Forbidden Zone 00 suddenly stopped, and none of the old guys dared to respond.

Qing Chen looked at Zard: "Where are the seven Purple Orchid Stars you were supposed to bring back?"

Zard patted his belly: "Here."

"Plant them in Forbidden Zone 00. This is the foundation for the new team," Qing Chen said.

As he guessed, the idea of keeping the children and returning the wives was indeed feasible. He successfully brought back the original seven Purple Orchid Stars.

Although they can't grow quickly in Forbidden Zone 00 anymore, even if they can't support a Chen Yu, they can support several A-Class.

Li Cheng and Qing Ling's group really need Purple Orchid Stars.

Of course, this is on the condition that Li Cheng and Qing Ling are still willing to follow him.

Return Countdown 78:00:00.

City 18, on the edge of the city's Garrison Troops' military camp, there's a dormitory building.

However, it's strange that although it's a building in the military camp, it's separated by a wall.

To enter the military camp from this building, one must go through multiple checkpoints.

However, leaving the military camp is not so troublesome; just say hello to the guards and you can pass unimpeded.

This dormitory building has become a special sight in the Garrison Troops' military camp.

The other soldiers of the Garrison Troops all know that the people in this building are members of the Red Sparrow, the original Li Clan intelligence agency, who fought their way out of A0 Base.

Their identities are very awkward.

Everyone stayed in A0 Base for at least ten years, the 18-year-old boy is now 8, and the officer who was 1 year old then now has half-white hair.

Over ten years, a lot can happen.

The first year you suffer from hunger and cold.

The second year you still suffer from hunger and cold.

If in the third year, someone tells you that as long as you defect, you can secretly eat a full meal every week.

Many people will make choices that violate their previous bottom lines.

Professional soldiers are no exception.

So, in that extreme environment, did no one really defect? That's a fairy tale, it won't become reality.

The reality is that some people must have been instigated by Shendai, but the Li Clan can't find out who.

The Red Sparrow Organization arranged three rounds of heart rate lie detector tests, but not a single person showed any signs of deception.

Logically, if they could pass the lie detector test, it means they remained loyal, but can the Li Clan gamble? Can they allow them to return to high positions?

The Li Clan dare not gamble, nor do they need to.

For the Li Clan, they have too many talents to use; there's no need to take unnecessary risks for these 400 people; they can just keep them well-fed and well-cared for.

Now, Li Cheng and others have been portrayed as heroes; they go to various places to give inspiring speeches and then return to City 18 to enjoy a high salary and comfortable life.

They can also enter and leave the military camp at any time to have fun; they live very comfortably.

To be honest, they are the people Qing Chen brought out, so Li Yunshou wouldn't mistreat them.

Moreover, if the Li Clan mistreats them, who would still be willing to work for the Li Clan?

As long as they don't touch power, what's wrong with having a higher salary?

These people have naturally become marginal figures but are still wealthy.

Li Cheng understands the family's approach, he really does.

If he were working in the Secretariat, he wouldn't allow such a group of people to touch power again.

However, this kind of life is still somewhat uncomfortable; Li Cheng even wants to return to the road where they fought their way out of A0 Base, continuing to trek south following that figure, even if that trek is endless.

At this moment, there's an officer sitting in his office in the dormitory building, smiling as he pays the soldiers their salaries.

The officer said kindly: "This month, everyone will not only receive their basic salary but also special allowances for the two performance tours, thanking everyone for their outstanding contribution to the publicity work."

The soldiers in the corridor outside the office whistled, smiling as they waited to receive their salaries, then going to District 4 to get drunk in the evening.

After everyone received their salaries, they walked towards the dormitory arm in arm. Someone shouted loudly: "I think my last speech was very moving, they should give me more allowances, why do I get the same as you guys? Hahahaha, do you think that's reasonable?"

"Reasonable, I saw you cry last time, after the speech, a tear slowly rolled down your cheek, wow, female actresses don't have your acting skills."

The crowd was in a joyful mood, and the officer who had been paying salaries came out of the office. He glanced at the backs of the soldiers and sighed before quickly leaving.

At this time, someone looked at Li Cheng: "Old Li, you're a colonel, your salary is the highest, why aren't you happy? Don't be so serious, come with us to Shendai Street to find girls tonight!"

Li Cheng glanced at them and said: "Come with me to the conference room; I have something to say."

The corridor became quiet.

It's the first time they've seen Li Cheng so serious since they returned.

In the conference room of the dormitory building, Li Cheng stood before more than 400 people and said slowly: "I've received a summon."

Needless to say, everyone understood who Li Cheng was accepting the summon from.

After Li Cheng looked around, he continued: "Actually, life is pretty good now, everyone only works for two days a month but can earn three times more than before. With this salary, everyone will be able to buy houses, cars, and get married soon, then live a steady life. The Li Clan won't mistreat us; from now on, everyone will be wealthy and carefree."

The crowd remained silent; only their breathing could be heard in the conference room.

Li Cheng suddenly changed the subject: "So, when the Boss asked me if I was willing to leave, he made it clear that those who didn't want to leave could stay, and he would naturally tell the Secretariat to continue to treat us well. The Li Clan is rich; they don't need our salaries."

"What if we're willing to go?" someone asked.

Li Cheng smiled: "Then, of course, we'll go to the wilderness to face the wind, sun, and snow, enduring hardship, hardship, nothing but hardship. There are no girls, no houses, and no cell phone signal. If you go, it's best to bring a few things to relieve boredom at night; everyone will have to take turns using them."

"Damn, that's too hard."

"Haha, it feels like going back to A0 Base."

After a long silence, someone suddenly asked: "Did the Boss say what he can give us?"

Li Cheng said: "Iron and blood, war and honor."

The conference room became quiet again.

"Can he trust us?" a soldier asked.

Li Cheng said: "The Boss frankly said that he doesn't have Dharma Image to trust us, but he has the means to prove the innocence of the innocent and the lies of the liars."

The soldiers breathed rapidly.

Haven't they been suffocated during this time? Of course, they have been suffocated.

They even wanted to go to the street and tell everyone that they weren't instigated by Shendai.

Every time they cooperated with the lie detector test, hoping that the family would believe in their loyalty.

But the problem is that they are willing to try to prove their loyalty, but they still can't prove it.

They understand others' distrust, but they are powerless to change anything unless they use their lives.

When night falls, some soldiers thought of committing suicide; then they would be innocent.

During this period, there were six soldiers who attempted suicide.

If Li Cheng hadn't been prepared in advance, those six people would probably be gone.

They had even survived those days in A0 Base, but they couldn't survive peace.

Now, the person who can turn decay into magic suddenly appears again, and says that even though I don't believe you, as long as you are innocent, I can prove your innocence.

The soldiers couldn't remain calm anymore.

Li Cheng said with a smile: "Everyone can freely make choices, continue to live a comfortable life here, or go to the wilderness to endure hardship. No one will laugh at those who stay; I guarantee it."

"When are we leaving?"

Li Cheng: "Tonight."

"So urgent?"

"Yes."

In the conference room, everyone looked at each other, some with hesitant expressions.

In fact, this is the meaning of Qing Chen letting them enjoy a period of good days. These people suffered too much in A0 Base; it was so hard that Qing Chen previously felt that no matter what he asked them to do, it was better than staying in that hellish place.

They had no choice.

This would make Qing Chen feel like he was taking advantage of their situation.

Now, Qing Chen gives them a choice: good days or hard days, they choose.

However, once they choose, they should not regret it.

Li Cheng waited quietly until ten minutes later: "Those who are going with me, go pack your things now. Those who want to stay, you only need to stay in this conference room and come out after we leave. Don't make things difficult for each other, we won't say goodbye, and we probably won't see each other again in this lifetime."

After speaking, he strode out of the conference room.

A few seconds later, the first soldier made his choice, he followed Li Cheng out of the door.

Then the second, the third…

Gradually, everyone left the conference room, not a single person chose to stay!

Even Li Cheng was surprised this time. He looked at the suddenly empty conference room and said curiously: "There's not a single person staying?"

He thought half of them would stay!

A soldier stood in the corridor and cursed: "Old Li, you're looking down on us, huh? Only you are loyal and grateful, only you have the strong will to endure hardship?"

Someone else laughed: "Look at your unbelievable expression, as if we're all cowards in your eyes. Enduring hardship is amazing? In A0 Base, I could endure hardship more than you!"

"This life was given by that Boss; when I was fleeing, I said that he could ask me to do anything in the future."

Old Li silently looked at these people, for a moment his eyes felt a little sore; he quickly blinked to prevent these brats from seeing it: "Okay, less nonsense, go pack your things. Don't bring too much, everyone leave the military camp normally as usual, then leave from the southern border checkpoint, the Boss has already made arrangements there."

"Let's go, let's endure hardship!"

The soldiers became joyful again.

At 1 a.m., the guards in the Garrison Troops' military camp felt something strange.

According to the usual practice, Li Cheng and the others should be drunk and returning to the military camp one after another at this time, but no one has shown up yet.

Usually, some soldiers don't return to the camp at night, but not everyone does it at the same time.

He thought for a while and reported this matter.

The Red Sparrows acted, starting to use informants to track their whereabouts.

Later, the Red Sparrows discovered that intelligence personnel led by Qing Ling in City 18 also began to gather, as if preparing to leave.

Only then did the Li Clan react.

These people weren't in danger; they accepted someone's summon.

In the wilderness south of City 18, Li Cheng sat on a large tree by the roadside, shading his eyes with his hand, looking into the distance.

"Don't wait, Old Li, I feel like Qing Ling and the others won't come," someone said: "I heard that the Qing Family treats Qing Ling and the others better than us, some people have regained power, and Qing Ling has also restored her secret agent identity. Their lives are much more comfortable than ours."

"Who would say that they're the Boss's direct descendants? They all have the surname Qing, and the Boss is the current leader of the Secret Spy Agency, naturally, he will take extra care of them," someone said: "Our Boss has a high position in the Li Clan, but there is still something in between, Qing Ling and the others can also work for the Boss in the city, the Boss is so open-minded, even if Qing Ling and the others are unwilling to go to the wilderness, they can still continue to serve. We are the ones who are miserable, we have to endure hardship in the wilderness."

Li Cheng glared at the person who spoke: "What are you thinking, the Boss told me that the intelligence personnel of the Li Clan and Qing Family are treated equally, he will also summon Qing Ling."

"Why hasn't Qing Ling appeared yet?"

Li Cheng pondered: "It must be because of something that delayed her. Even if others don't go to the wilderness, Qing Ling must go."

However, at this moment, more than twenty troop carriers came from the west of the wilderness, forming a long line.

Li Cheng and the others suddenly became nervous, and someone whispered: "Could it be the Li Clan coming to arrest us?"

Li Cheng raised his head, signaling everyone to be quiet: "Be vigilant!"

However, gradually, they discovered something was wrong. Qing Ling in the frontmost vehicle was smirking at them!

The troop carriers slowly stopped, Qing Ling sat in the co-pilot seat, with his arm on the window, jokingly said: "Brothers, you wouldn't be planning to walk to Forbidden Zone 00, right? After arriving at Forbidden Zone 00, you'll have to walk another 100 kilometers to the Wildlanders' settlement. This spirit of enduring hardship is admirable."

Li Cheng was stunned for a moment: "How did you get a car?"

"That's not nonsense," Qing Ling laughed: "What kind of person is our Boss to the Qing Family? I said I wanted to leave, Qing Ye and Qing Qu immediately raised both hands in support, sending supplies, cars, satellite phones, fearing that we wouldn't eat well or sleep well on the road. This is the Qing Family; they're much better than your Li Clan. I heard that you secretly ran away, hahaha, why be so careful, overthinking things!"

Li Cheng's face turned red: "Nonsense, what if we're stopped? Who knows what the situation is upstairs?"

Qing Ling curiously asked: "We all came out without missing anyone, what about you?"

Li Cheng proudly said: "Don't act like we're any worse than you; we also came out without missing anyone!"

The two started bickering again.

After a moment of silence, Qing Ling suddenly got out of the car and gave Li Cheng a big hug: "Long time no see."

Li Cheng laughed: "Long time no see."

Since they were awarded medals and picked up by the Airship, the intelligence personnel of the Li Clan and Qing Family hadn't seen each other again.

However, everyone had been through hardships together in A0 Base for more than ten years, and this friendship wouldn't break.

"Okay, get in the car!" Qing Ling burst into laughter: "From now on, we'll roam the Lu Yuan, without asking about when we'll return!"

More than twenty troop carriers swayed along the path, heading south.

The military songs in the cars startled the birds and pierced the clouds in the sky.