Chapter Fifty-One: The God of Thought

“Strange Uncle!” Angel threw herself into Xie Liu’s arms, crying. Xie Liu hugged her tightly, patting her little head. “Alright, alright, don’t cry now. See, Uncle is back, isn’t he?”

“Xie Liu, how did you come back?” Lin Yang lay on the grass nearby, still numb.

Xie Liu let go of Angel. Gong Hou stepped forward, hoisting Angel onto his shoulder. Angel clung to Gong Hou’s head, her tearful, wide eyes curious as she watched Xie Liu.

Seeing this, Xie Liu smiled. It seemed that apart from Ye Ling, Angel liked Gong Hou the most—always sticking to him. With that thought, Xie Liu turned to Lin Yang, not answering directly, but tossing the Star of Violet Radiance he’d snatched from Wendy to him. “How about it, do you like this sword?”

Lin Yang tossed the Star of Violet Radiance aside, shaking his head. “I’m just glad you’re back. We all thought you were dead.”

Xie Liu scratched his head. “I thought I was dead too. Luckily, those people aren’t bloodthirsty killers, or I wouldn’t have spared that violent woman.”

Lin Yang shook his head. “That’s not like you.” Xie Liu just smiled. “Everyone, we’ve learned something this time. For Angel’s sake, the City has sent high-level abilities users, and I saw with my own eyes—the strongest among them isn’t the violent woman we encountered before. Our real enemy is one of the City’s fourteen Level Ten abilities users, ranked fourth and known as the God of Thought—Franny!”

“You should remember last year’s Abilities Tournament. Franny wiped out a whole squad alone. If she hadn’t withdrawn in the last match, the number one Hunter Team wouldn’t be the Godslayer Squad now.”

“I’ve heard about them,” Lin Yang said. “Hunter Team Two, the Silver Flash Team—just five members, but unbelievably strong. The two most powerful are ‘God of Thought’ and ‘Rose Sword Maiden’. Was the woman we met before the ‘Rose Sword Maiden’?” Xie Liu nodded. “Pretty much. She’s said to be the strongest below Level Ten. You saw her strength—it’s probably greater than the S-class special forces from the Special Alliance. Now you understand why I didn’t kill her. If we had, Franny would never let us go.”

Everyone nodded at his words. “That violent woman really is formidable—her strength’s almost equal to Gong Hou’s. Her punch must be nearly a hundred tons, enough to send a truck flying,” Lin Yang analyzed. “Her speed, too—when she bursts out, a hundred meters in less than two seconds. Is she even human?”

Xie Liu shrugged helplessly. “All I know is, she wants to get to the tenth floor—she can just jump up. I guess her physical abilities are fifty times the human limit.” The others exchanged looks; apart from Gong Hou’s abilities, the rest could barely jump to the third floor, a clear reflection of the gap in strength. “So, our previous victory was all luck. For now, we should just run.” Xie Liu pointed at the mountain behind him. “It’s close. Tomorrow, over this mountain, and we’ll reach the west coast. Everyone’s exhausted, but I want to say—tonight, don’t rest. We need to cross this fast. Once we reach a populous area, they won’t dare move.”

Everyone nodded. Xie Liu said, “Angel might not be able to hold out. We’ll take turns carrying her—Gong Hou, you’re first.” “Yes, sir!” Gong Hou grinned, Angel sitting happily on his shoulders, singing a nursery rhyme from some unknown country. The group hurriedly pressed on.

In the distance, the sunset was slowly buried among the mountains.

Under the night, Xie Liu led the way. With his abilities, he could see paths even in the darkest mountains. No one knew how many peaks they crossed. Thankfully, their strength made it possible; ordinary people would have collapsed long ago.

Angel started off energetic, but soon couldn’t hold out, falling asleep on Gong Hou’s back. In the middle of the night, Lin Yang took over carrying her. Xu Xiong and Li Shizhu weren’t strong, so Xie Liu didn’t let them carry Angel so as not to slow them down. Later in the night, Lin Yang handed Angel to Xie Liu. In her sleep, Angel grumbled unhappily.

Xie Liu smiled gently, carrying Angel as he continued to lead. Who knew how long they walked, until the east began to lighten—then Xie Liu called a halt and started a fire for breakfast.

While the others busied themselves, Xie Liu climbed a rock with Angel on his back. Watching the eastern mountains brighten, he gently woke her.

Angel rubbed her sleepy eyes, grumbling. But seeing the mountains glowing in the distance, her eyes widened. “So beautiful!” Her eyes sparkled like stars, gazing at the sunrise—quiet and serene. The sunlight, like a tide, slowly crept onto Xie Liu and Angel’s cheeks, lighting up her weary face. “Is there a sunrise like this every day?” Angel asked softly.

Xie Liu laughed. “Yes, every day.”

Angel paused, then whispered, “Every day, huh.”

Then she grew silent.

Feeling the tranquility of the moment, Xie Liu’s heart warmed. If only life could be like this, watching the sunrise with Angel—what wonderful days those would be.

With that thought, the future no longer seemed so bleak. He hummed his favorite tune, eyes closed beneath the rising sun, feeling the mountain wind, then looked down at Angel.

Angel stood in a daze. Her eyes were veiled, misty, golden sunrise reflected within. She stepped forward, her silver hair swaying in the wind, and parted her lips, two silent tears slipping down, marring her lovely face.

“Angel?” Xie Liu was flustered, wanting to wipe her tears, but she cried harder. She whispered, “Uncle, this sunrise is beautiful, but will Angel never see it again?”

Xie Liu hurriedly wiped her tears. “How could that be? We’ll protect you, Angel. There will be many sunrises—however many you wish to see.”

Angel didn’t stop crying. The dawn glowed on her delicate face, illuminating crystalline tears as she gazed toward the east, where the shy mountains slowly revealed their faces in the morning light, mirrored in her eyes.

“Angel is unfortunate—always will be.” She closed her eyes. “Angel’s life is so short, just like the sunrise.” Xie Liu shook his head, tousling her silver hair.

He looked up at the sunrise. “No, it won’t be.”

Xie Liu took a deep breath and softly recited, “Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Thou art more lovely and more temperate;”

Angel blinked, turning to Xie Liu, sensing the tenderness in his gaze. “What is that?”

Xie Liu gently continued, “Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May, And summer’s lease hath all too short a date. Sometime too hot the eye of heaven shines, And often is his gold complexion dimmed; And every fair from fair sometime declines, By chance or nature’s changing course untrimmed.”

“Why?” Angel heard the sorrow in his words and wanted to ask, but Xie Liu smiled, finishing, “But thy eternal summer shall not fade, Nor lose possession of that fair thou ow’st; Nor shall Death brag thou wander’st in his shade, When in eternal lines to time thou grow’st.” At this, Angel’s eyes widened, seeing Xie Liu’s face illuminated by the dawn, her heart stirred.

“As the final line says,” Xie Liu crouched, looking into her eyes, “So long as men can breathe or eyes can see, So long lives this, and this gives life to thee!”

“Poetry?” Angel’s big eyes were full of confusion. Xie Liu nodded. “Yes, those words I just recited—they’re poetry. Isn’t it beautiful?”

“I don’t understand, but…” Angel pressed her hand to her chest. “It feels warm inside, it sounds nice, it’s beautiful. What is poetry?”

“It’s the union of all beauty in the world,” Xie Liu replied irresponsibly. “In poetry, the world is always beautiful. It guides us, makes us yearn for distant places.”

“Poetry? Distant places?” Angel tilted her head. Xie Liu nodded. “Yes, distant places. No matter how much suffering there is, there are always great people singing of life, urging those who stand still to take steps forward.”

“So, Angel, don’t be sad. Even in such unfortunate times, at least we have poetry and distant places.” Xie Liu smiled again. Angel blinked, unsure if she understood, but after pondering, she nodded firmly. “Angel won’t cry anymore!”

“What are you two talking about? Hurry down and eat, or there’ll be nothing left!” Xie Liu and Angel paused, then exchanged smiles.

…

“The last peak is ahead. We need to reach the town before the enemy catches up.” Xie Liu looked at his teammates, their faces exhausted. But after hearing his words, they all nodded.

Just as Xie Liu turned, he froze. Two figures had appeared on the mountain behind them—Wendy and Franny.

“They’re here! Run!” Xie Liu shouted. Gong Hou grabbed Angel, running at full speed, the others close behind.

…

In the distance, Franny frowned. “They spotted us? How could they see us from so far?” Wendy gritted her teeth. “Don’t underestimate them, Big Sister. Time is short—I’ll go ahead!”

“Be careful. Here, take this.” Franny tossed a slender sword. Wendy caught it, stunned. “This is the Wingless Chapter, Big Sister—it’s your family heirloom.”

Franny smiled. “Legend says this sword was blessed by gods, but who really believes in gods in this world? It’s ancient, but nothing can break it. No one understands why—even now. Maybe, somewhere, there are gods. If so, why don’t they give us a miracle?” She sighed. “This sword works best in your hands. Your Star of Violet Radiance was stolen—take this, you’ll be able to fight. It was always meant for you, just a little early.”

Wendy didn’t fuss, taking the sword. “Don’t worry, Big Sister. One day, we’ll shatter this world full of darkness.” She left without looking back, leaving Franny shaking her head. “You’re still so passionate.”

…

“They’re here!” Xie Liu suddenly stopped, hiding behind a tree. “Flash Sword! Strength God! Prepare to face the enemy!” Sensing Wendy racing toward them, everyone tensed. “Don’t engage head-on!” Xie Liu warned.

“I’ll give it a try.” Lin Yang, eager to test the Star of Violet Radiance, faced Wendy’s arrival with excitement. The purple lightsaber flashed, and he vanished.

Two sword glints flickered—Lin Yang and Wendy split, then both disappeared at the forest’s edge.

“So fast!” Xie Liu saw Lin Yang appear to his left, while Wendy circled around, attacking from the side. Xie Liu snorted and leapt back; Gong Hou charged in, swinging his axe at Wendy.

Wendy sneered and parried Gong Hou’s axe with her sword, causing the ground to collapse.

In an instant, her slender sword became a rain of blades, targeting Gong Hou’s vital points.

Gong Hou retreated a step, his battle axe rapidly disassembled, transforming into short sticks, knives, swords—different weapons appeared under Wendy’s sword gleam, blocking her attacks. Wendy just snorted, stepping forward, purple hair flying, rooting herself. With a boom, the ground collapsed under her foot, her sword light even faster, like a Gatling gun, stabbing hundreds of times in a flash, each blow fierce, the wind distorting Gong Hou’s face.

Such ferocity was terrifying—even Gong Hou couldn’t withstand it, taking dozens of blows in one go. Fortunately, his armor was tough; he was thrown ten meters, tumbling before getting up.

“This woman is terrifying!” Before his words finished, Lin Yang appeared behind Wendy. With the Star of Violet Radiance, he was even stronger. His sword flashed so fast it was invisible, the two sparring dozens of times in half a second, sparks flying everywhere. Wendy stood unmoving, swinging her sword with one hand like a storm, Lin Yang unable to break her defense.

She sneered. When a stroke was parried, Lin Yang drew a pistol, firing at Wendy’s waist!

Bang! At such close range, Lin Yang thought no one could dodge, but Wendy only stepped back slightly, her sword flicking, a metallic clang as she deflected the bullet. “This woman defies science!” Lin Yang thought, but kept attacking, pistol and sword together. Wendy retreated, sword unwavering, blocking everything—including the bullets.

“Move!” Wendy shouted coldly, sweeping her sword. Lin Yang parried, feeling as if hit by a truck, his body flying out of control towards a tree—but in the next second, he vanished, using his spatial ability to avoid the collision.

Meanwhile, Gong Hou spun in, becoming a force, smashing down with all his might. Wendy snorted, repelled Lin Yang, stood firm, spun, and slashed Gong Hou’s axe!

Boom… the air seemed to explode; Gong Hou flew ten meters, struggling to rise. Wendy endured the axe, but the ground couldn’t take the force, twisting up. Wendy grunted, her body unmoving, but the earth churned beneath her, stones flying. She crashed into the mountain, embedding herself in the rock.

Hissing, Wendy exhaled, slowly emerging, looking at Gong Hou. “Your strength is terrifying.”

Gong Hou staggered up. “You’re even scarier!” Wendy snorted, but before she spoke, Gong Hou grinned—a bad feeling rose in her heart. Sure enough, a gunshot echoed from the woods, a gust shooting toward Wendy. She instinctively raised her sword to block, but underestimated this shot. When the bullet hit her blade, she realized its power—it was even stronger than Gong Hou’s axe. Wendy deflected the bullet, but was once again smashed into the mountain.

“Ah!” Wendy cried in pain, coughing up blood. In the distance, Xie Liu stood, coldly smiling at Wendy. This time, he used a Level Four Impact Round—its secondary propulsion increased its power a hundredfold. The only downside was its expense; Xie Liu only had ten.

Even such bullets couldn’t hurt Wendy normally, but Gong Hou had forced her to the mountain’s edge. The bullet, even if blocked, delivered enough recoil to injure her.

“Level One standard round, Level Two fast round, Level Three reinforced round, Level Four impact round.” Wendy half-knelt, muttering, “That must be Level Four.” Xie Liu nodded, “Yes, but to defeat you is far from enough—a Level Five penetrator probably couldn’t kill you.”

“To kill me, maybe try a Level Six annihilation round.” Wendy wiped her blood. Xie Liu smiled faintly; he had more than a Level Six—he still had one Level Seven Ender round, though it wasn’t time to use it.

“I don’t want to kill you. You’re badly wounded now. We can’t take you down, but you can’t block us either.”

Xie Liu slung his sniper rifle. “Over this mountain, we’ll be in the outside world. Can you act in a crowded place?” Wendy slowly stood; Xie Liu raised his hand, holding a steel needle. “It’s nothing—just a bit of ‘death suppressant’. Best sit for another half hour.” Wendy shook her head. “Too late—you’ll fail in the end.” She smiled. “Big Sister, you’ve been here all along—why did you watch me get bullied?”

Xie Liu froze—someone had appeared behind him. “When did you get here?” He jumped back, seeing Franny smiling nearby.

“Heh, Wendy, you’re always showing off and getting bullied.” Franny walked up to Wendy, who finally sat, helplessly smiling. “Clearly stronger, yet failed twice.”

“You’re too impatient—or perhaps, we all are.” Franny patted Wendy’s shoulder. “Time is running out.”

“Where’s Angel? Did you see her?” Franny whispered. Wendy shook her head. Franny sighed. “It seems we need to defeat them to see Angel?” Wendy nodded. Franny turned to Xie Liu and his group, who stood together, tense.

“Stop fighting. Hand Angel to us—we won’t hurt you.” Franny spoke warmly. Gong Hou spat; Xie Liu held back an eager Lin Yang. “Miss Franny, you’re a renowned figure in the City—no need to trouble yourself with us nobodies.”

Franny shook her head. “This time, I can’t let it go. You’ve hurt Wendy twice—I’m very angry.”

“What’s the point of talking? Let’s fight!” Gong Hou barked. Xie Liu sighed. “No wonder you can’t find a girlfriend.”

“Well, it depends who—if it’s a high-level lackey, I don’t want her either!” Gong Hou frowned. Franny hesitated, before Wendy whispered, “Sister, no time. If I don’t take Angel soon…”

Franny’s face grew cold. “Don’t blame me for acting.”

“Go ahead…” Gong Hou started, but Lin Yang suddenly attacked him. Gong Hou dodged. “Flash Sword, what’s wrong with you?”

“Huh?” Lin Yang was confused. “Did I just do something?” Xie Liu snorted. “She’s a psychic—don’t let her control you.”

“What about Spirit Ghost?” Xie Liu remembered. “If he were here, we…”

“You mean your psychic? I was curious about him—I’ve said hello already.” Franny smiled. Xie Liu and his group felt a chill; Li Shizhu must have been defeated. “You used to link your minds—your psychic wasn’t strong, but very effective.”

“Don’t give her another chance to speak—split up and attack!” Xie Liu snapped, drawing his dagger and rushing forward. But when he came to, he found himself lying on his back, staring at blue sky and white clouds.

“What happened?” Xie Liu was confused. His face throbbed with pain; Gong Hou cursed, “Dead-eye, why did you hit me?”

“What?” Xie Liu was puzzled; he didn’t remember attacking Gong Hou.

“When was I controlled?” Xie Liu got up. Franny smiled, unmoving. Xie Liu cursed, “Is this all you do?”

Franny shook her head. “Trying to provoke me? Fine—I won’t use this trick.”

“Are you teasing me?” Xie Liu was confused. Gong Hou and Lin Yang charged ahead, but Franny merely raised her hand, freezing them both in place.

“You!” Xie Liu realized they were under Franny’s control—their eyes darted about, unable to break free. Xie Liu snorted, raised his gun, and fired at Franny. Yet, the shot missed.

“That’s impossible!” Xie Liu saw clearly—the bullet hung in midair, frozen. Gong Hou and Lin Yang turned their eyes, stunned to see the black bullet suspended between them.

Franny extended her finger, gently tapping the bullet. It slowly turned, and Xie Liu knew what would happen. He dove to the side—sure enough, the bullet shot back at him, nearly killing him.

“Is this telekinesis made real?” Xie Liu was alarmed, looking at Franny. She was about to speak when Lin Yang disappeared.

“Huh?” Apparently, Lin Yang had broken her psychic grip and appeared above her, slashing down. Yet, his sword landed a meter away, cutting the ground instead.

“Ha!” Franny giggled. “Brave one, watch closely—I’m right here.”

“You!” Lin Yang looked at Franny, sweating. He’d aimed straight at her, yet missed by over a meter.

“You know too little about telekinesis,” Franny said, raising her hand. Rocks around her floated up, drifting nearby. “At a certain level, telekinesis can directly affect objects.” She waved her hand; a golden plasma shot from the woods stopped before her, as if time had frozen.

“An electromagnetic cannon?” Franny sighed. “I know a girl with powerful electromagnetic abilities—she’s even better than you.” She waved, the golden plasma bent ninety degrees, piercing the mountain. Then she pointed at the woods where the plasma originated. “Sleep now.” A muffled groan was heard—Xu Xiong collapsed.

No chance to resist!

Xie Liu stared in awe at Franny. He’d met a Level Ten Wind God before, but this was the first time he’d seen a Level Ten’s power up close.

Level Ten—was it truly so unreachable? A wave of despair washed over Xie Liu; they hadn’t even resisted—Franny, with a few casual moves, had utterly defeated them.

“Roar…” Just then, Gong Hou broke Franny’s grip with a shout. Franny was surprised as his axe fell. She didn’t move; rocks flew to her defense. Gong Hou’s axe embedded in the stone, unable to budge.

“You’re strong—given time, you might reach Level Ten yourself.” Franny smiled, flicking her finger in the air. Gong Hou was sent flying like a sack, landing hard.

“Hm?” Franny turned, seeing Ye Ling approach at the woods’ edge, eyes dull, tightly holding Angel, walking slowly. “You’re here.”

“Ye Ling, Sister!” Angel cried, but Ye Ling didn’t respond. Franny looked at Angel, smiling. “You must be Angel?”

“Who are you?” Angel stared wide-eyed.

Franny smiled. “I’ve come to take you home.”

“Home? I don’t want to go!” Angel shouted, then called, “Sister, what’s wrong?”

“She’s fine, Angel. Be good, come with me, your gran…” Franny glanced at Xie Liu and Lin Yang, pinned by her power. “Someone wants to see you.”

“No, no!” Angel screamed, then burst into tears. “Sister! Sister, what’s wrong? Answer me!” Franny frowned; she wasn’t good with little girls. “Forget it, just take her. The rest is for Professor Southwind…” Suddenly, Franny was startled, raising her hand to block left—a silver light cut through her sleeve, leaving a bloody mark on her forearm.

“What—?” Franny was surprised, watching Xie Liu rush over, snatching Angel from Ye Ling’s arms and running off. “You broke my hold!”

“Ouch! Hurry!” Xie Liu shouted, spitting blood. When Franny was about to grab Angel, Xie Liu bit his tongue—pain shocked his brain, briefly freeing him from Franny’s control.

Seeing this, Lin Yang bit his tongue, vanishing.

“Pain, huh? So quick to discover. Not bad, but pain numbs—how long can you endure?” Franny sighed. Lin Yang slashed, but before reaching Franny, was struck by a stone.

“I’m losing patience.” Franny looked coldly at Xie Liu.

“Pretty Uncle!” Angel saw Xie Liu holding her and Lin Yang vomiting blood from a stone blow, and cried. Franny pointed at Xie Liu. “Stop!”

Xie Liu paused briefly, then rushed out. Blood spurted from his thigh—he’d stabbed himself to resist Franny’s control.

Franny was stunned, wide-eyed at Xie Liu in the distance, her gaze wavering, then smiling. “A brave man—pity.”

Lin Yang stabbed himself and charged again. Gong Hou got up, always most afraid of pain, picked up his broken axe, and stabbed his shoulder.

Franny bit her lip. “Why? What makes you able to go this far?”

No one answered. Lin Yang and Gong Hou were struck again. Franny turned, seeing Xie Liu already fleeing with Angel over the mountain.

Franny sighed, looking back at Ye Ling, still standing before her, not freed from her control.

Franny studied Ye Ling. The girl was beautiful, but now disheveled and miserable, standing still, expressionless, unmoving, tears streaming endlessly.

“Why are you crying too?” Franny stared at Ye Ling. Gong Hou and Lin Yang were struck again. “Did I really do something wrong? Or is there something I don’t know?” Her attacks ceased; Gong Hou and Lin Yang collapsed, panting. Franny walked to Ye Ling, unlocking her control.

“Please, let Angel go,” Ye Ling trembled, tears flowing harder. She slowly knelt before Franny.

“That child is already so pitiful. I beg you, let her go.”

Franny was stunned, then grabbed Ye Ling’s sleeve. “What’s going on?” Franny looked at the still-crying Ye Ling. “Did I make a mistake?” As Franny questioned, Xie Liu’s thunderous shout echoed from afar: “Lin Yang! Take Ye Ling away!” Franny’s vision blurred—Ye Ling vanished.

“What—!” Franny stood in shock, for the first time her face grave, as though facing a formidable enemy.