Ling Cage: Twelve Talismans? I have everything I need.

Chapter 197 I am Bai Yuekui

Time flows quietly like a river.

Through close cooperation and their respective efforts, the two worlds sail forward like parallel ships.

In the world where Hisakawa City is located, the Coastal Alliance is more united than ever before.

The energy reforms brought about by controlled nuclear fusion technology, combined with the initial technology tree for combating the Mana ecosystem shared from Dragonbone Village, have enabled the rapid advancement of large-scale shelter construction, new weapon development, and nationwide crisis response education.

Despite ongoing competition and disagreements among nations, major resources and wisdom have been mobilized in the face of the paramount issue of "survival."

The world where Dragonbone Village is located is thriving. Village No. 2 is no longer a "village" but has become a small city.

The people from the Lighthouse have fully integrated into life here, and research at Eco-Base No. 3 continues to make breakthroughs. Although there is still a long way to go before completely solving the Mana ecosystem problem, targeted genetic weapons and magnetic field interference devices have entered the physical testing phase. When facing the Devouring Beasts, humans are no longer just passively defending themselves.

Yang Chen and Bai Yuekui are like a link between two worlds, frequently shuttling between them.

They watched Xiao Yuekui grow up healthy and happy, and witnessed the expansion of Longgu Village, which rose from the wasteland.

Bai Yuetian still had that lazy look, but he always stepped up when it mattered.

Red Heron, Drake, Red Bloom, and the village's leader, among others, have each become indispensable pillars of the new order.

Gray also learned part of the truth, and after the incident involving his wife Novi five years ago, he no longer had any disagreements with Bai Jingyu.

Everything seemed to be moving in a positive direction.

On this day, Yang Chen, as he had done countless times before, prepared to return to Longgu Village from Jiuchuan City later.

His figure appeared in a guest room of the Bai family villa in Jiuchuan City. He straightened his collar and, before even entering the room, he could hear Bai Yuekui and Bai Jingyu talking inside.

He pushed open the living room door and saw Bai Yuekui and her father, Bai Jingyu, sitting on the sofa.

A pale blue holographic projection of ASH floated to the side, rapidly displaying data and news summaries.

"You're here?" Bai Yuekui looked up at him, as if to say hello.

"Yes, we'll go back to the village later." Yang Chen sat down next to her and asked, "What's wrong? What were you discussing?"

Bai Jingyu rubbed his temples: "It's the Coastal Alliance."

"In order to pave the way for future large-scale migration and refugees, the alliance has recently released some vague information about a 'potential global crisis,' and ASH has also done appropriate guidance in online public opinion."

ASH's projection then chimed in: "The initial intention of the strategy was to gradually raise the public's psychological tolerance threshold to avoid widespread panic when the disaster actually strikes. However, the uncertainty of information has created a breeding ground for rumors."

"Currently, there is a clear sense of panic in some areas, and some people with ulterior motives are taking advantage of the situation to stir up trouble."

The projected images switched, displaying several webpage screenshots and social media updates, all pointing to an organization called "Mingli Science Association".

Under the guise of "revealing the truth" and "seeking salvation," they vigorously promote doomsday theories and sell various amulets and other items that claim to "ward off disasters" and "receive divine protection."

The price is exorbitant, with the advertising slogan boldly proclaiming, "Only 998, bring home a safe passage through tribulation."

"This Mingli Science Association acted swiftly, exploiting information asymmetry and public fear to amass a considerable fortune in a short period, while also exacerbating social instability." Bai Jingyu frowned as he pointed to one of the statements that claimed, "The authorities are concealing the truth, and only we will have a way out."

Bai Yuekui's eyes were devoid of warmth as he said indifferently, "Have Gray send someone to warn them to stop spreading rumors and engaging in fraudulent activities. If they don't heed the warning..."

She paused for a moment, then said, "Let's just deal with it directly. I don't have time to get entangled with these people."

“Aren’t Ertong and his team on rotation recently? Aren’t they here in Jiuchuan? They’re quick and efficient at these kinds of things.”

Ertong is a top-notch warrior among the Guiyuan warriors of Longgu Village. His squad is highly efficient and decisive, making them perfectly suited for handling this kind of mission.

After hearing this, Yang Chen scoffed, "A protective charm worth 998? This deity is too cheap."

"Why not appoint a holy bishop?"

He looked at ASH: "Have you found out anything about this so-called scientific society? Is there any more complex force behind it?"

“A screening has been conducted,” ASH responded. “The founders and core members of the Mingli Science Association consist of seven people with no strong backgrounds. Most of them were previously involved in pyramid schemes or mental health counseling. Their sources and flows of funds are relatively simple. Currently, it appears that their main motive is to use crisis theories to commit financial fraud. No direct connection has been found between them and foreign forces or other large organizations. They can be classified as a criminal gang.”

“Then let’s do as Yue Kui says.” Yang Chen agreed with Bai Yue Kui’s decision. “Let Gray put pressure on us in an official capacity, while Er Tong and the others secretly ensure the ‘handling’ process goes smoothly. This will both quell the situation and make an example of someone to warn others who might want to follow suit.”

He stood up and stretched his wrists: "Do you need me to go with you to check? Just to make sure everything is alright."

Bai Yuekui shook his head: "No need. Ertong and the others can handle it. You and I will go to the base. Professor Horn has some preliminary results from the prototype test of the new magnetic field interference field, and we need to go and take a look."

“Okay.” Yang Chen nodded, equally confident in the abilities of the Dragon Bone Village warriors.

Seeing that they had made a decision, Bai Jingyu said, "Then I'll have ASH send the compiled evidence chain and action recommendations to Gray, and he'll know what to do."

The matter was settled.

A minor farce is about to be swiftly and completely wiped out in the face of true power.

For those who have witnessed a true apocalypse, this level of commotion is hardly even an interlude.

Yang Chen and Bai Yuekui exchanged a glance and decided not to delay Jiu Chuan's affairs any longer.

He took Bai Yuekui's hand, and with a slight thought, the familiar power of the talisman began to flow, preparing to take her back to Dragon Bone Village.

However, the expected village scene did not appear.

Yang Chen found himself and Bai Yuekui still standing on the land of Jiuchuan City, but the city in front of them was somewhat dilapidated and crowded.

Explosions and faint screams could be heard in the distance.

The once bustling streets are now a mess, with vehicles blocking the roads.

“This is…” Yang Chen’s pupils contracted slightly; the scene before him was not unfamiliar to him.

This was exactly what he saw at first glance in Hisakawa City right after the disaster broke out.

It's just unknown whether this is the same world as before, or another parallel world that suffered the same fate.

"What's going on?" Bai Yuekui's voice rang out beside her as she also looked around.

"We must have time-traveled." Yang Chen frowned.

He hadn't encountered such an unexpected parallel world jump since then, and he never expected it to happen suddenly at this moment.

Just then, the roar of an engine approached from afar, attracting their attention.

Not far away, on an overpass, a heavy motorcycle was seen bending a curve, and the driver's skills were very proficient.

The driver, with his black hair tied in a ponytail, was speeding along, his hair dancing wildly in the wind.

Although they were far apart, Yang Chen and Bai Yuekui recognized her instantly because of her familiar profile and the scene.

It's Bai Yuekui!

Yang Chen subconsciously looked at his silver-haired, white-clad partner beside him, and then pointed to the unruly figure on the overpass in the distance.

"Yue Kui, you're riding a motorcycle."

"And over there... your wanted poster."

He remembered that the last time he accidentally stumbled upon this time, he saw the wanted poster displayed on the tall building in the distance.

Almost simultaneously, Yang Chen's ASH mobile device slowly flew up into the sky.

"Environmental scan... Database matching... Conclusion: We have entered a parallel world, with a timeline highly overlapping with the previous one, occurring in the early stages of the world's collapse." "Attempt to connect to this world's network... Failed. Unable to establish a valid connection. This world's ASH main server has been largely paralyzed due to physical damage and power outages."

ASH's speech quickened: "At this point in time, the 'me' in this world is in the location of the original body."

Yang Chen looked at Bai Yuekui beside him and found her quietly gazing in the direction where the black-haired figure had disappeared.

Bai Yuekui withdrew her gaze from the distance and turned to Yang Chen, her silver-white hair fluttering slightly in the dusty wind: "How did you get back last time?"

Yang Chen tried hard to recall that brief experience, his brows furrowing slightly: "I remember... I saw you fall from the sky on your motorcycle, and in a moment of panic, I used the Rabbit Talisman to rush up and try to catch you."

He pointed to the direction where the black-haired Bai Yuekui had disappeared, "But it's very unstable. As soon as I accelerated, everything around me started to distort, and then I was thrown back into our world."

He tried to mobilize the power of the rabbit talisman within his body again, but the familiar sense of speed seemed to be blocked by something, as if he were stuck in a quagmire, far from being as free as usual.

“But this time…” Yang Chen sensed the abnormality of the talisman, his expression becoming somewhat solemn.

"The rabbit charm didn't give me that clear feeling of 'being able to travel'. It seems... malfunctioning? Or perhaps, this world is too far away."

He tried several times, but the sluggish feeling persisted. Although he could sense the power of the talisman slowly adjusting and adapting, the process was incredibly slow.

“It seems we…” Yang Chen came to a not-so-good conclusion and looked at Bai Yuekui.

"We're temporarily stuck here. The rabbit talisman is trying to recover, but it will take time, and how long... is unclear."

This means they cannot immediately return to their own safe and secure world.

They must remain in this parallel world for an unknown period of time.

In the distance, Hisakawa Defense Guard was hot on his heels, pursuing the black-haired Moon Lord.

Bai Yuekui did not show any panic after hearing this.

She turned her gaze back to the turbulent city of Hisakawa and said slowly, "Since we can't go back for the time being..."

"Then let's follow them and see."

A circular robot.

That is, the white moonlight of this world.

At this moment, he clung tightly to the back seat of the speeding motorcycle with his robotic arm, his round body hiding behind the black-haired Yue Kui, his voice still carrying a kind of irritating excitement.

"Hurry! Hurry! Yue Kui! Slam the accelerator! They're catching up!"

"Shut up! I'm driving!" Bai Yuekui, with black hair, roared without turning his head, twisting his wrist sharply, and the motorcycle engine roared.

We drove down the street along the mantle vines with great difficulty and entered Ant Street.

Behind them, two black gravity vehicles painted in the colors of the defense of Hisakawa City were in hot pursuit, with bullets from rifles whizzing past their vehicles.

"Think of something quickly!" The black-haired Yue Kui turned around and glanced at the approaching gravity object, urging Bai Yuetian.

"Oh my, so enthusiastic?" Bai Yuetian muttered to himself, his eyes fixed on the two robbers in front of a shop with a smashed window on the side of the road, and the guns they were holding.

"Bring it to you!"

Before he could finish speaking, Bai Yuetian's two slender mechanical claws swept past.

The two robbers felt their weapons suddenly become lighter, and before they could understand what had happened, their weapons had already changed hands.

The mechanical claws deftly manipulated two assault rifles, which were mounted on either side of the robot's round body.

"Da da da da da!"

Rapid gunfire erupted, bullets forming two not-so-dense fire nets that sprayed towards the nearest gravity object chasing behind.

When ordinary rifle bullets hit the armor of a gravity body, they mostly only produce a few sparks and make a crisp "clanging" sound, and can hardly cause any effective damage.

But this harassment clearly angered the other side. The pilot of the gravity vehicle seemed to be provoked by this provocation and raised his gun to fire.

"Come and shoot me, you idiot!" Bai Yuetian taunted, mimicking gunshots as he casually tossed aside his empty rifle magazine. His round body swayed from side to side on the back of the motorcycle, dodging bullets.

"Da da da."

Bai Yuetian emptied the magazine of another rifle he was controlling. Just as he was about to throw it away, he was still yelling, "Didn't you eat, you canned food? You can't even hit your brother Tian with this..."

The words have not yet fallen.

The gravity object that had been continuously disturbed suddenly burst forth with blinding flames without warning!

"boom!"

The deafening explosion shattered the heavy gravity machine into pieces, sending burning debris flying in all directions. It even knocked another gravity machine off its feet, forcing it to stop and seek cover. But just as it was about to hide, another explosion occurred.

"Holy crap?!" Bai Yuetian shrank back in fright, still clutching the empty rifle in his mechanical claw. He looked down at the ordinary-looking guy, then at the two burning ruins in the distance.

"No way... is the UNFPA's gravity sensor really this fragile?" he muttered incredulously, even tapping the rifle in his hand with the mechanical claw.

"Was this thing enchanted by those two guys? Or did that bastard Gray take a kickback and cut corners during procurement?"

The black-haired Yue Kui was also startled by the sudden explosion, but she reacted quickly and immediately twisted the throttle. The motorcycle tires screeched against the ground as she accelerated into the more complex alleyways of Ant Street.

However, the next second, she felt the car suddenly lighten!
"What's going on?!" She was shocked and looked down to see that the two wheels of the motorcycle had left the ground. The entire motorcycle, along with her and Bai Yuetian on the back seat, was suspended in the air, about half a meter off the ground.

The accelerator was twisted to the floor, the engine revved and roared, but the car could not move forward even an inch.

"Hey hey hey? What's going on? This crappy car even has a flight mode?" Bai Yuetian clung to the back seat, his round head darting around.

Just then, a slightly helpless male voice rang out from above and to their side.

"What do you do next? Do you want to talk to yourself?"

The black-haired Yue Kui suddenly looked up and saw two people standing on the edge of the fourth-floor balcony of a dilapidated building next to him.

The speaker was a young man with black hair.

Beside him, a woman with silver hair and white eyes, whose face was exactly the same as his, was quietly watching her.

Bai Yuekui did not answer Yang Chen's question. Her gaze fell on her own black hair riding a motorcycle below, looking surprised and uncertain. She sighed softly and said to Yang Chen.

"Let's get her down first."

As soon as she finished speaking, the black-haired Yue Kui felt a gentle yet irresistible force envelop her, and her suspended height slowly decreased until she finally landed steadily on the alleyway floor, which was full of gravel and debris.

Black-haired Yue Kui cautiously took two steps back, adopting a defensive stance. His gaze swept over the two people on the balcony, finally settling on silver-haired Bai Yue Kui.

"Who are you?" her voice was blank. "And who...who are you?"

Bai Yuetian quickly got off the motorcycle, his round body blocking the black-haired Yue Kui's path, his mechanical claws waving wildly: "Hey! Hey! What's going on up there? I'm warning you, don't mess around!"

On the balcony, Yang Chen looked at Bai Yuekui, who had silver hair, beside him, and asked her for her opinion with his eyes.

The silver-haired Bai Yuekui took a step forward and lightly leaped off the edge of the fourth-floor balcony, landing a few steps away from the black-haired Yuekui.

She looked at her younger self, whose eyes were filled with wariness, and slowly began to speak.

"I am Bai Yuekui."

(End of this chapter)