Absolute Gate

Chapter 13 Locking Himself Up
After he returned, both Lu Guangqi and Zhang Qinglang tried to comfort him.

Zhang Qinglang treated him to another big meal and then led him on a tour of the base.

Wu agreed outwardly, but felt very insecure inwardly.

Thinking to myself: Wouldn't I sacrifice him? Wouldn't I use him to make a deal with ghosts and gods? I don't believe you for a second.

He truly couldn't believe it; failure meant death.

He had never felt secure from the beginning. His past life had been uneventful, but the series of changes had made him extremely sensitive.

Today, Lu Guangqi's conversation with ghosts and gods broke the tension in his heart.

He had personally witnessed and heard that those ghosts and spirits wanted his life.

He is at the mercy of others and could very well be sold off.

Wu Zhong always believed that once the worst-case scenario was possible, it would happen sooner or later.

Lu Guangqi simply hasn't finalized the terms yet, or perhaps he doesn't have the authority to make the decision.

But what if we wait until the terms are agreed upon?
In the face of such a massive disaster, what does the sacrifice of one person matter?
Once the terms are agreed upon and both sides reach a consensus, he himself doesn't think he can survive.

In addition to that, there's his skill in welding doors.

He kept it a secret and didn't dare to say it, but he always felt that he couldn't hide it for much longer.

Wu was considering whether to confess or keep it a secret.

He didn't know what the consequences would be.

After all, this group of people didn't tell him anything and excluded him from the circle, which made him feel insecure.

Even the name "985 Fire Brigade" was something he overheard by chance from his savior, "Endless Summer".

But to say that it was concealed is also unrealistic.

Once someone shows any inclination to think in that direction, he will definitely have to speak up, because being stubborn can have bad consequences.

They do have that "eternal thirst" disease; once you contract it, life is worse than death.

The thought of this thing sent chills down Wu Zhong's spine.

This world is far more terrifying and mysterious than he imagined.

Although he has superpowers, it's practically the same as not having them.

Expecting his powerful punches to go head-to-head with Lu Guangqi's Kamehameha-like palm strikes? That's insane.

"Ugh...so annoying."

Wu Zhong silently followed Zhang Qinglang as they strolled around until they reached the vicinity of gate B12.

A thought struck him: Endless Summer might be imprisoned here.

"Master Zhang, I heard Captain Lu say yesterday that some kind of Eternal Thirst Plum will be delivered today for that person to use. Is that true?"

Zhang Qinglang was taken aback: "Yun Yong Ke Mei? Oh... you mean Endless Summer. If that guy insists on not cooperating, we can only get him infected with this stuff."

"However, that guy should have accomplices who will come to rescue him, so there's no rush. Maybe we can play the long game and catch a bigger fish."

Wu Zhong asked, "How do you know he will definitely have accomplices coming to rescue him?"

Zhang Qinglang smiled and said, "It's obvious. He's so calm and composed, and he doesn't take the fire brigade seriously at all. He must have something to rely on."

"Either he has some hidden skills he hasn't used and is confident he can fight his way out, or he has accomplices who will come to his rescue."

"But the former is almost impossible. He was defeated by Captain Lu. If he had the ability, he would have run away long ago. Why would he be stuck in jail?"

Wu Zhong asked curiously, "I heard he's some kind of 'Golden Mercenary,' what does that mean?"

Zhang Qinglang waved his hand and said, "It means exactly what it says, a gold-level mercenary."

"There are many mercenaries like this in the mortal realm, and I am one of them, though I am only a Silver-level..."

"Of course, this is based on the amount of work, not that I'm weaker than him."

"In the realm of calamities, there are hidden dragons and crouching tigers. Although there are differences in strength, actual combat can never be measured by level. There are countless examples of top masters falling into the hands of newcomers."

Wu Zhong tilted his head. So Zhang Qinglang was a mercenary?

Indeed, everyone else was wearing uniforms, but he was dressed in a Taoist robe, which made him stand out from the crowd.

Although Zhang Qinglang is treated like one of our own here, he is clearly not a formal member, but rather a long-term external supporter.

"Apocalyptic Realm? What does that mean?"

Zhang Qinglang chuckled: "It's just our circle. You're not part of it, so don't ask too many questions."

Wu Zhong sighed, "The Disaster Realm... This unique circle of people must be the circle of people with special abilities."

Because they consider themselves not part of this circle, they don't tell them anything except for essential matters.

This made him want to just reveal that he has superpowers.

But Wu ultimately held back.

Wu Zhong hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Um, Master Zhang, may I go in and have a chat with Wu Jinxia?"

Zhang Qinglang asked in surprise, "Huh? What were you talking about with him?"

Wu Zhong said, "After all, he saved my life, and I want to thank him properly in person."

"If it weren't for him, I would have been killed by the Sun God yesterday afternoon."

Zhang Qinglang clasped his hands together and said, "Then I'll go and ask Captain Lu for instructions. After all, I'm also a guest and can't make the decision on my own."

When Wu Zhong heard that he was going to ask Captain Lu, he felt there was no hope and silently went back to his room.

But an hour later, Zhang Qinglang suddenly came to him with the card.

"Come, come, Captain Lu has agreed. I'll take you there."

Wu was overjoyed and hurriedly followed.

The two arrived at the B12 gate, only to see Zhang Qinglang reach into his sleeve and pull out an air shield!

Click! The air shield was pressed into the mesh groove, and the gate slowly opened.

"What are you..."

Zhang Qinglang shook the air shield in his hand, as if he were holding a semi-transparent cube: "I don't know how to condense an air shield, that's an absolute characteristic of their 985 unit."

"And this gate will detect the composition of the air shield, which must reach a specific ratio and arrangement."

“However, once Captain Lu has prepared the air shield, it can last for an hour, so I can use it right away.”

Wu was startled. Wasn't this just like a key?
He had witnessed the ability to condense air many times, and he thought he had to maintain it himself. He never expected that it could be like a product, which could be handed over to others directly after it was made.

If the gate uses a product derived from superpowers as the key, then its uniqueness is guaranteed.

"Taoist priest, may I touch it?"

Zhang Qinglang thought for a moment and then tossed it to him.

Wu Zhong held the air shield in his hand. It was very light, truly made of just a wisp of air, but an invisible force had welded it together to form the shape of a shield.

This surprised him; it was somewhat similar to his welding skills.

The only difference is that he was welding a door, while others were welding air.

Damn, look at their abilities!

It can directly weld air and form a massive scale to block attacks from ghosts and gods... although it didn't stop them at the time...

But this is so useful! Wu Zhong could think of many ingenious uses right away.

Looking at his welding skills, he was so frustrated he wanted to curse. He couldn't bear to talk about it.

"Master Zhang, what do you call this? An absolute special ability? Does everyone in their 985 unit have this ability?"

Zhang Qinglang nodded: "They basically all know how to do it. The air shield is their signature skill."

Wu Zhong asked excitedly, "Can I learn it?"

Zhang Qinglang glanced at him: "Theoretically, it's possible, but this isn't something you can learn... It's an absolute characteristic, it's basically something you get from infection."

Wu was stunned. Infection?
Yesterday, Captain Lu also used this term, saying that just one look at it is enough to contract the eternal thirst disease.

Without a doubt, Eternal Thirst is also an absolute characteristic... What a great name! It's an absolute, everlasting effect, practically unsolvable, which is why it's an absolute characteristic.

Therefore, the people in Unit 985 can create air shields, and they are infected with a certain characteristic through seeing, touching, or something else.

However, this can be considered a positive effect, while the case of eternal thirst is undoubtedly a negative one.

"Forget about it. Getting into the 985 Fire Brigade is not easy; it's an official recruitment unit."

"You must first be an outstanding cadre to be eligible for training... What is your political affiliation?"

Wu Zhong stared blankly: "I'm one of the masses."

Zhang Qinglang smiled: "That's far from enough. It's basically impossible for you to become a full member."

"Hey, give me the air shield."

As they spoke, the two had already entered the passageway.

He saw Wu Zhong casually close the gate with the air shield, so he reached out to ask for it.

"okay."

Wu Zhong honestly returned the air shield to Zhang Qinglang.

After putting it away, the latter looked at him and suddenly said, "Why is your heart beating so fast?"

"Ah? Oh, hearing what you're saying fills me with immense excitement and awe. I never knew such things existed in our world." Wu Zhong said, his heart pounding so loudly he could hear it himself, but he hadn't expected the Taoist priest to hear it too. His hearing was truly remarkable…

He was indeed nervous because he had just borrowed the air shield, closed the door, and welded the gate shut!
To be honest, he didn't know why he was so bold!

He just felt that this was an opportunity.

Opening and closing this gate requires the air shield property, but unexpectedly Zhang Qinglang obtained a temporary air shield and even played with it.

Of course, he simply welded the door shut.

As for what to do after welding it shut, to be honest, he didn't know!
He just instinctively felt that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity!
Exposure of characteristics? Doesn't matter, they'll be exposed sooner or later.

Furthermore, his ability is devoid of both energy and trace; according to these people, it is an absolute characteristic, and it is exceptionally silent.

If no one else opens or closes this door, who knows it's been welded shut?
And for the time being, it is almost impossible for anyone else to come and go, except for him and Zhang Qinglang.

If there is no chance to escape later, Wu Zhong can simply touch the gate when he goes back with him to cancel the status.

It happened completely undetected.

Yes, escape.

Wu Zhongxing began to consider escaping, after all, he was too worried about Captain Lu's deal with the ghost god.

It is better to believe that it exists than to believe that it does not exist.

The fact that Endless Summer remained so calm and composed despite being imprisoned, and didn't seem to care about the Eternal Thirst Syndrome, strongly suggests that she has a way to escape!
Either he has the ability himself, or his teammates come to his rescue. Either way, if Wu wants to take advantage of his situation, he must first make contact with him.

If given the chance, I'll take a gamble and ask Endless Summer to take me away.

Wu Zhong finally realized that he was being hunted by ghosts and gods and could no longer return to an ordinary life. Moreover, because he was too weak, he had to find a powerful figure to rely on.

This Endless Summer is a mercenary from another world, and a Gold-level one at that, even higher than Master Zhang...

Lu Guangqi said this person was cold-blooded and ruthless, but Wu Zhong didn't completely believe it... After all, would a cold-blooded and ruthless person save him?
Even if it was a casual act of saving someone, this instinctive action reveals their true nature, which is inclined towards kindness, rather than the kind of monstrous person who laughs at the tragic deaths of others.

Of course, there are many other possibilities, but the key point is that Wu had no choice.

Endless Summer was his only hope for changing his situation.

He either stays here obediently, letting himself be manipulated, betting that these people won't sacrifice themselves to appease the spirits.

Either you gamble on Endless Summer, and someone is willing to take you with them... Both are essentially gambles.

However, since Endless Summer isn't official, it doesn't have any missions that require it to resolve supernatural or divine calamities, making it safer for it...

"Click."

Zhang Qinglang took out the card and opened Endless Summer's cell.

The two went inside, and Zhang Qinglang called out, "Endless Summer, your friend has come to see you."

Upon hearing this, Wu Zhong's lips twitched: "Huh?"

Endless Summer opened her eyes: "I have no companions."

Zhang Qinglang chuckled: "You really don't know him?"

Is he testing Wu Jinxia again, or is he testing Wu Zhong?

These people always felt that the coincidences between Endless Summer saving people and ghosts killing people were too coincidental, as if they should know something about it.

Wu Zhongcai didn't care, because he knew very well that he didn't know Wu Jinxia at all, and after being rescued yesterday, he was met with indifference; the person who rescued him didn't even glance at him!
So he knew that Wujin Xiazhen had instinctively saved... him, a passerby who should have been hit by a car and killed.

"This guy has something to say to you." Seeing that Wu Zhong was ignoring him, Zhang Qinglang leaned against the wall to see what he wanted to say.

Wu Jinxia stared at Wu Zhong with great interest.

"It's you. Being hunted down by those ghosts and spirits at all costs... This is the first time I've ever heard of such a thing..."

Wu was delighted to see that he had taken the initiative to speak to him.

He was genuinely afraid that Endless Summer wouldn't talk to him, and that his cool demeanor would create an awkward silence.

If he manages to get in touch with someone but can't find anything interesting to talk about, then he has no choice but to give up.

“Brother Xia, my name is Wu Zhong, Wu as in mouth and sky, and Zhong as in having a beginning and an end…”

"You saved my life yesterday, and I was so grateful to you. I wanted to know your name, but you ignored me."

“I never expected that we would meet again… I didn’t get a chance to speak with you yesterday, so I asked Master Zhang to bring me in today so that I could thank you properly in person.”

"Thank you, Master Zhang. You're not from here, yet you still asked Captain Lu to give you the key, just to fulfill a small wish of mine. I'm truly grateful."

Wu Zhong bowed his head sincerely in thanks and also expressed his gratitude to Zhang Qinglang.

"Haha, you're too kind. It's nothing. I have a lot of face to offer. It's not as troublesome as you make it out to be."

Zhang Qinglang smiled, but didn't notice that Wu Zhong had already told her the whole story of how she came in, including some details.

The Taoist priest wasn't part of Unit 985. He got the key from Captain Lu, but Captain Lu himself didn't come... After all, if he had come, there would have been no need to give him the key.

Now that the key is revealed to be on Zhang Qinglang, and that it's just the two of them here, this information should help Wujinxia escape.

Wu Jinxia said with great interest, "Really? I'm the one who's surprised. I just did a small favor, but I didn't expect it to save the person Ji Meng was about to kill."

"It's truly an unexpected stroke of luck... Kid, do you know Ji Meng and those ghosts and spirits?"

Wu Zhong said with a mournful face, "How could I recognize it? I was living a perfectly good life, I don't know why I offended a ghost and it wants to kill me."

"So now I have to live here every day, be protected by others, can't do anything, and have been taken to see ghosts and gods. It's so scary."

He was revealing his situation.

Wu Jinxia chuckled: "Ji Meng and the others never target any specific person. They only want to regain their former glory and restore the world to the dominance of ghosts and gods."

"So the reason they are so weak, yet so eager to kill you, is probably because you will be an obstacle for them in the future."

Wu was startled.

Zhang Qinglang lunged at the glass wall: "Hey! What do you mean by 'never' targeting any one person?"

"They only appeared yesterday morning. Have you seen them before?"

"But there's no trace of them in the history of disasters and anomalies over the last few hundred years. When did you see them? Why did they reappear? What else do you know?"

Master Zhang was very excited. They had always suspected that Wu Jinxia was not a normal intruder.

He seemed to know more about the ghosts and spirits of Mount Lu than they did.

But this is unreasonable, because Unit 985 was the first organization to discover and take over the site, and sealed off the entire area.

Endless Summer smiled faintly: "Oh, I was just saying it casually, is it necessary to nitpick over the words?"

"After all, they are ghosts and gods from the Classic of Mountains and Seas. It's strange that they would target a mortal before they had even recovered their strength."

Zhang Qinglang retorted angrily, "You must know something else! Tell me!"

"Hehe." Endless Summer smiled without saying a word.

Zhang Qinglang clenched his fists: "Don't get angry, don't get angry... Supreme Star, ever-changing... Wisdom clear and pure, mind at peace..."

Taking the opportunity, Wu Zhong said, "Brother Wujinxia, ​​don't pretend anymore. If you know anything, just say it."

"When you're under someone's roof, you have to bow your head. You're a lone mercenary, trapped here. Do you really think you can escape?"

"They really do have that 'Eternal Thirst Plum,' they'll send it over today. It's not worth it if you get infected..."

Endless Summer smiled and said, "I can leave this place whenever I want, and nobody can stop me... unlike you."

Hearing this, Zhang Qinglang laughed: "I wonder who broke in and was captured by Captain Lu with their bare hands!"

"Captain Lu has decided to stay and guard the area until you confess. Bring on any of your accomplices; we'll arrest them one by one!"

Endless Summer smiled without saying a word.

Seeing this, Zhang Qinglang didn't want to waste any more words with him, so he waved his hand and was about to leave with Wu Zhong.

"Are you done talking? If you're done, let's go. I'll take you to see Captain Lu."

Wu Zhong followed him silently, but stopped abruptly after Zhang Qinglang walked out the door first.

"Hmm?" Zhang Qinglang turned to look at him.

But Wu Zhong had already made a lightning-fast move, slamming the cell door shut with a thud!

"what you do!"

Zhang Qinglang frowned, wondering what this kid was up to.

He guessed that Wu Zhong's desire to see Wu Jinxia was probably due to some problem, but he and Captain Lu both believed that the two were related.

In particular, the discovery that someone had inexplicably transferred money to Wu Zhong, and that person had now fled abroad and could not be found for a while... this could very well involve an organization, and Wu Zhong was one of its peripheral recruits.

So Captain Lu agreed to meet the two of them to test the waters and see if Wu Zhong and Wu Jinxia would secretly make contact.

Sure enough, something unexpected happened, but to everyone's surprise, Wu Zhong locked himself inside. Was he trying to take this opportunity to send some confidential information to Wu Jinxia alone?

Hmph, isn't that too simple and crude?
Zhang Qinglang took out his access card to swipe it again to open the cell door, but then froze.

The door did not open automatically.

"what?"

Puzzled, Zhang Qinglang pushed out with all his might, but the door remained unmoved.

……

　P.S.: Sorry.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)