Chapter 00062: I Will Protect You!
# I Will Protect You!
Chapter 62
Novel: Above Destiny
Chapter 62: I Will Protect You!
As dawn approached, on the distant wilderness outside Cliff City, the night was deep, dark clouds looming over the blackened sky.
In a place that should have been deserted, a makeshift barbed-wire fence and barricades had suddenly been erected.
A sign reading "No Entry" hung visibly for all to see.
Through the thickets, one could faintly glimpse a newly built watchtower, its cold searchlight sweeping across the area.
The place, guarded as if it were a military fortress, remained void of any real base—only a scattering of vehicles from various places parked haphazardly on the open land.
Amidst the emptiness, a strange crack twisted into view, as if the void itself had split open, the jagged fissure suspended in midair and seemingly facing every direction at once.
Faint rays of light began to glow from behind the crack, its presence intensifying gradually.
In just a few hours, the passage might officially open.
As the moment approached, tensions grew in the not-so-spacious camp.
Were it not for the presence of the security bureau, it was likely that two factions would have already clashed by now.
Wherever people went, they instinctively banded together.
In just over a day's time, news of the impending crack opening spread like wildfire, drawing in fate’s chosen ones eager for blessings or riches.
Each convergence of cosmic rifts was a grand event and an opportunity for the wild chosen ones; very few would willingly let it pass by.
Some even hurried here from outside Haizhou, panting in exhaustion, all for a taste of what's to come!
For the security bureau, the location of the crack was quite the headache.
Just a few dozen kilometers east, west, north, or south, there would be clear delineations of responsibility, yet here it was precariously positioned at the boundary of two states, caught between Cliff City, Tidal City, and Yecheng, creating a situation fraught with confusion.
Moreover, this temporary occurrence was short-lived and did not warrant significant investment.
Due to the constraints from the spring city underground, manpower was sorely limited.
With everyone pushing responsibilities around, only three or four personnel were designated to oversee the area.
Responsibility was a muddle, and everyone simply sought to avoid a fight breaking out under their noses.
As for what happened once they entered... that was anyone's guess.
Time passed, bringing with it an increasing crowd.
At the front, near the crack, a convoy from Tidal City had taken the lead in securing a prime position.
Among the caravan, Kong Qingyan scanned the gathering throng.
A middle-aged man, disheveled with hair like a vagabond, a robust bronze-skinned man with an unremarkable appearance, and a mesmerizing woman with an alluring charm who attracted no end of glances were all present.
Her gaze eventually fell upon a dirt-streaked off-road vehicle.
Inside the car sat an elderly woman with white hair, calmly resting her elbow on the window, observing the chaotic scene below.
Noticing Kong Qingyan’s gaze, she casually removed her felt hat and nodded in acknowledgment.
Kong Qingyan turned away from her.
"There are far too many unknowns among the people here this time," she said to Lou Feng at her side, her voice serious.
"Once we enter, be extra careful. Follow Mr. Si Lan’s instructions at all times, understand?"
"Yes."
Lou Feng nodded respectfully, glancing at the bearded man beside him.
"We'll rely on you then, Mr. Si Lan."
"Haha, no worries!" The weathered middle-aged man placed a hand over his heart and bowed slightly.
"Rest assured, Mr. Lou. The Returnees Knights are here to serve you, and we will ensure everything goes smoothly."
Behind him stood a dozen stern-faced knights, fully armed, their scarred skin openly displayed.
This crack did not allow those above the transformation level to enter, leaving Kong Qingyan waiting outside.
To ensure Lou Feng's safety and the success of the expedition, she had even hired the knights of the Central Red Kingdom as protection.
These knights, loyal to the Red King, traveled in groups, organized in a unified formation, ready to face even overwhelming numbers of enemies and monsters without fear; they were truly a formidable force.
Lou Feng grinned, gearing up to speak again when suddenly his smile faltered, turning pale as he turned sharply: "What’s that sound?"
At once, the Returnees Knights exchanged wary looks.
Si Lan strained to listen, but beyond the cacophony of arguments, nothing else stood out.
If pressed, there was only the vague sound of... puttering approaching?
Wait, puttering?
Lou Feng’s heart plummeted.
Putt Putt Putt Putt—
At the outermost checkpoint, a disheveled little motorcycle sputtered through the mud, puffing out black smoke as it barreled in.
"Is this the place?"
The young man riding the motorcycle lifted the visor of his helmet, curiously glancing around.
He revealed a face that made Lou Feng’s heart race with frustration—Ji Jue!
It wasn't just Lou Feng; many others had taken notice of this latecomer who seemed utterly out of place with the crowd.
While everyone had arrived in rugged SUVs, luxurious campers, or even airships, Ji Jue appeared on a rickety black motorcycle that looked like it should be at a train station.
Caked in mud, he rode in as if it was nothing!
What’s more, he was laden with bags both in his hands and strapped to his back.
It would hardly be surprising if he suddenly began selling instant noodles with a kettle in hand—some began to realize he was perhaps onto something.
Right! The crack wouldn't open for a while yet, and there were so many people standing around; surely, there must be needs to cater to! Chosen ones with ample wealth would surely pay for goods and services while they waited.
Some even contemplated following in his footsteps to set up their own stalls next time.
"Wow, so many people," came a curious voice from behind Ji Jue, as he removed his helmet.
A youthful, innocent face peered around, sparkling with curiosity.
"I don’t think I've ever seen so many chosen ones gathered together outside a family meeting."
It was An Ran, a member of the North Mountain Group of the Cliff City Security Bureau.
In a sense, he was the only one in the entire North Mountain Group with a vested interest in the crack.
Old Zhang had long relinquished his ambitious dreams and now merely passed the days in the safety bureau, relying on his fists to convey some sense into the unruly crowd.
Though she appeared eccentric, Miss Tong was still the fourth daughter of the Tong family, a prominent name in Cliff City.
She was born with a silver spoon in her mouth and had infinite privileges.
Her older brother, Tong Shan, was the head of the First Action Division of the security bureau, responsible for the safety of all significant figures.
If he were to invest, he would undoubtedly be a wealthy investor; countless people would vie to offer protection, not needing to scrape by in such places.
As Ji Jue and An Ran teamed up, Wen Wen felt more at ease.
Despite An Ran’s impeccable track record, his upbringing left him lacking in common sense and knowledge, unlike Ji Jue, who, having grown up in tough conditions, thrived on street smarts and tricks.
Together, they balanced each other out.
While An Ran, a chosen one of the White Deers’ path, was well-behaved, he often faded into the background—a quiet detail often overlooked despite his impressive strength at his young age, having already reached fifth tier and shifted into transformation.
This moment, after surveying the surroundings, An Ran suddenly tugged at Ji Jue’s sleeve, whispering, "Ji Jue, someone is watching us and seems to be plotting something...”
Ji Jue followed his gaze and caught sight of Lou, standing amidst the crowd, his demeanor exuding a sense of hostility.
They locked eyes for just a second before Lou quickly averted his gaze, his expression turning a shade darker.
"Ah, he might have a grudge against me…" Ji Jue scratched his head awkwardly.
"Sorry, An Ran, for drawing you into this."
"It’s fine, don’t be scared."
An Ran assured him solemnly, "Ji Jue, I will protect you!"
Ah, the warmth and reassurance of those words nearly brought tears to Ji Jue’s eyes.
"Thank you then."
Yet, as he inched forward on his motorcycle, the covert glares from all around pricked at him—cautious, cold, and even brimming with malice.
He froze, wondering why so many looked upon him with ill intent.
Had he unwittingly done something utterly abhorrent?
No way! He was merely stepping out of the novice village!
He hadn’t even completed a single quest; why did it seem like his faction's reputation had plummeted?
Could the relationship among chosen ones and the survival environment be this hostile?
"Stay alert, An Ran," Ji Jue murmured.
"It seems there are many eyes on us."
"Ah, they might hold a grudge against me."
The youth in the backseat, clutching his bags, responded innocently.
"That person up front has eyes like the one I once blinded… and that one over there seems to be a colleague from Lihua District. He mocked me for being soft, then after being beaten by Sister Wen, spent half a year in the hospital... I accidentally stabbed him too. And that one behind us—his brother was the one I killed. He ran so fast at the time; I couldn't chase him down. What a pity! Once we enter the crack, perhaps there will be an opportunity... Don’t worry, it’ll be fine!"
The young boy’s serious demeanor led to another vow: "Ji Jue, I will protect you!"
Ji Jue’s expression twitched, and he found himself at a loss for words, almost bursting to speak.
How was it that this declaration, so similar to the one moments ago, failed to evoke any gratitude?
Was An Ran truly the one who attracted such animosity?
He wanted to turn around, clasp his fists together, and inquire just who this brother of his really was.
But remembering An Ran's noble family background and Wen Wen's prior comments, he felt a sense of relief.
Where were they heading after all...
(End of Chapter)