Wuji Void?
A forbidden space that isolates the inner domain from the outer domain, preventing our battles from affecting ordinary people. Every city's Night Watch is equipped with three special Unsealed Void signboards, each held by one person. Since we generally do not participate directly in battles, we are also known as the Watchers.
Lin Qiye raised an eyebrow.
So, in other words, you're just a lookout.
...If you don't know how to speak properly, you should just say less. Zao Kongcheng rolled his eyes.
You mentioned there are three ways to acquire a forbidden space. What's the last one?
The last one is when a deity bestows it upon you, which is your case. Zao Kongcheng's expression grew serious. Some gods give part of their power to selected humans, making them their representatives on Earth. These forbidden spaces bestowed by gods are known as Divine Spaces.
However, along with the power, the agent also receives instructions from the god—some are to destroy human society, some are to protect it, and others might involve helping the god find something... In any case, typically, there's only one representative for each god, and they embody the god's will.
Among the dozens of deity representatives that have emerged, most of them are evil gods trying to destroy the new human order and return the world to chaos. They formed an organization called the Ancient God Church.
There are a few representatives of benevolent gods, but they are very rare. As for how many neutral gods have representatives, we don't know.
Zao Kongcheng stood up and walked over to Lin Qiye, staring him directly in the eye, speaking slowly and deliberately:
Lin Qiye, what instructions did Michael give you? Which side do you belong to?
Lin Qiye looked utterly confused.
I don't know, he didn't say anything.
Lin Qiye wasn't lying. At that time, Michael had only glanced at him from the moon, and then he fainted. The other party didn't say a word!
Zao Kongcheng furrowed his brows.
He didn't say anything? You didn't hear his voice in your mind?
No, really!
Zao Kongcheng stared at Lin Qiye suspiciously for a long time, as if trying to spot any signs of lying. After a long pause, he finally turned away and slowly sat back down.
Based on our assumptions, Michael should belong to the neutral or benevolent faction. Otherwise, we would have killed you by now. But... since he gave you the Divine Space, why didn't he say anything?
What does he want?
Lin Qiye frowned slightly.
I don't know what he wants, but even if he gave me orders, I won't follow them. I don't want to get involved in this mess. If it comes down to it, I'll just return these eyes to him.
With that, he stood up.
If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving.
Before Zao Kongcheng could speak, Lin Qiye turned and reached for the door.
Wait! Zao Kongcheng suddenly jumped to his feet and blocked the door, glaring at Lin Qiye.
You're going to leave after asking your questions? What about me?
You? You can stay here and have an emotional outburst. Lin Qiye replied seriously.
No, what I mean is... aren't you going to ask about me? Who am I? Zao Kongcheng felt utterly exhausted from talking to this guy.
Who you are doesn't concern me. Lin Qiye kept opening the door.
Zao Kongcheng grabbed the door handle.
Why do I know so much? What kind of organization is behind me? What are we doing... Aren't you curious about any of this?
Not curious.
Why not?
According to the logic in TV shows and novels, once I know about your existence, I only have two choices. Lin Qiye held up two fingers.
Either join you, or become someone who can never leak the secret—like getting killed, imprisoned, or brainwashed...
...Stop watching so much TV! Zao Kongcheng sighed.
Besides, you don't even understand us. How do you know joining us isn't a good option?
Lin Qiye raised an eyebrow.
So, even if I know everything about you and choose not to join, I won't be in danger?
Of course not! We're like soldiers. At most, you'd have to sign a confidentiality agreement. What you're saying is pure nonsense!
In that case, I might as well listen. Lin Qiye said, sitting back down.
Zao Kongcheng sighed, feeling that talking to this kid was more exhausting than a whole day of surveillance.
In 1922, when our exploration team discovered the first mythological creature—the Chaotic Dragon Leviathan—Daxia's high command urgently established a military organization, always ready to deal with the invasion of mythological creatures. It was called the 139 Special Biological Response Team.
Back then, our technology was relatively underdeveloped, and we knew nothing about the world we were facing, so the so-called Special Biological Response Team was more of a facade—pretty much useless.
Over time, we observed more and more mythological creatures, attempted to make contact with a few, and also uncovered the secrets of the Divine Space. We began training special combat talents.
As we discovered more Divine Space bearers, we realized that the randomness of their appearance meant that not everyone could be integrated into the military. So, the 139 Special Biological Response Team gradually evolved into a semi-military, semi-civilian organization.
Now, we call this special organization... the Night Watch.
Lin Qiye nodded thoughtfully.
So, your existence is to protect Daxia from the invasion of those evil gods?
To be more precise, it's to protect against all mythological creatures.
Is there a difference?
Of course. Like I said before, the appearance of mythological creatures is random, and not related to their strength. So, the mythological creatures that arrive aren't just the well-known, powerful gods, but also weak creatures that only exist in rural legends or minor tales. The Ghost Faced Man you encountered last night is one such figure from rural horror stories.
These creatures, though not capable of world-ending destruction, still affect human society. We categorize them as Mystical Creatures.
I see. Lin Qiye nodded. No wonder the thing I ran into last night felt a little familiar—turns out it was born from a rural legend.
So, we're also soldiers, soldiers protecting our country! Our existence is to prevent the people of Daxia from suffering. Isn't that noble? Isn't that cool?! Zao Kongcheng began a passionate speech.
Very noble, very cool. I respect you all, truly. Lin Qiye's expression turned serious. He wasn't joking. From his eyes, you could clearly see the respect.
A smile gradually appeared on Zao Kongcheng's face.
Then you...
I won't go.
... Zao Kongcheng's smile froze.
Why?!
I can't leave. Lin Qiye's eyes were filled with determination.
I still have a lot to do...
What could be more important than protecting your country?!
I have an aunt, and a cousin. Lin Qiye looked out the window with a calm expression.
My aunt isn't very old, but she's been working at the factory day and night for ten years to support my cousin and me. Now, her body is breaking down...
She's stubborn. Even when she's sitting on the living room couch, massaging her neck until tears come out, she still insists that she's doing yoga to keep her body healthy...
I sit across from her, and she thinks I can't see it.
She lives so cautiously, so tired.
My cousin is smart and filial, but... he's still too young. He can't bear the burden of this family.
I still have a lot to do.
I want to earn money to support the family. I want to buy a big house for my aunt and cousin. I want to make sure my aunt never has to return to that dark factory again!
I want to send my cousin to college. I want them both to have a good life!
For the past ten years, they've never given up on me. Now that I'm better, how could I abandon them?
You're noble and great. If circumstances allow, I might join you...
But for now, I just want to stay by their side...
To protect this family.