arc 7

Regarding the questioning of these people, Zhou Zekai's response was to smile cheerfully. Then, he glanced at the six individuals present. Just one look at their identities revealed that they were far from ordinary. Each of them seemed shrouded in a black mist, their eyes betraying a murderous intent that they made no effort to hide.

"I was planning to take her away, but I never said I wouldn't let you see me. Previously, there was a small fry who dared to harm her. What about you? You only observe her from a distance, hoping to find redemption without taking action. But how can you guarantee no one else will try to harm her?" Zhou Zekai questioned them, his tone light yet sharp.

This was the purpose of Zhou Zekai's arrival in this world. Cheng Bing was not only his "wisher" but also a central figure holding together the fabric of this peculiar world. In this abnormal reality, Cheng Bing's existence served as redemption for these twisted individuals. When they pursued rebirth, it was Cheng Bing who bore witness to their transformation, sending them off and closing the chapters of their chaotic lives.

What the group had done, without any spoken agreement, was arrange their time with her in a silent, almost sacred schedule. Their purpose was simple: to protect her, their observer, at all costs. Yet, one day, they suddenly realized something horrifying—Cheng Bing, the one who anchored them, was dead.

How could such an ending come to pass? Everything had been prepared. They had begun to believe in the possibility of redemption, to dream of rebirth under her gaze. But now? Now, the observer was gone—killed, hunted like prey, her life taken.

The result of her death was absolute destruction. The fragile self-control these individuals had managed to maintain snapped, unleashing a wave of chaos. Their suppressed instincts to kill ran wild, plunging everything into deeper darkness. What they didn't know was that Cheng Bing's soul lingered in this world, a silent witness to the devastation her absence had caused.

Cheng Bing had always feared the abnormal because of her peculiar ability to attract such people. Yet, she felt sympathy for them. Each of these individuals carried their own stories and destinies, tales too complex to be simplified as good or evil. She had been their witness, seeing them off on their final journeys. But she had never been able to grant them true forgiveness or dignity. By stepping into the abyss, they had forsaken the need for absolution.

After her death, Cheng Bing watched as the criminals caused even greater harm in their anguish, and the guilt weighed heavily on her. In desperation, she made a wish: if there was a next life, she would not seek the light. Instead, she would willingly become a beacon in the dark, guiding these lost souls home.

"What? Who dared do such a thing?" The enchanting man's face twisted with anger. His eyes were sharp, and his voice carried a biting chill. The mere thought of harm befalling Cheng Bing was intolerable.

The others glared at Zhou Zekai, disbelief etched on their faces. They hadn't imagined that someone within their circle would be reckless enough to harm their observer. It was madness.

"It was just an insignificant nobody," Zhou Zekai shrugged, the smile on his face calm yet unwavering. "I've taken her to Pearl City this time. If any of you need her presence for the ceremonies, let me know. I will ensure her safety and protect her with all my strength. This circle isn't meant to exist in isolation. She deserves to understand her role here and decide for herself if she wants to be a guide for us."

This was Zhou Zekai's plan: to protect Cheng Bing, even while facing various enemies. His intent was to expand their circle, solidifying her importance as the "observer" whose presence brought transformation to those who approached her.

One middle-aged man in a suit frowned deeply, his voice low and cutting as he addressed Zhou Zekai. "We don't have much time left, you know. If you tell her this and she refuses us, then what? Zhou Zekai, you understand how important she is to us."

Zhou Zekai met the man's gaze, unflinching. "I promise you, Cheng Bing will be the best observer, and we'll achieve the rebirth we all seek."

Cheng Bing, who had been anxiously waiting in the car, finally saw Zhou Zekai return. Her heart, heavy with worry, eased slightly as she followed him. The flight ahead awaited them, and soon they were on their way to Pearl City. Zhou Zekai stayed close, holding her hand tightly, though his silence left her wondering what had been discussed with those dangerous individuals.

After arriving, Zhou Zekai brought Cheng Bing to the home he had prepared for them in Pearl City—a spacious, 102-square-meter house. Exhausted from the journey, they both rested. That night, Cheng Bing, hungry and in her pajamas, ventured into the kitchen to find food. When she turned on the light, she was startled to see Zhou Zekai reclining on the sofa. In his hand, he held a goblet filled with a dark, blood-red liquid.

The scene was eerie. Zhou Zekai's pale hands and strikingly white face gave him an almost vampiric air, his crimson-stained lips adding to the illusion.

"Can't sleep?" Zhou Zekai's deep voice broke the silence as he turned his gaze toward her.

Cheng Bing hesitated, still unnerved by his appearance. "No, I was just hungry," she replied cautiously.

A smile played on Zhou Zekai's lips as he set down the goblet. Stretching out his arms, he pulled Cheng Bing into his embrace, his voice low and teasing as he murmured into her ear, "I don't think you can sleep."

Despite the tension, Zhou Zekai's words struck a strange chord within her. Rationality prevailed, and she tried to pull away. But his next words froze her.

"Cheng Bing, do you know why you always attract people like us?"

"People like… you?" she asked, though she already understood what he meant—those who were well-dressed on the outside yet hid unspeakable darkness within.

"Why?" she pressed, her curiosity piqued despite herself.

Zhou Zekai's smile widened. Gently, he leaned closer, his breath warm against her ear. "Because you're our observer. The moment we see you, we understand our wretchedness and long for freedom. But we're also terrified of you, for you are both our salvation and the end of our road…"