Chapter 262: Execution

Chapter 262: Execution

Why?

When did I expose myself?

Why is Qilin so certain that I’m a spy? What evidence does he have?

Or does he not care about evidence, and he simply decides to kill me because the potential risk I bring outweighs my value as a tool?

Gao Yang didn’t understand, and he had no chance to.

His system never lied. Qilin was trying to kill him.

The top-ranking awakener, triggering a bonus of 7000 times, must have come prepared. He would surely die if he fought.

It wasn’t time to give up yet. He must not give up until the last moment!

Suddenly, Gao Yang was reminded of Ghost Horse and the time he was questioned by Dragon. Although it turned out to be nothing but an act, it was something Gao Yang could learn from.

“I’m doomed to die if you want to kill me, Guildmaster, but I feel wronged.”

Gao Yang didn’t try to cover his fear. At the same time, he emphasized his frustration—both were his genuine feelings.

Qilin didn’t say anything. He took another step forward with his cane.

Gao Yang would like to back away, but he tamped down the urge.

“I feel no loyalty toward the Twelve Zodiac Signs. I came to the Qilin Guild for my own interest, for a stronger backing.”

“You may call me out for not being loyal to the Guild either, but I have never broken a rule. I’ve done things as the Guild demands and completed all missions the Guild tasked me with. I’ve never done anything harmful to the Guild or betrayed anyone.”

Qilin took another step forward. His sharp gaze seemed to soften for a moment, but the moment was fleeting.

“You’re a good guy, Seven Shadow, but my apologies, I cannot let you live.”

Gao Yang’s heart sank. Was there no other way? Did he have to fight?

As he spoke, Qilin raised his left hand and snapped his fingers.

“Fear.”

The air around Gao Yang seemed to freeze for half a second. Then everything in his vision turned black and white.

An explosion of thoughts occurred in his brain, dredging up countless memories.

The summer night when he was four, he stood outside his grandparents’ room and got his first glimpse into the truth of the Mist World through the crack of the door.

Five seconds later, the pain evaporated.

Qilin had come up to Gao Yang. He offered a hand, like he was going to help Gao Yang up.

Gao Yang looked up at Qilin’s towering figure, trembling. His brain was still blank.

“Obey,” Qilin said.

Gao Yang’s blank mind woke up.

So gently, so unlike the pain of being cut and burned; the man’s voice felt like a gentle breeze.

Feeling weak, lowly, timid, inferior as his past self, admiring and trusting the strong, dignified, elegant ones as his past self—the feelings intertwined and hit Gao Yang where he was most tender.

Involuntarily, he reached out to take Qilin’s large, warm hand, slowly rising to his feet.

Standing before the man, Gao Yang was physically intact, yet mentally, he had been tortured and wrecked.

His face was covered in tears from the waves of fear and pain, which transformed into pure gratitude and deference at this moment.

“Admit your guilt, Seven Shadow. I’ll forgive you.”

Gao Yang looked at Qilin like he was God.

And wasn’t he?

I should confess everything to Him. I crave forgiveness, salvation.

Yes, I should do that. I don’t see a reason to defy His will.

In the face of God, I’m so very insignificant, pitiful, and impure.

“I...”

Gao Yang opened his mouth. He was going to confess.

He would tell Qilin that he was sent by the Twelve Zodiac Signs, that he was only tasked with observing the Guild for now, but he could become an actual spy should the two organizations clashed.

But he wasn’t that loyal to the Twelve Zodiac Signs, not really. Everything he did was for himself, his companions, and his family.

And he had Talent: Lucky, which took the form of a system that quantified everything and allowed him to enter the Talent Pantheon. It was thanks to the system that he could comprehend these many Talents...

Ah, most importantly, he had transmigrated into this world at the age of six. He didn’t actually belong here.

I’ll tell you everything, every secret of mine.

Because you’re God, and I want to be saved, be forgiven.

[Warning, you are in extremely great danger.]

[Luck acquisition rate increases to 9000 times.]