Chapter 583: Chu Mo Island (48)
Chapter 583: Chu Mo Island (48)
"I survived the illusions of the Source of Trembling using this very principle", Feng Bu Jue continued, "It's called 'Reverse Guidance.'" He smiled. "Maybe things got a bit 'chaotic' later, which is why Fear's Heart said what it did."
"Alright, forget I asked", Brother Horse turned away.
"I've lost interest too..." Hong Hu added, equally exasperated. Every time he adventured with Feng Bu Jue, his Sanity—a term from the Cthulhu Mythos tabletop game representing spiritual energy or mental stability—plummeted...
Thus, Feng Bu Jue successfully dodged the issue once again. He skillfully shifted topics and led his teammates forward.
This time, the players weren't aimlessly searching anymore. Before its death, Fear's Heart had revealed the path to the Despair Cage.
In truth, the pathways of this Crystal Labyrinth followed a specific pattern hidden within the surrounding crystal columns.
Fear's Heart hadn't revealed the complete rules—only one principle: When encountering branching paths (two or more), stand at the center point between any two side paths. Calculate the distance between the first crystal column on your left and the second on your right, as well as the angle formed by the line connecting these two points relative to the ground. If both values fall within certain ranges, you're on the correct path.
Using this method, even when facing five or more branching paths, one could simply test combinations between pairs.
Currently, Feng Bu Jue, Hong Hu, and Tian Ma Xing Kong followed this pattern as they advanced.
Initially, they moved quickly and smoothly. But after some time, branching paths multiplied, and crystal columns grew denser and more complex, slowing their progress.
This was normal, however. The closer one approached the maze realm's center, the fewer valid paths remained. The center was deliberately designed with numerous maze-like meaningless pathways to confuse intruders.
To make a long story short, this journey lasted over four hours...
During this period, Feng Bu Jue's team stopped once more to eat and faced several monsters. Combat was inevitable, each member paying a price, though no further casualties occurred.
Finally, in the fifth hour...
"I gotta say... this path feels unusually long", Feng Bu Jue remarked, leading at the front.
He had taken primary navigation duties throughout. In this darkness, his advantages—unmatched by others—made him the natural choice.
"I'm starting to doubt if we're even on the right path..." Tian Ma Xing Kong replied listlessly.
Clearly, after long hours of trekking, unannounced terror plots, and multiple grueling combats, Brother Horse's morale had plummeted.
"Could Fear's Heart have tricked us?" Hong Hu mused. "Perhaps it intentionally gave us flawed theory to trap us in circles?"
"We haven't been going in circles", Feng Bu Jue countered calmly, his voice steady. "Along the way—have either of you seen repeating scenery?"
"Not that I recall", Hong Hu responded.
"I can't remember..." Tian Ma Xing Kong added.
Feng Bu Jue didn't need their memories—his own mind was clear. "I've been mentally mapping our route. If I'm not mistaken, our path after killing Fear's Heart has formed a spiral shape." He raised a hand, sketching imaginary spirals in the air. "We're approaching a central point... and we're very close now."
Feng Bu Jue's words always commanded compliance. Despite offering no tangible evidence, trusting his "mental map" alone was enough for his teammates.
Even strategist Hong Hu couldn't deny Mad Bu Jue's unique charisma—the aura of reliability he exuded in adversity.
"Heh... Look what we've found", Feng Bu Jue suddenly said, his flashlight beam catching something ahead. "The universe rewards persistence."
Hearing this, Tian Ma Xing Kong and Hong Hu turned forward. The crystalline ground ahead had abruptly ended.
After advancing another ten meters, they reached the path's terminus—a massive pit spanning dozens of meters. Towering crystal columns encircled its rim, while the center plunged into darkness.
"Ah... My flashlight can't reach the bottom", Feng Bu Jue muttered, raising his arm to punch a nearby crystal column.
Instantly, he picked up a fallen shard and tossed it into the abyss.
Whoosh—
The crystal's descent echoed... then silence.
"Woah~ Bottomless pit!" Tian Ma Xing Kong leaned forward, hands on knees peering down.
"That's right", Feng Bu Jue quipped, "and Earth-rending Madame's already waiting down there—the Golden-nosed White-furred Rat Spirit from Journey to the West. I'm practically vibrating with excitement~"
"'~' again with your weird catchphrases..." Hong Hu twitched. "Remember—ji bu's gone. We might not get your jokes anymore. Keep this up, and we'll just assume you're talking to yourself."
"Heh... Fine", Feng Bu Jue shrugged. "Either way, I'll go down first." He stepped back, preparing to leap.
【Current Task Completed】
【Main Quest Updated】
At that moment, two consecutive system prompts interrupted Feng Bu Jue's actions.
Each player opened their game menu, checking the task bar to find 【Arrived at Despair Cage】 already checked off.
The new quest beneath read: 【Find the Method to Open the Prison】
"What's this mean?" Tian Ma Xing Kong frowned. "This is just a pit with no lid... How do we 'open' it?"
"Perhaps... Despair Cage isn't the pit itself, but located somewhere beneath it", Hong Hu hypothesized.
Feng Bu Jue simply said, "Either way, I'll go down and see."
"No need", a sudden unfamiliar voice interrupted.
Simultaneously, a hand landed on Feng Bu Jue's shoulder.
"I'll open it for you, otherworld travelers", the voice continued, stepping from the shadows into view.
(End of Chapter)
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