The fellow spoke with a malevolence that instilled unease.
"No, this is too terrifying. Who are these people?"
Chen Xue shivered uncontrollably, never dreaming she would face such a powerful organization, one that might very well end her life. Regardless, she had to survive.
Only by living could she find her life's direction and strength. As these dreadful thoughts constantly surfaced, a power that inspired awe and dread also appeared before her. Time itself seemed to shift like a fleeting dream.
And what everyone sought gradually vanished. Eventually, these lost things would resurface, replicating the conflicts and bloodshed that had already occurred.
Despite technological advancements, human thought had not progressed. They were constantly engaged in slaughter and conflict. The darkness of human nature, forever intertwined with its own shadow, relentlessly advanced.
"What a despairing world this is!"
An unprecedentedly dark expression appeared on his face. It was this darkness that made normal people abnormal, and those who sought clarity utterly confused.
"This damned world, I hate it to death. I wish it would be utterly destroyed."
The dark figures standing before him were elites from the black-clad faction. Bai's words were perhaps a reflection of the somber nature of these individuals, whose very existence seemed dedicated to destruction.
The black-clad society members naturally approached the world with extreme ideas. They were a group posing the greatest threat to this world, harboring apocalyptic sentiments.
Perhaps in their eyes, the world was destined to perish like the dinosaurs or trilobites. Humanity, too, was on the brink of collapse, heading towards its end. With such apocalyptic beliefs, it was natural to feel that the world held no hope and was doomed to destruction anyway, so why not hasten its demise oneself?
"You people from the Black-Clad Society are truly disappointing. Whatever you think or do, the first rule is not to cross me. As for what you want to do, go ahead, just don't let me see it. If I see it, I will intervene. I've heard the Black-Clad Society is incredibly powerful. I wish to face you today."
Ye Tiancheng looked at their expressions, which seemed inherently wicked. Perhaps one day he too would become like them, a figure cloaked in darkness. But what of it? He would do what he wanted, unconcerned with life, death, or destruction.
"In reality, we are all the same. Eventually, we will all head towards that place..."
When these words were spoken, no one believed them, nor would they let others believe them. In short, this world was likely to deceive you.
"We have always been in conflict. Evil and light are brothers, yet natural enemies, destined to destroy each other. Since the birth of heaven and earth, they have been in constant struggle. After hundreds of millions of years, neither has subdued the other... Don't you find your propaganda of justice to be utterly laughable?"
The leader of the black-clad figures mocked him. Hearing this, Ye Tiancheng laughed heartily, as if agreeing with his sentiment.
"Yes, you are right. Some things are just like that. But we, the so-called righteous, must still raise this banner. Even though our strength is waning, we must still proclaim justice. In truth, they do not preach justice; they merely use justice as a guise to engage in debauchery and corruption. I am accustomed to it. Therefore, one day, I too will be like you. I will ascend to the heavenly court and drag the Jade Emperor from his throne..."
"Hahahaha, truly a kindred spirit. However, I am headed towards destruction, while you are headed towards hope."
The leader of the black-clad figures smiled faintly. "Therefore, we are enemies by nature. Regardless of whether what you do is right or wrong, we do not wish to inquire. What we most want to inquire about is how to twist your head off. In our world, anyone who blocks our path is our enemy. Don't you agree? You will surely block our path, hence this present conspiracy."
These words made Chen Xue feel as if needles were pricking her back. This fellow was truly adept at sowing discord and betraying people. The fact that they had captured Luo Da and specifically demanded Ye Tiancheng to rescue the hostage meant this was inherently a trap.
The Chen siblings had not informed Ye Tiancheng earlier, fearing he would refuse to come if he knew. Thus, they had told him nothing.
At this moment, Ye Tiancheng realized he had fallen into their trap. However, he felt it was no big deal, as he would eventually become incredibly powerful and gain control over everything he couldn't currently manage.
"Even though things may become dire someday, I still believe I have the ability to control everything, even when the situation becomes extremely serious."
As he spoke, an expression that was truly detestable appeared on his face.
It was this detestable expression that led to the subsequent events, which were constantly filled with sorrow and dread.
For dark clouds appeared in the sky, engulfing everything. This place was no longer as bright as it used to be.
The darkness that enveloped everything was like death itself. This feeling was far from pleasant.
"I don't know why, but I always feel like I've been deceived. As this feeling intensifies, my thoughts become increasingly terrifying."
"It would be good if you truly understood this, but I believe you don't, because in your heart, you always put yourself first, and others second."
"If a man does not strive for himself, heaven and earth will destroy him. What's wrong with being selfish? Is anyone in this world not selfish? When people claim to strive for someone, they are merely waving a banner of righteousness while committing their own unspeakable, dirty deeds."
The leader of the black-clad figures mocked Ye Tiancheng, viewing him as a hypocritical and cunning villain. In this world, where truth and falsehood were so blurred, who could truly distinguish between them?
"Those issues are no longer issues. The ultimate issue is that I must fight you to the death. In this world, whoever wins becomes the boss. Whoever loses is a defeated bandit, as the saying goes. Of course, you people from the Black-Green Society are destined to be the defeated bandits, while I, Ye Tiancheng, will do as I please. I am a truly formidable figure."
"Then enough talk. Take this, my most powerful move."
With that, his entire being became ferocious. The savage aura emanating from him grew stronger and stronger, making him seem almost insurmountable. Perhaps sometimes, thinking too perfectly of oneself leads to imperfection. The only way out of an inescapable situation is death.
No one wanted to die in this inexplicable place. The desire to become stronger constantly surged within him.
It was like bullets, constantly impacting his heart. Perhaps the greatest danger is the one you cannot perceive.
In the darkness, a vast, unseen arm slowly extended towards Ye Tiancheng. This powerful force signaled to Ye Tiancheng that he was doomed.
But he would never allow himself to make such a mistake. He would absolutely not permit such a thing to happen before him. What he wanted to achieve was what others could not; the goals he aimed for were also beyond others' reach. These black-clad figures continued to surround him with black smoke, and a smell of death permeated the air.
So, they used the aura of the dead for their cultivation.
If explained too clearly, it would undoubtedly have a direct connection to figures like Hei Wuchang and Bai Wuchang, the specters of the underworld.
Therefore, what Ye Tiancheng had suspected was now proven: Hei Wuchang and his ilk were definitely not good people. Just as they portrayed themselves, these individuals were truly skilled actors, appearing impeccable before their organization.
When their organization wasn't watching, they engaged in unspeakable deeds.
There was nothing strange about this. Hei Wuchang and his ilk had become corrupt and decadent. They would no longer walk towards the light. Those who were already accustomed to darkness could never find their way to the path of light. They constantly shouted about light, but would never do anything that truly harmed their interests.
Ye Tiancheng didn't know when he had started to dislike this world. Perhaps it was because too much time had passed, and the actions of those who preached on the surface were too inconsistent with their words, leading him to resent the world.
Those who could comprehend went with the flow. Those who couldn't went against the current, always searching for their own elusive utopia. This was the world that those who went against the current pursued. Those who went with the flow knew they couldn't change things, so they resigned themselves to blending into this muddled world, living as long as they could. They were unable to resist this world and could only accept everything it offered.
"Perhaps you feel this world is beyond saving, yet you still choose to believe in your own path. Whether it's darkness or light, it's the path you choose. Therefore, the consequences of choosing a path and acting accordingly are yours to bear. Wicked people are detested by gods and men alike, but what about good people?"