RCQT Chapter 68

After uttering those words, Zong Xinjue felt a lightness in his heart. The emotions that had been stuck in his chest seemed to have found an outlet, and they all poured out at once. With a starting point, it became much easier to express the subsequent words.

Seeing Chu Qianze about to speak, Zong Xinjue raised his hand to stop him:

“Don’t speak in haste. Let me finish everything first, or there might not be another chance later.”

Chu Qianze didn’t have the courage to object.

Seeing his determination, Chu Qianze nodded and said, “Go ahead.”

Taking a deep breath to calm himself, Zong Xinjue leaned back slightly in his chair. He picked up the wine jug again, poured a glass for himself, took a small sip, and then continued to speak.

“Do you remember that Lantern Festival? I ran into an acquaintance, a junior from the past. He invited me to have a meal, and you helped me decline. At that time, you probably sensed something off with my emotions but didn’t say anything. Instead, you just took me on a wild ride—guessing riddles, admiring lanterns… The scenery was beautiful back then, quite unforgettable. But, I feel like you outshone even those views. Perhaps, in the future, I might forget that Lantern Festival, but I won’t forget you.”

“I initially thought it was just an accident, and with time, I might forget about it. I didn’t pay much attention to it. But the longer I spend time with you, the more intense this feeling becomes. Now, thinking about it, I realize that was just an excuse. This feeling is quite strong, and compared to it, even this wine seems dull.”

“I don’t know if your guard is too low, or if your significant other is too trusting. During the time we’ve spent together, I haven’t seen any messages from your lover. I don’t want to delve too much into your personal matters, but if you want to continue, I suggest being more cautious. After all… you are more alluring than you imagine.”

Zong Xinjue raised a wry smile, took a deep breath with lowered eyes, and said, “Actually, I appreciate that you mentioned having a lover from the beginning. It at least keeps me clear-headed.”

“We agreed to complete the mission together, and now that it’s done, we don’t need any further involvement. Now that you know, the me who partnered with you on this mission had certain feelings for you. I probably won’t want to keep in touch.”

With that, he lifted his glass and emptied it in one gulp. After taking a deep breath, he rambled on, a mess of words that Zong Xinjue himself wasn’t sure about. He had mentally drafted some of the things he wanted to say beforehand, but when the moment came, his actions were quicker than his thoughts. By the time he realized what he had said, he had already gone beyond the scope of his mental drafts.

It had been a long time since he spoke so much, but he had to admit that expressing his feelings had significantly lifted his mood.

Finally free from restraint, he could openly reveal his emotions.

“Although I’m reluctant, I still wish you and your lover all the best, to stay together always.”

The contents of the jug were finally emptied, a lingering aftertaste remained, and Zong Xinjue finally mustered the courage to lift his eyes and look at the person across from him.

What would his expression be?

Surprise, shock, anger, or disgust…

As the alcohol surged, the reaction was more intense than imagined. The fumes made the head feel hot, and vision blurred, making things hard to see clearly.

Or was it just the alcohol, making Chu Qianze’s gaze seem gentle?

Zongx Xinjue felt like he was probably drunk.

Chu Qianze had been silently listening to this person’s monologue.

As he drank and spoke, it was evident that Zong Xinjue didn’t often talk so much. He appeared a bit awkward, but he was earnestly expressing his feelings.

When he heard the last words of blessing, Chu Qianze felt like his heart was melting.

He raised his hand to touch the person’s face, but he evaded it. He was briefly surprised, didn’t insist, and instead poured a cup of tea beside him. “You drank all that alcohol, and you don’t feel uncomfortable?” he asked gently.

“Uncomfortable? I’m feeling great,” Zong Xinjue mumbled, a bit dizzy and letting out a hiccup. He felt like the room was starting to spin.

“Live a happier life. My withdrawal will be more meaningful that way. Who is your lover anyway? Keeping it so secretive, not letting anyone see. Who’s so lucky to have you… If I had met you earlier, I would have definitely, absolutely…”

Damn it, the more he thought about it, the more frustrated he became.

“I’m talking about my lover, and that’s you.” Chu Qianze propped his chin up, watching as the person swayed back and forth like a tipsy toy.

“What are you saying?” Zong Xinjue didn’t quite catch it. His head felt dizzy, and he was a bit tongue-tied.

“My lover is you,” Chu Qianze patiently repeated.

“Haha,” Zong Xinjue laughed, losing the seriousness of before, his face lively.

“I must be dreaming again. Why am I dreaming at a time like this, and it feels so real?”

Sighing, Chu Qianze felt a bit helpless.

He stood up and approached Zong Xinjue, leaning in to meet his gaze, speaking earnestly. “You’re not dreaming; this is real.”

“Haha, as expected… it’s still that line. No matter how many times it’s repeated, it can’t change the truth…” Zong Xinjue half-closed his eyes, a touch of self-mockery in his expression. The figure of the person he longed for swayed before his eyes, shrouded in a haze.

Faster than his brain could process, Zong Xinjue directly embraced the person and refused to let go. “Don’t move! It’s too blurry; I can’t see you clearly. Let’s forget about reality for now. At least in dreams, you have to listen to me.”

Chu Qianze felt warm, and his muscles were elastic, making the embrace quite comfortable.

Allowing the other to bury their head in his chest, Chu Qianze chuckled. “I haven’t moved at all. What kind of dreams do you usually have?”

“Dreams… like now, holding you like this,” Zong Xinjue lifted his head, resting his chin on Chu Qianze’s abdomen. The alcohol irritated his throat, making his voice hoarse.

“We kiss, in many places, I’ll take off your clothes, and then we make love passionately,” he said, then chuckled lightly, his eyes shimmering with a hint of moisture.

As beautiful as dreams can be, the contrast upon waking up is quite profound.

“I used to think those online love stories were all fake. How could anyone love to the point of life and death, resorting to drowning sorrows in alcohol? It’s too stupid, overly dramatic. But turns out, I’m even more cowardly than them. I didn’t dare to fight for it, just afraid of making you angry or causing any impact. Talking about blessings and damn exits. I should’ve taken the initiative with you…” As he spoke, Zong Xinjue’s grip around the man tightened a bit more.

After drinking, Zong Xinjue became much more lively. If he was usually reserved, not uttering a word for a long time, now he was like a pot of boiling water, transforming from a closed bud to a soft blossom, unable to hide anything.

Chu Qianze lifted him up and sat on a nearby chair, placing Zong Xinjue on his lap.

“Do you want to be on top of me?” Chu Qianze asked.

Zong Xinjue narrowed his eyes, placing one hand on the back of Chu Qianze’s head, and asked in a low voice, “Can I?”

After saying that, he paused for a moment. “I’ve been on the bottom so many times; I want to try the feeling of being on top.”

Really, why, in a dream, was he still the one on the bottom?

After a while, he added, “Forget it, this is fine. Just stay like this with me, and the rest doesn’t matter.”

With a gentle chuckle, Chu Qianze lifted him up a bit. “Tell me first, where are we right now?”

“Dreaming,” he replied.

Zong Xinjue lowered his head, and their foreheads touched. This position tightened the black tight-fitting shirt, highlighting the well-defined chest muscles. “I can only talk to you like this in dreams. Being this gentle, I guess it’s only here that I can see it…”

“I see you paying attention here. Want to feel it?” Zong Xinjue chuckled, took Chu Qianze’s hand, and pointed to a protruding area on his chest.

With regular exercise every day, he was confident in his physique.

“Feel free to touch, for as long as you want.”

Chu Qianze’s eyes darkened, and he looked at Zong Xinjue, who was smiling unknowingly.

He pushed part of the table aside, then directly pushed Zong Xinjue onto it.

Zong Xinjue half-lay on the table, feeling a bit dazed but still unwilling to let go of Chu Qianze.

“I really want to know what’s going on in that little head of yours…” Chu Qianze whispered softly and indulgently into his ear.

“Am I not obvious enough? Besides you, who else do I care about so much?”

Seeing that Zong Xinjue was not making a move, Chu Qianze spoke by his ear, and Zong Xinjue became a bit impatient. “What are we discussing? Too slow. If you can’t, let me handle it.”

Without saying a word, Chu Qianze lowered his head and bit the spot Zong Xinjue had pointed to earlier.

“Ah—” Zong Xinjue grabbed onto him, feeling a bit dizzy.

For a moment, Zong Xinjue couldn’t distinguish between day and night, feeling disoriented. What was he doing? Where was he now?

There were faint signs of rationality returning, but he hesitated to fully regain it, hanging in a state between life and death, which was quite unsettling.

Gradually realizing that something was wrong, Zong Xinjue placed a hand on the other’s shoulder, attempting to push him away.

“Wait, just wait a— ”

Without giving him a chance to speak, Chu Qianze pressed down on Zong Xinjue’s head and kissed him.

An arrow flew through the window, penetrating the glass and embedding itself into the wall. The broken glass made a crisp sound as it scattered and fell, heading toward the two.

Chu Qianze lifted his eyelids, using one hand to shield Zong Xinjue in his embrace. Mechanical wings unfolded from his back in an instant, enveloping both of them.

The glass fell onto the mechanical wings, but the metal blades effortlessly sliced through them, diverting the shards in different directions.

“Listen up, the mechanic inside! This entire building is surrounded by us. If you surrender and come out obediently, I might let you live a little longer!” The arrogant voice echoed from outside, its tone fluctuating with a sense of disdain.

A panel automatically popped up, displaying a new mission. The continuously flashing red light emphasized the difficulty of the mission.

[Hunt of the Sacrifice]

[Due to unknown reasons, your identity as a mechanic has been exposed, and agents of the Sacrifice are sent to capture you. Time is of the essence; please find ways to escape. Successfully evading pursuit will be considered a mission success.]

Seeing the sudden appearance of the panel, Chu Qianze’s movements paused. He braced one hand on the table, his lips still entwined with Zong Xinjue’s.

A hint of bloodshot appeared in his eyes, and his whole demeanor became more imposing, slightly intimidating.

The panel continued to emit flashes of light, while the voice below kept shouting.

“Listen, mechanic inside! Surrender peacefully and come out. If you don’t, we won’t be polite!”

Releasing Zong Xinjue, Chu Qianze closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and then opened his eyes to look at the person in his arms.

“Are you sober now?”

Due to the effects of alcohol, there was a hint of redness on Zong Xinjue’s cheekbones. He pursed his lips and replied, “Awake.”

“Good. Now, let me say it again. Besides you, I have no other lovers. You are my lover, and you will be the only one.” Chu Qianze lowered his head and spoke seriously to Zong Xinjue.

“Do you understand?”

Seeing that Zong Xinjue didn’t respond, Chu Qianze repeated, “Do you understand? Make a sound if you do.”

Various emotions intertwined, causing facial expression management to go on strike. Unsure of what expression to put on, Zong Xinjue stiffly said, “I understand.”

“Good,” Chu Qianze nodded in satisfaction. He was about to say something when the person below started shouting again.

“Mechanic upstairs, I’ll count to three. If you don’t come out, we’ll come up and get you!” The commander continued to yell.

Chu Qianze couldn’t stand it anymore. Was this person crazy? Disturbing people while they’re in love could incur divine punishment!

“Stay here for now. I’ll go down and take a look. As for the rest, we’ll talk in detail when we have time.”

Chu Qianze patted Zong Xinjue’s head, softening his tone.

“I’ll come with you.” Zong Xinjue pushed himself up from the table, adjusted his equipment, and tried to ignore the peculiar sensations in his chest. He slapped his face to get himself back in shape.

Several arrows flew in through the window.

“Come with me?” The mechanical wings on Chu Qianze’s back moved, swatting the arrows away.

“Yeah, we just got a mission. Take a look.” Zong Xinjue shared the panel with Chu Qianze.

“Help the mechanic overcome the difficulties?” Chu Qianze found the mission quite interesting.

“Maybe because we’re in a team, it directly linked us to this mission,” Zong Xinjue analyzed. By now, the warmth on his face had subsided, leaving only the adjustment to a combat-ready state.

“Then let’s go down together,” Chu Qianze said, lifting his hand to embrace Zong Xinjue.

“??!”

Just as his heartbeat had settled, it became uncontrollable again—this person was truly maddening!

“What are you doing?”

“Taking you down with me. Are you planning to use the stairs openly? Won’t that make you an easy target?” Chu Qianze raised an eyebrow.

“Do you have a plan?” Zong Xinjue asked, desperately trying to motivate himself. It wasn’t the time to be distracted; the situation was critical, and he couldn’t afford any mistakes.

“Just fly out directly.” The mechanical wings on Chu Qianze’s back fluttered a few times, as if preparing for takeoff.

“Remember to use the shield to cover yourself.”

“The size of the giant shield should be enough to cover both of us. I’ll take care of defense and make sure you don’t get hurt,” Zong Xinjue responded.

Hmm?

Chu Qianze corrected, “Not us, but to cover yourself.”

Zong Xinjue paused in adjusting the giant shield and felt like he had misunderstood. “What did you say?”

Chu Qianze: “Aren’t you one hundred percent pain-sensitive? Protect yourself and don’t get hurt. I can handle it myself.”

At that moment, several arrows flew in through the window, and Zongxin used the giant shield to swat them away. However, he didn’t respond to Chu Qianze’s words.

According to Zong Xinjue’s thinking, there was no guarantee in situations like this. If something happened to Chu Qianze, he wouldn’t sit idly by.

“If you get hurt, I’ll…I’ll bite that part of yours until it swells.” Chu Qianze casually threatened.

Zong Xinjue’s expression stiffened, and he gripped Chu Qianze’s neck with force. “D-Don’t joke about that!”

“I’m not joking; I mean what I say.”

“One!!” The person below lost patience and signaled the others to rush upstairs.

Chu Qianze clicked his tongue. “Get ready; we’re going down.”

In the next moment, he took a step forward, holding Zong Xinjue flew out of the window.

The mechanical wings folded, and they spun in the air, directly blocking several arrows that were coming towards them.

With his wings spread open, Chu Qianze glided through the air, swiftly flying outward.

The commanding officer below, upon seeing this, cursed and quickly ordered his subordinates, “What are you standing around for? Hurry up and follow! Faster, faster! The Sacrifice has given the order; we must eliminate him!!!”

The guards organized themselves and dispersed, pursuing Chu Qianze through different routes.

“Archers, prepare!!” the commander shouted.

In the next moment, countless arrows were launched into the air, forming a parabolic trajectory and heading straight toward Chu Qianze.

The wings flapped, moving downward slightly to evade some of the incoming attacks from behind.

Zong Xinjue utilized the skills of a shield warrior, using one hand to support the giant shield and deflecting all the arrows.

In the sky, there were also flying birds accompanying them, and on their backs stood people. These were members of the department responsible for breeding flying animals in the city, engaged in capturing operations.

The flying birds were swift, and the distance between Chu Qianze and them was gradually narrowing.

The commotion in the main city attracted the attention of the crowd.

“What is that? Did an important plot event occur? NPC battle?”

“Is your eyesight okay? Didn’t you see? The one being chased in front is a player!”

“Damn, what’s going on? The one giving commands in the back seems to be from the Central Hall. It looks like someone under the Sacrificer. Didn’t we just listen to the Sacrificer’s orders? Who’s the big shot that provoked these individuals?”

“It’s over, it’s over. Come on, big shot!!”

“Can someone give an explanation?”

“I was having a meal when I saw a group of people surrounding the restaurant, shouting for some mechanic to come out. I’m done talking; I just triggered a restaurant cleanup mission. I’ll continue with my mission. Please @ me if there are updates.”

Players were exchanging information on the public screen. At this moment, an announcement appeared on the panel.

[The Central Hall is currently conducting a city-wide manhunt. Please be careful and avoid hindering official duties. Flying in the air, fighting, and moving at speeds exceeding normal levels are prohibited. Thank you for your cooperation.]

“What does this mean?” one person asked.

The public channel, silent for a second, suddenly began flooding with messages.

“Anyone want to check it out?”

“Count me in! Who the heck is this, I’m still trying to chat with the innkeeper for a quest, and he’s already in contact with the High Priest and is city-wide wanted? Is this really a game? Can we go apprentice now?”

“Wisteria, did you see that person’s skill just now? It was so cool! What class is that? I want to switch!”

“Upstairs; it’s not in the class manual. Probably a hidden class. You can’t force it; it depends on your luck.”

“The player in front is about to leave the city! Everyone, be careful!”

“If he leaves the city, the pursuit should be over, right?”

“You never know; this might just be the beginning.”

Chu Qianze checked his remaining stamina and realized it wasn’t much. Just as he was about to take out a potion, someone appeared in front of him.

“I think your stamina should be depleted by now. Take some of this.” Zong Xinjue held a potion in his hand, keeping an eye on their surroundings and staying vigilant against potential attacks.

Upon using the potion, Chu Qianze’s stamina began to recover.

They arrived at the main city wall.

On top of the city wall, soldiers were crouched, each loophole equipped with sharp bows and crossbows gleaming menacingly in the sunlight.

During this pause, the commanding officer caught up with them from behind.

The flying birds hovered in the air, observing the two individuals with a watchful eye.

Sweeping his gaze around, Chu Qianze lowered his head and asked, “Are you ready?”

Unlocking the crossbow that had been hidden for a sneak attack, Zong Xinjue glanced at him and replied confidently, “Of course.”

The impending battle was about to begin!

 

 

 

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