“Leader, it’s time.”
Yuan Guang’s place with the widest view was the rear cliff Shi Deng had brought them to last time.
Right now, for Shi Deng’s birthday, this place had completely transformed. Uneven ground had all been leveled. Rocks became natural stools and tables.
Atop them—birthday cake and delicious pastries.
Yuan Ting and the other two, plus Xiao Deng and Chi Yu, all sensed Shi Deng was somewhat gloomy.
Xiao Deng: “Should we wait a bit more for Shi-ge?”
The earlier uneasy palpitations had disappeared. Shi Deng pressed his lips. “No need. Let’s begin.”
Chi Yu raised an eyebrow, thinking as expected—he’s angry.
Who knows what that guy needed to buy that required preparing for so long.
The young leader sat in his wheelchair, raising his hand slightly.
Uncle Fu nodded.
He pulled out a button from his pocket and pressed it. Fireworks’ flowing light soared into the sky. One second before they bloomed, the youth heard someone behind him call his name.
“Shi Deng.”
Shi Deng’s eyes instantly brightened. He turned to look.
His future stood not far behind him, cradling a bouquet of sunflowers. His other hand held a glass bottle filled with green stars.
The young man’s breathing was somewhat ragged—clearly he’d rushed over.
Bang bang bang—
Brilliant fireworks like flowing gold opened brilliant blossoms across the night sky.
Scattered sparks burned out their last traces of light. The scenery below the cliff was illuminated in flickering brightness. One cluster of sparks exhausted, immediately followed by the next firework.
The young man’s deep blue pupils reflected the fireworks at the sky’s edge. He approached, stuffing the glass bottle into Shi Deng’s arms, then crouched down, presenting the flowers before him. “Happy birthday. I made it for the fireworks ceremony.”
“Happy birthday—”
“Shi Deng, happy birthday!”
“Every year from now on, be happy!”
Joyful blessing voices rang out. Uncle Fu cheerfully lit sparklers. Chi Yu pushed over the small cart with the cake, lighting candles. “Make a wish?”
Right now, Shi Deng really wanted to see what gift Shi-ge had given him in his arms. This was Shi-ge’s first time seriously preparing a gift for him. And this bouquet of flowers.
Shi-ge went out so long—just to buy him a bouquet?
Xiao Deng: “Make a wish, make a wish!”
Shi Deng coughed. “Alright then.”
The youth closed his eyes. Behind him, fireworks blazed brilliantly. Candlelight reflected on his still-youthful features. He spoke a wish that sounded most ordinary yet easiest to achieve.
“I wish from now on—every year have this day, every age have this morning.”
Chi Yu: “Hey, why’d you say it aloud? If you say it, it won’t come true.”
Shi Deng raised an eyebrow. “If I say it’ll come true, it will.”
Xiao Deng: “Eww~”
Shi Deng raised his hand, smearing the cake’s edge, then with lightning speed wiped it on Xiao Deng’s nose. Immediately wheeling himself behind Shi-ge to hide, poking out his head. “Like a little clown cat.”
Xiao Deng froze.
“Shi! Deng!”
The child got angry, charging over with bared teeth and claws.
Shi-ge helplessly covered his face.
The scene instantly became chaotic. A perfectly good cake—barely eaten—was thoroughly ruined.
The rear cliff filled with joyful atmosphere.
Everyone knew—tomorrow Yuan Marrow would be transported to sea. Three days later, Yuan Marrow’s energy would vanish. A great disaster was inevitable.
Yet they all selectively forgot this matter.
Behind them, fireworks dazzling and brilliant. Shi Deng quietly tugged Shi-ge’s clothing. The latter turned his head, asking softly, “What’s wrong?”
Shi Deng passed over a bottle of orange juice. “Ge, you went out so long—just to buy me a bouquet.”
Shi-ge: “Near Tiangu training base, the sunflowers—that flower shop has only one supply source. I remember you like the flower field behind the training base.”
He saw the youth’s brows seemed conflicted. Asked, “What’s wrong?”
This bouquet was just an accompanying gift. What he truly wanted to give was all in the glass bottle.
Shi Deng said quietly, “I wanted to give you flowers. You beat me to it.”
Shi-ge paused, patting his head. “Then I’ll owe you. Give them later.”
Shi Deng: “Alright then.”
Shi Deng raised the glass bottle before his eyes, only then discovering those green stars were woven from reed leaves, with very strange Yellow Springs aura fluctuations.
“What is this?”
Shi-ge: “Perhaps a bit of selfishness.”
Shi Deng made an acknowledging sound, even more curious now.
That night after the birthday ended, Shi Deng examined them in his room for ages but still couldn’t figure out what mystery these green woven stars held.
He temporarily gave up, inserting Shi-ge’s sunflowers into a vase. Whenever they showed signs of wilting, he’d use time reversal to return the flowers to their blooming state.
…
The next day.
Yuan Ting and the other two, plus Chi Yu, bid Shi Deng farewell.
They were part of the team escorting Yuan Marrow to sea. This departure, they’d directly rendezvous with the team in D City, then together head to the coastal Shenhu City.
Before leaving, Chi Yu deliberately avoided Shi Deng, seeking out Shi-ge.
“You still have things you haven’t told me. You’re the future. If the present changes this time, will you still exist?”
Shi-ge chuckled lightly. “You’re that certain it’ll change?”
Chi Yu’s eyes were deep. He tapped his own heart. “This tells me so.”
Intuition.
Shi-ge’s smile faded somewhat. After a long time, he said, “Shi Deng is still young. He…”
The rest of his words disappeared into the wind. Chi Yu didn’t hear.
…
Yuan Marrow couldn’t be transferred using abilities. Normal transport vehicles couldn’t withstand its overflowing energy.
When the escort team approached Shenhu City, they briefly stopped to rest.
For three days, Chi Yu couldn’t stop replaying that moment—Shi-ge’s words trailing off into nothing. The more it gnawed at him, the more irritated he became. He seriously wanted to fly back just to punch that bastard. Leaving people hanging mid-sentence deserved a beating.
Because Tiangu received advance notice this time, Shenhu City residents had already been secretly transferred. Publicly, it was just for Yuan Marrow escort convenience.
Everyone understood the gravity, so they packed up and left Shenhu City for temporary residences.
Right now in Shenhu City—only ability users were standing ready.
According to the time Shi Deng provided, Yuan Marrow would completely fail at exactly seven o’clock in the evening.
…
17:45:16
Yuan Guang.
Shi Deng ultimately still couldn’t figure out what was special about those green stars. Giving up, he placed the glass bottle on the table.
Today was when Yuan Marrow would fail.
In past retrogrades, every time this day arrived, he’d be extremely anxious—worried his schemes wouldn’t succeed, terrified of watching friends die before his eyes again.
But this time, his heart was exceptionally calm.
The contamination qi accumulated at his heart was already sufficient. He had absolute confidence he could suppress ‘Yuan.’
He wouldn’t let anyone leave again.
He could protect everyone he cared about.
The youth’s mood was cheerful. Tonight’s dinner was also eaten early. He sat in his wheelchair, serving food to Shi-ge and Xiao Deng. “Eat more.”
Xiao Deng had questions. “Shi Deng, we’re not doing anything this time?”
Shi Deng: “We’re all together. Isn’t that nice?”
Xiao Deng: “It is nice. I like being with you all. If we just let nature take its course this time, when I return to the past, will I remember you?”
Shi Deng smiled, avoiding the question. “Eat.”
Xiao Deng obediently made an acknowledging sound, eating the food Shi Deng had served him.
Shi-ge lowered his eyes.
Uncle Fu was rarely quiet, silently sighing.
18:10:17
The smile vanished from Shi Deng’s face. He picked up the napkin from the table edge, wiping his lips.
He glanced at Shi-ge and Xiao Deng, already unconscious. Raising his hand, time chains climbed up in a blink, binding both tightly.
Uncle Fu: “The sedative works very well, Leader. Rest assured.”
Shi Deng: “Mm.”
If possible, he’d prefer transforming Shi-ge and Xiao Deng into energy forms contained in Yellow Springs. But what he needed to do next required using Yellow Springs. If Shi-ge and Xiao Deng were inside, there’d be risks.
He refused to let them face even the slightest danger.
Shi Deng: “Uncle Fu, will you blame me?”
Uncle Fu’s eyes showed loving affection. How could he blame this child he’d always watched over? “Leader, whatever you want to do, just do it. I’ll watch those two.”
“Leader only needs to know one thing—no matter where you are, I’ll find you and provide whatever help I can.”
“Xiao Deng was right. The more retrogrades, the more I seem to soften.”
The youth braced the wheelchair’s sides, slowly standing. He refused Uncle Fu’s support, step by step walking to Xiao Deng, extending his hand to touch his face.
The child slept deeply, peacefully.
Sensing Shi Deng’s approach, he even pressed his head up, unconsciously nuzzling Shi Deng’s palm.
“Don’t want Xiao Deng to suffer anymore. Shi-ge will take good care of him.”
The youth murmured.
His training results were good. By the time he reached Shi-ge, he’d already exceeded ten steps.
Just this time, he only softly called two words to Shi-ge: “Shi Deng.”
The youth smoothed the long hair by his ear. “I’ll leave them to you from now on.”
He watched for a long time before waving his hand. Shi-ge and Xiao Deng vanished from the spot, each appearing on beds in their respective rooms.
18:47:19
The youth used his ability. His walking posture subtly changed—more upright and natural.
He wore only an ordinary black coat. Even with gray-white hair, both sides had several thin braids woven with small bells dangling. His heterochromatic eyes weren’t particularly concealed. Actually quite beautiful.
The youth pushed open the door, tilting his head slightly. “Uncle Fu, I’m going.”
Uncle Fu stood in the dining table’s shadows, smiling and nodding, same as always. “Come back early.”
The door gently closed.
Uncle Fu’s smile faded. The old man gazed toward the window, removing his reading glasses to wipe them.
Outside, thick clouds rolled. Muffled thunder rumbled continuously.
Each time, it never lasted until rain fell before time retrograded.
Wonder if this time, this rain could actually fall.
He’d just wait.
18:48:56
Underground Yuan Guang.
The black mist locked by time chains was already roiling restlessly. Surrounding chains faintly showed cracks appearing, trembling endlessly.
Clearly, it was extremely anticipatory, extremely excited about what was coming.
Shi Deng appeared here timing it perfectly, expressionlessly raising his hand to add another layer of chains to Yuan. “Noisy thing.”
Yuan transformed into the previous leader’s appearance—black hair, black eyes. A cold smile floated on his pale face. He comfortably tugged the chains, opening his mouth. “Noisy? Shi Deng, I hope when you beg for mercy soon, you can endure not making a sound.”
“Where’s that Shi-ge of yours? After killing you, I’ll go kill him.”
Shi Deng: “Forgotten what being a dog tastes like?”
Yuan’s expression darkened, then he laughed. “Reminded me. Can’t let you die too quickly later. I’ll strip your clothes, sever your tendons, make you crawl out of Yuan Guang, let everyone see who’s the dog.”
His form suddenly drifted closer. Chains stretched to their limit, barely stopping him right before Shi Deng.
Their faces were extremely close.
Shi Deng remained unmoved, calm as stone.
Yuan’s malicious voice lingered by his ear. “Thinking back, when you first knelt at my feet, base as mud—I should’ve had this body kill you then.”
Shi Deng said faintly, “Shenhu City is a good place, near the sea. This time I won’t retrograde time. You’ll be buried there.”
Over time, his temper retreated inward. His speech had taken on Shi-ge’s quality—that deceptive calm, delivering threats so casually they chilled the blood.
Yuan narrowed his eyes, momentarily hesitant.
Originally it intended to kill Shi Deng before he retrograded time. But now this cunning human said he didn’t want to retrograde anymore. Could there really be other plans?
But this hesitation was quickly dismissed.
Besides Yuan Marrow, nothing else in this world could suppress it. Once Yuan Marrow vanished, its power would surge. Breaking free from restraints was inevitable.
Three minutes before seven o’clock, underground contamination qi gradually boiled.
Shi Deng suddenly clutched his heart, groaning. Cold sweat drenched him. He half-knelt down.
His heart area dispersed a trace of scent extremely fragrant to Yuan. Yuan made a surprised sound. “Contamination’s aura. You have contamination in your body?”
Wisps and threads of contamination qi overflowed from the youth’s heart, mingled with traces of bloody scent, carrying his own ability, flowing into Yuan’s body—becoming excellent fodder.
Yuan greedily devoured this fodder.
The youth’s complexion grew increasingly pale. He seemed unable to believe his body would suddenly become like this. He murmured lowly, “I only… absorbed black mist from a few contaminated humans…”
Yuan froze, then roared with laughter. “Foolish! Coming to see me with contamination qi on you—like a sheep walking into a tiger’s den.”
The time chains binding him slowly vanished.
Contamination qi steaming from the ground roared, surging into Yuan’s body like fish entering the sea. Yuan’s power recovered at visibly rapid speed.
With a light struggle, chains snapped. Barefoot, he walked before Shi Deng, single hand grasping his chin.
Next second, countless black mist drilled into the youth’s body, stirring through blood vessels like steel needles.
The youth’s pupils instantly dilated—seemingly hurting to the point of losing consciousness.
“How did you make such a low-level mistake? Shi Deng, I originally intended to kill you, but watching you become my fodder now seems quite satisfying.”
Yuan was extremely pleased, bending down to pat Shi Deng’s face.
Contamination qi energy mixed with human abilities, pure malice, and perfectly proportioned bloody scent—truly delicious.
“This is blood from your heart, isn’t it?”
Yuan extended a finger, extracting that wisp of bloody scent into a barely perceptible blood mist.
When contamination qi surged from the heart, it wouldn’t be so gentle. Heart damage was inevitable.
However, Yuan cautiously kept vigilance, letting black mist wrap around Shi Deng’s body, preventing him from making any other movements.
After confirming Shi Deng posed no threat, Yuan smiled, saying leisurely, “Shi Deng, what are you to this leader?”
The youth’s lashes trembled lightly, brows furrowed—seemingly taken to some old memory.
Moments later, the youth revealed a pleasing smile, obediently saying, “I’ll forever be the most obedient dog at the leader’s feet.”
Yuan laughed heartily.
It felt incomparably refreshing.
This was truly the most exhilarating time among all these forced retrogrades.
“Let’s go—let your friends see your appearance!”
***
wannaberecluse On SRTT Chapter 98.2