Dharma Ring: Selling dung beetles at the border

Strong winds ripped through the streets and surged into the neighborhoods, scattering the golden people and blocking magical traps.

Neferi resisted the magic trap, glared at both sides, and shouted:

Stop it all!

Neferi broke up the argument, but both sides' glares shifted from the other to Neferi.

In crazy moods, people project their anger onto those who stop them.

Neferi felt a little sad when she felt their eyes full of hatred.

But she still stared back:

If you can, fight those lords. If you don't like me, fight me. Don't bully the weak!

The guards then arrived to separate the Golden People and the Platinum Sons, and Neferi blew up a storm, completely separating the two.

The Platinum Sons calmed down faster. They were the first to regain their composure and apologize to Neferi.

I'm sorry City Lord, it was us who caused you to be criticized by your people. The platinum old man fell in front of Neferi, his head downcast.

You are also my people, Neferi said.

The platinum old man was silent when he heard Neferi's answer.

After a while, he said:

Dear King Neferi, I would like to invite you to our funeral.

Neferi looked at the tragedy around her and nodded silently:

This is what I should have done. It was my mistake that caused you heavy casualties.

The platinum old man shook his head:

Not this funeral.

Not this? Neferi was puzzled, What other kind of funeral is there?

Although we are a short-lived race, we still attach great importance to funerals. If they die suddenly, there will be a special funeral, which takes a while to prepare. This time it is just an ordinary funeral. The old man Baijin said, Normally we do it internally It will be held in silence, but you have noble character, and we would like to invite you, who is not the son of Platinum, to participate.”

Okay, I'll go, where? Neferi asked.

Funerals are held in the evening when night falls. The son of Platinum said, Come to Platinum Village and we will show you the way.

Okay, it's still early now, so I'll go back first. Neferi said, commanding the guards, Leave half of your people guarding the street, and half of them escort these golden people away.

Tyrant! the people of gold shouted, the tyrant who colludes with platinum and bugs!

The guards immediately rushed up and slapped the golden people.

The guard wanted to fight, but Neferi stopped him.

Okay, let's take them away for a few days and then criticize and educate them after they calm down. Nefeli looked indifferent.

After commanding everything, Neferi did not go back to the city lord's palace alone with the guards, leaving everyone with a tall and proud figure.

After returning to her room, as soon as the door was closed, Neferi's shoulders slumped, her expression was no longer indifferent, and the corners of her eyes became a little crystal clear in the dark room.

Not long ago, she felt that she had ushered in the most glorious moment since becoming the city lord, but within a few days, Nefeli felt that everything was back to where it started, or even worse.

Is it true that gold and platinum cannot coexist?

Nefeli couldn't help but have such thoughts in her mind.

She didn't want to think that way and didn't want to be confused.

The unprecedented blow reminded her of her adoptive father.

She is like a child asking her parents for advice when she is confused.

Neferi also has the contact information with Momochi. She found a disk-shaped magic array and placed it on the ground. She sat on the bed and waited for Baozhi to connect.

The magic circle projected a ray of light, revealing Momochi's figure.

Bai Zhi seemed a little surprised when he saw Neferi, leaning back slightly.

What's wrong, foster father? Neferi was very sensitive now. She felt that every move of Bai Zhi was full of deep meaning, as if she was despising herself just like the golden people.

Bai Zhi said: You turn on the light, and now the light source comes from under your chin, like a ghost.

Oh. Neferi wiped the corners of her eyes, stood up and turned on the light in the room.

Sitting back on the edge of the bed, Baizhi said:

You said you are also a king, so you should always pay attention to your image in the eyes of outsiders.

Neferi nodded.

Bai Zhi took a deep look at Neferi:

You seem to be in a bad mood, what's wrong?

When Neferi saw that Bai Zhi was aware of it, she didn't need to think about how to speak, so she told Bai Zhi about the dilemma she encountered.

I don't know what to do. Neferi sat on the edge of the bed, burying her face in her hands. Everything I do seems to be wrong, and it never works.

You did a great job. Bai Zhi said, There are some things that we can't change. People can only try their best to the extent possible.

So I come to you for help. Neferi said, Father, do you have a better way? How can I solve the conflict between platinum and gold?

Baizhi did not immediately answer Neferi's doubt, but pondered for a moment and said:

You said that the lords' coalition forces are heading towards Stonewell?

Yes, that's what Hyde reported. Neferi said.

They also wiped out your expedition team and threw their heads into the arena? Momochi continued to ask.

Neferi nodded.

Baizhi frowned: These things were supposed to be told to me by Enxia, ​​why did I learn about them from your mouth...

Mr. Enxia? Nefeli said, I haven't seen him for a while. I don't know where he went.

Baizhi was silent for a moment: Let's not talk about him first, let's talk about your problem first.

Neferi sat upright, ready to listen to her adoptive father's teachings.

Bai Zhi said: The best way now is to sacrifice the Platinum Son.

Neferi bit her lip and did not respond.

Baozhi continued: At first glance, you think it is just a conflict between the golden people and the platinum sons in the city, but everything is connected. This time the conflict breaks out, there is pressure from the lord coalition.

Bai Zhi persuaded Neferi earnestly:

If it were in the past, you would still have time to ease the conflict between gold and platinum, but now there is a big army watching outside. You no longer have time to solve the problem of the Son of Platinum.

Neferi shook her head:

But this is wrong. Hyde also said that those lords don't care about Platinum at all. They even use Greg's name as a spearman. They just use the Son of Platinum to attack me and make the people in the city have meaningless internal strife.

Haide is right. Bai Zhi nodded, But this is indeed effective, and there is nothing you can do.

Baizhi said: My child, it's time for you to grow up and learn to make choices.

Neferi frowned, thought for a long time, and said:

It's said to be a trade-off, but in the end, isn't it just giving up on the weakest people?

If you want to understand it this way, that's right. Bai Zhi said, Such a cruel decision is the pain of growing up. At the end of the choice, we will sadly find that we have no choice.

In this regard, Neferi could only remain silent.

I don't want to admit it, but I can't refute it.

Baizhi said nothing more and prepared to end the communication:

If you see Eun Ha, ask him to contact me, don't ask him to write.

The communication was cut off, and Neferi sat beside the bed, silent for a long time.

Neferi fell into a confusion and couldn't extricate herself for a long time. After an unknown amount of time, she suddenly came back to her senses.

What time is it? Neferi turned off the light and went out, finding that the sky was dark.

She promised to attend the platinum son's funeral, but if she missed the promise, with her current mental state, she was worried that she would suddenly lose control and cry.

Neferi hurried to the streets of the Platinum Sons.

Elpas was already waiting in the street in a wheelchair.

Sorry, am I not late? Neferi asked.

No, it's just dark now. Elpas said, turning the wheelchair and taking Nefeli into the street.

Elpas said: We were born in ripples, so we also hope to be buried in ripples - we will find a place with water to bury our remains, which is a water burial.

Elpas took Neferi to a pool.

Neferi looked at the pool: Wait, this isn't...

It leads to the sewer. Elpas said, But it's convenient. The body can leave along the water flow.

Don't you feel dirty? Neferi asked.

Our blood is poisonous. Elpas said, Maybe it's the other way around. Because of this, the water is dirty. Fortunately, you have arranged a special drainage channel for us, otherwise the golden people would not agree. Let’s have a funeral.”

Beside the pool, some Platinum Sons were sitting on their knees with their hands clasped together, praying for something.

A shriveled old man's body was lifted to the water, and his body was stained by the water, causing ripples.

Then the body sank into the water and floated into the distance amid the low chants of the crowd.

What's his name? Neferi asked.

Elpas said: Leonos, in our short youth when we still had legs, we used to run together and prepare to go to the big cities. In the end, we were beaten to pieces by the golden people together, and we died in despair. return.

Neferi felt a little sad when she heard what Elpas said.

Do you think I am complaining to you and blaming the golden people? Elpas said, The times are like this, and it is not your fault. We were beaten to death a few decades ago, but we don't I still survived, it’s not a big deal.”

Elpas said: Lord Nefeli, I can see that you are a good person. We invite you to attend this funeral to tell you not to be too entangled. The people here are all old guys. We are originally We don’t have long to live. If you are willing to build a street for us old people who won’t live here for long, we are already satisfied.”

Aren't you still researching ways to extend lifespan? Neferi asked.

Even if the research is completed, few of the old men present will be able to see it. Elpas said, What we care about is only the continuation of the entire ethnic group, not the demise of individuals. Lord Nefeli, I want to entrust you with a mission thing.

Say it, Neferi said.

Knowledge is much more solid and long-lasting than our lives, and new Platinum Sons will always be born. When we all die, I hope you can help us preserve the results of our exploration and leave them to the next generation of Platinum Sons. Al Paz said.

Okay. Neferi said, If I can't do this, I will personally take your knowledge away from home and deliver it to other Platinum Sons.

Thank you, King Neferi. Elpas kowtowed, After that, we will copy the scroll and send it to your house——

The roar interrupted the conversation between the two, and the flames dyed the sky red.

The Golden People are causing trouble again? Neferi frowned, What are the guards doing?

But Neferi soon discovered that the sound was very close. It seemed that the person who set the fire did not break in from the outside, but had been lurking in the street.

Don't worry, everyone, I'm here, you stay close to me. Neferi raised her ax and gave the Platinum Sons reassurance.

The sound of explosions and fighting never stopped, causing Neferi to frown:

What are the guards doing? They can't defeat the intruders?

Soon Neferi understood why the guards couldn't fight - a wave of enemies rushed to her side, and she saw clearly the enemy's strength.

Perfumer? Neferi didn't know why such an enemy would sneak into the city, so she rushed towards him.

Neferi's storm and thunder were so powerful that several perfumers were knocked down without a few struggles.

But the guards did not have such strength, and Neferi was not sure whether they could capture these uninvited guests.

She was a little anxious, but she had to protect the Platinum Sons and could never leave.

It wasn't until Millicent also rushed over that Neferi freed her hands and flew towards the place where the battle took place.

Enemies were everywhere on the streets, and Neferi was running around. It took a long time to finally annihilate all the enemies.

Neferi became more and more frightened as she fought. The number of enemies was too great.

She didn't expect that so many fish could slip through the net even though she was so guarded. Is it because I was negligent, or do these people have special channels to enter the city?

When Neferi finished the battle, the sky became completely dark.

Neferi returned to Elpas and saw that Millicent was protecting her well, and finally felt relieved.

I'm sorry, I don't know where they got so many people. Neferi calmed her breath.

Is everything resolved? Millicent asked.

Neferi nodded: There should be no new enemies. Even if there are still ambushes, they will have no chance to take advantage of us if we don't leave the Son of Platinum.

Millicent looked serious: I want to go back to the elders for a visit. Please stay here.

Elder... Neferi was stunned. She knew there was an elder in Platinum Village, but she had never seen it before. Aren't there any guards at the elder's place?

Only the magic trap and Letina are there to protect you. Millicent said, I'm not worried.

Let's go together. Neferi said, You go first, I will take the Platinum Sons with me.

Neferi swung her axe, and the violent wind was like a docile snake. Under Neferi's control, it pushed the wheelchairs of the Platinum Sons and led them towards the elder's position.

Hey, we can't go through like this. Elpas grabbed the armrest of the wheelchair, a little scared of the speed, There is a magic trap near the elder's courtyard.

Yes, I forgot about it, I arranged it for you.

Neferi slowed down to prevent herself from accidentally running into the trap.

I remember that the trap also has a warning function. I didn't hear the alarm yet. Is it okay? Neferi asked.

It must be fine. Elpas said, Don't worry about that.

Neferi approached the courtyard with the Platinum Son. Just as she was about to test the location of the magic circle, Millicent, who was standing at the door of the courtyard, spoke:

The magic circle is gone, just come in.

It's gone? Neferi was stunned, What do you mean it's gone? Is it turned off?

Millicent shook her head: I don't know what's going on. What's going on in the yard...is even weirder. Nefeli, you have to come and take a look.

What's wrong? Neferi felt that Millicent's attitude was a bit strange.

She walked into the courtyard and saw Eun Ha crawling on the ground.

Neferi's eyes widened.

Eun Ha's clothes are so recognizable that even if her back is turned and her body is in tatters, she can still be recognized at a glance.

Neferi rushed to the corpse, looked at the corpse's mask, and sat down on the ground.

What's going on... Neferi covered her face.

Chaos, Neferi just feels confused now and can't understand anything.

Letina said: This man rushed into the courtyard, I attacked him, he fought back at me, and then he was bitten to death by the dog.

It's very strange, Millicent said. Letina said the magic circle was not activated. I checked and it turned out that the magic circle was gone.

Millicent looked around and dragged several corpses:

Judging from the bodies of these people, they were killed by the magic circle on the outside, but this person rushed into the courtyard.

Neferi said: Is there some misunderstanding? Is he here to help you?

Millicent said: I don't know, is he your guard? Did you send him to help?

Neferi shook her head: No, I haven't seen it in the past few days-

Neferi suddenly noticed that Millicent looked at her with a serious look.

You doubt me? Neferi said.

I don't doubt you, but the magic trap has failed. Millicent repeated, And as you said, too many enemies have sneaked into the city.

Nefeli stroked her head: Impossible, impossible. This is Mr. Enxia, ​​he is the attendant of my adoptive father, he watched me grow up...

Facing the sadness of Enxia's death, and the confusion and anger at the thought that Enxia might be the attacker, complex emotions were twisted together and impacted Neferi's brain.

He is the attendant of the adoptive father... Neferi murmured to herself, and a terrible suspicion struck her mind like a thunderbolt, engraved deeply in it and unable to be erased, No, no, no, it's impossible...

Other Platinum Sons also entered the courtyard.

Elpas breathed a sigh of relief when he saw that Letina was safe and sound. He also noticed Nefeli's condition and asked Millicent.

So this is your attendant... Elpas said, By the way, maybe more information can be found on the enemies you killed before?

Neferi woke up from a dream and quickly ordered the guards to search the body.

The results came out quickly. A guard rushed to Neferi and unfolded a package:

Report, these people basically have perfume bottles on them, nothing more. However, this was found on the bodies of two people.

In the package opened by the guard were two badges.

A diamond-shaped emblem composed of several eyes and ears.

Seeing this badge, there was an uproar among the Platinum Sons.

Sure enough, it's a hundred-eared man. Elpas looked serious.

Even when they get here, won't they give up? Letina was also a little resentful.

When Neferi saw this badge, her feet were a little unsteady and her mind went blank.

She heard the title Son of Platinum and looked over:

Does Bai Er Man mean...Sir Bai Zhi?

Millicent said: I don't know either, but this is the group that hunted down the Platinum clan before.

Neferi looked at Millicent, her expression even a little pitiful:

Millicent, when you came to intercede before, you didn't mention these people...

Millicent was a little confused, wondering why Neferi looked like this:

Is the identity of the enemy...important?

Neferi squatted on the ground, not caring about the image in front of the Platinum Son and the guards. She tugged at her hair and felt that her head was no longer messy, but rather tingling.

The adoptive father had sent people here before, and none of them wore badges. Baizhi's statement at that time was that he wanted to help her in the dark, and it was not suitable to expose the identities of the two.

But now seeing what happened before her, Neferi began to wonder if there was more reason for hiding the badge.

Neferi? Millicent said, Are you feeling unwell?

Neferi stared at the badge closely:

That is the badge of my adoptive father, Sir Bai Zhi - Gideon Ofnir.

As soon as Neferi said these words, the Platinum Sons stopped making noise and fell into deathly silence.

Your adoptive father is the master of these people? Millicent did not expect such a relationship and was also quite shocked.

After all, Millicent was an outsider. Just being shocked made the Platinum Sons feel mixed.

The benefactor is the daughter of the enemy, and now the enemy comes to visit again, maybe even through the channels of the benefactor.

Is this a benefactor, or is he not a benefactor?

Neferi looked at the Platinum Son:

Please...please wait for me to find out the truth. There may be some misunderstanding...

The Sons of Platinum were silent. They were not as fierce as the People of Gold and would not be carried away by their emotions and denounce their king. But when encountering this kind of thing, I still can't help but cringe.

Just like when facing a tiger, no matter how much the breeder emphasizes the safety and docility of the tiger, you will still feel fear involuntarily.

The alienated posture and fearful eyes brought about by this fear were pierced into Nefeli's heart one by one.

What's the noise outside? A cough came from the wooden house in the courtyard.

Millicent stepped forward and gave the elder a brief explanation.

The elder in the wooden house was silent for a moment:

That's all?

That's it? Everyone was stunned. Whether it was the Platinum Son, Millicent or Neferi, they all looked at the wooden house.

The elder said: I didn't agree with coming here in the first place. It was you who insisted on coming here, Elpas, right?

Elpas said: I don't know...do you know?

I know. The elder said, Well... now you know that I know that you don't know.

Elpas was shocked: You know... I didn't tell you earlier!

Everyone has only a few days to live. Where is death? the elder said. Didn't Neferi say it has nothing to do with her? We are on their territory. Is it necessary for her to tell this lie again? You insist on it. Don’t hesitate to hire anyone who wants to come, Elpas.”

Elpas shook his head: I know this too, but this news is too shocking... Do you know anything else?

There was no answer in the wooden house for a long time.

Millicent listened outside the wooden house and approached Elpas:

It's time to call.

Elpas hesitated for a moment, then turned to Neferi:

This...King Neferi, we believe you. But we may not believe your father.

Neferi nodded: I know, I will find out.

She turned and left.

At the entrance of the courtyard, Neferi paused and looked at Elpas:

My promise to the Platinum Clan is still valid. If you are all wiped out, I will pass on the fire and knowledge to you.

Neferi left, leaving the Platinum Son alone in silence.

In fact, nothing had changed, but a crack opened in the heart of the Platinum Son.

Even if Neferi made the same promise now, she still had a dangerous feeling that threatening Platinum would wipe out the entire clan - even if reason told them that this was just an illusion.

What now? someone asked Elpas.

It's true that we don't have long to live, that's true. Elpas said, But I'm afraid we have indeed been tricked by the white-eared man, and it is no longer possible to escape.

Elpas looked at Millicent: Millicent, please help us keep a piece of knowledge, too. Multiple copies in different places, safe.

No problem. Millicent agreed subconsciously.

Elpas looked at Letina:

And that child, it doesn't matter if we die, Letina has a mission, she must get out of Stone City.

Why do you seem to have already acquiesced that Stonewell is a dragon's den and a tiger's den? Millicent said, Neferi is still our friend.

Elpas smiled bitterly:

I just... have a bad feeling.

Okay, I will adjust Letina's arm right now. Millicent said, You go and copy the knowledge, and I will take her away in two days.

============

Neferi walked silently on the road, each step being heavy. It seemed that with every step closer to her destination, she encountered greater resistance.

This is of course an illusion. The only thing that hinders Neferi is her psychology. She is unwilling to face what happens next.

Neferi walked slowly, sorting out her thoughts as she walked.

She had so many things to ask her father.

Neferi returned to her room and opened the communication with Momochi.

Neferi? Momochi said, Why are you so free?

Nefeli pondered for a moment: Father, I found Mr. Enxia.

Baizhi said: I didn't receive Eun-ha's message? Didn't you tell him to reply as soon as possible?

Neferi was silent.

Baizhi nodded slightly: I understand, then Enxia is dead.

Yes……

How did you die? Baizhi said calmly.

Neferi took a deep breath and stared at the darkness in the peephole of Momochi's helmet:

He died in Platinum Village. He attacked the Son of Platinum and was killed.

Oh? How could this happen? Baizhi remained indifferent, Is there any misunderstanding in this?

I also hope there is a misunderstanding. Neferi said, But the Platinum Sons saw your badge, and they said that the people who have been chasing them are your eyes and ears.

My badge? Momochi said, It seems there is indeed some misunderstanding. Neferi, tell me everything you know.

Neferi told Bai Zhi everything, speaking slowly and carefully.

Deep down, she also hoped that Bai Zhi could give her a more beautiful explanation so that she would not have to suffer.

Momochi followed Neferi's narration, asking about details that Neferi hadn't noticed from time to time.

After Neferi finished speaking, she couldn't wait to ask:

Father, are you the mastermind behind this? Did you send Enxia? Why do you want to hunt down the Platinum Son?

Neferi's voice deepened:

The trouble in the city is all your fault, right? There are so many enemies sneaking into the city, and only you have the ability to know those secret passages and unify so many false identities; you can easily crack the magic trap and get the key; Only you have the ability to know the location of the expedition team and contact the lord coalition...

Bai Zhi said: Neferi, are you doubting me? Doubting your adoptive father?

Nefeli covered her head: I don't want to doubt you either...but Mr. Enxia died there!

Baek Chi said, “When did Eun Ha die?”

Not that long ago.

Have I asked you before, have you met Eun Ha?

Neferi nodded.

If Enxia is following my orders, can't I contact him? If I want to hide it from you, can you find my badge? Baizhi said, Neferi, let me tell you, there is something wrong in this. Misunderstanding, there must be some factors that neither of us know about that are affecting our judgment.

Is there any misunderstanding? Neferi's voice became louder, Is it possible that Wuming is causing trouble?

Calm down, don't let yourself be carried away by your emotions. Bai Zhi was dissatisfied, It seems that you already have the answer, why not tell me, what do you think the truth is?

Neferi hesitated: What if... you told me on purpose?

Baizhi was silent for a moment: Do you think I am lying to you by asking questions knowingly, making you feel that I am wronged?

Neferi pursed her lips and did not answer, but her eyes answered everything.

Baizhi's tone was full of disappointment: If you no longer trust me, what are you still asking me for? You already have the answer in your heart, so don't waste each other's time. You will only selectively believe what you believe. It’s something. Since I no longer trust you, just go ahead and don’t say anything more.”

No, foster father, I...

Neferi, I taught you to make bold guesses and be careful to verify. Don't speculate on things that are meaningless and cannot be verified. Momochi looked disappointed and closed the communication.

Neferi stayed where she was.

Being straight-tempered, she didn't think much about it and just wanted to find out from her adoptive father.

But before the question could be answered clearly, her adoptive father turned the question into a giant broom star, penetrating her psychological defense.

============

Several rows of puppet soldiers raised their six hands above their heads, carrying several layers of shields, and transported them to the broken bridge in the lake area.

Wuming lay on a stone, leisurely watching the puppet soldiers working tirelessly.

Magic changes life. Wuming took a sip of juice happily, and the plant stem made a straw and inserted it into the gap in the face protector.

Suddenly a puppet put its head on Wuming's head and stared at Wuming upside down.

Wuming was so frightened that he sat up, looked back at the puppet, and slapped the puppet on the head: Go back and do your work!

As soon as he finished speaking, the puppet's six arms began to dance uncontrollably, and it hit Wuming with a bastard fist.

That is to say, he didn't have a weapon in his hand, otherwise he would be caught off guard and chop Wuming more than a dozen times.

You're crazy. Wuming kicked the puppet away, What a crappy puppet that bastard Selvis provided.

I did it on purpose. Servis's voice sounded.

Broken Puppet stood up and patted the dust off his body with six hands.

Wuming suddenly realized: I said why don't you go to work?

The puppet soldier walked up to Wuming and said in a bad tone:

When are you going to give Neferi the medicine?

Why are you so anxious? That thing of yours looks abnormal at first glance. You have to wait until Neferi becomes abnormal before you are willing to drink it. Wuming said.

You have to seize the opportunity, we have agreed. Selvais urged.

Okay, okay, I'll ask her in a moment. Just wait and see if she drinks. Wuming said impatiently, I've got to say it first. If she drinks, you have to give me all the puppet skills. .”

Of course I'll give it to you. It's useless for me to keep this low-quality production model. Servais said, What I pursue is unique beauty.

Servais looked at the shield carried by the puppet. The shield also had an inverse eagle pattern painted on it.

What's that? Servais asked.

Shield. Wuming said.

What is this for?

Wuming became excited: Don't you think this shape is very practical? It can be used as a shield, form a defensive array, and it can be used for digging soil because of its curvature.

You dig with your shield?

I just said it has various functions. Wuming said, Actually, it is used to build bridges.

Building a bridge? said Servais. You want to build a bridge with a shield?

Wuming nodded solemnly: A pure mixture of soil, sand and gravel is not strong enough or tough enough. But I think if steel is added to the sand and gravel, eh, it will be different. The strength and toughness will be greatly improved!

Isn't it awesome? Wuming said proudly.

Servais was very bland: Have you ever made a puppet?

How can I make puppets? You have to give me your skills before I can make them. Wuming said.

Servais said: Different materials deform differently when they encounter changes in heat and cold. The body of Lani's doll was cracked in many places because it was mixed with different materials and often encountered cold. .”

Wuming was stunned: What do you mean?

If you mix steel and soil, what will happen to them? Servais said in a leisurely tone, With such a blow, no matter what structure is supposed to collapse, it will still collapse.

Ah! Wuming's expression changed drastically and he quickly ran into the construction site.