Chapter 129: Evidence

Wang Jinkai showed no signs of wavering; instead, he watched Chu Ning with an intrigued expression. Anyone else might have hesitated, given that the company’s ability to keep its promises remained an unknown variable.

However, seeing Wang Jinkai’s demeanor, Chu Ning guessed that the offer on the table must have been closer to Wang’s psychological expectations; otherwise, he would not have been so resolute.

"Have they mastered the technology for reversal?" Chu Ning asked, his surprise evident. He knew all too well how difficult that was to achieve. If such a terrifying technology were to fall into the hands of a major power, the potential consequences would be unimaginable.

The struggle to overcome human mortality has been the ultimate challenge for centuries. Countless ambitious figures have hoped to claim a piece of that prize, yet without exception, they have all failed.

If this technology truly had a possibility of realization, Mang City could not possibly remain so calm. Or perhaps this was merely the silence before the storm, with the danger lurking just beneath the surface.

Chu Ning frowned, contemplating everything that concerned his own existence. He weighed every possible outcome. This could potentially touch upon the secret of his own being, and he could not afford to be careless; otherwise, even with his great strength, he would struggle to stand against the entire world.

His efforts to repel the insect swarm slowed, and the thought of an early retreat temporarily faded. If he could not get to the bottom of this, he felt he would never be able to put his mind at ease.

"Or did you see some sort of conclusive evidence? Something that made you completely believe they could actually do it?" Chu Ning asked without hesitation. True, the immediate situation posed little threat to him, but that was limited to the present moment.

He struggled to deal effective damage to the swarm, and if the battle dragged on, he wasn't sure who would be the one to fail in the end. Chu Ning never liked things to spiral out of his control, so resolving the current situation as quickly as possible was of the utmost importance.

Wang Jinkai’s pupils contracted slightly. Since he did not have full control over his own body, his expressions were negligible, but this subtle change did not escape Chu Ning’s observation. He vaguely guessed that the other party had likely shown Wang Jinkai evidence that convinced him.

"Can’t you say it? Anyway, I can’t escape the trap you’ve already laid, or are you truly not confident you can keep me here? Just treat it as satisfying the wish of a dying man. Tell me everything. Let me die with a clear understanding, so that our friendship wasn't entirely in vain."

Chu Ning adopted a sorrowful expression, spreading his hands helplessly to appear more harmless. He knew that playing the emotional card was ill-timed, especially since they had just broken their ties to fight for their respective ideals.

But humans are emotional creatures. Sometimes, emotions drive people to do incomprehensible things; it is precisely because of this that humanity appears so complex. Chu Ning could be ruthless toward Wang Jinkai because he was no longer the original Chu Ning.

However, Wang Jinkai did not know this. Chu Ning was gambling on the fact that his opponent still retained his humanity. Regardless of his attitude—even if he remained deeply hostile—that would be fine.

What Chu Ning feared most was the other party gradually losing his human emotions, remaining unresponsive to his provocations or displays of weakness. After all, Chu Ning knew clearly that once one has been a monster for too long, it is difficult to be called human again.

Yet, Wang Jinkai did not respond, which left Chu Ning frowning in confusion. They had just been engaged in a heated debate; why had he gone completely silent now? It didn't make sense.

Tan Ting, hearing their conversation, felt a chill run through her body. Her best hope was that Chu Ning had the strength to get her out of this alive; as for completely wiping out the enemy, she dared not even dream of it.

Watching the swarm constantly regroup, Tan Ting could not help but feel a sense of powerlessness. They were facing an overwhelming number of enemies—the swarm was dense and endless. She could hardly count them, and if she didn't have to dodge incoming attacks, she wouldn't even want to look at these creatures.

It only triggered her trypophobia and made her skin crawl.

"Heh, of course it’s because he witnessed my existence; otherwise, it would have been hard for us to win his trust! Am I right, Wang Jinkai?"

A crisp voice drifted from a dark corner, overflowing with triumph. Chu Ning searched for the speaker with disdain; he hated interlopers who waited for the opportune moment to swoop in.

Of course, if he were the one in that position, it would be a different story.

Chu Ning felt as though he had heard this voice before, and he squinted his eyes, trying to recall where.