Chapter 150: The Ordeal of Life and Death

Bu Ai’s gaze deepened. He knew Chen Yi was not lying; he could guess as much just by observing the reactions of the people around him. However, he found it impossible to simply walk away from the deep trauma he had endured and face a new life. As he clenched his fists, he tried to communicate, but images of his past suffering flashed through his mind, each one making him want to howl in agony. Ultimately, he shook his head in defeat and scratched his scalp nervously.

"No, I can't do it. I have no way to let go of the knots in my heart, as you suggest."

Seeing Chen Yi preparing to move forward alone, Bu Ai suddenly stood up straight, as if he had made a momentous decision. Sensing his unusual behavior, Chen Yi frowned immediately. "What are you doing? Don't do anything reckless; you're not in the best condition right now."

Faced with Chen Yi’s concern, a surge of indescribable emotion welled up in Bu Ai’s heart. No one had ever cared for him like this before, not even his own parents. He let out a faint laugh, took a few steps back, and after a moment of silence, charged forward without a word.

"Don't go over there!"

Chen Yi reached out to grab him, but he was a split second too late. Seeing Bu Ai dive into the swarm of countless monsters, Chen Yi’s heart sank to the bottom; he assumed the man was surely doomed. But to their surprise, Bu Ai instantly shattered the monsters driven by greedy desire, incapacitated the specific cannibal beast he had targeted, and bound it tightly.

"Boss, now is your chance!"

Chen Yi was stunned for a moment, then quickly moved in to grab both Bu Ai and the beast, pulling them back to safe ground. Looking at the bruised and battered Bu Ai, Chen Yi’s brow furrowed, his expression turning cold. "Who are you trying to impress by wrecking yourself like this?"

Bu Ai chuckled. "Boss, I know you might have your doubts, but all I can do is stand by your side. Anything else is no big deal."

His words left the others stunned. They felt a twinge of shame, having only moments ago doubted whether this man could ever be a friend. Chen Yi sighed with emotion. "If you want to help us, there are other ways. Why risk your life?"

"I can't," Bu Ai said, lifting his head. "I can't operate the way you think I should, because it wouldn't sit right with me. I still have my own pride!"

"But you aren't alone anymore," Chen Yi said, patting his shoulder.

Just then, a scarlet hue descended upon the world. A blinding light struck, causing the ground to fissure. From these cracks, a crimson glow emerged, like the light of hell, engulfing the entire landscape. Wherever it touched, monsters were pulverized, leaving nothing behind.

"Brother Yi, I’m afraid there’s something wrong with this light," Chu Yunxi said, her brow furrowed as she stepped closer to Chen Yi, trembling slightly. "Look, although this radiance shares similarities with the Calamity Curse Disk, it is fundamentally different."

"I know," Chen Yi replied, his gaze darkening. "I suspect this is a new catastrophe."

"The Life-Death Trial," Bu Ai whispered, his eyes filled with intense fear. "I never imagined that this thing the X Organization was researching would actually appear. Does this mean we are all doomed?"

Chen Yi and the others gathered around him immediately. "You know what this is?"

Bu Ai nodded and provided a detailed explanation. Three years ago, the X Organization began researching the apocalypse, theorizing that an additional ability would manifest, but they also calculated that a secondary force—the Life-Death Trial—would arise to suppress those with powers. As the name suggests, any powered individual struck by this light risks reverting to an ordinary human; therefore, these beams are also known as the "Death Rays."

However, if one could endure the baptism and tempering of every single beam, they could become an unparalleled existence in this world. This was the source of much internal conflict for many.

"Is what you're saying true?" Hu Sanhan asked, glaring coldly. "Don't try to deceive our boss. He is kind-hearted, but that doesn't mean he can be played for a fool."

"Don't be rude," Chen Yi said slowly. "I trust him. Although we were enemies on opposite sides, he wouldn't lie at a time like this."

"Boss," Hu Sanhan frowned, looking at Chen Yi in disbelief. "I know you respect talent, but this guy... his reactions..."

Chen Yi waved his hand and gave a calm smile. "If you had gone through as many dangers as he has, it’s unlikely you would be as calm as you were before."

"I still don't trust him," Kunpeng and Tengshe interjected, both looking wary. "Since he was a member of the X Organization, he..."

"I was never part of the core," the man said, his lips trembling as he shook his head. "From start to finish, they never considered me one of them; I was just a lackey. So, you can rest assured—I am not with them."

His words carried a heavy sense of sorrow, leaving the others feeling a nameless grief. Eventually, Hu Sanhan and the others relented.

"Fine. Since that's the case, we understand your predicament. But you must believe that we don't just accept your strength—we accept your imperfections, too!"

"Then prove it to me with time," Bu Ai said, his eyes firm as he looked at Chen Yi. "I believe you won't let me down. In this situation, you will make the choice that benefits us all, won't you?"

"You are absolutely right," Chen Yi nodded with a light laugh. "I’m a laid-back person, but I never drop the ball when it counts. You can rest easy—leave this to me."

Upon hearing this, Bu Ai finally wore a long-lost smile. "Alright, then I won't say anything more. From now on, we face the danger together!"

Chen Yi nodded, but couldn't help asking one last question. "By the way, I almost forgot to ask: how did the X Organization calculate everything that was about to happen?"

Bu Ai gave a mysterious smile. "Boss, do you believe in time travel?"