Chapter 73: They Pushed Themselves into the Abyss
This novel is translated and hosted on bcatranslation
“Every future is different, but for me, each one is full of unbearable pain, ultimately leading to despair,” Gao Ming confessed, his voice heavy with the weight of his premonitions. “Knowing that my fate is sealed, it’s impossible to forgive those who have tried to hasten my downfall.”
After meticulously finalizing his game design, Gao Ming sent it to Wei Dayou. He then stood silently by the window, gazing as the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in shades of twilight.This chapter was first shared on the Ñøv€lß1n platform.
As darkness enveloped the world outside, Gao Ming gave Wan Qiu a few last-minute instructions. Then, with a black umbrella in hand, he stepped out of the room into the encroaching night.
He stealthily navigated past the building’s old, barely functioning surveillance system, making his way to Building 2. At the corridor’s entrance, he paused to retrieve a black-and-white photograph – the image of Fear Phobia.
Thanks to An An’s guidance, Gao Ming had learned the ritual to activate the memorial photo. He fixed his gaze on it, summoning every ounce of fear within him, until the ugly ragdoll began to emerge, crawling out from the confines of the photograph.
Around him, shadows began to creep and stretch, signaling the commencement of Gao Ming’s inaugural game.
Inside the building, the once-stable voice-controlled lights started to flicker erratically. The red couplets adorning the doors appeared to ooze blood, their symbols morphing into sinister smiles. Everywhere he looked, ordinary objects seemed to transform, conjuring up frightening images and associations.
These shadows, originating from a realm beyond the ordinary, began to seep into Building 2’s unsuspecting residents, spreading their eerie influence floor by floor.
Reflecting on the limitations of the Fear Phobia photo, Gao Ming realized it could cast its shadowy spell only as far as four floors. While each memorial photo’s power could be amplified through sacrifice, he had no immediate plans for such extreme measures.
Ascending the stairwell enveloped in an unsettling hush, Gao Ming pulled out another black-and-white photo – this one of Sishui Apartment. He attempted various methods to communicate with Granny within the photo, but all efforts were in vain.
In a final attempt, he combined the essence of the Flesh Immortal with his own blood and infused it into the photograph. This potent mixture finally elicited a response.
From the depths of the photo, an arm reached out, followed by the emergence of Ms. Nosy, who seemed more driven by her own inquisitive nature than by Gao Ming’s summons.
As the shadows grew denser, Gao Ming, with the aid of two memorial photographs, succeeded in pulling the entirety of Building 2 into the shadow realm.
“Ms. Nosy, I need your assistance,” Gao Ming implored, using his charm on the peculiar but not inherently malevolent woman who didn’t seem old despite her odd appearance.
“Is this your new home? Are you introducing yourself to the neighbors? Shouldn’t you bring gifts on your first visit?” Ms. Nosy asked, her talkative and gossipy nature evident.
Gao Ming instructed her to stay on the first floor and carefully explained his elaborate plan, ensuring she understood every detail.
Gao Ming made a bold move once he was confident in their understanding. For the first time, he attempted to release the Flesh Immortal completely from his heart chamber. The mere presence of this immense entity was enough to instill terror and force people to their knees.
“It was peaceful until you two showed up,” Wang Kui muttered, gathering the neighbors into a huddle, leaving Zhao Xi and Gao Ming isolated. They appeared to be conspiring or discussing something, excluding the duo from their midst.
Gao Ming understood the underlying motives behind Wang Kui’s actions and the fearful whispers he shared with the other residents. It was all a part of the sinister game unfolding around them.
After the release of the Flesh Immortal, Gao Ming had left a chilling message written in blood from the first to the second floor, a rule of the game: “Blood debts must be paid in blood. Sacrifice one living person to me, and I will let one person leave the building.”
Both Wang Kui, from the first floor, and Xiao Qiu, from the second, had undoubtedly seen this macabre rule. Driven by the edict of ‘kill one to save one,’ they conspired to use Gao Ming and An An as the sacrificial lambs.
The pervasive influence of Fear Phobia laid bare everyone’s deepest fears and hidden motives. Wang Kui, driven by a fierce will to survive, showed no regard for the lives of Gao Ming and An An. He began plotting with his fellow neighbors, his desperation palpable.
As a result of Gao Ming’s presence, Zhao Xi found himself ostracized too. Disappointingly, even his sister-in-law and foster mother kept him in the dark about their plans.
After a period of whispered strategizing, Wang Kui emerged as the spokesperson and confronted Gao Ming and Zhao Xi: “We’ve been living here peacefully for over a decade. These horrifying events only began after your arrival. If you want to prove you’re not responsible, then lead us in destroying that giant ghost statue.”
“Aren’t you afraid?” Gao Ming asked, his demeanor calm. He was offering them a choice – to unite against the terror. If they joined forces, they could all survive.
“What’s the use in being afraid? We need to get out of here,” retorted Wang Kui, his gaze flickering nervously. “You two brought these ghosts, so you should go first.”
Zhao Xi, feeling responsible for dragging Gao Ming into this nightmare, opened his mouth to object, but Gao Ming gestured for him to stay silent. Then, turning to Zhao Xi’s family, Gao Ming said, “I understand your distrust towards me, but Zhao Xi has been part of your family for so long, helping you often. It’s fine if you don’t trust me, but don’t you trust him?”
The response from the other residents was a deafening silence. Even Zhao Xi’s foster mother and Li Li remained mute, their silence a tacit agreement to the grim plan.
“Very well, we’ll lead,” Gao Ming said, patting Zhao Xi on the shoulder. He saw the light of hope dim in Zhao Xi’s eyes. The ghosts had arrived, and those Zhao Xi had once aided were now abandoning him.
Hand in hand with An An, Gao Ming led the way downstairs, with Zhao Xi following close behind. The rest of the neighbors kept a cautious distance.
As they descended to the second floor, the blood-stained message became visible. Sensing danger, Zhao Xi attempted to alert Gao Ming, but it was too late. Several men from behind, as if acting on a premeditated plan, surged forward and violently shoved Gao Ming and Zhao Xi down the stairs, directly towards the Flesh Immortal statue.
“Sacrifice! These two are your offerings!” they shouted.
Wang Kui had never intended to fight back. He ran from the idol, his mind teetering on the brink of madness. The thought of challenging supernatural forces with mere human strength was unthinkable to him.
As Gao Ming confronted this betrayal, memories of past deaths swirled in his mind, but this time he was not overcome with sorrow or pain.
“I gave you all a chance to live, but you chose to plunge yourselves into the abyss,” Gao Ming said, his voice echoing with a mixture of resignation and disdain.
