Chapter 561: My Insignificance

The me here, and the me outside… which one is the “copy”?

Before I can decide on a strategy, I must first clarify this most fundamental question.

Though I call them “copies,” in the end, we are identical—even our memories are indistinguishable. So, who is real, and who is fake?

I can’t think of any difference between myself and them. After all, the “real me” vanished seventy years ago, the first time everyone died. Since then, I’ve existed in this unnatural state, endlessly regenerating.

Now, both “I” and “I” believe we are the real one. But very few can grasp this dilemma because hardly anyone truly understands “eternal regeneration.”

Perhaps there’s only one way to solve this.

If one of us dies, the other must be real.

Since the “me” outside hasn’t figured this out, it falls to the “me” inside to make the choice.

Assuming all my deductions are correct, if one “me” can be utterly annihilated in the “Land of Finality,” never to regenerate again, all tragedies will end here and now.

This way, my memories will only exist outside the “Land of Finality,” and no one named Xu Liunian will remain here.

I’m not smart enough to find a way to free everyone or to destroy this place.

But I have found a way to free myself.

In this way, countless versions of me will believe they once escaped.

Seventy years—twenty-five thousand five hundred days—dying over two thousand five hundred times.

Perhaps those two thousand five hundred versions of me are all living happily now?

Only I have been the one left behind every time. If I can’t find the “source” of this cycle, then I’ll have to seal its “end.”

I crushed the empty beer can in my hand, fully committing to my plan.

Whether I succeed or not this time, I’ve decided to vanish completely from the “Land of Finality.”

I might be the first “participant” in the “Land of Finality” to willingly disappear. But before I go, I’ll do everything I can to pave a path for those who come after.

I need Qi Xia to truly create a living Yu Nian’an.

One that matches his deepest desires—a real, genuine Yu Nian’an.

With Yu Nian’an by his side, Qi Xia will be unstoppable. He’ll use his subconscious to send everyone out, then realize what I’ve realized, and finally, lead them all to annihilation.

Yes, this is my own path.

In this way, everyone can finally “escape,” right?

It’s just a shame that the path I’ve chosen is tragic for me. It has little to do with me directly—instead, it hinges entirely on “eternal regeneration.” If Qi Xia doesn’t agree, I’ll fail completely.

Qinglong wants to use “eternal regeneration” to maintain order here. Tianlong and Chu Tianqiu want to use it to become “gods.” And me? I suppose I’m a bit more noble—I’m foolish enough to try using “eternal regeneration” to replicate everyone outside.

That day, when I saw Zhang Chenze looking for Chu Tianqiu, I pretended to pass by the door. Maybe even fate was helping me.

I happened to hear the name “Wen Qiaoyun.”

Let me make a bold guess—did Zhang Chenze happen to meet Wen Qiaoyun, now a “madman,” and find it deeply unfair? Is that why she sought out Chu Tianqiu for answers?

If I’m right, she probably wanted to know how a “madman” could return to being a “sane person.” And Chu Tianqiu would most likely mention me.

When she stepped outside, I tricked her into revealing her purpose with just a few words.

“I’m Xu Liunian. Were you looking for me?”

“I… How did you know?”

Zhang Chenze’s expression was exactly as I predicted. How should I describe this feeling?

Let’s just say the “Land of Finality” has its own food chain. Qi Xia and Chu Tianqiu can manipulate me effortlessly, and I, in turn, can deceive others with a single sentence.

I told Zhang Chenze that we needed to create a new “Wen Qiaoyun”—someone who, regardless of appearance or memories, must surpass Qi Xia in strength. That person would then be Wen Qiaoyun.

Zhang Chenze is Qi Xia’s teammate—upright, trustworthy, and likely to earn his confidence. Her involvement would make this plan far more successful than if I acted alone.

Besides, why would Qinglong entrust such a thorny task to me alone?

So I gambled again. I told Zhang Chenze that I had already informed the “Zodiacs,” and now all that was needed was one final push. If they could provide it, success was highly likely.

Watching her expression, I knew she was wavering.

That’s good. Qinglong needs allies, and so do I.

Those with the least preserved memories can only linger at the bottom of the food chain.

As I said, even fate is on my side.

While packing my things to find Qi Xia, I happened to see Xiao Xiao and Jiang Ruoxue outside the window. Normally, the “Extremists” and “Paradise Gate” are sworn enemies—so their visit must mean something is happening.

I eavesdropped outside the door and heard their conversation.

The “Pegasus Hour” is coming.

No—this is my “east wind” arriving. As an ordinary person trying to make my move amid these overwhelming tides, I can only rely on the “east wind.”

And this “Pegasus Hour” will be my perfect moment to act.

Qi Xia, a man of intellect, stands no chance of surviving two hours of relentless pursuit. Could he ever guess that, in his darkest moment, I would be the one to save him?

I immediately left “Paradise Gate” and headed for the city’s edge. If I wanted to rescue Qi Xia during the “Pegasus Hour,” I needed my taxi.

That taxi marks both the beginning and the end for us. I’ll lay down all my “paths,” then make my grand exit in this cycle.

I’ll never tell Qi Xia I’m a “participant.” I’ll say, “I come from hell.”

Aside from that one truth, I’ll likely tell many lies.

They say, “A man’s words are kind when death is near,” but I’ll be the opposite.

Qi Xia, I wish you wouldn’t believe a single word I say next—but that’s impossible.

Even if I deceive you, know that I mean no harm.

My ultimate goal is for everyone to escape—even if it means living outside in the most unnatural way.

I don’t want to be a pawn anymore. I just want to be myself.

But will you remember my name?

I’m not just anyone. I’m not a pawn.

Qi Xia, if one day I disappear completely, you must remember me.

My name is Xu Liunian.

And now, I’m going to start lying to you.