Dharma Ring: Selling dung beetles at the border

When the balloon took off from Yatan, more people were packed in it.

Yura, Patch, plus Se Lian and Nefeli, Wuming brought out the best combat power they could find, and now they all stood on Alexander's pot lid.

It's a little crowded, Patch said.

It will be fine once we reach the volcano. Wuming said.

Balloons controlled by storm winds are suitable for visiting the isolated and dangerous terrain of volcanoes. If you want, you can also bypass the volcano's official residence and land directly inside the volcano.

After approaching, the balloon will stop at a distance first, and it will bow first and then attack. Patch said.

Isn't the volcano closed? Wuming asked, How can we be polite?

I'll tell you, Patch said.

Then do we want to bring any gifts? Wuming said, Let's give gifts first.

Did you bring a gift? Patch asked.

Wuming touched all over his body: Can Rune do it?

Do you think they are all the same as you?

What's wrong? No one doesn't like Rune!

I'll do it. Patch took out a small object.

Like a scallop, it makes a crisp sound when Patch pinches it.

What is this? Wuming leaned over curiously.

Musical instruments, Patch answered.

It's so crude. Wuming listened to the monotonous sound of the percussion instrument, Why don't you just slap your own butt to make a sound? Maybe there are more tones.

Patch rolled his eyes at Wuming: This is an instrument for dancers. It adds rhythm and other sounds to the dance steps. How can I have time to pat my butt?

Patch held the castanets and suddenly made an exaggerated gesture like a courting male bird: Flamingo steps! - Do you understand?

Patch suddenly swung a bit hard and lost hold of the castanets, causing the balloon to fall.

Ah! Patch exclaimed.

Yura took out his knife, jammed the instrument with the back of the knife, and fished out the castanets.

Thank you. Patch took off his hood and wiped the sweat from his shock.

Isn't this gift too shabby? Wuming looked at the inconspicuous instrument.

This is a rare thing in the border area. Patch said, I have been busy with caravans for you all day, and I just found this one.

Where did you get it? Wuming was curious.

Over there at Sunshade City, Patch said, There are a lot of good things buried in the swamp over at Sunshade City. It used to be a centralized execution place for criminals, and you can get anything.

That is to say, you take the relics of the executed prisoners and give them to Tanis. Wuming concluded.

Patch felt uncomfortable: Who said it was a relic? Maybe the original owner is not dead.

You were dug out of the poisonous mud pool anyway. Wuming said.

Patch blushed: This is what we old Gemir people like!

Anyway, just don't flatter the horse's legs. Wuming said, The gift angered Tanith, so we can't give it first.

Patch held the castanets in his arms and cursed, not wanting to talk to Wuming.

Wuming smiled: When it comes to Tanis, this old thing doesn't seem so old.

We're here. Se Lian suddenly spoke, frowning, The stench of the volcano.

Wuming looked down and saw that they had indeed flown over the broken bridge that was impassable to carriages, and the smell of volcanic sulfur rose straight into the sky.

I think it smells pretty good. Wuming sniffed.

Don't you have a sense of smell?

But I just feel comfortable. Wuming looked at Selian, You don't seem to like volcanoes?

Gemir's spells are very boring. Se Lian stared at the crater below, If you take ignorance as a personality, you will look down on it.

Such a hatred... Wuming looked sideways, It turns out you don't like volcanoes so much.

Don't worry, I'll help you if you need help. Se Lian said, looking at the crater unhappily.

The thick smoke and smoke that persisted all year round in the crater suddenly surged up, and a giant green object no smaller than a balloon rushed out of the thick fog and hit everyone.

Se Lian's pupils suddenly shrank, and she who had been observing the direction of the crater reacted immediately, stretched out the staff, and at the same time, a fusion of blue, green and gold light expanded from the top of the staff, wrapping everyone in reverse. Facing the impact of that giant thing.

Facing Topps' force field, the giant object was torn into pieces and scattered. After a violent jolt, green rain began to fall around the balloon.

This seems to be...Old Phlegm. Patch judged.

A few drops of viscous green liquid fell onto the rope beside him, making a sizzling sound.

Why is this old phlegm so sour? Wuming quickly wiped off the green phlegm stuck to the rope.

Wuming took a breath and said to Se Lian, Fortunately, I have you.

The good news is, we're fine. Se Lian raised her head, The bad news is, the balloon is gone.

Everyone looked up together, and then noticed that among the storm and smoke, the balloon above their heads was full of holes.

Everyone blinked and fell down.

Everyone grabbed the few remaining ropes and followed Alexander as he spiraled down, making a sound of breaking through the air.

Can we still be saved? Wuming asked Patch, pulling on the rope.

Unless the big snake slithers down below, eats us, and then pulls us out. Patch looked pale, grabbing the rope with one hand and tightly protecting the percussion instrument with the other hand, I shouldn't be with you. Take a balloon ride.”

I wouldn't have come to the volcano without you. Wuming kicked Patch as he fell, Quick, kick us down so we don't fall to death.

what about me?

I will deliver your relic to Tanis! It must be a relic now.

I'll kick you down first and kill you. If you splash dust on the ground, we won't be able to kill you. Patch's eyes were fierce.

Seeing that Patch was unwilling to take action, Wuming personally released a lightening magic in an attempt to slow down his descent. But Wuming knew clearly that at such a height, it was useless to take one's body lightly. He would still fall to death if he should.

But at the moment when the magic was added, Neferi let go of her hand, took out the eagle ax in her hand, and waved the eagle ax in the air.

The storm in the sky became more violent, and for a while there was flying sand and rocks all around, making it impossible to see outside at all, and there was only a strong feeling of weightlessness. But soon the feeling of weightlessness disappeared. The hurricane swept up everyone, blowing them from bottom to top at an unusual angle, and caught several people firmly and landed safely.

What am I talking about? Neferi's power is indispensable. Wuming jumped up from the ground and praised Neferi vigorously. Then he looked at Patch with a look of disgust, Much better than the old thing.

Patch also got up, checked the musical instrument in his arms, and touched his bald head.

Where's my wig? Patch was shocked.

It blew away. Neferi guessed.

Patch clenched the castanets in his hands, feeling sad that he could not see Tanith in his best condition:

Forget it, you stay here for now, I'll go.

Patch asked Wuming and others to stop far away, and went to the volcano alone.

Se Lian and Wu Ming put up a large lens and looked at Pachi and Huoshan Mansion from a distance.

The Volcano Mansion opened the door normally, and Patch walked in normally.

After a while, he walked out again, his expression a little dull, and walked back all the way.

How is it? Wuming asked.

Patch came back to his senses: Tanis knows we are coming and invites us in for dinner.

This is a good thing. Wuming greeted the others, Let's go to the banquet.

Wuming asked Patch: Why are you unhappy?

She was acting a little weird, Patch said.

Because Alexander was too big, he could only stop outside the door and spar with the mountain monster.

By the time Wuming entered the Huoshan Mansion, he probably knew where the Tanis monster was.

It was a kind of mental depression, which was not obvious, but judging from Tanis' conversation with them, it was obvious that she was half a beat slower, as if she was thinking about something, and her mind was not on Wuming and others.

Even though there was a table of food on the table, Tanis didn't even think about entertaining them.

Wuming wanted to ask, but when he saw Patch, he kicked him over with a crazy hint in his eyes.

Patch stuffed the castanets into his pocket and asked proactively:

Lady Tanith, what happened?

Tanith's body trembled slightly, even the sharp mask eyes could not hide the tiredness and desolation in her eyes.

The hesitation and vulnerability in Tanis's eyes flashed, and she suddenly said to Patch solemnly:

Can I ask you a favor?

Another mission to hunt compatriots? Wuming said, We won't take this job. We are just a caravan. The volcano work has nothing to do with us, so don't embarrass us.

Tanith smiled bitterly: Don't worry, this time we are not hunting fellow Faded Ones.

She took out a medicine bottle from her sleeve pocket.

Can I ask you to feed this to my daughter Laya?

It was an exquisite copper vial, with an amber-like and lava-like substance inside, and a twig-like structure, like a sapling in a sea of ​​fire that had been burnt to black ashes.

What is this? Patch asked.

Tanis was silent for a moment and said slowly:

This is the secret medicine that my king Racade once gave me. It can make people forget painful things.

Why is Laya in pain? Wuming asked, Shedding her skin?

Do you know her identity? Tanith said.

Zela Yasi. Wuming said.

As expected, it's you... Tanis' eyes were complicated, It's you, the one who entered the volcano.

Ah? What kind of brain circuit is this? I don't know. Wuming pretended to be stupid.

Tanith sighed: That's all, that's all. Since she trusts you, it will be easier for you to feed her.

So what's going on? Wuming asked, You parents are getting divorced. Is it too painful for your children to know about it? But your divorce is a fact. Even if your children forget it now, they will know it sooner or later. Forgetting is not Rewrite reality.”

Wuming's eyes were sharp: It's okay even if you get divorced. You can remarry. I'm the marriage priest. I can organize a wedding for you on the spot. It's the same as finding a stepfather for your child.

Patch did not respond to Wuming's words. He took the small bottle and looked at Tanis solemnly:

Forgot the secret medicine? Are you serious?

Tanith's confident and sharp eyes disappeared, and she no longer looked at Patch:

I know, I know it in my heart - this is trampling on Zela Yasi's dignity, just like what the Golden Tree did to us. But, I...I have to take this step.

Tanis covered her face: That child... asked me to kill her. I can't bear it, I can't bear the pain of losing her... My king must have known that I was so weak back then, so that's why he gave me this medicine. …”

Wuming stepped forward and took the medicine from Patch's hand, observing the mysterious color in the medicine bottle:

Happiness based on lies...

Tanis saw Wuming taking the medicine and said:

If you are willing to help, I can pay you 1,250,000 runes.

Why are there still parts and pieces? Wuming said.

It seems like... the runes I brought over. Patch was a little unsure.

Wuming took the medicine bottle and looked at it again, turned around, and was about to walk towards Laya's room. At the same time, he raised his hand to make a firm gesture to Tanis behind him:

Madam, don't worry. I'll pour it into her too. In exchange, can you tell us about the big snake in the volcano——

Before taking two steps, the medicine in her hand was snatched away by Neferi. She stared at Wuming:

You just drink the medicine when I give it to you?

Yes. Wuming nodded to Neferi.

Neferi was so angry that she stuffed the medicine into her arms:

Although I don't know what it is, it's obvious that the child can't bear the blow. I'm going to enlighten her.

Patch brought Tanis a cup of hot tea to comfort her.

Wuming blinked: As soon as we entered the door, half of the people were disintegrated?

He asked Se Lian: Tell me, false happiness or painful truth, which one do you choose?

Ser Lian thought for a while: I don't know, it's too abstract.

For example, you are destined to never be able to pursue your origin dream, suffer forever, or forget this ideal, which one do you choose? Wuming said.

Se Lian frowned: Why can't you succeed? I will definitely succeed.

What if, I mean what if, for example, you just don't have that talent. Wuming said.

These words suddenly made Se Lian startled. She looked at Wu Ming, as if she had been struck by something sad. His lips suddenly twitched slightly, and then he squatted down, his shoulders drooping in despair.

There is another frustrated person in Huoshan Mansion.

Ah... Wuming looked around.

There were sad-looking people everywhere.

Wuming scratched his head: Did I say something I shouldn't have said?

You are too strong. Patch said, You forget that not everyone is as strong as you.

Wuming also froze. Patch's words seemed to have touched Wuming's memories. He also sat down on the ground and approached Se Lian:

Lend me your chicken wings.

Se Lian grabbed a chicken wing from the dining table and gave it to Wu Ming.

The whole place was silent, like mourning a heir.

Wuming held the chicken wings and observed three minutes of silence.

Okay, let's continue. Wuming stood up, No matter how painful it is, we must go on and choose peace and happiness. Those who are defeated by pain should leave their former ideals to the strong.

When Tanis heard Wuming's words, she lowered her eyes and stroked her chest:

What you said... is very similar to my king. Although he is a businessman, he is the most dazzling person I have ever seen.

Tanis lowered her head and did not see that as soon as these words came out, Pachi and Wuming immediately stared at each other with big eyes.

After a flurry of eye contact, Wuming took out a fireball and stuck it to the back of Patch's head. The bald head became extremely dazzling, and a halo rose on the back of his head.

Madam, please forgive me. Patch lowered his voice and said in a deep magnetic voice, I will take care of La Ya's matter.

Are you coming? Tanis looked up at Patch. She was dazzled by the light and stretched out her hand to cover it.

Patch shook off the fireball on his forehead:

Laya is emotionally turbulent now and needs to change the environment and do other things to divert her attention. Children are sensitive, but they are not heartless. If she continues to be depressed, she will only sink deeper, but solve it as soon as possible and she will be better in the future. Becoming stronger.

To get her off the volcano? Tanith asked.

That's all we can do for now. Patch said, Don't worry, I will take good care of her. She will definitely grow up and inherit your pride and strength.

I... am just a weak woman. Tanith said, I don't even want to let Raya leave...

Why don't you teach your child to dance? Patch suggested. During exercise, the depressed spirit will be relieved, which can effectively relieve her emotions.

Dance……

Patch hesitated for a moment, but then took a deep breath and took out the castanets in his pocket:

Yes, teach her to dance. A skilled warrior can understand each other's thoughts through fighting, and Laya can definitely understand you through your dance steps.

Just as he was talking, Laya's room opened, and Neferi walked out holding Laya, who was not much younger than herself. Laya was lying on Neferi's shoulder, seeming to have fallen asleep.

It's been coaxed, Neferi said. When I went in, I was lying on the bed crying.

So capable? Wuming was surprised, When did you become so good at being a mother?

Neferi said: I speak from experience.

Experience of being a mother?

The experience of being a daughter!

Wuming thought about it: Yes, you are indeed familiar with it.

Neferi's collapse was no less severe than that of Laya.

Give it to me, I'll take care of her. Patch came over and showed off his energy in front of Tanis.

Tanis saw Laya sleeping peacefully, and her mood seemed to be more stable.

When Wuming saw this, he wanted to ask Tanis about something serious, but Patch also leaned over, leaving him no chance to speak.

Neferi walked up to him, pulled him, and looked towards Laya's room.

Wuming understood: Madam, let's go back to the room to rest first. Oops, we're too tired from the journey.

Neferi entered the room with the unknown Serenyura, carefully closed the door, and said to them:

I asked about the reason why the child collapsed. Her father was the big snake, or her mother.

Isn't mother Tanis?

It was discovered that it was not the biological mother who caused the collapse. Neferi said, The point is that the big snake, that big snake, ate Larcade.

Ah? Wuming seemed to see a virtual image of the future where many of his plans were shattered, Did you just eat it? Can you cut it out before it turns into shit?

I ate it a long time ago, and Laya gave birth after eating. Neferi told Wuming the information she got from Laya,

Judging from La Ya's description, the big snake has become bigger recently. It can swallow infinitely and expand infinitely. Larcade plans to rely on the big snake to swallow the golden tree and swallow the world.

Se Lian asked: Is this how we repay the royal city?

That should be enough, right? Wuming was unsure, Let's go back first.

Wuming went out and called Pachi, wanting to take Laya with him first.

Go back so soon? Patch asked.

It's okay. Wuming hinted to Patch.

Patch didn't appreciate it and seemed unwilling to leave.

Don't you have to take the child out first? Wuming said, Take her back and we will take care of her. You can come back if you want.

Raya hasn't learned dance from Tanis yet. Patch said.

Relax first, then practice dancing, don't be in a hurry.

Patch hesitated for a moment, said goodbye to Tanis, took Laya, picked up Alexander at the door, and the six of them left the Volcano Mansion.

After leaving the official residence of Huoshan, the unknown person dropped Patch:

When I met Tanis, why did I lose my sight? Didn't you realize that we were hinting you to leave?

Patch asked: Did you find out the information about the big snake?

The big snake swallowed Rakad, as well as the heroes of the Gemir Knights. Wuming said, The reason why it grew so big is because it ate something recently.

That's what you asked? Patch asked.

Isn't this enough? Wuming asked back.

Patch sighed: Have you ever thought that I don't want to leave the volcano, which is also a hint to you that the matter is not over yet.

What's left unfinished? Wuming was puzzled. Lakad has been eaten. Our plan to find him has been shattered. The next step is to stop the loss immediately.

You said the big snake ate something again recently, right? Patch said, That's the point.

The important point is not the big snake, but what did he eat? Wuming became more and more confused.

I need to make sure there is no end to this scary guy. Patch said, Go back.

I just said goodbye... Wuming complained, but still turned around, What can the big snake eat these days? There are no people in the volcano, so the only ones that can eat are those rebels...

As Wuming was talking, he suddenly realized something:

Why are there only six of us, where is Yura?

When we came out of Laya's room, he went in the other direction. Neferi raised her hand.

Wuming stared: You don't want to say this?

I thought he went to the toilet...

Ever since you finished talking about the big snake, Yura ran away... Wuming murmured, thinking of a terrible possibility, This guy won't go looking for the big snake.

Probably, we'll go there too, Patch said.

Neferi smiled: I want to see it too.

Why are you all so adventurous? Wuming said, You're going to get into trouble with something so dangerous.

In the final analysis, you are the only one who is a businessman. Se Lian said, They are all adventurers.

What about you? Wuming asked.

Se Lian touched her chin: I have the answer to the question you asked me before.

What's the problem? Wuming even forgot about it.

Even if it turns out to be fruitless, I will keep searching. Se Lian said, Although the magic of the Gemir volcano is boring, something interesting may be born after Larcade feeds the snake with his body.

Wuming watched the employees turn around and look at Alexander.

Alexander said: Will the fire in the crater be more intense?

Wuming was desperate: I knew I wouldn't have come here for you. Aren't we a caravan? Why would we get involved in that big snake's matter?

Wuming really didn't have confidence. The courage contained in that big snake... Judging from him as a warrior, if one failed, all his employees would have to be killed.

Where do you get the confidence to provoke that thing...

Wuming followed with a grimace. For the first time, he felt that the employees were more reckless than his boss, and that he should be the peacemaker, pulling them from behind to tell them to take it easy.