The cemetery had a total of five hundred steps. Those with mobility issues could take a flying vehicle directly to the top.
Tombstones rose in layers, with three monuments standing in the center.
Chu Ran followed Chang Han up the steps, one by one.
The sun was pleasant today, with no wind or clouds, and occasionally the chirping of birds could be heard.
When they reached over a hundred steps, Chang Han stopped. "There's plenty of time. I can wait for you."
Chu Ran looked to the side. Three or four meters to her right stood a white stone tombstone, its screen playing a video the deceased had recorded while alive.
It was He Yi's grave.
Chu Ran walked over and placed the two bouquets of flowers she was holding in front of the grave.
In the video, a woman was shaking a plush toy at someone off-screen.
Chu Ran bent down and wiped a fallen dead leaf off the tombstone.
If there is an afterlife, may they be reunited as mother and daughter.
In the video, the woman stood up, smiled, and waved goodbye.
Chu Ran straightened up and returned to the stairs. "Let's go."
Chang Han nodded without asking, continuing to lead Chu Ran upward. "Quite a few people came this time. Besides Lei Jianguo, Edwood, Charlie An, and Gao Yuan, there are also people from Central Star and the Explorer Association. But it's none of your business—Lei Jianguo will handle them."
"There's something," Chang Han thought for a moment and said, "Six days ago, Old Master Chu went missing, and Chu Heng was seriously injured and hasn't woken up yet."
Chu Ran raised an eyebrow. As chaotic as the last few days had been, a person disappearing in broad daylight was still surprising.
"It's related to the God Summoning Society. Central Star has dispatched a special squad to track and deal with it," Chang Han added. "Lei Jianguo thinks it's unnecessary to tell you, but I think you need to know."
"Indeed," Chu Ran curled her lips. "Good news lifts the spirits."
Chang Han laughed. "Don't say that in public. You're in the spotlight, and people will nitpick."
"Is anyone still criticizing my attitude toward the Chu Family?" Chu Ran said casually.
"They want to break your protective aura," Chang Han said, looking at the monument getting closer. "StarNet users, the Explorer Association, the Central Star Research Institute, and the military higher-ups who were close to Commander Huang are all behind you. Plus, with the Andrew Family and the Huang Family applying pressure, those who want to move against you have retreated to their dens. But desire only grows stronger when suppressed."
"I heard you chose to enter the Third Training Institute. Good," Chang Han took a few quick steps. "Relying on others is never as good as relying on yourself."
"I think the title of Spiritist Tournament champion is quite useful."
Chang Han reached the top step, turned around, and looked down at Chu Ran, speaking with calm ease.
"Go to hell!"
A sudden roar.
Chu Ran and Chang Han both turned their heads to see Lei Jianguo, Edwood, and Gao Yuan being chased all over by Explorers.
Charlie An huddled beside them like a quail, silent.
The Central Star inspection team stood solemnly in front of the monument, bowing their heads in mourning, completely ignoring the carnage beside them.
Chang Han recognized the ones being beaten and stopped his urgent pace, pulling Chu Ran over to Charlie An. "Did you step in dog shit today?"
Charlie An glanced quietly into the distance and straightened up slightly. "I didn't agree to move the battlefield to Old Street, so they can't beat me."
Chang Han stiffened and stepped back.
More than ten minutes later, Lei Jianguo, Edwood, and Gao Yuan returned, each with a black eye and a bleeding corner of their mouth.
Seeing Chang Han unscathed, the three glared at him with murderous intent.
But before they could enact justice, the Explorer Association's voice rang out: "Are you Chu Ran?"
Chu Ran turned around.
An elderly woman of tall stature walked over quickly.
Her hair was white and tied back, her face marked by time, with the savagery of killing pressed deep in her calm, kind eyes. She wore a black combat top, revealing smooth, muscular lines, a light blade at her waist, and cargo pants with black combat boots—neat and sharp.
"I'm Chu Ran." Chu Ran touched her earlobe.
The old woman's gaze swept over her face and softened. "Cuihua mentioned you. She said you have a soft heart, even though, like her unfilial grandson, you always nagged her about drinking."
Chu Ran was silent.
A soft heart?
Who?
Not to mention the recent past—one person on the sacrifice list was there because of her negligence, letting a Zerg escape.
"Were you and Aunt Wang good friends?" Chu Ran looked up and asked.
The old woman burst into laughter. "We were comrades-in-arms. Comrades who survived together five times."
Chu Ran paused, then smiled. "That's even rarer."
The old woman's expression grew even softer. She reached out and patted Chu Ran. "My name is Maria. If you ever run into trouble, you can come to me."
"Or any of us." The other Explorer Association members stepped forward.
Chu Ran looked at their weather-beaten faces and nodded. "Alright."