Chapter 122: Journey to the Digital World

The ancient music beast had still been taken away—an irresistible force of fate. Even though Feng Xue retained considerable combat strength at the time, the appearance of the Vermilion Bird beast in the sky rendered all resistance futile.

The Vermilion Bird beast, even among the ultimate forms, ranked as a powerful middle-to-upper-tier Digimon, holding sway over the southern realm of the Digital World. To defeat one at its perfect form required either a tamer like Ryo Akiyama or one of the extraordinary Digimon such as Arcadiamon or Ophanimon.

“Are you still searching?” That night, Feng Xue asked as he watched Liujie hang up the phone.

“Yes. We must rescue the ancient music beast,” Liujie replied with unwavering determination.

“Actually, the ancient music beast belongs to that world…” Feng Xue suddenly felt as if he were losing his mind. At this moment, he harbored a reluctant thought about not wanting Liujie to venture into the Digital World—not just because of the dangers, but perhaps also out of fear that after the story’s end, time would swiftly turn her hair white.

Feng Xue was hesitant to dwell on such thoughts, aware that they could prove fatal.

“But it was taken by force,” Liujie’s voice was resolute. From her tone alone, Feng Xue knew he couldn’t stop the girl.

“To be honest, I don’t want you to go there. But if you’ve made up your mind…” Feng Xue faltered, for he actually knew of a shortcut into the Digital World—the Dark Zone.

As a noble of the Dark Zone, the species Felismon inherently possessed the magic to traverse between the Digital World and the Dark Zone. Coincidentally, Feng Xue had discovered a digital gate leading to the Dark Zone near the sewers where Little Devilmon had disappeared.

Yet, he was unwilling to take that path—or more precisely, unwilling to let Liujie take it.

The Dark Zone was entirely different from the normal Digital World. If the Digimon in the surface world generally maintained a pure-hearted nature—though “pure” did not mean harmless; children, though innocent, could mercilessly crush birds or insects—then the Dark Zone was filled with vicious, insane, and bloodthirsty Digimon.

Moreover, it was a gathering place for ultimate forms. Without top-tier ultimate strength, one must move in groups there. Lone travelers either possessed unmatched stealth or terrifying trump cards. Passing through such a place, even just borrowing the route, posed dangers far surpassing those of walking unprotected into a wild animal sanctuary filled with ferocious beasts.

“Grandma!” Liujie’s sudden cry startled Feng Xue awake.

“Damn it, was I too absorbed in my thoughts?” Feng Xue tried to disappear but was stopped by an elderly woman with a gentle smile.

“Oh my, I thought you were Mr. Fox, but it turns out you’re a Red Oni!” the old lady chuckled, eyes twinkling. “I never imagined my little Liujie-chan had the talent of an onmyoji!”

“The old house is rather dark and ancient. Since I was young, I’ve wondered if there might be fox spirits or the like living here,” she said with a smile.

“Sorry to disturb you all this time. I’m Feng Xue, currently Liujie’s steward,” Feng Xue bowed slightly, performing a European noble’s etiquette. Though he had taken on the form of a butler, a butler should oversee the entire household. As Liujie’s personal attendant, Feng Xue lacked that authority and remained only a steward.

“A steward, huh? That’s a Western term, isn’t it? By the way, have you been preparing breakfast and dinner these past few days?” The old woman was chatty, her face always radiating warmth and comfort.

“If I told my mother, she wouldn’t understand,” Liujie said softly, her head bowed, emotions unreadable.

“Yeah, that girl is quite otherworldly! Let’s talk again another time…”

“There isn’t… there isn’t time left!” Liujie’s voice was tinged with loss.

The old woman seemed to perceive something. Her rich life experience made her understand that some things were unstoppable. After a brief silence, she finally said to Feng Xue, “Steward, you will protect Liujie, won’t you?”

“Of course. It is my duty,” Feng Xue nodded, unaware of the fleeting expression of either disappointment or helplessness that flashed through Liujie’s eyes.

“Then I leave her in your care.” The old lady bowed lightly before turning to leave.

Only Liujie remained, her eyes shimmering faintly with tears as she slowly whispered, “I’m sorry.”

…

“Here of all places?” Feng Xue gazed at the small dwelling of Killermon, where a digital “gate” appeared about three meters underground. To call it a portal to the Digital World was not incorrect, but unlike the gates in the Dark Zone, this was a “point” where the Digital World and the real world overlapped. In other words, the other side of this overlap could be anywhere in the Digital World—sky, water, or even underground, since this place itself was underground.

Although the Digital World did not have deaths by falling, drowning, or suffocation—except by skills that caused such effects, since Digimon normally did not require breathing—there was the risk that if one appeared underground, it might be buried alive and starve to death.

After some thought, Feng Xue ultimately followed his heart and told the children about the portal. Though he knew that in the original story they appeared directly in the sky, his intention was to give the children one more reason to consider giving up.

Yet the children remained optimistic. After all, they were children and did not examine matters as thoroughly as adults. Packing a few breads and biscuits, they prepared to set off, as if the Digital World had bullet trains as fast and comprehensive as those in Japan.

“It’s okay, it’s okay. Even if it’s underground, Killermon can dig us out!” Qiren answered confidently, seemingly oblivious to the fact that if Killermon were trapped underground, it might not even be able to move its limbs.

By now, Feng Xue understood he could no longer resist the momentum of the story. After the group agreed to depart at six the next morning, Feng Xue, confused about his own feelings, once again fell into a daze…

“Are you truly decided?” Feng Xue asked as he watched Liujie change into a cute Western-style dress, though he felt no joy. He silently observed Liujie bid farewell to her unsuspecting mother.

“Of course!” Liujie replied without hesitation. “Do you remember our original promise?”

Feng Xue nodded silently.

“Since you remember, you should understand! How could one become the strongest in the real world?” Liujie said firmly. Feng Xue knew this was merely an excuse. But at this point, he could only shake his head and say, “Making a contract with a demon to fulfill your wish means your soul will be taken once it’s granted.”

With that, Feng Xue turned and left.

“Soul… haven’t you already taken it?” Liujie murmured, unheard by anyone in that moment…