It's so painful! So hard! So difficult!

"That's easy. Just sing the folk songs of our village! These guests have definitely never heard of them."

As soon as these words came out, everyone was stunned. Then there was another burst of laughter. In the wave of laughter, one person hit his legs and said to Aqi,

"Ah Qi...it's not that we don't want to, but the songs we sing are nothing special, except that they're loud. Even if the guests haven't heard them before, they may not be able to understand us..."

"Not necessarily, not necessarily! Any new treats are always good. Our voices reflect our sincerity."

As he spoke, Ah Qi began to sing to himself. He also walked to the edge of the platform, unbuttoned the top of his shirt, and shouted at the top of his voice. For a moment, his voice floated across the fields and echoed in the valley. He was singing a song,

"In this mountain valley, the hard rocks have raised good people who are strong..."

Mountain songs don't necessarily have good lyrics, let alone good music. Their main feature is... a unique sense of power. Bai Lin had heard some of these songs in his original world. He could only say that while they didn't conform to modern aesthetics, as a form of song, they had many aspects worthy of respect.

Just like R&B was created by black slaves during their oppression as an art form to express their thoughts and liberate themselves from physical suffering, folk songs are the same. Most of them are songs for villagers to use to survive hard times and physical labor.

While this might seem awkward in a normal setting, considering the practical implications, the villagers likely held back, fearing their song wouldn't appeal to the Periya people. After Ah Qi's call, the residents didn't move much, but someone would. Even the young men who usually accompanied Ah Qi put down their drinks, stood up, and began singing along.

Are these guys acting in a TV drama about workers and peasants? Bai Lin couldn't help but wonder as he watched them. He had to admit that Ah Qi's singing was pretty good, and he looked like he'd had some training, but his talent wouldn't be put to good use in the mountains. However, the atmosphere of the fire was slowly being stirred up.

As the song progressed, they not only sang but even started moving. The lyrics, like a storyline, gradually grew more vivid from their initial grandeur. This made Bai Lin, who hadn't appreciated it at first, sense something was amiss.

Is this a folk song? The feeling of this stage... seems to be coming out. Could it be that folk songs from another world can also be unique?

She glanced at the residents around her and noticed that the soldiers around them also seemed a little shocked and confused. Could it be that they were also unaware of the situation? So, Bai Lin turned her attention to the Periya people around her.

Chapter 684 This is called a musical

Could it be that... they arranged this? Such an extraordinary existence would never appear in this way.

As expected, the Periya tribe members, one by one, stepped onto the stage. They stood on the pre-arranged wooden platform and began to sing and interact with Aqi and the others. The somewhat empty voices, in harmony with the lyrics, unexpectedly produced a chemical reaction effect. What shocked Bai Lin even more was...

light.

At some point, lights suddenly lit up on the surrounding forts and platforms. The powerful, cool-toned stage lighting completely overshadowed the bright bonfires, bringing a sense of stillness to the scene. The lyrics and melody were like icy rain, cold yet powerful, embodying the unique demeanor and ideals of the Periya people.

But that wasn't what Bai Lin wanted to appreciate. She frowned and glanced at Yamashita Kanon beside her. She saw that her expression was also somewhat solemn. However, they didn't make any move.

Then, the lights slowly shifted. Aqi and Perpoget faced each other, their hands linked, and the tune slowly shifted. The main melody gradually returned to the original folk song, but with a round-robin performance from the Periya people. Aqi waved his hands, facing the soldiers, and clasped them vigorously, signaling everyone to join in.

A soldier, inspired by the atmosphere, began to sing along. Gradually, everyone walked slowly and disorderly to the center of the field, joining in the performance amidst the bursts of singing. The lights behind them flickered brilliantly, illuminating the night sky like fireworks, brightening the peak of this joyous moment.

Soon, the happy moment came to an end. After the song was finished, everything returned to its original calm. Everyone returned to their seats. Some rubbed their hands, feeling a little unsatisfied. Some soldiers who were not so reserved walked forward curiously and asked Ah Qi and the others,

"Aqi, I didn't expect you to have this skill?! Did you discuss this with the guests in advance? Oh... this feels really good. What kind of song is this?"

"It's called a musical."

Ah Qi replied with great satisfaction and pride. This curiosity and interest was exactly what he wanted to see. The soldier also said "Oh" meaningfully, and then said,

"I've heard of this. It's the kind of high-end stuff that city gentlemen like to watch, right?"

"No, musicals aren't highbrow. They're an art form aimed at the masses, emphasizing storytelling. They usually tell all sorts of stories, from heaven to earth. But a story like soldiers sharing a camp with the Periya people, getting along so harmoniously, is already quite fantastical. You're really good at blending folk songs with drama. Very unique and very interesting!"

Bai Lin slowly walked over and interrupted their conversation, praising them while speaking. Seeing Bai Lin's enthusiasm, A Qi was about to say a few words, but Bai Lin raised a hand to stop him and asked Perpgate above,

"This was your idea, right? How did you come up with it?"

"Yes, it was me. Although we've been rehearsing for a while, the guidance from the Holy Son a few days ago gave us a lot of inspiration, and we made a lot of adjustments before the performance. It seems that the effect... you are not very satisfied?"

Perpogate asked Bai Lin tentatively, but from any perspective, Bai Lin didn't look dissatisfied. Bai Lin replied,

"No, it's really amazing."

"As long as you like it. As the Holy Son mentioned earlier, musicals are primarily narrative. What we just performed is only a part of the musical. We will continue to write the story together."

Popgate said this to everyone with a slightly cheerful tone,

"Before that, we still have many other themes we'd like to perform and try out to perfect our project. These kinds of experiences are hard to capture through imitation alone, so I hope you soldiers will also participate in this judging phase. Eat and drink... and then watch the show! This way, it won't be too tiring for you, I hope."

Obviously, this is not only free from work, but also provides spiritual entertainment in addition to food. Who wouldn't be happy? The soldiers were eager to try it out, and when they were about to agree, Bai Lin took a step ahead and said loudly,

"Then we'll talk about it later. We still have a long way to go. Popogate, let me see you off, and we can discuss the issue just now."

Seeing Bai Lin's somewhat impatient expression, Popgate thought that she was very interested in art and had a special understanding of it, so he did not object. He said another word and led the team to prepare for the evacuation.

"It will be held at our place tomorrow night, and Aqi will be the main star again. Anyone who wants to try it can come and tell us. After a period of study and training, you can also become this position. That's it, goodbye everyone—"

"goodbye--"

The Periya people retreated quickly, or rather, they were very efficient. However, the security check by Bai Lin and Yamashita Kanon took a while. Soon, they packed up and left, while Bai Lin stood next to Yamashita Kanon, who asked Bai Lin,

"Want me to come with you?"

"No need, I can calm the situation. If I can't calm it down, your presence will be useless. You just need to check if there are any left here, that's all."

Having said that, Bai Lin also walked outside. When he came to the side of the container, Bai Lin stopped and said directly to Perpoget,

"That's all, let's talk. I'll get to the point. Perpogate, do you know what I mean by security check?"

"Are you worried about the lighting? The essence of security checks is to reassure the soldiers. The lighting alone shouldn't have much of an impact, right?"

Perpoget seemed to have noticed Bai Lin's thoughts a long time ago, but Bai Lin just curled his lips and smiled, and quickly replied,

"Fuck you! They reassured the soldiers. They were just trying to keep an eye out for you, understand? You can quietly install lights on the wall today, and you can install a cannon tomorrow!"

"We didn't think that..."

"Stop talking nonsense!" Bai Lin interrupted the other party rudely, put on a very serious look, and pointed at the other party and said,

"Now, I'll give you two choices. One is to tell me how you installed those things without me and Yamashita Kanon noticing. Then, during this period, refuse to have direct contact with the soldiers. Start from the beginning and proceed slowly."

Chapter 685: Two Options

"And the other is, get the hell out of here right now. If you don't, we'll fight you. And don't even think about threatening the safety of our soldiers, because if you do, we won't give you that chance."

Even after witnessing a fraction of the technological and magical prowess of the Periya people, Bai Lin still said so. The reason was simple: the other party wouldn't accept a second ending. To the Periya people, the soldiers were just part of a project. Even if Bai Lin couldn't complete his mission to protect the soldiers, the loss of the entire base would be far greater than losing the project.

"There's no need to be so heartless, Lord Saint. Even though you're so powerful, the villagers' attitude towards us is quite good. How can you single-handedly dictate their thoughts? A dictator is truly terrifying."

It's true that normal humans can't really tell what the Periya people are really like, but Bai Lin could sense that they were in a difficult situation and in a bad mood. After all, they were using provocative words to try to force Bai Lin to retreat. But Bai Lin sighed without any mercy, then said with a gloomy face,

"Since ancient times, peace has not been achieved through charity. When the weak are too weak, they will be wantonly abused. Only when the strong are hindered by various factors in their reckless pursuit of their goals, resulting in considerable losses, will a peace treaty be reached. At least, this is the case among humans."

"For the soldiers, this peace, though late in coming, was easy, like winning the lottery. They're naturally reluctant to let it go, which is why they're willing to engage with you. But when they discover their lives are still threatened and their families could be torn apart at any moment, they immediately become alert and abandon this idea."

"Because they're not reassured. If you really start from the beginning and slowly make contact, maybe they'll be able to truly feel at ease, but you're not qualified for that right now. You're just taking advantage of the situation, like hitting on a woman who's just been heartbroken. It seems harmonious, but if there's any hint of something else, it'll be a falling out."

Bai Lin pointed at the other person's face and said bluntly, she slanted her eyes, exuding her pressure from a superior position, and continued,

"No matter what you say, I will simply tell them everything that might happen and all the facts. If they truly believe that continuing the negotiation with you is fine... I won't stop them. It's not my job to persuade them. But how likely is that? How much of the ideas you've spread have spread among that group? You should know better than I do."

There was no emotion in the bright yellow eyes of Perpgate. It just looked at Bai Lin coldly, blinking occasionally. In the end, Perpgate chose to compromise and replied,

"Although I still don't fully understand why you're so angry, it's probably because of the risks, right? We, the Periya people, believe in respecting each other's culture. Therefore, we agree to your terms, Lord Saint. I believe that with our sincerity, we will soon be able to complete amicable negotiations with them."

"You'd better do that."

-

"It was installed before we arrived? Are you sure? Bai Lin, you just found out about such an important thing? Didn't you even check the soldiers' camp?"

In the tent, Yamashita Kanon looked at Bai Lin, who was lying on the mattress with a bored look on his face, and asked in confusion. Bai Lin replied with a sullen look,

"You said there was nothing wrong with these guys, so I thought you'd already searched the camp thoroughly... Well, it's not your fault, it was really me who was too soft-hearted. Seeing the benefits and the appearance, I inadvertently trusted them a little, and felt there was nothing wrong, so I didn't check any further."

To be honest, Bai Lin had never encountered such a situation before. Normally, she would confirm the safety of her residence before resting, but this was her first time living in another village, and she had neglected to check the entire area because of her negotiations with the Periya people.

However, the result wasn't bad. The soldiers' reactions were pretty much what Bai Lin had expected; most of them were on the alert. Only the little devils looked a little flustered, their expressions not looking too good.

After verbal confirmation, Bai Lin was convinced that the soldiers hadn't left anything behind from the Periya people. She also checked the books and materials they had left behind, and only returned them to the young men after confirming they were correct. She also warned them that this was a serious matter and that they must not have any evil intentions.

"...Why don't we go investigate tonight, searching the villages and valleys. As you said, they often use covert methods to observe in order not to disturb the indigenous people's normal ecology, so many of the equipment they use also have concealed features. But if we just search together, we should be able to do it."

It was rare that Yamashita Kanon didn't suggest that they should kill all the Periya people right now. Perhaps she saw Bai Lin's bad mood and didn't want to cause trouble for her, so she didn't go against Bai Lin's original decision. This did make Bai Lin feel a little relieved, but when she sat up, she still shook her head in confusion, stretched her muscles, and said,

"We've done our best, but if we can't find it, there's nothing else we can do. As far as I know, such a thing doesn't exist. We just need to be careful not to let them get close to it and install it again in the next few days."

As for long-range, beyond-visual-range strikes, the Periya tribe certainly had that kind of thing, but Bai Lin had no intention of preventing it. Because that kind of thing was impossible to prevent. As long as those shells flew towards her, Bai Lin would definitely wake up automatically. The two of them could also deal with it, but it was hard to say what would happen to the village behind them.

The Periya tribe wouldn't just start an all-out war. If they did... we'd just have to fall out.

Bai Lin's current opinion was to do his best. The two of them worked on this idea for a while, also removing the eavesdropping device they had previously placed in the valley. Thus, the matter came to an end.

-

"can you hear me?"

The heavy sound of machinery echoed, waking up a thin young man who had been sitting all night, his face a little gloomy, his head a little dizzy, and he didn't know what he was thinking about. He opened his eyes wide, and the other party continued to ask,

"Do you hear me clearly, Qi?"

Chapter 686 I Have a Way

"Yeah...I can hear you clearly."

Ah Qi's voice was a little hoarse, and he seemed a little weak. The voice on the other side was obviously from the Periya tribe. They communicated with him through a hidden device that was hidden from Ah Qi's ears and had not been reported to Bai Lin.

"The situation over there isn't good, is it? Lord Saint Son has the situation completely under control, right?"

"Tsk, aren't you all clear about this? Now I'm stuck. What should I do?"

Aqi's eyebrows were twitching, and his arms were moving slightly meaninglessly. He didn't seem to be in a very good mental state.

He seemed to understand somewhat that the Periya tribe's actions this time were essentially disrespectful to humanity. However, the danger of being controlled by this hidden technology was within Qi's expectations. Even the lights had been installed with Qi's help. He never believed the Periya tribe would attack them, let alone... him.

He was a man who had accepted enlightenment and found happiness. He was different from everyone else, completely different.

"At this point, we can't proceed as slowly and sequentially as before. But there is a way to get the process back to the previous plan, but I need your help."

"What method?"

Although Ah Qi's heart tightened, he still asked without hesitation, as if he really needed this so-called method to hold on. And the other side also said slowly,

"It's simple. We'll cut back on the plan and proceed. Although we can't have all the villagers participate, you can bring those who are willing to come. However, the Holy Son should have ordered you not to do such things, right? So, we have to prepare corresponding measures."

"We'll notify you this morning. Go to the designated location, pick up your belongings, and leave. You said you were going back to the village, but your real destination is indeed the village. Her detection method was figured out last night. One aspect is the device that automatically detects moving objects, which is her cloak. If any unusual events occur, they will be reported to the Son of Heaven."

"On the other hand, it's her intuition. This is different from the average person's intuition. It's not something that can be said or ignored. It's an intuition that is always accurate. If she sees you with something, she will definitely follow her intuition and ask to search you."

"Although you don't need to worry about a simple body search since you've taken your belongings, you should still try to avoid a head-on collision, as that would be much more troublesome."

After hearing this string of words, Ah Qi was a little slow to react. He couldn't help but sweat on his forehead, and then his lips trembled a little, and he said unconsciously,

"Wait, what did you say? What do you want me to do? What is it that I'm going to get?"

"Just think of it as a restraint. It can perfectly restrict the movements of the Holy Child and her companions, but it won't harm them. And after that, they won't have any memory of what happened."

"At this time, you just need to sneak out with your companions and participate in this plan like the children in the village."

Hearing the mechanical sound from the other side without any fluctuation, Ah Qi's mind was like a bolt from the blue. He couldn't calm down at all. He quickly called out to the other party and said,

"Wait, why are you saying that so easily? What are you doing? Are you asking me to deal with that Holy Son? That hero of humanity, the one who was born in legends and chosen by the gods? You want me to go against the hero of all mankind just for you?"

Hearing what Ah Qi said, the person on the other end of the line sighed and replied patiently and slowly,

"Aqi, this isn't just for us, it's for you, for us. Is our common plan going to be set back so much just because of the Holy Son who's staying here for a short period of time? Could you possibly allow such a thing? It shouldn't be."

"This can't just benefit us, and you should also know that we won't take advantage of the Holy Son being trapped to do anything strange. You should know in your heart that we are not that kind of people."

A response like this from the Periya people was actually an acknowledgement of Aqi's question, but it was just another way of saying it: kidnapping children. Aqi leaned back in the chair behind him, panting, thinking rapidly in his mind.

What should I do? What should I do? Can I take action against that adult? As I slowly begin to understand reason and knowledge, what should I do?

If I anger the Holy Son, I will lose everything. And if this incident, through the Holy Son's words, further escalates the danger in the village, then according to the Holy Son, there's almost no chance of me spreading my ideas. Even some of my companions are beginning to waver.

Was he going to lose everything again? Lose this hard-earned opportunity and return to his past self, a coward who was bullied and misunderstood by everyone?

After a long period of thinking, Ah Qi took two breaths, drank a large mouthful of water, and then said,

"I promise."

"Very good. I'll give you a detailed account of what's going on later."

So, that morning, Ah Qi decided to leave the camp. As soon as he left the tent, he felt the sunlight outside was so glaring that it was almost unbearable. The Holy Son seemed to be training at another end of the camp. She didn't seem to have met with the Periya people today, which was consistent with Periya's predictions.

He walked up to the battalion commander and made up an excuse that he was going back to see his family. The battalion commander was ready to agree and led him to the door, asking the guard to let Aqi go. But at this moment, a sudden voice rang out.

"What are you going to do?"

It was a cold voice, one that made Aqi tremble all over and filled him with fear from the bottom of his heart. Yamashita Kanon had appeared behind the crowd at some point and was questioning him. Aqi simply glanced behind him and immediately looked away, fearing that any further eye contact would reveal him.

Yamashita Kanon, the person brought by the Holy Son, was also someone to be avoided according to the Periya tribe. Like the Holy Son, she also had her own reconnaissance methods, and if she ran into them directly, she would be easily exposed.

Chapter 687: Longing for Fantasy

Why is she here, calling us? Did she discover something? Calm down, I need to calm down. I haven't left yet to get that thing, so theoretically, she can't be suspicious of me, let alone see anything.

The communicator placed in Aqi's cochlea is in the form of a life form and is almost impossible to detect by any means.