Chapter 30: Left or Right

“Which path should we choose?” someone voiced the question that everyone was silently pondering.

On the shore, the pallbearers carrying the coffin followed the players without pause. They stopped alongside the boat, their hands steady and unwavering as they held the coffin, standing firmly at the water’s edge like puppets devoid of thought.

But Huan Xiao noticed that the ghostly aura around the coffin had grown stronger—the dark mist was impossible to ignore.

“We can’t take the middle path; it’s too long. We probably won’t make it to the end if we choose that,” Qiang said after a moment’s thought.

“Let’s go right,” he continued. “There are houses there—maybe some natives. We could use them as cannon fodder to test how the ghosts attack.”

His suggestion was met with unanimous praise.

“Brilliant! Qiang, you’re so smart!”

“As expected of an Aura Wielder. I think that’s a good idea; the right side it is.”

“This way, we reduce our chances of dying. Qiang’s amazing!”

Watching their mindless flattery, Wen Su’s eyes darkened. This was typical of Aura Wielders—an obvious idea would be blindly accepted and they’d be elevated without a second thought, regardless of others’ opinions.

“I think the path through the forest is better,” interrupted the girl wearing a sunhat. She continued, “The houses on that side might be like the road we’ve seen so far—only at the start. Beyond that, there could be even more terrifying ghosts. And haven’t you noticed something?”

“The pallbearers with the coffin are all on the right bank. If we go left, maybe they won’t follow us. We could finally shake them off.”

“Just looking at those coffins makes me uneasy. If they keep following us, something dangerous might happen.”

The others fell silent—not because they agreed, but because the girl in the sunhat was also an Aura Wielder. When two Aura Wielders argued, ordinary folks dared not speak up.

Qiang sneered coldly. “That’s nonsense. Can you guarantee there won’t be ghosts on the left? Maybe the ghosts there are stronger and could kill us in a single strike.”

“At least the right path is familiar to us—those coffins. Why risk unnecessary danger?”

The girl in the sunhat calmly retorted, “You’re wrong. The left path might also be safe. Perhaps there are no ghosts there. And if you knowingly want to go into danger, I can’t help but suspect you’re working with the ghosts to wipe us out.”

Qiang’s eyes flickered with suspicion as he shouted, “I’ve been with you all along. How could I be allied with the ghosts? You’re slandering me. Besides, maybe the game is exploiting our habitual thinking, using these coffins to pressure us into heading for the forest.”

The girl wasn’t convinced. “That’s just your guess. I—”

“Your words are just your guesses too. Since we can’t agree, let the others decide for themselves—whether to follow me or you,” Qiang interrupted arrogantly, waving his hand to hand the decision over to the group.

Those waiting for the final verdict hadn’t expected it would come down to a vote.

On the boat, everyone looked at each other without a word.

“Fine, I agree. But to avoid splitting into two groups and risking the boat sinking, let’s vote by raising hands. The minority will follow the majority,” the girl in the sunhat said confidently. Compared to traveling with the coffin, she believed most would choose the forest path.

“Agreed. I don’t want to risk not having enough people to row safely. Let’s vote,” Qiang said proudly, lifting his head high.

Unexpectedly, discussions began quietly among companions, debating which path was safer.

Huan Xiao was pulled aside by Wen Su.

“Xiao Huan, choose the right side,” Wen Su ordered without discussion.

“Why?” Huan Xiao asked. Though neither path seemed dangerous to her, she disliked being ordered around.

Wen Su frowned, then explained, “Qiang is stronger than that girl. We just follow Qiang’s lead. Don’t ask so many questions.”

“But they haven’t even fought. How do you know Qiang is stronger?” Huan Xiao was puzzled. Judging by the ghostly aura, the girl in the sunhat seemed more powerful.

Wen Su replied matter-of-factly, “Qiang is a man. Men are naturally stronger than women. Isn’t that common sense? If we choose left, that girl won’t be able to protect us.”

Huan Xiao’s expression betrayed her disbelief. If Aura Wielders judged strength so simplistically, what was the point of their levels? Were their ranks meaningless?

She couldn’t believe such a dim-witted statement came from someone who had survived six rounds of the game.

“Xiao Huan, what does that look on your face mean?” Wen Su glared at her.

“Nothing. I just suddenly have a headache,” Huan Xiao said, clutching her head to feign illness.

Wen Su eyed her suspiciously, but seeing she truly seemed unwell, she stressed, “Remember to choose right. Don’t offend Qiang.”

“Okay, got it,” Huan Xiao gave an OK gesture.

Whatever. If it’s the wrong choice, it’ll be your lives that are lost.

Meanwhile, sensing the voices quieting, the two Aura Wielders knew the group had made their decision.

The girl in the sunhat announced loudly, “Now, raise your left hand for the left path, right hand for the right path. We’ll go where the majority chooses.”

Hands shot up all at once. The two Aura Wielders rowed to the front to count. Each teammate on their respective boats voted for their own Aura Wielder’s path. Such is human nature.

Though Huan Xiao didn’t understand why, even facing life-threatening danger, they still played such social games, she couldn’t help but admire them.

Huan Xiao and Wen Su raised their right hands.

After counting, the girl said, “Thirteen chose right, ten chose left… So be it. We’ll follow Qiang and go right.”

The girl in the sunhat’s face darkened but she said no more.

Qiang struck a victorious pose, slapped the adjacent boat where the girl sat, and laughed heartily, “Thanks for the concession, sis!”

Though neither Aura Wielder openly showed resentment, everyone prepared to set off.

The pallbearers on shore did not even turn their heads, moving forward in unison with the boat. Their eyes, shrouded in thick cloth, were unreadable—either spirited or vacant.

No one could see their skin, as they remained wrapped in cloth.