261: Chapter 261 The Symbiotic Pact

Cooperation was not based on warmth or trust, but on cold exchanges of interests and an imminent threat to survival. Ling Ye needed Grave Digger's knowledge regarding "Abyssal Remains," contamination, and the internal workings of the "Dark Nest" to better understand his own situation, avoid future risks, and perhaps… find a possibility to counter the contamination of the "abyssal eye." Meanwhile, Grave Digger needed Ling Ye's strength, stealth abilities, and that special "capital" that seemed to temporarily counter the contamination ("Star Visualization" and the "Ancient Ring" mark) to delay death, escape the pursuit of "The Mother," and trade for a slim chance to keep breathing.

This was no longer a vague "Wilderness Alliance" based on material exchange, but a naked symbiotic contract with lives and Souls as the stakes.

The first step of the "contract" was information exchange and preliminary treatment.

Ling Ye did not immediately demand that Grave Digger spill all their secrets. He first had to confirm whether the other party had the physical condition and basic willingness to "fulfill the contract." Enduring his weakness, he fed Grave Digger his last bit of clean water and the few remaining, relatively easy-to-digest young plant stems. At the same time, he entered "Star Visualization" once again, guiding that restored, slightly more solidified Mental Energy and warm current, and with extreme caution, followed Grave Digger's vague guidance to attempt to divert—rather than resist—a portion of the relatively inert contaminated energy accumulated in the meridians of their right arm.

This time, he did not try to "wrap" or "neutralize" it. Instead, like dredging a clogged river channel, he used his extremely precise consciousness to control the warm current, searching for "gaps" and "weak points" in the flow of the contaminated energy, guiding and dispersing it into some relatively unimportant, already severely eroded peripheral meridians at the end of the arm, temporarily relieving the pressure on the main meridians and delaying the speed at which the contamination eroded toward the heart and brain.

This process placed extremely high demands on Ling Ye's mental control and was incredibly draining. However, he discovered that after the tempering of the previous life-and-death struggle, his mind seemed to have become more "resilient" and "sharp," and his control over his own energy, as well as his perception of the "texture" of the foul energy within his "Neighbor," had improved by a notch. Although it was still an arduous struggle and agonizingly painful, at least he could act with a "clear target" instead of blindly clashing against it.

"Right… that's it… shift left by half a point… avoid that… energy vortex node…" Grave Digger kept their eyes tightly shut, cold sweat pouring down their forehead. While enduring the pain of the diversion, they guided Ling Ye with a hoarse, intermittent voice. They clearly had an understanding of their own contaminated body that far surpassed Ling Ye's, even if this understanding carried the bloody, painful brand of experimentation and erosion.

Under Grave Digger's guidance, it took Ling Ye nearly two hours to barely manage to divert and disperse a small portion of the most severely accumulated contaminated energy in the main meridians of their right arm. The effect was immediate—Grave Digger's sallow complexion seemed to improve by the slightest fraction, and their breathing became slightly more steady. The grayish-green patches and black lines on their right wrist had not faded, but that living, throbbing sensation of constantly "crawling" upward had significantly weakened.

"Temporarily… stabilized…" Grave Digger let out a long, extremely exhausted breath, as if they had just been pulled from drowning for a moment. "But… this is only a stopgap measure. The contamination dispersed to the extremities is still slowly eroding, and… it will accelerate the necrosis of the peripheral tissues. I need to… periodically clean those necrotic tissues, otherwise…"

They did not continue, but Ling Ye understood. This meant that in the future, Grave Digger's right arm might need to be amputated, or they would need to find some way to completely clear or convert that contaminated energy.

"How long can you block 'The Mother's' perception?" Ling Ye was more concerned about this fatal question.

"I don't know…" Grave Digger shook their head weakly. "The 'beacon' inside me is formed from a sliver of a 'fragment' of 'The Mother,' and it has an essential connection to it. My contamination is being suppressed, and its activity is reduced, which might make its perception blurry and delayed. But… it will find me sooner or later. Unless…"

"Unless what?"

"Unless we can find a sufficiently strong energy field that can interfere with or even sever this 'essential connection,' or… use a more powerful, homologous but 'ordered' energy to cover and assimilate this 'fragment' inside me." Grave Digger's gaze involuntarily drifted toward Ling Ye, their eyes filled with a trace of inquiry and disbelief. "The energy you… guided earlier is very strange. It seems to… have some kind of… Innate restraint or Purification tendency toward the contamination of the 'abyssal eye,' although it is very weak. You… what exactly are you?"

Ling Ye did not answer. Regarding the "Ancient Ring" mark and the "xuanyuan ring," he himself only had a half-understanding. He changed the subject: "What is the principle behind the 'contamination stabilization/isolation device' prototype you mentioned earlier? Can it still be repaired or replicated?"

Grave Digger gave a bitter smile. "The core of that device was an 'energy filter element' extracted and processed from a small piece of a special 'Abyssal Remains' crystal, which was extremely rare and could naturally absorb and store the contamination energy of the 'abyssal eye.' The device itself had a complex structure and required precision energy to drive it, and… in the explosion, both the filter element and the core structure were completely destroyed. Replication… is almost impossible. Unless we can find another piece of pure 'Abyssal Remains' crystal of the same type and have the corresponding processing equipment and technology. This… in the wilderness, is a fantasy."

Ling Ye was silent. It seemed that relying on "technological" means was out of the question for now.

"Then, how much do you know about the 'Abyssal Remains' themselves? Their activity patterns? Weaknesses? Different types?" Ling Ye began to ask for more practical information that was directly useful for their current survival.

Grave Digger's spirits seemed to have improved a bit, perhaps because they had temporarily escaped the immediate threat of death, or perhaps because the ability and "cooperative" attitude Ling Ye displayed allowed them to see a glimmer of faint hope. They began to explain in as concise and clear language as possible:

"'Abyssal Remains' are aberrant aggregates produced by the long-term interaction of high-concentration contamination energy from the 'abyssal eye' with specific substances (usually substances rich in silicon, carbon, or certain metal elements) in specific environments (geothermal energy nodes, areas with large amounts of decomposing biomass, high-intensity radiation residue areas, etc.). Their forms are bizarre and varied, but they can generally be divided into several categories:

Inert/Mineral Type: Like those Ore you found, the contamination energy is highly condensed and inert, but contact or long-term proximity is still harmful. This is the 'basic form' or 'waste' of 'Abyssal Remains.' Some special inert 'Abyssal Remains' crystals may possess special energy properties (energy absorption, energy storage, interference, etc.) and are precious experimental Materials, as well as… sources of danger.

Active/Crawling Type: This is the 'stone monster' you encountered. They possess low-level movement, perception (usually sensitive to energy, life, or specific contamination frequencies), and a certain degree of physical attack/defense capabilities. They move slowly and have chaotic thoughts, but they are troublesome in large numbers. Their weakness is their energy core (usually hidden somewhere inside their body), and they fear high-intensity, pure, or energy shocks that are repulsive to their contamination frequency. They also fear the complete destruction of their physical structure (though many 'Abyssal Remains' have abnormally sturdy body structures or possess regenerative capabilities).

Aggregation/Mother Type: Extremely rare and extremely dangerous. They possess strong energy manipulation capabilities and a certain level of consciousness (chaotic, greedy, and full of desire for destruction). They can influence and control low-level 'Abyssal Remains,' and even absorb and assimilate other matter and living beings. The source of that 'fragment' inside me is an incomplete 'The Mother.' Their weaknesses… are hard to know. It usually requires extremely powerful, specialized energy weapons, or… triggering internal energy Chaos within them to cause them to self-destruct.

Special/Mutant Type: Abyssal Remains produced under special conditions that possess special abilities. For example, they can release mental interference, toxins, strong acids, high temperatures, frost, or possess mimicry, parasitism, and other abilities. They are extremely difficult to deal with and require specific analysis based on the situation.

"Abyssal Remains" usually loathe strong, pure natural energy (such as thunder, geothermal fire, or certain special magnetic fields), and can also be attracted to or suppressed by the higher-order, more "ordered" polluted energy of the "abyssal eye". They have high resistance to ordinary physical attacks but are quite sensitive to energy attacks, especially those that can destroy their internal polluted energy structure.

As for their activity patterns... they are mostly active during nights when energy is active, or during specific periods of geomagnetic energy fluctuations. They usually gather near pollution sources (such as old "Abyssal Remains" nests or geomagnetic nodes) and are also attracted by strong life energy or specific pollution signals..."

The Grave Digger's account, though brief, revealed to Ling Ye a glimpse of the hideous face of "abyssal eye" pollution in the material world. Many previously encountered, incomprehensible phenomena (such as the nocturnal activities of "Worm Rock", the sensing of the "xuanyuan ring" energy, and the eerie properties of Ore) now had preliminary explanations.

The people of the "Dark Nest" were researching and utilizing these terrifying things! And the Grave Digger's former job was to delve deep into the nests of these monsters and dance with death and pollution.

"When you escaped, what was the situation inside the 'Dark Nest'? What do you know about 'the key'?" Ling Ye asked one of the most critical questions.

The Grave Digger's expression changed slightly, and a flicker of deep fear and... some indescribable, complex emotion flashed in its eyes.

"The 'Dark Nest'... is very deep, very large, and strictly hierarchical. The 'Grave Digger' project I was in was just one of the lowest-level, outermost research branches. I don't know what the higher-ups are doing. But I do know they seem to be... on a large scale and with purpose, utilizing 'Abyssal Remains' and polluted energy to conduct some kind of... modification or evolution experiment. Not just to manufacture weapons, it seems... they also want to use it on humans. I have seen... some failed 'test subjects', that sight..." It shuddered and did not continue.

"As for 'the key'..." The Grave Digger paused, seemingly recalling, "It is a... forbidden legend circulating among the bottom-level researchers and guards. It is said to be something that can unlock the true core secrets of the 'abyssal eye', or... control and guide the power of the 'abyssal eye'. No one knows exactly what it is. Some say it is an ancient relic, some say it is a special 'Abyssal Remains' crystal, and some say... it is a 'person' who was chosen. The people above seem to have been frantically searching for it. Before I escaped, I heard that because of an experimental accident, some key information or item regarding 'the key' was lost, which triggered the rage of the higher-ups and a severe investigation... that is likely one of the causes of the 'Cleaning' and pursuit you encountered."

The fragments of information began to piece together. The "the key" on the G-7 Node record paper, the spread of "abyssal eye" pollution, the secret research of the "Dark Nest", the harsh "Cleaning" operations... everything seemed to revolve around that mysterious "the key". And the "xuanyuan ring" in his hand was clearly closely and dangerously linked to "the key".

"Have you seen this?" Ling Ye hesitated for a moment, then slowly took out the ancient, and at this moment, extraordinarily cold "xuanyuan ring" from close to his body, and handed it to the Grave Digger.

The moment the Grave Digger's gaze fell on the ring, its pupils suddenly shrank to pinpricks! Its breathing stopped abruptly, and its body trembled violently as if struck by an electric current! Its face instantly lost all color, leaving only extreme fear and... a kind of near-despairing realization!

"It... it is it! A 'replica'! No... impossible! How could you have this?! These should all be in the top-secret Warehouse of the 'Dark Nest', or... in the hands of those 'The Scavengers' who carry out the most dangerous missions!" Its voice was sharp, trembling, and filled with disbelief.

"A replica?" Ling Ye felt a chill in his heart and asked, "Replica of what? The prototype of 'the key'?"

The Grave Digger stared fixedly at the ring, as if it were some terrifying venomous snake, the voice still trembling: "Yes... according to legend, there are multiple 'replicas' of 'the key'. They are early experimental products, or... failed attempts made to reproduce the power of 'the key'. They possess some characteristics of 'the key', such as high sensitivity to 'abyssal eye' polluted energy and a weak ability to guide it, but they are also extremely unstable, and... it is said that they will attract the gaze of the 'abyssal eye', and even bring about... even more terrifying 'things'! You... you have been carrying it all this time?!"

Ling Ye's heart sank. So that was it. This ring was not just a clue to "the key", but in itself an unstable, disaster-attracting mark! No wonder the "xuanyuan ring" reacted violently before, attracting the detection and strike of the "Plainclothes Agents"! No wonder the "Worm Rock" would be attracted by its energy!

"Do you know how to use it? Or... turn it off?" Ling Ye asked in a deep voice.

The Grave Digger shook its head, its eyes filled with a trace of pity and fear: "I don't know. The usage methods and limitations of these 'replicas' are top secret. Moreover, it is said that the characteristics of each one are slightly different. Carrying it, you are like a torch in the dark night, incomparably conspicuous to those existences that can sense the aura of 'the key'. You must... get rid of it as soon as possible, or find a way to completely mask its aura!"

Get rid of it? Ling Ye glanced at the ring. This might be the "safest" choice for now, but it also meant that he might forever lose the possibility of pursuing the truth of "the key" and unraveling his own mysteries (the "Ancient Ring" mark, the memory fragments implanted in the ring). Moreover, would discarding or destroying it really mean escaping the trouble? Was the tracking by "The Mother" also related to this ring?

Masking it? Easier said than done.

The problems seemed to have multiplied and become more urgent.

Inside the cave, silence fell once again. Only the heavy breathing of the two and the whimpering wind outside the cave remained.

It seemed even narrower and more fraught with crises than imagined.

But at least they now had information, a temporary respite, and... a temporary "ally" who, although full of trouble, possessed key knowledge.

Ling Ye put away the ring and looked at the Grave Digger, his gaze returning to that habitual, cold calmness.

"Listen, 'Grave Digger'. Our 'contract' is now in effect. While I am still able to suppress the pollution in your body and provide basic shelter, you must tell me everything you know without reservation—about 'Abyssal Remains', about the 'Dark Nest', about pollution, about survival, and all useful information about this wilderness. At the same time, do your best to assist me in obtaining food and water, and improving this shelter. In exchange, I will do my best to help you stabilize your injuries, delay the pollution, and take you away from this dangerous area to find a safer place."

He paused, his voice becoming even colder:

"If I find that you have any concealment or deception, or if your presence brings danger we cannot handle, endangering my life, I will not hesitate to... terminate our 'contract'. Do you understand?"

This was not a negotiation; it was an ultimatum.

The Grave Digger met Ling Ye's temperatureless gaze, its body trembling slightly, but in the end, it still nodded slowly and heavily. In its eyes, the previous despair and self-destruction were gone, replaced by a mixture of fear, obedience, and... a trace of extremely weak, twisted "hope" after grasping a lifeline.

"Understood. I... have no choice. And no... way back."

The symbiosis contract of the wilderness, in this cave filled with the aura of pollution and the shadow of death, was officially reached in the least romantic and least warm way.

Two outlaws forced into a desperate situation by fate and the shadow of the "abyssal eye" would share this last "glimmer of hope", struggling to survive in the terrifying wilderness filled with "Abyssal Remains" and the unknown, and... waiting for an opportunity to peek at the corner of the dark truth that shrouded everything.