60: Chapter 60 The Netherworld Ferry, 100,000 in Ferry Fees

Lin Chen's decision was like a giant boulder thrown into a calm lake, stirring up ripples within the core level of the Fortress.

"Netherworld Ferry Crossing?" Hearing this place name, Su Qingyu's fingers tightened slightly around the report. Even though she had become a manager capable of standing on her own, she still felt an instinctive dread facing a Ghost Domain that radiated an ominous aura just from its name. That was not comparable to the "Bloody Hospital" she had experienced before; it was a territory truly connected to the Underworld!

Zhang Hao shrunk his neck even more, subconsciously swallowing his saliva. The usual fawning smile on his face froze. "Mas... Master, that place sounds incredibly sinister! There must be true vengeful spirits and aggrieved souls everywhere, right? How about... we deliberate on this further?" He cherished his life very much.

Lin Chen sat on the throne, looking at the two people with different expressions before him, his gaze unwavering.

"Underworld Fragments, soul ferry boat—these are the keys to the next step." His voice was calm but carried an unquestionable power. "The 'Nether Shadow Council' is watching from the shadows, and the Thousand-Faced Sect Leader will certainly not let matters rest after suffering such a huge loss. Waiting passively will only allow others to put a knife to our throats."

He stood up and walked to the giant virtual map, his gaze falling on the area marked "Netherworld Ferry Crossing," which was shrouded in a grayish-black mist.

"To seize the initiative, one must possess stronger power and explore deeper secrets." He turned around, his gaze sweeping over Su Qingyu and Zhang Hao. "Netherworld Ferry Crossing—we must go."

Zhang Hao wanted to say something more, but under Lin Chen's calm yet oppressive gaze, he ultimately swallowed his words and lowered his head. "Yes, Master! I'll strike wherever you point!"

Lin Chen nodded and instructed Zhang Hao, "Go and assemble a team of the most elite Yin Soldiers and prepare for departure. This time, Bai Qi will stay behind to guard the Fortress."

"Understood!" Zhang Hao breathed a sigh of relief. As long as he wasn't being asked to lead the charge, he was fine. He hurried off to carry out the order.

Only Lin Chen and Su Qingyu remained in the room.

Su Qingyu lowered her head slightly, staring at the floor, her heart in turmoil. Logic told her Lin Chen's decision was correct; to survive and thrive in this cruel post-apocalyptic world, one had to continuously grow stronger and take the initiative. But emotionally, the fear of the unknown Ghost Domain and the worry about Lin Chen venturing into danger alone... left her mind in a mess.

She remembered when she first came to Lin Chen's side, still carrying a hint of her past life's "White Moonlight" reserve and fantasies, trying to rely on old feelings. But Lin Chen had woken her up with coldness and rules. Later, she worked hard to prove her value, becoming a housekeeper and managing the Fortress, thinking she had grown enough to keep up with his pace.

But until this moment, when Lin Chen was about to step into a danger far beyond her capabilities again, she clearly realized the gap between them was still like a chasm. If she just kept hiding in the Fortress, handling these "safe" internal affairs, she would forever only be a "useful" subordinate, a protected person, never truly able to touch the dangerous and exciting world he inhabited.

She didn't want it to be like this.

She took a deep breath and suddenly looked up, her originally soft gaze becoming incredibly firm as she looked directly at Lin Chen.

"Lin Chen." She called his name, no longer using "Master" or any other title, her voice clear and powerful.

Lin Chen looked at her, a hint of inquiry in his eyes.

"Take me with you," Su Qingyu said word by word without any hesitation. "Netherworld Ferry Crossing—take me with you."

Lin Chen raised an eyebrow, seemingly a bit surprised. "It's very dangerous there. It's not on the same level as the Bloody Hospital. It's the edge of the true River Styx, where rules are chaotic and powerful ghosts run rampant. I might not be able to protect you while distracted."

"I don't need you to be distracted to protect me!" Su Qingyu took a step forward, her tone carrying a determination of burning her bridges. "I know I'm weak, and being by your side might just be a burden. But... but I don't want to stay in the safe Fortress forever, handling these logistical trifles!"

Her voice rose slightly, carrying an imperceptible tremor but remaining exceptionally firm. "I want to become strong! I want to see with my own eyes what you are facing! I want... at least when you need it, for me to not just be standing behind you watching!"

She clenched her fists, her nails digging deep into her palms. "I can help you! My management skills might be useless in battle, but I can learn to fight, I can help you record information, analyze the environment, and handle emergencies! Even if... even if it's just helping you hold a weapon or watching your back!"

She looked at Lin Chen, her eyes burning with desire and an unyielding persistence. "Let me go, Lin Chen. I know the rules. I will absolutely obey your orders and never hold you back. If... if I really become a burden, you don't have to care about me!"

This was the first time she had made a request to Lin Chen so directly and forcefully. Not as a subordinate requesting, but as a companion longing to stand side-by-side and become strong, fighting for an opportunity.

A brief silence fell over the room.

Lin Chen looked at Su Qingyu, seeing the flickering flame in her eyes, a gaze different from any before—no longer one of dependence or admiration for the strong, but a light originating from an inner desire for self-improvement.

He saw her character arc, transforming from a "pretty face" to a "manager," and now evolving even deeper.

A moment later, the corner of Lin Chen's mouth moved imperceptibly, as if forming an extremely faint curve.

"Fine," he uttered two words flatly.

A brilliant light of surprise instantly erupted in Su Qingyu's eyes.

"However," Lin Chen's tone shifted, returning to his usual calm and unquestionable manner, "remember what you said. Absolute obedience, no holding me back. Otherwise, bear the consequences yourself."

"I understand!" Su Qingyu nodded vigorously, her excitement beyond words. She knew this wasn't just a simple trip together; it was a form of recognition from Lin Chen, a ticket to a new world.

"Go prepare. Travel light." Lin Chen waved his hand.

"Yes!" Su Qingyu straightened her back like a soldier who had received an order, turned around cleanly, and left with firm, powerful steps.

Watching Su Qingyu's departing back, Lin Chen's gaze returned to the "Netherworld Ferry Crossing" on the map.

Bringing Su Qingyu along might add a variable. But sometimes, a proper variable might bring unexpected gains.

Moreover, he also wanted to see how far this flower, struggling to break free from its shackles in the apocalypse and wanting to bloom with its own strength, could actually go.

A new journey was about to begin.

The mysterious veil of the Underworld awaited him to lift it.

And by his side, there was now a companion who had actively requested to step into the storm.

This feeling... didn't seem bad.