Bridge to Heaven

The situation was critical, but at first, the Mysterious Ones present did not lose their composure.

Some tried to scout the area around them. Others attacked the darkness and the ground. Still others attempted to find a passage leading outside.

After every attempt ended in failure, everyone finally realized something serious:

The darkness was deepening, while the light shining through the long, narrow crack in the sky was growing dimmer.

After calculating and analyzing the situation, Bloodstain Narrator Mu Ying reached a conclusion:

“Judging by how quickly the surroundings are darkening, we have at most two hours left.”

The atmosphere immediately grew heavy.

The leaders of the two societies gathered together to analyze the information and discuss a solution.

The Molting Clinic had four people: acting president Bridge Maiden, vice president Du Jun, strategist Mu Ying, and their temporary outside consultant, Gongshu Feiliang.

The Hamburger Workshop had three: President Shepherd, Knot, and Iron Stomach.

Iron Stomach was the strongest front-line fighter in the Hamburger Workshop. She was not only a formidable fighter but also a great eater. She had successfully defended her title in the society’s annual eating competition thirty-three times.

President Shepherd was older and the person in charge of this sealed site, making him the leader of the seven-person discussion group.

“Let’s hear everyone’s thoughts. Clues, guesses—anything is welcome.”

The other six did not immediately respond. They had already tried everything that could be tried. There was no point bringing up methods that had already failed.

Bridge Maiden broke the silence. “Apart from the darkness, the only other thing here is that crack of light in the sky. Could it be the key?”

Iron Stomach strongly agreed. “That’s what I think too. No matter what, we should go take a look. But the problem is that the crack is high in the sky, and none of us can fly. No one can get up there.”

It was perfectly normal for neither society to have anyone capable of flight. Such abilities were extremely rare.

President Shepherd sighed. “If there were any birds here for me to cook, we might have a chance.”

Just as the only possible breakthrough seemed to be blocked once again, the group fell silent.

Gongshu Feiliang looked around, then glanced at Bridge Maiden, who had only just become president. Gritting his teeth, he said, “The Gongshu family possesses a closely guarded secret ability. Every Gongshu family member who reaches the high ranks of the Mysterious can use it once in their lifetime.”

Everyone immediately turned to him with burning eyes. They all knew that Gongshu Feiliang would not be wasting time with empty words at a moment like this.

Bridge Maiden frowned slightly and looked at her father. “How come I’ve never heard of this?”

“You’re not the head of the Gongshu family yet. I hadn’t told you.”

Du Jun hurriedly cut in, stopping the father and daughter from getting sidetracked. “Feiliang, what kind of ability is it?”

Gongshu Feiliang cleared his throat. Since he had already brought it up, he no longer concealed anything.

“The Gongshu family has been a family of bridge builders for generations. Once we reach [Mystery] 5, we can use an ability called [Sky-Reaching Bridge] once.

“Normally, the bridges we build extend horizontally, lying firmly across two banks or over a body of water.

“[Sky-Reaching Bridge] is different. For a short period of time, it can defy the laws of gravity and be built vertically toward the sky.”

President Shepherd immediately asked the crucial question. “Gongshu Patriarch, how long does it take to build this [Sky-Reaching Bridge], and how high can it reach once it’s complete?”

“It’s a one-time [Mystery] ability, and it’s quite unreasonable. I’ve seen my father and grandfather use it before. Both times, the bridge took shape rapidly within a few minutes, then collapsed with a crash half an hour later. Its length was roughly two thousand meters.”

The others quickly extracted the useful information.

Mu Ying gestured toward the faint crack of light in the sky, looking slightly hesitant. “The sky is hanging rather low here, so it isn’t as high as it seems. But it should still be far more than two thousand meters. One bridge won’t be enough, will it?”

Bridge Maiden spoke up. “Father, are you saying that, counting me, we can build a four-thousand-meter [Sky-Reaching Bridge]?”

Gongshu Feiliang nodded. “Slightly less than four thousand meters, I’d say. Connecting two bridges vertically would cause some loss, and they’d be even more likely to collapse. I estimate that the second section would only allow someone to climb it once before collapsing even faster.”

The others immediately began calculating again.

Mu Ying produced the latest results of his measurements. “I can’t be completely precise, but based on our estimates, the crack is between 3,700 and 4,200 meters above us. Two bridges should just barely fall within that range.”

President Shepherd made the decision at once. “Then what are we waiting for? Let’s act immediately. Oh, and Gongshu Patriarch, Chairman Gongshu, we’ll record what you’ve contributed for now. If we make it out, our societies will provide appropriate thanks or compensation.”

Bridge Maiden waved her hand. “We can discuss that afterward. Let’s get moving. We’re doing this to save ourselves, too.”

The others began preparing their plans for what to do after climbing to the top of the bridge, while Gongshu Feiliang pulled Bridge Maiden aside.

“Little Yue, I’ll teach you how to use [Sky-Reaching Bridge] now.

“There were outsiders around just now, so I put on a little act. The truth is, our family’s [Sky-Reaching Bridge] isn’t limited to once per lifetime. After reaching [Mystery] 5, it can be used once every time you advance by one major rank.”

“I understand. But what was there to hide? It’s not some ultimate combat technique.”

“What do you know? Good things shouldn’t be revealed casually. Sooner or later, people will come knocking and put you in a difficult position. An ability with a limited number of uses should be kept in your own hands as a means of preserving your life. And look—it’s come in handy today.”

“Fine, fine. You’re the old ginger, the spicier you are. Now hurry up and tell me how to use [Sky-Reaching Bridge].”

“To use [Sky-Reaching Bridge], aside from mastering the basic techniques, you need to fulfill three conditions.

“First, you must have reached [Mystery] 5.

“Second, you must have accumulated enough experience in bridge building.

“Third, at the very end of using the ability, your thoughts must be clear and unobstructed, and you must possess a clear faith.

“Not a single one of these conditions can be missing. Failure to meet even one of them will result in failure.”

Gongshu Key was the heaven’s favored daughter of the mysterious circle surrounding the Sealed Library. She possessed outstanding talent, impeccable character, and an exceptional state of mind. She was very confident in herself.

“Father, don’t worry. I can fulfill all three conditions.”

From childhood to adulthood, Gongshu Feiliang had always been a kind and encouraging father to Gongshu Key. Today, however, he unexpectedly took on a serious tone.

“No. You can’t.”

Bridge Maiden stared at her father. “Which one can’t I fulfill? I’m at [Mystery] 5. I’ve worked with you to take over most of the bridges in the city. I can remain calm when faced with major incidents, and I’ve maintained my faith in the Rainbow Moon for years.”

Gongshu Feiliang placed a large hand on his daughter’s shoulder and gently patted it.

“Little Yue, there’s no problem with the first two. But when it comes to the final condition—faith—you’re mistaken.”

“Hm? How am I mistaken?”

Gongshu Feiliang’s gaze grew profound.

“You, Gongshu Key, have been bound to the Everlasting Moon since the moment you were born.”