Chapter 998 - 24: Waterworld

"God, can you help us destroy that device?" Qu Ruiqing turned to look at Tianmiao sitting in the back, and asked.

"I can." Tianmiao nodded, "Have you thought about what you will face next? If your father knows it was you, what will you do?"

Qu Ruiqing fell silent.

The light above Bai Bao’s head flickered: "Little girl, you’ve come this far, don’t back down now."

"Father will likely be disappointed and maybe hate me. I don’t want my father to treat me like that. But, I see the silent cries and despair of the people in the Swamp District, and I... I can’t peacefully enjoy everything I have now. Because everything the Empire’s people have is built upon a mountain of blood debts." Qu Ruiqing’s expression was complex, her eyes filled with pain and conflict.

Qu Liufeng also fell silent.

"However..." Qu Ruiqing spoke slowly, "For this world to change, some people must stand up; sacrifices and contributions are always needed. There’s a saying from our ancestors that I remember very clearly: sometimes an era requires a hero. In that era, our ancestors became heroes. I think I’ll be the one for this era." Qu Ruiqing’s eyes became resolute, her tone serious yet persistent.

"You must know, the fate of this hero could be tragic. Your family will hate you, the Empire’s people will hate you, you’ll be alienated from everyone. And the people of the Swamp District might not even be grateful to you. Once you make such a decision, your whole life could be a tragedy." Tianmiao’s voice was gentle and slow, yet every word felt like a thousand-pound stone, heavily impacting Qu Ruiqing’s heart.

Qu Ruiqing bit her lip and furrowed her brows.

Qu Liufeng watched anxiously from the side, shakily rocking his round body, wanting to say something. But suddenly at this moment, he felt that no matter what he said, it seemed too cruel. So, though anxious, he said nothing.

"Once I’ve decided, I won’t change it." After a long silence, Qu Ruiqing clearly said, word by word.

Qu Liufeng exhaled deeply, feeling relieved. This little girl, her will is quite firm. Thank goodness, thank goodness. It’s really not easy when you think about it; the girl isn’t even twenty yet, and she has to face such difficult choices. That saying is true, an era requires heroes. But not all heroes are loved and respected. Some heroes, just as God said, are tragic heroes, who bear much, endure much. These kinds of heroes become estranged, and in the end, what do they gain?

Probably nothing. Then what is it all for?

For the righteousness of heaven and earth? For justice to prevail? Or for one’s own clear conscience?

People are selfish, that saying isn’t wrong.

But if everyone is selfish and greedy, then this world is truly finished.

Someone has to stand up. If one can’t do it, at least silently support those who do, or not opposing could already be the greatest support?

Perhaps in some people’s eyes, such people are truly fools. They forgo their own good days, insist on revolution to liberate some miserable people, then overthrow their own good life.

But in this world, some people always need to act foolish.

The development and advancement of the world always rely on a group of "fools."

They are impulsive, passionate, righteous, full of fervor...

Because of these people, the world will become better, more exciting.