The wind whimpered as it moved through the desolate land of the Moon Worship Region, transforming into a tragic melody that seemed to be telling of the distant past.
Sandstorm rose and permeated the world, merging with the dim sky, making it difficult to distinguish between the two. Only faintly, one could see a long convoy, moving forward in this haze.
The convoy was formed by huge metal cages. Inside, countless members of the Mirror Image Race and the Heavenly Mask Race were enveloped in despair.
In front sat two people. Their ages were separated by a generation.
The old man wore a mask, and so did the youth.
The expression on the mask was quite exaggerated, radiating dedication and devoutness, as if it were constantly in a state of worship.
"The race that offers tributes to the Red Moon Shrine needs to wear this mask. This is a ritual set by the temple and also the right to offer tributes. Fortunately, I did such a thing in my early years and have this identity."
"As for the destruction of the two races' alliance, such a thing is nothing in the Moon Worship Region. They are just two small races. The Red Moon Shrine is high and mighty. Under normal circumstances, they won't care."
"Especially towards the end of the Red Moon's arrival, the tributes would have already been collected for countless years. This period is actually the most frenzied time for all the races."
"However, I still have to make some preparations. I'll handle this matter."
In the sandstorm, Duanmu Zang's calm voice entered Xu Qing's ears.
Xu Qing lifted his hand and touched the mask on his face before nodding. The captain had mentioned this in his intelligence regarding the attitude of the Red Moon Shrine toward all living beings.
Today was the ninth day since they left the holy city.
There was still half a month's journey to the designated area of the Red Moon Shrine. Over the past few days, Xu Qing had been thinking about what Duanmu Zang had said a few days ago.
"Are you still thinking about the matter of the souls of all living beings entering the temple?" Duanmu Zang turned his head and looked at Xu Qing.
Xu Qing fell silent. After a long time, he looked into the distance at the dim sky and spoke softly.
"Since ancient times, has anyone truly struggled out of the curse and reincarnation of the Moon Worship Region?"
Duanmu Zang shook his head.
"Never."
Xu Qing thought of the captain's previous life. Just as he was in deep thought, Duanmu Zang suddenly spoke.
"However, there are some people who have been trying and working hard." At this point, Duanmu Zang looked at Xu Qing with a deep gaze. There was a hint of probing in his gaze as he spoke.
"The Red Moon isn't eternal."
Xu Qing and Duanmu Zang looked at each other and nodded slightly. He could tell that this sentence was like a secret code but he didn't know what the continuation was.
Duanmu Zang waited for a moment and couldn't help but ask.
"Aren't you going to say anything?"
"The Red Moon isn't eternal," Xu Qing said in a low voice.
Duanmu Zang fell silent.
A long time later, he sighed and removed his mask, rubbing his forehead.
"Xu Qing, do you know about the Moon Rebel Hall?"
Xu Qing's expression froze. He had never heard of this organization and the information given by the captain didn't include it. Hence, he shook his head.
Ever since Duanmu Zang said the words 'Moon Rebel Hall', he had been paying attention to Xu Qing's eyes, as though he was confirming something. Seeing Xu Qing's reaction, he didn't speak anymore.
Xu Qing didn't ask. He could tell that this organization was mysterious and hidden. If he rashly probed, it would cause a misunderstanding.
The convoy continued forward.
Another seven days passed. They walked past the plains, crossed the mountain range, and got closer and closer to the center of the eastern area. At the top of a mountain, Duanmu Zang took a sip of wine and spoke after making a decision inwardly.
"Xu Qing, I believe you're not from the Red Moon Shrine."
When Xu Qing heard this, he looked at Duanmu.
"Moon Rebel Hall is a mysterious organization that has existed in the Moon Worship Region for a long time. Its history is as ancient as that of the Red Moon Shrine!"
"Its origins are unknown, and it has been destroyed multiple times. However, after every arrival of the Crimson Goddess and the subsequent withering and revival of all life, this organization reemerges."
A strange glint appeared in Xu Qing's eyes. It existed as long as the Red Moon Shrine. This was enough to show that this Moon Rebel Hall was extraordinary.
What was even more astonishing was that it could still emerge after being destroyed time and time again in this Red Moon's Spirit Enclosure.
The Crimson Goddess might be in a deep sleep now, but it wasn't like this in the past.
Duanmu Zang's voice rang out again.
"The Moon Rebel Hall is filled with people of the Moon Worship Region who want to struggle and resist. Their dream is to one day undo this ancient curse and overthrow everything."
"Although this dream is extremely remote, it is still a hope."
"They are also working hard for this. Although the members can't help each other in reality, they are all studying the way to neutralize the curse."
When Xu Qing heard this, some waves rose in his heart. When he was in the mine, he had also studied the curse but he didn't go deeper. This required a large number of experiments.
Duanmu Zang's voice contained some emotions as it continued to echo in Xu Qing's mind.
"The identities of every member of the Moon Rebel Hall are a secret. No one knows who others are. Protecting yourself from being exposed is the first element of the Moon Rebel Hall."
"Because the Red Moon Shrine has been constantly eliminating members of the Moon Rebel Hall. In fact, some of these members are infiltrators from the Red Moon Shrine itself."
Duanmu Zang drew in a deep breath and turned to look at Xu Qing.
"The Red Moon isn't eternal; hope is what lasts forever."
"Xu Qing, you might really not be a member of the Moon Rebel Hall but I feel that you will definitely come into contact with them in the future. If you want to join the Moon Rebel Hall, you can go to the Bitter Life Mountain Range."
Duanmu Zang remained silent, closed his eyes, and continued to journey forward.
