Chapter Thirty-Eight: The Arrival of Wang Sheng

Elder Pavilion, topmost floor.

A tranquil and harmonious atmosphere lingered throughout the space...

Around a vast round table, the chairs stood empty beneath the ceaseless surge of pure vital energy that poured in from all directions, thick and potent. A faint, misty whiteness blurred the contours of the great hall, and yet, if one looked closely, they would discover two venerable elders with snow-white hair seated at either side of the table. Their expressions were composed, serene, eyes closed in silent meditation, as if they had become one with heaven and earth...

Clip-clop, clip-clop!

Suddenly, the heavy, earth-shaking sound of footsteps shattered the stillness. A tall, ruggedly built middle-aged man, a massive sword strapped to his back, strode in from outside the hall...

Upon seeing the two elders, the man immediately lowered his head, standing silently and respectfully by the doorway, saying not a word.

Had Tianming been present, he would have recognized this man at once as Senior Wang Sheng, from whom he had long been separated.

Time passed...

“You have come.”

One of the elders suddenly opened his eyes, and a voice, old yet gentle, drifted forth as he noticed the figure at the door.

“Yes, I have returned, Father,” Wang Sheng replied, bowing slightly with hands clasped.

His expression remained as stern as ever, but his eyes betrayed an irrepressible excitement.

“Oh? Have you come to terms with it?”

At this, the other elder also opened his deep, penetrating eyes, fixing his gaze upon the bowed Wang Sheng.

“It has been many years, Grand Elder. I hope you’ve been well?” Wang Sheng raised his head, answering with a smile.

A cough.

“You rascal… Are you flattering this old man because you’re up to something?” The Grand Elder looked at Wang Sheng with feigned surprise, then chuckled and scolded him.

At this, the Third Elder beside him merely shook his head.

“As inscrutable as ever, Grand Elder. My little ploys never escape your notice.” Wang Sheng nodded, a subtle smile at his lips.

“You are here for him?” The Grand Elder pinched his fingers together, his brows knitting as he spoke with sudden gravity.

“I have accepted a friend’s request and will see it through.” Wang Sheng’s tone was calm as he nodded.

Since he had made a promise, Wang Sheng would see it kept—that was his way.

“...Very well.” The Grand Elder gave a weighty nod, each word heavy as a mountain.

In that instant, an immense pressure surged outward from beneath the Grand Elder’s feet like a ripple, as if ten thousand mountains bore down upon Wang Sheng.

The vital energy of heaven and earth roared, erupting like a volcanic flame...

The entire space seemed to freeze.

Clang!

A sudden flash of red sword-light burst forth within the hall, severing the river of time itself!

The greatsword in Wang Sheng’s hand blazed like molten lava, gathering ribbons of crimson energy at its tip. Circles of red light rippled out beneath his feet, and the overwhelming pressure vanished in a heartbeat...

“First rank of the Spirit Silence realm?” The Third Elder called out in delighted astonishment.

“Grand Elder, I wonder if I am now qualified? I hope…” Wang Sheng sheathed his sword and bowed deeply toward the Grand Elder.

He understood the Grand Elder merely wished to test his progress; thus, Wang Sheng had shown all he had, holding nothing back.

Before he could finish, the Third Elder, who had been silent, stood up.

“Sheng’er, you…”

The Third Elder looked at Wang Sheng with concern.

“Do you understand what kind of enemy you are about to face?” The Grand Elder raised his ancient hand, his gaze stern as he addressed Wang Sheng.

Seeing the Grand Elder speak, the Third Elder had no choice but to sit back down with a sigh.

“There is no turning back from the path I have chosen. Grand Elder, Father, I know your concerns, but this is not merely a personal responsibility. The fate of the entire continent is at stake. I will not hesitate!” Wang Sheng looked deeply at the two elders, his tone unwavering.

...

A dizzying whirlwind!

A fierce pressure pressed down on the two as gales howled past, whipping their hair in the wind. Their loose white robes ballooned around them, making them look like two plump figures. From his vantage point, Tianming could not help but catch a glimpse of something less than proper...

Of course, Tianming had no time for such concerns. Survival was his only thought. Though he had stepped upon the path of cultivation, a fall from this height would surely cripple him, if not kill him outright. He had no desire to test the boundaries of death again!

After all, he was only at the third tier of Foundation Establishment. He could not yet fly; only upon reaching the Void Realm could one manipulate the world to such a degree as to ride the winds. This was a chasm he could not yet cross.

Yet Tianming sensed a change in their descent.

Hmm?

The abrupt fall made Wang Shangshang open her eyes, rubbing them in confusion. When she saw the rapidly enlarging landscape below, she was equally stunned. How had the world changed so much in the blink of an eye? She looked at Tianming beneath her, puzzlement in her gaze.

“You’re awake!” Sensing her eyes, Tianming smiled.

He said nothing about what had happened before, for he realized she might have already made her choice. Time, perhaps, was the best answer.

“Heh, amusing, isn’t it?” Wang Shangshang’s smile was enigmatic as she responded after a pause, not directly answering.

She seemed only mildly surprised by the change in scenery, not nearly as flustered as Tianming had been earlier, as if she suspected him of playing tricks on her.

Her gaze was cold and distant, fixed upon Tianming, as if demanding an explanation—one that, if not forthcoming, would end even the pretense of friendship between them.

Amusing?

Tianming was taken aback by her words, but when he saw her angry, almost predatory glare, he could only rub his forehead in exasperation.

“...Sorry!” Tianming gave a sheepish smile.

He had been surprised by her composure, but when her chilly words fell, he was speechless. Who treats their own life as a game?

“Shangshang, I know that whatever I say now, you may not believe me. But this was truly an accident—the Bamboo Dragonfly ran out of power. If you still trust me, please don’t be angry now. You may deal with me as you wish afterward.”

Shaking his head, Tianming ignored her coldness and closed his eyes.

He did not let her harshness provoke him but felt only guilty, knowing that his mistake had dragged her into danger.

“You...” Wang Shangshang fumed as she saw him shut his eyes.

She turned her face away in a huff, but just then, something caught her attention and she broke into a delighted grin...

...

Meanwhile, Tianming, who had retreated into his mind, shutting out all distractions, felt utterly at ease.

He had just remembered that the Bamboo Dragonfly had been won in a lottery and was supposed to have a time limit. Yet, the system interface had failed to mention this detail—he cursed Doraemon for such an oversight.

What a glaring flaw! Wasn’t it a trap?

“Doraemon, explain yourself!” Tianming called out in his mind.

Ding!

“A bug has been detected and is being fixed. As compensation for your feedback, you are now awarded one free spin at the lottery!”

At that moment, the familiar voice sounded again, putting Tianming’s mind at ease.

+16...

+52...

+30...

Wait, something wasn’t right?

Just as Tianming noticed the experience bar rapidly rising and was puzzling over it, a sweet, anxious voice echoed in his head.

“Xiao Tian, Xiao Tian!”

At the same time, he felt Wang Shangshang calling him, and the sensation of falling had vanished as well. Had he and Shangshang landed safely, or had they arrived together in the netherworld?