Zhang Yong returned to the main world, to his cold, sealed training cave.
The air was heavy with dust and stagnant time. He breathed deeply. The smell of cold earth was both familiar and strange at the same time.
He quietly opened his eyes and looked at his hand, then raised his gaze upward. "Uni, what was that in the end?"
(To answer the host's question... I will have to explain everything from the beginning.)
"There was something you were hiding from me, wasn't there?" Zhang Yong stared at the system window, his gaze narrowing.
(It was for your own good. In the beginning, that person Arthur and you are not the only ones who possess a system. There is a group of people called 'The Chosen Ones.' They are individuals who have been given an opportunity by the Gods. In short, they are the ones who possess the opportunity called the 'System.' These Chosen Ones have a mission: to reach the God level and repel the invasion.)
Zhang Yong's eyes widened at this information. He had already suspected there were others who possessed a system. After all, he was not special at all.
"So that invasion, you mean..."
(Yes. The monters you encountered are part of that invasion. What you eliminated were beasts from outside this universe, but they were the weakest level. The strongest was at the level of that person you blew yourself up with.)
Zhang Yong's jaw dropped slightly before he fell into thought. "Why would the Gods have to randomly select a group of people to deal with the invasion? Why not fight it themselves?"
(Simply put, the Gods' authorities operate within their own universe , if not for them , this universe would've been already destroyed while we speak , As for the beasts that invade the lower worlds, those are left to the Chosen Ones. You can fight the beasts, but someone like that man... you would have to be at the God level.)
"Wouldn't that make this world vulnerable?" Zhang Yong said in confusion.
(Host, do you know the difference between transferring via your soul and transferring via your body?)
(It's because the worlds are in constant motion. That's why the transfer is random. Between your body and soul, there is a connection like a rope. Therefore, even if the distance is great, you can eventually return to your body. Physical transfer, on the other hand, loses your previous coordinates and you have to find a new world that's why it's hard for them to follow you here)
"I see. But it bothers me that I'm being used merely as someone to dispose of the remnants... so in the end, I'm a pawn for the Gods in the World Tree," Zhang Yong said with a hint of disdain.
(...)
"Never mind. I don't blame you for anything, Uni," Zhang Yong said as he stood up.
He cast a glance at Xiao Hong and Xiao Bai. Two wings had appeared on Xiao Bai's serpentine back, but it was still in a temporary hibernation state for complete digestion.
As for Xiao Hong, his crest had grown. His aura had broken through to the third rank, and he seemed on the verge of the fourth rank. He was also still in hibernation.
'How long has it been since I entered closed-door training?'
(It has been approximately a year now.)
"I see," Zhang Yong smiled as he stared at the cave's entrance, then turned his gaze toward Uni. "As for my rewards..."
(The host has obtained 10,000,000 points.)
(Your gains have been placed in storage.)
"Oh, that's wonderful. In addition to the points I earned from killing the soldiers, I don't have much left to restore my eye," Zhang Yong stretched slightly.
(The host seems carefree.)
"Really? I don't know about that. But what would I have to worry about? Because I killed comrades I fought alongside with my own hands? You know that technically, they are alive. Additionally, I have enough Imperial Arms and have preserved the contents of Rongrong's book. I know how to make more. And if I have enough time and resources, I will become unmatched." Zhang Yong stopped stretching and lifted the stone blocking the exit.
(Even so, isn't it natural for a human to feel pain, or at least a little pain?)
"Perhaps... you are right. But truly, I don't feel it. And that's simply because I know I haven't really lost anyone. I stored their souls. Therefore, they are still alive." Zhang Yong held his chest.
He walked toward the outside, leaving the warm darkness of the cave behind him. The fresh air of the forest hit his face, carrying the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves, a clear sign that autumn had passed over them.
Everything was quiet.
Zhang Yong walked quietly toward his living area and smiled. As expected of Qing Feng, he had repaired the living area.
The house was more durable and elegant. The damaged walls had been repaired, and the roof that used to leak during rain was now covered with new, shiny tiles.
"He really went overboard..." Zhang Yong whispered as he opened the newly made wooden door.
The inside was clean and tidy, with a faint scent of sandalwood and dried herbs.
"Yes, the others should be in the disciples' hall," Zhang Yong nodded to himself.
When he entered the hall, he found the atmosphere lively and active. Everyone was gathered around a large table, exchanging conversations and laughter.
But what truly amazed Zhang Yong was the presence of Liu Yin among them. She looked healthy, as if nothing had ever happened.
Zhang Yong smiled quietly to himself, standing at the door. Su Ming had developed, with a clear change in his build. His shoulders had become broader, and his back straighter.
And somehow... he had become a bit more handsome. Of course, not as handsome as Zhang Yong, but the result was good.
Wang Fei now had a bearded chin, while both Liu Yan and Liu Yin seemed to have not changed at all... except for an increase in beauty.
"Zhang Yong! You've finally returned!" Su Ming shouted, the first to notice his entrance.
All eyes turned toward the door, and smiles and greetings rose on faces. Even Liu Yin turned toward him with a slight smile.
"You took a long time in your isolation," said Wang Fei, rising to greet him. "How was it?"
Their gaze was affectionate. No, it had always been affectionate toward him, but Zhang Yong had never noticed it.
After everything he had been through, he began to cherish what he had more.
"Fruitful," Zhang Yong replied briefly, his eyes scanning the attendees. "I see that things have stabilized completely."
"Yes, thanks to the pill you made, Liu Yin has fully recovered," Qing Feng said with a smile. "However, she doesn't remember anything about the battle."
"And that's for the best," Zhang Yong said, sitting down beside them. "The important thing is that she's well."
"You came out at just the right time, actually," Wang Fei said with a smile. "For the New Year's celebration, there will be a festival tomorrow. We're all going."
Zhang Yong turned toward Wang Fei, a glint of curiosity in his red eyes. "A festival?"
"Yes!" Liu Yan answered enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling. "The Lantern Festival this year, with firework displays, delicious food, and games!"
Su Ming, rubbing his hands excitedly, added, "We've been planning to go together. Even Master Gu agreed. After everything we've been through, we need some fun."
Zhang Yong smiled gently. The warm and enthusiastic atmosphere surrounding them gave him a strange sense of belonging. "Sounds fun. I'll go with you."
The next day, everyone gathered at the sect's gate. Wang Fei stood as usual, organizing the group with the tone of a responsible big brother.
"Everyone, make sure you have enough spirit stones to spend. And don't forget to return before midnight," Wang Fei said, scanning everyone with his serious eyes.
"Yes, old man, you don't have to be so serious just for a festival," Liu Yan joked, pretending to bow. Everyone laughed as Wang Fei shook his head, smiling.
Qing Feng was wearing elegant new clothes, his hair carefully styled. "I heard there's a special performance by dancers from the south this year! We must go watch."
Liu Yan rolled her eyes. "Are you going to watch the dancers, or are you going to harass them again, you pervert?"
"Don't accuse me!" Qing Feng said, smiling. "I only appreciate the fine arts."
Su Ming stood beside Zhang Yong, watching the scene with sparkling eyes. "Looks like today will be fun."
As for Liu Yin, she stood quietly, wearing a light blue dress and a silk blindfold.
Her calm smile hadn't changed, but Zhang Yong noticed she was gently holding her sister's arm.
After Wang Fei confirmed everyone was ready, they set off toward the nearby Starfall City, where the festival was being held.
Su Ming whispered to Zhang Yong, "Don't think you've escaped. After the festival, you and I will have a sparring match. I won't back down."
Zhang Yong just smiled. He felt a strange warmth watching his comrades' interactions.
It seemed Liu Yan and Wang Fei were engrossed in a discussion, while Qing Feng was trying to boast about how handsome he was.
When they arrived at the city, the streets were bustling with life. Colorful red lanterns hung everywhere, vendors' voices filled the air, and the smell of delicious food wafted from every corner.
"Let's go to the fireworks square first!" Liu Yan suggested enthusiastically.
Wang Fei rolled his eyes. "The fireworks won't start until sunset. Let's find a place to eat first."
After a delicious meal at a restaurant, they began to wander through the festival.
Liu Yan and Qing Feng were competing in archery games, while Wang Fei maintained a calm expression as if he had already anticipated this.
Su Ming approached Zhang Yong, holding two cups of tanghulu candy. "Here, take one. I saw you staring at them."
Zhang Yong accepted the cup with thanks. The taste of the candy was sweet and sour at the same time, just as he remembered.
As the sun set, the fireworks began to fill the sky. Everyone stopped to watch the stunning display.
As the fireworks painted a canvas of sparkling lights across the dome of the sky, everyone stood in awe. The vivid colors reflected on their faces, harmonizing with their laughter and wonder.
Su Ming, standing beside Zhang Yong, whispered, "Did you see how that green one exploded? It looks like a forest blooming in the sky. I know, as refiners, we can see this in battles, but these are especially more peaceful." His voice carried genuine admiration.
Zhang Yong nodded, his red eyes reflecting the sequential fireworks. "Yes, they are truly beautiful." He then added in a low voice, "Sometimes, these simple moments are what make everything worth it."
Liu Yin, who was leaning gently on her sister, smiled quietly. Although the blindfold over her eyes blocked her vision, the sound of the fireworks and the descriptions of others allowed her imagination to paint the scene. "I can imagine it... the colors must be exceptionally pure and beautiful."
Qing Feng cautiously approached her. "Would you like me to describe them to you? The blue ones look like the sago flowers I once saw in the south, their petals spreading in all directions..."
Liu Yin shook her head gently. "Thank you, Qing Feng, but just listening to their sounds is enough. Each note has its own color in my imagination."
Although Liu Yin wasn't truly blind, the Eyes of Fate would negatively affect her if she looked at the sky above her, and the situation would be worse in an area crowded with people.
Zhang Yong smiled as he raised his fingers in her direction. A strand of mental energy flew toward her and shared his vision with her.
Liu Yin suddenly felt a warm current flow into her consciousness. A stunning scene opened before her closed eyes – vivid colors exploding in the sky like giant celestial flowers, scattering seeds of light in all directions before gently fading.
Her eyes widened behind the silk blindfold. "I... I can see..." she whispered in an astonished voice.
Liu Yan turned to her with concern. "Sister? What happened?"
But Liu Yin didn't respond. She just raised her face toward the sky and smiled a smile that lit up her entire face. "It's so beautiful..."
Zhang Yong averted his gaze from her quietly, his red eyes reflecting the fireworks' flashes. He had briefly shared his vision with her, just a small gift for this special night.
After his adventure in his memories and all the experience he carried, sharing his vision now that his mental energy had reached the Transformation realm was an easy matter.
Su Ming, who was standing nearby, turned toward Zhang Yong with curiosity. "What did you just do?"
"Just sharing a beautiful view," Zhang Yong replied simply.
As the fireworks painted their luminous canvases in the night sky, Wang Fei turned to the group with a smile. "Time to head back. We need to be at the sect before midnight."
"Ah, do we really have to go back already?" Qing Feng grumbled, pointing toward one of the stalls. "I haven't even tried the mooncakes stuffed with lotus paste yet."
Liu Yan lightly hit his shoulder. "You've eaten enough for three days! Even the roasted duck you took from me didn't survive you."
"You can't blame me. If you wanted it, you should have eaten it," Qing Feng defended himself with feigned innocence.
They began their journey back to the sect. The lights and noise gradually faded behind them, replaced by the tranquility of the night forest. The moon was full, casting a silver light on the path.
"Look!" Qing Feng suddenly said, pointing to the sky. "Flock of silver moon birds flying toward the moon. They say they carry human wishes."
They all stopped to watch the majestic sight. Hundreds of silver birds flew in harmonious formations, their wings reflecting the moonlight as if scattering silver dust in the sky.
Liu Yan held her sister's hand. "Do you remember when we were little and we tried to catch one because we thought it would make our wishes come true immediately?"
Liu Yin laughed lightly. "Father was so angry when he found out we tried to set traps for them in the backyard because it was the servants who got hurt instead of them."
Wang Fei sighed, shaking his head. "You two are still children at heart."
"And that's exactly what keeps us young!" Liu Yan replied defiantly.
As they walked, Zhang Yong noticed that Su Ming was deliberately walking slowly until they were at the back of the group.
"So," Su Ming whispered, "sharing visions, huh? Since when have you been able to do that?"
"Since I entered seclusion. My control over my energy has developed," Zhang Yong extended his fingers, lifted a branch on the side, and with his power split it into two, then completely shattered the branch into pieces.
As the wood shards scattered in the air, Su Ming deftly caught a small piece. "Impressive. Seems isolation was fruitful. So, tomorrow we'll meet for our match."
"That sounds good to me," Zhang Yong smiled as he nodded.
Before Su Ming could respond, they heard Wang Fei's voice from the front: "You two slowpokes! Planning to walk all night?"
The two laughed and quickened their pace to catch up with the group.