Tonight, shall we welcome the bright moon?
This time, shall we await the blooming of flowers?
Jiang Wang knew not the answer.
Yet, he was most willing to accompany Grandmaster Guanyan in waiting.
Should the answer that awaited them not be to their liking, then he would, alongside Grandmaster Guanyan…
Alter that answer.
“The Dragon God, on one face, battles the World Will of this realm, wrestling with me, creating a false image of an insoluble deadlock. On another face, He secretly conspires with the Yuheng Star, intending to first control Yuheng, then turn back to obliterate me.”
Guanyan said, “He is nearing success. The opportune moment we await lies at the precipice of His success.”
Jiang Wang gripped his long sword. The scabbard of Divine Dragon Wood had long nurtured Changxiangsi, and for long had been imbued with Changxiangsi’s spirituality. Now, its spiritual essence lay deep within.
It was hard to imagine that it and the colossal, decaying wood before them shared a common origin.
Even precious materials such as Divine Dragon Wood could yield vastly different outcomes depending on their circumstances.
“I have faith in Senior,” he said thus.
“I, on the other hand, possess not so much faith,” Guanyan said softly. “But since the choice has been made, then I shall do all that I can.”
To exert one’s utmost allows for no regrets; to strive with all one’s might allows for no shame.
This was precisely the philosophy Jiang Wang had always espoused in life.
Thus, their mutual affinity upon their first meeting was not without reason.
“Is Senior still battling Him within the World Origin now?” Jiang Wang asked.
“It has never ceased.”
Guanyan, in a casual tone, explained the battle’s state to Jiang Wang: “Just now, within the World Origin, He erased another portion of the Senhai Source Realm’s World Will. Yet simultaneously, I also dissolved a portion of His ‘Divine Source’.”
He naturally explained to Jiang Wang, “‘Divine Source’ is the foundation of His godhood within the Senhai Source Realm. More complex matters you cannot yet comprehend, but you can simply understand it as the accumulation of faith power.”
Jiang Wang greatly relished this process of seeking knowledge and resolving doubts, just as in their previous exchanges at Xingyue Plain. He had embarked upon the path of cultivation, heavy-hearted and yet ignorant, stumbling along the way. But many hands had also guided him forward.
“The more His ‘Divine Source’ is dissolved, the more Senior can control the divine throne of the Senhai Source Realm.”
“Such is the saying. But truthfully, neither He nor I cultivate the orthodox divine path. We merely tread this path temporarily to contend for the Senhai Source Realm. Our understanding of divine authority has only begun to take shape over these past few hundred years… Thus, I indeed have many issues regarding the divine throne, and He also possesses many flaws in the divine path, which is why I could perchance seize the divine handle,” Guanyan added. “I cultivate the path of the True Spirit; He is likely an orthodox dragon.”
These words caused Jiang Wang to be greatly astonished once more.
Firstly, he was astonished that neither the Dragon God nor Grandmaster Guanyan cultivated the orthodox divine path. Furthermore, Grandmaster Guanyan clearly possessed great confidence in his path of the True Spirit, regarding it as his life’s journey. Otherwise, he would not emphasize it thus even now, having already seized the divine handle of the Senhai Source Realm’s true god.
Secondly, he was astonished by Grandmaster Guanyan’s comprehension.
Though Grandmaster Guanyan said that both he and the Dragon God had only recently begun to explore the divine path, that Dragon God had clearly been exploring for unknown years more than Grandmaster Guanyan, having laid schemes hundreds of years in advance. Yet, in the divine path, Grandmaster Guanyan found a loophole…
Such innate talent was simply terrifying.
Furthermore…
“An orthodox dragon?” Jiang Wang could not help but ask. “A dragon of the present world? A dragon of the vast ocean?”
“His origins are not yet so clear; He is exceedingly cautious,” Guanyan shook his head and said. “For now, we can only say that He is indeed of dragon origin.”
In the present world, since the Middle Ages, dragons had already vanished, driven to the vast ocean.
Of course, Jiang Wang now knew that dragons still existed within the Long River. However, they were merely like mascots, lacking any sense of presence. The true dragons that inspired terror all resided within the vast ocean.
What were the origins of this dragon in the Senhai Source Realm?
Exploring the divine path, achieving godhood as the Dragon God, and even harboring ambitions, looking towards the cosmic stars…
“The universe is truly boundless, sparking in this humble one an infinite desire to explore!” Jiang Wang sighed with emotion. “Alas, life is but finite.”
“Divine Arrival lives for five hundred years, Dongzhen for a thousand… First break the short finitude, then exhaust the distant boundlessness.” Guanyan did not speak grand, impassioned doctrines, merely reminding Jiang Wang to remain grounded: “When you reach the end, you may not necessarily fail to behold more distant scenery.”
“This humble one is enlightened,” Jiang Wang said seriously.
“Actually, I know. Though the cosmos is distant, you will not lose your way,” Guanyan smiled. “The affliction of man is to be fond of being a teacher; I, too, cannot escape common customs.”
“Please do not say so,” Jiang Wang was very earnest. “Senior cares for me, which is why you speak thus… Frankly, few people treat me this way.”
Guanyan’s gaze was gentle: “Actually, I should thank you. Thank you for allowing the first person I met after not setting foot in the present world for five hundred years to be you. You did not shatter my beautiful memories of my homeland – you know, people always beautify the past in their memories. Your character and spirit fulfilled all of my unreal recollections. I began to feel that my homeland was indeed so full of light, with young people full of hope… Please continue to move forward. Regardless of the outcome of this matter. I truly wish to know. Where will you go?”
He spoke with such sincerity, which in turn made Jiang Wang somewhat bashful.
This foremost expert of the Inner Palace in historical annals had not been without praise; how much flattery, however effusive, had also echoed in his ears.
But the person before him was different after all.
This was a senior he greatly respected, even revered, the kind of person he had once wished to become but could not.
“I hope you can watch me walk,” Jiang Wang finally said thus.
“I will also strive,” Guanyan said seriously.
He was serious to the point of being a little endearing.
The Yuheng Star still hung high in the sky, neither very bright nor very dim.
The Senhai gently rippled in the breeze, its end yet unknown.
“Roughly how long must we wait?” Jiang Wang asked.
“We wait not for time, but for the opportune moment. I have used five hundred years to change the Senhai Source Realm. The Dragon God has also used five hundred years to understand me… But He has not truly understood me.” www.999xs.com
Guanyan said calmly, “When He takes control of Yuheng, that is when I shall display all the accumulation of these five hundred and thirty-seven years.”
This was the calmness of having made every effort, able to face any outcome with composure.
A full five hundred and thirty-seven years!
“At that time, what do I need to do?” Jiang Wang asked.
Guanyan said seriously, “When I engage in the final struggle with Him, He will surely cause the Swallow Owl to go mad, ravaging this realm. This can both distract me and transmit power through skull consumption, and furthermore, counter the World Will of this realm… He will certainly choose this path. Therefore, I need you to enter and kill the Swallow Owl at the appropriate time.”
The destination of this journey was originally still the Swallow Owl!
Creatures born in the Senhai Source Realm, killing the Swallow Owl would only make it stronger, completely unable to resist the most evil bird of this realm. Thus, Guanyan urgently transmitted his voice to Xingyue Plain, requesting Jiang Wang hasten to the Senhai Source Realm to assist.
Jiang Wang pondered for a moment and said, “If the Swallow Owl only has the strength it had last time, then I should still be able to do other things.”
With his current strength, he was more than ten times stronger than before.
What could only be accomplished with four against one back then was now easily within his grasp.
Since he had already come to the Senhai Source Realm, he hoped to do his utmost to help Grandmaster Guanyan bear more pressure, rather than merely coasting along within a safe range.
His desire to help Grandmaster Guanyan was absolutely not perfunctory.
“Because it is a resurrected Swallow Owl, it has not undergone much growth over time. Even if it is not in a weakened state now, it will not be much stronger than when you last encountered it… It will not exceed the limit of the Inner Palace.”
Guanyan said, “The only problem is that it will constantly draw strength from the Dragon God to resurrect. This is its connection as a divine being to a deity; even the Dragon God Himself cannot sever it. However, its resurrection after being killed by you is different from its resurrection after being killed by creatures of the Senhai Source Realm. The former will consume the Dragon God’s power, while the latter will not.”
In a sense, Jiang Wang and the others had truly killed the Swallow Owl last time, as it had genuinely consumed a portion of the Dragon God’s power.
“So I…” Jiang Wang asked, “keep killing it?”
“Yes,” Guanyan smiled. “Keep killing it.”
“With the Swallow Owl’s chaotic intelligence, since its combat strength will not exceed the Inner Palace limit, it will certainly not be my match,” Jiang Wang calmly assessed himself and said confidently. “The more times I kill it, the better, right?”
This was the confidence belonging to the foremost expert in historical annals.
“No need,” Guanyan gently shook his head. “You can kill it as slowly as possible, allowing its death to prolong over more time. Just prevent it from providing assistance to the Dragon God.”
Saying this, he spread open his jade-like right palm.
Starlight sand flowed like water, circling around Jiang Wang’s arm, forming a ring and imprinting itself.
Jiang Wang’s heart stirred. Upon this ring imprint, he felt the power of Grandmaster Guanyan’s earlier Star Pavilion. That power had escorted him to the Senhai Source Realm; he had not forgotten it so quickly.
“I have been modifying it all this time; it is now complete. Consider it a gift for you,” Guanyan said in a normal tone. “Should any unexpected events occur… it will bring you back to where you came from.”
Likely recalling the experience in Qixing Valley when welcoming Jiang Wang, he added, “You can also go to other Seven Star worlds. It’s just that you will need to find your own way home afterwards…”
The more times the Swallow Owl was killed, the more power the Dragon God consumed, which would naturally be more beneficial to Guanyan’s battle… But for Jiang Wang, danger was unavoidable.
The Swallow Owl’s power was not to be underestimated, and each resurrection brought it back in a new state. No matter how strong Jiang Wang was, within the limit of the Inner Palace, how long could he fight a fierce battle?
Although Guanyan asked Jiang Wang for help, he still went to the most dangerous battlefield himself and even offered his Star Pavilion, preparing a retreat path for Jiang Wang…
Presumably, if he hadn’t lacked confidence in this battle… he might not have asked Jiang Wang to come.
How could a Dragon God who dared to target the cosmic stars be so easily dealt with?
Guanyan’s composure might only concern his own life and death; his concerns lay elsewhere.
Jiang Wang knew this well but said little, merely stating, “I know what to prioritize.”
“Divine power is vast, while human strength is limited,” Guanyan looked at him, his expression very serious. “Young friend Jiang, I will try my best to eliminate Him before your strength is depleted. This is my promise.”
The Senhai stretched endlessly.
The Senhai Source Realm, where the light was always dim.
A figure in a moon-white monk’s robe and a figure in a green long robe stood side by side before the decaying, colossal Divine Dragon Wood, the only bright colors in this lengthy painting.
Beyond this colossal, fallen Divine Dragon Wood lay the Forest of Hanging Skulls, like a human purgatory.
Qiqishu once said, “Later, hanging on this tree, it might be me, or it might be my child.”
At that time, he likely meant… his child with Qinghua.
At this moment, Jiang Wang again recalled the punch Qiqishu gently delivered to his face in the Swallow’s Nest back then.
That Qiqishu who called him “Mr. Zhang,” regarded his haphazard guidance as an unmatched treasure, and wholeheartedly wished to be with Qinghua… Should he really be in a state controlled by the Dragon God, living forever in tyranny and slaughter?
Should his head hang on the tree, becoming its nourishment?
Should his relatives and clan members, like him, forever be unable to behold the world’s end?
Finally, “Mr. Zhang” merely looked at Guanyan and said, “Senior, your battle is a more difficult one. Please focus your entire being on it, without considering this side. Before my sword breaks, the Swallow Owl will absolutely not affect you; it will only continuously cause the Dragon God to bleed… This is my promise.”
He couldn’t help but extend his hand, reaching out to Guanyan: “Let us together accomplish this great task, in this distant star field, in this place that perhaps no one knows.”
“Good,” Guanyan smiled gently, extending his hand to clasp his. “Let it be in this distant star field, in this place that no one knows!”
In the vast universe, what is not like dust?
In infinite space and infinite time, the Senhai Source Realm is indeed a distant place unknown to anyone.
Here, whatever story unfolds, whatever sacrifice is made, however brilliant the performance, it is all destined to be silenced in the cosmos, lonely without echo…
It is the silent dust in the universe.
Since ancient times, some have sought profit, others fame.
To gain three parts of profit before their eyes, they dare to hang their heads from their belts.
To earn a cheer from the world, they dare to tread the knife’s edge through a sea of fire.
However, in a place like the Senhai Source Realm.
There is no applause, no cheers.
No matter how grand the journey, it can only quietly conclude.
Both beginning and end are lonely.
Seeking profit yields no profit, seeking fame finds no fame.
Yet, it is precisely in such a place.
Guanyan, the most enlightened person in the Xuankong Temple for five hundred years, resolutely remains here, never to become a Buddha in this life.
Jiang Wang, the foremost expert of the Inner Palace in historical annals, gives up the merits of the Xingyue Plain battlefield, going alone with a single sword.
The most peerless prodigy of the present world five hundred years ago, and the most peerless prodigy of the present world five hundred years later…
The two decided to join hands in this place unknown to anyone, under circumstances unknown to anyone, to confront a terrifying existence attempting to control the cosmic stars.
One for emotion, one for faith.
And both also possess compassion for the myriad living beings of the Senhai Source Realm.
No one of the Senhai Holy Tribe praises the name of Guanyan; aside from Granny Xiaofan, Qinghua, Qing Bazhi, and a few others, it is likely that not many will remember that Jiang Wang ever came.
But they still decided to do so.
Guanyan had fought alone for five hundred and thirty-seven years.
Today, Jiang Wang… joins the battle!
The two stood before the colossal wall of decaying wood, silently awaiting the opportune moment.
The thoroughly decayed wood, devoid of any vitality, had not yet merged with the earth. If decaying wood also had a spirit, it is unknown what it was clinging to.
Jiang Wang explored his Inner Palace while waiting – he was always unwilling to waste time, for those heavy past events were too urgent.
When Guanyan spoke, he spoke. When Guanyan did not speak, he cultivated.
And more of Guanyan’s energy was within the World Origin of this realm, focused on that Dragon God.
They waited until the sky light faded, and the entire world completely darkened.
The night in the Senhai Source Realm was terrifying.
“Night’s Assault,” since its inception, had never ceased its evil deeds.
If this realm could have vengeful spirits, the evening breeze would carry naught but ghostly wails. Alas, even ghostly wails were absent; even if there were vengeful spirits, they would have been devoured by the Swallow Owl…
The chaotic invasion could not disturb the two who were waiting.
The ring of starlight on Jiang Wang’s hand emitted a faint glow, protecting him from being troubled by Night’s Assault. The scabbard made of Divine Dragon Wood also flowed with a subtle light, seemingly repelling something, just like the ignited Divine Dragon Incense – he hadn’t known of this wonder before.
Guanyan praised, “From the scabbard, one can know the sword. Your sword is being nurtured better and better.”
Jiang Wang would sometimes feel bashful when praised for himself. But for praise of his sword, he accepted it fully, for he was indeed very proud: “It has indeed accompanied me for a long time. It is the best weapon for me, and moreover, my beloved possession.”
The sword-nurturing method specifically customized by Lian Que was indeed effective, and after he achieved Tianfu, nurturing the sword with the light of the Five Divine Abilities was even more exceptionally beneficial to Changxiangsi’s spirituality.
All renowned artifacts of the world come to life alongside their masters. In the long periods of companionship, they cultivate unparalleled tacit understanding and spirituality that aligns with the body.
Even weapons used by peerless True Monarchs, if they haven’t reached the legendary stage of “spiritual transformation into life,” must start anew once they leave their original masters.
If it were not for Jiang Mengxiong, even the renowned artifact list of the Qi Kingdom would struggle to rank Futuo Shajiang as the first.
The reason “spiritual transformation into life” is called a legend is precisely due to its rarity throughout history.
In essence, no matter how strong a weapon is, it still relies on the wielder’s performance. Therefore, the renowned artifact lists of various countries often rank the strength of the experts, not the weapons themselves.
In response to Jiang Wang’s praise, Changxiangsi let out a soft hum from within its scabbard, as if echoing.
The extremely faint sound of the sword made the night seem even more lonely.
But both Jiang Wang and Guanyan were people accustomed to loneliness.
“Young friend Jiang, do you have anyone you like?” Guanyan, looking up at the empty night sky, suddenly asked.
Jiang Wang was startled for a moment before saying, “I’m not quite sure…”
“Not sure, means yes,” Guanyan said softly.
“Perhaps, I haven’t asked myself,” Jiang Wang said with downcast eyes. “There is only one heart, it cannot hold too many things.”
Guanyan had always known that this young man, not yet twenty, carried a very heavy burden in his heart, shouldering a burden of ten thousand jin even before reaching the age of weakness.
But he did not attempt to console him, merely spoke to himself: “To like someone is a very beautiful thing. You walk in a very dark, very dark night, and you look ahead, seemingly seeing nothing. But if there is someone in your heart, everything exists.”
Five hundred years of gazing at the moon were all spent gazing at “Xiaofan.”
They were in the same realm, yet could not meet, only conceal themselves from each other.
It was as if there was nothing, and yet as if they possessed everything.
“That is truly wonderful,” Jiang Wang merely said this one sentence, then ceased speaking.
Leaving the words “But I cannot” in his heart.
The terrifying night of the Senhai Source Realm could not disturb them at this moment in the slightest.
The two remained silent, accumulating their spirits…
Awaiting the final moment.
In the Land of Divine Shade, in that rather aged study.
A white-haired old woman quietly read a book.
The book’s title was “Eight Methods for Cultivating Spiritual Silk Flowers.”
The author was anonymous.
So many years had passed, and she had read every book here countless times.
Remembering every word, every fold.
But she still often came here to read.
She could not share Guanyan’s story with any of her clan members.
The years of her blooming youth had also been silenced by time.
The traces of that handsome monk were actually everywhere, in that clear stream, in that flower garden, in her heart… He had changed the trajectory of the entire Senhai Holy Tribe. He had altered the past, and also changed the future… But she could only declare it as the will of the Dragon God.
He was present everywhere, but she could only pretend he was not.
Only in this study was there a hidden understanding.
She had leafed through every ancient text, imagining what sources that person had drawn upon, what he had modified, when leaving these contents. And what he had fabricated, or what he wished to say to her…
In this way, it was as if she was conversing with that person –
As a reader and an author, traversing time and life and death, communicating in silence.
For example, in this book, “Eight Methods for Cultivating Spiritual Silk Flowers,” on page thirteen, ninth column, and on page nineteen, fourth column, and on page twenty-two, sixth and seventh columns… were written the same two tiny characters –
“Xiaofan.”
She had only discovered these many years after he had left.
These bits of romance hidden in subtle corners supported her throughout her life.
All the way to today.
Today, she was deeply wrinkled, white-haired and aged.
But sitting here today, flipping through this book, reading those few small characters, her eyes still sparkled and her heart softened, just as when she first saw them.
Her quiet feelings were known to no one; their romance was deeply hidden within.
She savored these moments…
Of course, enjoyment is rare in life.
Qing Zhi Sheng Nü walked in at this moment.
She leaned against the door, watching the white-haired old woman, watching her read as usual.
Her withered fingers stroked the paper with a tenderness akin to caressing a lover’s cheek.
“Great Priest…” she spoke.
The old priest reluctantly moved her gaze from the book and looked at Qing Zhi Sheng Nü, her face full of kindness: “What is it, Qinghua?”
If Jiang Wang were here, he would realize that compared to that day, the current Qinghua was much more haggard.
Her past self was full of the power of “life.” Now, her vitality remained, but her eyes and brows were filled with exhaustion, and her eyes were slightly red.
“I am confused,” Qinghua said.
“Child, what confuses you?” Granny Xiaofan asked.
Qinghua extended her finger, gently sliding it over the bookshelf nearby, her gaze searching up and down, seemingly seeking a book she could immerse herself in, a book that would bring her peace.
But it was difficult to linger on any one.
“Why did the Dragon God’s messenger kill the Swallow Owl, yet the Swallow Owl reappeared?” she asked.
“Because…”
No sooner had Granny Xiaofan spoken than she was interrupted.
It seemed as if Qinghua didn’t need an answer at all; she already had her own.
“Is it that the evil in the world simply cannot be eradicated?” Qinghua said this, then turned her head, her bloodshot eyes looking at the old woman’s wrinkled face: “Is it because we… are deeply sinful!”
Granny Xiaofan frowned: “Why do you say that? What have you privately contacted?”
This question was truly unnecessary to ask.
What Qing Zhi Sheng Nü could contact was naturally the “Dragon God.”
But Granny Xiaofan was reluctant to.
Qinghua closed her eyes, seemingly in great pain: “Recently, I’ve often heard some strange voices…”
Granny Xiaofan said, “Where there is day, there is night; where there is good, there is evil. The evil in the world cannot be eradicated. But the good in the world will also not disappear. Yesterday’s Swallow Owl died, today’s Swallow Owl is reborn. But if we could kill it yesterday, we can kill it again tomorrow.”
She sighed, “From now on, without my permission, you are not allowed to listen to divine oracles again.”