Chapter 180: Extra 3

Chapter 180: Extra 3

The wedding of Gu Dongting and Shen Wang trended online for several days.

The public went from initial skepticism to utter astonishment, reshaping their worldview.

But all doubts seemed to be answered when they saw the way Shen Wang and Gu Dongting looked at each other.

[Honestly, the way they look at each other makes me believe they're truly in love.]

[Do a loving couple need any other reason to marry? They don't.]

The final shot of the live broadcast was Shen Wang and Gu Dongting sharing a smile, a moment when even the breeze passing by them seemed gentler.

This scene was screen-captured by netizens and shared repeatedly, quickly garnering millions of views and hundreds of thousands of likes.

The most liked comment was: [A handsome man and a beautiful man, a match made in heaven, beyond the reach of any meddlesome spirits.]

In City C, Tang's mother hid in a cramped, dilapidated house, watching Shen Wang's grand wedding with clouded eyes.

Tang's father was dead, Tang Jiu was missing, and after Tang Jiu's bankruptcy, they were left with a mountain of debt. All their assets were seized... Having lived luxuriously for too long, Tang's mother was unable to repay the debts and had to hide.

The contrast between her glamorous past and her current disheveled state was like two different worlds.

Tang's mother sometimes felt as if she was living in a dream, but upon waking, she faced an even more desolate reality.

"Shen Wang..." Watching her spirited son on the news, Tang's mother's eyes flickered, then overflowed with tears.

If only she hadn't despised Shen Wang back then, if only she had treated him well... perhaps, things wouldn't have come to this.

Regrettably, it was all just her fantasy.

After crying for a while, Tang's mother hugged her blanket and fell into a deep sleep again.

Faced with harsh reality, she preferred to live in her dreams.

Aside from Tang's mother, Gu Manling's family also witnessed the wedding.

Gu Manling lost her cultivation abilities and barely survived, but her family was expelled from the Gu household. Without the Gu family's protection and financial support from Gu's father, their living standards plummeted.

"It's all your fault. Why did you have to sever ties with your elder brother? Now look, we have nothing! The miserable life I've led since marrying you..."

"You've enjoyed plenty of good days since marrying me. The Wei family is no match for the Gu family. Now that the Wei family is completely ruined, if you want to go back, then go..."

"No matter how fallen the Wei family is, Wei Jiu Jiu is still a big star, making some money. And us? You don't work, our daughter doesn't work. Are we supposed to live on air?"

"I say, our daughter is no less beautiful than Wei Jiu Jiu. If she enters the entertainment industry, she might make a fortune too..."

Gu Manling lay in bed, listening to her parents' endless quarreling, tears sliding down her cheeks: She regretted it all.

Meanwhile, Shen Wang and Gu Dongting, having married, went on a honeymoon trip, enjoying a blissful life full of happiness.

They didn't dwell on those who had hurt or betrayed them in the past, choosing instead to cherish the ones they were with.

After traveling for several months, they returned to the Gu residence. Following the advice of Gu's parents, they even brought Shen Wang's younger brother and sister to live with them.

It wasn't until three years later that Shen Wang's health was fully restored.

During a meal, Gu's father suddenly spoke up: "Shen Wang, Xiaoting, go and do what you truly wish to do."

"Don't feel obliged to stay here just for us parents."

Shen Wang and Gu Dongting were taken aback, exchanging a glance.

Gu's mother also said, "We know you both have important things to accomplish. Whatever it is, as your parents, we'll always support you."

In that moment, Shen Wang and Gu Dongting finally made up their minds.

Thus, the metaphysical world welcomed back Shen Wang, the stingy miser who skims off the top.

"Shen Wang and Gu Dongting are ascending? They're auctioning the best spots to witness their ascension?"

People initially thought it was fake news, but after some thought, they found it very much in line with Shen Wang's character.

When the truth of the event was confirmed, everyone was astonished.

Shi Yan rushed to the Gu residence, confronting Shen Wang: "Brother Shen, ascension is a legendary affair, too dangerous. Don't take such a risk!"

But Shen Wang just laughed: "If it's possible in legends, why can't I achieve it?"

"Brother Shen!" Shi Yan, now the head of a special department, still seemed like that somewhat green minister who needed to follow Shen Wang's lead.

"A small world isn't isolated, like a series of ponds. Only those connected to the outside world, like flowing water, can nourish all beings and bring vitality," Shen Wang said with a smile, tossing some fish food into the pond and watching the koi scramble for it. "Do you know what we call ponds that don't connect with the greater world?"

Shi Yan's expression changed slightly.

"Stagnant water," Shen Wang said, clapping his hands and standing up. "Such stagnant water eventually becomes a swamp devoid of life."

It was then that Shi Yan understood why Shen Wang and Gu Dongting, despite being the strongest in the metaphysical world and after Gu Yuanjun's death, still continued their relentless cultivation without pause.

"But..." Shi Yan muttered, his emotions indescribable.

When battling Gu Yuanjun, it was Shen Wang who went alone.

And now, it was still Shen Wang and Gu Dongting...

"You make all of us cultivators feel like nothing," Shi Yan said, heart heavy with defeat, tears falling as he blinked. "Always taking risks on our behalf."

"Hiss." Shen Wang hadn't expected that after so many years, Shi Yan could still cry. He scratched his head, "It's not just for you."

"Xiaoting and I have reached the limit of our cultivation. No amount of training will make us progress further. We must try our luck in another world."

"Who says the other world is dangerous? What if Xiaoting and I thrive there, like dragons entering the sea, with all the space and opportunity?"

Shi Yan wiped his tears fiercely, looking at Shen Wang with a solemn promise: "Brother Shen, I will cultivate a new generation of practitioners well!"

Never again will all hopes be placed on one person!

Shen Wang patted his shoulder, "It's up to you now."

Though they talked about auctioning the best viewing spots, only a few truly capable people could witness it - Yun Jiyong, Chou Yin, and a few sect leaders and elders.

Everyone returned to the ancient immortal mountain ruins.

Despite a fierce battle years ago, the mountain had revived its lush greenery, looking beautiful.

Shen Wang silently apologized to the fate-ridden island and took Gu Dongting's hand; "Xiaoting, let's go."

Behind them, a black dragon carrying a flower and a ghostly doll vanished together on the island.

That day, even fishermen on the mainland saw the earth-shaking thunder and massive purple lightning.

Observing the sky, a fisherman remarked, "The thunder's loud today, probably a storm brewing at sea. Better not to go out."

And the thunderstorm lasted for three days and nights.

Until, suddenly, like its onset, the thunder ceased, as if nothing had happened.

Calm seas and skies.

Five years later.

The first World Metaphysics Competition, held in Huaxia.

A group of dark-skinned African companions walked together, admiring their surroundings: "Big brother, is this Master Shen's homeland? It's so prosperous."

The leading African man puffed out his chest; "Yes, it is."

Ever since Shen Wang exposed the scandal of the World Competition years ago, the event was halted for many editions, until three years ago when Huaxia's organizers reached out to restart it.

This time, the competition venue wasn't fixed to a single country but was open to all nations to compete for hosting rights.

Naturally, the hosting privilege for this inaugural edition fell to Huaxia, the leading nation.

This was the reason these foreigners traveled thousands of miles - not only to witness the competition but also to visit Master Shen's homeland.

"I wonder where we can buy Master Shen's formations and talismans," one of them sighed.

They had now come to understand the meaning of formations and talismans.

Chatting and laughing, they soon arrived at their hotel, right next to a newly established museum.

Without resting, they immediately went to visit the museum. Marveling at the various exquisite antiques, everyone was in awe, except for one who complained, "Aren't these the items stolen from our museum..."

His comment instantly sparked outrage: "These were freshly excavated, okay."

"Clearly your country is the thief and robber, trying to turn the tables here."

"If you can't speak respectfully, better not to speak at all. Don't tarnish our national treasures."

Amidst the noisy crowd, two exceptionally handsome men stood in a corner, watching everything with raised eyebrows, commenting, "Quite energetic, aren't they?"

"But with these national treasures back, their spirits are much happier now."

The other nodded, "Indeed."

"The upcoming World Metaphysics Competition..." The first man, stroking his chin with keen interest, said, "Xiaoting, we've become immortal lords now, yet we don't have any disciples. How about finding one from our homeland?"

"I'll follow your lead."

"Hmm, pass on the Xuan Jade Immortal Tome to our disciple, and oh, a jade ring with a mustard seed space inside as their golden finger... Should we send him to the cultivation world?"

"Perhaps, he might encounter his own adventures."

As they walked away, their striking appearances seemed unnoticed by anyone, and they finally disappeared completely into the crowd.

The end! Thank you to all my dear readers for your support. This story, with its detailed outline, is my longest to date. I hope you all enjoyed it and thank you to everyone who supported the official release. Gratitude (bow.jpg).

There were breaks in between, but many of you stayed with me throughout. I'm extremely grateful for your continued support, which helped me finish and express everything I wanted to. I am truly, truly thankful. Love you all!!

Red packets for this chapter as a token of appreciation for your companionship. Heartfelt thanks.

P.S. My next book, "Waking Up to Find Earth as My Wife" (title subject to change), is coming up. If you're interested, would you mind adding it to your favorites? I'd be immensely grateful.

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