Chapter 64

Chapter 64

Rain fell, signaling the arrival of autumn. The gentle drizzle persisted for three days, chilling the air a little more each day.

Yaoguang stood by the window, gazing outside. Long Jianlu had meticulously planned their move for the following week.

With no longer a need to worry about living expenses, Long Jianlu's monthly income had surpassed twenty thousand, a substantial sum indeed.

First, Long Jianlu purchased two high-performance laptops for work. He then outlined a future plan. He intended to establish a studio to accumulate initial capital, and later, under Yaoguang's name, start a company that would generate even greater profits, improving their quality of life.

Once the company was running smoothly, they could leave it in capable hands while they set out to explore the world.

Though Earth had been largely explored, Yaoguang didn't doubt that Long Jianlu might develop groundbreaking aerospace technology, guiding humanity towards the stars.

Fortunately, in this plane, human lifespan was finite. If Yaoguang were to pass away, Long Jianlu's existence would also come to an end. Or so he thought... Lately, Yaoguang noticed Long Jianlu's growing interest in biotechnology. Could he be contemplating a means to achieve immortality?

"Next week, we'll move," Long Jianlu announced. "I've arranged for the movers. Want to go play basketball today?"

They had leased a brand new two-bedroom apartment, with one room designated as a study for their writing and work.

Yaoguang: "My muscles ache, and it's raining. Let's postpone it until tomorrow."

In the past half-month, Long Jianlu had taken Yaoguang to play sports daily, mostly basketball, with occasional badminton games. Yaoguang's long-standing irregular sleep schedule was finally corrected, allowing him to lead a semblance of a normal life. However, after strenuous exercise, muscle soreness was inevitable. Upon returning home, Long Jianlu would often initiate intimacy, usually twice in the evening after they arrived back, once before bed, and again when they woke up in the morning. It wasn't until Yaoguang protested that the frequency lessened.

Married life was indeed intense, somewhat taxing on his stamina.

"Friday afternoon, I have a meet-up with friends," Yaoguang mentioned. "I think I need a day of rest."

They were planning an outing to the countryside the next day, but with the persistent rain, Yaoguang began to realize how inconvenient it was that Long Jianlu lacked proper identification. How would they handle hotel accommodations without it?

"How can I possibly acquire an identity card for you?" Now it was Yaoguang who was anxious. Living in this era, it wouldn't do to let Long Jianlu remain an undocumented resident forever.

"Plenty of ways," Long Jianlu replied as he packed away Yaoguang's meager belongings into a cardboard box, glancing at the computer screen.

The display showed the city's power consumption, and Yaoguang had no idea what he was up to – perhaps it was related to one of his projects.

Long Jianlu continued, "But you've made it clear that I shouldn't break the law, so I haven't."

Yaoguang reflected that Long Jianlu had once been a demonic overlord and a renowned scholar. Over thousands of years, he had witnessed the rise and fall of interstellar civilizations. In the vast expanse of the universe, neither federal nor republican laws could hold sway over him. The only thing that could govern his actions was his own moral code.

In the modern world's legal system, he didn't hold any regard for it either. The only reason he was still an obedient law-abiding citizen was due to Yaoguang's constraints.

"What can we do?" Yaoguang asked.

"I could hack into the registration system and add my personal information, then report my ID card lost at the police station," Long Jianlu said. "Fingerprint scanners and facial recognition devices can be purchased."

"Hmm..."

"Or, we could make one with PETG resin material and implant a chip in it?" Long Jianlu suggested again.

"Let's not go down the fake ID route," Yaoguang said. He had heard that during census periods, some black market citizens would receive official registration. Could they wait for such an opportunity?

The next day, Long Jianlu carried a gym bag as he accompanied Yaoguang out the door. Liang Jue's car was parked at the entrance of the neighborhood.

"Hey," Liang Jue had recovered. "Brother Dragon, you're really not coming?"

Long Jianlu whistled in greeting and waved. "I've got a project I need to rush. Have fun, guys."

Yaoguang inquired, "What about them?"

"Let's head to the airport now," Liang Jue said.

Yaoguang hopped into the passenger seat and gazed out the window at the dark sky.

"Drive safely," Long Jianlu instructed as he closed the car door for him.

Yaoguang was in high spirits that day, excited about reuniting with his old friends. For over a year, he had declined meetups with his roommates due to the struggles he had been going through, especially since the thought of being the best man at Liang Jue's wedding had weighed heavily on his heart.

But Long Jianlu's appearance had transformed his life, like a redemption. He was no longer plagued by self-doubt or resistance.

At the airport, his roommates were already waiting. Yaoguang practically ran towards them.

"Yaoguang—!"

"Old Liang!"

Yaoguang first embraced a bespectacled guy of similar height, whose fair skin contrasted with his casual attire. The guy laughed heartily, gripping Yaoguang's back and playfully riding on his shoulders.

Sun Hui was also present, and upon seeing him, Yaoguang held back slightly.

"Hey," Yaoguang greeted with a smile.

"Hey," Sun Hui replied cheerfully, "haven't seen you in ages."

"Not that long," Yaoguang corrected, "about a year or so."

Sun Hui approached to pat Yaoguang on the shoulder warmly, but Yaoguang subtly evaded it. Sun Hui then moved on to Liu Kaishan, while Liang Jue took over with the luggage. Sun Hui linked arms with Liang Jue and they both got into the car.

"How've you been?" Liu Kaishan inquired. "I heard you almost tied the knot. You doing alright now?"

In the backseat, Liu Kaishan and Sun Hui settled in, while Liang Jue, who was driving, let out a sigh. "Ah..."

Yaoguang chuckled. Sun Hui turned to him and asked, "How about Yaoguang?"

A smile lingered on Yaoguang's lips as he glanced at his phone, replying to Long Jianlu's message.

"Did you meet up yet?"

Taking advantage of the red light, Yaoguang held up his phone for a group selfie, making sure everyone was in the frame, and sent it to Long Jianlu.

Long Jianlu had just finished showering and was blow-drying his hair at home when he glanced at his phone.

Sun Hui in the photo looked even tanner, with a lean yet muscular build. He had a buzz cut, and when he smiled, two small canine teeth peeked out, giving him a vibe similar to that of a football player. His appearance was undeniably masculine, and he could be considered handsome.

"Indeed, not a bit like me," Long Jianlu replied to Yaoguang. "Did you used to fancy this type?"

Yaoguang thought to himself, You don't care about anything else, but you can't help being bothered by my matters.

But the best thing about Long Jianlu was that he never hid his feelings. If he was jealous, he would show it. If he had a problem, he would voice it out. He also explicitly stated that he didn't mind Yaoguang hanging out with his roommates, trusting that their bond was strong.

"Yaoguang?!" Sun Hui said with a smile. "I'm asking you! Who are you chatting with?"

"Huh?" Yaoguang was slightly distracted and a bit embarrassed.

Liang Jue gave Yaoguang a knowing wink.

Liu Kaishan commented, "This place hasn't changed at all."

"Are we going back to our alma mater?" Liang Jue asked.

"No, thanks," Liu Kaishan replied. "What did you have in mind?"

Sun Hui asked, "Yaoguang?"

Liang Jue chimed in, "We were planning to go fishing in the countryside, but with this weather, we'll have to settle for mahjong."

Sun Hui exclaimed, "Yaoguang!"

"What now?!" Yaoguang laughed. Sun Hui hadn't changed; he still couldn't resist asking questions whenever he got the chance.

"Where do you work now?" Sun Hui inquired.

Yaoguang answered, "I've quit my job. I'm writing novels at home."

Sun Hui offered, "Let me read what you're writing."

Liang Jue intervened, "Can't you just let him be? If he doesn't want to talk about it, then let it be."

Yaoguang sighed inwardly, grateful that Long Jianlu wasn't here. Otherwise, without Liang Jue even saying a word, they might already be brawling.

"Hey," Sun Hui commented, "Alright then, you're still protecting him. I won't ask anymore."

Amidst the shared laughter, Yaoguang turned serious and announced, "I have a boyfriend."

The car suddenly fell silent. Liang Jue glanced at Yaoguang, asking with his eyes, Are you serious?

Yaoguang nodded slightly. He had intended to tell his friends anyway, given that his relationship was more stable than anyone else's. There was no harm in sharing.

After a few seconds, everyone recovered from their shock.

"You..." Liu Kaishan pushed up his glasses and asked, "You're with Old Liang?"

"No way!" Yaoguang exclaimed, exasperated. "What are you thinking?"

Liu Kaishan must have misinterpreted the exchange between Yaoguang and Liang Jue just now, coupled with Liang Jue's sudden decision to forgo marriage. It wouldn't be surprising if he thought there was some earth-shattering gossip hidden beneath the surface.

Yaoguang clarified, "This is my boyfriend."

Just as the awkwardness was subsiding, Yaoguang showed them a picture of Long Jianlu.

"Damn," Sun Hui remarked, "You're serious?"

"Yes," Yaoguang replied, "We've been talking for quite some time now."

Liu Kaishan chimed in, "He's at least an 9 out of 10 in terms of looks. How did you two meet?"

"Through a casual hookup," Yaoguang said expressionlessly.

Everyone: "..."

Liang Jue asked, "Really? Didn't you tell me you met him in a park?"

"I was just joking," Yaoguang responded.

Sun Hui, with a hint of jealousy in his tone, commented, "He's quite fair-skinned, I suppose."

Then he inquired, "What does he do for a living?"

"He's a programmer," Yaoguang answered, "Freelance. Why do you seem so hostile?"

Sun Hui: "I had no idea you were into guys. Are you bisexual?"

Yaoguang: "I've always been, but no one has ever shown interest in me."

"Oh, really?" Liu Kaishan remarked. "I don't think that's the case... Why do I feel like..."

Liang Jue interjected, "So what do you think Long Jianlu sees in you?"

Yaoguang sensed a shift in the atmosphere, but he didn't dwell on it. "Maybe he likes that I'm good for nothing, hopeless, and foolish?"

This elicited laughter from the group. Liang Jue added, "Love doesn't make sense. Being handsome is enough."

"Sometimes it does make sense," Yaoguang countered, "but those are societal norms. As societal views evolve, many criteria for choosing a partner will fade away."

"You two are getting all philosophical again," Sun Hui commented. "I genuinely didn't see this coming. It's quite a surprise."

Liu Kaishan asked, "Are you going to be with him forever?"

"Yes," Yaoguang replied instantly, "forever."

Liu Kaishan asked, "What makes you so determined?"

Yaoguang turned his head and inquired, "Did you fall in love?"

Liu Kaishan scrolled through his phone to show Yaoguang a picture of his girlfriend, eliciting a round of astonishment from the group. The girl in the photo appeared pure and pleasant with her bare face.

"It was an introduction from my parents," Liu Kaishan shared, "I'm still in the stage of deliberation."

"Not bad!" Liang Jue glanced over and commented, "She has a very soothing aura."

"What about you, Sun Hui?" Yaoguang asked.

"It's just so-so," Sun Hui replied.

Yaoguang: "What do you mean by 'just so-so'? Be more specific."

"I recently broke up," Sun Hui shared, "I was even considering if life might be easier dating a guy the other day."

Yaoguang: "You're overthinking it."

Liang Jue: "In the past year or so, how many relationships have you been in?"

Sun Hui replied, "Somewhere around seven or eight, I think. Can't really remember."

Everyone: "...."

Sun Hui: "Ah, Yaoguang, when you're with your boyfriend, do you argue? Do you nag him?"

Yaoguang said, "No, we don't. Apart from a few arguments at the beginning, we mostly discuss and make decisions together."

Liang Jue: "Arguing seems to be your own pattern. Don't impose it on others."

Sun Hui: "So, Yaoguang, would you say you're the more submissive one in romantic relationships?"

Liang Jue: "...."

This was the dynamic between them; Sun Hui usually took on a dominant role, often controlling Yaoguang, while Liang Jue tended to support Yaoguang.

Yaoguang: "Yes."

Sun Hui: "So, how did you manage that?"

Yaoguang: "Just as you imagined."

Sun Hui: "Did it hurt? You felt nothing?"

Liang Jue finally lost his patience: "Sun Hui!"

Yaoguang: "Yes, it did. Do you want to try?"

Sun Hui: "What about him? Did he feel anything?"

Liu Kaishan couldn't hold back anymore: "Are you insane?!"

Sun Hui could only laugh and remained silent.

Yaoguang said, "He felt it quite a bit."

"Still, you need to protect yourself," Sun Hui continued. " Seriously, Yaoguang, if he ever does anything to betray you, I'll be the one to teach him a lesson."

Yaoguang thought to himself: Even if he gave you ten moves, you might not even be able to touch him... But this was Sun Hui's typical manner, and despite that, Yaoguang couldn't help feeling a bit touched by his words.

Liang Jue said, "I've met him before. He seems like a pretty dependable guy. Sure, he gets jealous, but he's genuinely good."

"Call him out," Sun Hui suggested. "We'll have a drink with him tonight and see how much he can handle."

Though they had never tested Long Jianlu's drinking capacity, Yaoguang deduced from his other abilities that the entire dormitory combined would likely lose to him in a drinking contest.

"Next time, maybe," Yaoguang replied. "It's not often we get to meet up like this."

"Is he supporting you now?" Sun Hui asked. "How much does he earn per month?"

"Why are you acting so much like my aunt?" Liu Kaishan quipped.

"Dude, we're almost there," Liang Jue interrupted, annoyed by his roommates' endless banter. He steered the car onto a provincial road, passing picturesque landscapes and nearing an outdoor barbecue park and farm restaurant.

After checking in, guests in raincoats carrying fishing rods started returning. The four of them stayed in the same room, with bunk beds just like back in their dorm days, except this time the room was more luxurious, complete with a sofa and a mahjong table.

As they waited for dinner, they started playing mahjong and chatting away.

"Speaking of which, why did you suddenly decide against getting married?" Sun Hui inquired.

"Four sticks," Liu Kaishan interjected. "Yaoguang, does your boyfriend study programming? How old is he? Which university did he graduate from?"

Upon hearing Sun Hui inquire about Liang Jue's marriage, Liu Kaishan swiftly stepped in to divert the conversation, and Yaoguang, understanding the unspoken cue, replied, "He graduated from a top university in the neighboring city. He's not much for socializing and is twenty-eight years old."

Liang Jue found himself in an awkward position, unable to directly answer Sun Hui's question. He tried to brush it off: "If it's not right, there's no point in marrying."

"Better to stop before going over the edge," Sun Hui said to Yaoguang. "Darling, are you cold? Do you want my jacket?"

"Watch your words," Liu Kaishan warned. "She's already taken."

Their laughter filled the air as Sun Hui suggested, "Your seat is by a large window that lets in the draft. Shall we switch places?"

Sun Hui's charming antics no longer had any effect on Yaoguang. She responded, "A blanket will do for me."

"Why doesn't a programmer work in an office?" Liu Kaishan asked.

"He earns more quickly with freelance projects," Yaoguang explained, "and he wants to be at home with me."

"It's the honeymoon phase," Sun Hui commented. "Everyone goes through this. Five of them."

"How much does he earn?" Liang Jue was curious too. "Can we ask?"

"Why does our conversation in a guys' dorm sound like gossip from aunts and uncles?" Yaoguang exclaimed. "Sun Hui, where do you work?"

"At my uncle's client's company," Sun Hui replied. "Do you guys want to get married abroad?"

"Maybe someday. Sixty thousand."

"My mom just wants grandkids," Sun Hui shared.

"My mom too," Liang Jue agreed.

"My mom is the same," Liu Kaishan chimed in. "I envy Yaoguang."

Yaoguang couldn't help but laugh and sigh. Eventually, the conversation inevitably shifted to Little Ya.

Sun Hui's phone kept buzzing, and messages kept coming in. Yaoguang sneaked a glance and noticed they were all from women, wondering which unsuspecting person this 'player' was now flirting with.

Long Jianlu, on the other hand, remained quiet. Yaoguang sent him a message during dinner, asking what he was having.

Long Jianlu replied with a message, mentioning that a heavy downpour was taking place outside. He attached a picture of noodles in a noodle shop, accompanied by some side dishes.

"Are you done with your work?"

"Almost," Long Jianlu responded. "Are you drinking? Try to have less."

Yaoguang shared a group photo taken at the dining table with Long Jianlu. Sun Hui kept chattering, and everyone had consumed quite a bit of alcohol. Late into the night, the rain intensified, its constant pitter-patter filling the air.

Upon returning to his room, Yaoguang felt as if they were reliving their college days, where they would shower after evening self-study sessions, glance at their phones, and chat before going to bed.

Liang Jue was still seated at the mahjong table, attentively examining each tile.

After his shower, Yaoguang stepped out onto the balcony and noticed Sun Hui smoking there.

"Aren't you cold?" Yaoguang asked. "Why don't you go back inside?"

Sun Hui, lost in thought while watching the rain, turned his head to look at Yaoguang upon hearing his voice.

Yaoguang: "?"

Raising his eyebrows, Yaoguang wore an inquiring look.

Sun Hui reached out to grab him, but Yaoguang asked, "What for?" while evading his attempt.

"I want to discuss something with you," Sun Hui said with a smile, speaking in a cryptic tone.

Yaoguang: "???"

Sun Hui glanced through the window into the room where Liang Jue was casually stacking mahjong tiles with his back to them, while Liu Kaishan was on a video call with his girlfriend.

Suddenly, like a voltage fluctuation, the lights in the entire countryside hotel dimmed.

"Is this the life you want?" Sun Hui asked earnestly, "Answer me, Yaoguang."

There was a hint of unfamiliarity in Sun Hui's tone, and Yaoguang replied, "Yes, what's wrong?"

"I won't bother you again," Sun Hui whispered, "Help me with one thing, and I promise I'll never disturb you again. Isn't that what you want?"

Yaoguang: "!!!"

Yaoguang immediately took a step back, instinctively wanting to call out to Long Jianlu. But Sun Hui sighed and said, "Actually, it's very hard to explain this to you. You can't just listen to Long Jianlu's side of the story. Give me a chance to explain."

"What do you want to explain?" Yaoguang asked warily. "You've taken over Sun Hui's body? Come out first!"

"There is no Sun Hui," Sun Hui looked into Yaoguang's eyes. "Nor is there a Liang Jue, no rural amusement park, and not even a Long Jianlu. Everything you perceive is an illusion. Only you and I are truly real."

Yaoguang narrowed his eyes and took another half-step back. Sun Hui continued, "You don't need to be afraid of me. I'm just a trapped soul, a former Watcher who was eventually separated from the previous Creator's consciousness."

"Long Jianlu told me," Yaoguang replied. "But you have to return the Origin Crystal to me before we can discuss any other conditions."

Sun Hui's body began to flicker with pixel-like static, transforming into Shan Rong.

"Just what are you?" Yaoguang muttered.

"When this world was created," Shan Rong said, "my sole purpose was to resist the original Watcher. However, they eventually reached a reconciliation, and as a pawn, I was discarded, imprisoned within the Origin Crystal. Release me, Yaoguang. Don't let me remain a prisoner..."

Suddenly, a flash of lightning burst, as if disrupting some form of communication.

"No," Yaoguang replied, "you've never explained anything to me, and I have no reason to trust you. Though Long Jianlu isn't with me, I still..."

"Get out of the way!" A fierce cry echoed as Long Jianlu suddenly appeared!

He rode a high-powered motorcycle, charging through the field, lifting the front wheel as he roared straight into the second-story balcony. In the next moment, Yaoguang and Shan Rong drew back. Shan Rong unfurled his silver blade, while Long Jianlu kicked away from the motorcycle in midair, his right hand raised.

The Origin Crystal reappeared, its power distorting space-time rules in a strange manner. Long Jianlu once again donned the armor of a Great Knight, a magnetic gun materializing in his hand!

Shan Rong rushed forward, but Long Jianlu positioned himself protectively in front of Yaoguang and fired without hesitation.

A deafening blast shattered the glass, catching both Liang Jue and Liu Kaishan inside by surprise. Shan Rong retreated, leaping out of the balcony.

"This is your last chance," Shan Rong sighed. "Even though I know you'll refuse, I can't help but try."

With that, Shan Rong vanished completely into thin air.

Still dazed, Yaoguang was interrupted by Sun Hui, who had just entered from outside. Surveying the chaos, Sun Hui was bewildered, as were everyone else in the room, about what had just transpired.

"Who's he?" Liu Kaishan inquired.

"Hello there," Long Jianlu greeted, "I'm Yaoguang's boyfriend."

Everyone: "...."

In the inn, both security and staff were startled by the commotion.

"You'd better leave quickly while you can," Yaoguang realized the severity of the situation.

"You have to come with me, or I can't guarantee he won't return," Long Jianlu stated.

With one hand, Long Jianlu lifted the motorcycle and addressed the others, "My apologies for disrupting your dorm gathering. Next time, I'll make it up to you, on my treat."

Without delay, Long Jianlu revved the engine, gesturing for Yaoguang to hop on. The motorcycle roared to life and sped off!

"How am I supposed to explain this?!" Yaoguang exclaimed.

"Once we have the crystal, you can alter the world's setting!" Long Jianlu replied.

"Where did you get that motorcycle?"

"I bought it this afternoon! No license, though!"

As the rain subsided, they were drenched through and through in the dark expanse of night. Long Jianlu rode the motorcycle, with Yaoguang aboard, weaving their way through the forest.

"Can you track the Origin Crystal?" Yaoguang asked.

"As long as I'm within its influence," Long Jianlu replied, "I can regain some of my power from previous worlds. I've detected the city's energy signature, and Shan Rong is trying to harness it for the crystal!"

"Where is it?" Yaoguang inquired.

"At the power plant, about 120 kilometers from here!" Long Jianlu declared.

"He wants to use the Origin Crystal to open a portal, doesn't he?" Yaoguang said. "That's not feasible! He used six stars back then."

"No," Long Jianlu corrected, speaking loudly. "It varies according to the setting! In the last world, a stellar level of energy was needed to initiate the dimensional opening. But in your world, under the rules set by a higher-dimensional Creator, a power plant would suffice!"

Yaoguang suddenly realized a grave issue. "120 kilometers away is the nuclear power plant!"

"Well, I had my suspicions. It seems he's still not giving up." Long Jianlu spoke gravely. "I hope his reckless actions won't blow the entire city sky-high."

At the Changwan Nuclear Power Plant, deep into the night.

"You're speeding," Yaoguang said.

On the mountain road, a police motorcycle blared its siren, its red and blue lights alternating as it chased after them.

Long Jianlu: "…"

"And you don't even have a license," Yaoguang added. "I wonder how the car dealer sold it to you."

"I bought it on Yuanyuan!" Long Jianlu replied. "Hold on tight, I'm going to speed up!"

Although the motorcycle was second-hand, it had been modified for incredible speed. Long Jianlu raced along the dark mountain road and into a tunnel. Suddenly, light appeared, only to flicker and vanish, leaving afterimages in their vision.

As they burst out of the tunnel, the Changwan Nuclear Power Plant loomed in the distance. The power supply to the entire city had been drained, plunging everything into darkness. The rain had stopped, leaving only the stars illuminating the cluster of power stations by the bay.

The New Changwan District spanned nearly three hundred square kilometers, with the nuclear plant at its center. Surrounding it were numerous functional communities that relied on the plant for electricity. Apparently, an accident had occurred, prompting an emergency shutdown. In an instant, the area within hundreds of kilometers fell into darkness.

A blue beam shot up from the top of the nuclear island, a light that Yaoguang knew all too well – the power of the Origin Crystal!

The influence of the Origin Crystal began to spread like a sweeping storm. The space distorted, and amidst the deafening roar, police cars and helicopters approaching the area were sent flying!

The moment Long Jianlu came into contact with the blue light, his body started to transform. His trench coat billowed open, and his fedora hat was swept away by the wind.

"Watch where you're going, geez!" Yaoguang yelled.

They burst through the barrier. Long Jianlu abandoned the motorcycle, assuming the form of a devil as he unfurled his wings, carrying Yaoguang upward towards the peak of the nuclear island!

Once Shan Rong unleashed the power of the Origin Crystal, Long Jianlu would simultaneously regain his strength – something he couldn't control himself. Hence, Long Jianlu had been incredibly patient, waiting for Shan Rong's appearance.

"I'll take you right in front of the Origin Crystal!"

"But I don't know how to use it yet!"

"Just like the U System, it connects with your consciousness," explained Long Jianlu. "The U System was designed based on our understanding of the Origin Crystal! Touch the light, and you can control it with your mind, just like in the Starry World. Remember the Pillars of Creation?"

Holding Yaoguang, Long Jianlu soared higher into the sky above the nuclear island. The Origin Crystal hovered mid-air, as electric ribbons poured out from the reactor, casting a magnificent glow of golden yellow, indigo blue, and brilliant white – like lightning, charging the Origin Crystal itself.

Before the Primal Crystal stood Shan Rong, clad in a snowy white Sword Immortal robe. He hovered high in the air, gazing at the direction from which the Demon King was approaching.

"Last time, I lost to you," Shan Rong said in a grave tone, "because it was the will of the Creator. But this time, we're fighting in a world even Yaoguang cannot dominate. Long Jianlu, brace yourself!"

He shook his long sword in hand.

Yaoguang cried out, "Watch out! That's Heaven-Blocking!"

The Heaven-Blocking Sword burst with a blinding radiance that transformed into countless flying swords, hurtling towards Long Jianlu. The Demon King roared, embracing Yaoguang with one arm and shielding him with his wings. With his left hand, he gathered a purplish-black flame to clash against the sword beam!

It was an utterly bizarre sight – in the real world, a Sword Immortal in a celestial robe clashed against a Demon King engulfed in black flames above a nuclear power plant!

Breaking through the outer defenses, Long Jianlu's surroundings were sprinkled with black blood. In the next moment, Shan Rong donned a magnificent robe made of clouds, while Long Jianlu resumed his appearance in a scholar's robe. The Primal Crystal's glow intensified as Long Jianlu raised his hand, clashing his magnetic cannon against Shan Rong's Star Crystal Sword.

In a fleeting instant, a blue, powdery halo spread from the heights of the nuclear island like a shockwave in all directions.

Then, Long Jianlu transformed into a monarch, and Shan Rong into Chen Feilang. Each wielding their weapons, they passed by each other, only to turn back in the blink of an eye. Ultimately, a Great Knight and a killer with a mechanical mask appeared.

"Take care of it, Yaoguang," Long Jianlu released Yaoguang's hand and said solemnly.

Time's flow slowed once more. Yaoguang approached the Primal Crystal's edge. Shan Rong's mask was lifted by the gusts, revealing an unfamiliar, handsome face. He turned his head at an excruciatingly slow pace, watching Yaoguang pass by.

A hint of a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.

Yaoguang didn't look back. With momentum, he soared towards the Primal Crystal, his fingers grazing the boundary of the white light.

A deafening boom echoed as the crystal erupted, its radiance engulfing the sky.

"Crystal!" Yaoguang shouted. "I'm revoking Shan Rong's control privileges!"

No response came. Then, the white light receded, and the radiant spectacle unfolded.

The colossal World Tree shimmered with ethereal light.

Killers spun through the skies, as if the world stood on the brink of apocalyptic collapse, time frozen in stasis.

On the platform, the "Priest" dangled suspended by numerous mechanical tentacles.

Shan Rong stood before him, Long Jianlu unconscious, lying behind Yaoguang.

Yaoguang: "?"

The world fell into an eerie silence, as if time had come to a complete standstill, erasing the previous deafening noise.

Shan Rong removed his mechanical mask, revealing a pale yet handsome face with a gentle smile as he gazed at Yaoguang.

"This is the power of 'The Tree'," Shan Rong said slowly. "Prophet, how do you feel now?"

Yaoguang instinctively looked around, taking a half-step back. His voice trembled as he asked, "Why am I back in this world?"

Shan Rong replied, "Back? No, not back. You never truly left."

He lifted his gaze to the massive "Tree" and murmured, "A long and predetermined adventure that was bound to end. Do you remember what I said to you in the Lower Planes, that everything was meaningless?"

Yaoguang suddenly had a terrifying thought, one that blurred the lines between reality and illusion.

"All... these memories were imposed on me by The Tree?!" Yaoguang stammered in shock.