The sky is awash in crimson, and a monstrous creature ignites in flames. Numerous fire-tinged scales fall to the ground, hitting rooftops, endangering precious lives and research materials. Song Qingshi promptly activates a barrier of dark fire, shielding the research institute and libraries, and allows all pharmacists and attendants to seek refuge within.
The monster notices the dark fire barrier and lunges down ferociously.
Huge crimson vines sprout from the ground, tearing through the earth, rising into the sky, and tightly entangling the monster's offense. They weave into an intricate web of red, fortified by the dark fire, creating barriers around the rodent breeding room and various labs, turning them into massive vine-enclosed spheres.
Clutching a sword imbued with the golden light of virtue, Song Qingshi steps onto a crimson lotus and flies toward Yue Wuhuan, heedless of all else.
Sensing the power of the golden light of virtue, the monster becomes frenzied. It manifests dark, demonic blades to demolish the threat. Yue Wuhuan's magical instruments and treasured sword are already ruined from the battle. His Phoenix flames intensify, manifesting nine long whips, scattering countless shadows that dissipate the forming blades.
The dark demonic energy ebbs and flows.
The Blood King Vine shatters the monster's scales, digging into its flesh, ceaselessly absorbing its power.
Threads of demonic energy invade his body, seeping into his soul, triggering countless dark memories.
Repugnant pasts, vile deeds, malicious words, and painful farewells play over and over before his eyes...
The stench in the air intensifies, making it hard to breathe.
Unable to suppress the hatred welling up, or control his mental collapse, his dark golden phoenix eyes emanate a murderous crimson. The Phoenix flames reignite, gradually spreading across the entire sky—a fire that could incinerate souls. He wishes to burn this filthy world to ashes, to burn himself, and reduce everything to nothingness.
Song Qingshi yells, "Wuhuan! Stop!"
Streaks of black appear in the otherwise immaculate flames. Chaos reigns in Yue Wuhuan's heart; he hears no sound.
Finally reaching him, Song Qingshi tries to purify the increasing impurity within the flames, seeking to awaken him.
The airborne monster finally solidifies its dark blades, and they rain down, thrusting toward both of them.
Inside Song Qingshi, two lotuses—one black, one red—bloom and form a double barrier, enveloping them both.
But his cultivation level is far inferior to that of the monster.
The lotus petals wilt and disintegrate rapidly under the assault of the blades.
With its razor-sharp claws, the monster lunges forward in an instant.
If Yue Wuhuan were to die, the Phoenix flames would go berserk, engulfing the entire world and incinerating everything.
Desperate, Song Qingshi pleads, "General An, don't do something you'll regret!"
The monster's blood-red vertical pupils waver slightly. Hearing that name, the suppressed consciousness within its body struggles anew. A pained expression crosses its face, and the onslaught of its blades begins to wane.
"General An, wake up," Song Qingshi continues to implore, "This isn't your true form."
He channels all the remaining golden light of virtue from within him, a smattering of sparks that coil around An Long's razor-sharp claws. A bit of the filthy, demonic energy flakes away, revealing two shimmering black dragon scales. He wishes to offer even more virtue to peel away the ugly exterior, to reveal the proud black dragon within and help him regain his consciousness.
But after countless cycles of reincarnation, he has expended all the virtue he had amassed. Now, he has nothing left.
True dragon scales revealed, An Long ceases his attack. Lifting his head, he looks at his grotesque form and emits an enraged roar, tearing at his own body frantically.
A clear dragon's cry pierces the sky, shaking the heavens and the earth.
Startled awake by the dragon's cry, Yue Wuhuan quickly assesses the situation. He takes the Sword of Virtue from Song Qingshi's hand and uses the Phoenix flames to rip through the monster's filthy armor and scales. Finally, he thrusts the golden sword viciously into the heart of the dragon, now tainted black by demonic energy, extracting its dark core.
The golden sword disappears into the core. Then, the core shatters. A soft, purifying light of pure goodness emanates, dispelling all darkness.
The black heart gradually regains its vibrant red color. The twisted body dissolves slowly in the golden light. Eventually, everything turns into a mist of black smoke, gradually vanishing between heaven and earth.
As the smoke clears, what appears is the soul of a handsome general clad in black armor. With a determined face and an unwavering spirit, he stands tall between heaven and earth—a warrior of valor and integrity.
This is An Long's true form.
He smiles at Song Qingshi, "Fortunately, I didn't make the same mistake a third time."
Looking at this familiar soul, Yue Wuhuan feels an intensifying pain in his soul sea, as if he should be recalling something crucial.
An Long's soul starts to fade. Before disappearing completely, he reaches out and gently places his hand on Yue Wuhuan's shoulder. Looking into eyes that have also lost themselves in the painful cycle of reincarnation, he makes one final plea:
"Come back, brother."
...
The rumble of thunder began to subside, the dark clouds yet to disperse, leaving the sky still overcast.
Yue Wuhuan stared at the spot where Anlong had disappeared, watching for a long, long time. Finally, he allowed Song Qingshi to take his hand, board the arcane boat, and return to the Summit of Immortality.
The battle raged on; the struggle persisted.
The beauty of the Summit of Immortality was utterly destroyed. The ground was littered with deep fissures, mountain peaks had collapsed, countless shards of rock lay scattered, trees were incinerated, life itself reduced to utter ruin. Blood flowed like rivers; everywhere was a scene of mutual slaughter, everywhere a display of ugliness...
Song Qingshi led him to the highest point of the Summit of Immortality.
A fetid wind blew in. Yue Wuhuan closed his eyes, covered his nose, and found breathing even more laborious.
"Wuhuan, don't resist," Song Qingshi grasped his hand, stopping him, and pleaded, "Open your eyes and look carefully at this world..."
Thirteen hundred and fifty cycles of reincarnation, failure upon failure.
He would never let go of this hand...
Yue Wuhuan sensed Song Qingshi's resolve and finally opened his eyes. Slowly, he released his spiritual consciousness, attaching it to the countless birds flying in all directions, attempting to touch and feel the world around him.
...
Below the cliff of the Summit of Immortality.
A golden peacock, battered and bruised, its beautiful tail feathers utterly ruined, was at death's door.
"Why?" Baizi Hao shielded all attacks with a formation of ice. Drained of both spiritual and physical energy, he wobbled as he walked. He knew how much Kong Muhua cared for his beautiful feathers and appearance—constantly checking mirrors, stopping in his tracks at the sight of his reflection in water, and crying for days over a single lost feather. Yet now, to protect him, Kong Muhua was covered in wounds, not a single spot unscathed, and he had not complained.
Kong Muhua whispered, "I told you, I like you."
Baizi Hao said, "But I've bullied you, so many times..."
Kong Muhua smiled, "I know. You like me too."
Baizi Hao felt his eyes grow moist, choking back the tears, he said, "I'm sorry."
"Don't cry," Kong Muhua struggled to raise his hand and wiped away his tears, "When we first met, you were always crying, sad, and scared. I didn't like that... So I wanted to make you happy, make you angry, make you forget those unhappy things. Don't feel wronged..."
He had never loved anyone, never pursued anyone, and didn't understand the rules of human interaction. He'd acted recklessly and impulsively, causing all sorts of chaos.
Probably getting dumped again...
"I'm no longer beautiful, and I've lost my tail feathers," Kong Muhua said, glancing at his charred plumage. For the first time in his life, he felt a lack of confidence. Trying to persuade Baizi Hao, he continued, "Although I've lost the right to court you, you mustn't be drawn to Dapeng. He's coarse and crude. And don't consider Bifang, he's as dull as a wooden bird. Wait for me for two hundred years. Once my tail grows back, I..."
Baizi Hao bent down and kissed his lips, asking earnestly, "I don't have a tail feather capable of fanning open. May I still court you?"
Kong Muhua was stunned. After a long pause, he finally responded, eagerly saying, "Yes, I'll marry you."
Baizi Hao corrected him, "It's called becoming Dao companions."
"But the wedding dress is so beautiful, I want to wear it."
"Then, by all means, wear it..."
"May I embroider it myself?"
"Why do you seem so spirited? Are you really badly hurt?"
"I lost my tail, and my heart is deeply wounded..."
"You, really..."
"It's settled then, no backing out!"
Baizi Hao held the golden peacock tightly in his arms. No longer did he envy the gods; there were people in this world who couldn't bear to see him suffer.
...
The Northern Realm, among the rebels.
The cultivators were discussing how to attack the Summit of Immortality and kill the God Emperor and his loyal followers.
Ma Xianjun sneered, "And here I thought the God Emperor was a man of integrity. Turns out he's enamored with men. He's recently become Dao companions with Yao Wang Xianzun. Hmph, I hear the Summit of Immortality donates large sums to Yao Wang Valley for research every year. Could it be that Yao Wang Xianzun traded his body for it? I wonder how handsome he must be. Once we take down the Summit, we should..."
Suddenly, he found his throat clamped tight, unable to speak.
Seated at the head of the rebel forces, Cui Xianzun was a moody, unpredictable demonic cultivator. Rumor had it that he had been betrayed by his sect thousands of years ago, leaving him separated from his wife and children, and plagued by inner demons. Later, he got a second chance, cultivated the demonic path anew, took his revenge, and founded the Soul Sect. Now, his cultivation had reached a stage of unity, and he despised the tyranny of the Summit of Immortality and the God Emperor, agreeing to join the campaign as one of the strongest powers in the army.
Now, he gripped the throat of Ma Xianjun, the most sycophantic among them, and whispered, "How come I was not aware... that the God Emperor's Dao companion is Yao Wang Xianzun? Is it Song Qingshi?"
Ma Xianjun struggled to nod.
Cui Xianzun furiously strangled him, saying, "Why didn't you say this earlier?!"
The cultivators present were shocked and puzzled.
"Years ago, when my inner demons plagued me, and I was destitute and desperate, it was Yao Wang Xianzun who gave me the Forget-Dust Pill that helped me conquer my inner turmoil. My resurgence was possible because of him, and I owe him a debt I could never forget," Cui Xianzun revealed a terrifying smile. "Today presents a good opportunity. Since you all aim to attack Yao Wang Valley and kill Yao Wang Xianzun, your heads shall be my gifts of gratitude."
He unleashed the Soul-Calling Banner; it summoned vengeful spirits that wailed and howled.
The disciples of the Soul Sect promptly followed his lead.
The various sects were caught off guard and suffered severe casualties.
Cui Xianzun laughed heartily as he ruthlessly shattered the rebel formation.
Once unintentionally given a lifeline, today willingly repaid manifold.
...
At the foot of Tian Wu Sect's mountain, young swordsmen formed ranks to stop the rebel forces from Lingxin City.
The Lord of Lingxin City was hot-tempered. His beloved daughter was suffering from demonic transformation, and they were buying time with the bark of the Bodhi tree. Eager to get to the Summit of Immortality, he had joined the campaign against the God Emperor. Seeing these ignorant swordsmen blocking the way, he yelled, "Are you mad? It's the Summit of Immortality that brought forth this demonic transformation! We must kill the God Emperor to end it!"
Yuwen Yu stood with his sword, "It wasn't the God Emperor!"
The Lord of Lingxin City angrily retorted, "After the Dark Age, these foul demons emerged! If not him, then who?!"
Yuwen Yu insisted, "It wasn't the God Emperor!"
The Lord of Lingxin City yelled again, "You foolish children, move aside!"
Yuwen Yu, awkward and not good at arguing, didn't step back, "It wasn't the God Emperor!"
The Lord of Lingxin City sneered, "Little Tian Wu Sect, dare to oppose Lingxin City? Call your elders!"
"No need to call them," Yuwen Yan arrived with the elders and swordsmen, flying on their swords. He coldly stated, "His father is here."
The Lord of Lingxin City suppressed his rage and arrogantly said, "At this point, the Summit of Immortality is a common enemy to all. If Tian Wu Sect insists on protecting it, I'll level all seven of these mountains!"
Behind him were tens of thousands of cultivators from Lingxin City, while Tian Wu Sect was merely a modest sect with a few thousand members. To challenge such odds was akin to a mantis trying to stop a cart, a sure path to self-destruction.
Yuwen Yu stepped in front of his father, his voice tinged with vulnerability, "Father…"
"We are sword cultivators, and the sword we wield must reflect steadfast belief and courage in the face of strong enemies," Yuwen Yan gently tousled his son's hair, "Yu'er, you've done well. If you were to betray the truth out of fear, to bow before the enemy, then you would not be worthy of the sword in your hand."
The Lord of Lingxin City's face turned increasingly grim.
Yuwen Yan unsheathed his long sword, and bellowed, "Swordsmen of Tian Wu Sect! Draw your swords! Form the formation!"
A thousand treasured swords were unsheathed, gleaming coldly, their murderous aura palpable.
Standing at the forefront of the sword formation, Yuwen Yan articulated, word by word, "It was not the God Emperor's doing!"
All the swordsmen resonated with a thunderous voice that reverberated in the ears of every cultivator from Lingxin City, "It was not the God Emperor's doing!"
This was the principle they firmly adhered to.
So what if they were standing against overwhelming odds?
Swordsmen draw their swords, committed to fight to the death!
...
On Fairy Spirit Island, most of the female cultivators were already suffering from the demonic transformation disease, barely sustaining themselves with the bark of the Bodhi tree.
Lady Nian was already covered in intersecting black patterns. She sat quietly under the shade of a tree, staring at the azure sea, waiting for the end to come…
Once a little orphan begging by the road, she was taken in by Yan Yuan Xianjun, who brought her back to the Red Dragon Sect. He took great care of her, teaching her all kinds of formations and celestial techniques. Later, sensing his life nearing its end, he sent her to Fairy Spirit Island. Lady Lingmiao was a gentle woman who comforted her when she cried from homesickness, amused her with various charming animals conjured from formations, and always praised her intelligence…
She was unfortunate, born without parents.
Yet she was fortunate, for her life was filled with kindness and warmth from many good souls.
Therefore, she wished to pass down such warmth, to rescue children who shared her unfortunate beginnings, so they could find new happiness.
Lady Nian looked at the black patterns on her hands and began to sob softly.
A four-year-old girl ran over; her body was also covered with traces of demonic transformation. Her eyes widened in curiosity, "Lady Nian, what are you doing?"
Lady Nian wiped away her tears and smiled, "Duoduo, what brings you here?"
Duo Duo spoke with a pained expression: "My sisters say that Duo Duo is going to die soon. But Duo Duo doesn't understand—what is death?"
Madam Nian looked at the innocent child and felt her eyes well up with tears again.
Duo Duo climbed onto her lap: "Madam Nian, why is Duo Duo going to die?"
Madam Nian whispered, "Because... we need to allow more children like Duo Duo... to live."
Duo Duo thought for a long time, not quite understanding, but nodded sensibly: "Then it must be a very good thing."
Madam Nian pulled her tightly into her arms, fiercely holding back her tears.
"Don't cry; Duo Duo is not afraid of dying."
"I'm sorry..."
"Duo Duo lied. Duo Duo is a little scared, not brave enough."
"I'm sorry..."
"Duo Duo wants to hold hands; if we hold hands, then I won't be scared."
"Alright, I will hold your hand and we'll go together."
...
For three days and nights, the birds flew over towering mountains and vast lakes, witnessing countless joys and sorrows, separations and reunions, and countless stories as well.
From morning bells to evening drums, through alleys and avenues, the myriad facets of human life unfold.
He saw many shameless beasts, many deceived fools, but also saw many more people struggling desperately, unwilling to give up on their loved ones, helping and saving each other, living and dying together, never forsaking one another.
He saw those who kept their promises, those with unwavering will, and those with compassionate hearts.
All beings are trapped in darkness, desperately seeking the light.
Where, indeed, are the true gods?
Yue Wu Huan silently observed the world.
Song Qing Shi stood behind him, carrying all their hopes, and softly prayed:
"Wu Huan, the world isn't as bleak as you think..."
So, please come back...