"This is only the beginning," Pengyu said gravely. "Today we exposed Count Edward's crimes, but the forces behind him have not been fully uncovered. They may become more cautious, but they will never give up."
"Then what should we do?" Silvermoon's father asked.
"First, we need to stay vigilant," Rowan replied. "This incident taught us something important. In this universe, strength is what matters most. We have to become stronger if we want to protect ourselves and the people we care about."
Pengyu nodded in agreement.
"Rowan is right. And after your bloodline awakening, I can sense that there is still enormous untapped potential within you. If you can fully unlock it, your strength will undergo a qualitative transformation."
After dinner, Silvermoon's parents left to handle the aftermath of the day's events, while Silvermoon herself retired to recover from her ordeal.
Rowan and Pengyu stepped into the courtyard and continued their conversation beneath the stars.
The night sky glittered with countless constellations. Silvermoon Lake shimmered beneath the moonlight, its surface sparkling like scattered diamonds. After everything they had endured, the chance to enjoy such peace felt incredibly precious.
"Pengyu," Rowan suddenly asked, "earlier you mentioned feeling a resonance in our bloodline. Can you explain it in more detail?"
Pengyu gazed toward the heavens, his eyes filled with contemplation.
"The moment our bloodline contract was formed, I felt something familiar. Something I hadn't experienced in thousands of years. It was like... returning home."
"Home?" Rowan asked, puzzled.
"Yes. Although I was born in the Silver Blue Empire, the memories hidden within my blood tell me that my true homeland is Earth."
Pengyu's voice softened.
"My clan carries fragments of ancestral memories. We remember a beautiful blue world filled with endless oceans and vast skies."
A warm feeling rose within Rowan's heart.
"Earth really is a beautiful planet. It has rich cultures and a long history. And the legends of the Kunpeng are among its greatest treasures."
Pengyu's eyes lit up.
"Can you tell me more about those legends? I want to know more about the ancestors of my people."
Rowan thought for a moment before answering.
"In ancient Chinese culture, the Kunpeng was considered one of the greatest divine creatures. A philosopher named Zhuangzi wrote a famous work called Free and Easy Wandering. It contains one of the most famous descriptions of the Kunpeng."
"Free and Easy Wandering?" Pengyu asked curiously. "Can you recite it for me?"
Rowan nodded and cleared his throat.
"In the Northern Ocean there is a fish called Kun. No one knows how many thousands of miles it spans. It transforms into a bird named Peng. No one knows how many thousands of miles its back stretches. When it rises in flight, its wings resemble clouds hanging across the sky…"
As Rowan recited the ancient text, excitement gradually filled Pengyu's eyes.
The words seemed to awaken memories buried deep within his bloodline.
When Rowan reached the famous passage describing the Peng soaring ninety thousand miles into the heavens, Pengyu's body began trembling.
"This... this is it!"
His voice shook with emotion.
"These are the memories in my blood! I've seen these scenes countless times in my dreams. The endless northern sea. The colossal Kun fish. The divine Peng soaring into the heavens!"
Rowan continued reciting.
Every ancient phrase seemed to possess a mysterious power, sending ripples through Pengyu's soul.
By the time the recitation ended, tears were streaming down Pengyu's face.
"Sorry," he said while wiping his eyes. "I didn't expect to react like this. But hearing those words feels like recovering a piece of my lost heritage."
"You don't need to apologize," Rowan said gently. "It only proves that bloodline memory is real. Generations may pass, but the essence never disappears."
Pengyu took a deep breath and slowly regained his composure.
"Rowan, I am more convinced than ever that our meeting wasn't an accident. It was destiny. You didn't just bring the bloodline of our homeland. You also brought its culture, wisdom, and history."
"I feel the same way," Rowan replied sincerely. "Even though we come from different worlds, our bloodline connection has made us true brothers."
The two sat quietly beneath the starlight.
Their friendship had survived betrayal, conspiracy, and danger. Having endured those trials together, it had become stronger than ever.
"Rowan," Pengyu suddenly said, "listening to Free and Easy Wandering reminded me of something."
"What is it?"
"My collection."
A mysterious smile appeared on his face.
"Over the countless years I've served as the guardian beast of the empire, I've explored many ancient ruins. During those expeditions, I discovered numerous treasures. Some of them might interest you."
Rowan immediately leaned forward.
"What kind of treasures?"
"All sorts."
Pengyu began counting on his fingers.
"Weapons left behind by ancient warriors. Secret manuals containing lost combat techniques. Strange artifacts whose purposes even I don't fully understand."
His eyes gleamed.
"And among them are several relics left behind by Immortal-level experts."
Rowan's heartbeat instantly accelerated.
In the universe he knew, Immortals stood among the most powerful beings in existence. Every one of them was a legendary figure whose name echoed across star systems.
Their relics would be priceless.
"Relics from Immortal experts?" Rowan asked in disbelief. "Are you serious?"
"Of course."
Pengyu nodded.
"One of them is a battle sword once wielded by an Immortal known as the Void Sword Saint. The blade is covered in profound law inscriptions."
He continued.
"Another is a staff belonging to the Star River Archmage. According to legend, it can communicate directly with the power of the stars."
Rowan felt dizzy.
The value of such treasures was beyond calculation.
Even the Virtual Universe Company would regard artifacts of that level as priceless.
"How did you obtain them?"
"Throughout my long life, I explored countless ancient ruins surrounding the Silver Blue Empire," Pengyu explained.
"Many contained the tombs of powerful beings from ancient eras. I found these treasures there. Unfortunately, my understanding is limited, so I never fully uncovered their true potential."
"Then why tell me about them?"
Pengyu looked directly into Rowan's eyes.
"Because you are my bloodline brother."
His voice was sincere.
"And because your potential is extraordinary. These treasures can achieve far more in your hands than in mine."
He paused.
"Besides, our enemies are becoming stronger. You need every advantage available if you want to protect yourself and those around you."
Rowan felt deeply moved.
The trust Pengyu was placing in him was worth more than any treasure.
"But those relics must be important to you as well."
Pengyu laughed.
"A treasure fulfills its purpose only when it is used."
He shrugged.
"And we're brothers now. Your strength is my strength."
His expression then became serious.
"Besides, I have a feeling we're about to face challenges far greater than anything we've encountered so far."
"You mean the people behind the political conspiracy?"
"Not only them."
A shadow crossed Pengyu's face.
"While we were in the council chamber today, I sensed several unusual presences. Some people appeared to support us publicly, but their true intentions were hidden."
He looked toward the distant horizon.
"I fear a much greater storm is coming."
Rowan understood.
In the vast universe, alliances and rivalries shifted constantly. Today's ally could easily become tomorrow's enemy.
Only strength remained reliable.
"So when do we go after these treasures?" Rowan asked.
"Tomorrow."
Pengyu smiled.
"Silvermoon has been through enough. She needs time to rest and recover. While she does, we can visit my secret treasury and choose some items that might help you."
"Where is this treasury?"
"In the heart of Swordheart Planet."
Pengyu's eyes gleamed mysteriously.
"There is a place known as the Void Rift."
"The Void Rift?"
"It is the region where the planet's energy is most concentrated. That's why I chose it as the location of my treasury."
He lowered his voice.
"Ordinary people can never enter. Only beings with special abilities can survive there."
"Sounds dangerous."
"It is."
Pengyu nodded.
"The Void Rift is filled with spatial turbulence and violent energy storms. One wrong step and a person could be lost forever."
Then he smiled confidently.
"But as long as I'm with you, there's nothing to worry about."
The two continued discussing the next day's journey while exchanging insights about cultivation.
Pengyu shared knowledge from the Starwing Divine Roc lineage, while Rowan introduced unique techniques developed by Earth warriors.
"You know," Pengyu suddenly said, "listening to Free and Easy Wandering gave me a new perspective on cultivation."
"What kind of perspective?"
Pengyu's eyes shone with excitement.
"The passage about riding the natural order of heaven and earth, traveling upon the transformations of the six energies without limit."
He clenched his fist.
"Isn't that the ultimate path of cultivation?"
Rowan nodded.
"Exactly. True strength isn't merely about accumulating power. It's about achieving harmony with the universe itself."
"Zhuangzi believed that the greatest cultivator does not conquer nature," Rowan continued. "Instead, they become one with it, reaching a state where self and world are no longer separate."
Pengyu sighed in admiration.
"That perfectly matches my clan's philosophy."
He looked thoughtful.
"Perhaps bloodline inheritance isn't just the inheritance of power. Perhaps it is also the inheritance of wisdom and understanding."
The night grew deeper.
Yet neither felt tired.
They continued talking beneath the stars, sharing ideas, dreams, and aspirations.
Through that exchange, their bond deepened even further.
After a long silence, Pengyu asked:
"Rowan, have you ever thought about returning to Earth?"
The question made Rowan pause.
Since arriving in the Silver Blue Empire, he had experienced things beyond imagination. He had witnessed the vastness of the cosmos and the complexity of interstellar civilization.
Earth was still his home.
But he was no longer the same warrior who had left it.
"Of course I miss Earth," Rowan admitted.
"My family is there. My friends are there."
He looked up at the stars.
"But I don't think my mission is finished yet."
"What mission?"
"Earth's civilization is still weak compared to the greater universe."
His voice carried quiet determination.
"Someone needs to help it earn respect and influence among the stars. I want to become stronger and contribute to Earth's future."
Pengyu nodded approvingly.
"That's a noble goal. And I believe you'll accomplish it."
Then Rowan smiled.
"What about you? What are your long-term plans?"
Pengyu gazed into the endless sky.
"I want to find the remaining descendants of the Kunpeng lineage."
His eyes shone with determination.
"I want to restore the glory of our clan."
He paused.
"And I want to explore the mysteries of the universe and pursue even greater power."
"Then perhaps we should work together," Rowan suggested.
"With our friendship and bloodline bond, we'd make the perfect team."
A broad smile appeared on Pengyu's face.
"That is exactly what I was hoping for."
He extended his hand.
"Having a bloodline brother like you is one of the greatest honors of my life."
Time passed unnoticed.
Soon the eastern horizon began glowing with the first light of dawn.
Realizing morning was approaching, the two finally decided to end their conversation.
"Today we head to the Void Rift," Pengyu said. "I'm certain the treasures there will help you achieve a breakthrough."
Rowan grinned.
"I can't wait. The chance to see relics left behind by Immortal experts is an honor in itself."
They returned indoors and headed to their respective rooms.
Although they only had a few hours to rest, their spirits felt refreshed after their long conversation.
The next morning, Rowan awoke to the sound of birds singing outside his window.
Sunlight streamed through the curtains, heralding the start of a new day.
After washing up, he headed to the living room and found Pengyu already waiting.
"Good morning," Pengyu said with a smile. "Are you ready to begin our treasure hunt?"
"Absolutely."
Rowan's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
"I've been looking forward to it all night."
Silvermoon and her parents soon joined them.
When they learned that Rowan and Pengyu planned to travel to the Void Rift, concern immediately appeared on their faces.
"That place is extremely dangerous," Silvermoon's father warned. "Many explorers have entered it and never returned."
"Don't worry."
Pengyu smiled confidently.
"I know the area better than anyone. We'll be fine."
"I want to go too."
Silvermoon's sudden declaration caught everyone by surprise.
"I don't want to be left behind anymore."
"Silvermoon," Rowan said carefully, "the Void Rift really is dangerous. And after everything you've been through, you should be resting."
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