Chapter 153 - 45

! Chapter 45: The Third Simulation Ends!Just as Fu Ze was fleeing for his life toward the deepest parts of the Star Dou Great Forest with Tang San, who was in a state of near-madness, in an attempt to shake off potential pursuers—The "Tang San" from the simulation, tucked under his arm, was initially struggling and roaring frantically in immense grief over Xiao Wu's sacrifice and towering hatred for the Spirit Hall. However, as they got further from that tragic battlefield, the strength of his struggles gradually weakened.An indescribable unease and throb, seemingly originating from the depths of his soul, gripped his heart without warning.Tears slid silently and uncontrollably down his ashen cheeks.These tears were not just for Xiao Wu; there was a deeper, more terrifying premonition... As if to confirm this dreadful feeling, a small silk pouch he kept close to his person suddenly became scorching hot without warning!In the next moment, a soft yet resolute faint blue light forcibly pierced through the pouch. Under the astonished gazes of him and Fu Ze, it transformed into a streak of light that leaped out, landing on the gnarled roots of an ancient tree ahead.The light rapidly condensed and stretched, outlining a human silhouette.Silver hair, dark robes, and a tall, straight posture; however, the figure appeared somewhat illusory and transparent, as if it might scatter with the wind at any moment.It was none other than Fu Shiyan!Or rather, it was a wisp of his primordial consciousness and spirit power avatar left within that life-saving plant seed!"Teach... Teacher?!"The "Tang San" in the simulation's pupils shrank abruptly as he cried out in shock, struggling to break free from Fu Ze's arm.Fu Ze also immediately stopped, kneeling on one knee and lowering his head respectfully yet sorrowfully: "Young Master!"The illusory figure of Fu Shiyan slowly turned around. His gaze first fell upon Fu Ze, his tone calm yet carrying an unquestionable decisiveness:"Fu Ze, your Spirit, the 'Heavenly Ruin Halberd,' is one of the core heritages of my Beichen Fu Family. With a Rank 95 cultivation, you are enough to look down upon any region.""I am well aware of your loyalty and strength.""From now on, protect Little San well. Take him to a safe place until he possesses enough strength to protect himself.""Young Master! This subordinate is willing to follow you to the death! Please..." Fu Ze's eyes brimmed with tears, his voice choking."This is my command."Fu Shiyan interrupted him, his tone brooks no argument. He then turned his gaze toward "Tang San," who had already broken free from Fu Ze and stumbled closer.At this moment, "Tang San's" face was still wet with tears, and his eyes were filled with unbelievable dread and the panic of being about to lose the person most important to him.He reached out his hand, yet did not dare to touch his teacher's illusory figure.Seeing his disciple in such a state, a gentle smile, no different from usual, appeared on Fu Shiyan's illusory face.Fu Shiyan's phantom raised a nearly transparent hand, seemingly wanting to ruffle Tang San's hair as he always did, but could only make a phantom stroking motion.Just like at the gate of Nuoding Academy many years ago, and just like during the guidance of his cultivation these past few days, he ruffled it with a comforting strength."Little San," Fu Shiyan's voice was gentle and clear, as if he were discussing the most ordinary household matters. His voice was very soft, yet it reached Tang San's ears clearly."Don't be sad. Fu Ze's strength is that of a Rank 95 Titled Douluo, and his Spirit, the 'Heavenly Ruin Halberd,' is one of our family's inherited top-tier Power Attack System Tool martial souls.""He has a steady character, is loyal and reliable, and is enough to keep you safe and take you away from here."He briefly introduced the powerhouse beside him who had fought through blood to protect him.Fu Ze, hailing from a branch of the reclusive Fu Family in the Beichen Mountain Range, had shown exceptional talent in halberd techniques since childhood. He was selected and trained as the Young Master's personal guard. He was resolute, brave, and a man of few words, obeying only Fu Shiyan's orders."In the days when Teacher is no longer around, remember to eat well and rest on time. You are not allowed to stay up late practicing, as it will harm your foundation.""Practice hard, but also know how to relax. Get along... well with your friends.""Be happy every day. Live a spirited, wonderful life without regrets, understood?"These rambling instructions, devoid of any powerhouse demeanor, were more heart-wrenching to "Tang San" than any heroic words!He shook his head violently, his tears bursting forth like a flood: "No! Teacher! You'll be fine! Let's go together! We...""Be good."Fu Shiyan stopped him softly. His illusory figure began to flicker like a candle in the wind, becoming increasingly transparent."Remember, your Blue Silver Emperor Spirit possesses the world's top-tier life essence.""Cultivate it well. In the future... perhaps we will meet again.""Teacher—!!!""Tang San" let out a heart-wrenching cry, trying in vain to embrace the figure that was about to dissipate.At the very last moment before Fu Shiyan's manifestation completely vanished, he looked at Fu Ze and left one final mental transmission. Then, the light and shadow completely collapsed, turning into bits of blue starlight that merged into the earth beneath their feet, as if he had never appeared."Teacher!! Teacher!!!""Aaaaah—!!!""Spirit Hall!!!!"The "Tang San" in the simulation knelt on the ground, his hands digging deep into the soil as he let out a beast-like wail. His spirit, which had been on the verge of collapse due to Xiao Wu's sacrifice, was now completely submerged in the despair of losing a second close relative.The observing Tang San also felt the same way. A massive sense of sorrow and helplessness gripped his heart; the intense emotions of despair from the simulation were violently impacting him.This extremely familiar action instantly pierced through all of "Tang San's" forced strength and also penetrated the simulation's barrier, deeply touching the observing Tang San!At this moment, a violent tremor also came from the depths of the observing Tang San's soul!That familiar, doting stroking motion from Teacher Fu Shiyan.Even if it was just a phantom stroke, these simple words of care allowed him to instantly cross the simulation's barrier and overlap with reality!Just a few days ago, at the gate of Nuoding Academy, Teacher had ruffled his hair in the same way, causing a warm current of being cherished by an elder to well up in his heart for the first time.In this cold world, it was a delicate and straightforward love that he had never felt from anyone other than Tang Hao.And now, his future self in the simulation was enduring the bone-piercing pain of being about to lose this care!Had he changed the karma with Yu Xiaogang and saved his father, only to ultimately lose his teacher? This price... Just as the "Tang San" in the simulation was overwhelmed with grief, and the observing Tang San's emotions were also surging—at the moment the simulation was about to end forcefully due to the intense fluctuations—Fu Ze, who was kneeling on one knee, suddenly looked up. He grabbed "Tang San's" violently trembling shoulders. Though his voice was heavy with sorrow, it carried a categorical certainty:"Young Master Tang! Calm down! The Young Master... has not truly perished!""What?!"The "Tang San" in the simulation snapped his head up, his bloodshot eyes staring fixedly at Fu Ze as if grasping at a final straw.Fu Ze quickly explained: "The Young Master bears the trial of the God King of Life's inheritance. His Blue Silver Tree Spirit has long since undergone a fundamental transformation and is closely linked to the source of life!"