Chapter 348: Fengdu

Under the guidance of the Guardians, you arrived at an extremely special space.

Bai Li Ming said, "This is the very center of the Jing Shi Zhu, the origin of the Jing Tu."

He then warned you, "Soon, the most crucial stage will come, concerning the entire Jing Tu, concerning the survival of the Living World."

"No matter what happens, you must not act on impulse, understand?"

"If you cause trouble here, we will suppress you without mercy."

"I won't," you said calmly.

"Little Shu, farewell."

Fu Yan rose onto tiptoes, touched your head, and walked toward the vortex at the center of the Jing Tu, where the power of the Shikong law permeated.

"Everyone, strike!"

Bai Li Ming let out a sharp command, and the eight of them attacked together.

You could feel that the power of the eight great guardians far exceeded that of an ordinary Wangxian Realm.

They were far stronger than the Wangxian Realm elders you had previously faced, standing at the pinnacle of that realm.

You even had the illusion that they could break through at any moment, reaching higher levels.

Within the vortex filled with Shikong law, Fu Yan smiled as her body turned into specks of light, gradually fading until even her soul was completely extinguished.

A fragment of light spilled out, drifting to your front.

You cupped Fu Yan with both hands.

Countless memories surged in your mind; they were Fu Yan's happiest moments, and she left her final smile for you.

It seemed to say, "Little Shu, you must not cry."

Yet your heart could not stop the sorrow.

You mourned not only Fu Yan's death, but the suffering of this world—so many people like Sister Fu Yan died on the road while saving the Jing Tu.

Although their hearts were heavy, they always left their best gentleness to those who came after.

You bear no hatred toward anyone, nor toward every person of the Jing Tu.

The faces of the eight great guardians also bore sadness, and some even shed tears.

May Sister Fu Yan's death bring forth her true value.

After an unknown amount of time, the fluctuations of the Shikong law settled, yet the heaviness on the eight great guardians' faces grew even more solemn.

You asked, "How is it going?"

"Hope it goes smoothly."

Bai Li Ming sighed lightly, "Some matters are beyond our power; whether success is achieved ultimately depends on that one."

That one naturally refers to the strongest Guardian.

The one did not appear, yet seemed omnipresent.

"It's time to go."

Bai Li Ming gave you a meaning‑laden look, seemed about to speak, hesitated, and finally left.

You said, "I want to stay with Sister Fu Yan a little longer."

"Alright."

Bai Li Ming patted your shoulder, "After you emerge, come find us."

Having said that, the Guardians departed.

You gazed at the vortex at the center of the Jing Shi Zhu; it was already empty, yet you felt Sister Fu Yan watching you there.

Not only Sister Fu Yan, but countless others.

For example, the Dark Extinction Squad you first joined, the Captain Gu Yan who sacrificed himself for you, Sister Xia Tao, and many familiar yet departed souls.

They all seemed to be watching you there.

But you could not see them.

"An illusion?"

"They have long passed, not by my side—am I too sorrowful?"

A hint of confusion rose in your heart.

Even a pure divine heart cannot lead you to comprehend everything; some things are inexpressible.

After sitting for a long while, you were about to leave.

At that moment, the outer space of the Jing Shi Zhu opened again, and Bai Li Ming entered with someone.

"Shu, your Xiao Ya Huan is looking for you."

The person brought in was Lü Ya.

"Lü Ya! How did you come?"

You were surprised; this was the very center of the Jing Shi Zhu, and Lü Ya was merely a Mortal—how could she find this place?

Bai Li Ming said, "Lü Ya had been crying, seeking you everywhere, so I brought her."

"This…"

You looked at the crying girl, "Didn't I leave you a letter?"

"Is there one?"

Lü Ya stammered, "I… I didn't see it."

That clumsy girl is always so foolish.

"You talk, I'll leave."

Bai Li Ming broke through the void once more and departed.

Lü Ya's eyes lit up, "Young master, the cultivators are unbelievably swift—one moment they're here, the next they're there."

You smile and say, "For cultivators, it's just a basic method."

"But it's really impressive."

Lü Ya looks enviously, "Unfortunately I can't."

You smile, "I'll teach you later."

"Alright."

Lü Ya, overjoyed, looks ahead and, with a puzzled expression, asks, "Young master, what are those people doing?"

You are startled.

Ahead… is anyone there?

Why can Lü Ya see? Is this an illusory world?

You take Lü Ya's hand, and the scene before you suddenly changes; the countless floating crystals of the pure world space vanish, replaced by a massive city gate.

In front of the gate, a sea of people.

Every face bears a smile, forming a long line heading into the city.

Many are faces familiar from your memory.

But the most familiar is Fu Yan, who just left you; now she stands there, gentle and graceful.

"Young master, what city is that?"

Lü Ya asks, puzzled, "Are cultivator cities always this grand? Young master, do you also wish to go inside?"

"No, I guess not."

You seem to understand a bit.

Lü Ya can always see the departed; perhaps those who have died still have their souls lingering in this world.

You recall the legends from before the Jing Tu era.

Long, long ago, there was a world called the Netherworld of the Underworld, where living beings, after death, would enter and undergo Reincarnation.

In today's Jing Tu world, that notion has long vanished.

Moreover, there is no record of the Immortal Deity who presides over Reincarnation in the legends.

"Does Reincarnation really exist?"

You can't help but wonder why Lü Ya can see; perhaps it all stems from the secret they carry.

"Let's go back."

After watching for a while, you see Fu Yan enter the great city of that fantasy world, and you feel no lingering concern.

This matter will eventually be settled.

There are more important tasks awaiting you.

The moment you stand and release Lü Ya's hand, the scene before you changes again, and the Darkness world belonging to you suddenly assaults.

The great city still stands.

At some point it acquired a name: Feng Du.