Chapter 382: You came

In the Void, time seemed to lose its meaning.

Wang Ping tightly held Youying, feeling the warmth transmitted from her body; that sense of reality made him fear this was a dream. Thirty thousand years of waiting, thirty thousand years of longing, finally found a response at this moment.

"Do you know…?" Youying's soft voice whispered in his ear, "These thirty thousand years, I have been dreaming."

Wang Ping said nothing, merely holding her tighter.

"In the dream, I saw you grow up." Youying said slowly, "From a stubborn little cultivator, step by step you walked the path of the strong. I saw you take disciples, I saw you fight, I saw you escape death time and again. I saw you cry, I saw you laugh, I saw you, in the dead of night, staring blankly at the starry sky."

She paused, gently lifted her head, and looked at Wang Ping's tear‑streaked face.

"I know, you're thinking of me."

Wang Ping's tears broke through again.

"I miss you too." Youying whispered, "Every day, I miss you."

In the distance, the auras of the four Huashen drew nearer and grew stronger. Yet at this moment, none of them paid any heed.

"Youying…" Wang Ping finally found his voice, hoarse and barely audible, "Your cultivation… really cannot be restored?"

Youying shook her head, her smile still gentle: "The price of the Void Eternal Confinement is just this. Thirty thousand years of slumber exchanged for a single awakening. My cultivation will forever remain at the early Nascent Soul stage."

Wang Ping's heart felt as if twisted by a blade.

He recalled that thirty thousand years ago, Youying was a mighty Huashen, the most outstanding descendant of the Myriad Phenomena Stargazers, the master of Void law. She could have continued cultivating, could have struck for higher realms, could have possessed limitless future possibilities.

But to seal the Chaotic Origin, to save those survivors, to buy him a sliver of life, she chose to slumber for thirty thousand years.

Thirty thousand years.

A Huashen cultivator, using thirty thousand years of time, exchanged it for a single awakening.

In exchange, his cultivation would forever remain at the early Nascent Soul stage.

"Not worth it…" Wang Ping murmured, "Too not worth it…"

"Worth it." Youying interrupted him, her gaze firm and tender, "Because that person is you."

She raised her hand and gently wiped the tears from Wang Ping's face.

"Don't cry." She whispered, "The Wang Ping I know never cries. He grits his teeth and endures, gives his all, rises again and again, fights again and again. He is the fool who, knowing he would die in the Chaos Immortal Palace, turned back to save me. He is the madman who, in the Void, smashed the Heaven‑Overturning Seal at a Huashen. He is my Wang Ping."

Wang Ping looked at her, at the gentleness and resolve in her eyes, and suddenly felt that this thirty‑year wait was also worthwhile.

"Good." He drew a deep breath, fiercely wiped his tears, "I won't cry."

Youying smiled.

That smile was even more radiant than before.

In the distance, the voice of the gaunt Huashen sounded again, laced with impatient mockery: "Had enough? If you've had enough, prepare to die."

The four Huashen stepped forward together.

Their auras pressed down on everyone like four great mountains—that was the might of the Huashen realm, the suppression of law, an absolute gap in strength.

Cangxuan was the first to rush to Wang Ping's side.

He looked at Youying, his lips moved, and he merely nodded: "It's good that you're back."

Youying looked at him, a flicker of guilt crossing her eyes: "Cangxuan, back then…"

"No need to say." Cangxuan interrupted her, "What happened back then isn't your fault. If it were me, I'd make the same choice."

Yuliuli flew in cradling her guqin, tears streaming down her face as she gazed at Youying. She wanted to say something, but could get no words out, merely nodding frantically.

Youying looked at her, eyes full of tenderness: "Liuli, you've grown up."

Yuliuli finally broke into sobs: "Elder Sister Youying… I… I miss you so much…"

Yunhao led the survivor warriors, all kneeling together in the Void. Their eyes brimmed with reverence and fervor—that was the loyalty of the Guardians of the Ruined to the descendants of the Myriad Phenomena Stargazers, a faith passed down through generations for thirty thousand years.

"Welcome the Saintess's awakening!" Yunhao's voice echoed through the Void, "Guardians of the Ruined, generation after generation have guarded; today we finally behold the true visage of the Saintess!"

Youying looked at them, a hint of complexity flashing in her eyes.

"Rise." She whispered, "You… have worked hard."

Yunhao and the survivor warriors did not rise; instead they lowered their heads further. Their bodies trembled—that was excitement, joy, the release of finally receiving a response after thirty thousand years of waiting.

The Black Tortoise Venerable and the Hundred Grass Fairy also flew over.

The Black Tortoise Venerable gazed at Youying, his eyes full of emotion: "Thirty thousand years ago I was merely a fledgling who had just entered the Nascent Soul stage. Back then I had heard of the renown of the Myriad Phenomena Stargazers, heard the legend of the Void Eternal Confinement. I never imagined that, in my lifetime, I would get to see the very caster herself."

The Hundred Grass Fairy nodded gently: "Child, it's wonderful that you've awakened."

Youying looked at them, bowed slightly: "Thank you all for looking after Wang Ping these years."

"Looking after?" The Black Tortoise Venerable blinked, then burst into loud laughter: "Little girl, you've got it backwards! These years it's been your Wang Ping looking after us! Without him, we'd have died long ago in the Chaos Immortal Palace."

Youying glanced at Wang Ping, a hint of a smile in her eyes.

Wang Ping felt a little embarrassed and scratched his head.

But the next moment, his smile froze.

Because those four Huashen had already arrived outside the rift.

The late‑stage Huashen existence raised a hand, making a grasping motion. Silver light condensed in his palm, forming a blade of light a hundred zhang long. Countless runes flowed across the light sword, each representing a law, an order, a terrifying power capable of obliterating a Nascent Soul.

"Descendant of the Myriad Phenomena Stargazers." He looked at Youying, his eyes devoid of pity or hesitation, only cold: "Thirty thousand years ago you used the Void Eternal Confinement to seal the Chaotic Origin, costing us seven expedition teams. Among those teams were three Huashen, seventeen Nascent Soul cultivators, and countless other cultivators. They were my fellow sect members, my comrades in arms."

He paused, and the light sword in his hand grew brighter and brighter.

"Today I will avenge them."

Youying looked at him, her eyes holding no fear, only calm.

"The Chaotic Origin should not be here." She whispered, "By forcibly opening a channel and drawing in the Chaotic Origin, you will only destroy this world. I sealed it to save everyone."

"Saving people?" The late‑stage Huashen sneered, "Are those survivors, those ant‑like cultivators, even worthy of being called 'people'? They are merely lowly lifeforms, the worms gnawing at this world. Though the Chaotic Origin is dangerous, it can help us break through realms and glimpse higher laws. You destroyed our hope, yet you claim it's for salvation?"

Youying shook her head.

"You're wrong." She said softly, "The path of cultivation is not about plunder, but about protection. A true strong one does not climb by stepping on others' corpses, but is able to shield those behind him."

The late‑stage Huashen's eyes flickered with a hint of mockery: "Childish."

He raised his hand, and the light sword struck down violently.

That sword held all the power of a late-stage Void God; where its light passed, space collapsed, laws fell into chaos, everything was annihilated—power enough to destroy a star, the true terror of the Void God realm.

Wang Ping stepped forward, blocking everyone.

He gripped the cracked Chaos Tribulation Sword, his Chaos Domain unfolding fully. Though the Heaven-Overturning Seal was shattered and his strength nearly exhausted, he would not retreat a single step.

Behind him, Cang Xuan had already drawn his sword.

His sword was a pure white longsword named "Frost Cold," a supreme treasure he obtained in the Chaos Immortal Palace, containing the ultimate ice law. One slash sealed ten thousand miles in ice.

Yu Liuli's zither sounded again.

Her guqin, named "Phoenix Cry," was made from phoenix wood. As the zither sounded, sound waves turned solid like blades, slashing at that Void God.

Xuan Gui Zunzhe gritted his teeth and rose, his Xuan Wu True Technique pushed to the extreme. Behind him, a huge Xuan Wu phantom appeared—a projection of the ancient divine beast, containing supreme defensive power.

Bai Cao Xianzi formed seals with both hands; strands of emerald light gathered in her palms. It was the power of the life law—both healing and attack. Where the light passed, the silver order power began to melt.

Yun Hao led the refugee warriors, gripping their weapons tightly, eyes resolute. Though their cultivation was only Golden Core and Foundation Establishment, none retreated.

Everyone stood behind Wang Ping.

Facing the four Void Gods, not one retreated.

The late-stage Void God looked at them, a flicker of surprise in his eyes.

"Are you not afraid of death?"

Wang Ping did not answer.

He merely turned his head and glanced at Youying.

Youying was also looking at him.

Their four eyes met; everything was understood without words.

He turned his head back, gazed at the four Void Gods, and slowly raised the sword in his hand.

"Not afraid."

The late-stage Void God laughed.

That smile was cold and merciless.

"Good. Then let's die together."

He raised his hand, and the light sword struck down again.

This sword was stronger, faster, and more terrifying than before; even before its light fell, everyone felt a tearing pain like their skin being ripped apart—the suppression of law, the crushing of power.

Just then——

A terrifying aura suddenly rose from the void.

That aura was stronger, deeper, and more terrifying than any Void God.

The late-stage Void God's face changed instantly.

"This is……"

In the void, a huge tear suddenly ripped open.

Within the tear, a giant hand shrouded in chaos mist slowly extended.

That hand was unimaginably large; its fingers spread wide, seeming able to cover the sky and block the sun. In its palm, chaos mist roiled, within which countless stars could be seen being born and dying, countless laws flowing. It was the aura of chaos origin, a power older and deeper than the power of order.

A dignified voice came from deep within the tear, echoing throughout the void.

"Dare move my disciple——"

"Seek death!"

As the last word fell, the giant hand slammed down.

No fancy techniques, no complex laws—just a simple palm strike.

But this palm contained power enough to make any Void God cultivator tremble with fear.

The late-stage Void God's face changed drastically; without hesitation he withdrew his light sword and retreated at full speed. His speed was extreme, instantly putting a hundred li between him and the attack.

But the hand's speed was faster.

No matter how fast he retreated, the hand remained above his head, growing larger and closer, as if it would grasp the entire void in its palm.

"No——"

The late-stage Void God let out a desperate howl, straining every ounce of power. Behind him, a huge phantom appeared—his Dharma Aspect, a god holding a scepter. The Aspect raised its hand, the scepter pointing at the hand, and a silver pillar of light shot up to the heavens.

That was the late-stage Void God's all-out strike, containing the laws and order of his lifetime of cultivation.

But that hand merely gave a light squeeze.

The silver light pillar instantly collapsed; the Aspect shattered piece by piece, and the late-stage Void God flew backward like a broken kite, spurting blood from his mouth. A large section of his chest caved in—the result of being swept by the palm's aftershock.

Just one palm.

Only one palm.

One late-stage Void God, severely wounded and near death.

The remaining three Void Gods had faces as pale as paper.

The thin Void God trembled all over, his eyes full of fear. He had personally seen how that late-stage Void God was blown away by a single palm—a being far stronger than him, a top expert among late-stage Void Gods, an elder of the Taixu Immortal Sect, one of the strongest beings in this void.

But now he was swatted away like an ant, his life or death unknown.

"Run!"

The thin Void God hesitated not, turned and fled.

The other two mid-stage Void Gods also turned at once, fleeing madly in three different directions. Their speed was extreme, instantly vanishing into the depths of the void.

But that dignified voice sounded again.

"Can you run?"

Within the tear, another giant hand extended.

Both palms opened simultaneously.

Five fingers like mountains, the chaotic mist in the palms surged, as if it wanted to envelop the entire void.

The figures of the three fleeing Spirit Transformation cultivators suddenly froze.

They struggled desperately, desperately exerting all their strength, but they couldn't move an inch, as if an invisible giant hand held them fast.

"Senior, spare my life!"

That gaunt Spirit Transformation cultivator cried out in despair, "We are elders of the Grand Void Immortal Sect; senior, please spare our lives for the sake of the Grand Void Immortal Sect!"

The other two Spirit Transformation cultivators also begged for mercy at the same time, their voices full of fear.

In the void, there was utter silence.

Those two huge palms hung in midair, completely still.

Deep in the rift, that dignified voice sounded again, carrying a hint of amusement.

"Grand Void Immortal Sect?"

That gaunt Spirit Transformation cultivator's heart leapt with joy, thinking there was a turn of fortune, and he hurriedly said, "Yes, yes, yes, Grand Void Immortal Sect! Our sect master is a Great Perfection Spirit Transformation cultivator, only one step away from Tribulation Transcendence! Our Grand Void Immortal Sect has eighteen Spirit Transformation cultivators, three thousand Nascent Soul cultivators, and a hundred thousand disciples! Senior, if you spare us, the Grand Void Immortal Sect will surely repay you handsomely!"

The more he spoke, the smoother it went, the more proud he became, as if he had already seen hope for survival.

But in the next instant, a single word from that voice shattered his hope completely.

"Grand Void Immortal Sect, what is it even worth?"

That gaunt Spirit Transformation cultivator froze.

The other two Spirit Transformation cultivators also froze.

What... is it?

The Grand Void Immortal Sect is one of the strongest sects in this world. Its leader is a Transformation Spirit of Grand Perfection, with eighteen Transformation Spirits, three thousand Nascent Souls, and one hundred thousand disciples. Such power can sweep any side. Even other great sects must yield three points upon seeing the Grand Void Immortal Sect.

But before this voice, the Grand Void Immortal Sect—what is it?

That gaunt Transformation Spirit opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but couldn't say anything.

Because the owner of that voice indeed had the qualification.

One palm heavily injured a late-stage Transformation Spirit; one palm suppressed three Transformation Spirits. Such strength is at least a Transformation Spirit Grand Perfection, possibly even... Tribulation Crossing!

Tribulation Crossing!

That is the legendary realm, an existence surpassing Transformation Spirits, a true powerhouse capable of touching the Heavenly Dao and glimpsing longevity.

If this senior is truly a Tribulation Crossing, then the Grand Void Immortal Sect really amounts to nothing.

"Senior..."

That gaunt Transformation Spirit still wanted to say something, but the huge hand had already clenched.

"Pfft—"

Three muffled sounds, almost simultaneously.

Three Transformation Spirits turned into three clouds of blood mist, exploding in the void.

Their Nascent Souls fled in terror, trying to escape. But the two hands lightly clenched, and the three Nascent Souls shattered simultaneously, turning into specks of light that dissipated in the void.

Three Transformation Spirits fell just like that.

From the strike to the end, it took only three breaths.

In the void, there was utter silence.

Everyone stared blankly at the scene, their eyes filled with shock and disbelief.

Those were three Transformation Spirits! Top-tier powerhouses capable of sweeping any side, the strongest beings in this world.

But before that huge hand, they were crushed like ants, with no room to resist.

This... this... what kind of existence is this?

Cang Xuan's hand gripping his sword trembled slightly. He had seen countless powerhouses, experienced countless battles, but never such terrifying power. It was an absolute crushing, a pure force surpassing all techniques and laws.

Yu Liu Li's music had long stopped; she clung to her guqin, frozen. She recalled the might of those Transformation Spirits just now, how they crushed everyone. But now they died just like that, crushed like ants.

Xuan Gui Zunzhe opened his mouth wide, unable to speak for a long time. He had lived eight thousand years, seen Transformation Spirit powerhouses, even witnessed Transformation Spirit battles, but never such a terrifying existence. One palm heavily injured a late-stage Transformation Spirit; one palm crushed three Transformation Spirits—this... this is practically a myth!

Bai Cao Xianzi held Jiu Er, her eyes full of awe. She finally understood why Wang Ping could survive in the Chaos Immortal Palace, why he could escape death time and again. It turned out he had such a terrifying existence behind him.

Yun Hao and the refugee warriors knelt in the void, not daring to lift their heads. Their bodies trembled violently—this was reverence, fear, the instinctive reaction to absolute power.

Only Wang Ping raised his head to look at that huge hand, his eyes full of complexity.

He recognized that aura.

That... was his master.

He was the terrifying existence that slapped to death an early-stage Transformation Spirit in the Chaos Immortal Palace. He was the mysterious master who taught him the Chaos Origin but never revealed his true name. He was the backer who always appeared at his most dangerous moment, slapping to death all his enemies with a single palm.

From the crack, a figure slowly walked out.

He was a middle-aged man wearing a cyan Daoist robe, black hair hanging over his shoulders, his countenance solemn and profound. His eyes seemed to contain the entire universe, countless stars swirling within, countless laws arising and ceasing. Standing there, though he emitted no pressure, one could not help but want to kneel.

He looked at Wang Ping, a flash of relief in his eyes.

"Kid, not bad."

Wang Ping opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but couldn't say anything.

The middle-aged man looked at Youying, his eyes slightly narrowing.

"Descendant of the Myriad Phenomena Stargazers, controller of the Void Laws." He said softly, "Thirty thousand years of slumber, awakened in a moment. Unfortunately, the price is too high."

Youying looked at him, her eyes full of reverence.

She felt that this existence before her was stronger than any powerhouse she had ever seen. Even the ancestors of the Myriad Phenomena Stargazers, even those seniors who had entered Tribulation Crossing, were not even a fraction of his.

"Junior Youying pays respects to the senior." She bowed deeply, "Thank you, senior, for saving my life."

The middle-aged man waved his hand.

"No need to thank me." He looked at Wang Ping, "I am doing this for this kid."

He paused, then suddenly smiled.

"This kid, for you, is really risking his life. Heaven-Overturning Seal shattered, Chaos Tribulation Sword cracked, the Chaos Origin is almost exhausted. If I hadn't arrived in time, he would have rushed up to fight those four Void Gods to the death."

Youying looked at Wang Ping, eyes full of heartache.

Wang Ping lowered his head, a little embarrassed.

The middle-aged man looked at them, a trace of emotion flashed in their eyes.

"Three thousand years of waiting have brought about this reunion." He said softly, "This feeling is not easy."

They raised their hand, a strand of chaos light flew from their fingertip and entered Wang Ping's body.

Wang Ping shuddered, feeling the Chaos Origin within him instantly recover, even stronger than before. Those wounds, those hidden ailments, all vanished. Even the shattered Heaven-Overturning Seal and the Chaos Tribulation Sword covered in cracks were slowly repairing.

"Master..." Wang Ping murmured.

The middle-aged man waved their hand.

"Don't speak." They looked at the blood mist in the distance, a hint of coldness in their eyes, "Grand Void Immortal Sect, dare to move my disciple, you're courting death."

They raised their hand and slashed at the void.

A huge rift tore open suddenly.

Within the rift, a vast expanse of heaven and earth could be faintly seen. There were mountains and rivers, cities and palaces, countless cultivators practicing. That was the mountain gate of the Grand Void Immortal Sect, one of the strongest sects in this heaven and earth.

The middle-aged man gazed at that expanse and slowly spoke.

"Grand Void Immortal Sect, listen up."

Their voice passed through the rift, echoing throughout the Grand Void Immortal Sect.

"Today, you four Void Gods wish to kill my disciple. I will act and slay all four."

"If the Grand Void Immortal Sect ceases here, the matter will be dropped."

"If the Grand Void Immortal Sect dares to retaliate, I don't mind wiping out the Grand Void Immortal Sect."

The last word fell, and the rift slowly closed.

Within the Grand Void Immortal Sect, a deathly silence fell.

Everyone who heard that voice was stunned.

"Wipe out the Grand Void Immortal Sect?"

"What arrogance, what insolence!"

But those Void God elders all turned deathly pale.

Because they could feel that the power contained in that voice was enough to easily slay them all.

That is an existence beyond the Void God realm, a true powerhouse capable of touching the Heaven's Way and glimpsing longevity.

If that being truly takes action, the Grand Void Immortal Sect... would indeed be unable to withstand it.

In the void, the middle-aged man withdrew their hand and looked at Wang Ping.

"Kid, be careful from now on." They said softly, "As master, I cannot always protect you. This time, I just happened to pass by. Next time, I may not be so lucky."

Wang Ping nodded heavily.

"Thank you, Master."

The middle-aged man looked at Youying, their gaze softening.

"Your cultivation may have fallen, but your foundation remains. You have already planted the seed of the Void Law. As long as you cultivate diligently, there may still be a chance to recover."

Youying's eyes lit up.

"What you mean, senior, is..."

The middle-aged man smiled slightly.

The Void Law is one of the most mysterious and powerful laws among the Three Thousand Great Dao. You have comprehended it for thirty thousand years; although your cultivation has fallen, your understanding of the law already far surpasses that of ordinary people. As long as you resume cultivation, it won't take many years before you can return to the God Transformation realm, and even go further.

He paused, then raised his hand and tapped.

A strand of chaotic light entered Youying's brow.

This is a hint of insight from the primordial chaos; it may help you in your comprehension of the Void Law.

Youying trembled all over, his eyes full of gratitude.

Thank you, Senior!

The middle-aged man waved his hand.

No need to thank me. You are this kid's dao companion, which makes you half my disciple.

Wang Ping's face instantly turned red.

Master, we...

Don't explain. The middle-aged man laughed heartily, I've lived this long; what can't I see?

He gazed into the distance, his eyes slightly narrowing.

Alright, this old man should be leaving.

Wang Ping blinked: Master, where are you going?

The middle-aged man looked toward the depths of the void, a flicker of complexity crossing his eyes.

To settle some... old matters.

He paused, then looked at Wang Ping.

Kid, cultivate well. When you enter the God Transformation realm, you may get a chance to see your master's true form.

Having said that, his figure gradually faded away.

That huge palm also slowly retracted into the rift.

The rift closed, and the void returned to calm.

It seemed as if nothing that had just happened had ever occurred.

In the void, there was utter silence.

Everyone stared blankly at the direction where the crack had vanished, unable to regain their senses for a long time.

After a long while, Venerable Xuan Gui was the first to speak.

"Wang Ping, kid… who… who exactly is your master?"

Wang Ping shook his head.

"I don't know either. He only taught me a few times, each time appearing only briefly before leaving. I don't even know his name."

Venerable Xuan Gui sucked in a breath of cold air.

"You don't even know his name? And you still call him your master?"

Wang Ping gave a bitter smile.

"He forbids me to ask. He says that when the time comes, he will naturally tell me."

Cang Xuan sheathed his sword, looking at Wang Ping with eyes full of complexity.

"You have a good master."

Wang Ping nodded.

Indeed.

"If it weren't for his master, he would have died long ago in the Chaos Immortal Palace. If it weren't for his master, he couldn't possibly be alive now. If it weren't for his master, those four Transformation Spirits just now could have wiped them all out."

"Although his master is mysterious and never reveals his true name, each time he appears when Wang Ping is in utmost danger."

"Each time, he has saved Wang Ping's life."

"This kindness, he will forever remember."

Yu Liuli held her ancient guqin, finally coming to her senses.

"Wang Ping, is your master… a legendary expert of the Crossing Tribulation Stage?"

Wang Ping thought for a moment, then shook his head.

"I don't know. But he should be far stronger than a Transformation Spirit."

Yu Liuli sucked in a breath of cold air.

Crossing Tribulation Stage!

"That is a legendary realm, one where true experts can touch the Dao of Heaven and probe longevity. In the whole world, those who can step into the Crossing Tribulation Stage are few enough to count on one's fingers. Each is a mythic existence."

"And yet Wang Ping's master is actually an expert of that level?"

"No wonder he could heavily injure a late-stage Transformation Spirit with one palm and crush three Transformation Spirits to death with another."

Immortal Maiden Bai Cao held Jiu Er close and whispered softly, "Wang Ping, having such a master is a tremendous blessing. You must cherish it well."

Wang Ping nodded.

"I know."

He looked at You Ying, his gaze gentle.

"You Ying, how… how do you feel?"

You Ying shook her head.

"It's fine. Just my cultivation has dropped, I'm a bit unaccustomed."

She paused, looking at Wang Ping, her eyes full of tenderness.

"But with you here, everything's alright."

Wang Ping's face turned red again.

Cang Xuan looked at them, the corners of his mouth slightly rising.

"Alright, stop being lovey-dovey. First find a place to rest. Wang Ping needs to recover, You Ying needs to adapt to her current cultivation, Jiu Er is still unconscious. We can't stay in the void forever."

Yu Liuli nodded: "Right, first find a safe place."

Yun Hao stepped forward respectfully and said: "Honored seniors, if you don't mind, you may go to the stronghold of our Guardians of the Ruined Clan. There, formations guard it, making it relatively safe."

Cang Xuan looked toward Wang Ping.

Wang Ping nodded: "Alright, let's go there."

Yun Hao was overjoyed and hurriedly led everyone flying deeper into the void.

The stronghold of the Guardians of the Ruined Clan lies deep within the ruins of the Immortal Palace.

"It is a small world hidden within a crack in the void, a relic left by the Myriad Phenomena Stargazers. The small world is not large, only a hundred li in radius, but the spiritual energy is abundant and the formations are strict, making it sufficiently safe."

Yun Hao led everyone into the small world, arriving before an ancient, unadorned palace.

"Honored seniors, this is the holy land of our Guardians of the Ruined Clan. Normally only the clan chief and elders may enter. Today the holy maiden has awakened, and you have saved our lives, so it is fitting that you rest here."

Cang Xuan nodded: "Thank you."

Yun Hao quickly waved his hands: "Not at all, not at all. Please, honored seniors, rest first; I will arrange for people to prepare spiritual medicine and food."

Having said that, he led the legacy warriors back.

Everyone entered the palace, each finding a place to sit.

Wang Ping supported You Ying as they went to a quiet chamber deep within the palace.

"Rest well," he whispered, "I'll be outside; call me if anything happens."

You Ying shook her head.

"Don't go."

She looked at him, her eyes full of tenderness.

"Stay with me."

Wang Ping's heart trembled.

He nodded slightly and sat down beside her.

In the quiet chamber, all was tranquil.

You Ying leaned against Wang Ping's shoulder, gently closing her eyes.

"Thirty thousand years have passed." She whispered, "I've been wondering what it would be like to see you again. I imagined countless possibilities, but never thought it would be like this now."

Wang Ping held her hand and whispered softly, "Me too."

You Ying opened her eyes and looked at him.

"Do you know? While I was asleep, I could feel everything outside. I could feel you coming time and again to the void to find me, I could feel you speaking to the void, I could feel you crying."

Wang Ping's eye sockets turned red again.

"I... I thought you couldn't hear me."

"I can hear you." You Ying whispered, "Every time I can hear you."

She paused, then gently raised her hand and stroked his face.

"You've become thin."

Wang Ping grabbed her hand and pressed it against his own face.

"You too."

You Ying smiled.

That smile remained gentle and radiant.

"From now on, we won't be separated."

Wang Chong Chong Chong nodded.

"Mm, we won't be separated."

At the same time, in another quiet chamber of the palace.

Cang Xuan sat cross-legged, closed his eyes to regulate his breath, but his heart could not calm for a long time.

He recalled the figure from thirty thousand years ago, alone in the void facing the chaotic origin. That woman who chose to sacrifice herself, seal the chaos, and save everyone.

That was his comrade-in-arms, his friend, a partner who had fought side by side with him.

Now, she has finally awakened.

But her cultivation has fallen to the early Nascent Soul stage.

Cang Xuan opened his eyes, a hint of complexity flashing in them.

"Is it worth it?"

He muttered to himself.

Thirty thousand years of sleep exchanged for a single awakening, resulting in cultivation forever stuck at the early Nascent Soul stage.

"Is it worth it?"

He does not know.

But he knows that, if it were him, he might make the same choice.

Because that person is worth it.

Yu Liuli held the ancient zither, gently plucking its strings.

Her heart, too, could not find peace.

She recalled the figure from back then in the Chaos Immortal Palace, who turned back and told them 'Go.' That comrade who chose to sacrifice herself to buy them a sliver of chance to survive.

Now, she has finally returned.

Yu Liuli's tears flowed again.

"You Ying older sister..."

She whispered softly.

"Welcome back."

Venerable Xuan Gui and Immortal Bai Cao sat together, speaking in low voices.

"What do you say, where does that brat Wang Ping come from?" Venerable Xuan Gui whispered, "With such a terrifying master, he could even make the descendants of the Myriad Phenomena Stargazers sleep for thirty thousand years for him."

Immortal Bai Cao shook her head.

"I don't know. But his destiny is indeed extraordinary. From the Chaos Immortal Palace to the Void Relics, from early Nascent Soul to late Nascent Soul, he took only a few short years. Such cultivation speed is unprecedented."

Venerable Xuan Gui nodded.

"Indeed. Moreover, his combat talent is terrifying. The Heaven-Overturning Seal, the Chaos Tribulation Sword, the Chaos Domain—each move is a killing technique that can defeat enemies above his level. Even when facing a Spirit Transformation cultivator, he dares to clash head-on."

"Perhaps this is fate." Immortal Bai Cao whispered softly.

Venerable Xuan Gui stared for a moment, then laughed.

"Also right. Fate is something hard to explain, but one thing is certain—following this kid, you won't go wrong."

Immortal Bai Cao smiled faintly.

Indeed.

From the Chaos Immortal Palace to the Void Relics, from early Nascent Soul to late Nascent Soul, they followed Wang Ping all the way, witnessing miracles along the way. Those seemingly impossible desperate situations, those deadly scenarios—each time he resolved them one by one.

Following him, you won't go wrong.

Jiu Er remained unconscious, lying in Immortal Bai Cao's arms.

On her face was a faint smile, as if she were having a beautiful dream.

In the dream, she saw Older Sister You Ying awaken.

In the dream, she saw Older Brother Wang Ping smile.

In the dream, she saw everyone safe and sound.

That's wonderful.

Three days later.

Wang Ping walked out of the quiet chamber.

His aura had fully recovered. The Chaos Origin was stronger than before, and the Overturn Heaven Seal and Chaos Tribulation Sword were restored to their original state. He even faintly felt that he was only one step away from the Nascent Soul Great Perfection.

All of this, he owed to his Master.

You Ying followed behind him, her aura still weak but her spirits much improved. For three days, Wang Ping stayed by her side, telling her what had happened over the past thirty thousand years, recounting his experiences in the Chaos Immortal Palace, how he took Jiu Er as his disciple, and describing those life-and-death battles.

She listened, she smiled, she felt heartache.

She knew that over those thirty thousand years, Wang Ping had not had an easy time.

From a mere Foundation Establishment cultivator, he had step by step come to this day, having endured countless life-and-death trials, countless hardships, countless despair and hope.

He had pulled through.

For her sake, he had pulled through.

"Wang Ping." You Ying whispered.

Wang Ping turned his head.

"What's wrong?"

You Ying looked at him, her eyes full of tenderness.

"Thank you."

Wang Ping stared for a moment, then laughed.

"Thank you for what?"

You Ying stepped forward and gently embraced him.

"Thank you for not giving up."

Wang Ping's heart trembled.

He raised his hand and wrapped it around her waist.

"I will never give up."

In the distance, Cang Xuan, Yu Liuli, the Black Tortoise Venerable, the Hundred Herbs Fairy, and Yun Hao, who was holding Jiu Er, silently watched the scene.

No one spoke.

No one disturbed them.

This moment belonged to them.

After a long while, You Ying released her hold and looked at Wang Ping.

"From now on, we will walk together."

Wang Ping nodded.

"Together."

They looked at each other and smiled.

That smile was as radiant as it had been thirty thousand years ago.

At the same time, in the depths of the void, amidst chaos.

A figure in blue stood still.

He was none other than Wang Ping's Master, that mysterious middle-aged man.

His gaze pierced the endless void, falling upon that small world, upon Wang Ping and You Ying.

"Kid, cultivate well."

He murmured softly.

"When you reach the Transformation stage, perhaps you'll be able to help your master."

He raised his head, gazing into the depths of chaos.

There, a huge rift could be faintly seen; within the rift, endless darkness surged. It was an existence more terrifying than the Primordial Source, a disaster capable of destroying the entire world.

"Soon."

He said softly.

"Soon."

His figure gradually faded into the chaos.

The void returned to calm.

As if nothing had happened.

Seven days later.

Wang Ping's aura finally stabilized.

He sat cross-legged on the mountaintop of the small world, eyes closed, regulating his breath. The Chaos Origin flowed within his body, the Overturn Heaven Seal hovered above his head, emitting a faint golden light. The Chaos Tribulation Sword was planted beside him, its blade inscribed with countless flowing runes.

After seven days of adjustment, he had fully recovered, and was even stronger than before.

He was only one step away from the Nascent Soul Great Perfection.

You Ying sat beside him, silently watching him.

Though her cultivation had fallen to the Nascent Soul early stage, her thirty-thousand-year comprehension of the Void Laws gave her an understanding of cultivation far beyond ordinary people. Over these seven days, she had been guiding Wang Ping's cultivation, helping him perfect his Chaos Domain and helping him grasp deeper principles.

By Wang Ping's side, she felt as if she had returned to thirty thousand years ago.

Back then, they were just like this—cultivating together, fighting together, facing everything together.

"You Ying." Wang Ping opened his eyes and looked at her.

You Ying gave a faint smile: "What's up?"

Wang Ping looked at her and said seriously: "I've decided. Once Jiu Er wakes up and everything here is settled, we'll return to the Chaos Immortal Palace."

You Ying blinked: "Return to the Chaos Immortal Palace?"

Wang Ping nodded: "That place is our starting point. I want to bring you back to have a look."

You Ying looked at him, her eyes full of tenderness.

"Good."

She paused, then said softly, "I also want to go back and have a look."

They smiled at each other.

From a distance, footsteps sounded.

Cang Xuan walked over, looking at them, the corners of his mouth slightly raised.

"Sorry to disturb." He said softly, "Jiu Er has woken up."

Wang Ping's eyes lit up and he immediately stood up.

"Let's go and have a look."

He pulled You Ying and rushed down the mountain.

Cang Xuan watched their retreating figures, shaking his head with a smile.

"Being young is great."

Inside the palace, Jiu Er had already woken up.

She lay in Bai Cao Xianzi's arms, her big eyes wide open, looking around.

When she saw Wang Ping rush in, her eyes instantly lit up.

"Master!"

She struggled to sit up, but Bai Cao Xianzi gently held her down.

"Don't move, you've just woken up and your body is still weak."

Jiu Er could only lie still, but her eyes stayed fixed on Wang Ping, full of joy.

"Master, are you alright? What about the bad guys? Did we win?"

Wang Ping stepped forward and gently touched her head.

"It's fine. Those bad guys are all dead."

Jiu Er's eyes lit up: "Really?"

Wang Ping nodded: "Really."

Jiu Er exclaimed, then looked at You Ying behind Wang Ping.

She stared, then her eyes grew brighter and brighter.

"Are you... are you Older Sister You Ying?"

You Ying smiled slightly, stepped forward, and gently took Jiu Er's hand.

"It's me."

Jiu Er's eye sockets instantly reddened.

"You Ying Older Sister... you finally woke up... I... I have been waiting for you..."

You Ying gently embraced her.

"I know. You've worked hard."

Jiu Er flung herself into her arms and burst into tears.

These were tears of joy, the tears of waiting thirty thousand years for a response.

Wang Ping watched them, his eye sockets also slightly reddened.

Cang Xuan, Yu Liuli, Xuan Gui Zunzhe, and Bai Cao Xianzi stood silently to the side, watching this scene.

No one spoke.

No one disturbed.

This moment belonged to them.

After a long while, Jiu Er finally cried her fill.

She lifted her head, looked at You Ying, her eyes full of seriousness.

"You Ying Older Sister, from now on you are not allowed to leave again."

You Ying smiled slightly.

"Okay, I won't leave."

Jiu Er then looked toward Wang Ping.

"Master, you must protect You Ying Older Sister well."

Wang Ping nodded.

"Certainly."

Jiu Er smiled contentedly.

Then she suddenly thought of something and looked around.

"Right, what about those bad guys? I remember there was a very powerful Transformation Spirit, and several others..."

Wang Ping said softly: "They're all dead."

Jiu Er stared: "All dead? How did they die?"

Wang Ping fell silent for a moment, then said softly: "My master's master took action."

Jiu Er's eyes lit up: "Grandmaster?"

Wang Ping nodded.

Jiu Er exclaimed excitedly: "Grandmaster is so amazing! When can I see Grandmaster?"

Wang Ping gave a wry smile: "I don't know either. He comes and goes without a trace; when you want to see him you can't, and when you don't want to see him he suddenly appears."

Jiu Er felt a little disappointed, but soon became excited again.

It's fine; someday we'll be able to see each other.

She paused, then looked toward Youying.

Youying elder sister, your cultivation... how did it weaken?

Youying gave a slight smile and spoke softly: 'It's fine, just a setback. Cultivate slowly from now on, and you'll recover.'

Jiu Er nodded seriously.

Then I'll protect you!

Youying was stunned, then immediately laughed.

Okay, you protect me.

Jiu Er laughed happily.

Half a month later.

Wang Ping's aura finally reached its peak.

He stood on the summit of the Small World, closed his eyes to regulate his breath. The Primordial Chaos Source circulated within his body, the Heaven-Overturning Seal hovered above his head, emitting brilliant golden light. The Chaos Tribulation Sword was planted beside him, countless runes flashing on its blade.

He finally reached Nascent Soul Great Perfection.

Just one step away, he could enter the Transformation Spirit stage.

Youying stood beside him, silently watching him.

Over the past half month, although her cultivation hadn't recovered, her aura had stabilized considerably. The seeds of the Void Laws took root and sprouted within her body, gradually growing. Before long, she would be able to re-enter the Nascent Soul mid-stage.

Jiu Er had fully recovered, running back and forth in the palace, playing everywhere. She loved to cling to Youying, listening to her tell stories from 30,000 years ago, the legends of the Myriad Phenomena Stargazers, and the mysteries of the Void Laws.

Cang Xuan and Yu Liuli were also resting here. They were both in seclusion, striving for higher realms.

Xuan Gui Zunzhe and Bai Cao Xianzi were responsible for teaching the children of the Guardian Ruins Clan. Having lived long and seen much, they taught in a systematic way, earning the children's favor.

Everything was developing toward a better direction.

Wang Ping. Youying spoke softly.

Wang Ping opened his eyes and looked at her.

Youying gave a slight smile.

Will you accompany me for a walk?

Wang Ping nodded.

They walked side by side along the mountain path of the Small World, flanked by lush trees, with an ancient palace in the distance. Sunlight fell upon them, warm and gentle.

Wang Ping. Youying suddenly said.

Wang Ping looked at her.

Youying stopped, looking at him, her eyes full of seriousness.

I want... to start cultivating again.

Wang Ping was stunned, then laughed.

Okay, I'll accompany you.

Youying shook her head.

It's not about you accompanying me. I will cultivate myself.

She paused, then spoke softly: 'I don't want to always rely on your protection. I want... to fight side by side with you.'

Wang Ping looked at her, at the determination in her eyes, and suddenly laughed.

Okay. We'll do it together.

Youying also laughed.

That smile was brighter than sunshine.

They continued walking forward.

Ahead lay a long road.

But it's fine.

They will walk together.

Walk on, until eternity.

Meanwhile, deep in the Void, the Tai Xu Xian Sect.

In the main hall, over a dozen Transformation Spirit experts gathered together.

The leader, wearing a golden Dao robe, with a dignified visage and an immeasurably deep aura, was none other than the Sect Master of the Tai Xu Xian Sect, a top-tier expert at the Transformation Spirit Great Perfection, only one step away from the Tribulation Crossing stage.

Before him lay four shattered fate tablets.

Those were the fate tablets of the four fallen Transformation Spirit experts.

The hall was deathly silent.

After a long while, the Sect Master slowly spoke.

Have you investigated clearly?

A Transformation Spirit expert stepped forward, respectfully saying: 'Reporting to Sect Master, we have investigated clearly. The attacker was a mysterious expert. Judging from the residual aura at the scene, they are at least at the Transformation Spirit Great Perfection, possibly even... the Tribulation Crossing stage.'

Tribulation Crossing stage.

As soon as these two words were spoken, the faces of all the Transformation Spirit experts changed.

The Sect Master fell silent for a moment, then slowly said: 'Did you all hear the words that person left behind?'

The Transformation Spirit experts nodded.

They all heard that person's words.

If the Tai Xu Xian Sect dares to retaliate, this old man doesn't mind wiping out the Tai Xu Xian Sect.

Those words were arrogantly extreme.

But if that person really is a Tribulation Crossing expert, then this statement is not arrogance, but fact.

The Sect Master remained silent for a long time, then finally spoke.

"Pass the order down; this matter ends here."

The Void Gods were stunned.

"Sect Master..."

The Sect Master raised a hand, interrupting them.

"Four Void Gods, although regrettable, are not enough to hurt the Grand Void Immortal Sect. If we seek revenge and provoke a Tribulation Crossing expert, that would be a catastrophe that could exterminate the sect."

He paused, gazing into the depths of the void, a flicker of complexity crossing his eyes.

"That person, we cannot afford to provoke."

The Void Gods fell silent.

They knew the Sect Master was right.

Tribulation Crossing is a legendary existence, a true powerhouse capable of touching the Heavenly Dao and glimpsing longevity. Although the Grand Void Immortal Sect is strong, before a Tribulation Crossing expert it is nothing but ants.

"Withdraw." the Sect Master said softly.

The Void Gods bowed and slowly retreated.

In the hall, only the Sect Master remained.

He gazed at the four shattered life tablets, silent for a long time.

"Four Void Gods... just died like that."

He muttered to himself.

"That person's disciple... just who are they?"

He shook his head, not thinking further.

Some things are better left unknown.