Chapter 1569

"Set out—embark on the final Fire Pursuit Journey."

The four walked toward the desert ahead, and not long after, they heard a familiar sound ringing from outside the temple's gate.

"West Wind's End, it's actually a desolate battlefield."

Only Wandi stood at the cliff's edge, gazing at the distant desolate scenery. Hearing the footsteps behind him, he slightly turned his head: "I've waited long for you, heroes of Outer Space. The star of the Xingzhou Train, right?"

"Looks like there's no need for further explanation."

"I am the God King of Strife, and also the 'Wandi' of Xuanfengcheng. Three thousand million lifetimes of cause and effect have converged upon this body—we—the last Twelve Titans—are ready to wage war for the world's fate."

"It's a pity we only walked one lifetime together."

"No need for regret, the 'Second Beginning' is about to start. Past events are clearly visible, even every crossing of the River of Hell's scenery is unprecedentedly clear. Not to mention the fellow travelers of the Fire Pursuit Journey, and Xilian of Aolixie..."

Having said that, Wandi's gaze shifted to Xilian beside him: "And you, the Thirteenth Titan."

"It seems her identity is no longer a secret. This means her sacrifice and effort have not been forgotten by the world, right?"

Wandi nodded: "The first ripple, she rightly should reach the story's end together with everyone. Since you've taken up her paper and brush, write—alongside us, launch a powerful defiance against fate, until the dust settles. Then, in the epic's afterword, sign her name."

"This final battle, 'Disaster' shall be with Wengfaluo Si. This battlefield is precisely the proof of the gods' death struggle with the Black Tide. The sword we defended with blood, it pierces the abyss—it is the 'warm bed' of 'Iron Tomb'."

Dan Heng closed his eyes, placed his hand on his chest, and focused on feeling the earth's pulse: "The ground beneath our feet is dead. Below is a hollow void, as if the earth's core never formed."

Then—

"Thump-thump."

An extremely faint beat came from the deep hollow. So faint it was almost swallowed by the earth's silence, yet undeniably present.

"I heard... Bai E's heartbeat. Very faint, I fear he has only one breath left."

"Through three thousand million lifetimes, I have clashed with 'Qinshen' for countless days and nights. If you understand that man, you will know... precisely that last spark of fire, absolutely impossible to extinguish."

—

Shinigami.

"It seems the Golden Bloodline members all received the memories of three thousand million lifetimes, Bai E's sacrifices have all been well remembered."

Jushiro Ukitake was greatly relieved, unconsciously refilling his own cup.

"At this time, you can still leisurely drink here—seems your mindset improved greatly after becoming Total Commander." Bai Bai said lightly.

"Strictly speaking, it's not after becoming Total Commander, but after the Sky Curtain appeared, my mindset improved greatly—however, after all you've been through, hasn't your mindset changed at all?"

Jushiro Ukitake swayed the cup in his hand, the remaining half of wine swirling inside. Though unwilling to admit it, the Soul Society often resembles wine in a cup, shaken back and forth. The first few shakes might have made him nervous, but after much shaking, he had to grow accustomed.

"But this time is different." Bai Bai set down his hot tea, "This time it's not shaking the wine cup, but pouring out all the wine in the cup... you should know what this means."

"Of course I know." Jushiro placed his wine cup to his lips, then asked him a seemingly unrelated question: "Bai Bai, how do you think Iron Tomb compares to Huan Long?"

Bai Bai almost without hesitation: "Even though I haven't personally witnessed Iron Tomb's move, judging from the reactions of the Black Tower and Galaxy factions... Iron Tomb is far stronger."

"But when Huan Long erupted, it blinded many Shinigami in the Soul Society instantly. Although Nemuri Mayuri can heal them, if Iron Tomb's danger is ten times that of Huan Long, then once it uses power... there might not even be a need for treatment. The living world, Hollow Circle, and Soul Society would all cease to exist."

—

"This lifetime, the 'Strife' poem shall no longer end with guarding Xuanfeng, but embark on an endless journey—"

"I am the Divine Punishment Spear, Maidemos. With my thousand scars and hundred lives—I summon 'Destruction'—the eternal conclusion in the epic!"

Innumerable Black Tide creations and Jin Xue Yi Ling surrounded everyone, yet now Wandi is so strong it's terrifying, needing no help from those behind to easily dispose of them.

"Not worth one strike."

San Yue Qi clicked her tongue: "Too strong, right? We don't even get a chance to act..."

"Unfortunately, Jin Xue still shares the same source as Iron Tomb. I fear even if the gods fight side by side like these foot soldiers, they will be divided and destroyed one by one."

Dan Heng: "You mean...?"

"To bring 'Destruction' with 'Destruction', we must become one." Maidemos handed a Xuanfeng Seal Ring to Xing's hand, "Take it. Xuanfeng Seal Ring. It bears witness to my birth and death in every lifetime, it is Wandi's unfinished fate... most suitable as the material for 'Memory'."

Having said that, he turned his head to look at Xilian beside him: "Can you do it, right?"

"The mission and responsibility of three thousand million lifetimes are especially heavy..." Xilian nodded without hesitation.

"You... don't intend to walk with us anymore?"

"What nonsense..." Maidemos walked slowly toward the yellow sand ahead, "I have long been the all-pervading 'Strife', this world's necessary scar. Standing before you is merely one of myriad divine bodies. Take this ring, and you walk with me. Use it to open the path, write down the 'cause of salvation'."

"In the name of mortals—'Champion of Strife, Wandi'—this person proceeds toward the stars for honor and freedom, and shall have his wish fulfilled!"

"Forward, heroes. March toward the abyss, fulfill Wengfaluo Si's long-cherished wish." Wandi's body turned into specks of golden light, wind and sand carried his voice far away, echoing long in the high sky.

"Then—on the shattered scorched earth—rebuild the prosperous city-state."