Chapter 417

The universe has multiple parallel 【realms】.

Translation: The universe possesses multiple parallel layers.

The wizard civilization has long known and proven this.

Translation: The wizard civilization has long recognized and proven this.

The concept and phenomenon of the 'outsider' originate from this, both inwardly and outwardly.

Translation: The concept and phenomenon of "foreign guests" originate from this, both internally and externally.

Internally, it means the interior of the universe where the wizard civilization resides; externally, it means the parallel universes of that universe, collectively referred to as other universes.

Translation: Internally refers to the interior of the universe where the wizard civilization resides; externally refers to the parallel universes of that universe, collectively called other universes.

It is clear that both Link and Iris Clark are true spirits originating from other universes as 'outsiders'.

Translation: It is obvious that both Lin Ke and Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke are foreign guests whose true spirits come from other universes.

From the wizard civilization's perspective, externally.

Translation: As for the wizard civilization, externally.

One thing is certain: Link's true spirit as an outsider does not originate from the universe of the divine civilization.

Translation: One thing is certain: Lin Ke's true spirit as a foreign guest does not come from the universe of the immortal god civilization.

Likewise, he is not the special 'outsider' foretold before the Nostradamus Saint's demise; Iris Clark is.

Translation: Likewise, he is not that special "foreign guest" prophesied before the demise of the Nostradamus Saint; Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke is.

Indeed, Iris Clark opened, accepted, and passed the trial borne by the special ruin world.

Translation: Indeed, Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke opened, accepted, and passed the trial borne by the special ruins world.

Although she passed with the assistance of external force, namely the High Council.

Translation: Although it was passed with external help, namely the assistance of the Supreme Council.

But the channel linking the wizard civilization's universe and the divine civilization's universe was ultimately opened.

Translation: But the channel connecting the universe of the wizard civilization and that of the immortal god civilization was ultimately opened.

Whether it happened naturally, was guided, or was not guided, Link had continually overlooked a question, only now remembering it.

Translation: Whether naturally, guided, or unguided, Lin Ke had overlooked a question until now, when he finally recalled it.

The exact universe from which Iris Clark's true spirit originates is still unknown.

Translation: As for which universe Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke's true spirit comes from, there is still no definitive answer.

Common sense suggests that, as Iris Clark can act as the 'key' to open the channel between the wizard and divine universes, she must be closely tied to both universes.

Translation: By common sense, since Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke can serve as the "key" to open the channel between the wizard civilization's universe and the immortal god's universe, she must be closely related to both universes.

In this life she was born in the wizard civilization's universe; in her previous life she was also born there; and in the life before that she must have been born in the divine civilization's universe.

Translation: In this life she was born in the wizard civilization's universe; in her previous life she was also born there; and in the life before that she must have been born in the immortal god civilization's universe.

Previously, Link held exactly that view.

Translation: Previously, Lin Ke held exactly that view.

But now Link doubts this, and his doubts are deep.

Translation: But now, Lin Ke has doubts about this, and they are deep doubts.

Because the 'Light of Life' at the coordinate that should be the center of the special ruin world, under unknown influence, whispers the word 'Iris'.

Translation: Because the Light of Life, which should be at the coordinates of the special ruins world's core, under unknown influence, whispered the word "Ai Rui Si".

The language used is neither the common tongue of the wizard civilization nor that of the divine civilization, but rather Link's past-life mother tongue, imprinted deep in his soul yet now unfamiliar to him.

Translation: The language used was neither the common tongue of the wizard civilization nor that of the immortal god civilization, but Lin Ke's past-life mother tongue, imprinted deep in his soul yet long unfamiliar.

This is quite interesting.

Translation: "That's quite interesting."

Link muttered to himself silently, no longer lingering at the empty coordinate at the world's core, and activated the star‑ship's translocation function.

Translation: Lin Ke muttered silently to himself, no longer lingering at the empty core coordinates, and activated the translocation function of the starlight flight vessel.

A thumb‑thick beam of light shot from the star‑ship and instantly fell upon Link.

Translation: A thumb-thick beam of light shot from the starlight flight vessel and instantly fell upon Lin Ke.

The next second, Link's figure appeared in the star‑ship's cockpit.

Translation: The next second, Lin Ke's figure had already appeared in the cockpit of the starlight flight vessel.

Return.

Translation: "Return."

He issued a command to the star‑ship, which was in intelligent navigation mode, then dismantled his natal construct, sat down, and rested.

Translation: He gave a command to the starlight flight vessel, which was in intelligent navigation mode, then Lin Ke withdrew his life-bound construct, sat down, and rested.

Although there was no battle nor any pressure to oppose, merely staying a short while in the star‑field where the special ruin world should exist left Link feeling quite fatigued.

Translation: Although there was no battle nor any opposing pressure, merely staying a short while in the star field where the special ruins world should exist, Lin Ke felt quite fatigued.

Especially after arriving at the core, using the methods of a mortal‑immortal warrior of the See‑God realm to clarify his mind and see his nature, he actively provoked the Light of Life.

Translation: Especially after arriving at the core, using the methods of a See God Realm Human Immortal Martial Artist to clarify his mind and see his nature, he actively provoked the Light of Life.

That period seemed only a few seconds, yet it gave Link the sensation of having endured many years.

Translation: That period seemed only a few seconds, yet it gave Lin Ke the feeling that many years had passed.

It felt as if time of different speeds were simultaneously imposed upon Link.

Translation: It was as if time of different flow rates were simultaneously imposed upon Lin Ke.

After sitting for a while, his fatigue did not ease but worsened, and his eyelids kept drooping.

Translation: After sitting for a while, the fatigue did not ease but grew worse, his eyelids continually drooping.

Since he was tired, he should rest properly.

Translation: Since he's tired, let him rest properly.

Link spread his arms, stretched, yawned widely, decided not to tough it out, laid himself on the seat, and fell asleep fully clothed.

Translation: Lin Ke spread his arms, stretched, yawned widely, and rather than toughing it out, he reclined on the seat and fell asleep fully clothed.

As soon as his head touched the cushion, a faint snoring began.

Translation: As soon as his head touched the cushion, a faint snore sounded.

He fell asleep instantly.

Translation: He fell asleep instantly.

And he slept extremely soundly.

Translation: And he slept extremely sweetly.

Just as Link fell asleep, the Elemental Saint and the Void‑Still Heavenly Master met.

Translation: Just as Lin Ke fell asleep, the Elemental Saint and the Void Tranquil Heavenly Master met.

The Elemental Saint took a bit of the Light of Life from Link, while the Void‑Still Heavenly Master took Link on a journey through the time river of the wizard civilization's universe, and each obtained different clues by their own means.

Translation: The Elemental Saint took a bit of the Light of Life from Lin Ke, while the Void Tranquil Heavenly Master took Lin Ke on a journey through the River of Time in the wizard civilization's universe, and each obtained different clues by their own means.

Merely, the two different clues led the Elemental Saint and the Void‑Still Heavenly Master to the same place.

Translation: Merely, the two different clues led the Elemental Saint and the Void Tranquil Heavenly Master to the same place.

This is a point on the boundary line between the wizard civilization's universe and the divine civilization's universe.

Translation: This is a point on the boundary line between the wizard civilization's universe and the immortal god civilization's universe.

Judging by the star‑map coordinates, it is not far from Link's native world, the mortal‑immortal martial world.

Translation: Judging by the stellar coordinates, it is not far from Lin Ke's life-bound world, the Human Immortal Martial Arts World.

Here lies the special ruin world that disappears after the passage between the two universes is opened.

Translation: Here lies the special ruins world that disappears after the passage between the two universes is opened.

The Elemental Saint and the Void‑Still Heavenly Master stood side by side in space, watching the special ruin world as it regained vitality, silently.

Translation: The Elemental Saint and the Void Tranquil Heavenly Master stood side by side in the starry sky, gazing at the special ruins world as it regained vitality, silent.

After a long while, the Void‑Still Heavenly Master broke the silence, asking: 'Saint, has it already become Iris Clark's natal world, right?'

Translation: After a long while, the Void Tranquil Heavenly Master broke the silence, asking: "Saint, has it become Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke's life-bound world, right?"

Yes.

Translation: "Yes."

The Elemental Saint gave an affirmative reply.

Translation: The Elemental Saint gave an affirmative reply.

You say, did Iris Clark take it as her natal world under compulsion, or voluntarily?

Translation: "You say, did Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke take it as her life-bound world under compulsion, or voluntarily?"

The Void‑Still Heavenly Master asked again.

Translation: The Void Tranquil Heavenly Master asked again.

How would I know? You weren't the one who set up the final trial for Iris Clark, were you? You should know best.

Translation: "How would I know? You weren't the one who set things up in her final trial, were you? You should know best."

The Elemental Saint turned the tables.

Translation: The Elemental Saint turned the tables.

How could I possibly know best?

Translation: "How could I possibly know best?"

Smiling, the Void‑Still Heavenly Master calmly said, 'I'm not a wizard, that's why I'm asking the Saint.'

Translation: Smiling, the Void Tranquil Heavenly Master calmly said, "I am not a wizard, so I'm asking the Saint."

Is that so?

Translation: "Really?"

The Elemental Saint offered no comment, even indicating a reluctance to communicate.

Translation: The Elemental Saint declined to comment, even showing an intention to refuse communication.

The Void‑Still Heavenly Master, unfazed, continued: 'Saint, has Iris Clark become aware of this, or not?'

Translation: The Void Tranquil Heavenly Master, unfazed, continued: "Saint, has Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke realized it, or not?"

What do you refer to?

Translation: "What do you refer to?"

The Elemental Saint turned his gaze, locked eyes with the Void‑Still Heavenly Master, and asked seriously: 'Do you mean the identity of the White Lotus Holy Mother, which you didn't arbitrarily assign to her, or do you mean that, in her White Lotus Holy Mother identity and status, she did not die beneath the two counterfeit seals of the Yang Binshi Du Gong Yin and the Jiu Lao Xian Du Yin?'

Translation: The Elemental Saint turned his body, gazed into the Void Tranquil Heavenly Master's eyes, and asked seriously: "Do you refer to her identity as the White Lotus Holy Mother, which is not something you casually assigned her, or do you mean that, as the White Lotus Holy Mother with her status and rank, she did not die beneath the two counterfeit seals of the Yang Binshi Du Gong Yin and the Nine Old Immortal Capital Seal?"

The Saint knows full well; why pretend ignorance?

Translation: "The Saint knows full well; why pretend ignorance?"

Is it me feigning ignorance, or you just looking for something to say?

Translation: "Is it me feigning ignorance, or you grasping for something to say?"

Alright, I admit, I am indeed just looking for something to say; it's not to get closer to the Saint.

Translation: "Alright, I admit, I am indeed grasping for something to say; this isn't to get closer to the Saint."

It's not necessary.

The two exchanged a few words, then fell silent again.

Only the Elemental Saint's face remained calm, showing no emotion, while the Void Tranquil Heavenly Master had a smile at the corner of his mouth, looking quite pleased.

It was unknown what the Void Tranquil Heavenly Master was pleased about.

Having become the Special Ruins World of Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke's natal world, by coincidence, a very obvious change occurred at this moment.

The kind of obviousness that could be seen very clearly even when gazing into the starry sky.

Starting from the Magic Capital Ruins that Lin Ke had visited twice, it spread throughout the entire Special Ruins World metropolis, with every high-rise building and low-rise structure collapsing.

Then they decomposed.

Dust to dust, earth to earth, metal to metal.

The underground of the Special Ruins World seemed to have a massive recycling system, currently recycling everything that could be recycled.

The collapsing and decompressing lasted a long time.

The Elemental Saint and the Void Tranquil Heavenly Master were extremely patient, standing in the starry sky and watching.

This wave of change in the Special Ruins World, the metropolis's collapsing and decomposing was merely the beginning, not the end.

Within the entire planet, all man-made structures would eventually be 'recycled,' all traces of humanity would be thoroughly erased, leaving only one 'thing' that could be preserved.

That is Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke, or rather the geographical features familiar to many.

The way of preservation was also unique. Once all man-made collapsing and decompressing ended, the Special Ruins World returned to wilderness, and the true great movement—the tectonic plate activity—only then began.

The scattered lands and islands, under some will's control, were re-adhered into a single continent.

Thus, a series of natural phenomena such as volcanic eruptions, tsunamis, and earthquakes occurred.

After various impacts, the continent was torn apart, scattered, forming lands and islands.

By this point, the geographical features familiar to Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke and many others had roughly taken shape.

This also meant that this major change in the Special Ruins World had thus ended.

From this, it can be inferred that Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke must have successfully advanced to Sixth-level Sage.

Otherwise, the Special Ruins World would not have undergone such a great change.

Next, what Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke needs to do is to make the Special Ruins World, which is her natal world, into a true civilized world, making up for its shortcomings.

Only then can she continue to advance to Great Sage.

Of course, this is Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke's own affair.

Whether the Elemental Saint or the Void Tranquil Heavenly Master, they do not care about this.

What they care about is merely what relationship Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke has with the second beam of light!

Is the 'ruins' whispered by Lin Ke's life-light, the direction it points to, actually the Special Ruins World!

"Saint, what do you say now?"

Having indirectly witnessed Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke's advancement, Xu Jing Heavenly Master broke the silence and spoke up to ask.

"Nothing to say, anyway I'm not in a hurry."

The Elemental Saint spoke lightly, calm and breezy.

"If the Saint isn't in a hurry, is the Supreme Council not in a hurry either?"

Upon hearing this, the Void Tranquil Heavenly Master retorted with a self-mocking smile, "Anyway, the Heavenly Court is quite anxious. I don't know why suddenly there's such urgency to confirm the exact situation of the second beam of light; before there was plenty of time and ample room to maneuver, yet no rush, and now being in such a fluster is truly a headache."

"Before, the time hadn't come, so there was no rush."

The Elemental Saint gave a light explanation.

"What time is it now?"

The Void Tranquil Heavenly Master took the opportunity to ask, probing for secrets unknown even to someone of his stature and seniority.

"If you want to know, go ask the Ancestral Heavenly Master."

The Elemental Saint wouldn't indulge the Void Tranquil Heavenly Master; if he should be rebutted, he would be, "If you ask me similar questions again, I'll treat you as a spy and arrest you."

The Saint's every word and deed cannot be false.

Having said that, the Elemental Saint will certainly do so.

The Void Tranquil Heavenly Master is not stubborn; assessing the situation is also a basic quality, so naturally he would not provoke after the Elemental Saint drew a red line.

Moreover, there was nothing left to see in the Special Ruins World; after greeting, the Void Tranquil Heavenly Master left first.

Although this trip still failed to determine the exact situation of the second beam of light, it ultimately gained a direction for investigation and a concrete object to focus on.

This counts as better than nothing.

Returning also allows reporting to the Heavenly Court.

The Elemental Saint lingered a while longer, but also did nothing, then departed.

After a long period of time, at some point Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke, who had returned to the Wizard Civilization Universe, came from within her natal world into outer space.

She gazed at the place where the Elemental Saint and the Void Tranquil Heavenly Master stood without concealment, her face expressionless, her heart also without any ripple.

After a while, Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke returned to her natal world, then via the anchor point between her natal world and the Wizard World's homeland, she returned to the Wizard World's homeland.

Just at that moment, Lin Ke awoke from sleep.

"One and a half months?"

The first thing upon waking was, of course, to check the time; discovering he had slept that long, Lin Ke couldn't help but exclaim.

Sage-level wizards, unless severely injured, basically do not need sleep.

This time he had no illness, no disaster, no injury, merely feeling fatigued—how could he have slept so long?

"Forty-five years?"

Not long after, Lin Ke let out another exclamation.

Just then, he, as if inspired, sensed his lifespan and suddenly discovered something even more extraordinary.

He himself had actually lost forty-five years of lifespan!

The only thing done before sleep was to activate the light of life at the coordinate that should be the center of the special ruined world, and listen to the whisper.

I never expected the price paid to be so high.

It seems that the superposition state existing in different universes with different time flows is not an illusion, but something that truly happened.

The fatigue of the body comes from this superposition state, and the decline of lifespan also comes from this superposition state.

After the exclamation, Lin Ke quickly calmed down.

Since it has already happened, there's no need to let one's emotions continue to fluctuate.

If there's a problem, solve it; if there's a difficulty, overcome it.

Having emotions continuously affected is not a good thing.

Quickly suppressing the influence of how long he had slept and how much lifespan had decreased, Lin Ke got busy with affairs, checking whether the starry sky vessel had arrived at the navigation destination set before sleep.

This starry sky vessel, taken from Luo Te Si Nuo's hands, truly lives up to being the export version of the highest-tier starry sky vessel of the immortal god civilization.

Upon detecting that Lin Ke was in a sleeping state, unsuitable for handling affairs, it automatically altered the navigation plan, cruising in stealth near the coordinates of the destination set by Lin Ke.

Not only did it not stay far from the destination, it also avoided many passing interstellar warships and scouting.

"Find another opportunity to seize another one, for Mo Li to use."

With a mutter, Lin Ke input the command, controlling the starry sky vessel toward the destination.

Not long after, Lin Ke returned to the mainland of the wizard world.

On the way back, he also sent a message to Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke, asking whether she had returned to the wizard civilization universe.

In Lin Ke's communication with Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke before returning to the wizard civilization universe, although he did not speak explicitly, he gave a hint based on mutual understanding.

Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke will surely understand Lin Ke's invitation for her to return to the wizard civilization universe to meet.

When the starry sky vessel received permission and entered the mainland of the wizard world, Lin Ke received a reply from Ai Rui Si, a coordinate.

After going through an application and a transmission, Lin Ke finally met Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke.

At the lakeside lawn of the junior college of Ruo Wo Suo Si Academy.

The place where Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke first spoke the word 'television' in standard Mandarin to Lin Ke.

The place where Ai Rui Si. Ke La Ke, in a teasing manner, kissed Lin Ke's cheek.

After many years, the lakeside lawn remains as it was initially.

The two wizard apprentices from back then, one is now a sixth-level sage, the other is a super-model fifth-level sage whose combat power cannot be measured by levels.

Ai Rui Si stood by the lake, her hair lifted by the breeze, tranquil and composed, no longer mad, no longer suffering from split personality.

Lin Ke walked over slowly, his visage still resolute, the depths of his eyes no longer hiding worry.

Things remain the same, but people have changed.

"Lin Ke, what happened during the time we were together?"

Ai Rui Si turned to face Lin Ke and asked softly,

"Do you still remember?"