Xing Yuzhong strode toward Ji Tuyan with steady steps, a pale blue aura erupting from his body like flickering tongues of flame.
"Ji Tuyan, answer my question: did you have a hand in the killing of my family?"
"For the past three thousand years, I have risked everything to make the Jingbiao Empire independent from that accursed Fantasy Empire—all to achieve my goal: vengeance for my family. Yet, after all I've done to reach this end, it turns out you were nothing but a fool!"
"And yet, you knew everything from the very beginning. I don't trust that despicable scoundrel Yutu, but I trust my own instincts, and they tell me he's speaking the truth. So, tell me: who was responsible for my family's death?"
Xing Yuzhong's tone was as cold as frost, heavy with murderous intent.
Cheng Ming, leader of the Heavenly Peacock faction, stepped forward and blocked his path.
"Stop, Xing Yuzhong—come to your senses. We still have eight minutes and forty seconds to think this over."
Cheng Ming's voice remained calm.
Xing Yuzhong halted, extinguishing his aura and the murderous intent radiating from him.
"Fine. We shall wait."
A faint smile appeared on Cheng Ming's face as she looked at Xing Yuzhong.
Ji Tuyan, lying on the ground, let out a deep, heavy sigh. He realized that if Cheng Yu-jung—or any member of his team—wanted him dead, he would surely die. Consequently, he felt a sense of relief when Cheng Yu-jung desisted from his intended course of action.
However, his expression shifted to one of fear as he glanced at Cheng Ming, whose face betrayed a volatile mix of rage, disgust, and a clear desire to kill him.
Despite this, she and Cheng Yu-jung headed toward the cockpit.
"So, what are we going to do? Our chances of survival are zero. According to Yuto, Michael Kaiser and Ricardo are the rulers of the seventh and eighth Trees of Existence—meaning they possess the 'Fragment Wings.' Michael Kaiser holds the Wing of Narrative Time, while Ricardo wields the Wing of Absolute Imagination, and Haruto Ryota possesses the Wing of the Absolute Protector. These are formidable entities, and the others are not to be underestimated either. So, what's our move?"
Shi Xiao spoke with a guarded, anxious tone, her fingers flying across an electronic tablet as she ran rapid calculations, seeking a survival strategy that wouldn't require them to align with Yuto.
"What have you discovered, Shi Xiao?"
Tao Jun-kai, the general of the Fifth Division, asked in a calm voice—though he masked his own apprehension; their adversaries were the most dangerous enemies they had ever faced. If they were to kill Ji Tu Yan, they would become rebels and enemies of the Jing Biao Empire—one of the most powerful empires within the plane of existence they inhabited.
The choice was difficult, yet they had to make a decision that would seal their own fate and that of all their loved ones—even if it meant becoming the object of hatred for every single entity in this world.
"How much time is left, Bai Fang Yu?"
"Five minutes and fifty-four seconds remain."
"Very well. I shall choose the best path for everyone."
Xing Yu Zhong's tone was as calm and sharp as a sword's edge. He cast a sidelong glance at Ji Tu Yan, his eyes glowing with a cold, azure light.
"Ji Tu Yan must die."
Ji Tu Yan's expression darkened as he watched Xing Yu Zhong approach, a pale blue aura erupting from the latter's body like flickering, intense flames.
"Xing Yu Zhong, wait! Are you really going to believe everything that despicable wretch says? He's just deceiving you! Trust me!"
Ji Tu Yan's voice was laced with terror, and he trembled violently.
He feared what was to come; his fate would be worse than death—he would be erased from both existence and non-existence.
Xing Yu Zhong continued to advance toward Ji Tu Yan with steady, unwavering steps, showing no sign of stopping.
Then, he snapped his fingers.
An invisible wave rippled outward, erasing Ji Tu Yan from everything—leaving not a single trace of his existence anywhere. He had been erased from concepts, laws, narratives—from everything. Nothing remained to signal his existence or reveal his presence, not even in the memories of others. He was wiped from those as well—with the sole exception of his own companions, and Yuto and his allies; they were simply too powerful to be affected by the erasure of Cheng Yu-jung.
[00:03:45]
Cheng Yu-jung glanced at his wristwatch: three minutes and forty-five seconds remained of the allotted time.
He let out a sigh, brimming with strength and resolve, adjusted his military cap, and headed toward the cockpit. His appearance exuded power and authority, his commanding presence further amplified by the military uniform draped across his shoulders.
He sat down in his chair.
"Activate the external camera; I need to speak with him."
Cheng Yu-jung's eyes glowed with a celestial blue light as he leaned back in the command chair, resting his fist against his cheek.
"Yuto, we've fulfilled your condition. Ji Tu-yan is dead, just as you requested. Now, it's time for you to hold up your end of the bargain."
His expression remained calm, yet it masked a deep, burning desire to uncover the secret behind the person who had killed his family.
A faint smile appeared on Yuto's face—he had returned to his original form, with black hair and violet eyes.
"Yes, I shall keep my promise. The one who killed your family was Ji Tu-yan, along with the leaders of the Jing Biao Empire. Since my companions have eliminated every one of them, and you yourself have slain the ringleader, your vengeance is complete. Wouldn't you agree?" Xing Yu-jong's expression grew colder, and he let out a sigh.
"Very well. Since we have reached an agreement, the Jing Biao Empire shall become a vassal state, and the rebellion will come to an end, effective today."
His tone remained calm.
A faint smile appeared on Michael Kaiser's face as he leaned his arms against Yuta's head.
"You've brought both a war and a rebellion to an end just by showing up. You're truly something else, you rascal!"
Michael Kaiser cast a glance toward Ricardo, who appeared indifferent to the unfolding events—though a seed of doubt had begun to take root in his heart.
"Why didn't he kill Xing Yu-jong, given that he's the strongest fighter in the rebel army? Is that fool hiding something from us? I can't read the narrative—something is preventing us from doing so."
Ricardo's mind was filled with confusion and suspicion.
Nevertheless, he chose to set the matter aside for the moment; it was hardly the right time to discuss such things.
"Xing Yu-jong, you may go. When the time is right, we shall speak about why things are so... peculiar staying alive. But there are several things you must do."
"I know you don't trust me—after all, you haven't even stepped out of your ship. I don't blame you; the chance that I might betray you remains quite high. Still, remember that things are not always as they appear."
"So, take my words to heart. Time is slipping away, and we must always be prepared."
Yuta spoke to Cheng Yu-jung with a faint smile—one that made him appear more menacing than dignified.
"Very well, I shall heed your words. As for our next meeting... it will be very soon."
Cheng Yu-jung stepped into a dimensional portal, leaving Yuta and his companions staring after him with blank expressions.
*There is something strange about Yuta, though I can't quite put my finger on what it is.*
Cheng Yu-jung mused to himself, gazing into the void surrounding him.
"Master Cheng Yu-jung, we are about to exit this fantasy realm. Is there anywhere, in particular, you would like to go?"
Cheng Ming, leader of the Celestial Peacock faction, asked in a matter-of-fact tone while operating the electronic tablet she had retrieved from Shi Xiao.
"How about we take a break? Let's head somewhere beautiful—a place where we can finally rest after all these fierce battles."
Cheng Yu-jung offered a gentle smile as he looked toward Cheng Ming. A flicker of surprise crossed her face; his smile was, in fact, quite warm.
He pressed a button. "Little sister, Xing Yuxiaoling, come to the cockpit. There is something I need to tell you."
In one of the private chambers reserved for high-ranking officials sat a captivating young woman dressed in a military training uniform.
She possessed milky-white skin, deep, dark eyes, and a perfectly toned, alluring physique. Her hair was tied back in a ponytail as she engaged in combat against several beasts—creatures on par with the "Rulers" who govern the realms of fantasy. Yet, she showed no trace of fear.
Instead, she fought with fierce intensity, all while maintaining her striking charm.
"Kaaaaaaa!"
One of the beasts let out a piercing shriek as it lunged toward Xing Yuxiaoling, who gritted her teeth and deftly dodged the assault.
"That wretched bird!"
She struck back instantly, severing the beast's head and sending it crashing down, dead.
After all, such entities could only kill one another if they were of the same rank or higher; for instance, an entity of the "Boundless" rank could slay another of the same rank, and an entity of a higher tier could eliminate one of a lower tier.
However, none of the soldiers—save for the twelve squad commanders—were human; they were entities brought into existence by the Rulers of the fantasy realms, and these creatures were inherently weaker than their creators.
With Ji Tu Yan now dead, only twelve individuals remained across the thousands of ships in the fleet. Furthermore, the world—the original home of Xing Yu-zhong—was erased, as it had been spiritually linked to Ji Tu-yan. Upon its destruction, the fantasy realm that Ji Tu-yan had created also ceased to exist.
Nevertheless, some warriors managed to escape their respective worlds; however, they accounted for only 37% of the total number of fighters. The remaining 63% consisted of soldiers created by Ji Tu-yan, the ruler of the fantasy realm.
"Little sister, Xing Yu-xiao-ling, come to the cockpit. There is something I need to tell you."
Surprise flickered across Xing Yu-xiao-ling's face as she heard the voice over the intercom, prompting her to pause the simulation.
She let out an exasperated sigh.
"What does my foolish brother want from me this time?"
Her tone was laced with clear annoyance as she glanced toward the intercom.
"Fine, I'm coming—big brother Xing Yu-zhong."
[Alright, hurry up. It won't take long.]
Xing Yu-xiao-ling communicated with Xing Yu-zhong via telepathy as she made her way toward the cockpit.
A few minutes later, a look of surprise washed over her; she could neither see nor sense any of the soldiers created by Ji Tu-yan. Moreover, the fleet of thousands of spaceships had dwindled to just 1,546, as Xing Yi—the leader of the Black Bear Squad—had relocated them into a dimension of his own creation. Xing Yuxiaoling's attractive features shifted into an expression of concern as she instantly teleported to the cockpit.
"What happened while I was in secluded cultivation?"
Her tone carried a deep sense of anxiety.
"Nothing much. I simply took revenge."
"That's not what I—wait a minute! What did you say? Say that again!"
Xing Yuxiaoling's voice was filled with such disbelief that her strength gave way, and she collapsed to the floor.
"You took revenge on the one who killed our family? You're not lying, are you? Tell me the truth—it was Master Ji Tu Yan, wasn't it? I can't sense his presence anywhere at all."
"Does that mean you wiped him out, brother?"
Xing Yuxiaoling gazed at her brother, Xing Yuzhong, with a complex mix of emotions: joy, shock, sorrow, and longing.
Tears began to stream down from her wide, expressive eyes.
Shi Xiao and Cheng Ming both let out sorrowful sighs as they watched her.
............
At eight o'clock in the evening, Yuta sat on the floor, his back resting against the bed, gazing up at the moonlight with a faint, detached smile.
"Time truly flies. Life is short—no matter how long a creature lives, whether for a hundred years or even millions—it remains, in the end, always short." "The desire for eternal life is beautiful, yet incomplete. Immortality, devoid of the power to sustain it, is worth nothing. Even entities that have transcended all concepts and laws perish when they clash with others of equal strength."
"Life is like a boat. As you sail across the sea of time, you inevitably encounter the waves of fate. Yet, even if you manage to overcome them, you will find your vessel worn-out and no longer seaworthy. At that point, you are left with only two choices: continue sailing until you sink, or take to the water and brave the waves of fate yourself."
"And yet, consider the flower that sprouts through a crack in a rock—those who do not try will never succeed; even a single drop of water can shatter a stone, provided it keeps falling upon it."
A faint smile appeared on Yuta's face as he gazed toward the moon; then, he rose and set off He turned toward the balcony with a faint smile.
"What is it, Vixia? Why have you come?"
As Yuta spoke, a nine-tailed white fox-spirit appeared.
"Why did you manipulate the narrative and set your power level to 'Beyond Outerversal'—especially when your own maid's power level is light-years beyond that?"
A subtle smile graced Vixia's face as she looked toward Yuta.
"The reason, Master Yuto—Emperor of the Sovereign's Path—is to ensure no one discovers that I have come to visit you."
Vixia's tone was filled with reverence; she bowed slightly before Yuta, demonstrating the depth of her submission and respect.
"So, what brings you here?"
Yuta's voice was as cold as frost as he gazed at Vixia, who now wore a mischievous, cunning smile.
"Well, as you command, Master. The reason I have come is..."
The following day, in the Elite Class, Soliver and Yoshika Kyotowa stood beside the instructor's desk.
"Due to some issues with documentation, a few 'new dogs' will be joining us by tomorrow. Very well—have a good day."
With that, Director Soliver left the Elite Class.
Once he had departed, Yoshika Kyotowa spoke in a calm, composed tone that carried an air of absolute authority.
"Now, since the morning announcement is over, it is time for our lesson. We shall be studying 'Go.' Today's session will cover what it is; as for the rest, you will learn more in the coming year."
"What is 'Go'?" She wrote the question in bold on the wooden blackboard, glancing toward the small group of students.
"Gu are entities that take on various forms and races; some appear as creatures or insects, while others manifest as inanimate objects. They are categorized into nine ranks, and each Gu possesses its own unique 'Dao essence.'"
"Like all other living things, they require sustenance to survive. Some consume conventional food, while others feed on things of a conceptual nature. For instance, the 'Life and Death Gu' draws nourishment from the River of Time, whereas the 'Heavenly Light Gu' feeds on the energy concept found within the roots of the Tree of Life—the very tree to which our own lives are tethered, appearing as leaves upon its branches."
"So, it seems quite a lot has happened while I was away. The world is evolving at a remarkable pace."
"Not much left to go, it appears."
Yuta muttered to himself, his eyes closed, his face shielded by his arms.
"Leon, Inuyasha, Nicholas, Kazuhiro, and Christian will all be joining by tomorrow."
"At the moment, I have a 'Sacred Mana and Ether Core,' a set of 'Dragon Dantian Roots,' and an 'Origin Gu.' All that remains is to acquire a 'Sacred Mana and Ether Core' and a set of 'Celestial Dantian Roots'—I'll get those from the 'Market of Mysteries.'"
"Not long now until everything begins. It's currently May 10th; there are fourteen days until the midterm exams, forty-six days until the final exams, fifty days until the end of the academic year, and seventy-seven days until the 'Market of Mysteries' arrives in this world."
"Still plenty of time." "A lot can happen in seventy-seven days—especially with that Ping Tao-shin around. He actually followed me into this world. How bold—and impressive!"
"Make sure to note all of this down; it will help you prepare for the written exam on May 18th."
The students began taking notes, as was their habit. Meanwhile, their teacher, Yoshika Kiyotowa, observed them with her characteristic analytical gaze, assessing their progress—which was, in fact, impressively advanced.
"So, it seems you've managed a draw with Jia Guilford, a student from the 'Legends' class."
Yoshika Kiyotowa murmured this while glancing toward Yuta. He appeared to be asleep—as he usually did—though she knew full well that he was wide awake.
Narrowing her eyes slightly, she turned her attention to Gowther, who seemed lost in thought, and tossed a piece of chalk at him.
Gowther caught it with ease, but a split second later, it exploded. His hair turned blonde and his face white; he shot a look of mild annoyance toward Yoshika Kiyotowa, yet said nothing—simply wiping his face clean with a towel he produced from his own personal pocket dimension.
*Ding... ding... ding... ding... ding...*
"That concludes today's lesson. Remember: the written exam is on May 18th."
"I also have an important announcement to share with you all."
The students, who had been in the midst of gathering their belongings, paused—looking toward Yoshika Kiyotowa with a variety of expressions. Yoshika Kiyotowa looked at them for several seconds before speaking.
"Next year, on February 18th, 676, we will conduct a joint study program with the Celestial Immortals Academy. It was originally scheduled for this year, but on May 30th, we will be attending the millennium celebration marking the defeat of the Demon King. The celebration will take place from June 3rd to June 15th—twelve days before the final examinations begin."
"You may leave now."
The students began to file out of the classroom, chatting among themselves.
"The Celestial Immortals Academy... Yao Chang-ji."