The Ancient Gods' Whisper

The grocery store seemed to have returned to its former self.

Huai Yin lay on the reclining chair, leisurely enjoying the battles aboard the Bren Hill, watching with unrestrained delight.

Jing Ci had changed into a brand-new suit, opened a bottle of whiskey for himself, and stared at the fiery explosion in the distance. He said faintly, "Just for a drop of the Ancient God's Blood, they're willing to risk their lives. These people don't even know who created the Ancient God's Blood, yet they'd throw their lives away for it."

"If they've been infected, then their only hope lies in gambling everything on the Ancient God's Blood. For most people, they lack the talent for evolution. Compared to losing freedom, they're more terrified of death."

Huai Yin chuckled, "If that Supreme happens to be sleeping, then that would be blood well-earned."

"Wan Rentu, that fool, does have quite the strength. If he could let go of past grievances, he might still have a chance to ascend to the Holy Land. But for now, it seems that it's a long shot."

"This old geezer from the Si Family is as annoying as ever. Was he involved in the death of the second back then? If he was, I'll take the chance next time to teach him a lesson."

"Teacher, killing this old geezer might still prove difficult. Though his ability isn't particularly strong, his skill at escaping is likely in the top three globally, if not first."

"That impressive? Compared to Li Qingsong, he does seem to have some talent."

"A masterful move with Dragon Blood Eruption, paired with Slaughter Domain, perfected to the highest level."

"The old geezer from the Si Family, specializing in auxiliary pathways, sure is a rare oddity. How did he manage to dodge that?"

"Hmm, is this one of the Liu family's descendants? This fatty is somewhat amusing."

From this distance, no one knew how they saw it so clearly.

Anyway, Gu Jianlin could only see the fiery explosion ascending into the sky and feel the disappearance of numerous Life Rhythms.

"Is the fight still not over?"

His mood grew inexplicably complicated, and he didn't know who would ultimately gain the possession of the Ancient God's Blood.

This unlucky soul… no, wait.

This lucky fellow, who would it be?

Su Youzhu glanced down at her phone and said slowly, "Tonight it probably won't end. Even if someone seizes the Ancient God's Blood and escapes, it doesn't guarantee they won't be assassinated in the future."

Gu Jianlin raised a brow, "Third Master is also vying for the Ancient God's Blood? What's he after?"

"A Divine Servant."

Su Youzhu lifted her beautiful gaze and said seriously, "Even though the chances are slim, successfully creating a Divine Servant would carry immense research value. In this world, many people lack talent yet still yearn for the power of the Evolution Path, especially those in the Dark World. A living Divine Servant holds tremendous research significance."

She paused. "Of course, most people are simply fighting for survival. But if they truly become a Divine Servant, they would likely retreat to the Ancient God Realm and hide forever."

"Is the Ether Association also aiming for this?"

Gu Jianlin understood. It turned out the Butcher was still considered a rare and protected species.

"Not much worth watching anymore."

Jing Ci withdrew his gaze.

Huai Yin responded with a soft hum and snapped his fingers.

The scenes outside the grocery store abruptly twisted and distorted, and when they returned to normal, they were back in Luodong District.

Huai Yin turned around and asked, "Was Councilman Zhang's soul bound by the Soul Comforting Bell?"

Gu Jianlin was taken aback before responding affirmatively.

"Make good use of it."

Huai Yin remarked blandly, "Councilmen from the Judgement Court are weighty figures, especially with that fool Li Qingsong always valuing them highly. Councilman Zhang himself also has a significant network within the Ether Association. There are bound to be troubles to address ahead. But don't worry, your teacher has already planned it out."

Gu Jianlin suddenly thought of something. "Wait, what about Li Qingsong?"

Huai Yin chuckled, "Released."

Gu Jianlin was puzzled, "Released?"

"Yes, released. He's already a dying man, killing him would be pointless. Li Qingsong isn't a member of The Order of the Hidden and holds no real value. Better to use him for a small experiment."

Huai Yin waved his hand and sighed, "Old matters aren't yours to worry about. Starting today, the internal power dynamics of the Ether Association are about to change once again. This will be the biggest restructuring in two centuries. It's also an opportunity for you young people to emerge and revolutionize the world. Make sure to seize it."

The teacher had upheld the heavens.

The rest of the path, they would have to walk themselves.

As his words fell, Huai Yin slowly closed his eyes. His already weathered face seemed even older, his breathing and heartbeat faint to the point of being inaudible, as if asleep.

Rumbling sounds enveloped the entire grocery store, trembling as if about to collapse.

Jing Ci snapped his fingers, forcibly stabilizing the space.

"Teacher?"

Gu Jianlin was startled, his heart trembling inexplicably.

Even Su Youzhu widened her eyes in surprise.

"No need to worry, it's not that serious."

Jing Ci pushed the wheelchair and calmly said, "The teacher has spent his entire life fighting for the Human World, often clashing with Supreme-level beings. Ordinary Catastrophes usually collapse after two bouts with the Ancient Supremes. The teacher, however, has been in countless battles against them."

"The Red King and his Heaven's Punishment have caused significant strain on the teacher."

He continued seriously, "Next, I'll take the teacher to see a Priest. While he might live another two years, I hope his final years can be more comfortable."

For some reason, Gu Jianlin fell silent upon hearing this.

At that moment, countless images flashed through his mind—an elder handling Copper Coins in front of the grocery store, a towering figure akin to a divine presence, and the green Qilin soaring to the heavens.

This world was full of storms, yet there had always been an elder behind him holding an umbrella.

Shielding him from the wind and rain.

Many criticized the King of Qing for his myriad faults.

But for Gu Jianlin, this was the greatest teacher in the world.

And now, his teacher's days were numbered.

Gu Jianlin said nothing, silently tightening his fist.

Su Youzhu sharply noticed his mood.

Having been by his side for so long, she was the person who understood him best in this world.

Gu Jianlin was naturally indifferent and rarely emotional, with few people close to him. But when he truly cared about something, his feelings were evident, his emotions unmistakable.

Like back at the cemetery, his pale expression as he gazed at the tombstone.

Or in the underground ruins of the Burial Colors, where he held her tightly.

And now, his tightly clenched, pale knuckles.

Because he had so little.

When he finally gained something, he couldn't bear to lose it.

Su Youzhu quietly reached out, softly taking his hand.

Gu Jianlin froze, startled out of his thoughts, his mind momentarily muddled.

"In life, facing farewells head-on is most important."

Jing Ci gently covered the old man in the wheelchair with a blanket and smiled. "The teacher is human too, subject to birth, aging, illness, and death. But whether he passes without regret will entirely depend on you."

Space-time rippled.

Gu Jianlin paused for a moment: "I understand, senior brother."

Su Youzhu also solemnly bowed: "Safe travels."

The grocery store vanished like a reflection in water.

Only the two of them remained, standing in place.

The night was desolate; cicadas cried endlessly in the trees.

After a long silence.

"Don't worry too much; there are still more than two years left."

Su Youzhu spoke softly. "Your father said long ago that within this Transcendent world, there are many secrets of humanity yet to be unearthed. Perhaps there's a chance to prolong the King of Qing's life."

Gu Jianlin was quiet for a second, sensing the care in the girl's gaze, and responded with a faint hum.

He wasn't one to dwell on sentimentality; pragmatism was his forte.

Two years were enough to accomplish many things.

"By the way."

Gu Jianlin reached behind him, retrieving a box containing the Moonstone Heart from the Qilin Wedge's space. Handing it to her, he said, "I got this for you. Does this mean you can now ascend securely?"

Su Youzhu recognized the box's bloody aura, confirming it contained the Moonstone Heart.

She suddenly recalled she had planned to be upset today and vent her frustration at him.

But under the lamp's glow, seeing the boy's face.

She suddenly couldn't bring herself to do it...

How annoying.

·

·

Northern Europe, Norway.

The rumbling sounds echoed faintly, an ancient grocery store emerging on the icy ocean shore lined with crashing waves.

Jing Ci pushed open the shop's door, letting the wind and snow rush in.

"Alright, we're here."

He suddenly spoke.

Huai Yin silently opened his eyes, the gaze within them dull and muddled, resembling that of a dying man.

Jing Ci said calmly, "Must you be like this?"

"What do you know?"

Huai Yin muttered softly, "If I didn't act like this, how could I make him feel sadness and sorrow? If he weren't hurt and upset, how would the girl soften her heart? If the girl didn't relent, wouldn't they end up arguing tonight?"

"Your junior brother is as stiff as steel, his thinking rigid and intractable."

He sighed, "It still takes a teacher to step in."

Jing Ci casually asked, "Which of the two does your junior brother seem to favor? One is the President's successor, the other… is his descendant, both quite intriguing."

Huai Yin pondered seriously, "That's his own business; both girls are excellent. Whoever can win over that blockhead depends on their own abilities. From my perspective, of course, I'd want both. But this kid just doesn't get it. If he had even a third of my skills as a teacher, those two girls would've gone on maternity leave by now."

With that, he began coughing heavily, spitting up fresh blood that stained the ground.

Jing Ci seemed hesitant to speak.

"My time is running out; this lifetime has left me without offspring. Occasionally, I too wish to enjoy familial bliss like ordinary folks. You're already hopeless, the second is gone too, so everything now depends on the third."

Huai Yin looked out at the ice layers beyond the shop, and his eyes brightened suddenly. Throwing off the blanket, he briskly rose from the wheelchair, his complexion vibrant and energetic. "Let's go, ice fishing!"

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