785: World Fog

Calm was restored in the area.

Lin Yang stood where he was, his eyes flickering uncertainly.

Everything that had just happened had impacted him greatly.

The bizarre Yin Soul, the mysterious Vague Figure, and the suspected true form of Junior Martial Brother—their battle, their conversation, and especially the content of their discussion, held an immense amount of information.

The Road to Rebirth mentioned by the Yin Soul, the limited time, the Rules of the Yin and Yang Realms spoken of by the Vague Figure, and the statement from the suspected true form of Junior Martial Brother that power does not exist in the Current Era—all these words left Lin Yang shocked and bewildered.

What exactly did these words mean?

And those words about the past and the future were even harder for him to comprehend.

The events and words he encountered today seemed to involve something incredibly significant.

It was difficult for him to sort it all out for a moment.

Lin Yang was silent for a moment, forcibly suppressing the myriad complex thoughts in his heart.

The conversation between the Yin Soul, the Vague Figure, and the suspected true form of Junior Martial Brother was clearly beyond his current ability to understand.

He could only commit it firmly to memory for now.

Furthermore, the last sentence spoken by the suspected true form of Junior Martial Brother made his heart tighten slightly.

He knew he was being targeted by that Yin Soul.

But what did the suspected true form of Junior Martial Brother mean when he said it was impossible to escape, with no hope seen in the past, present, or future?

Did it mean he could never get rid of that Yin Soul?

He couldn't figure it out; he couldn't figure it out at all.

Lin Yang looked up at Xiao Yichen.

The latter had long since passed out at some point.

Lin Yang checked Xiao Yichen's condition and confirmed that he had only fainted from severe injury and was not in immediate danger of death.

He injected some power, attempting to wake Xiao Yichen.

At the same time, he was somewhat puzzled. Judging by the look the suspected true form of Junior Martial Brother gave Xiao Yichen when he finally left, it was almost certain that it was the true form of Junior Martial Brother.

But if it was the true form of Junior Martial Brother, did that mean everything Xiao Yichen was experiencing in this Ancient Ruins world was created by the true form of Junior Martial Brother?

If so, since he could create such an incredible world, why would he need to pull someone in to fulfill a wish he had never completed?

Wouldn't that be something achievable with just a single thought?

And if this projected world in the Ancient Ruins wasn't created by the true form of Junior Martial Brother, then what kind of existence was the Ancient Ruins?

Why did it help suppress the Yin Soul for him in the secret chamber, and why did it help him deal with the blurry figure just now?

Was it helping him, or was it merely instinctual adherence to some rule?

In short, there were too many questions, leaving Lin Yang unable to untangle his thoughts.

"Cough, cough cough..."

Xiao Yichen coughed violently and then slowly woke up.

The first thing he saw upon opening his eyes was Lin Yang in front of him. Xiao Yichen was stunned for a moment, then subconsciously asked:

"Junior Martial Brother, are you alright?"

Even though he was severely injured, his first thought upon waking was to check on Lin Yang.

Lin Yang knew this was actually concern for his Junior Martial Brother, but he still felt that Xiao Yichen was a good person, so he immediately replied:

"Senior Martial Brother, I am fine. However, you are badly injured; recovering will likely be difficult."

As he said this, Lin Yang sighed inwardly.

Although they had managed to save Xiao Yichen this time.

The strength of that mysterious Vague Figure was too immense.

Unimaginably strong.

A single sentence had injured Xiao Yichen, and it wasn't just a physical injury; a power resembling the Law of the Dao had been imprinted upon Xiao Yichen.

This made it difficult for Xiao Yichen to recover.

To put it plainly, Xiao Yichen's injury was incurable unless another existence as powerful as that mysterious Vague Figure could be found to treat him.

Otherwise, Xiao Yichen might see his cultivation continuously decline over a period of time until his cultivation was completely scattered, turning him into a cripple.

But finding another expert of that caliber to heal Xiao Yichen was basically impossible.

Because there was simply no way to know where to look!

Lin Yang also didn't quite understand why the true form of Junior Martial Brother didn't take the opportunity to heal Xiao Yichen.

Xiao Yichen showed a trace of bitterness but quickly seemed to accept the result, saying calmly:

"Junior Martial Brother, having provoked such a terrifying existence, it's already a blessing that we weren't killed directly. We can still live for many more years, which counts as fortunate."

Lin Yang sighed again inwardly.

Because what Xiao Yichen said was the truth.

The strength of that Vague Figure was terrifyingly unimaginable; it was indeed very lucky that Xiao Yichen wasn't instantly annihilated.

After a pause, he asked, "Senior Martial Brother, do you know who that person was? Why would our Saint Spirit Sect attract someone of this level?"

Xiao Yichen shook his head, "I don't know either. That person is at least an Imperial Venerate from a Foreign race. Logically, they shouldn't appear here. Our Saint Spirit Sect is simply not worthy of attracting such a figure to take personal action."

Saying that, he also asked, "Junior Martial Brother, what happened just now? Why did that person let us go?"

He had passed out too early and hadn't seen what happened afterward.

So he was also very confused now.

Because normally, he, Lin Yang, and even the Saint Spirit Sect should no longer exist.

Lin Yang thought for a moment and said, "Later, another mysterious great figure arrived and fought with that person, and then they both left."

He didn't reveal the whole truth.

Mainly because some things were hard to explain, so it was better not to say anything for now.

"Oh? Then perhaps the great figures of our Human Race noticed the arrival of that Foreign race Imperial Venerate and came to deal with him. That saved our lives."

Xiao Yichen didn't ask further and found a reason to explain the situation himself.

Lin Yang nodded slightly, "Senior Martial Brother, let me help you back to rest first. I'll think of a way to treat you later."

"Cough cough... Good. We fortunately escaped this disaster this time. In the future, the Sect will depend on you, Junior Martial Brother," Xiao Yichen said softly.

"Don't worry, Senior Martial Brother," Lin Yang nodded.

Afterward, he helped Xiao Yichen back to his room. Xiao Yichen tried to heal himself, but there was no effect.

Xiao Yichen gave a self-deprecating smile, "It wouldn't be bad to become a Mortal in the future. Once I descend the mountain and prepare a few acres of modest fields, working from sunrise to sunset, I can still live a stable life."

Lin Yang was silent.

For a powerful cultivator to be forced to have his cultivation completely destroyed and become an ordinary person—this kind of pain could not truly be understood by outsiders.

Although Xiao Yichen appeared calm, it was only because he didn't want to show it and worry Lin Yang.

"Junior Martial Brother..."

Suddenly, Xiao Yichen's expression became serious:

"My cultivation is about to be completely destroyed, and your strength is still insufficient. I think the Sect should remain as it is for now; do not recall the disciples. The situation is unclear, so self-preservation is best. It won't be too late to revitalize the Sect when your cultivation reaches success in the future."

Lin Yang was somewhat surprised.

Xiao Yichen had frequently urged him to revitalize the Sect before.

Now he had changed his mind.

But he understood quickly.

Compared to the revival of the Sect, Xiao Yichen cared more about ensuring that 'he, his Junior Martial Brother,' survived.

"Senior Martial Brother, don't worry about the Sect's affairs. In the future, I will definitely be no weaker than that Foreign race Imperial Venerate, and I will certainly revitalize the Sect!" Lin Yang declared.

These words were not purely meant to comfort Xiao Yichen, because judging by the performance after the Junior Martial Brother's true self appeared, this future Junior Martial Brother was indeed not weaker than that vague figure of the Foreign race Imperial Venerate.

It is estimated that he must have later revitalized the Saint Spirit Sect.

Xiao Yichen was quite astonished upon hearing this, looking at Lin Yang without speaking for a long time. After a while, he laughed heartily twice:

"Good, good, good, Junior Martial Brother, you actually have such aspirations! Senior Martial Brother believes you can definitely do it!"

Lin Yang also laughed.

In the following days, Xiao Yichen's health deteriorated day by day.

His cultivation plummeted severely.

He would lose a major realm almost every day.

In just over ten days, all his cultivation was completely lost.

The only good news was that after Xiao Yichen completely lost his cultivation, his injuries did not worsen further.

It seemed that Xiao Yichen could survive as a Mortal.

As he had said before, Xiao Yichen descended the mountain before his cultivation vanished, settling down in that mundane small town as a Mortal.

Lin Yang stayed with him the whole time.

This small town, which was almost wiped out last time, was preserved this time because the Saint Spirit Sect was not destroyed.

Lin Yang also tried to find Yu Qing.

But he couldn't find him.

This time, Yu Qing was apparently not swept into this place with him.

After becoming a Mortal, Xiao Yichen's body was relatively robust.

He eventually lived to be one hundred and six years old, passing away peacefully.

This was considered a long life in this small town.

Lin Yang buried Xiao Yichen, feeling a bit emotional for a moment.

The Senior Martial Brother who treated "him" the best in this world had finally left.

He returned to the Saint Spirit Sect.

Xiao Yichen was dead; he didn't know if this mission could be considered complete.

Sitting in the main hall of the Saint Spirit Sect, Lin Yang began to contemplate his next move.

He couldn't possibly be trapped in the Ancient Ruins forever.

But just then, he saw a thin mist rolling in.

This made Lin Yang's heart leap with joy: "Did I actually complete the mission?"

Seeing the mist appear, he knew his gamble earlier was correct.

This mission was about trying his best to save Xiao Yichen.

Simultaneously, a realization surged into his mind.

Xiao Yichen becoming a Mortal and eventually passing away was a normal death.

Thus, the Ancient Ruins judged the mission as complete.

Hoo... The thin mist enveloped Lin Yang's body.

The next instant, Lin Yang saw the figure of the Junior Martial Brother's true self again, whose face was indistinct.

The other party seemed to be looking at him, but the feeling Lin Yang got this time was not like before when he was in the Saint Spirit Sect; it felt as if there was an infinitely vast distance, even across time and space.

Lin Yang thought for a moment and bowed to him: "Thank you, Senior, for saving me earlier."

The Junior Martial Brother's true self had left in a hurry before, so he hadn't had time to thank him. Now, regardless of whether the other party could hear him, he would thank him first.

The other party did not respond to his thanks; only a voice sounded faintly.

"Can the predetermined ending truly not be changed? Did I fail after all? It seems no matter which path, Senior Martial Brother cannot survive..."

"Sigh..."

As the voice faded, the figure of the Junior Martial Brother's true self gradually dissipated.

Lin Yang returned to the real world.

He was still standing on the street in the city.

There was still a large amount of thin mist surrounding him.

However, Lin Yang's eyes flickered.

The words spoken by the Junior Martial Brother's true self just now seemed to convey some information to him.

He somewhat understood why the Junior Martial Brother's true self did not intervene to save Xiao Yichen.

That Foreign race Imperial Venerate should not have appeared at the Saint Spirit Sect in the first place.

It was because he had changed certain predetermined events that it triggered a chain reaction, leading to the appearance of that Imperial Venerate.

Xiao Yichen was destined to die.

Even if he had been saved then, other variables would have emerged.

That would have caused even more severe and terrifying consequences.

"Are the events in the Ancient Ruins not entirely illusory? Can they actually influence reality to some extent?"

Lin Yang became even more puzzled.

Otherwise, why would the Junior Martial Brother's true self worry about causing more severe consequences?

"How many secrets does this world truly hold?" Lin Yang muttered to himself.

Then he shook his head slightly, deciding not to dwell on it anymore.

With insufficient strength, thinking too much would only lead him into confusion.

In any case, the knowledge he gained this time was enough.

He could use this as an opportunity to investigate slowly.

He glanced towards the location where Yu Qing was originally situated.

For some reason, after coming out of the Ancient Ruins this time, he felt that the thin mist seemed to affect his vision less.

He could see farther within the mist.

Yu Qing had not emerged yet.

Clearly, he was still inside the Ancient Ruins.

Lin Yang chose to wait on the spot, while simultaneously considering the next course of action.

Through the conversation between the Yin Soul, the Foreign race Imperial Venerate, and the Junior Martial Brother's true self, he realized something.

Putting aside the desire to investigate those truths, the mere fact of being targeted by the Yin Soul meant he needed to find a solution.

And the most direct way to solve this problem was to become stronger!

As long as his cultivation was strong enough, strong enough to fearlessly face that Yin Soul, all troubles would be resolved.

Although that Junior Martial Brother's true self said it was impossible to escape.

Lin Yang believed that as long as his strength was sufficient, he could definitely solve it!

His heart grew urgent once more.

His craving for cultivation was even stronger.

He hadn't felt this way in a long time.

Because he felt that even if he stopped setting up the Spirit Communication Array, the Yin Soul would find other means to approach him.

It was only a matter of time.

Just as the Yin Soul had said, the time had not yet come.

Suddenly.

Lin Yang's gaze slightly condensed, revealing a hint of surprise.

Because the "Realm" had suddenly started absorbing the thin mist.

The absorption speed was very slow, just like in the Grotto-Heaven Secret Realm near Xiwu City before, but it was indeed absorbing.

But it was truly absorbing.

"It can even absorb the thin mist?"

Lin Yang was both surprised and amazed.

Doubts also arose again.

If the "Realm" could absorb the mist, why didn't it absorb it when the mist appeared in large quantities before?

Why did it only start absorbing now?

"Is it related to entering the Ancient Ruins this time?" Lin Yang guessed, but he dared not be certain.

However, since the "Realm" could absorb the mist, it wasn't necessarily a bad thing.

The more power the "Realm" absorbed, the stronger it would become, and the more power of the "Realm" he could utilize.

It was just this absorption speed... Lin Yang really couldn't compliment it.

At such a slow speed, he feared that by the time the Ancient Ruins stopped invading the city and the mist began to dissipate, the "Realm" wouldn't have absorbed much.

As Lin Yang was thinking, he saw Yu Qing's figure suddenly appear as well.

He immediately suppressed his thoughts and greeted him: "Daoist Friend Yu Qing, are you alright?"

Yu Qing subconsciously turned his head, and upon seeing it was Lin Yang, he seemed relieved and said, "Thank you for asking, I'm fine, just barely managed to get out. How about you, Daoist Friend Lin Yang?"

"Me? I'm fine too. The place I was swept into was the same Saint Spirit Sect as last time," Lin Yang replied.

"What? You entered the same Ancient Ruins world twice in a row?" Yu Qing was extremely shocked. (End of this chapter)