72: Yunxi's care

When that vast pressure, resembling the collapse of the entire starry sky yet remaining gentle and restrained, silently enveloped the manor, even the dense, almost liquefiable cosmic energy within the courtyard seemed to stop flowing in an instant.

This was not intentional intimidation, but rather the aura naturally emanating from a life form that had reached the absolute limit of the Stellar Level, resonating with the Laws of the Universe.

Inside the living room, the previous sounds of merriment abruptly ceased.

The three sisters, Chen Xi, Chen Yao, and Chen Lu, instantly fell silent, expressions of instinctive, deep-seated reverence and respect appearing on their young faces. They had been accepted as Named Disciples by Yun Xi several years ago.

They could sense that their Teacher's aura was different from any other Stellar Level expert who had visited before; it was older, vaster, and... more benevolent? Yet, it carried an undeniable, sacred majesty.

The soup ladle in Lin Wei’s hand made a light 'ding' sound as it lightly touched the edge of the bowl. She shot up abruptly, her expression instantly becoming solemn and respectful, even tinged with a fluster of being overly honored.

“It’s... it’s the Leader!” she exclaimed in a low voice, subconsciously smoothing her perfectly neat clothes.

In the entire Federation, only Yun Xi possessed such majesty!

Chen Jun’s heart also skipped a beat, but not because of the pressure—it was because the most precious gift of the past three years was about to arrive.

He took a deep breath, instantly adjusting his indifferent expression, which usually suggested he was detached from life and death, to its optimal state. He even added a perfectly measured hint of 'honor' and 'unease' at the Leader’s personal visit.

Internally, however, he was thrilled.

All staff, prepare!

Lighting crew, in position!

Whether he wins the 'Federation Best Deathbed Actor Award' depended on this single trembling moment!

The courtyard gate slid open silently.

There was no dazzling light, no grand fanfare.

A figure in plain white simply appeared quietly at the doorway, as if she had always belonged there.

Yun Xi.

Still wearing that pristine white gown untouched by dust, she floated three inches above the ground, gentle starlight flowing around her.

Her left eye was as clear as a newborn infant's, reflecting the warm living room and family before her; her right eye was as deep as the eternal starry sky, holding the wisdom and hardships accumulated over nearly a hundred thousand years.

Her gaze swept calmly across the living room, pausing briefly over the three demurely standing young women, revealing a faint but genuine gentle smile. Then, her gaze settled on Chen Jun, who was being supported by Lin Wei and was about to 'struggle' to rise.

“There is no need for such formality.”

Yun Xi’s ethereal voice sounded, like clear spring water flowing through the heart, instantly soothing the tension of Lin Wei and the young women.

She took one step, seemingly shrinking the distance, and arrived in the center of the living room.

“Leader!” Lin Wei quickly bowed in greeting, her voice filled with excitement and emotion.

The Leader herself had come!

What immense favor this was!

She became even more convinced that this was the Federation’s final, highest-level affirmation of her husband.

The three sisters, Chen Xi, also quickly followed their mother’s bow, their small heads lowered, daring not to look up.

Chen Jun, with Lin Wei’s support, completed the 'difficult' motion of standing up, his face etched with an expression of 'fearful apprehension': “Leader, why have you come personally? This... how can this be allowed...”

“I was passing by, stopping to see you, and also to see the children,” Yun Xi’s tone was naturally calm, betraying no hint of deliberate effort.

She turned her gaze to Chen Xi, examining her closely, a flash of approval crossing her eyes: “Xi’er, very good. Your Foundation is solid, your Qi is condensed. You have a promising future.”

Chen Xi was overwhelmed by the honor, her pretty face slightly flushed, her voice trembling with excitement: “Thank you for your praise, Teacher! Your student... your student will certainly work hard!”

Yun Xi nodded slightly, then looked at Chen Yao and Chen Lu, offering a few words of encouragement.

Every word she spoke was perfectly timed, demonstrating the care of an elder while maintaining the majesty of a Leader, making people feel as if bathed in a spring breeze yet filled with awe.

However, Chen Jun keenly caught sight of a fleeting, extremely complex and indescribable expression deep within Yun Xi’s profound right eye as it lingered on him.

In that expression, there was affirmation for a 'contributing hero,' regret over the 'passing of life,' and a kind of calm assessment—as if examining an 'artwork' about to complete its historical mission and take a perfect final bow. There was even a trace of extremely subtle... envy, perhaps one she herself hadn't even noticed?

After the pleasantries, Yun Xi’s gaze returned to Chen Jun, her tone growing even gentler, carrying the earnest advice of an elder: “Chen Jun, your complexion over the past six years has been maintained better than I imagined. Lin Wei deserves immense credit.”

Lin Wei quickly replied: “Leader, you are too kind. This is merely my duty as your subordinate.”

Yun Xi shook her head slightly, her eyes holding the understanding of one who has seen the world: “No. The depletion of one’s Origin of Life cannot be reversed by external things. Your current state is also largely due to the breadth of your Heart-Nature.”

She paused, seemingly casually taking out a simple wooden box from her plain white sleeve.

The wooden box held no runes or light, but it naturally exuded an aura that calmed the mind, as if it could communicate with the Origin of Heaven and Earth.

“This object is called the ‘Fusang Spirit Coffin’.”

Yun Xi’s voice was placid, but Chen Jun was overjoyed upon hearing it. He enjoyed reading strange books in his spare time.

Fusang Spirit Coffin?!

Legend said it was crafted from the heartwood of the 'Fusang Divine Tree' that condensed when a star first formed. The Fusang Divine Tree was extremely difficult to nurture; it was a cosmic marvel capable of perfectly nourishing the Soul, preserving the Physical Body from decay, and even offering a slight chance for a remnant Soul to enter eternal slumber!

Its value could not be measured by Source Coins!

It was a supreme treasure that even those at Stellar Level Peak would covet!

The Leader actually... actually brought this item out?!

Yun Xi gently placed the wooden box on the coffee table before Chen Jun, her movements as delicate as if she were setting down a piece of fragile porcelain.

“This item is of no benefit for extending life,” she looked into Chen Jun’s eyes, her tone possessing a transcendent calmness, as if stating a natural Law. “But it can protect the last glimmer of your Origin from scattering, keeping your Physical Body incorruptible for ten thousand years. If in the future... your daughters and the others reach a Realm we cannot imagine, perhaps... there might be a sliver of Opportunity to glimpse the secret of Reincarnation and reassemble your Soul.”

These words exploded like thunder in Lin Wei’s ears!

The Leader wasn't just here to bid farewell; she was arranging her husband’s 'post-mortem affairs,' even entrusting a distant, almost faint... hope of resurrection?!

What profound grace and expectation this was!

Lin Wei’s tears instantly broke through the floodgates. She dropped to her knees with a thud, sobbing uncontrollably: “Leader... you... you have shown Brother Jun... our family... grace beyond measure! This concubine... this concubine thanks the Leader for her heavenly grace on behalf of Brother Jun!”

The three sisters, Chen Xi, were also stunned. Although they didn't fully grasp the significance of the 'Fusang Spirit Coffin,' their mother's reaction and the Leader's words made them understand that this concerned their father's 'life and death.' Their little faces turned pale, and their eyes instantly reddened.

Chen Jun was also momentarily stunned.

He had guessed Yun Xi would come to present a 'grand gift,' but he hadn't expected the gift to be this... immense!

This... hardcore!

She even prepared the 'Resurrection Armor'?!

I haven't even 'died' yet, and she’s already prepared a coffin for me?!

And it’s the top-tier luxury hibernation pod version of one!

How am I supposed to play my part now?!

Should I be weeping with emotion now, or should I display an infinite attachment to life?!

His mind raced, and he tried hard to maintain a complex expression of shock, gratitude, and a hint of resignation toward the 'final arrangement' on his face.

“Leader... this... this item is too precious! How dare I, Chen Jun, accept such a divine object...” Chen Jun’s acting skills erupted once more, his voice carrying a perfectly calibrated tremor—shock at the treasure, trepidation at his own 'unworthiness,' and a hint of bitterness toward that faint hope?

Yun Xi gently raised her hand, and a soft force helped Lin Wei stand up.

She looked at Chen Jun, her gaze infinitely profound: “Accept it, Chen Jun. This is not just for you alone; it is to settle the hearts of Qing Xuan, Yue Hua, and the others, and it is for the future of the Federation. If you are at ease, they can move forward with peace of mind.”

These words were double-edged!

They were spoken to Chen Jun, but also to the other Stellar Level experts who might be secretly observing this place, and also to herself!

Allowing Chen Jun to 'rest in peace' was the optimal solution for maintaining the unity of the Federation's top combat power and avoiding future hidden dangers!

Chen Jun instantly 'understood' the Leader's 'deeper meaning.' His face showed a complex mixture of 'relief,' 'gratitude,' and 'final acceptance.' He took a deep breath, as if using all his strength, and nodded heavily: “Leader’s painstaking efforts, I, Chen Jun... understand! I accept this item! I will certainly not fail... the Leader’s expectations!”

He extended his 'slightly trembling' hand and solemnly accepted the heavy wooden box.

It felt warm to the touch, as if it truly possessed the power to soothe the Soul.

Fine, luxury coffin board +1...

This isn't the gift I expected... it's completely useless...

I'll keep it. Maybe it can be used as a decoration someday...

Pah, pah, pah, that’s too ominous!

Shove it to the deepest corner of the storeroom to gather dust first!

Seeing Chen Jun accept it, the barely perceptible complex expression in Yun Xi’s eyes finally seemed to slowly dissipate, replaced by a sense of... relief?

It was as if she had completed an extremely important strategic deployment; her entire aura became more harmonious and transparent.

“In that case, I can rest assured,” Yun Xi’s tone relaxed slightly. She looked at Chen Xi and the other women again, her gaze benevolent. “The children are all doing well. The future of the Federation needs you. Spend this time well with your father; this period is precious for him and for you all.”

Having said that, she lingered no longer. She gave a slight nod to Chen Jun and Lin Wei, and her figure slowly dissolved in place, as if merging with the starlight—leaving as suddenly and freely as she arrived.

Long after the Leader departed, the living room remained deathly silent.

Lin Wei held Chen Jun tightly, crying until she was almost exhausted.

The three sisters, Chen Xi, also gathered around, hugging their parents, sobbing quietly. Only then did they realize their father had 'little time left'...

Chen Jun held his wife and daughters, feeling their sorrow. The sense of absurdity he felt from acting gradually gave way to a real warmth and pang of sadness.

They were genuinely afraid of losing him.

Even if this was a misunderstanding...

This love was real!

“Alright, stop crying, all of you stop crying,” Chen Jun gently patted his wife and daughters' backs, his voice gentle yet firm. “Didn't the Leader say it? There’s still a sliver of hope. Besides, your dad has a tough life, maybe I can still create a miracle?”

Lin Wei raised her tear-filled face, looking at her husband 'forcing a smile' to comfort everyone. Her heart ached so much she could barely breathe; she could only nod forcefully, burying her face deep in his embrace.

This acting is making me feel a bit guilty...

Why doesn't Wei Wei believe me?

It must be that my strength isn't enough to be convincing...

The time hasn't come... I must continue to hide my strength!

...

Late at night, Chen Jun lay in bed. Lin Wei curled up tightly in his arms like an insecure kitten, as if he would vanish if she let go.

Chen Jun felt his wife's dependence, looked at the eternal starry sky outside the window, and deep in his consciousness, that string of numbers was still cheerfully ticking.

[Remaining Lifespan]: 63 Years... +10 Seconds... +10 Seconds...

Not bad, another year milestone has been broken...

“Wei Wei,” he whispered, “Don't be afraid. I will always be with you, until a very, very long time from now.”

Lin Wei snuggled into his arms and let out a muffled 'Mmm' with a heavy nasal sound, clearly not taking him seriously, only treating it as her husband’s final tenderness.

Chen Jun smiled and stopped explaining.

But Chen Jun knew that as long as he didn't 'die,' this play would have to continue... And he was starting to look forward to how spectacular the expressions of these big shots would be when he truly 'outlived' his supposed 'expiration date'!

Thinking about that scene... was...