49: Chapter 49 Farewell and a New Promise

Inside the Divine Kingdom, the chaotic light slowly receded. Jiang Xun floated quietly in mid-air, his hand outstretched, fingers slightly spread.

In his palm, a wisp of gray death energy, a wisp of golden rune energy, and a wisp of emerald life energy intertwined and chased each other like three docile little snakes, eventually merging into a chaotic and profound sphere of light.

This was Gold Rank, this was Ten Thousand Laws Converge into One. He was no longer a mere Commander, but had become the true and only "Dao" of this Divine Kingdom.

With a single thought, he could make all things grow; with a single glance, he could make everything wither into silence.

“How does it feel?”

Old Baitou's figure appeared beside him, a hint of tension and anticipation in his cloudy eyes.

“Better than ever.”

Jiang Xun felt the surging power within his body, but his mind lingered more on that fragmented star map and the two words: “Taichu.”

“Senior, what kind of place is ‘Taichu’?”

Hearing those two words, Old Baitou's body trembled imperceptibly, and a burning light erupted in his eyes.

“It is the beginning, and it is the end.”

He murmured to himself, as if answering Jiang Xun, yet also as if speaking to himself.

“That is the highest academy of our human civilization, a holy land that all geniuses yearn for. The true powerhouses and the true secrets are all there.”

Old Baitou looked at Jiang Xun, his expression becoming incredibly solemn.

“Kid, your path has only just begun. Jiang City is too small; even the entire Jiangnan Province is just a starting village. Go to ‘Taichu.’ Only there can you find the truth behind the fall of the Ancient God civilization and let your ‘Ten Thousand Laws Converge into One’ truly shine.”

Jiang Xun nodded, his mind already made up.

Three days later, at the Jiang City Station, it was the day Jiang Xun would leave Jiang City for the provincial capital to participate in the Jiangnan Province Prodigy Tournament.

Not many people came to see him off, but every one of them was a heavyweight. Lame Zhang stood to one side with several veterans, their backs straight, no longer showing any of their former decadence or despondency.

With those two hundred million Faith Points, they had established a foundation called “Iron-Blooded Glory.” It not only compensated all the families whose pensions had been embezzled by Director Li Jianguo but also provided support for many veterans living in hardship.

“Kid, once you're in the provincial capital, don't embarrass us Jiang City men.”

Lame Zhang punched Jiang Xun's chest; the force was heavy.

“Don't worry, Uncle Lame,” Jiang Xun smiled. “Regarding the foundation, contact me anytime if anything comes up. Once I've established myself there, I'll come back and help you reorganize the battle group.”

“Good!”

Lame Zhang said only one word, but his tiger-like eyes were full of trust and expectation.

On the other side, Old Baitou, wearing a faded white Zhongshan suit, looked like an old father seeing his child off on a long journey, nagging him with instructions.

“The geniuses in the provincial capital are not on the same level as those in Jiang City. The waters there are deep, hiding dragons and tigers. Many of those fellows have the support of great families or even ancient sects. You must be cautious and not easily trust anyone.”

“I understand, Senior.” Jiang Xun listened patiently.

“Also, the assessment for ‘Taichu Academy’ is extremely rigorous. Strength alone isn't enough; they value the potential and path of civilization even more. Your ‘Ten Thousand Laws Converge into One’ is your greatest trump card. Do not reveal it easily unless absolutely necessary.”

“Mhm.”

Just then, a cold and elegant figure carrying a small suitcase slowly approached.

It was Xu Qingran.

Today, she wasn't wearing her signature white dress, but a capable, tight-fitting combat suit that outlined her slender yet powerful curves.

“You're leaving too?” Jiang Xun was somewhat surprised.

“Yes.” Xu Qingran nodded, her clear eyes looking at Jiang Xun. “I also secured a spot for the provincial tournament.”

It turned out that after Director Li Jianguo's fall, the authorities re-audited the allocation of spots for the qualifiers. They discovered that to suppress dissent, Director Li Jianguo had secretly disqualified several geniuses who should have been selected, including Xu Qingran, who had consistently ranked in the top five.

After the wrongs were righted, Xu Qingran naturally obtained the qualification for the provincial tournament.

“My goal is also Taichu Academy.”

The afterglow of the setting sun fell on her profile, coating it in a soft layer of gold.

She looked into the distance, her voice carrying a hint of subtle reminiscence.

“Before my father disappeared, the last clue he left pointed there.”

Jiang Xun's heart stirred slightly.

Looking at this girl who appeared cold on the outside but was incredibly resilient within, he suddenly understood where her maturity and persistence—far beyond her peers—came from.

“Alright.”

Jiang Xun reached out his hand.

“Then, I'll see you in the provincial capital.”

Xu Qingran was stunned for a moment, then she also reached out and shook his hand lightly.

“See you in the provincial capital.”

Their hands parted after a brief touch, but a silent promise had already taken root in both their hearts.

“Woo—”

The whistle of the train entering the station sounded, breaking the momentary silence.

“I'm off.”

Jiang Xun waved his hand, said no more, and turned to board the train to the provincial capital.

Old Baitou and Lame Zhang silently watched as the train slowly started, heading into the distance until it disappeared at the horizon.

“This kid, his future is limitless,” Lame Zhang remarked.

“More than just limitless.”

Old Baitou adjusted his reading glasses, his eyes gleaming with the light of wisdom.

“He is going to stir up the winds and clouds of an entire era.”

In another corner of the station, hidden in the shadows, a young man in ordinary casual clothes stood quietly, watching everything that happened.

It was Li Ang. He was no longer the arrogant rich kid dressed in designer brands. The Li family had fallen, his father had been sentenced to death, and he had tumbled from the clouds into the mud, losing everything overnight.

He looked at Jiang Xun, the person he once viewed as an ant that could be crushed at will—an E-Rank Talent who was now radiant, embarking on a journey he once dreamed of, surrounded by influential figures.

His gaze was incredibly complex, filled with bone-deep hatred, unspeakable jealousy, and a hint of... confusion that even he didn't want to admit.

Why? Why did he have everything yet lose so completely? He couldn't understand it.

He watched the train recede until it was out of sight, then slowly withdrew his gaze. He didn't slink away like a beaten dog, nor did he roar and curse like a madman.

He just stood there for a very long time. Then he turned around and walked toward the other end of the station plaza.

There, a prominent sign hung.

“Jiang City Armed Forces Department Recruitment Office.”

His steps did not falter in the slightest; step by step, he walked with extraordinary determination.