221: Chapter 221 The Identity of Parents

On the seventh day after Shen Zhao returned to Yongning City from the Meteor Minor Realm, Elder Xuan sent a message once again.

The message was shorter than any previous one, consisting of only a single line: "Come to the Meteor Minor Realm, and this seat will tell you about your parents."

Shen Zhao looked at that line of words, his hand trembling slightly.

Matters concerning his parents.

He had never seen his parents before, only knowing that they died at the hands of the Abyss Clan, and it was his uncle who carried him back from the battlefield while he was still in swaddling clothes.

His uncle never brought up his parents; every time he asked, his uncle would remain silent for a long time before saying: "When you grow up, I will tell you."

Now he had grown up, but his uncle still had not told him.

Perhaps his uncle did not know the whole truth either.

Shen Zhao put down the Formation Flag in his hand and turned to walk towards the Star Port.

Shen Yuan shouted from behind: "Zhao'er, are you going to the Meteor Minor Realm again?"

Shen Zhao turned back, looking at his uncle's graying hair, and a wave of bitterness surged in his heart.

"Elder Xuan said he wants to tell this Disciple about his parents."

Shen Yuan's hand paused slightly, and he remained silent for a long time.

"Go ahead. When you return, uncle will tell you some things."

Shen Zhao nodded and turned to walk towards the Star Port.

An hour later, the spacetime flying boat rose from the Star Port, speeding towards the Meteor Minor Realm.

Shen Zhao stood before the porthole, gazing at the sea of stars ahead, his mind filled with a myriad of thoughts.

What kind of people were his parents? Why did they go to the abyss? Did they die at the hands of the Abyss Clan, or for some other reason?

He did not know; he knew nothing at all.

The flying boat sped through the sea of stars, a seven-colored radiance swirling around its hull.

Three days later, the flying boat arrived at the Meteor Minor Realm.

Elder Xuan was still sitting in the stone house, the tea in front of him still cold.

Seeing Shen Zhao enter, he raised his hand to signal him to sit down.

"This seat has thought about it for a long time, not knowing whether I should tell you."

Shen Zhao sat down and looked into the old man's eyes.

"Senior, this Disciple wishes to know."

Elder Xuan remained silent for a long time, a trace of compassion flashing through his turbid eyes.

"Once you know, you might suffer even more."

"If you do not know, you might live in doubt for the rest of your Life."

Shen Zhao clenched his fists: "This Disciple is not afraid of pain. This Disciple only wants to know the truth."

Elder Xuan looked at him and finally nodded.

"Very well, this seat will tell you."

He raised his hand, and a faint light gushed out from his palm.

It condensed into a scene above the stone table.

Within the scene were a young man and woman.

The man was tall with handsome features, wearing a white robe and a long sword hanging from his waist.

The woman was slender with gentle features, wearing a cyan long dress and holding a Jade Slip in her hand.

"This is your father, Shen Tianxing. This is your mother, Lin Ruoxue."

Shen Zhao's tears burst from his eyes.

These were his parents.

Parents he had never seen before.

"What kind of people were they?" His voice was hoarse.

Elder Xuan pointed at the man in the scene.

"Shen Tianxing, a Disciple of the 473rd generation of the Guardian Academy, at the Peak Nascent Soul cultivation stage, proficient in the Dao of the sword."

"He is the Elder brother of your uncle Shen Yuan, ten years older than your uncle."

"Back then, he was one of the most outstanding Disciples of the Guardian Academy, praised as a Genius of the sword."

Shen Zhao looked at his father in the scene; his sword was bright, and his gaze was extremely firm.

"What about mother?"

Elder Xuan pointed at the woman in the scene.

"Lin Ruoxue, a Disciple of the 473rd generation of the Guardian Academy, at the Late Stage Nascent Soul cultivation stage, proficient in Formations."

"She was the closing-door Disciple of the Array Hall's chief Elder, well-versed in all kinds of ancient Formations."

"Her attainments in the Dao of Formations were unmatched back then."

In the scene, Lin Ruoxue was setting up a Formation. Spiritual light flickered at her fingertips, and runes circulated.

Looking at his mother's figure, an indescribable sense of intimacy surged in Shen Zhao's heart.

"How did they meet?"

Elder Xuan smiled, his smile as light as the clouds and wind.

"They became acquainted through a fight."

"During the Guardian Academy's grand competition back then, Shen Tianxing drew Lin Ruoxue as his opponent."

"Shen Tianxing's sword technique was fierce and decisive, while Lin Ruoxue's Formation was exquisite."

"The two fought for a full hour, unable to distinguish a victor."

"In the end, Shen Tianxing conceded defeat. He said: 'Junior Sister Lin's Formation cannot be broken by me.' "

"Lin Ruoxue smiled and said: 'Senior Brother Shen's sword cannot be blocked by me either.' "

"Ever since then, they have been together."

Listening to this, the corners of Shen Zhao's mouth turned up slightly.

So this was how his parents had met.

"What happened afterwards?"

Elder Xuan's smile gradually faded.

"Later, they got married and gave birth to you."

"Those were the happiest years of their lives."

"When you were little, you were very mischievous and liked to run around everywhere."

"Once you ran into the Forbidden Ground of the Guardian Academy, and your mother was so worried she cried."

"Your father searched for three days and three nights before finding you deep within the Forbidden Ground."

"You were sitting right in front of a stone tablet, foolishly grinning at the runes upon it."

Shen Zhao's tears gushed out once more.

He did not remember these things; he was too young back then.

But listening to Elder Xuan's narration, he could almost vividly see that scene.

His father searching anxiously, his mother crying out his name.

And he, understanding nothing at all, simply grinning foolishly at the stone tablet.

"What happened next? Why did they go to the abyss?"

Elder Xuan remained silent for a long time.

"Because they discovered the secret behind the door."

He raised his hand, and the scene transformed.

A giant door appeared, standing tall at the edge of the sea of stars.

The door was carved densely with runes, emitting a terrifying pressure that made one's heart palpitate.

"Twenty years ago, when your parents were executing a border patrol mission, they accidentally discovered this door."

"Approaching the door, they found that the runes upon it were extremely similar to the ancient runes recorded in the Guardian Academy's ancient texts."

"They spent three years deciphering a portion of the runes on the door."

"And they learned the secret of the Universe's cycle—the old Universe dies, and the New Universe is born."

Shen Zhao's hands were trembling.

His parents had known the truth of the Universe's cycle even earlier than him.

"Why didn't they tell the Alliance?"

Elder Xuan shook his head.

"They wanted to tell, but they didn't dare."

"Because the Spirit of the Gate warned them—if they leaked the secret of the door, it would kill them and kill you."

Shen Zhao's fists clenched so tightly they creaked.

The Spirit of the Gate.

Once again, the Spirit of the Gate.

"So they decided to go to the abyss themselves?"

Elder Xuan nodded.

"They wanted to enter the New Universe to scout the path for the people of this cycle."

"But the Spirit of the Gate rejected them, saying they had 'insufficient strength'."

"Unreconciled, they decided to start from the abyss."

"Because in the hands of the Abyss Clan, there were Primeval Fragments. The Primeval Fragments were the key to opening the door."

In the scene, Shen Tianxing and Lin Ruoxue stood before the entrance of the abyss.

Both of their complexions were grave, but their gazes were firm.

"They entered the abyss, searching for the Abyss Clan, attempting to seize the Primeval Fragments."

"But the Abyss Clan was too powerful; they were no match for them."

"During the fierce battle, your father was heavily injured, and your mother was struck by the palm of the Abyss Emperor in order to protect him."

"Both of them collapsed in a pool of blood."

Shen Zhao's tears blurred his vision.

"They... they just died like that?"

Elder Xuan shook his head.

"No. They were saved by the Spirit of the Gate."

Shen Zhao was stunned.

"The Spirit of the Gate? Why would it save them?"

Elder Xuan looked at him, his eyes filled with compassion.

"Because it needs a 'destined person' to guard the door."

"Your parents were destined persons, and you even more so."

"The Spirit of the Gate sealed their Origin within the door, waiting for you to save them."

Shen Zhao wiped away his tears, a coldness flashing through his eyes.

"This Disciple will definitely save them."

Elder Xuan looked at him and remained silent for a long time.

"However, there is another reason for your parents' death."

Shen Zhao raised his head.

"What reason?"

Elder Xuan raised his hand, and the figure of a third person appeared in the scene.

That was a person in black clothing, with a blurred figure whose face could not be seen clearly.

"Someone betrayed them."

Shen Zhao's whole body shook.

"Who?"

Elder Xuan shook his head.

"This seat does not know. But this seat can be certain that someone is manipulating things behind the scenes."

"That person knew the secret behind the door and knew your parents' plan."

"He betrayed them, causing them to die at the hands of the Abyss Clan."

"In this way, no one could enter the New Universe ahead of time."

"He could then monopolize the resources of the New Universe when the cycle ends."

Murderous intent flashed through Shen Zhao's eyes.

"Senior, is that person from the Guardian Academy?"

Elder Xuan nodded.

"Yes. And their status is not low."

Shen Zhao's heart sank.

Someone from the Guardian Academy, with a high status.

Who could it be? An Elder? A hall master? Or...

He dared not think further.

"Senior, what should this Disciple do?"

Elder Xuan looked at him and said word by word:

"Find him, and kill him."

"But do not alert the enemy."

"He is hiding in the dark, while you are in the open."

"You must make him think that you know nothing at all."

"Wait until he shows himself proactively, then strike."

Shen Zhao nodded.

"This Disciple understands."

Elder Xuan raised his hand, and that scene dissipated.

"There is one more matter."

Shen Zhao looked up.

"Your parents' Origin is sealed within the door."

"The Spirit of the Gate said that only you can save them."

"However, the price to save them is for you to become the new Spirit of the Gate."

Shen Zhao's hands were trembling.

To become the Spirit of the Gate meant being trapped within the door forever.

Waiting for the next loser to take over.

"This Disciple does not want to become the Spirit of the Gate."

Elder Xuan looked at him, his eyes full of compassion.

"Then you can only watch them remain trapped forever."

Shen Zhao fell silent.

He thought of his parents' sacrifice and their suffering.

They gave their lives for the sea of stars and for him.

How could he watch them stay trapped forever?

"Senior, how much time does this Disciple have?"

Elder Xuan remained silent for a moment, then slowly spoke.

"Ten years. At most ten years."

"Ten years later, the Spirit of the Gate will completely refine them."

"By then, their Origin will merge into the door and become a part of it."

"They will never be saved back."

Shen Zhao clenched his fists tightly.

Ten years.

Only ten years.

He must make a choice within ten years.

Become the Spirit of the Gate and save his parents.

Or refuse, and watch his parents vanish forever.

"Senior, this Disciple knows."

He stood up and made a deep bow toward Elder Xuan.

"Thank you, Senior."

Elder Xuan waved his hand, signaling that he didn't need to be overly courteous.

"Go, and do what you ought to do."

"Remember, you are not alone."

Shen Zhao nodded and turned to walk out of the stone house.

The sunlight was dazzling, and he narrowed his eyes.

In the distance, the Old Farmer was still busy in the spiritual field.

Seeing Shen Zhao come out, he put down his wooden bucket and waved at him.

"Young man, come over and drink a bowl of water."

Shen Zhao walked over, took the coarse porcelain bowl, and drank it all in one gulp.

The water was cool and very sweet.

"Old man, this Disciple has a question he wants to ask you."

The Old Farmer smiled: "Ask away."

"You have lived for over eight hundred years; have you ever regretted it?"

The Old Farmer was slightly startled, then shook his head.

"No regrets. To live is the greatest blessing."

"To be able to see the sunrise and sunset, to see the crops grow, to see the children grow up."

"That is enough."

Shen Zhao's eye sockets turned red.

"Old man, if one day the sea of stars were to be destroyed, would you be willing to leave?"

The Old Farmer remained silent for a long time.

"I would. As long as I can live, going anywhere is fine."

"But this old man is old and can no longer walk far."

"You young people should go. As for us old fellows, staying behind is enough."

Shen Zhao's tears burst from his eyes.

"Old man, this Disciple will not abandon anyone."

The Old Farmer patted his shoulder and smiled.

"Good child, go ahead."

Shen Zhao turned around and walked towards the direction of the flying boat.

The flying boat rose into the sky, flying towards the direction of Yongning City.

Shen Zhao stood before the porthole, gazing at the increasingly distant Meteor Minor Realm.

The Old Farmer was still busy in the spiritual field, his hunchbacked figure drawn very long under the setting sun.

He was merely an ordinary commoner, without cultivation and without power.

Yet he was willing to offer a bowl of water to the guardian.

He was willing to stay behind and let the young people leave.

This was the power of the sea of stars.

When he returned to Yongning City, the sky had already turned dark.

Shen Yuan was still busy in the Council Hall. Seeing him enter, he put down the scrolls in his hand.

"Zhao'er, what did Elder Xuan say?"

Shen Zhao sat down and told his uncle every single word that Elder Xuan had said.

Shen Tianxing and Lin Ruoxue, his parents.

They discovered the secret behind the door and attempted to enter the New Universe to scout the path.

They were betrayed by someone and died at the hands of the Abyss Clan.

Their Origin was sealed by the Spirit of the Gate, waiting for Shen Zhao to rescue them.

After listening, Shen Yuan remained silent for a long time.

His eye sockets turned red, and his hands trembled slightly.

"Tianxing... Ruoxue..."

Shen Zhao looked at his uncle, a wave of bitterness welling up in his heart.

"Uncle, did you know all along?"

Shen Yuan nodded, his voice hoarse.

"I knew. Back then, it was I who carried you back from the battlefield."

"Before your father died, he shoved a Jade Slip into my hand."

"Inside the Jade Slip, all the secrets they discovered were recorded."

"Along with a single sentence: 'Brother Yuan, take good care of Zhao'er.' "

Shen Zhao's tears burst from his eyes.

"Uncle, why didn't you tell this Disciple all this time?"

Shen Yuan looked at him, his eyes filled with compassion.

"Because if I told you, you would only suffer more."

"You would want to rescue them, but you cannot rescue them right now."

"You still need time to grow, and you still need time to become stronger."

Shen Zhao wiped away his tears, his voice hoarse.

"Uncle, this Disciple only has ten years."

"Ten years later, the Spirit of the Gate will refine their Origin."

"This Disciple must make a choice within ten years."

Shen Yuan fell silent.

"Become the Spirit of the Gate, or watch them vanish."

He stood up, walked to the window, and gazed at the moon outside the window.

"Zhao'er, uncle will not make the choice for you."

"But uncle will tell you one sentence."

Shen Zhao looked up.

"What sentence?"

Shen Yuan turned around to look at him, speaking word by word:

"No matter what you choose, uncle will support you."

Shen Zhao's tears gushed out once more.

"Uncle..."

Shen Yuan waved his hand, indicating that he need not say more.

"Go, go and sit before the Monument of Heroes."

"The ancestors and the others will give you an answer."

Shen Zhao nodded, stood up, and walked out of the Council Hall.

The night breeze blew past, its chill sinking into the bones.

He stood before the Monument of Heroes, gazing at the seven-colored radiance at the Peak of the monument.

"Seniors, this Disciple has learned about his parents."

"They went to the abyss for the sake of the sea of stars."

"They were betrayed by someone and died at the hands of the Abyss Clan."

"Their Origin was sealed by the Spirit of the Gate, waiting for this Disciple to rescue them."

"This Disciple only has ten years."

"Ten years later, this Disciple must make a choice."

"To become the Spirit of the Gate, or watch them vanish."

"Seniors, what should this Disciple do?"