227: Chapter 227 Father and Son

As the morning bell of Yongning City struck three times, Shen Zhao slowly stood up from before the Monument of Heroes.

His knees were already numb; having knelt the entire night, he had nearly lost all sensation in his legs.

But he paid it no mind, merely looking up at the seven-colored light atop the monument, his eyes filled with tranquility.

Seven days ago, he had returned from the World Behind the Door, bringing back the truth about the end of the Universe.

Over those seven days, he had barely closed his eyes, explaining, clarifying, and persuading representatives from various realms over and over again.

Now, everything that needed to be said had been said, and what needed to be done was about to begin.

He turned and walked toward the Council Hall.

The morning light bathed him, stretching his shadow long behind him.

Inside the Council Hall, representatives from all realms had arrived.

Shen Yuan sat beside the main seat, his face pale and eyes bloodshot.

Director Su Yun stood before the star map, holding a thick stack of dockets in her hands, her fingertips trembling slightly.

Three chief Elders sat in the front row, their expressions solemn.

Shen Zhao walked to the main seat. He did not sit down, but swept his gaze across the entire room.

"Everyone, I have summoned you all today to announce one matter."

His voice was not loud, yet it echoed clearly through the hall.

"In one hundred years, the Old Universe will come to an end. At that time, everyone must evacuate to the New Universe."

"This is not a choice; it is an order."

Silence fell over the grand hall.

Although they had already heard the news seven days ago, hearing the number 'one hundred years' with their own ears still caused everyone's heart to sink.

A young representative stood up, his voice hoarse: "Shen Zhao, one hundred years and ten billion people—how do we evacuate them all?"

Shen Zhao looked at him, his gaze calm: "Eight hundred teleportation Formations, operating day and night, evacuating in batches. Remote minor realms go first, while core realms follow later. One hundred years is enough."

Another representative stood up: "Is the New Universe safe? Are there living beings there? Can we survive?"

Shen Zhao nodded: "The consciousness of the New Universe has awakened, and it accepts us. It will create a continent for us, complete with mountains, waters, and Spiritual Qi. There, we can survive, and we can live even better."

An Elder representative stood up, his voice trembling: "Shen Zhao, if we leave, what about the Old Universe? What about the Monument of Heroes?"

Shen Zhao paused in silence for a moment before speaking slowly: "The Monument of Heroes will go with us. Those names will be carved onto the Monument of Heroes in the New Universe. The Seniors will not be lonely."

Silence fell over the hall once again.

Shen Yuan stood up, walked to Shen Zhao's side, and patted his shoulder.

"Zhao'er, give the order."

Shen Zhao nodded, turning to face the crowd.

"From this day forth, the Star Sea enters a state of full evacuation.

First, establish the 'Star Sea Migration Committee', with my uncle serving as Director to oversee the overall situation.

Second, all realms shall tally their population, resources, and materials, and report within three days.

Third, teleportation Formations will operate day and night, prioritizing the evacuation of remote minor realms.

Fourth, the entire Realm Guardian Army will assemble to be responsible for order and safety during the evacuation process.

Fifth, the Guardian Academy shall accelerate the training of talent, especially Disciples skilled in Formations and Talisman Dao."

He issued order after order, his voice growing ever firmer.

The representatives of all realms rose one after another, responding in unison.

No one questioned, and no one objected.

Because they knew this was the only way out.

After the meeting ended, Shen Zhao did not rest, but went straight to the Investigation Department.

Director Su Yun was busy before the star map; seeing him enter, she hurriedly stood up.

"Shen Zhao, you came at just the right time. Here is the population census for each realm; take a look first."

Shen Zhao took the stack of dockets and skimmed through them quickly.

Ten billion people—adding up all the realms in the Star Sea, it exceeded ten billion individuals.

This number weighed heavily on his heart.

"Director Su, how is the operation of the teleportation Formations going?"

Director Su Yun pointed to the glowing dots on the star map: "All eight hundred teleportation Formations are operating normally. However, the teleportation Formations in remote minor realms are far away and consume a lot of energy, requiring regular maintenance."

Shen Zhao nodded: "Arrange for Array Hall Disciples to take shifts; every teleportation Formation must be guarded. No mistakes can be allowed."

Director Su Yun nodded solemnly: "Understood."

Shen Zhao stayed at the Investigation Department for an entire hour, reviewing all monitoring data and inquiring about the operational status of every detection point.

Then he turned and left, walking toward the Guardian Academy.

On the Martial Arts Arena, young Disciples were practicing swordplay.

Sword lights flashed like rainbows, and battle cries shook the sky.

Everything appeared as usual, as if nothing had ever happened.

But Shen Zhao knew that everything was different now.

He stood at the edge of the arena, looking at those young faces.

Among them were humans, members of the Yao Race, and foreign races from newly joined realms.

Their eyes were filled with hopes for the future.

They did not know that in one hundred years, the Old Universe would come to an end.

They did not know that they would have to leave their homeland and head to a strange, unfamiliar world.

Shen Zhao did not tell them.

It was not that he did not want to, but that he could not bear to.

He turned and walked toward the Monument of Heroes.

As the sun set in the west, golden residual rays bathed the monument.

The seven-colored light atop the monument shone brilliantly in the sunset.

He knelt before the monument and kowtowed deeply.

"Seniors, in one hundred years, this Disciple does not know if I can send everyone away."

"But this Disciple will do his utmost."

"This is this Disciple's promise."

The light atop the monument flickered gently, as if responding to him.

Late at night, Shen Zhao returned to his residence.

On the table stood a pot of hot tea and a few small side dishes.

Shen Yuan sat by the table, waiting for his return.

"Uncle."

Shen Zhao walked over and sat down opposite him.

Shen Yuan poured two cups of tea, pushing one in front of Shen Zhao.

"Zhao'er, you've grown thin."

Shen Zhao picked up the teacup and took a gentle sip.

The tea was very bitter, so bitter that he furrowed his brows.

"Uncle, this Disciple has a matter I wish to consult you on."

"Speak."

"The consciousness of the New Universe told this Disciple that The Designers are already on their way. Karma shielding can only delay them; sooner or later, they will find this place."

Shen Yuan's hand paused slightly.

"How long?"

"I don't know. Maybe a hundred years, maybe shorter, maybe longer. But this Disciple must make all preparations before they arrive."

Shen Yuan remained silent for a long time.

"Zhao'er, do you know how your parents died back then?"

Shen Zhao's hand paused slightly.

"Elder Xuan said they were betrayed."

Shen Yuan nodded, sorrow and pity flashing in his eyes.

"The person who betrayed them was named Mo Chen. He was the chief Disciple of the 472nd generation of the Guardian Academy, and also the best friend of your father and me."

Shen Zhao's heart sank abruptly.

"Mo Chen? This Disciple has never heard of this name."

"Because his name was erased from the records of the Guardian Academy." Shen Yuan's voice was hoarse, "Back then, after your parents discovered the secret behind the door, the first person they told was Mo Chen. They thought he was a trustworthy friend. But Mo Chen turned around and betrayed them."

"Why?"

"Because Mo Chen is also a Chosen One. Not a Chosen One of the Sixth Cycle, but of the Fifth Cycle."

Shen Zhao shuddered violently.

A Chosen One of the Fifth Cycle? Wasn't that the era of Ancestor Bai Yunzhou?

"Mo Chen was from the same era as the Ancestor?"

Shen Yuan nodded: "Mo Chen was one hundred years younger than Bai Yunzhou. Back then, after the Ancestor sacrificed himself to Seal the Ash-Eater Clan, Mo Chen was chosen as the Chosen One of the Fifth Cycle. But he failed. He did not die, but went into hiding and has lived until now."

Shen Zhao's hand trembled slightly.

A Chosen One of the Fifth Cycle who had lived for tens of thousands of years.

Just how powerful must his cultivation be?

"Uncle, where is Mo Chen now?"

Shen Yuan shook his head: "I don't know. After your parents met with disaster back then, he disappeared. But Elder Xuan said he has been observing in the shadows, waiting for his opportunity."

Shen Zhao clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white.

"This Disciple will find him."

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

"Zhao'er, Mo Chen is very strong—far stronger than you imagine. Do not go alone."

Shen Zhao nodded: "Rest assured, Uncle, this Disciple will not act impulsively."

Shen Yuan stood up and walked to the window, gazing at the moon outside.

"Zhao'er, your uncle is old and cannot help you much. But I will guard this place, guarding Yongning City for you so that you have no worries behind you."

Shen Zhao's eyes turned red.

"Uncle..."

Shen Yuan waved his hand, signaling him that no more words were needed.

"Go on, go sit before the Monument of Heroes. The Ancestors will give you an answer."

Shen Zhao nodded, standing up and stepping out of his residence.

The night wind blew past, chilling to the bone.

He stood before the Monument of Heroes, looking at the seven-colored light atop it.

"Seniors, this Disciple has learned about Mo Chen. He is the Chosen One of the Fifth Cycle and has lived for tens of thousands of years. He is very strong, and this Disciple does not know if I can defeat him. But this Disciple must find him and ask clearly why he betrayed my parents back then."

The light atop the monument flickered gently, as if responding to him.

Shen Zhao knelt before the monument and kowtowed deeply.

Then he stood up and walked toward the Investigation Department.

He had to make all preparations before Mo Chen appeared.

In the days that followed, Shen Zhao devoted nearly all his energy to evacuation preparations.

Every day, he inspected the teleportation Formations across all realms, checking every Formation base and calibrating every talismanic rune.

Every day, he held meetings with representatives from various realms, coordinating resource allocation and handling various emergencies.

Every day, he went to the Investigation Department to check monitoring data, watching every subtle change in the World Behind the Door.

Every day, he went to sit before the Monument of Heroes, talking to those names.

Time passed day by day.

One month, two months, three months.

The first realm determined for evacuation—the Meteor Minor Realm.

This was the most remote realm in the Star Sea, with sparse Spiritual Veins and a small population.

But the common people here were the very first to welcome the Guardian Academy.

Shen Zhao decided to see them off personally.

Early that morning, Shen Zhao stood before the teleportation Formation of the Meteor Minor Realm.

The Old Farmer led the villagers, queuing up and stepping into the teleportation Formation.

On their faces were fear, reluctance, and also anticipation.

The Old Farmer walked up to Shen Zhao and stopped.

"Young man, we will wait for you in the New Universe."

Shen Zhao's eyes turned red.

"Old Elder, this Disciple will come."

The Old Farmer smiled, revealing a mouth missing several teeth.

He turned and walked into the teleportation Formation.

A flash of light burst forth, and the first batch of one hundred thousand people successfully arrived in the World Behind the Door.

Shen Zhao stood before the teleportation Formation, remaining motionless for a long time.

Director Su Yun walked to his side and spoke softly.

"Shen Zhao, you did it."

Shen Zhao shook his head, his voice hoarse.

"It is only the beginning. There are still ninety-nine years, and still ten billion people."

He turned and walked toward the next teleportation Formation.

There was no time for emotion; there were still many things to do.

Late that night, Shen Zhao was inspecting a Formation base at the construction site.

The communication talisman suddenly lit up, and Director Su Yun's voice came through, carrying a tremor.

"Shen Zhao, there's an anomaly in the direction of the door. A new crack has appeared on the Seal."

Shen Zhao set down the Formation Flag in his hand, his expression turning grave in an instant.

"This Disciple will go take a look."

He turned and walked toward the Star Port, with Director Su Yun calling out behind him.

"Be careful."

Shen Zhao did not turn back, merely waving his hand.

An hour later, the spacetime flying boat rose from the Star Port, speeding toward the edge of the Star Sea.

Seven-colored light swirled around the hull, moving at extreme speed.

In less than two hours, the flying boat arrived at the edge of the Star Sea.

Looking from afar, that door still stood tall in the Void Realm.

The runes on the door flowed slowly, with even more cracks than before.

Inside the cracks, that grayish-white hand was stretching outward, clawing frantically at the Void Realm.

Its fingers scraped across the Seal, making a harsh, grating noise.

Shen Zhao stepped out of the cabin door, floating in the Void Realm.

Seven-colored light swirled within his body, steady and peaceful.

He walked to the front of the door and raised his hand to touch it gently.

The voice of the Spirit of the Gate sounded in his mind.

"Latecomer, it is growing more and more frenzied. The Seal cannot hold for much longer."

Shen Zhao's hand paused slightly.

"How much longer can it hold?"

"Fifty years. Fifty years at most."

Shen Zhao was silent for a long time.

Fifty years was even shorter than a hundred.

He had to make all preparations within fifty years.

"Senior, this Disciple understands."

He drew back his hand, turned around, and returned to the flying boat.

The flying boat took off, flying toward Yongning City.

Shen Zhao stood in front of the porthole, watching the door grow distant behind him.

That hand was still clawing in the Void Realm, frantic and desperate.

He took a deep breath and turned toward the control console.

"spacetime flying boat, return at full speed."

The crystal core lit up, and the flying boat accelerated.

Three days later, Shen Zhao returned to Yongning City.

First thing, he went to the Monument of Heroes and knelt beneath it.

"Seniors, fifty years. The Seal can only hold for fifty more years. This Disciple must send everyone away within fifty years."

The light atop the monument flickered gently, as if responding to him.

Shen Zhao stood up and walked toward the Council Hall.

There were still many things to do; there was no time for emotion.