135: (Remake): The Road We've Traveled]

Chapter Thirteen (Remastered Edition): The Path We've Walked

This chapter is a special one, presented in a 'play-within-a-play' format, showing the entire process of the protagonist, Old Days Ruler - Gu Jianghan, and all group members collectively watching the top-secret historical footage, 'The Path We've Walked'.

Old Days Ruler - Gu Jianghan: "@Last Human Emperor - Gu Yanci, what exactly happened in those 'seventy years' you mentioned?"

Facing the group leader's question, on the chat group interface...

The avatar of Gu Yanci, now with white hair, flickered, and he sent a message.

Last Human Emperor - Gu Yanci: "Words can hardly describe a fraction of it. Group leader, and everyone, if you're interested, why not watch a video with me?"

As his voice fell, he started a group live stream.

A soft light screen unfolded before all the group members' eyes.

It wasn't a live broadcast, but a pre-recorded, 'God-level Top Secret' video.

On the pitch-black screen, a powerful, vigorous title slowly emerged, as if written in blood.

"The Path We've Walked" — Last Human Emperor - Gu Yanci's Oral History and Complete Record of Top-Secret Footage

Future Heavenly Emperor - Huang: "A documentary? Interesting."

Old Days Witness - Lin Moyan: "Oral history... It seems that few of those who personally experienced this history remain."

Su Qingyuan: "To be personally recorded by the 'Human Emperor', it must be an earth-shattering epic! We mortals should view it with the utmost reverence!"

The screen lit up.

There was no grand opening, no stirring background music.

The first shot was not of some grand war scene.

Instead, it was a simple, cramped rental room.

The screen shook violently as a young man stumbled out of bed.

His eyes were bloodshot, and his face bore the marks of an age and hatred that didn't belong to him.

He punched, fiercely shattering the mirror in front of him.

Blood dripped to the ground from his broken knuckles.

Then, he roared at his fragmented reflection in the mirror, like a demon from hell.

"I, Gu Yanci, have returned from hell!!!"

A subtle ripple, almost imperceptible, spread through the "Sea of Concepts" of Old Days Ruler - Gu Jianghan.

He "watched" the Gu Yanci in the footage, who was so different from the one in his memory, and for the first time, felt an emotion called "strangeness."

The documentary's narration was Gu Yanci's hoarse yet steady voice, as if recounting a history unrelated to himself.

...The first thing I did after my rebirth was not revenge, nor was it to seize power. It was to make a phone call."

The scene shifted.

In an ancient courtyard house, an old man with white hair but a vigorous spirit picked up the red encrypted phone.

...Yes, Chief, it's me. Code: 'East Wind blows, trees bloom like a thousand flowers at night'...

"I don't have time to explain, please believe me, the apocalypse will descend in three days."

Little Weakling of Lingxuan Continent - Lin Moyan saw this scene.

A hint of surprise flashed in her eyes.

He didn't choose to forcefully control everything with absolute power.

Instead, he chose the rules and order he was most familiar with... The scene shifted.

Inside the solemn and dignified Supreme Council Chamber.

The young Gu Yanci faced a group of white-haired veterans and generals, their shoulders adorned with stars.

...I'll say it again!"

His voice was not loud, but it clearly overpowered all the doubts.

"Three months from now, the Eastern Capital Shogunate will discharge nuclear wastewater, causing a large-scale mutation of marine life."

"Six months from now, a super volcano will erupt on the west coast of the Beautiful Country."

"One year from now, the first portal will appear in Yunlai City's suburban park. Coordinates: East longitude 113.4 degrees, North latitude 23.1 degrees, with an error of no more than ten meters!"

"Absurd!"

An old general slammed the table.

"Comrade Gu Yanci, we respect you as a special talent, but your statements are no longer strategic predictions, but mythical stories!"

Gu Yanci did not argue with him, but calmly looked at the Head of State in the main seat, and said word by word:

"Head of State, I stake my life."

"If I say one wrong word, I am willing to accept any military tribunal."

"But if I am right... I need absolute and unconstrained power."

The timely narration sounded.

...I exchanged my memories from my previous life for the highest level of trust."

"The Myth Emergency Department was established overnight, and I was granted the highest authority imaginable. But this was still far from enough."

The scene switched again.

The sky was torn apart.

Purple vortexes unfolded simultaneously above hundreds of cities around the globe.

The Statue of Liberty in New York was snapped in half by a giant tentacle.

Big Ben in London was reduced to rubble under the dive of gargoyles.

Countless monsters descended from the sky, and the world instantly became a living hell.

Future Heavenly Emperor - Huang's fists clenched unconsciously.

On those monsters, he saw a savagery and bloodlust similar to the "fierce beasts" from his homeland.

When the camera turned to the East...

Here, there were no chaotic screams, only piercing air-raid sirens.

Countless Demon Suppression Army, who had rehearsed thousands of times, surged towards the battlefield like a steel torrent.

In the sky, drone swarms that blotted out the sun tangled with flying monsters.

This was a frontal collision between industrial civilization and mythical invasion!

...The first day of the war, we called it 'Ragnarok'.

"Because on that day, too many 'heroes' fell like gods."

The narrator's voice deepened.

In the footage...

A six-legged beetle, as massive as a mountain, broke through the ground defenses and was about to rush into an underground shelter full of civilians.

All heavy firepower failed to penetrate its thick carapace.

Just then, a 'J-20' fighter jet, with a broken wing and billowing smoke, turned its nose.

The pilot's young and calm voice came through the communication channel.

...Headquarters, this is 'Chang Kong 07'. Ammunition is exhausted, fuel is about to run out. Cannot return.

...My wife just got pregnant, tell her the child's name will be 'Weiguo' (Defend the Nation).

...Comrades, farewell.

—For Humanity!!!"

The fighter jet, like a resolute meteor, trailing a long tail of flame, crashed into the giant beetle without hesitation!

Boom—!!!!

The deafening explosion transformed into a dazzling "firework" that illuminated the entire night.

The beetle's indestructible carapace was instantly pierced, and its massive body crashed down.

Su Qingyuan stared blankly at this scene, muttering to himself:

"Mortal bodies, comparable to gods... Is this also a 'Dao'?"

The narration continued.

...We barely held off the first wave of attacks, relying on 'information asymmetry' and 'sacrifices at all costs'.

"But everyone knew this was just the beginning. The enemies we faced came from several worlds."

The footage rapidly flowed.

New Era Year 2. The Blue Star Federation was established, designated 'New Era', also called 'Heavenly Court'.

Gu Yanci became the first and only 'Sword-Wielder'.

New Era Year 8.

At the graduation ceremony of the Federal First Military Academy.

Jiang Ruoxue spoke as an outstanding graduate representative.

There was no longer any timidity in her eyes, only a burning resolve like fire.

She gazed distantly at Gu Yanci on the stage.

...I will follow in your footsteps, and dedicate my life to protecting this land we deeply love. Humanity, immortal!"

At that moment, she was no longer the pitiful little girl rummaging for food in a trash can.

Instead, she was a young warrior about to rush to the battlefield.

In her arms, the black cat "Xiao Hei" yawned lazily, and a hint of Humanity, inconsistent with its appearance, flashed in its golden pupils.

The documentary entered the "meat grinder" phase.

A protracted war of attrition lasting decades.

Countless cities were reduced to ruins in repeated struggles.

Countless lives turned to dust in the incessant flames of war.

The camera shifted to her first time on the battlefield.

Jiang Ruoxue had grown from a scrawny little girl into a heroic and spirited warrior.

She calmly pulled the trigger, accurately headshotting an orc.

But after the battle, she hid in a corner, throwing up violently.

Yet, when she raised her head again, her eyes were even sharper than before.

Another shot.

She had already become a young commander.

In a siege that was destined to fail...

She used herself as bait, leading a suicide squad deep behind enemy lines.

She detonated a monster's lair, exchanging a tragic price for the victory of the entire front line.

When she was dug out of the ruins by her comrades...

In her arms, she still tightly clutched the remains of the black cat, which had grown into a giant war beast but died protecting her.

She cried heartbreakingly amidst the smoke and dust.

That was her last family member in this world.

From that day on, no one ever saw her cry again.

She buried all her tenderness and weakness, along with the cat's body, beneath that scorched earth.

Old Days Witness - Lin Moyan: "...Washing away the mundane with war, forging resilience with death. If this girl were born in my world, she would surely become a master of the sword."

Time fast-forwarded.

One scene moved all viewers.

It was during a battle called "Blood Stream."

Jiang Ruoxue had been promoted to a division commander, renowned for her fearless courage.

Her unit was surrounded in a valley by an orc legion three times its size.

Ammunition and supplies were exhausted.

Through the communicator came desperate shouts, one after another.

"Commander! We're surrounded! Break out!"

"The western defense line is about to collapse! If we don't leave now, it'll be too late!"

Jiang Ruoxue's face was covered in blood and gunpowder.

Her dark gold 'Demon Suppression' armor was already covered in gruesome claw marks.

She looked at the tactical map.

At the blue dots, one after another, representing friendly forces, that had already extinguished, a flicker of painful struggle crossed her eyes.

But very quickly, that pain was replaced by an iron-like resolve.

She issued an almost cruel order through the communicator.

...All units, listen to my command.

...Third Battalion, abandon the western defense line, move towards my position, act as reserves.

...First Battalion, Second Battalion, construct a circular defense line in place, prepare to hold to the death.

...Commander!!" An incredulous roar came through the communicator.

...This is an order!"

Jiang Ruoxue's voice was completely calm.

“Our mission is to hold back the main force of the orcs here, to buy time for the ‘Sky Sword’ mothership’s orbital cannon to charge and calibrate.

Our sacrifice is valuable.”

She paused, and a barely perceptible tremor entered her voice.

“...Tell the brothers, today, we fight for Humanity.

We won’t be alone on the road to the Yellow Springs.”

A tragic song echoed through the valley.

It was the oldest military anthem of Great Xia Country.

“Who says we have no clothes? We share our robes...”

Facing the surging tide of orcs, the warriors sang their battle song, exhausting the last of their elixirs.

Outside the valley, a pillar of light, piercing the heavens and earth, descended from orbit with a roar.

The entire orc legion, along with that valley, was instantly and completely wiped off the map.

Within Old Days Ruler - Gu Jianghan’s “Sea of Concepts,” the layer of ice named “Divinity” developed its first subtle crack.

He “watched” the scene.

Jiang Ruoxue, silently weeping in the command center.

A strange emotion named “sadness” quietly emerged.

The documentary continued.

In New Era 22, this was the most brutal decisive battle between humans and alien race.

The alien race gathered ten kings and launched an unprecedented general offensive.

The goal was to destroy the “Jade Void Palace” spirit stone mine located in the Kunlun Mountains—that was the energy core of the entire human civilization, its importance self-evident.

The First Army Group, led by Qin Wushang, was surrounded by enemies several times their number in the Tianshan Grand Canyon.

This was the last barrier to Kunlun.

“Commander! We are surrounded! There are too many enemies!” a blood-soaked messenger roared.

At this time, Jiang Ruoxue was no longer the crying recruit.

She wore general’s armor, her eyes as calm as a glacier, and a hideous, unhealed scar on her arm.

She was now Qin Wushang’s adjutant and the youngest general star of the Heavenly Court.

“Commander, order a breakthrough!”

She looked at the dense red dots on the light screen and said in a deep voice.

“If we don’t leave now, it will be too late! The main force and the civilians in the rear still need us to protect them!”

Qin Wushang looked at her, a relieved smile appearing on his weathered face.

“Ruoxue, you’ve grown up.”

He patted her shoulder, then, with an unquestionable tone, issued his final order.

“I order you to lead the ‘Wuqu’ division and tear open a gap from the west side.”

“At all costs, cover the retreat of the main force and scientific researchers.

This is an order!”

“What about you, Commander?!” Jiang Ruoxue’s eyes reddened.

“Me?” Qin Wushang burst into laughter, his laughter bold and desolate, “I’ll stay and give those bastards a big gift.”

He turned and looked at the alien army, surging like a black tide outside the canyon, and slowly drew his battle saber.

“Tell Last Human Emperor - Gu Yanci, Wushang... has fulfilled his duty!”

He cut off communications.

Then, amidst Jiang Ruoxue’s heartbroken cries of “No,” his entire body began to emit brilliant golden light.

That was... the light of a Golden Core self-detonating.

“Humanity—Immortal!!!”

He let out his last roar in this life.

The next moment, a blood-red light sphere, a hundred times brighter than the sun, rose with a roar from the Tianshan Grand Canyon!

The terrifying energy instantly evaporated the entire canyon, along with millions of alien troops within it, turning them into nothingness.

That day, the entire Eurasian continent saw the blood-red sun rising in broad daylight.

Last Human Emperor - Gu Yanci’s narration sounded, filled with uncontrollable sorrow.

“...General Qin Wushang was my best comrade-in-arms...”

“And the highest-ranking general to sacrifice since the New Era.”

“I personally awarded him the ‘Human Heroic Soul’ medal...”

“But how I wish that medal never had the chance to be awarded.”

In the picture, Last Human Emperor - Gu Yanci stood before Qin Wushang’s memorial tomb.

His usually straight back for the first time appeared somewhat hunched and lonely.

Future Heavenly Emperor - Huang: “...What a ‘Humanity Immortal’. This person named Qin Wushang is a true man.”

Shi Hao’s tone was filled with heartfelt admiration.

The war continued with sacrifices.

In New Era 30, Jiang Ruoxue, due to her outstanding military achievements, was promoted to Deputy Commander of the Heavenly Court’s First Army Group and awarded the “Wuqu” general star.

She stood before the star map in Lingxiao Palace, shoulder to shoulder with the white-haired Last Human Emperor - Gu Yanci.

The young man had become a steady middle-aged commander.

The girl had grown into a battle-hardened general star.

“...Teacher,” Jiang Ruoxue said softly, “Can we win?”

Last Human Emperor - Gu Yanci did not answer, merely pointing to the constantly lit blue areas on the star map, representing “reclaimed.”

Then, he slowly uttered eight words, stating a fact:

“A single spark can start a prairie fire.”

New Era 37.

The ten alien kings jointly ambushed Last Human Emperor - Gu Yanci.

Just as Last Human Emperor - Gu Yanci was about to be pierced by a black light spear containing the law of “termination,” an incomprehensible gray “barrier,” filled with chaos and madness, appeared out of thin air, blocking the fatal blow.

God Seat Interpreter - Su Qingyuan: Seeing this scene, he suddenly stood up!

He recognized that aura! It was the power of the group leader!

In the picture, although Last Human Emperor - Gu Yanci survived, he was severely wounded and fell into a coma for several months.

This news, however, ignited the wrath of the entire human civilization.

“—Avenge the Sword Bearer!”

“—Kill all aliens!”

All Humanity entered a berserk state.

The war entered its most frantic and brutal counterattack phase!

The pace of the documentary grew faster and faster.

Generations of “Heavenly Soldier” gene warriors were equipped.

One “Sky Sword” aerospace mothership after another sailed into deep space.

Humanity’s footsteps, for the first time, stepped out of Blue Star!

“If the enemy can go, so can I!”

Jiang Ruoxue led the first expeditionary force, counterattacking into the alien world codenamed “Bloodfang.”

On an unfamiliar planet, she planted the first blue-backed golden dragon flag belonging to Humanity.

All teleportation gates were closed.

The threats around Blue Star were largely cleared.

The Heavenly Court possessed three expeditionary fleets capable of traversing galaxies.

Human civilization officially entered the interstellar age.

The final shot of the documentary was fixed on the grand celebration of New Era 52, January 1st.

The white-haired, yet still upright, Last Human Emperor - Gu Yanci stood at the highest point of Lingxiao Palace, reviewing the civilization he had protected his entire life.

The sky was filled with interstellar fleets that blotted out the sun.

On the ground were “Heavenly Soldiers and Generals” with a mighty aura.

He pressed the button in his hand.

At the “Heavenly Court Divine Punishment Unit” base on the far side of the moon, a “God Slayer” giant cannon, capable of destroying planets, let out a thunderous roar, blasting a huge meteorite that had entered the solar system into cosmic dust.

In the global communication channels, only four words remained, like a mountain tsunami:

“—Humanity Immortal!!!”

The documentary ended here.

The screen returned to darkness.

But in the Multiverse Chat Group, there was a deathly silence.

Shi Hao was in tears.

Su Qingyuan was trembling.

Lin Moyan closed her eyes, trying to calm her agitated mind.

A long and oppressive silence.

Finally, Shi Hao was the first to break the silence.

Future Heavenly Emperor - Huang: “...I once thought that being born in the Chaotic Ancient Era and single-handedly dominating the ages was the heaviest fate in the world.

Today, I realize that in the Age of Dharma’s End, to hold up a sky for an entire civilization... its weight is no less than mine.”

There was no longer a trace of arrogance in his tone, only heartfelt admiration.

Old Day Witness - Lin Moyan: “With a mortal body, you rival gods.

Last Human Emperor - Gu Yanci, you... are worthy of the title ‘Human Emperor’.”

God Seat Interpreter - Su Qingyuan: “...My Lord... Your gaze, indeed, has never been mistaken... These ‘uncut jades,’ carved by blood and fire, have bloomed with a radiance that even gods would be moved by.”

And in that “Sea of Concepts” that no one could perceive, Old Days Ruler - Gu Jianghan quietly “floated.”

That “human” vessel, constructed from the origins of countless worlds.

Those “eyes” that indifferently watched everything, for the first time, showed slight fluctuations.

That seventy-year epic, those countless moments shining with the brilliance of Humanity.

Like billions of dazzling stars, they violently crashed into His eternally desolate “heart.”

Qin Wushang’s decisiveness when he self-detonated his Golden Core.

Jiang Ruoxue’s heroic posture when she crushed the enemy chieftain’s skull.

Last Human Emperor - Gu Yanci’s lonely figure, bearing a century of solitude, walking alone.

And those nameless heroes who didn’t even leave their names, yet always shouted “Humanity Immortal” and bravely went to their deaths...

“Is this Humanity?”

A “Humanity” thought, filled with confusion and emotion, quietly sprouted from that absolute domain belonging to “Divinity.”

The “Divinity” ice covering His “Humanity” was already covered with spiderweb-like cracks.

Yes, He “saw” it.

He saw everything He had missed in those seventy years.

He saw Last Human Emperor - Gu Yanci’s unwavering heavy protection from youth to old age.

He saw Jiang Ruoxue’s unyielding steadfast loyalty from girl to general.

He saw the pilot named “Weiguo,” the old general named “Qin Wushang,” and the countless nameless heroes who didn’t even leave their names...

They were so insignificant.

So insignificant that they couldn’t even withstand one of His breaths.

But they were also so great.

So great that the radiance of “Humanity” on them.

Even made Him, the high and mighty “God,” feel a tremor named “shock.”

So, this was “Humanity.”

So, this was what He had once wanted to protect.

That layer of “Divinity” ice.

At this moment, it let out a groan, unable to bear the weight any longer...