Chapter 1327: Call Me If You Have Something, Senior Brother

No one knew how that agonizing period had just passed.

Some things that had shattered in their hearts could never be restored.

Moreover, they couldn't even bear to face them directly!

Yet, everyone tacitly chose to forget that particular memory.

Until a strange figure appeared in everyone's line of sight.

"Friends, all matters have ended, so why do you still look so anxious?"

It was a handsome scholar with a jade-like face, emerging from the ruins. Every gesture he made exuded a leisurely air, as if he were strolling through his own garden.

"Anxious Brother?"

Xu Xiaoshou had returned from Yuanfu and, upon hearing that familiar voice, turned around abruptly, feeling a surge of joy in his heart.

This was exactly the right moment for an outsider to step in and break the awkwardness, and this person clearly had the presence and power to help everyone forget what had just happened.

As for the tension he had felt when facing Kong Yuhen alone before, after multiple encounters and realizing this was a friendly individual, Xu Xiaoshou no longer felt it.

"Who is it?" Xiao Kongdong asked warily, surprised that he hadn't noticed anyone nearby earlier.

"Anxious Brother—who is that?" Zhu Yike looked over in confusion, only to see the scholar appear and disappear like someone not of this world.

If he hadn't spoken, Zhu Yike might have overlooked him entirely!

"What kind of ability is this?"

The man seemed to be there, yet not; he seemed to have arrived, yet not.

Though his feet were planted in this world, his form was like a projection from ancient times; while conversing in the present, he made one feel as if communicating with the past.

The mastery of space and time converged in this single figure.

Now, if someone said Anxious Brother was a projection of the spatiotemporal laws, Zhu Yike might believe it on the spot.

"I am Kong Yuhen, fortunate to meet you all by fate." The scholar cupped his fists in a respectful bow.

Kong Yuhen?

Mei Jiren was the first to look at him in surprise.

He knew of Kong Yuhen, but the face in his memory didn't match the one before him at all.

Upon closer reflection...

His memories had become blurred!

The only trace related to Kong Yuhen that he could recall was the fake appearance Xu Xiaoshou had imitated...

And it didn't even look alike!

"You're... that Kong Yuhen?!"

Zhu Yike knew he had no right to speak here, but he couldn't help blurt out in shock.

Moon-drunk wine with Kong Yuhen, half loving the mortal world and half the vast cold?

The one from the Ten Venerables, rumored to have appeared only once, with no records in the world?

Having seen figures like Dao Qiong Cang and Ba Zun'an at the Void Island finale, Zhu Yike thought he'd witnessed enough.

Yet he never expected to encounter the even more mysterious Kong Yuhen!

Wasn't he only in that place, like some tower?

Seen only by those fated?

And I'm fated too?

"If you're referring to me, then it should be me." Kong Yuhen looked at Zhu Yike with kind eyes, answering the question seriously without any sense of superiority or inferiority.

With that, his gaze shifted to Xiao Kongdong.

"Friend, you seem very anxious."

Hearing that familiar voice again, Xu Xiaoshou felt that even he, who wasn't anxious anymore, was starting to feel uneasy.

But this time, Kong Yuhen wasn't speaking to him—it was to Xiao Kongdong.

In other words, in Anxious Brother's eyes, among them all, Xiao Kongdong's anxiety was the most severe?

Xiao Kongdong's expression remained unchanged, but his eyes held a hint of wariness. Since the newcomer seemed benevolent, he responded politely:

"I've seen you, senior."

Kong Yuhen didn't dwell on whether to be called "senior" or not, simply smiling as he said:

"Your heart isn't here; you should speak plainly and return soon."

Watching this person, Xu Xiaoshou thought he must have come out in a hurry.

He ought to set up a stall, put up a sign saying "Divine Fortune-Telling," or at least bring that tower of his along. Then, sitting inside, his words would seem much more fitting.

But upon hearing this, Xiao Kongdong's pupils contracted slightly, and he glanced uneasily at Ba Zun'an, as if his inner thoughts had been exposed.

Xu Xiaoshou frowned at the sight, quickly realizing the truth.

It had to be said that with Kong Yuhen's remark, he suddenly remembered that after the battle, while many were in high spirits, Xiao Kongdong had been the most listless.

Even in conversations, he only chimed in half-heartedly, clearly distracted.

Now, thinking back, it made sense:

The Void Island conflict had ended, and Shengshen Hall had been completely defeated, retreating to the mainland.

But they wouldn't stop there—they were likely already plotting their next move.

Since the next stage wasn't on Void Island and the holy slaves had surfaced, it was essentially a role reversal...

The enemy was in the shadows, while we were in the light!

This time, the holy slaves had to counter Dao Qiong Cang's moves!

And Xiao Kongdong had already exposed his identity as the senior disciple of Can Yue Xian Cheng in the previous battle.

Though Yue Wuyue from the Eight Palaces had suspicions before, without solid evidence, he couldn't touch a major force like Can Yue Xian Cheng.

Now, Dao Qiong Cang had more than enough reason!

Can Yue Xian Cheng, the entire East Moon Realm, and even the sword cultivators nearby who worshiped Ba Zun'an would likely face a brutal postwar purge.

In short, the longer Xiao Kongdong stayed on Void Island, the greater the danger to his home base.

In such a situation, how could he not be anxious?

"I..."

Xiao Kongdong hesitated, his expression complex.

He hadn't seen his teacher in a long time and had so many words to say, so many questions to ask.

For decades, apart from missions and actions, when had he ever had time for such face-to-face "banter"?

Xiao Kongdong even felt his teacher's face had become unfamiliar.

This opportunity was rare for him—he could stay here for three or five days, chat freely with his teacher, open his mind, and perhaps even achieve enlightenment on the spot!

But now, he wasn't a child anymore; he was the head of the family.

His personal feelings paled in comparison to the lives of thousands of ancient sword cultivators back home.

Xiao Kongdong paused for only a moment before saying resolutely: "Teacher, I must leave first!"

Ba Zun'an nodded simply: "Go ahead."

"Teacher, take care."

Without more words, Xiao Kongdong gave a solemn bow and prepared to depart.

At this point, everyone realized the heavy burden on Xiao Kongdong's shoulders.

For now, Tianxia's First Tower was just an empty shell, so even if it was discovered, it wouldn't matter much.

As for the Night Cat run by the Water Ghost, it was something thrown together casually. Though it had taken root in East Heaven King City for decades and was a labor of love, the Water Ghost had operated it with great discretion—just a small intelligence organization that avoided major affairs and chaos, with influence limited to East Heaven King City.

To Shengshen Hall, the Night Cat was insignificant; a single branch could handle it.

But rooting it out would be troublesome, as intelligence networks run deep, and they'd have to weigh whether it was worth the resources and effort—especially since the Night Cat could still bring substantial benefits to Shengshen Hall's East Heaven King City branch.

Can Yue Xian Cheng was different!

Its system was far too vast!

Once news of the Void Island events spread and Ba Zun'an raised his banner, Can Yue Xian Cheng could directly switch sides and cause chaos in the world.

If labeled a dark force, it would drastically alter the Shengshen Continent's landscape.

Yet, it would also need to be redefined...

Most people here weren't fools.

Recalling Ba Zun'an's casual "Go ahead," they now felt a chill in their hearts.

With that in mind, looking at Xiao Kongdong's departing figure, they could even sense the grim determination of this Can Yue Xian Cheng senior disciple's path ahead.

"Ba Zun'an just left it at that? No other reaction? He's his teacher!"

Zhu Yike watched his comrade leave and then looked back at Ba Zun'an, unable to detect any extra emotion on his face.

For some reason, a spark of anger rose in his heart, but he quickly suppressed it and didn't dare speak out.

Why am I angry?

What right do I have?

As the saying goes, Ba Zun'an stands as high as the heavens...

And that wasn't just about strength—it was also his cold nature...

Zhu Yike glanced around and saw that most people's reactions mirrored his own.

Including Lei Xier and Mei Jiren, they all felt a bit differently toward Ba Zun'an now.

Only now did everyone see the shared ruthlessness in this legendary figure.

Those in exalted positions view all below as mere grass—indeed!

In this silent farewell, amid everyone's complex thoughts, only Xu Xiaoshou could call out loudly:

"Senior Brother!"

"Hmm?" Xiao Kongdong paused, smiling as he turned back, his departure slow, as if waiting for something.

Xu Xiaoshou gazed at him steadily, smiling in return.

He had an excellent impression of Xiao Big Mouth.

Whether as the scruffy uncle carrying a sack to rescue him from the Red Dog crisis...

Or as the genuine, uninhibited kid who bantered recklessly as the Water Ghost senior in the deep sea...

Or even as the proud swordsman perfectly embodying "one poem, one sword; one sword, one song" while playing Ba Zun'an...

Xiao Kongdong was incredibly charismatic!

If not for his position in Can Yue Xian Cheng, Xu Xiaoshou might have tried to poach him!

Now, looking at this elegant senior brother, Xu Xiaoshou didn't say much, just spoke softly:

"If you need help, call me. I'm not necessarily weaker than you now."

Xiao Kongdong chuckled and nodded:

"Good."

He didn't waste this turn, gazing deeply at everyone, as if memorizing their faces.

Finally, he quickly glanced past his teacher.

He didn't look at me...

"Everyone, take care."

With a long whistle, Xiao Kongdong transformed into a sword light and vanished into the spacetime.

Only then did Ba Zun'an lift his eyes, staring in the direction he had gone, his brows furrowing with a hint of irritation.

"This guy..."

Xu Xiaoshou was extremely perceptive and could see how everyone felt about Ba Zun'an.

But he knew Ba Zun'an's personality well—he probably wouldn't explain anything.

"You should say something. He was waiting for you; he really looks up to you." Xu Xiaoshou didn't hold back, speaking bluntly.

Only then did everyone feel the weight in their chests lift, their subtle glares turning toward Ba Zun'an.

Indeed, situations like this needed someone like Xu Xiaoshou!

Zhu Yike thought to himself with secret satisfaction—still, his lord was the best, saying whatever needed to be said.

Ba Zun'an said nothing, just turned away with his blood-soaked bandaged hand behind his back, glancing indifferently at Xu Xiaoshou.

"Not saying anything is fine!" Xu Xiaoshou chuckled awkwardly. "A thousand words are in the silence, after all. Your master-disciple bond doesn't need more words."

Zhu Yike: "..."

[Received contempt, passive value +3.]

[Received disdain, passive value +2.]

[Received a curse, passive value +1.]

After this brief interlude, Xu Xiaoshou turned his angry gaze to Kong Yuhen, demanding without courtesy:

"Was the Shi Zu Shadow Staff your doing?"

"You gave it to me, so how can you still control it? That's just cheating!"

Kong Yuhen waved his hands repeatedly: "Friend, you're mistaken. The Shi Zu Shadow Staff has its own spirit; it just enjoys watching the show."

"Uh."

Xu Xiaoshou was instantly speechless.

Even Ba Zun'an felt a twinge in his chest and could no longer stay silent.

"How did you end up here?" he asked.

"Ba Zun'an, didn't you say I could come take a look? I was just curious." Kong Yuhen tilted his head.

"So you just watched the whole thing without getting involved?"

"I did get involved, but if I became one of your pieces, I'd be opposing Dao Qiong Cang, and I don't want that."

Ba Zun'an stared at him silently, while Kong Yuhen smiled back.

The others nearby took a sharp breath—how direct, everyone was so direct!

So, Ba Zun'an had planned to use Kong Yuhen?

But Kong Yuhen was wide awake and wouldn't fall for it; he just "watched" the entire event?

"When did you start watching?" Xu Xiaoshou asked curiously.

Kong Yuhen stroked his fingertips, smiling ambiguously as he glanced over: "When you were impersonating me—it was quite entertaining."

"Uh." Xu Xiaoshou shrank back, suddenly acting like a turtle and asking no more.

Who knew you had such a sharp tongue?

Like a viper—harmless on the surface, but full of hidden venom?

"Now that you're here, won't you do something for Void Island?" Ba Zun'an looked toward the ruined giant nation. "Maybe you'll find the answers you're seeking."

Answers... Kong Yuhen's expression shifted as he asked: "Ba Zun'an, may I ask what exactly I should do?"

"I'm just suggesting it casually; it doesn't mean you'll get what you want if you do it."

"I don't even know what I want..."

"After watching everything, you still don't know?"

"I don't."

"Then it's definitely worth trying." Ba Zun'an gazed into the distance and nodded slightly.

For a moment, everyone's curiosity was piqued.

What was Kong Yuhen searching for?

And what was Ba Zun'an suggesting he try?

Only Xu Xiaoshou looked vigilant, watching Ba Zun'an stand with his hands behind his back, staring into the distance—it felt oddly familiar.

Wasn't this his style of deception?

Start with some vague nonsense, set a trap, lure people in, and then catch them...

Xu Xiaoshou wanted to warn Anxious Brother not to fall for this schemer's tricks—after all, the Shi Zu Shadow Staff was a gift from him.

But just then, Ba Zun'an turned back: "You obtained the Tianzu inheritance?"

Xu Xiaoshou was startled, about to deny it, but remembered Ba Zun'an was on their side. Still, was something as huge as the Tianzu inheritance something to discuss openly with a shady character like Old Eight?

As his thoughts raced, he heard Ba Zun'an say: "I obtained it too."

"Ah?" Xu Xiaoshou was stunned.

"Not just you and me—there's one more."

"Who?"

"He has the surname Bei."

Bei...

As in Yue Beihua or something?

Bei Huai Wulei Tian Yishang—the one from the Ten Venerables?

Xu Xiaoshou looked at Ba Zun'an without saying the real name, but received a confirming nod from him.

Everyone else stopped there, secretly shocked.

But Xu Xiaoshou's mind worked quickly, thinking of something even more chilling!

They were on Void Island now, the battle was over, and they spoke freely about Dao Qiong Cang and the like, even Kong Yuhen and Ba Zun'an.

So why was "Bei Huai" the only name Ba Zun'an avoided so carefully?

Xu Xiaoshou opened his mouth, swallowing hard: "Among the Ten Venerables, is there a Sheng Emperor?"

Ba Zun'an's lips curved slightly, his eyes full of satisfaction.

"There is."

Everyone's pupils contracted.

Even Kong Yuhen showed a look of surprise.

Then, after a brief pause, Ba Zun'an's smile grew: "And not just one."