Chapter 401: Opening the Opportunity to Activate the Channel

Xu Yang, the respected leader, gave an order, summoning his contracted partner to reappear. The Taotie ferociously devoured the primordial inner core energy that originally belonged to the Black Flood Dragon King, high above the Endless Sea.

Its originally rabbit-sized body rapidly expanded, eventually returning to its true form, over ten meters tall. Although the Taotie didn't absorb all of the Black Flood Dragon King's millions of years of essence, the nearly 500,000 years of beast essence allowed it to fully recover to its peak state in a single day, reaching a level comparable to a divine beast!

"Hahaha! Boss, my memories are back! It's so awesome to get a free meal like this!"

The Taotie had rediscovered its true nature; indeed, it was always a glutton. This hearty feast made it the biggest winner on the journey through the Fantasy World.

"Don't gloat just because you got a good deal. You didn't get this meal for free. When we leave this Fantasy World, you'll need to stay here and guard it for a period. Specific arrangements will be discussed later, depending on the situation." Xu Yang naturally had his own calculations. With the Endless Sea having lost its ruler, the Black Flood Dragon King, it was hard to guarantee that the various sea tribes wouldn't fall into chaos. To prevent further disturbances, Xu Yang chose to let the Taotie inherit the Black Flood Dragon King's legacy. This way, he could ensure the stable operation of the entire continent to the greatest extent possible.

Having resumed their true forms, Wushuang and the Empress stood one on each side of Xu Yang. They soon rendezvoused with Long Kun and the main forces from Qianqiu Ridge.

"Congratulations, Teacher! You are now the god of all beings on this continent! With the Black Flood Dragon King's demise, no one in this entire world can match your strength. Of course, these two goddesses, the hidden leaders of the two great kingdoms, are also your followers."

Xu Yang smiled and shook his head, "We will be leaving in the near future. Ultimately, this Fantasy World will need you, its native inhabitants, to maintain order."

The Third Prince and Prince Ying exchanged glances. In fact, after this trial, they were already prepared to bear this heavy responsibility. Xu Yang had paved the way for them; they only needed to continue maintaining the stable order of the Three-Essence Law, and the Fantasy World should no longer experience any major disturbances.

Prince Ying knelt before everyone to thank Xu Yang, then bid farewell to the assembled group. He was the first to lead his clan's warriors in a triumphant return. Though his queen was gone, the legend of Ying would continue.

Xu Yang was very considerate. He instructed the team members who had regained their memories to return to their homes in the Fantasy World to bid farewell to their families. He, along with the Empress and Wushuang, headed straight for the Summit of Extremity to meet with Jì Yè.

"If you hadn't intervened in time this time, we probably wouldn't have completed this feat and achieved final victory so smoothly." Xu Yang always spoke directly with Jì Yè. Their minds were clear to each other, and they held mutual respect, so there was no need for circumlocution.

"I wasn't doing it for you. Otherwise, do you think I'd help suppress my own father for an outsider?"

"Haha, that's 'righteousness over kinship' – an achievement that will resonate throughout the ages for the entire continent! I've already spoken with the Third Prince; your name, Jì Yè, will be widely sung across the continent. This will greatly aid your comprehension of the Heavenly Dao here at the Summit of Extremity. After all, even I have only grasped a corner of the benefits of faith."

Jì Yè's face showed no joy or sorrow, as he calmly gazed towards the horizon.

"Regarding opening the Three-Essence Law spatial passage, have you made any new discoveries?" Xu Yang voiced the question he most desired an answer to, a request he had entrusted to Jì Yè earlier.

"If I'm not mistaken, the key to activating this passage lies with someone in your team."

As soon as he said this, Xu Yang and the Empress instinctively looked at Wushuang, as she was the first person they thought of who wasn't from the real world.

"Not Princess Wushuang. She is the possessor of the Human Essence limit, a part of the Three-Essence system. The key, however, is a gateway connecting this system to the real world, and it won't be any of the three of you."

Wushuang was startled, "Could it be your little maid, Xiao Hua?"

That name had almost been forgotten by Xu Yang's team. Everyone had been so busy dealing with the Endless Sea forces that they seemed to have forgotten there was such an inconspicuous girl in the team. "Xiao Hua is just an ordinary person; how could she be the bearer of such a significant destiny?"

Jì Yè chuckled, "Which of those around you is ordinary? Or rather, having the same starting point as you ensures that she can no longer be ordinary. Apart from the Eldest Princess, there are no other beings solely belonging to the Fantasy World by your side. Therefore, Xiao Hua is the most likely candidate to possess this connection."

Xu Yang's mood instantly became complicated.

He absolutely did not want Xiao Hua to be the one to make a sacrifice to open the world passage. Even if it meant sacrificing himself, Xu Yang would never wish it upon her. "If what you say is true, is there no other way? I... I don't want her to be harmed in any way!"

Jì Yè gave a wry smile, "Don't be naive. If there truly is supreme power capable of connecting the Three-Essence Law slumbering within her, then she must have another identity: the vessel for the Creator's will."

This time, even Xu Yang, the formidable leader, couldn't remain calm. "You mean, the will of Dao Lord Xiaoyao is within Xiao Hua?"

Jì Yè sighed, "While I don't fully understand why the Creator would do this, or why he would play such a role in the Fantasy World, willingly acting as your maid, this is all I can deduce. The true answer, you'll have to find yourself."

The Empress suddenly laughed. "Nothing is impossible. Ah Yang, have you considered Dao Lord Xiaoyao's true appearance? We've never seen his real face, nor do we even know if he's male or female. As for why he would play a role like Xiao Hua, how could we possibly guess the answer? We'll only know the truth by returning to reality and finding him ourselves to uncover everything."

Xu Yang nodded solemnly. "Regardless, our journey here is coming to an end. Now that the Tuoba family has fallen, the Sword Alliance will certainly not let it go. The entire Three Thousand Dao States will be plunged into turmoil, and our time is running out."

Gazing deeply at Jì Yè, Xu Yang slowly spoke, "Will this be our last meeting?"

"I hope so. Because if we meet again, it means your path back home has encountered new challenges. I have a premonition that we will eventually meet again, but by then, you will have a broader perspective. In truth, no matter which world it is, as long as the law system is stable, it won't easily collapse due to one person's power. Or rather, as long as there's still a place for the Fantasy World in your heart, everything here will not come to an end."

Xu Yang nodded solemnly. "I understand what you mean. My presence is deeply etched into this place. I will not allow the Fantasy World to perish!"