Chapter 1315: Time Flies

Shrouding the Heavens - Chapter 1317: Time Flies

Time flew by.

Back then, they were forced into the Desolate Ancient Forbidden Land to gather medicine, each escaping for their own survival, and never saw each other again.

They had both come from the other side of the starry sky, their journey beginning with the Nine Dragons pulling the coffin. Entering the vast universe, they each went their separate ways, not seeing each other for decades, almost a century — a lifespan for mortals. Only today did they finally meet again.

Both were filled with endless emotion. Back then, they were in the prime of their youth, full of vigor and ambition, never imagining they would enter the starry sky and embark on such a life.

“I remember your company’s performance was steadily rising, a time when you were poised to make great strides. Yet, an elite like you just became a missing person,” Ye Fan teased.

Wang Ziwen smiled bitterly, then felt a wave of melancholy. On the other side of the starry sky, their peers must have already turned to dust. Who could have imagined that they would enter the cosmic expanse and come into contact with the civilization of gods and demons?

Such encounters might make many back home envious, but now that they had reached this point, how many could truly understand their feelings?

Longevity is elusive, and the path to immortality is ruthless. When the years pass, what truly matters is a certain state of mind. How could they forget the past? Too many cherished memories were left behind.

Old friends, past events, scene after scene — now, they found that their deepest memories were all from the other side of the starry sky, not the magnificent sights of this side.

Wang Ziwen was an active student in college. After graduation, he struggled and built a thriving career, becoming experienced and sophisticated in dealing with people. Yet, at this moment, his voice trembled, and he was extremely emotional.

Drifting alone in a foreign land, he fought solitary battles on this ancient star. Without a single old friend or acquaintance, he had experienced a period of great hardship.

The stars twinkled and the silver moon hung obliquely. They went to the backyard, set up tables and chairs, and drank under the moon, recounting their experiences over the years.

In the hazy moonlight, this garden featured rockeries and a white stone arch bridge spanning a babbling stream, where koi fish wagged their tails. Many beautiful trees were planted, and some flowers and plants emitted a fresh fragrance, carried on the wind.

The vast complex of buildings belonged to Wang Ziwen; he had personally built this great city. Back then, he had shed blood and gone through many life-and-death battles, and now, he had finally established a firm foothold in this ancient land of life.

“For me, Big Dipper was just a relay station,” Wang Ziwen sighed. “It is so vast, the destination of ancient Great Emperors in their later years, but I never even got to see it.”

Wang Ziwen sighed with some emotion. He had never left Yan Country, confined only to a blessed land. Later, he was forced by several great sacred lands to gather medicine in the Desolate Ancient Forbidden Land, leaving then and never returning.

“The Immortal Palace is ethereal,” Wang Ziwen continued. “I suspect it’s either an immortal land or something left by an ancient Great Emperor. Only by becoming a Saint now can one truly comprehend its extraordinary nature.”

Ye Fan listened carefully but could not offer an opinion on this. He regretted never having been inside, having no connection with that place.

“Speaking of which, I, Zhou Yi, Lin Jia, and Zhang Ziling had no convoluted or magnificent experiences in the Immortal Palace,” Wang Ziwen explained. “After entering, we didn’t encounter any danger. I obtained a purple-gold gourd containing some broken pill fragments. Reaching this point today is all thanks to it.”

Wang Ziwen held nothing back. He was less cunning than in the past, and more genuine. After so many years, even past grievances had long been erased by time.

He walked for a long time in the Immortal Palace until he found an altar on which rested a purple-gold gourd that had not gathered dust over the long years. He took it into his hand, noticing some ancient characters on the altar, noting it as a “failed product of the Nine-Revolutions Immortal Pill.”

Inside the gourd were some broken pill fragments. The moment he pulled out the stopper, he immediately felt as if he was ascending, all the pores on his body expanding.

At that time, Wang Ziwen was still a small cultivator, but he knew this must be a great elixir, likely of immeasurable value. He then diligently searched, hoping to find more divine objects in the Immortal Palace.

“I didn’t pay attention and stepped onto a complex pattern. It was an altar, and just like that, I inexplicably arrived on this star,” Wang Ziwen said, shaking his head.

As for the others, he speculated that if they hadn’t appeared, they likely had similar experiences, perhaps inexplicably stepping onto a path leading beyond the heavens.

“When I first entered the Immortal Palace, Zhou Yi and I walked together,” Wang Ziwen recalled. “Later, we each entered different grand palaces. I remember the moment I was traversing, I saw a massive Bagua symbol flashing in his grand palace; it was incredibly magnificent.”

Ye Fan was surprised to hear this and mumbled to himself, “Zhou Yi, I Ching, Bagua… it truly matches the name.”

Back then, there were no thrilling battles or convoluted experiences. They were merely teleported into the star domain by stepping onto a strange formation platform.

Everyone’s fortunes differed. A single step led to the shifting of stars and constellations; time passed, and separated by the vast universe, they led different lives.

“I never thought you’d be close to becoming a Saint King,” Wang Ziwen exclaimed. “I thought my progress was already heaven-defying with the Nine-Revolutions Immortal Pill fragments.”

Ye Fan had nothing to hide in front of an old friend; he merely restrained his majestic aura. Otherwise, the aura accumulated from years of bloody battles would be quite intimidating.

“Of our old friends, besides you, Zhang Ziling, Lin Jia, and Zhou Yi,” Ye Fan said, “I know the whereabouts and fates of all the others.” He recounted many past events, mentioning Pang Bo, Zhang Wenchang, Li Xiaoman, and others.

Wang Ziwen sighed with emotion; after so many years, many people had actually died and could never be seen again.

“Lin Jia was pursued by Liu Yunzhi, Li Changqing, and Wang Yan, and she ultimately escaped a calamity,” Ye Fan said. “But she never appeared again. I suspect she is no longer in Big Dipper, otherwise, she would have met me.”

“Perhaps, one day, you will see Zhang Ziling, Zhou Yi, and Lin Jia. I truly wonder how they are doing now,” Wang Ziwen asked.

He felt it was incredible that Ye Fan could step into the heavenly domain and enter the depths of the universe. The starry sky was simply too vast; their reunion here could be considered a miracle.

“You went back to Earth?” Wang Ziwen exclaimed, standing up in shock as he heard Ye Fan recount his experiences, his chest heaving violently.

Ye Fan nodded and said, “Yes, it was like a dream, filled only with regret and sorrow.”

“Did you see my family? How are they doing?” Wang Ziwen asked excitedly, looking at him urgently.

“I visited them. Your parents were well then, and I left some things,” Ye Fan replied. “But human power ultimately cannot defy heaven; I imagine they have long since passed their later years.”

Wang Ziwen’s eyes blurred, and tears streamed down. A hundred years had passed like a dream; what was left when he looked back?

He choked back a sob, turning his back, and gazed at the starry sky, silently weeping for a long time. His daughter came forward and wiped away his tears. He only calmed down after a long time.

“Do you want to go back?” Ye Fan asked.

“I want to, but there are things here I cannot give up,” Wang Ziwen replied. “I have already lost too much; I cannot lose again.” He looked at his son and daughter, his eyes filled with tenderness. “They were born here and are not suited for life on Earth. I am an unfilial person… I will go back, but I will also return.”

After a long time, they talked about other things, and only then did Wang Ziwen’s emotions calm down.

Ye Fan learned that this land of life was very prosperous, even having three Great Saints guarding it. It was not very vast, and its area was limited.

Furthermore, this was not a trial ground on the ancient starry sky road; in the past, no unusual individuals had arrived here. It was only temporarily borrowed because the ancient star at the Human Race’s 30th Pass had collapsed.

“Uncle, I salute you,” Wang Xi said. She was youthful and beautiful, with all the lively characteristics of a young girl, flitting about like a lark.

In comparison, Wang Chen was much more steady and mature.

As peers, Wang Ziwen having such grown children made Ye Fan sigh with emotion. He then teased him, and naturally, as an uncle, he couldn’t omit giving gifts.

He gave Wang Chen a sword whose light pierced the sky. Now that Ye Fan could tear sacred artifacts with his bare hands, what he collected were naturally extraordinary items. This was the Sacred Sword of Yaoguang, seized during a fierce battle with Yaoguang’s Dao Body on the eve of killing the Heavenly Emperor’s son, possessing an immortal divinity.

As for the gift for Wang Xi, it was naturally also a rare sacred artifact, so as not to show favoritism.

The brother and sister were surprised and delighted, thanking him repeatedly. They couldn’t put down the two sacred artifacts, carefully unsheathing them to admire these immortal sacred artifacts.

Wang Ziwen was moved and repeatedly said they were too precious.

Ye Fan shook his head, explaining that he had shattered even rarer ancient weapons along the way. He then changed the subject and asked, “What trouble have you encountered?”

“Everything is because of it,” Wang Ziwen said, taking out a purple-gold gourd, about a foot tall. Its purple-gold luster shimmered, looking very splendid.

Over the years, his ability to reach this point was largely thanks to the broken pill fragments in the gourd; it was a divine medicine!

In Ye Fan’s opinion, the Nine-Revolutions Immortal Pill was rare in the world, but the great elixir in this gourd dared to be named as such. Although noted as a failed product, it was absolutely astonishing.

Wang Ziwen deeply loved his two children. When they were very young, he used the broken pill fragments to build their foundation. Now, both had astonishing strength, far surpassing ordinary peers, and would certainly become Saints in the future.

It was precisely because of this that it aroused the covetousness of outsiders. Some super forces made extensive inquiries, finally learning of the purple-gold gourd’s existence and intending to target them.

“The broken pill fragments ran out several years ago,” Wang Ziwen said. “Only this gourd is left; it’s also a supreme treasure, capable of swallowing thousands of miles of rivers and mountains, and suppressing Saints.”

“If Grandfather hadn’t encountered problems during his seclusion, how would they dare to bully us? They are a bunch of despicable people!” Wang Xi exclaimed, pouting angrily, her big eyes wide, and her rosy cheeks puffed out.

Wang Ziwen’s brows furrowed; he had hidden worries. Seeing Ye Fan looking at him, he showed a trace of awkwardness.

“My father-in-law is very powerful, just one step away from becoming a Great Saint,” Wang Ziwen explained. “But he was too eager for success and had problems with his cultivation. Now he cannot casually use force, and some great enemies are taking advantage of this time to launch attacks.”

He solemnly explained that he had reached this point through his own efforts, and it was definitely not because he had a powerful father-in-law, which made Ye Fan burst into laughter.

Just then, a beautiful woman, elegant and noble yet with a hint of worry, walked into the garden. Wang Ziwen introduced her as his wife, a pearl of this ancient land of life.

In the past, Wang Ziwen’s performance was astonishing; he continuously broke through barriers and could be called limitless in potential. Thus, he caught the eye of Saint King Lin Han, who agreed to his marriage with his daughter.

Lin Han was an existence at the pinnacle of Saint Kings, having already taken more than half a step towards becoming a Great Saint, just a hair’s breadth away. He was one of the future supreme beings on this ancient star.

“Father had problems with his cultivation,” Lin Ling said, her eyes misty. “Now not only has he not improved, but there are signs of worsening.”

Various troubles came knocking: not only did people covet their divine pill fragments, but formidable enemies also intended to take this opportunity to eradicate their clan completely.

Facing internal and external troubles, Wang Ziwen’s Saint-level combat power simply couldn’t contend with this storm. Even if he was very powerful and astonishing, he was no match, as there would be veteran Saint Kings among the invaders.

“If it comes to that, we will leave here with Ye Fan and embark on the starry sky,” Wang Ziwen said, looking at his children and wife.

If they had a choice, who would want to leave their homeland?

But being forced to this point, if they didn’t leave, they might be massacred, all killed, and their clan completely wiped out.

“Although the Dragon King of the South Sea is willing to assist, he is worried that several invincible Saint Kings might appear,” Wang Chen said.

Ye Fan comforted them, telling them not to worry too much.

In the latter half of the night, everything was silent as Ye Fan and Wang Ziwen talked for most of the night, gazing at the starry sky from the backyard and recounting their various experiences.

Meeting an old acquaintance in a foreign land brought a deep sense of familiarity.

Wang Xi yawned repeatedly but refused to leave, listening to them recount all sorts of bizarre and fantastic tales. Even Wang Chen was occasionally lost in thought, filled with longing.

“Boom!”

Suddenly, a tsunami-like sound came from the horizon. A group of barbarian riders charged, trampling the firmament and shattering the high heavens. Their iron armor gleamed with a cold luster, their mounts exuded monstrous ferocity, large banners fluttered, and their weapons were intimidating as they swooped down.

“Where is Wang Ziwen?” a middle-aged man at the front shouted loudly.

“They’re here. I can’t believe the He family couldn’t hold back and are the first to come and massacre us,” Lin Ling said, standing up and shielding her son and daughter behind her, her emotions agitated and her worry immense.

“Let’s go up and see,” Wang Ziwen said, shooting into the sky. Lin Ling, her son and daughter, and many masters from the manor also rose into the night sky.

“Uncle Wang, disturbing you late at night is somewhat presumptuous, please forgive me,” a handsome young man said, stepping forward and bowing with cupped hands. “I heard Uncle Wang’s family was in trouble, so I specially came to help.”

“The He family is shameless; they have always harbored ill intentions, being the first to act against us, and now they are pretending like this,” Wang Xi, innocent and naive, was the least able to hold her temper, and immediately pulled a long face.

“Sister Xi, what you say is wrong. We came with good intentions to help; how can you speak so ill of us?” the handsome young man, He Qingyang, said indifferently. Then, suddenly with a solemn expression, he bowed to Wang Ziwen again and said, “My He family is willing to form an alliance with Uncle Wang.”

“How so?” Wang Ziwen asked. Having been through many storms and waves, he naturally remained calm in the face of trouble. Even with a calamity threatening to wipe out his clan, he remained composed.

“Our visit late tonight is to propose marriage to the Wang family,” He Qingyang said. “I wish to marry Sister Xi, and from now on, our two clans will be inseparable, advancing and retreating together.”

Wang Xi’s eyebrows shot up in anger, and she clenched her small fists, extremely furious.

Wang Ziwen’s face fell. He knew full well that the other party wanted to eliminate them, but he hadn’t expected them to be so shameless. This was an attempt to legally swallow everything belonging to the Wang and Lin clans, leaving not even bones behind.

“Is Uncle Wang unwilling?” A hint of coldness appeared on He Qingyang’s handsome face.

Wang Ziwen was naturally fearless of him, but the He family was a behemoth. It was rumored that this time they had also invited several ancient demons and beasts from the Great Desolate Mountains, which were exceptionally powerful.

“If you don’t agree, today we will flatten the Wang family and the Lin clan!” a middle-aged man said coldly.

“Boom!”

Just then, a rumbling sound came from afar again. Several ancient beasts and foreign tribesmen charged, streaking across the sky. It was precisely the twelve Saints, including the Dragon Horse and the Nine-tailed Crocodile Dragon, who had not followed Ye Fan into the manor.

“Who are you people?” He Qingyang demanded, startled. The opposing side seemed to have several Saint-level experts.

Ye Fan stood in the distance, instructed the Dragon Horse, and said coldly, “Flatten all of them for me!”