Chapter 413: Mutual Well Wishes

That night, a strange restlessness spread across different regions. Inexplicable creatures emerged, both around cities and in remote, uninhabited areas, letting out chilling growls.

The stars were scattered across the sky, and the full moon, initially brilliant, took on a dark red hue deep into the night, as if steeped in color, and a subtle, bloody mist formed around it. Unrest intensified across all regions, creatures were agitated, and the atmosphere felt very oppressive.

In the expansive mountain ranges surrounding the cities, immense figures could be seen moving within the folded space, occasionally howling upwards, causing the night sky to tremble. Additionally, predatory birds spread their wings, their shadows enveloping the mountain peaks, exuding a fearsome, malevolent energy.

The gravest situation was, naturally, in the renowned mountains and major rivers. Deep within these ranges, within the enigmatic folded spaces, pairs of eyes began to glow in the night. Some appeared normal, while others were as large as lanterns, and some, upon opening, were like lightning bolts striking through the impenetrable darkness. Beyond these famous mountains lay numerous star paths, linking to other galaxies. Now, certain entities were attempting to breach these passages and cross over! In fact, many were already on the move!

Observers detected frequent bursts of light in magnificent mountain ranges across various regions, intensely flaring up like divine flames. This light repeatedly pierced through dark forests, mysterious swamps, and other locations, illuminating them in an instant.

That night, both humans and non-human entities were unsettled; many were fated to be sleepless. This was because a small fraction of people knew that the world would be irrevocably changed by the time the sun rose again. Numerous institutions, organizations, and individuals were covertly and carefully monitoring the situation in various regions, feeling a deep sense of unease. Naturally, many remained oblivious, and in comparison, they were fortunate, unburdened by worries and untouched by the oppressive atmosphere. Some were even discussing unrelated topics, engaging in pleasant, cheerful discussions.

At present, the events at Mount Lao remained a profound mystery to everyone, and there was a strong desire to uncover the truth. Despite some information being leaked, the situation remained enigmatic; an entire evolution empire had been annihilated in an instant. It was rumored that dozens of beings of extremely high evolutionary levels, each immensely powerful, were involved. At present, no such terrifying creatures exist on Earth. However, the thought alone of so many extraterrestrial experts turning to dust within a single day was terrifying.

Ordinary people talked about these events with excitement, unable to sleep a wink all night. "What exactly happened? Did Chu Feng make a move, or was it someone else?" "Some say a banished immortal descended and obliterated the empire. Others claim Chu Feng used unconventional, asymmetrical field-based tactics to trap and kill a group of extraterrestrial beings."

The incident at Mount Lao was like a deep-sea bomb, unleashing colossal waves that scattered the clouds across the horizon, its impact immense. Let alone others, even Chu Feng's acquaintances—Qianliyan (Clairvoyant), Shunfeng’er (Clairaudient), and Ye Qingrou—were utterly astonished. The annihilation of the imperial forces in the Battle of Mount Lao sent shockwaves across the world. If Chu Feng's communicator hadn't already been turned off, it would have surely been overwhelmed with calls.

Institutions and organizations were also deeply concerned about the Mount Lao incident. As they monitored famous mountains and observed folded spaces across various regions, they naturally and acutely recognized that this might be linked to the dramatic events at Mount Lao. Major factions, possessing more comprehensive knowledge, naturally drew more accurate conclusions. The collapse of the Great Qi Dynasty caused agitation among both the beings and creatures on the star paths linked to the famous mountains. Consequently, they all desired to step onto the true Earth as soon as possible, fearing ambushes or being trapped within the folded spaces. This was a conclusion reached by one institution.

Undeniably, certain factions, individuals, or non-human entities on Earth had connections with the beings in those famous mountains; otherwise, the newcomers on the star paths would not have received the news so promptly, causing their unrest. Indeed, these organizations and institutions had guessed correctly, as the reports they received had instilled apprehension among certain extraterrestrial evolutionaries. For instance, deep within the folded space of Yandang Mountain, one of the Three Mountains and Five Sacred Peaks, hushed voices could be heard.

"An empire destroyed by just a few individuals? I sense the lingering presence of a conspiracy. Are there ancient descendants on this planet, of extraordinary bloodline, who are secretly making their move? If so, our progress might be temporarily impeded." "Even so, we cannot all immediately force our way through the deadly passage. Should those with overly powerful physiques and spirits attempt to cross now, they would be targeted by the planet's will, which is extremely dangerous. We should allow our disciples to go first." Similar opinions and discussions were prevalent in other regions as well.

In the early morning, many people's first act upon waking was to check for follow-up reports on Mount Lao. Some revealed hidden details, stating that the complete annihilation of the imperial forces in the Battle of Mount Lao was due to Chu Feng's collaboration with others. Others claimed that Lin Nuoyi from Heavenly God Bio had acquired a mysterious inheritance and allied with Chu Feng to eliminate that formidable force. Still others asserted that ancient Earth lineages had emerged from locations like the Himalayas and overseas immortal islands, and were led by Chu Feng to Mount Lao to collectively eliminate the Great Qi powerhouses. In any case, Chu Feng's presence was undeniably central to the events, which naturally astonished and shocked people everywhere. From the public's perspective, this was considered a partial unveiling of the truth.

"This young 'uncle' isn't just stirring up trouble; he's ascending to godhood!" Xiong Kun, Hu Sheng, and other non-human entities were utterly astounded. Even with prior psychological preparation, their hearts couldn't quite cope. In their opinion, Chu Feng seemed to emerge to startle people periodically, and the scale of his actions was continuously growing!

This morning, a large number of people were discussing the Mount Lao incident. However, when major websites and numerous news media platforms subsequently released a bombshell announcement, people were utterly dumbfounded, their focus abruptly shifted, and they were all left in shock. "Each Famous Mountain a Gateway, Aliens Pouring Down!" Such reports were nothing short of earth-shattering, astonishing regions worldwide and triggering immense global shockwaves. In fact, major institutions and organizations had exercised ample caution and diligence, monitoring through the night, meticulously investigating and verifying before concluding that extraterrestrial beings were crossing over en masse! Many ordinary people had noticed some animal agitation the previous night but had no idea that the world had already undergone such a profound change!

The internet erupted, and in reality, streets were teeming with people, figures everywhere. After just one night, was Earth truly embarking on an unknown trajectory? According to preliminary observations by several institutions, many beings breached the barriers last night, including humanoids, beasts, birds of prey, and even incomprehensible life forms, arriving on Earth in massive waves. Many of these life forms were incinerated into dazzling fiery glows, vanishing forever. However, there were still successful arrivals—beings who endured the deadly trials and descended. Outside, the world was in turmoil, sparking widespread global discussion and immense apprehension.

Far out at sea, away from Mount Lao, a completely different scene was unfolding. The morning glow was vibrant, casting shimmering golden fragments across the sea surface, making it exceptionally brilliant. Chu Feng and Lin Nuoyi were leisurely boating. Chu Feng was fishing and reeled in a giant sea turtle weighing twenty thousand catties. Initially, the turtle was enraged, attempting to overturn the emerald green bamboo raft, but it immediately deflated upon seeing Chu Feng. "Lord Demon King, please don't eat me! I'm one of us. I'm from the East Sea Dragon Palace, serving Lady Dragon Girl. The last time you visited the seabed, I was there to greet you."

Chu Feng was speechless. It truly was a small world; he had fished up a talking spiritual creature, and one he even recognized. After releasing the twenty-thousand-catty sea turtle, he lost interest in fishing and turned to Lin Nuoyi, feeling she was somewhat ethereal and distant. This was a peculiar sensation; though they were clearly together, within arm's reach, he always felt as if she might depart at any moment.

"Are you leaving?" he finally couldn't help but ask.

Lin Nuoyi was nearby, serene in the morning glow, bathed in golden radiance, imbued with an ethereal quality reminiscent of a temple deity, untouched by worldly cares. "Yes, I am going on a long journey," she replied, not concealing anything.

"How long will you be gone?"

"A very, very long time," Lin Nuoyi replied. "Perhaps a hundred years, a thousand, or even ten thousand. Or maybe I won't return at all." Her face was oval-shaped, fair and luminous, her features picturesque, and her figure slender. Her white attire and long hair fluttered in the sea breeze, and against the rising sun, her entire being seemed to radiate light. Chu Feng looked at her, silent for a moment.

The sea became slightly breezy, and under the rising sun, the morning light shimmered on the water. In the distance, a giant whale leaped from the surface, as if unwilling to be confined to the ocean depths, desiring to transform into a great roc and depart. *Splash!* As the whale descended, white waves surged skyward, and the churning tides shattered the tranquility.

"You're leaving for so long?" Chu Feng asked.

"Yes, I'm departing. I acquired an energy tower; this lineage took root beyond the stars and faded on Earth. Upon obtaining it, many responsibilities were passed on to me." Lin Nuoyi spoke softly, hiding nothing. She was leaving, and it was highly probable she would not return. She had no idea what lay ahead. The sights she had witnessed within the energy tower were even inconceivable; that ancient land might well transcend the cosmic expanse governed by the top hundred stars, a place of bizarre and indescribable wonders. And these were but fragments; she had only glimpsed a tiny portion.

Chu Feng understood. No wonder she always gazed at the edge of the starry sky at night. He couldn't help but let out a soft sigh. He yearned to suggest joining her on her journey, to explore together, but he ultimately held back. His parents were here, along with other commitments. If he impulsively left, what would become of those connected to him?

Lin Nuoyi's expression softened as she looked at him and said, "Take care of yourself."

It should have been him saying that to her. Hearing her words, Chu Feng blurted out impulsively, "I'll go with you."

"No!" Lin Nuoyi shook her head.

"Someday, I will venture into the starry sky and find you," Chu Feng declared.

Lin Nuoyi shook her head, then smiled and said, "Farewells don't need to be so solemn. Simplicity reveals true meaning. Years from now, when we look back, we will both find a period filled with sincerity, touching moments, and a touch of reluctance. That will be enough; it will be a truly precious memory worth cherishing." She was remarkably unburdened, able to let go more easily than most. Perhaps it was her rationality, having foreseen the future, or perhaps it was her exceptionally strong self-control.

"I really am just a mortal," Chu Feng said.

Lin Nuoyi smoothed her shimmering, wind-blown long hair, then gently helped Chu Feng adjust his sea-ruffled collar. Serene, she said, "Let us bid each other farewell."

Chu Feng nodded.

Lin Nuoyi smiled serenely, letting go of everything.