The resplendent Great Sun world gradually drew in.
All things in heaven and earth shrank. Yet throughout the process, there was no earth-shattering upheaval; everything remained calm and steady. Not even a branch was broken as they continued to shrink, and shrink.
At last, everything returned to a singularity.
The world's dazzling radiance gradually faded, vaguely forming a bead-like chaotic object that settled within a smooth, flawless brow.
The chaotic object vanished from sight, revealing the figure of a Youth in Green Robes.
The Youth in Green Robes looked about sixteen years old. His long hair reached his waist, and his features were handsome yet youthful. A Black Sheathed Long Sword hung at his waist. His face bore the dazed innocence of someone who had slept for far too long. Only after a long while did clarity gradually return to his eyes, and divine light appeared within them.
"Eleven hundred years?"
"It's already been eleven hundred years...?"
Jiang Ding found it difficult to be certain. It felt like he had pulled an all-nighter at an internet cafe, then slept until the next morning. It had not seemed particularly long; one blink, one closing of the eyes, and it was over.
"Sword Son."
"It has indeed been eleven hundred years."
Yue's warm voice came from nearby as she interjected, "It seems Your Excellency slept remarkably well. You look brimming with energy, without any of the common ill effects of unstable slumber—splitting headaches, hidden injuries throughout the body, localized decay of the flesh, and so on. This is wonderful!"
"It must be the protection of the Past Patriarchs!"
"Not necessarily."
"Yue."
Jiang Ding's mind was somewhat muddled, but he still instinctively retorted, "Judging by Xi Yuan's character, the Past Patriarchs have always considered only the one who survived to be their descendant.