Silver radiance completely engulfed Gu Qing Shan.
He stood motionless within the light, making no response.
"What's going on?"
Lola asked nervously.
"What's wrong with that ring of yours?" Ye Feili whipped around and stared at Xuan Ya.
Xuan Ya shook her head and spoke a few words.
After listening, Ye Feili relayed them to everyone. "She says Gu Qing Shan is learning some secrets from the Past Era. He's fine."
Zhang Yinghao stared coldly at Xuan Ya. "Hmph. Why should I believe you? That ring of yours must—"
Oldest waved a hand, cutting him off. "Don't worry."
Zhang Yinghao looked toward him.
Oldest looked somewhat weary, and strangely sorrowful.
"It's fine. He really is learning some things. If he wants to do anything in a world like Soul Calming Village, this process is necessary."
Oldest added, "It's a recognition of his identity."
"So... we can only wait?"
"Guess so. It's not like anything else is happening right now."
With that, Oldest returned to the sofa and stretched out.
The others exchanged glances, then turned their attention back to Gu Qing Shan.
Gu Qing Shan remained still.
Though he was so close to everyone, framed by the radiance, he also seemed impossibly far away.
—The instant the ring activated.
Gu Qing Shan felt himself entering a realm of darkness.
An endless darkness.
Suddenly, a solemn voice rang in his ears:
"The day the stars fell, Ten Thousand Gods Country met its end."
The darkness faded.
Gu Qing Shan suddenly saw stars falling straight down from the sky.
The earth groaned.
For no clear reason, fear welled up in Gu Qing Shan's heart.
It wasn't the falling stars that frightened him, but some indescribable horror lurking within the earth.
Though Gu Qing Shan could not yet see, the feeling appeared directly