The moon did not hide the stars. Tree shadows swayed, rippling like demons.
The figure in the green robe stood ramrod straight, a long saber hanging at his side. His shadow kept pace with the bright moon, neither veering left nor right, as he walked farther and farther away, until he vanished from sight.
Twenty years on the martial world's road, life and death in a single day.
The familiar statues of Divine Beasts and Immortal Birds, the familiar white marble floor tiles, the familiar mist filling the air, the familiar Central Light Pillar, the familiar Reincarnation Plaza—all appeared before Meng Qi once more.
Yet today, his State of Mind was no longer the same. He felt neither fear nor excitement. He simply watched in silence.
The Great Dao Tree had already been withdrawn. There was no need for any of the other exchanges.
A hazy pillar of light rose, and Zhao Heng stepped out in a bright yellow imperial robe. Two thick black mustaches now adorned his upper lip. His eyes and bearing had grown much more mature and reserved, and his imposing dignity was fully apparent. He already carried the air of an Emperor, changed greatly from ten years ago.
When Zhao Heng saw Meng Qi, he showed neither surprise nor confusion. A faint smile appeared instead. Striding forward like a dragon or tiger, he came before Meng Qi, raised his right hand, clenched it into a fist, and slowly punched toward him.
Meng Qi's gaze remained tinged with a deathly stillness, deep beneath the surface, but his expression softened. With a slight smile, he clenched his right hand into a fist and punched out, meeting Zhao Heng's fist in midair.
Smack!
"We can fight side by side again!" Zhao Heng withdrew his hand and said with