"The passage is about to open. Prepare accordingly."
The system's tone unusually took on a serious tinge.
Zhang Yu nodded, but then frowned slightly, remembering a crucial question:
"Wait, system."
I remember you saying that the flow of time outside is about ten thousand times that on Earth.
If I go back to Earth for a day, wouldn't almost thirty years pass here?
This time difference made his heart sink.
He has just established a large empire, but internally it is not yet fully integrated, and he is surrounded by powerful external enemies.
If he were only gone for a few days, but decades or even centuries had passed here, it's unimaginable what would have happened.
By the time he returns, the Li Family, the Soul Refining Sect, and even the Sacred Dragon Territory he just conquered will likely be completely different, or even swallowed up by powerful enemies.
Then the cost of this trip to Earth would be too high.
"That's a good consideration."
The system acknowledged Zhang Yu's concerns, but then explained,
"But don't worry."
The passageway for the Ten-Thousand-Year Gathering is extraordinary.
While the channel is successfully opened and maintained, the flow of time between Earth and the outside world, which serves as the anchor points at both ends of the channel, will be temporarily synchronized or greatly shortened.
"Synchronize?" Zhang Yu's eyes lit up slightly.
"Yes.
After the portal opens, the flow of time on Earth will be essentially synchronized with that of this world, with an error not exceeding one hour.
Further explanation of the system:
"Of course, this only applies during the period the channel is maintained."
Once the channel is closed, the difference in time flow rate will immediately return to normal.
However, as long as you return during this period, the situation of "a day in the mountains is like a thousand years in the world" will not occur.
"I see!"
Zhang Yu felt relieved and breathed a sigh of relief, saying:
"I'll make a few arrangements, and then we can set off."
He used his Spiritual Sense to summon Li Yuansheng, Zhao Tianyi, and Shadow Kill, who was in charge of intelligence.
This time he didn't mention Earth or the gathering, but simply commanded in an unquestionable tone:
"I need to immediately enter a deep retreat. This retreat is of utmost importance and must not be disturbed."
"It will take at least one or two months, or at most three months, before I emerge from seclusion."
"During the period of seclusion, all military and political affairs were still under the overall control of Yuan Sheng."
Lord Zhao and Shadow Kill Assassin, when it comes to major decisions, can be made through consultation.
If faced with a crisis that one cannot resolve, one may consult the three Progenitor.
The core principles remain unchanged: safeguard existing territories, consolidate internal resources, and enhance strength.
"Avoid provoking large-scale war unless absolutely necessary."
"The area within a ten-mile radius of my secluded retreat is designated as Forbidden Ground. No one may approach without my order."
The resource 'monitoring' process will be handled by Yuan Sheng, who will arrange for absolutely reliable individuals to deliver supplies to a designated location on the edge of the Forbidden Ground area each day. I will take care of the rest."
Li Yuansheng, Zhao Tianyi, Shadow Kill Sha were somewhat taken aback by Zhang Yu's sudden announcement of "deep seclusion."
Seeing his solemn expression, resolute tone, and well-organized arrangements, they knew this was no small matter and dared not ask further, responding in unison:
"I will obey the command of our Lord (Our Lord)."
"Go on, each of you do your own thing." Zhang Yu waved his hand.
The three bowed and withdrew, immediately going to carry out orders to block the news and strengthen security.
Zhang Yu then returned to the deepest part of the Ancestral Land, to the most heavily guarded secluded Secret Chamber.
"Alright,"
Zhang Yu said to the system in his mind:
"We can set off now."
"Um."
The system responded with a calm voice.
But Zhang Yu could sense that a vast and sophisticated energy was beginning to circulate and converge deep within his body, or rather, at the core of the "Rebellious Dao Seed".
Zhang Yu felt the surrounding space begin to distort slightly, the light became hazy, and the originally stable Spiritual Qi in the Secret Chamber began to ripple.
A tiny point of light, emitting a pale golden glow, appeared out of thin air in front of him, and then rapidly expanded into a stable light gate about two meters in diameter, with complex and Runes flowing along its edges.
Inside the portal, the scene was no longer that of Secret Chamber, but rather a deep, flowing passage of light that seemed to lead to an endless distance.
A familiar aura, completely different from the current world, yet stirring a strange tremor and a sense of warmth deep within Zhang Yu's soul, faintly emanated from the other end of the portal.
That's... the scent of home.
Just as Zhang Yu was about to step into the portal, the system spoke:
"Kid, hold on a minute, change your appearance first."
After returning to Earth, due to the seal, all your Cultivation and Divine Ability will be unusable, and you will be unable to operate at that time.
"Um?"
Zhang Yu stopped and touched his face, somewhat bewildered.
Have you forgotten?
The system's voice carried a hint of "You're really having too much fun."
"The body you are in now belongs to 'Zhang Yu' from that world, not your original body on Earth."
Your original body was destroyed when your soul traveled through time, but I preserved your personal belongings.
"What?"
"You destroyed my Physical Body?"
A feeling of indescribable disappointment and anger welled up in Zhang Yu's heart.
"You don't need to complain; this is the standard operating procedure for Rebellious Dao Seed."
The system impatiently interrupted his emotions:
"Hurry up, use the Eighty-Nine Mysteries to adjust yourself and return to your appearance from when you were on Earth."
Otherwise, if you go back looking like this, even your mother won't recognize you.
The system was blunt, but its reasoning was sound.
Zhang Yu calmed down instantly.
Yes, his parents definitely wouldn't recognize him now.
He took a deep breath, suppressing his longing for his original body and that inexplicable sense of alienation.
What's done is done; dwelling on it is pointless.
The next moment, the Eighty-Nine Mysteries quietly began to circulate within his body.
With subtle cracking of bones and twitching of muscles, his body and face began to change visibly.
In an instant, it reverted to its original appearance.
At the same time, the system retrieved his personal belongings, including his phone and clothes.
After finishing his preparations, he walked into the portal without hesitation.
The portal flickered a few times after Zhang Yu entered.
Then, like a phantom, it vanished silently into the air of the Secret Chamber, leaving no trace.
It was as if it had never existed.
The next moment, as Zhang Yu refocused his gaze and saw the surrounding scenery clearly, an indescribable surge of emotion instantly overwhelmed all his composure and vigilance.
Wide streets bustling with traffic, and crowds of people dressed in various styles.
Towering glass-walled skyscrapers, flashing neon lights and billboards along the roadside, the air thick with the stench of car exhaust, food aromas, dust, and the distinctive scents of people...
All of this was so familiar that it made his soul tremble, yet so strange that it brought tears to his eyes.
It's Earth!
It really is Earth!
It was the hometown where he was born, grew up, and lived for twenty years.
Although the system said that the time flow rate was 10,000 times different, he had actually been gone for less than a day.
But for more than three years, they truly struggled, rose up, and conquered in another world fraught with crisis and constant warfare.
Thousands of days and nights of longing, loneliness, bloodshed, and scheming have all transformed into this incredibly real yet otherworldly scene before my eyes.
"Call..."
Zhang Yu stood at the corner of a bustling commercial street, greedily inhaling the familiar yet unfamiliar air.
He felt the solid concrete beneath his feet, and his ears were filled with the long-lost sounds of car engines, laughter, and shop music...
All of this gave him a sense of unreality, yet also an immense sense of peace.
"Zhang Yu, I've finally found you."
A familiar yet urgent voice suddenly came from the side front, interrupting Zhang Yu's steps toward home.
He looked up and followed the sound, and saw a slightly chubby young man wearing black-rimmed glasses, with an anxious and excited expression on his face, jogging across the street.
Zhang Yu was originally a senior in college.
The person who came was none other than his best friend from university— Zhou Hengliang.
The face that was always boisterous yet extremely loyal appeared vividly before Zhang Yu's eyes, filling him with a warm feeling.
After experiencing countless betrayals, schemes, and life-or-death battles in another world, this pure friendship seems all the more precious.
A smile unconsciously appeared on his face, and he was about to greet his friend whom he hadn't seen for several years.
However, Zhou Hengliang had already rushed up to him in three strides.
Without saying a word, he grabbed his wrist and dragged him into a taxi that had just stopped by the roadside.
What are you doing?
Where are we going?
Zhang Yu was taken aback by this sudden action.
He tried to break free, but because his Cultivation was sealed, he couldn't exert any strength.
What are you doing?
Zhou Hengliang shoved him into the back seat of the taxi, then squeezed in himself.
"Of course we're going to get our face back!"
"???"
Zhang Yu was even more bewildered.
What face?
Seeing his blank expression, Zhou Hengliang patted him on the shoulder and said in a firm tone:
Don't worry, brother, I've arranged everything for you.
I guarantee I'll make your gold-digging ex-girlfriend regret it to the core.
Today I'm going to show her that leaving you was the worst decision she ever made."
Ex-girlfriend?
Materialism?
Zhang Yu's mind raced, searching through his memories from before he transmigrated.
Yes, it seems that's true.
Before he transmigrated, he had just experienced an unpleasant breakup.
The other party disliked his ordinary family background and then started dating a rich and handsome man who supposedly came from a well-off family.
However, that was "three years ago"...
No, in Earth time, it was "yesterday".
Zhang Yu looked at Zhou Hengliang with suspicion, and a bad feeling arose in his heart when he thought of the arrangements Zhou Hengliang had mentioned.
Because he knew that Zhou Hengliang came from an ordinary family and had no ability to help him show off or get ahead, so he must have prepared some Evil Dao methods.