Yu Lian finally remembered. During his last exploration of the Void, with Yani and the others' help, he had completed the Star Ring Ascension Ritual.
He had originally thought that, as the first psionic in "known" history to ascend a ring in the Void while still at the Third Ring, his ascension would be perilous, and that he would face unprecedented challenges. He might even have to fight some fully bossified spiritual corruption in his soulscape for hundreds of rounds, dragging the whole affair out for tens of thousands of words.
But, to his utter surprise, his memories of the ascension had become extremely hazy afterward. He could only be sure that his spirit had been further tempered, while some crucial part of the process had only been partially completed. If he could finish the ritual, his supernatural powers would reach a long-dreamed-of realm. But if he didn't, he would inevitably be left with spiritual vulnerabilities that would sooner or later be exploited by a formidable enemy.
What that crucial part was, however, he couldn't remember, no matter how hard he tried. It was like having an amazing, lengthy dream: he knew it had to be the most tumultuous "experience" of his life, yet he couldn't recall a single detail.
But when his spirit once again delved into the world of consciousness within the Sea of Souls, he was astonished to find that this story had a sequel after all.
Yu Lian gazed at the other Yu Lian before him, his emotions churning. Even with his current abilities, he couldn't determine what the other man really was.
"I wanted to ask you last time. What exactly should I call you?"
"I'm the original! So I'm the real Yu Lian!" The other Yu Lian pointed at himself with his thumb, then