The Ancient Bodhi Tree's massive branches swayed under the fierce outpouring of energy, light coursing along its boughs as though they bore an immense burden. Bestowing the Bodhisattva Heart drained a tremendous amount of its essence, even for the tree.
The Ancient Bodhi Tree had gained sentience. Xiao Yan had helped it dispel the dark energy that had plagued it for years, so it intended to grant him a rare opportunity in return.
Xiao Yan himself remained utterly unaware of what was happening outside. He had fallen into a deep, deep sleep.
Xiao Yan felt as though he had drifted into a dream. He had lost control of his body and could do nothing. White stretched before his eyes, without a living thing or the slightest movement. Only after an unknown length of time did clear images begin to appear.
He seemed to have returned to his childhood, to the Xiao Clan in Wutan City. He grew young again and began cultivating Dou Qi anew, revealing astonishing talent.
Then his Dou Qi vanished just as inexplicably. Everyone around Xiao Yan mocked and sneered at him. Only Xun'er stayed silently by his side and supported him.
Xiao Yan realized that everything before his eyes was unfolding just as he had lived it. Yet he seemed to have become a peculiar spectator. He could sense it all and still felt joy and pain, but he did not need to make a single move. "Xiao Yan" acted on his own.
It was as though his entire life would play out again, while he changed nothing.
Then Nalan Yanran arrived to break off their engagement. He made the Three-Year Agreement, settled the troubles in Wutan City with Yao Lao, and left for the Magic Beast Mountain Range to train.
Just as before, he met