Clang~ Clang~ Clang~
The sonorous tolling rang out, carrying far and wide with a trace of sorrow, as though sounding the death knell for this civilization.
The bell tolled on and on, its sound reaching through the ages.
The Imperial Bell slowly flew from the sky above Zhou Mountain on Earth to hover behind Jiang Yang. Like a radiant moon, it reined in its brilliance and floated in silence.
Seeing it arrive, Jiang Yang sighed and gently stroked its surface.
"It's been countless years. You've grown, too."
After arriving in the Third Epoch, the Imperial Bell had seemingly drawn nourishment from the entire Demon Race Civilization and had long since become a powerful divine artifact.
It had also long since developed feelings for the Demon Race Civilization.
Its daily tolling was the signal for the demon populace to begin work at sunrise, and when it took the form of a bright moon, it lit their roads at night.
At Jiang Yang's words.
The Imperial Bell trembled slightly. Jiang Yang understood it and said with a smile.
"As long as you understand. When we return to the future, perhaps we'll see those familiar faces again. Whether they're immortals or demons, what does it matter?"
"All right, let's stay here and see them off on their final journey."
The Imperial Bell settled down then, silent and still.
Stars and nights alternated, and the great sun rose in the east and set in the west.
Under the watch of one man and one bell.
The river of time grew ever clearer, while Earth in deep space grew ever more illusory.
Upon the land.
A despairing mighty demon sought to break free of heaven and earth's restraints and venture into the depths of the universe, just as Jiang Yang had.
But when he left