024 disappeared, the hemispherical system that occupied most of the city shattered, and the entire adventure world was thrown into turmoil, like an earthquake.
The live stream cut off after 0732 took over.
Si Yan scooped Jiang Nuo up in her arms and looked back. Zhou Ling and the others stood behind her, leaving only the players filled with hope, longing to go home.
Tuoba Hong carried Zhang Quan on his back, grinning broadly, "He's fine! Just a little weak in spirit!"
Yue Zhou picked up the tattered veil but didn't put it back on. Calmly, she asked Si Yan, "Can the thing Jiang Nuo gave you open the barrier gate?"
Si Yan nodded silently, holding Jiang Nuo in one arm, and pressed the controller given to him by 0732.
In an instant, white light shot down from the sky, and everyone couldn't help but close their eyes. First, the barriers between the various dungeons were broken, and all the Aberrant Monster were destroyed.
All the players met again, speechless, each knowing what it meant. Then, another flash of white light appeared, and the world wall shattered.
Before leaving, Si Yan saw a few petals fall into Jiang Nuo's arms, refusing to leave despite the fierce wind.
He turned back one last time, his deep voice still filled with sincere eagerness, "I will take good care of Nuonuo."
"Goodbye."
The petals had not yet fallen when Si Yan, holding his sleeping lover, crossed the barrier that had been opened last.
Behind him, Yue Zhou and Qiu Su, as well as Zhou Ling and Tuoba Hong, said their simple farewells.
Yue Zhou gently stroked her skirt, remaining dignified and silent, yet she performed what the high priest considered the most noble form of greeting.
Holding the severed limb of the skull doll, Qiu Su smiled eerily yet happily, "It's a pleasure to meet you all."
Tuoba Hong, carrying Zhang Quan who had almost slipped off, chuckled twice, the bloodstains at the corners of his eyes still wet, "I will remember you!"
Zhou Ling nodded, her arms hanging limply at her sides, unable to lift properly. Strands of her disheveled hair were stained with blood, adding a touch of glamour to her face.
"Goodbye."
Having briefly experienced your pain and passion, and then parting ways, I hope every world can be at peace.
--
Outside Feng Mountain.
"The barrier has been opened! Quick! Medical team, get ready!"
Gu Shan and the Grand Elder, guarding the outer edge of the cliff, sensed the Dragon Vein regaining its vitality and knew that Jiang Nuo and the others had succeeded in returning to the present world.
" Wu Chou! Quickly prepare the stretcher!" Qi Lin shouted behind him, and together with Qi Cang rushed to the outside of the cliff, ready to quickly seal the barrier as soon as Jiang Nuo and his group returned!
Cui Ming carried a large bag full of things prepared for Jiang Nuo. He and Yang Hong stood behind him, worried about delaying the association members' work later, and also genuinely concerned about the two kids.
"Why haven't they come out yet?" Cui Ming muttered.
At the very back were the police who had set up a cordon. Song Zheng stared intently at the cliff, also hoping for their return.
A flash of white light.
Si Yan, carrying the person in his arms, was the first to walk out. His steps were steady, but no one could ignore the bloodstains all over his body and his hands, which were so badly mangled that no one could see any healthy flesh.
"Young Master!" Gu Shan cried out in alarm, "Quickly! Bring the stretcher!"
Si Yan glanced at them but refused to put Jiang Nuo on the stretcher. His sharp gaze swept over everyone before he lowered his eyes.
"No need for a stretcher, I'll carry you."
The elder shook his head and waved to stop Gu Shan from continuing to persuade him, "Give it to the children at the back."
" Si Yan! Si Yan!" Cui Ming ran over. "Is Jiang Nuo alright? Quick, get in the car!"
He opened the RV door. "Don't worry, your aunt and I have made all the arrangements. She'll be taken directly to the association's base medical room!"
Si Yan nodded again, as if Jiang Nuo had not yet woken up, and he had taken his consciousness with him.
" Si Yan."
He heard his aunt's voice and subconsciously looked up. Yang Hong used a wet wipe to clean the bloodstains that kept flowing from Si Yan's forehead. After wiping it clean, she smiled and said, "Go on."
Zhou Ling and the others were completely exhausted of their physical Spiritual Power. They Wu Chou quickly arranged for them to go down the mountain for treatment.
The elder watched the children leave, then shouted, "Guards! Seal the barrier!"
All members gathered at the edge of the cliff, where black mist was faintly pouring out from the crack in the sky—the remnants of 024's Dark Power.
"Activate the formation!!" The Grand Elder sat cross-legged at the front, clasped his hands towards the sky, and declared, "The Dao is without emptiness; seal this formation with your spirit!"
All the members behind him chanted in unison, making hand gestures:
"In the primordial chaos, before heaven and earth were separated, the primordial body was one, spreading its energy in all directions, giving rise to all phenomena, and giving birth to heaven and earth!"
In an instant, the gaping hole on the horizon gradually narrowed, and the black mist dissipated completely.
The elder's eyes were bloodshot. He had witnessed the passing of his old friend and knew that from now on, he would have to carry the association on his own.
"Don't worry, I will definitely help you train Si Yan properly!"
The Grand Elder clasped his hands together in front of his chest, then spread them outwards to form the Lion Seal, shouting, "Seal the Array!"
The final breach solidified, and the strange phenomenon in the sky dissipated.
"Roar--"
A golden dragon suddenly appeared, emerging from the Feng Mountain. Its roar echoed through the valley and lingered for a long time.