Their Fallen Comrades' Last Wishes · The Heroic Spirits Were Not Alone

Eternal Dream Descent into Silence Palace, the starlight had not yet completely dissipated, and the lingering echoes of the Dream Silence Sword Intent still lingered in the world.

Suddenly, the void trembled, and a profound aura, as dense as the primordial chaos, slowly descended. Amidst the churning mist, a towering figure strode forward, his steps steady, each one seemingly reconstructing the very foundation of heaven and earth.

The visitor was none other than Ji Yuan, a core elder of the Eternal Extreme Sacred Hall.

His cultivation had reached the [Mid-stage Chaos Realm], his aura was vast and boundless, and his body was shrouded in chaotic light mist, as if an ancient and Annihilation world was with him.

Upon seeing Meng Qing, Ji Yuan laughed loudly:

"Oh, junior sister, there you are! I've been looking for you for ages."

His voice was deep and resonant, carrying a straightforward and bold air, yet it did not lack authority.

"Vice Temple Master Zhang Qiang has already convened a temple meeting; we need to hurry over."

Meng Qing nodded slightly, her eyes gentle. "Yes, I understand."

Then, she turned to look at Chi Ning and said gently, "Ning'er, you stay here and continue your conversation with Senior Brother Qin Yu."

Chi Ning nodded obediently and replied softly, "Yes, Master."

Elders Meng Qing and Ji Yuan nodded slightly to Qin Yu, their eyes filled with approval and recognition.

Qin Yu also respectfully clasped his hands in greeting, his tone calm and steady. "Respectfully seeing off Elder Meng Qing and Elder Ji Yuan."

Chi Ning also bowed, speaking respectfully, "This disciple respectfully sees off the two elders."

Two figures stepped into the void, one after the other. Amidst the intertwining chaos and dreamlike light, they vanished into the sky, leaving only the radiant starlight to illuminate the figures of Qin Yu and Chi Ning.

Outside the main hall, a moment of silence fell.

Chi Ning let out a soft breath, turned to look at Qin Yu, her eyes gleaming with intense light.

Eternal Dream Descent into Silence Palace, the starlight slowly faded, leaving only silence and a gentle breeze.

Meng Qing and Elder Ji Yuan's auras had disappeared into the horizon, and the world fell silent, leaving only Qin Yu and Chi Ning standing side by side.

Chi Ning looked up at him, her eyes filled with inquiry and a hint of tender dependence.

"Senior Brother Qin, what are you planning to do next?"

Qin Yu remained silent for a moment, his gaze fixed on the distant sky, his eyes deep and resolute.

Chi Ning.

His voice was deep, yet it conveyed an unwavering will.

"Shen Yuzhi, Luo Huan, Mu Xun, Du Linglin, Mo Zhiyan, Wang Yuan... they were all our brothers and sisters who shared life and death. Now they are gone, but their parents are still in the Source of Epochless · Middle Layer."

As he said this, a touch of sorrow appeared between his brows, yet a resolute light shone forth. "No matter what, we should visit them and comfort their parents. At the very least... we can't let them feel that their children are lonely and helpless."

Chi Ning was taken aback, her eyes welling up with tears. She then nodded, her voice trembling slightly, yet unwavering:

"Yes, they're all there. Their parents... both reside in the main city— the Radiant Heaven Imperial Capital."

She gently bit her lip and added, "After their sacrifice, the temple sent people to offer condolences. But... that was merely the temple's duty and courtesy. Now that you have returned, if we go as 'friends and family,' this sentiment... will truly belong to the friendship between us."

Qin Yu's eyes flickered slightly, a pang of sorrow gripping his heart, but he nodded in agreement.

"Alright. Then let's go to the Radiant Heaven Imperial Capital."

Starlight danced across their figures, and the wind gently ruffled their clothes. At that moment, their feelings for each other were unspoken:

This is the last act of protection between comrades-in-arms who have faced life and death together.

The Radiant Heaven Imperial Capital.

Today, the capital city is a colossal city that truly surpasses all other cities in the Source of Epochless · Middle Layer.

The city walls stretched like an insurmountable barrier, towering into the clouds. Constructed entirely of billions of spirit gold and chaotic stone crystals, the surface was engraved with countless ancient inscriptions. These inscriptions were not inanimate objects, but flickered with the fluctuations of time and space, as if they were protecting the entire imperial capital with themselves.

From a distance, the Radiant Heaven Imperial Capital resembles a floating continent, surrounded by a vast waterfall of starlight. Countless flying boats and spirit birds shuttle between the waterfalls of light, reflecting the golden light staircase at the city gate, creating a magnificent sight that stirs the soul.

The palaces in the city are layered and stacked one after another, reaching straight into the sky. At the very center Radiant Heaven Imperial Palace, whose dome is filled with countless runes, as if gathering all the brilliance of the Source of Epochless · Middle Layer in one place.

The streets were as wide as rivers, paved with bluestone, and filled with spiritual energy. Disciples, merchants, and cultivators came and went in an endless stream. The buildings were glittering with light, and the market was filled with all kinds of treasures and strange beasts. Even in the most ordinary street, one could feel the aura of powerful people flowing everywhere.

This is the most central and heart area outside the Eternal Extreme Sacred Hall, and a place that countless cultivators dream of residing in.

However, behind this prosperity, heavy marks still remain.

In a corner of the city stands a Forest of Heroic Spirit Steles fallen heroes. The steles are inscribed with the names of cultivators who perished in the great battle against the Phantom Demon Army. Outside the forest, incense and spiritual light burn eternally, and countless cultivators stop here to show their respect and mourning.

Shen Yuzhi, Luo Huan, Mu Xun, Du Linglin, Mo Zhiyan, Wang Yuan... their names were prominently listed.

For this reason, the Radiant Heaven Imperial Capital is not only the most prosperous main city, but also a place that bears both sorrow and glory.

At this moment, beneath the sky, two streaks of light were slowly approaching from afar.

One was dressed in black, composed and with eyes as sharp as swords; the other was dressed in Qingyi, aloof and cold, with a determined glint in his eyes.

It was Qin Yu and Chi Ning.

Their arrival is destined to stir up new waves in the spiritual energy of this main city.

The Radiant Heaven Imperial Capital - Shen Mansion.

The mansion gate was majestic, and a long staircase paved with bluestone led straight into the mansion. The guards on both sides were clad in armor and exuded a calm and composed aura.

The moment Qin Yu and Chi Ning presented their Eternal Extreme Sacred Hall tokens, the two guards immediately stiffened, cupped their hands, and said respectfully, "So you are disciples of the Holy Temple! Please, esteemed guests, enter."

The gate slowly opened.

Qin Yu and Chi Ning stepped inside. The mansion was quiet and eerie. Although the courtyard was tidy, it lacked the liveliness that a great family should have had in the past. The flowers and trees were neglected and looked somewhat withered. The long corridor echoed in the empty space, as if even the sound of the wind carried a hint of oppression.

Before long, two elderly figures emerged from the inner hall.

One was a man with white hair and a haggard but still dignified face; he was Shen Yuzhi's father. The other was a woman dressed simply, with bloodshot eyes and deep wrinkles around her eyes; she was Shen Yuzhi's mother.

They were slightly taken aback when they saw Qin Yu and Chi Ning, then forced a polite smile.

"So you're a disciple of the Holy Temple... Please, please come in."

The woman's voice trembled, and tears welled in her eyes, as if she were trying to hold them back. The man sighed deeply, his voice heavy. "I never expected... you would come."

Upon entering the main hall, Qin Yu and Chi Ning respectfully took their seats, not daring to be the slightest bit impolite.

Chi Ning spoke softly, her eyes reddening, "Uncle Shen, Aunt Shen, we... came here specifically to visit. Senior Sister Yuzhi was our comrade-in-arms, someone we entrusted with our lives. We fought alongside her. Now... she is..."

At this point, Chi Ning's voice choked with emotion, and she could no longer continue.

Qin Yu remained silent for a moment before finally speaking, his tone steady yet tinged with deep sorrow. "Senior Shen, Aunt Shen... Yuzhi... she sacrificed herself to protect the middle ranks. Her name is engraved in the Forest of Heroic Spirit Steles. She gave her life to bring light to this world."

The two elderly people were shocked, and tears instantly welled up in their eyes.

Mother Shen covered her face and wept, her voice trembling, "My daughter... I know she did it for the Temple, for the Middle Order... but she is, after all, my only child!"

Mr. Shen clenched his fists, his eyes were red-rimmed, and his throat was hoarse. "I always thought... I could still wait for her to come back, but I never imagined... I really wouldn't be able to wait for her anymore."

The atmosphere inside was heavy, and the sound of tears was muffled.

Qin Yu's eyes dimmed, and a dull ache throbbed in his chest. He slowly rose, bowed solemnly, and spoke in a low but firm voice:

"Please rest assured, elders. Yuzhi's sacrifice will not have been in vain. As her comrades, we will remember her name and continue to move forward in her spirit."

Chi Ning also stood up, her eyes red, and whispered, "Uncle Shen, Aunt Shen... you are not alone. Senior Sister Yuzhi is gone, but you still have us."

Mr. and Mrs. Shen nodded with tears in their eyes. Although their grief had not diminished, they seemed to have found a little comfort in the arrival of the two men.

Inside the main hall, the atmosphere was somber, with only the flickering candlelight.

Qin Yu took a deep breath and took out an ancient wooden brocade box from his sleeve. The box was engraved with delicate talismans and emitted a warm spiritual light. Inside were the elixirs, protective talismans, and several carefully selected spiritual artifacts that he and Chi Ning had specially prepared.

Chi Ning stepped forward, offering the gift with both hands, her eyes still red-rimmed.

"Uncle Shen, Aunt Shen, this is a small token of our appreciation. Please accept it."

Qin Yu cupped his hands in greeting, his voice steady and resolute, carrying a deep-seated determination. "From this day forward, you two are our family. Yuzhi is gone, but Chi Ning treat you with the respect due to our own children. No matter what happens in the future, Chi Ning and I will always stand by your side."

The room fell silent instantly after he finished speaking.

Mr. and Mrs. Shen were stunned at first, then their eyes reddened and tears silently streamed down their faces.

Mother Shen's hands trembled as she touched the brocade box, tears falling onto it. Her voice choked with sobs, "My children... we never expected that you... would still remember to come..."

Father Shen's throat tightened, his gaze burned, and he stared intently at Qin Yu, his voice low but trembling. "Good, good... With your words, my Shen family... can be considered not to have been cut off."

At this point, he could no longer hold back his tears.

In the candlelight, two elderly figures wept uncontrollably, yet their tears were tinged with a long-lost warmth.

Qin Yu and Chi Ning stepped forward, knelt down together, and kowtowed deeply, their voices solemn and dignified:

"Please accept our bow; from this day forward, we are your children."

At this moment, the wind whispered outside, the night was deep, and inside the main hall of the Shen residence, tears and vows intertwined, becoming the most touching act of protection.

Inside the main hall, the atmosphere gradually calmed down. Mr. and Mrs. Shen wiped away their tears, their eyes still red, but they tried their best to force a smile.

Madam Shen gently grasped Chi Ning's hand, her voice still trembling. "Now that the children are here, don't rush to leave... Our household has been quiet for the past year, today... let's sit down and have a proper meal."

Father Shen nodded, swept his sleeve across the table, and set up a protective spiritual array. He then instructed the servants, "Prepare the dishes and retrieve the spirit wine hidden in the cellar. Today we have distinguished guests, and... our children are returning."

The servants set off, and the entire mansion became lively again after a long time.

Before long, the table was filled with steaming dishes, exuding a warm and homely atmosphere. Mother Shen served Qin Yu and Chi Ning their food, her eyes glistening with tears, yet filled with a motherly tenderness.

"These dishes... are all Yuzhi's favorites."

She said softly, her voice choked with emotion, "When she was little, she would always beg me to make these things for her whenever she came back from her adventures. Now... just consider it as you eating more for her."

Chi Ning covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. She held back her sobs and whispered, "Auntie, don't worry, we will always remember Senior Sister Yuzhi's kindness. She's gone, but her habits and her smile will stay with us."

Qin Yu picked up his wine cup, stood up solemnly, and said with a firm gaze, "Uncle Shen, Aunt Shen Yuzhi has become a spirit of the deceased, and we will fulfill our filial duties for her. From now on, every year on this day, I will personally come to pay my respects, so that her soul will not be lonely."

Father Shen's throat tightened. He picked up his cup and drank with Qin Yu, his voice hoarse. "Good! From this day forward, you are my son, the son of the Shen family. If there is an afterlife, I will make sure Yuzhi... meets you all again."

Candlelight illuminates the scene, glasses clink, and tears mingle with laughter.

This meal, a long-awaited lively occasion at the Shen residence, was tinged with an unhealable sorrow.

But on this night, the lonely Mr. and Mrs. Shen finally felt the warmth that their daughter's friend had extended on her behalf.

As night fell, the streets of Radiant Heaven Imperial Capital were brightly lit, with spirit lanterns floating in mid-air on both sides of the long street, casting a gentle glow.

Qin Yu and Chi Ning walked side by side, slowly emerging from the Shen residence. The gates closed behind them, shutting out the light and shadows, leaving only the tranquility of the street and the gentle breeze on their faces.

Chi Ning kept her head down, her fingers tightly twisting her sleeves, her eyes still red-rimmed. She remained silent the whole way, finally unable to hold back, and whispered:

"Senior Brother Qin... seeing Uncle Shen and Aunt like that really... hurt me. Senior Sister Yuzhi, she was such a gentle and intelligent person, yet... she passed away before us."

As she spoke, her voice trembled, tears finally streamed down her face, and her eyes glistened.

Qin Yu glanced at her sideways, his eyes filled with sorrow, yet his tone was firm and gentle.

Chi Ning.

He spoke slowly, "We cannot change what has already happened. But at least we can protect their loved ones and let them know... Yuzhi did not leave alone. Her life, her will, continues within us."

Chi Ning bit her lip and nodded gently. Her tears were still wet, but they revealed a stubbornness and determination.

Qin Yu looked up at the distant sky, where lights shone brightly, but seemed somewhat blurred by the night wind.

"We've already been to the Shen residence. Next, we'll visit the parents of Luo Huan, Mu Xun, Du Linglin, Mo Zhiyan, and Wang Yuan."

He paused slightly, then added in a low voice, "They were all our brothers and sisters. No matter where they went, none of them came back. But we can't leave their families behind to suffer alone."

Chi Ning looked up at him, her eyes glistening with tears, yet filled with deep respect and reliance.

"Senior Brother Qin... you always think of everyone's needs."

Qin Yu smiled slightly, reached out and gently wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes, his movements tender and natural.

"Don't cry. The road ahead is long, and there are still many people we need to protect."

Chi Ning stared at him blankly, a warm feeling welling up in her heart, and the sadness in her chest seemed to be soothed a little.

A gentle night breeze blew, and the streets were sparsely populated, except for two figures walking side by side, casting long shadows.

Their footsteps led them deeper into the imperial capital.

There, the names of many more comrades and the unfinished bonds of friendship await their fulfillment.

Over the next few days, Qin Yu and Chi Ning traveled all over the Radiant Heaven Imperial Capital.

They first went to the Luo residence. Luo Huan's father had once been a guard in the capital. Although his body was now hunched over, he still stood guard at the gate of the residence with his sword. When he learned that the two had come to visit, his eyes were filled with tears, but he forced himself to remain calm and repeatedly urged them to complete Luo Huan's unfinished mission.

Next came the Mu family. Mu Xun's mother remained in the ancient herb garden, her fingers rough yet still meticulously tending to the medicinal herbs. She served the finest herbal tea, stroking the teacup and sobbing, "He was most afraid of others going hungry when he was alive. Now that you have come, I feel at peace."

At the Du residence, Du Linglin's younger brother had already taken over the family business, but his young age had been burdened with heavy responsibilities. When he saw Qin Yu, tears welled up in his eyes, and he knelt down, touching his head to the ground, to express his deepest gratitude to his brother for their lifelong friendship.

Inside the Mo residence, Mo Zhiyan's parents, though advanced in years, still maintained their refined demeanor. They personally took out Mo Zhiyan's belongings and handed them to Qin Yu and Chi Ning, saying sincerely, "Since he treated you as brothers and sisters, these should be protected by you."

Along their journey, tears, sorrow, and warmth intertwined. Wherever Qin Yu and Chi Ning went, they left behind vows and vows of protection.

When they emerged from the Mo residence, it was already dusk. The setting sun cast a blood-red glow at the end of the capital's long street, as if the heavens and earth were sighing in silence.

Qin Yu paused for a moment, then turned to look into the distance.

"Finally... it's time to go to Wang Yuan's house."

Chi Ning nodded, her eyes filled with complex emotions, and replied softly, "Yes, Senior Brother Wang Yuan's home... is in the west of the city."

The two exchanged a heavy glance, but simultaneously began to walk slowly toward the Western Region of the capital.