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Chapter 57: Desolate Central Plain
The three of them slept for three full days before waking up. On this day, the four gathered around the table for breakfast. Chen San laughed and said, "You all haven’t slept in five years; I thought you would need to sleep for five years to wake up."
Ji Zichen knew that Chen San was joking and replied, "Uncle Chen, why are you the only one here?"
Chen San understood what Ji Zichen meant and said, "My nephew got married, and my wife returned to her hometown."
Lin Chuyu noticed that Chen San was cleanly dressed, indicating that he had overcome his previous habit of being disheveled. She asked, "Uncle Chen, are you still sleepwalking?"
Chen San replied, "Not anymore. It's strange though; after entering the Buddhist Temple that night, I haven't sleepwalked since."
Ji Zichen looked at Shen Bifan and asked, "Bifan, did you cure him?"
Shen Bifan shook his head. "No."
Ji Zichen was puzzled. "Not you? Then who cured Uncle Chen's sleepwalking?"
Lin Chuyu speculated, "Could it be that the place was destroyed, and Uncle Chen got better?"
Ji Zichen nodded. "The reason isn't important anymore. Since he won't sleepwalk again, that's a good thing."
Chen San recalled, "I remember five years ago when many people came to Fangwen Mansion. They were all looking for someone with beads; I think they were looking for Lin Chuyu."
Ji Zichen suddenly remembered the Pursuers and said, "Now that I think about it, it might not be so bad. We've been in the Gap for five years; those searching for us must believe we have vanished. After five years, they must have given up by now."
Lin Chuyu couldn't help but miss her father dearly. She said, "It's been five years; I wonder how my father is doing."
Suddenly, Lin Chuyu remembered a pressing question and urgently asked Chen San, "Uncle Chen, have you heard if there have been any battles at Corner Lodge?"
Ji Zichen knew that Lin Chuyu was worried that the Western King would vent his anger on Corner Lodge. Chen San thought for a moment and said, "No, I haven't heard of any wars breaking out anywhere in the past five years."
Lin Chuyu sighed in relief. "As long as there are no wars, that's good."
Chen San asked, " Mr. Ji, what are your plans next?"
Ji Zichen felt uncertain as well. He replied, "Wherever the Vermilion Bird appears, I thought we were getting close to Divine Dawn, but it seems we've hit a dead end. As for what to do next, I don't have any good ideas; we'll just have to search as we go."
At that moment, Shen Bifan spoke up, giving Ji Zichen a boost of confidence. "Brother Zichen, I know where Madam Jiang caught the Vermilion Bird. If we go to that place, we might find some clues."
Ji Zichen's spirits lifted immediately. "Where did they catch the Vermilion Bird?"
Shen Bifan replied, "At the world's end."
After everyone finished breakfast, Ji Zichen and the others bid farewell to Chen San. Although Ji Zichen and Chen San had only known each other for seven days, in terms of real time, they had been acquainted for over five years. Chen San treated Ji Zichen like an old friend. With a hint of reluctance, Ji Zichen said, "Uncle Chen, we're leaving. Take care of yourself."
Chen San patted Ji Zichen on the shoulder and said, "I may not know where this World's End is, but I hope you find Divine Dawn and cure your eye ailment. I'll pray for you."
Lin Chuyu smiled warmly at Chen San. "Uncle Chen, if we have the chance, we'll come back to see you."
Chen San laughed heartily. "Good, good! I'll be waiting for your return."
Shen Bifan looked coldly at Chen San. "Uncle, last time I was wrong; I didn't know you were Brother Zichen's friend."
Chen San still felt a bit intimidated by Shen Bifan. He forced a smile and said, "It's all in the past; I've made mistakes too."
Ji Zichen turned and said, "Alright, let's go. We still have a long way ahead of us."
The three of them left the Chen Family and walked near the city gate of Fangwen Mansion. Ji Zichen said, "Bifan, do you want to meet your mother?"
Shen Bifan felt both nostalgic and unfamiliar towards her mother. After a moment of thought, she replied, "If I go back to The Divine Alliance Under the Covenant, my mother won't be able to see me. I'll go with you to find Divine Dawn; I want to do something for my mother."
Ji Zichen responded, "It's fine for you to come with us. I can't return to The Divine Alliance Under the Covenant, and I wouldn't feel at ease letting you go alone. So let's travel together."
---
In Suffering Holy Church's Holy City, Yuxuan faced the leader in Power Hall.
The leader was surprised to see Yuxuan, who had been missing for five years, suddenly appear. He asked, "Where have you been all these five years?"
Yuxuan had little contact with others on her way back to Doomed Holy City and was unaware that she had disappeared for five years. She exclaimed in shock and confusion, "Five years? Leader, what are you talking about? I left here for no more than a month!"
The leader widened his eyes in interest and pressed further, "You think you've only been gone for a month? That's strange. Where have you been?"
Yuxuan recounted her experience honestly. "Seven days ago, I went to Fangwen Mansion and met Ji Zichen. I followed them into a Buddhist Temple in the back mountains of Fangwen Mansion. However, that temple was odd; after entering, I fainted. When I woke up, I found myself in a completely different forest, and there I encountered Demon Blade Two Swords."
The leader was astonished. "So those two were with you? No wonder we haven't heard from you in five years. But why didn't they return with you?"
Yuxuan frowned slightly and said, "They died."
The leader was taken aback. "Died? Who could possibly withstand their combined strength?"
Yuxuan shared what she had seen and speculated, "Although I didn't witness it firsthand, I saw Ji Zichen outside a grand hall near the forest where Demon Sword's body lay. The Demon Blade Two Swords must have died at his hands."
The leader's brows furrowed deeply. " Ji Zichen? This person is not well-known but seems capable enough. It's unexpected that the Demon Blade Two Swords fell to him; this is indeed troublesome."
Zhao Zhangshi, the master of artifacts, had become a trusted confidant of the leader over the past five years. With a smile, Zhao Zhangshi flattered, "If you were to take matters into your own hands, Leader, there would certainly be no issues."
The leader appreciated Zhao Zhangshi's flattery, and a hint of disdain appeared on his face towards Ji Zichen. "Of course, if I were to handle it personally, he wouldn't stand a chance. However, I can't let him off that easily."
A fierce light shone in the leader's eyes. "Weakness—thoroughly investigate Ji Zichen's background and find his vulnerabilities. Zhao Zhangshi, send orders to all soldiers to look into this carefully."
Yuxuan disagreed with such a coercive strategy. "Brother Wang, this is an important time to revive our father's legacy. Using such methods might..."
The leader dismissed her with contempt. "Enough! I told you not to call me Brother Wang in Power Hall. If you're dissatisfied with my methods, why didn't you use your own to seize the Vermilion Bird Pearl earlier?"
Yuxuan fell silent.
At that moment, a guard rushed into Power Hall and reported urgently, "Leader, Fierce Judgment Arbiter requests an audience!"
The leader felt a sudden jolt of surprise. "What is he doing here?"
The Arbitrator entered Power Hall accompanied by two eagle-masked guards. He did not wear a mask himself; he was around fifty years old with a square face that appeared very serious.
Seeing the Arbitrator, the leader was reluctant to lower himself but half-knelt respectfully and said, "Jade Pavilion pays its respects to Yan Da, Arbitrator."
Yan Da regarded the leader with terrifyingly calm eyes before speaking. "Jade Pavilion, it's been a while. Rise; you are the leader now and need not bow to me."
Jade Pavilion stood up respectfully and replied, "It is a great honor for Jade Pavilion that Uncle Emperor has graced Power Hall with his presence. I will personally attend to your needs at your command."
A warm expression crossed Yan Da's face briefly before it hardened again with an air of unassailable authority. "We have been driven out of the palace like stray dogs; how can we still dare to call ourselves royalty? Nevertheless, it is good that you haven't forgotten our enmity. I am here because of Yuxuan."
Yuxuan trembled before Yan Da and asked nervously, "What does Uncle Emperor wish to discuss with Yuxuan?"
"Yan Da said, 'You haven't returned for five years. Now that you're back, do you have the pearl in your possession?'
Yuxuan replied nervously, 'I haven't obtained the pearl yet, but don't worry, Uncle Emperor. It's only a matter of time before I do.'
Yan Da coldly responded, 'Is that so? You wouldn't be trying to deceive me into thinking you haven't obtained the pearl while you actually have it, would you? You wouldn't want to repeat what your father did, would you?'
The Suffering Throne was originally meant to be inherited by Yan Da, but Yuxuan and Jade Pavilion's father had forcibly seized it.
At this moment, Yan Da casually brought up the topic, causing both of them to feel uneasy. Jade Pavilion respectfully said, 'Uncle Emperor, please don't overthink it. Yuxuan truly hasn't obtained the pearl yet. If we want to restore the royal family, we still need your help. Jade Pavilion would never betray you.'
Yan Da glared fiercely at Jade Pavilion and said, 'That's true, but the temptation of Divine Dawn is too great. What if you decide to act first and report later? What can we do then?'
Jade Pavilion suddenly drew a short sword from his waist, pressed his left hand on the ground, and with his right hand holding the sword, he pierced through his own hand without flinching. With a fierce gaze directed at Yan Da, he declared, 'This should be enough to show my sincerity, Uncle Emperor. Give me some time, and I will provide you with a satisfactory answer.'
Yan Da observed this but didn't want to push too hard. He said, 'Jade Pavilion, why must you go to such extremes? I'm getting old; once I reclaim the throne, the position will still belong to you.'
This was merely a way of placating him; Jade Pavilion could see through it. Yan Da turned and said, 'In any case, find the pearl as soon as possible. If you need support, I can send someone to assist you at any time.'
Jade Pavilion watched Yan Da leave and thought to himself, 'Hmph, who would give you the pearl? Once I obtain wealth, the first person I'll kill is you.'
Ji Zichen and the others boarded a boat heading towards the Desolate Central Plain. Lin Chuyu leaned against the railing with both hands and gazed into the distant horizon.
Ji Zichen approached Lin Chuyu on the deck and smiled. 'There you are! It's windy here; you'll catch a cold.'
Lin Chuyu responded absentmindedly, 'Mm.'
Ji Zichen looked out at the sea and remarked, 'Have you noticed? The World's End in Desolate Central Plain and that Buddhist Temple Gap are in the same direction.'"
Lin Chuyu brushed her hair, blown by the sea breeze, and said, "I've noticed that too; there must be some connection between the two."
She continued, "But what will we encounter when we get there?"
Ji Zichen replied, "Why bother thinking about that?"
Lin Chuyu responded, "This is probably a side effect of entering the Gap. Ever since we came out of Corner Lodge, everything we've faced has been beyond anything I ever imagined. For me, these things are incomprehensible. Is there anything wrong with your Divine Clan? They are just hiding in the Gap. While keeping people as livestock is wrong, compared to war, it's trivial."
Ji Zichen remained silent, and Lin Chuyu awkwardly smiled and said, "I'm sorry, Brother Ji, for saying some nonsensical things."
Ji Zichen let the sea breeze caress her face and said, "Keeping people as livestock is far more chilling than war. What's done is done; there's no need to dwell on it. That will only add to the sorrow. For me, thinking about Eternal Life goes against the way of things; such places shouldn't exist."
Lin Chuyu silently watched her for a moment before suddenly smiling. "Brother Ji, I feel like your thoughts are completely different from your appearance."
Ji Zichen laughed at her comment. "Really? What kind of person do you think I am?"
"You are a cold-blooded creature who appears greedy on the outside but is kind-hearted within."
Upon hearing this, Ji Zichen burst into laughter. "That's quite a tongue twister; think whatever you like."
As Ji Zichen spoke, he pointed toward the distant land. "Over there, that's Desolate Central Plain!"
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