Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, a year had passed. It was the day for the chosen ones to depart the Origin Space.
On this momentous occasion, Liang and Dong Rui opened their eyes simultaneously, their hearts filled with both gratitude and a tinge of sadness. The year had been brief, but the gains they had reaped were immeasurable.
"It must be time, don’t you think?" Dong Rui uttered with a hint of disappointment in her voice.
Liang rolled his eyes, a playful glint in his, "Surely your Dong Clan possesses a place similar to this?"
"Indeed, we do, but one must amass a substantial number of contribution points to enter," Dong Rui pouted. As a newly ascended Runic Mastery Realm cultivator, she would require a considerable amount of time to accumulate enough points.
Just then, both their expressions changed. A shimmering door materialized before them. They exchanged knowing glances and understood that the Chess Paragon was summoning them. Despite their reluctance to leave, they were aware that their time had come.
With a deep breath, Liang extended his hand and effortlessly opened the door. He stepped through with unwavering confidence, while Dong Rui cast a nostalgic gaze at the Origin Space before following suit. In an instant, the door vanished behind them, leaving no trace of their departure.
They found themselves transported back to the grand hall of the celestial palace. In fact, all those who had ventured into the chessboard were present.
"As the battles have reached their conclusion, it is time to conclude this extraordinary gathering," the Chess Paragon’s voice echoed through the hall, a gentle smile gracing his aged features. "All are free to depart, save for those who have emerged victorious."
A collective narrowing of eyes met his announcement. Had the Chess Paragon grown weary of their presence? Was it not a sign of disrespect to dismiss them?
Sensing the underlying tension, the Chess Paragon cleared his throat and chuckled, "My fellow experts, I ask for your understanding. This old man yearns for a private meeting with his newfound disciple." His gaze drifted towards Evana and Yue Xin, his eyes filled with unbridled joy.
The Alliance members were the first to take their leave, followed by Murong and Clearshadow, who couldn’t resist casting furtive glances toward Dong Rui.
Next, it was the turn of the Dong Clan members. Despite their dejection, they too departed without a word to Dong Rui.
Now, only eight experts remained in the hall. The Chess Paragon’s brow creased at this unexpected turn of events. "Younger Brother Lolas, may I be of assistance?" he inquired, his curiosity piqued.
With a deep breath, Lolas Mast stepped forward, his eyes burning with determination. He retrieved a jade slip from his robes and sent it spiraling towards the Paragon.
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Unmoved, the Paragon received the slip and delved into its contents with his ethereal will. Moments later, his expression shifted drastically, unmistakable shock etched upon his face.
"Can this information be trusted?" the Chess Paragon’s hands trembled as he held the jade slip.
"Senior, I believe you are fully aware of its authenticity," Lolas Mast replied with a grim smile.
The Paragon’s gaze shifted to Seni, and for the first time in eons, confusion painted his countenance. After a prolonged silence, he let out a heavy sigh, "To think that this old man’s sole regret before ascending would finally be laid to rest. The machinations of fate are truly enigmatic."
A chorus of surprise rippled through the assembly, save for Yue Xin, whose expression turned melancholy as though she had been transported to a realm of distant memories.
"Young Brothers Shadowbane and Azure Feather, it is your turn to state your requests," the Chess Paragon’s gaze returned to normal, and his voice regained its steady composure.
Azure Feather nodded and transmitted a message to the Paragon. After a moment of deliberation marked by flickering eyes, the Paragon nodded, "While it may pose a formidable challenge, even for me, I shall do my utmost."
"And what of you, Young Brother Shadowbane?" the Paragon turned his attention towards Shadowbane with keen interest.
Shadowbane chuckled and likewise relayed a voice transmission message. The Paragon’s eyes widened involuntarily, "Are you certain?" he couldn’t help but ask, Shadowbane’s request bordering on the absurd.
"Do you doubt my abilities, old man?" Shadowbane snorted, his pride wounded by the Paragon’s disbelief.
The Paragon roared with laughter, "Very well, then. Five years it shall be."
Shadowbane nodded, his gaze lingering on Yue Xin and Evana for a brief moment before he turned and left with Azure Feather.
"What a disrespectful boor," Evana scoffed as Shadowbane disappeared. No woman would appreciate being subjected to such intense scrutiny.
"Sister Evana, there is no need to give it further thought. Perhaps he was merely curious about our presence," Yue Xin said soothingly, suppressing her own rising anger.
The Chess Paragon shook his head in amusement, his gaze then shifting to Liang and Dong Rui. "Two little friends, please, state your requests. Let me assure you that they will be met with the utmost consideration," he said, his demeanor noticeably friendlier than before.
They exchanged a glance before Dong Rui stepped forward, her expression earnest. "Senior, I would be most grateful if you would grant me another year within the Origin Space."
Huh? Astonishment painted the faces of everyone present, including the Chess Paragon. He closed his eyes momentarily as if engaged in a fierce internal debate. After a few deep breaths, he opened them again, his voice heavy, "At the very least, I can grant you five months. The upkeep of the Origin Space is a considerable burden, as you can imagine. However, I have given my word, and I shall honor it."
One day outside is equivalent to a month inside the origin space, but since he made a promise, he must act accordingly.
A glimmer of excitement sparked in Dong Rui’s eyes; five months was far more than she had anticipated.
"Now, young man, what of your request?" the Paragon inquired of Liang.
Liang’s face broke into a warm smile as he said, "It is of no great consequence."
He proceeded to send a voice transmission message to the Paragon, the expression on his face looked like he was doing the Paragona greet favor.
"Is that all?" the Paragon exclaimed in surprise, Liang’s request surprised him greatly, it was even stranger than Shadowbane’s request.
With a mischievous twinkle in his eyes, Liang replied, "If senior wishes to bestow upon me an additional reward, I would not refuse."
The Paragon nodded, his gaze finally settling on Yue Xin and Evana, his expression turning serious and dignified. "Yue Xin, would you consider taking this old man as your master?"
Without hesitation, Yue Xin knelt gracefully and bowed her head, "This disciple pays her respects to Master."
The Chess Paragon nodded in satisfaction, "Rise, my child. We shall have ample time to bond once we conclude matters here."
Yue Xin rose, assisted by Evana.
"Martial Uncle, what about me?" a mischievous voice rang out, belonging to none other than Evana herself.
"Little one, there is no need for such formalities. If there is anything you desire, do not hesitate to ask," the Chess Paragon chuckled heartily.
Evana’s lips curled into a playful smile as she glanced at Dong Rui. For some reason, Dong Rui felt a sense of unease wash over her.
"I would be honored to have a private conversation with Saintess Dong Rui," Evana requested.
Dong Rui frowned lightly; what possible reason could this woman have for seeking her company? There was nothing but animosity between them.
The Chess Paragon’s eyes twinkled as he looked towards Dong Rui, who hesitated for a moment before nodding. After all, she still had five months to spend in the Origin Space, and it would be unwise to antagonize the old man unnecessarily.
With a flick of his wrist, the Chess Paragon conjured a translucent barrier around Evana and Dong Rui, enveloping them in a private realm separate from the rest of the hall. This enclosure shielded their conversation from prying ears, ensuring their privacy.
Within the confines of the private space, Evana turned to Dong Rui, her playful demeanor replaced by a piercing gaze. "Saintess Dong Rui, I believe it’s time we had a little chat."
Dong Rui’s eyes narrowed as she sensed the underlying tension in Evana’s voice. "What do you wish to discuss?" she asked cautiously.
Evana chuckled a hint of mischief in her eyes. "Oh, nothing too serious. Just a friendly exchange between two women who have shared an...interesting experience."
Dong Rui remained silent, waiting for Evana to elaborate.
"You see, I’ve been observing you closely, Saintess Dong Rui," Evana continued, her voice dripping with feigned sweetness. "And I must say, I’m quite impressed with your...secret methods ."
Dong Rui’s heart skipped a beat as she realized what Evana was implying. "What are you trying to say?"
Evana leaned in close, her breath warm against Dong Rui’s ear. "I know about your Lightforged Illumination Technique."