In the Peach Forest, a brief silence fell.
Zhao Yi adjusted his expression several times, planning the tone for his next words, but ultimately stopped himself.
No way, this damn sense of empathy was incredibly strong.
Even though this terrifying presence in front of him hadn't told him the specifics of the past, merely expressing a few heartfelt sentiments was enough for Zhao Yi to resonate fiercely.
Amidst this, there was a hint of disappointment.
It turns out what the other acknowledged was not his talent and potential, but that same unfortunate situation.
Zhao Yi closed his eyes, bowed his head, the Gate of Life and Death at his heart frantically spinning, gradually pulling himself out of this emotional whirlpool.
Yet the pain, torment, unwillingness, and loneliness on his face became increasingly clear.
The figure deeper in the Peach Forest still stood there.
If one were to clear away the dark mist obscuring it, a slow smile could be seen at the corner of its mouth.
This young man is somewhat interesting.
The Peach Forest had a barrier unique to it, and its emotions and thoughts could have a very noticeable influence here, even if not intentional.
This young man had fallen into it earlier, and now he has climbed out, but while climbing out, the young man is still pretending to struggle and sink.
It knows he's deceiving, trying to use this method to get closer to it, to gain more sympathy and hopefully more care.
He's playing mind games.
A rather good child, despite facing it for the first time in such a pressuring environment, he still remembers his initial intention.
Next, he should continue performing.
"Thud!"
Zhao Yi fell to his knees, hands supporting the ground, fingertips digging into the soil, shoulders trembling, eyes reddening.
"I don't believe… I don't believe… I don't believe!"
From initial weakness and confusion to increasingly high-spirited, clear progress indicates the protagonist wasn't defeated, still striving forward.
At this moment, the terrifying presence should feel "comforted."
Zhao Yi knew it must have failed, there was no doubt about it.
If it had succeeded, it wouldn't be sealed here, looking so dead and tortured.
Therefore, what Zhao Yi wants is to hope to stir up the other's remaining fighting spirit or that lingering fantasy, entrusting it onto himself.
The ultimate goal is... for it to offer him help and aid his growth.
Facing ordinary Evil, this tactic would likely succeed, as both sides are emotionally moved.
But this time, Zhao Yi faced something more than ordinary Evil.
Even Li Zhiyuan had to offer "Wei Zhengdao" related information to get some benefit from under the Peach Forest.
Zhao Yi attempting to draw benefits under this one's watch is indeed somewhat naive.
However, it enjoyed watching the drama.
Waiting to die is dull and tiresome, it couldn't be bothered to search for entertainment outside, but the entertainment in front of it would definitely be watched.
For instance, right now, as Zhao Yi's performance just hit its emotional stride, it didn't let the boy's stage drop, casually saying:
"Why deceive yourself, you should know clearly you'll never surpass him."
Zhao Yi raised his head, eyes showing fierce determination:
"Whoever laughs last laughs best. I may not surpass him now, but that doesn't mean I won't in the future... Worst-case scenario, what if he dies first?"
"So, I must always push myself, prepared for when the position he's vacated, who else but me should take it!"
"Not a bad mind state."
This wasn't mockery; it sounded like settling for less self-comfort, actually unwavered bravery facing a mountain. Even if unable to climb over, courage to keep pressing forward wouldn't wane.
Zhao Yi: "My introspection, really, there's no way to simply admit defeat like that."
"Not your introspection, just resonating with your own circumstances. The creator of such a mind state isn't someone lost in it but the one you mentioned before, who laughs last.
Only the one who ultimately succeeds has such magnificence to overlook the frightened and hesitant past self."
Zhao Yi's face turned awkward, and he admitted candidly: "You're right, these are records from my Ancestor's Notes, I just understood some of it."
Next, Zhao Yi hoped the other would inquire his ancestor's identity, then he could mention it, hopefully leading to uncover an old acquaintance.
However, the other's reaction still disappointed Zhao Yi.
From deep in the Peach Forest, only a simple "Oh." was heard.
By the time Zhao Wuyang achieved Dragon King status, it had been buried here for countless years.
Zhao Yi sighed inwardly.
No choice, being from a family that produced a Dragon King is like this, can't expect ancestors to balance subduing the lands while maintaining social ties.
After all, unlike that Li kid, who has many "ancestors" in terms of legitimacy, along with the double weight of a proper Dragon King's Court.
Naturally, when traveling, Li keeps encountering people or things related to his ancestors at a high frequency, afraid that the Evil his ancestors couldn't fully subdue back then is enough to support Li's early journey into the Realm.
The scene grew cold again, Zhao Yi continued trying to warm the atmosphere:
"Perhaps I will ultimately fail, but isn't the pursuit of a great man all about a grand and magnificent life; admitting defeat prematurely would miss many splendid sights?"
"Very good."
"Forgive my presumptuousness, but this truly is my heartfelt thought. Honestly, I'm not his subordinate, still his strong competitor!"
