Chapter 45: The End of the Third Simulation!
Just as Fu Ze was fleeing for his life into the deepest depths of the Star Dou Great Forest with the near-frenzied Tang San, trying to shake off any potential pursuers--
The simulated "Tang San" tucked under his arm had initially been struggling and roaring frantically out of immense grief over Xiao Wu's sacrifice and towering hatred for the Spirit Hall. However, as they distanced themselves further from that tragic battlefield, the strength of his struggles gradually waned.
An indescribable unease and throb, seemingly originating from the depths of his soul, gripped his heart without warning.
Tears streamed down his deathly pale cheeks silently and uncontrollably.
These tears were not just for Xiao Wu; there was also a deeper, more terrifying premonition--
As if to validate this dreadful premonition, a small silk pouch tucked close to his chest suddenly grew burning hot without warning!
In the next moment, a soft yet firm ghostly blue light forced its way through the pouch. Under the astonished gazes of both him and Fu Ze, it transformed into a streak of light, leaping out and landing upon the gnarled roots of an ancient tree ahead.
The light rapidly condensed and stretched, outlining a human silhouette.
With silver hair, dark robes, and a tall, straight posture, his figure appeared somewhat illusory and transparent, looking as though it might scatter with the wind at any moment.
It was none other than Fu Shiyan!
Or rather, it was an avatar formed by a wisp of his origin consciousness and soul power left within that life-saving plant seed!
"Mas--Master?!"
The pupils of the simulated "Tang San" shrank abruptly as he cried out, struggling to break free from Fu Ze's embrace.
Fu Ze also halted his steps immediately, dropping to one knee as he lowered his head respectfully and sorrowfully: "Young Master!"
The illusory figure of Fu Shiyan slowly turned around. His gaze fell first upon Fu Ze, his tone calm yet carrying an unquestionable decisiveness: "Fu Ze, your martial soul, the Heaven-Shattering Astral Halberd, is one of the core heritages of my Beichen Fu family. With a Rank 95 cultivation, you are more than capable of holding your own anywhere."
"I am well aware of both your loyalty and your strength."
"Next, protect Little San well. Take him to a safe place until he possesses enough power to protect himself."
"Young Master! This subordinate is willing to follow you to the death! Please--" Fu Ze's tiger-like eyes filled with tears, his voice choking up.
"This is an order."
Fu Shiyan cut him off in an indisputable tone, then turned his gaze to "Tang San," who had already broken free from Fu Ze and stumbled close.
At this moment, the tear tracks on "Tang San's" face had not yet dried, and his eyes were filled with unbelievable dread and the panic of being about to lose the most important person to him.
He reached out his hand, yet did not dare to touch his master's illusory figure.
Looking at his disciple in such a state, a gentle smile no different from usual appeared on Fu Shiyan's illusory face.
The phantom of Fu Shiyan raised his near-transparent hand, seemingly wanting to ruffle Tang San's hair as he always did, but could only execute a phantom stroking motion.
Just like at the gates of Nuoding Academy all those years ago, and just like during his guidance in cultivation these past few days, he gave a ruffle that carried a soothing power.
"Little San," Fu Shiyan's voice was gentle and clear, as if he were discussing the most ordinary household matters. His voice was very soft, yet it transmitted clearly into Tang San's ears. "Don't be sad. Fu Ze's strength is at the Rank 95 Titled Douluo level, and his martial soul, the Heaven-Shattering Astral Halberd, is one of the top power-attack tool martial souls inherited by our family. He has a calm personality, is loyal and reliable, and is fully capable of keeping you safe and taking you away from here."
He briefly introduced the powerful expert who had fought through blood to protect him all the way.
Fu Ze, originating from a collateral branch of the hidden Fu family in the Beichen Mountain Range, had displayed extraordinary talent in halberd techniques since childhood. He was chosen to be trained as the Young Master's personal guard. He possessed a resolute and courageous personality, was a man of few words, and obeyed only Fu Shiyan's orders.
"In the days ahead when Master is not around, remember to eat well and rest on time. You are not allowed to stay up late practicing and damage your foundation. You must cultivate diligently, but you also need to know how to relax and get along well with friends. Be happy every day, and live a life full of vitality, wonder, and no regrets, okay?"
These rambling words of advice, completely devoid of any grandmasterly demeanor, broke "Tang San's" heart more than any heroic declarations ever could!
He shook his head violently, his tears bursting through like a broken dam: "No! Master! You'll be fine! Let's leave together! We--"
"Be good."
Fu Shiyan softly stopped him. His illusory figure began to flicker like a candle in the wind, becoming increasingly transparent. "Remember, your Blue Silver Emperor martial soul possesses the world's highest level of life origin. Cultivate it well. In the future... perhaps we will meet again."
"Master--!!!"
"Tang San" let out a heart-wrenching cry, trying in vain to embrace the figure that was about to vanish completely.
At the final moment just before Fu Shiyan's avatar dissolved entirely, he looked at Fu Ze and left one last telepathic message. Right after, the light and shadow shattered completely, turning into specks of blue starlight that merged into the earth beneath their feet, as if he had never existed.
"Master!! Master!!!"
"Ahhh--!!!"
"Spirit Hall!!!"
The simulated "Tang San" fell to his knees, his hands digging deeply into the soil as he wailed like a wild beast. His mind, which had already been on the verge of collapse due to Xiao Wu's sacrifice, was now completely submerged in the despair of losing a second cherished one.
The observing Tang San felt the exact same way. A massive wave of grief and powerlessness gripped his heart, as the despair from the simulation violently assaulted his emotions.
This intimately familiar gesture instantly shattered all the strength "Tang San" was forcing himself to maintain, and it also penetrated the barrier of the simulation, deeply touching the observing Tang San!
At this moment, a violent tremor echoed from the depths of the observing Tang San's soul as well!
Master Fu Shiyan's familiar, doting stroking motion.
Even if it was just a phantom stroke, these words of care, basic to the absolute extreme, caused him to instantly transcend the barrier of the simulation and overlap with reality!
Just a few days ago, at the gates of Nuoding Academy, his master had also ruffled his hair like this, causing a warm current of being cherished by an elder to surge within his heart for the first time.
That was a delicate and straightforward love that he had never felt from anyone other than Tang Hao in this cold world.
Yet right now, his future self in the simulation was enduring the bone-piercing pain of being about to lose this affection!
Could it be that even though he changed the karma with Yu Xiaogang and saved his father, he was ultimately destined to lose his master? This price--
Just as the simulated "Tang San" was consumed by overwhelming grief, and the observing Tang San's emotions were in such turmoil that the simulation was on the verge of being forcibly terminated due to the violent fluctuations--
Fu Ze, who was kneeling on one knee, snapped his head up. He firmly gripped "Tang San's" violently trembling shoulder. Though his voice was heavy with sorrow, it carried a decisive certainty: "Young Master Tang! Calm down! The Young Master... has not truly fallen!"
"What?!"
The simulated "Tang San" snapped his head up, his bloodshot eyes staring fixedly at Fu Ze as if grasping onto a final saving straw.
Fu Ze quickly explained: "The Young Master carries the inheritance trial of the Goddess of Life. His Blue Silver Tree martial soul has long undergone an essential transformation, linking it tightly with the origin of life!"