Chương 63: Flowers Blooming

The sky was wrong. It was dark, like a bottle of sticky ink spilled all over the heavens. And Wang Ren ran. A broken sword clenched in hand, he ran like a dog. Pathetic. The Terror Incarnate was running like a dog, tail tucked between his legs? Unbelievable. Breath rough, chest burning. Every part of his body, even the muscles he wasn't aware of, ached. Every inch of his 'hunter' attire was covered in blood, both fresh and dried. Yet he still managed to make himself move, the air parting around him.

Sharp winds flayed his skin as his muscles contracted and released in order, powering him in this last stretch. His legs moved like well-cared runicwork, his body lowered as much as possible. He had long ago blocked off his senses, his heartbeat included. A mighty tower lay on the horizon, a scale on its top shining with a soft light that gave quiet reassurance. A promise of safety. Something he hadn't noticed before. They could protect him, right? They would. He was sure of it.

"Just a little bit more…" What had already happened could not be undone. Wang Ren knew that, but it wasn't an excuse to stop struggling. I faced worse. I can do this. For the sake of the future. Damn… Out of all people, never thought I'd try to reassure myself so naively, heh. A wry chuckle escaped his lips. Not feeling the immense confidence he always had, a little bit of 'imitation' was all he could do. He had to channel all his thoughts in a positive way. After all, the future could change.

There were limitless twists and turns in the river of time, so no one could predict it, not even those so-called divine fools— ahem, divine fortunetellers. And that future… he had to reach the tower if he wanted to make it happen. He had to return to his home. So he stepped harder, sometimes even clawing on the ground just to move a few centimeters more. A sight that definitely didn't fit for his glorious name. But hey, it works, alright?

"A little bit more… I should have learned that teleportation technique. Damn the causality of it. It definitely would have saved my sorry ass," he muttered after an indefinite time. Since when was he running? Hours might have passed, or only a few quick minutes; it was hard to ascertain without his senses. Thinking of this, he threw a look behind him. Thankfully, there seemed to be nothing— A flower rose into the darkness, just at the edge of his sight. Wang Ren turned and forced his legs to move faster. Faster.

He didn't think, all his wandering thoughts cut sharply. He didn't notice the blood splashing or his leaking energy. Heck, he didn't even realize he had energy to leak. He was in that much of a pathetic state. Yet the flowers followed. Wherever he looked, there was one blooming. They were pitch black, so black that even the darkness couldn't merge with them.

Their shape, a half-star, could only belong to a fever dream or to something a clumsy kid had tried to draw but had bored halfway through, leaving it in this twisted, eerie state. And they were sharp. Damn sharp. He slowed his steps, narrowly dodging a newly sprouted batch, lest he lose his feet. And looking down, he had gained more than a few fresh slices. There's no easy escape, huh?

"Hey, bastard, you won't help even in this situation?" His head suddenly snapped to the right as a flower bloomed. Its leaves sliced open his cheek, but missed his eye. He continued to run.

"Come on, you really want to see me die like this?" he tried again. No answer came. Then, the world darkened, fizzed and fuzzed. But it didn't last long. The scene returned to Wang Ren cursing under his breath. Maybe to a moment later, maybe longer. It was hard to understand. However, a change stole the attention. He had no choice but to hit the brakes for a second as ten flowers exploded into a wave of darkness in front of him. But stopping was death— even for a second. Wang Ren suddenly froze.

He lowered his head, seeing a flower peeking out of his chest. The armor, his trusted old pal, was sliced open like paper, and the insignia he had proudly carried for years was pierced. His blocked senses unraveled. He frowned. He didn't care much about the pain, but there was something he couldn't accept. It's obviously eerie, then why…? The flower had an intense smell, something sugary, but not fruity. Sharper than that. Metallic, also. Might be related to all the blood splashing around, he wasn't sure.

It reminded him more of honey mixed with a little vanilla, creating a mix he couldn't name. And he liked it. Fucking blasphemy… He coughed blood and some parts of his innards. A wry smile stretched across his lips. I can't be serious even in front of death? The wave swallowed him, forcing him onto his knees. His skin broke as the wave slipped into his veins. He didn't resist. Or to be more exact, he had no energy to resist. In no time, he was covered in spider-web-like cracks. But all he did was laugh.

Laugh with his very being nailed in the heart! He threw a glance at the sky for one last time. The darkness hadn't disappeared. On the opposite, it was getting darker and darker as it encroached around him like an eye of the storm. And at the very center, right above his head, a tiny beam of light stubbornly peeked out of the thick curtain. It refused to fade. Even the darkest night had failed to snuff it out, after all. A glimmer of hope. Him. The First Light of… Judgment. The very embodiment of hope.

Then I have no choice but to go with a bam at the very least. Wang Ren sensed the trembling within. Tyrant wanted to come out. Sorry, buddy, but I can't risk losing you. You are the only thing he can fully depend on. He sensed a wave of sadness. At the same time, his nameless armor wailed in sorrow, followed by his bones as though sensing his impending doom. They knew what was going to happen. All things have a spirit, huh… Wang Ren smiled bitterly as the talent inscribed within his bones— Divine Might— erupted!

Another wave, this one in pure gold color, pushed back the dark wave eating him. He felt the familiar pressure build at his shoulder blades as wings burst from his back, ruining his already tattered robe beyond repair. They were majestic. Sacred. Sanctified, as if they were the light side's last line against the evil! Earth shattered and cracked as though a drought had hit it for decades, flora turned into dust, and the space cracked. The flowers trembled intensely.

More and more bloomed in succession, exploding into more waves. One, two, ten, thousand! Yet it was in vain. Their twisted petals crumbled into ash at first, followed by their color turning into a sickly yellow. They burned. Wilted. And crushed into oblivion. New flora sprouted through the cracks in the ground, forming a massive bed of flowers. At last, even the dark curtain blanketing over shattered, and the starry sky returned in all its glory, its light falling on the one who called.

Stolen from its rightful place, this narrative is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings. The wings flashed like a beacon of hope one last time, then their form could no longer hold. They dissolved into radiant flecks of gold. And when they disappeared…

"I'm… sorry… for going out… l-like this…" Wang Ren, the one called Judgment's Light… stared at the sky he yearned for one last time. Yet he couldn't see it. His eyes stopped working. He collapsed into the ground, just at the edge of safety. He vaguely sensed people running for him. They were too late, their screams and cries echoing endlessly in his ears. … Ren woke up. His berserk aura calmed down in an instant.

The words flared one more time before fading, leaving a muffled echo that reminded him of the bitter apology. He hunched over on the chair, gasped and gulped for air, but felt like his lungs were malfunctioning. Reaching for his collar, he fumbled, hands trembling. He failed. Just as panic started to set in, a hand gently slipped in between. The touch was cool. Steadying. It caught his collar, fumbled with it, but seeing it stubbornly sticking to his skin, the hand tore it open without hesitation.

The buttons flew around. Then the hand settled against his cheek, as if scared of startling him. Ren went taut, like a drawn bow, mind blank. His shivering body came to a stop. Her hand was pulling away the panic. It was strange. Cold outside, warm inside. He suddenly felt he had to do something, and his hands proved to be great liabilities. He didn't know where to put them.

Before his thoughts caught up, one acted on its own, closing over the touch on his cheek, while the other found his chest— where his blood painted once. His heart pounded against his ribcage like a drum as his nails scratched his skin, searching for a scar or something. There was nothing. Then why did it hurt?

"Hey… hey… there's nothing wrong, nothing. Just breathe." Ren finally noticed Demoness's whispers. The ringing in his ears softened, and he latched onto her voice, gripping it like his life depended on it.

"In and out. Repeat that. Don't think; just focus on breathing. Deep, long. Yes, like this, you're doing great." It took him a little while, but he succeeded at controlling his breathing. The same couldn't be said about his heart. Appeasing it… seemed harder. He was drenched, cold sweat clinging to his skin and clothes alike.

"What a fucking mess…" he muttered after a while, feeling his slowed heartbeats. Ren slumped back, breaking their contact. He tipped his head back and threw an arm over his face as if he could shut the whole world out by sheer will. He shoved the system panels aside with it, too. Its constant pings lately were irritating.

"And I have to deal with it on an empty stomach."

"You're blaming me?" she grumbled, drawing back.

"Who would've thought you'd snap like that?" He forced himself to chuckle.

"Heh, you're more prone to sudden outbursts on an empty stomach than on a full stomach." She rolled her eyes, and a silence fell. Hesitation coated the very air, but both acted ignorant until she couldn't.

"Let me say this first," she started, sighing, "I wanted to respect your thoughts. Breaking your foundation isn't something easy to stomach, I know, that's why I didn't intervene much. However—" She bit her lip, gaze piercing through his arm's protection.

"Even a Vowbound's patience has limits, let alone me, and you've blown past that fucking line more than once."

"They scrap their emotions clean from childhood, Demoness." He couldn't help but throw her a glance under his arm.

"You dare to compare yourselves to those blankfuck monks?"

"Hey?! I'm always known for my boundless—" Demoness first faltered, then trailed in a mosquito-like voice when he waved his torn-open collar, "p-p- patience…" Ren nodded his head as if to say exactly that, a smirk spreading across his lips. Unfortunately for him, it didn't last long as she suddenly reached forward and yanked him from the collar.

"Don't. Even. Think. About. Escaping," she hissed through her clenched teeth, crimson eyes locked onto him.

"Why is violence always the first impulse for everyone around me? I swear that you or Baozhai will be the death of me one day…" His complaint was cut short by a fist wavering in front of his face.

"Because you truly deserve a good beating!" She huffed through her nose, seemingly struggling to hold back the urge.

"Well then, if I'm not blessed with their patience—" a nasty look flashed past her gaze, "I'll do what I'm expected to: Either you're coming clean now, or I'm gonna beat the truth outta you, understand?" He stared at her. The sweet scent of blood oranges flooded his senses, and he couldn't stop himself from shooting a quick glance at his chest. Still nothing. Bloody hell… Shaking his head, Ren forced his mind back on the matter, especially considering how her grip was tightening with every passing second.

"You didn't ask anything; how do— ugh, fine, fine, I understand." He backhanded a solid punch aside just in time, letting out a discreet gasp.

"It would be great if you could let me go. It's hard to talk this way… No?"

"You're a slippery bastard, I know that much," she said without her face changing. And you're one hell of a stubborn one… Ren thought. The urge to roll his eyes was strong, though he didn't dare to bet on his instincts since her punch was closer this time.

"Ah, if you're insisting on this game, here is your question: What happened to the man who'd calmly sip his tea even if the sky fell?" she added quickly.

"He is dead," Ren said. Demoness's eyes widened, her mouth opening, but she couldn't form any words.

"Demoness, I trust you even more than anyone, so I'll be honest," he uttered, steeling his heart. At the same time, a panel suddenly appeared, blocking Ren's view. [Warning! Warning! The truth might incur karmic retribution! Host is advised to—] Like hell I care at this point. He remembered Guardian Elder's disappointed gaze. Was saying this idiotic? Might be the stupidest thing ever in every universe. But would this change his wish? Absolutely no. He hadn't thought much, truth to be told, until just yesterday.

Now, he wanted to do it. Wanted to let it all out, and be done with it at last. Baozhai, Demoness, his Master, those grumpy old men, and Ancestor Lin; all these people were standing with him, trying their best just to give him a little push. I can't keep my promise to cherish them. Not this way. He even got three unruly brats relying on him to survive. So, Ren didn't think anymore. Just continue. He cast a glance, flicked the panel aside again, then reached for her head to push it away. She didn't resist.

Springing to his feet, he went over to the coffin. The four elements were still flowing, but their glow had faded significantly. He threw her a glance.

"Do you know the state they found me on the border?" She frowned.

"Y-your armor was ruined, but you were… fine. No, your body was in perfect condition, but you had lost all your cultivation. Also, your foundation wasn't merely broken. I personally checked, and there wasn't even a hint until you woke up. Only then did it appear broken." Ren suddenly felt a shiver crawling down his spine.

"I was fine? I was a mess from head to toe! Bloody hell, a twisted flower fucking pierced through my heart! How the hell could I be fine?"

"What?!" Demoness's eyes widened.

"How could such a thing happen?"

"I thought Storm Mother healed me," he muttered, his jaw tightening.

"Now that I thought, even her healing couldn't erase all the scars. There must be something left behind, but it's empty." He widened the tear and showed his chest. Demoness didn't hesitate and closely inspected it, even running her hand over it to feel it. She trembled.

"Reny… even an immortal can't erase such a wound. Yeah, Storm Mother's nature dao is kinda overbearing and even grows back limbs, but heart… that is the domain of immortals. No matter how strong she might be, she is just a beast after all. Are you sure it wasn't an illusion or, ugh, I don't know, a mind play? Mirage? Nightmare?"

"I used Divine Might before I collapsed," Ren answered, his face dead serious.

"You know how exaggerated its effect is. Not even Ascendants can affect the Divine Might's carrier. It was real, Demoness." System, did you do something? He wondered, but the system had said it needed energy. Thinking now, it hadn't even responded to him other than the first time he woke up. Maybe it had healed me and that was why it needed energy? But then why did I lose Divine Might? And the system is clearly something I got with the transmigration. How could it have healed me at that time?

There must be something I'm not aware of. Thinking to this point, he remembered the fuzz in the memory. Something that he couldn't see had definitely happened when the world darkened. Otherwise, why would a memory turn into a broken screen full of static? He suddenly felt his resolve crack. Demoness let out a deep sigh.

"I now understand why you changed this much. Feeling death, everyone would… wait." Her head suddenly snapped to the coffin.

"This man. Why did you remember when you saw him?" Ren ran a hand through his hair.

"The tattoo on this man… it belongs to an organization," he continued, voice strangely flat, as though emotion had been stripped from it.

"They were the ones that attacked me." The word 'me' left a sour taste in his mouth, but he forced himself to swallow it.

"I don't know how I found them, what made them target me, or even what they exactly do, but I lost more than my foundation. All my memories, including them, had disappeared, at least partly." Ren started to pace back and forth. There must be something related. A hint. Anything. He rubbed his chin. Could it be something my soul brother did? Like engraving those words into my soul? But if he could do that, why didn't he save himself? And who was that apology even for?

His mind scrambled for an answer, but only more questions appeared. Both Ancestor Lin and Master said my soul is ill at ease within the body, but it doesn't seem like possession. I clearly transmigrated, isn't that just another form of possession? There's no way I awakened memories from my past life. Heck, I don't even have spiritual roots. Is that why I don't have my talent, too? Does it reside within the soul as well? He stopped for a second, though didn't dwell on it much. Think, think. What am I missing?

What could I be missing? He felt the cogs of his brain turning to the point where they were overheating, but nothing more came to his mind. Demoness still seemed to be struggling to cope with reality. Right on time, his gaze focused on the coffin. A possibility, something evil, came to his mind.

"You said he is both alive and dead, right?" he asked. She raised her brows for a second, then snorted.

"Demonic techniques are inherently dangerous. Furthermore, this man is already at the Soul Transformation."

"It shouldn't be a problem for Ancestor Lin." Ren didn't relent.

"Maybe Ancestor Lin might read his memories… if that mysterious fucker hadn't obliterated his soul while leaving his body untouched."

"Fucking hell," Ren cursed, then slumped back on the chair at last.

"So we have no leads?"

"Looks like that." Back to square one.