Shortly after Ruo Xi disappeared, Xuan let out a deep sigh and turned his gaze away from the brooch. He didn’t feel sadness, only gratitude for letting him relive the experiences of his past once more. It was good to know that even though the calm and collected personality of Zero had long taken Xuan’s place in his body, the lingering memories of his human side still remained.

Opening up his inventory with a gentle swipe of his hands, he proceeded to inspect the brooch that had been left behind by Ruo Xi once again. Only this time, it was done using the System inventory, so hidden details may be revealed through the item’s description.

Xuan had done this many times in his past life and had found unexpected benefits by using this feature, discovering secrets and solving mysteries, so before long he’d made a habit of doing this every time he obtained an unknown new item.

A flower-shaped brooch left behind by the lingering Spirit of Ruo Xi. There is a message engraved on the back.

‘Hm? A message…?’ Sure enough, inspecting the item with the System was a good decision. Taking the item out once again, he flipped it around in his hand, and read the message inscribed on the back in messy childish handwriting somehow written in small font.

“Ruo Xi…” Xuan was left in utter shock at this. It did make sense that she would have something like this, or else she couldn’t have escaped the people who took away their parents, but…

‘… Wasn’t this a bit too convenient?’ Xuan thought, frowning in doubt. ‘Could it be the Heavenly Way’s karmic strands at work? Was I… connected to this girl, somehow?’

Now that Xuan really thought about it, Ruo Xi had looked somewhat familiar—and it wasn’t just because of the girl from his past. He felt like he’d seen her somewhere before in his previous incarnation, but… he couldn’t be quite sure due to just how much time had passed.

Very soon, however, he realized something else that made this the least of his concerns.

‘… Wait. How did she know I was thinking of hiding my appearance? Could she actually be…’

Xuan’s eyes widened as he realized.

‘… A Divine-Grade Spirit?’

He knew from the very beginning that Ruo Xi was a lingering human Spirit—an innocent Ghost that clung to the living realm as a result of some wish, in layman’s terms. That was why the dust on the chair still remained even after she sat on it. Spirits could interact with real objects if they put their mind to it, such as that apple she gave him, but for the most part, they weren’t actually tangible and did not have a physical form.

However, certain Spirits, like Ruo Xi, have wandered around long enough to develop special abilities. The longer a Spirit wandered for, the stronger it became, and the more rare it was to find. Since no Nirvana-Grade Spirits have ever been found, Divine, representing over a thousand years of wandering, is the highest grade.

As for mind reading, it was an extremely powerful skill reserved only for the highest-ranking Spirits. Not only that, but a Spirit’s accumulated energy from wandering around all this time would be released to the world around them as World Qi after they finally fade away, so cultivators who have condensed their cores could make use of this opportunity to greatly increase their own cultivation. The higher grade the Spirit was, the more Qi they had stored up.

Normally, Body Tempering stage cultivators like Xuan would not be able to take advantage of events like this, but Xuan was different—he had the innate techniques of the Chaos Scripture by his side, Gathering Qi. With a deep breath, Xuan closed his eyes, and felt the energy funneling into his body.

———

———

———

———

‘… Ruo Xi, just how long have you spent all alone here, waiting for someone to fulfill your final wish?’

Xuan was baffled. The brooch was already helpful to Xuan enough, but the Qi stored in her body all this time was the true gift. With this, Xuan had essentially passed the entire Body Tempering stage in the span of just one night, when it would’ve taken other cultivators weeks if not months.

‘… It’s strange, though. The Ninth is the final layer of the Body Tempering Stage, yet I still haven’t learned the third technique of the Chaos Scripture. All Body Tempering innate abilities came in triplets. Will the third one simply be given to me after I break through to the Core Formation stage?’

Xuan had seen those Body Tempering techniques in the past. When that was the case, it was usually because the third technique required a fully condensed core to use. In other words, it wasn’t unseen before, but when it came to the Heaven Devouring Body, one could never be certain.

‘Perhaps… the final technique of the Chaos Scripture was so powerful that it required a fully condensed core to execute?’

Xuan pondered for a moment about this, but ultimately decided it wasn’t worth worrying over. His cultivation speed was already monstrous enough, thanks to Ruo Xi’s help—it was only a matter of time before he found the answer himself.

“… I’ll remember this favor, Ruo Xi.”

With a determined look in his piercing red gaze, Xuan spun around, long white robes fluttering behind him. The brooch in his hand disappeared, falling back into his inventory, and he began walking away from the edge of the mountain.

‘The brooch still contains a faint wisp of her soul inside,’ Xuan thought, narrowing his eyes as his footsteps grew more and more distant. ‘If I can find a suitable body and become strong enough to refine it before that final wisp fades away too…’

If that happened, not only would he be able to let Ruo Xi live again, but also gain a powerful companion by his side. As a Divine-Grade Spirit, she had infinite cultivation potential—all it took was some proper guidance. Because of this, many cultivators also chose to capture Spirits instead of simply killing them for their energy.

Xuan was lucky—not only did he get to absorb Ruo Xi’s energy, he also managed to retain a wisp of her soul. Such a case was exceedingly rare, but it was possible with Divine-Grade Spirits. In fact, it’s happened to Xuan once in his past life already, so it may have something to do with his Legacy. Back then, he’d found the Spirit of a True Phoenix, which he had used another Phoenix’s physical body to merge with the final wisp left of its soul after he absorbed most of the Spirit’s power for his own cultivation.

‘Speaking of, she’s probably still exactly where I left her, wondering where I am.’ At the thought, Xuan gave a soft chuckle.

Just then, however, Xuan suddenly stopped in his tracks, the smile on his face freezing as the sky above him seemed to tear open. He peered up at the thunderous heavens, where a large bold hologram appeared, announcing to every corner of the earth his accomplishment, accompanied by a booming system voice.

And in slightly smaller text below it:

“… You’ve got to be kidding me.”

That night, everyone in Xianxia Online who wasn’t in secluded retreat, both player and former NPC, both lover and enemy, were made aware of Zero’s return—for it was one that would very soon, shake the heavens.

Somewhere out there, the Heavenly Way’s bell of fate rang ominously.

*****

- The Queen’s Sanctuary, Tartarus -

“Fufufu… so, he’s finally returned? With such a flashy resurfacing, no less.” The beautiful and mature woman sitting on the Queen’s throne giggled to herself, running her delicate fingers along her long, silky smooth white hair. “That’s just like him. But… where did he disappear to in the past year?”

After some deliberation, the Queen decided to call on one of her closest subordinates to investigate the matter.

“Xiao Mo, come here for a second.”

Instantly, a shroud of dark Qi appeared before her, and from it emerged the figure of a young woman, sharing the Queen’s long white hair and charming red eyes.

“Yes, mother?”

“There’s someone I want you to look for. Your father.”

At this, the girl blinked in confusion. “Eh? My father…? But mother, didn’t you always say I didn’t have one…?”

“Biologically, you don’t,” the Queen replied with a smile. “ You were born from a fragment of my soul, after all. But this man is my husband, so therefore he is your father as well.”

“I… see…” The younger woman still seemed confused, but she accepted her mother’s words nonetheless.

“Look for someone with long white hair and red eyes, just like you. If my guess is not wrong, he should be somewhere in the Asphodel Realm. With his character, he should stand out in a crowd—not to mention the fact that you hold within you a fragment of myself, so you should recognize him when you see him.”

“Understood, mother.”

The girl bowed politely before disappearing through the same black fog she’d appeared from, and the Queen was left alone in her quarters once more.

“Fufu… now then, how should I punish you for ignoring me for so long, darling?”

Licking her lips with a soft giggle, she carried a lustful gaze in her eyes as she fantasized.

*****

- Divine Ice Palace, Elysium -

“Sect master, sect master!” A girl breathed, panting as she called out from outside a cave of ice.

From inside, a cold, steely voice replied.

“… I thought I ordered no one to disturb me.”

“It’s urgent, sect master—the Ancestral Elder himself sent me here to deliver this news!”

“I can’t get a moment’s rest, even when I’m in secluded retreat…” The woman inside sighed, annoyed. “Well? What is it?”

“Er… it’s about a man. His name is Zero—the Ancestral Elder told me you would know if I just told you his name. Just now, an announcement from the heavens declared he was the first ‘player’ to successfully absorb a Divine-Grade Spiri-”

Instantly, the cave’s barrier shattered, and an elegant woman with a well-endowed figure appeared. Her long hair flowed down her back, going from blue at the top of her head to a light shade of pinkish white at the tips. Her eyes were ice-cold, sharing similar color to her hair, but in this moment, they carried passion.

“Sect master!”

“Where is he?” The woman asked urgently, not wanting to wait a moment longer for the news.

“Um… that… I’m afraid I don’t know,” the girl meekly replied, unable to meet her sect master’s penetrating and domineering gaze. “The announcement didn’t specify his location…”

“…” The woman fell into thought for a brief moment, narrowing her eyes. “A Divine-Grade Spirit… Spirits only appear in the Asphodel realm. Quickly, send a message to our derivative sects in both Lower and Upper Asphodel. Tell them that if they find a man with back-length white hair and stunning red eyes, alert me immediately. Understood?”

“Y-Yes, sect master!” The girl, bewildered, could only quick nod in response to the sect master’s words. This was the first time the girl had witnessed her sect master behave so agitatedly like this, so it was only natural she was surprised.

Hurriedly, the girl scurried away like a fox with her tail between her legs, and the sect master gave a sigh before re-entering the cave.

“It’s a shame I’m at a crucial point in my cultivation, just one step from breaking through… otherwise, I’d go looking for you myself… Xuan.”

With a conflicted, almost sad expression on her face, she re-sealed the barrier protecting her secluded retreat, and disappeared from view.

*****

- Heavenly Medicine Pavilion, Upper Asphodel -

“… Haiz.”

A gorgeous woman sat at her desk, slumped over in exhaustion. She had purple hair and pointy ears—a discerning feature of the Elven race—along with a figure voluptuous enough to make any man aroused and any woman jealous. She worked as one of the top disciples of the Heavenly Medicine Pavilion, studying directly under the sect master’s tutelage, but lately… her performance had been getting worse and worse.

It wasn’t due to a lack of skill, of course. It was just that her mind wasn’t calm enough, resulting in her medicine creation, healing techniques, and diagnostic abilities to all falter in terms of quality. Ever since her husband disappeared out of the blue one day, she’s been like this. Before long, she’d stopped seeing patients, friends—anyone, for that matter, apart from her honored master.

Suddenly, three knocks came on the door of her room, and she slowly sat up.

“… Hello, Ling’er? Can I come in?” The voice outside asked gently.

“Master…? Yes, Ling’er is here… you can come in.”

The doors creaked open, and in stepped an older woman, appearing to be in her forties. She saw the state her precious disciple was in, and gave a sigh before walking over and embracing her tightly.

“… Still thinking of him?”

“… En.”

“Sometimes, it’s better to just forget, you know? He’s been missing for almost a year now, not responding to any of your attempts to contact him. I’ve dispatched sect forces and tried looking for him everywhere as well, but to no avail. Maybe, he already…”

“Don’t finish that sentence,” the elf girl suddenly interrupted, a noticeable edge in her voice. “… Please.”

The woman was taken aback briefly, but then smiled sadly and nodded. “Yes, you’re right. I apologize… I shouldn’t have said something like that.”

“He… he’s very strong,” the elf, nicknamed Ling’er said. “He is not dead… Ling’er knows it.”

“… I understand,” the sect master said after a long pause, smiling kindly. “I won’t bother you about this matter any further. After all, I have faith in my disciple’s vision and beliefs.”

“Master…” The elf murmured in surprise, then smiled—for the first time in a long while. “Ling’er thanks you.”

“You’re welcome. I’ll be taking my leave, then,” the sect master said, moving towards the door she’d come in from. “If you ever need any help, you know where to find me.”

Ling’er gave a nod, and the sect master opened the door to leave. But in that moment, right as she stepped one foot outside, a blaring announcement erupted from the heavens, one that reached every corner of the world.

“Ze… Zero…?”

Ling’er suddenly sat up from her desk, a mixture of shock and joy on her face. There was no doubt about it—this was her husband.

The sect master, seeing this, gave a soft laugh. “Hehe. What was I thinking, saying that he might be dead? I should’ve just had faith in my disciple from the beginning. Would’ve saved me a lot of face now, wouldn’t it?”

“… Master, Ling’er will be seeing patients again starting from today. We can also resume our lessons,” Ling’er suddenly said, causing the sect master to blink in surprise.

“Eh? Are you certain?”

Ling’er nodded, a bright smile on her flawless face. “As long as Ling’er knows that he’s out there, fighting and getting stronger, Ling’er will have the courage to keep growing as well. Ling’er doesn’t want him to leave her behind in the future, so I’ll have to work hard to keep up with his progress!”

“… Heh, this girl…” the sect master closed her eyes and chuckled. “Just what kind of poison did you give her to make her like this for you, Zero?”

*****

- Tower of Flames, Lower Asphodel -

“Immortal Fairy Huo Fei, w-when will the feast be ready?” A servant asked meekly, apparently scared even be in the room. “The guests are… ahem… getting impatient…”

“Huh? Let them be impatient!” a girl at the stove snorted, expertly adding ingredients and cooking them together with great skill. “They’re lucky I’m even doing this in the first place! Where will they eat if I close this place down, huh? Tell them to go fuck themselves! If they don’t want to wait, then leave!”

“Y-Yes!” The servant disappeared as quickly as he came, eager to get away from the girl known as Immortal Fairy Huo Fei—no older than twenty years of age, but already an accomplished chef, whose cooking resounded across the world. People from all the realms, both major and minor, gathered here at her Tower of Flames to enjoy her food.

She was part of an occupation known as an Immortal Chef—but since she didn’t want to be called Chef, she went with the name Fairy instead. Immortal Chefs were cooks whose food could increase a cultivator’s lifespan, help them break through bottlenecks, and sometimes, even increase the power of their techniques and attacks, hence why everyone was eager to eat here.

The other Immortal Chefs had their own restaurants too, of course, but everyone agreed Immortal Fairy Huo Fei’s cooking was the best, so they all ended up coming to the Tower of Flames, leaving only a few customers at the other Immortal Chefs’ places. After all, not only was she one of the only female Immortal Chefs, she was also a city-toppling beauty that any man would die just to get a glimpse of.

… Too bad she always just stayed in the back kitchen.

The one time she came out from there, she received countless annoying marriage proposals, so ever since then, she’d never shown her face again. She didn’t need men proposing to her—not when she already had a husband. A husband who had been missing for almost a year now, but a husband nonetheless.

That explains why she was so grumpy lately, when usually she was quite the playful girl befitting of her young age.

“… Ughhhh, I can’t do this anymore!” Huo Fei yelled to herself as she finished the final dish and sent it for delivery through a metal rack in the back kitchen. “All I can think of is him… I can’t focus, I can’t focus, I can’t focus!”

Sitting down on the floor, she grasped her head tightly.

“What’s happening to me… why have I been getting mad so easily recently? I used to be so playful and laid-back…”

Staring up at the ceiling, she let out a deep sigh. “Xuan… where are you? Back then, it was you who picked me back up, and helped me to accomplish all of this… but now, you just leave? I just can’t with you! I don’t understand why…

… I don’t want to be alone again.”

“Huh…? What the…”

Slowly, Huo Fei stood back up and looked around, trying to see where the sound came from. Then, she opened the window in the kitchen, and looked up at the sky. There, the message was displayed boldly across the heavens. While there was no picture, just the name ‘Zero’ was enough for her to recognize who it was.

Her yellow eyes immediately lit up, a shadow of her old self coming back as the wind blew past her amorous red hair, twisted into double pigtail buns.

“Xuan…!”