Same afternoon.
Ancient Cyan Sea, Mieyue Main Island.
The great battle has ended, and this beautiful island, as usual, boasts its azure sea and blue sky, with a gentle breeze. The majestic yet charming scenery is enchanting.
Wang Zhifan and Mie Xiyue walk along the coast, stepping through the crystal waves that barely reach their ankles, savoring the private time that belongs just to them.
"Fan, although weāve known each other for so long, this seems to be only the second time weāve strolled along the seaside together."
At this moment, the Dragon Maiden appears slightly downcast; sheās obviously not very happy, yet she doesnāt show it, uttering words devoid of emotion.
"Yes... Before the battle, I came here once, and then as the battle started, there was no more leisure time like this."
Wang Zhifan responds casually, his tone equally low.
His mood indeed isnāt good, because he came to bid farewell to the Dragon Maiden, and although itās not their last meeting before departure, the meaning of separation is clear in his expression.
Upon hearing him, the Dragon Maiden first lowers her head and steps in the shallow sea water not far from him, as if silently venting something, before suddenly turning to him and saying:
"Do you really have to leave? Canāt you find a way to stay? Weāve hardly had any free time together!"
This time, her words carry a hint of anger, but she is very composed, showing great restraint.
"I canāt stay... Even if I plead with the Saint, the Saint canāt help."
Wang Zhifan looks at her and answers slowly, his expression somewhat helpless.
Unfortunately, it indeed is like this. Heās reluctant to part from this good woman before him with whom he has a mutual affection, yet he has no choice.
If possible, heād gladly maintain the privilege to frequent this world, but the instance wonāt allow him that option, forcibly expelling him when the time comes.
Even if he were to appeal to the Saint during the assembly, heād undoubtedly face rejection.
From what he has gathered, the Saint couldnāt establish contact with remote worlds either; only an extraordinary game of surpassing power could achieve that.
Upon hearing this, the Dragon Maiden falls silent again. She slowly turns away, shifting her slightly frustrated gaze from Wang Zhifan to the vast, magnificent horizon, silently pondering something.
Seeing this scene, Wang Zhifan feels a pang of sorrow. The woman before him is outstanding and understanding, never losing her temper like this. He genuinely doesnāt wish to let her down, so he thinks for a moment and says:
"Xi, I really canāt stay... but this doesnāt mean I might not return... Perhaps after Iām gone for a while, Iāll find a suitable way to transcend the endless spatial barriers and meet you again."
As he speaks, a sea-blue necklace appears in his hand, and he moves to place it gently around the Dragon Maidenās fair neck as she silently gazes at the horizon.
However, the Dragon Maiden immediately steps aside, taking a couple of steps without turning her head, and angrily says:
"Hmph! Donāt think leaving something behind is enough! What I want is you!"
"..."
Suddenly Wang Zhifan feels a bit helpless, his hand holding the sea-blue necklace drops as he ponders how to comfort her next.
But just then, the Dragon Maiden, who had been staring angrily into the distant sea, bends slightly and begins to retch, catching Wang Zhifan off guard. He immediately steps forward to check and console her closely.
This sudden occurrence slightly alleviates the tense atmosphere between them and lets Wang Zhifan know that thereās a precise reason why the Dragon Maiden is so reluctant to part with him.
Finally, under Wang Zhifanās consolation, Mieyue Xiās first display of anger subsides.
She understands Wang Zhifanās predicament, accepts the reality of their coming separation, and also takes his gift, one meant for her and their child.
It is a sea-blue necklace named Sea Godās Eye, an Epic Layer equipment Wang Zhifan believes is more useful with the Dragon Maiden residing at sea.
Later that day until deep into the night, Wang Zhifan stays by Mieyue Xiās side. On the sun-setting sea coast, they share many words and set a promise to meet again someday regardless of how long they are apart.
This promise is not a mere attempt to deceive Mieyue Xi, but a belief in his own future, considering it not an unattainable vision.
He could cite several potential ways to make that happen.
For instance, obtaining a special item in a future instance that allows him to visit worlds he had previously experienced.
Or perhaps cultivating the legendary technique "All Space-Time Eternal Freedom Profound Chapter" to mastery, breaking space-time barriers through his own power.
Maybe even the extraordinary game will assign another instance in this world, granting him time during the instance to meet the Dragon Maiden.
In short, as a player of the extraordinary game, especially one with particular advantages, Wang Zhifan firmly believes that all difficulties will eventually be resolved.
The night quickly passes.
The second day after the end of the great battle, Wang Zhifan returns from Moon Destruction Island to Celestial Essence City and gathers all his disciples in the Martial Venerable Hall to announce his impending departure.
"Teacher, how long will it be before you return?"
The first disciple, He Kuang, senses an unusual meaning in Wang Zhifanās serious expression and inquires out of concern.
"Itās hard to say... but it might be a long time before Iām back."