Chapter 257: He Could Only Curse Heaven and Earth

Hundreds of steps, words piled upon words, layer after layer, no telling how many years had passed, nor how many figures had been buried beneath them.

When the two made their way to the top of the fortress wall and looked out, a scene of desolation stretched into the distance.

There had once been mountains and trees out there too, but everything was eventually flattened in the fierce battles, leaving only bleakness until today.

Chen Changsheng listened as Song Gudao recited dozens of names. With each name spoken, the determination in Song Gudao’s eyes grew firmer.

Near the edge of the wall, a man was dozing bare-chested. His face was covered in stubble and pockmarks, slightly flushed as if drunk.

“Well, if it isn’t Chieftain Song,” the drunk man said mockingly, though it sounded more like a greeting between old friends.

Song Gudao looked at him. “Mazi, you should really cut back on the drink. Up here on the wall, you might just lose your life if you’re not careful.”

The man just waved a dismissive hand. “Not drinking is what’d make me fuzzy-headed. Alright, alright, Grandpa here’s going back to sleep.”

Song Gudao sighed and continued walking forward.

Walking side by side, he explained to Chen Changsheng, “His name…ah, I actually forgot. Everyone calls him Mazi because of his face full of pockmarks. A fist fighter. He came here over fifty years ago. Back then he could take on two Sixth Realm opponents by himself. Now? Fighting even one is tough. Too many hidden injuries to count for a fist fighter…”

Chen Changsheng glanced at the man and gave a slight nod, remaining silent.

There weren’t many people on the wall. Glancing around, perhaps twenty or thirty at most. Each looked rough around the edges, with no sign of discipline whatsoever.

Song Gudao smiled helplessly. “They never had any discipline, true. But when trouble comes, they’re always the first to charge forward.”

The two walked all the way to the city tower.

From here, the view stretched even further. Casting his gaze out, Chen Changsheng saw distant, overlapping mountains, yet right at their base, it abruptly gave way to a desolate plain, looking stark and unnatural.

Chen Changsheng took a swig of wine. “Is there more?”

Song Gudao hesitated. “Yes. Far too many people. Senior, if you don’t wish to hear it, I’ll stop.”

Chen Changsheng asked, “You talk so much… is it because you want me to stay?”

“Yes.”

Song Gudao admitted it plainly. “From the moment I saw Senior, I knew you were no ordinary man.”

“Over the years, the Divine Domain’s suffered heavy losses. The great battle a sexagenary cycle (60 years) ago left barely one in ten standing on the wall. That’s why the City Platform Sacrificial Ceremony changed from every three years to yearly. New people come, but old ones still go. Even once a year… it’s only a drop in the ocean.”

Chen Changsheng said, “I recall you saying you don’t care much for lofty ideals.”

Song Gudao nodded. “True. If it weren’t for my Master’s dying wish, I’d never have become this Chieftain.”

He laughed wryly. “Not even dead and he’s still troubling me, that Jiang Shouyi.”

Chen Changsheng didn’t respond directly. “So you mean you want me to stay. That way there’s one more strong hand, giving the Divine Domain a bit more breathing room.”

Song Gudao turned to face him. “Spies in the Demon Realm sent word. The Demon Race/Yao Race is planning something big, soon. With the few of us left… we likely won’t hold.”

“I have no choice but to seek out every possible path, grab at every chance. Otherwise… when it finally comes… this place, and everything behind us… will be trampled flat.”

Song Gudao’s gaze burned as he looked at Chen Changsheng. “Senior, please help me.”

“I, Song, am willing to be your ox or horse. I only ask that you, Senior, protect my Divine Domain for some years… just to see us through this hardship.”

Chen Changsheng chuckled, shaking his head. “Honest to a fault, aren’t you? Not even a single word of flattery?”

Song Gudao replied, “Desperate times are right upon us. Beating around the bush is pointless. Might as well say it straight. And who knows when the disaster will strike?”

Chen Changsheng thought for a moment. “You and I are neither kin nor friends. The same goes for me and this world. You should expect that the outcome won’t satisfy you.”

Song Gudao wasn’t surprised. “True, Senior. No kinship, no bond. It’s wrong to beg favors. I just mentioned it… perhaps your mind will change soon.”

Chen Changsheng said, “Pinning hopes on something uncertain is very dangerous.”

“A fair warning, Senior.”

Song Gudao smiled. “But… we have to try. What if?”

Chen Changsheng saw the unwavering determination in Song Gudao’s eyes, as if the man was utterly convinced he would eventually help.

Chen Changsheng pondered briefly but didn’t press further. He was simply curious about how this person planned to change his mind.

Their unresolved conversation faded as both looked towards the distant horizon, words left hanging on the wind.

The wind atop the tower whipped fiercely. Chen Changsheng drank another mouthful. The gale teased the hair at his temples. Peering down into the desolation below, it seemed endless blood and tears had been spilled there.

He couldn’t even define the people here anymore.

Willing to sacrifice the lifeblood of ten thousand to empower themselves, only to then throw away everything they gained. Right and wrong… had become blurred here.

He could only curse heaven and earth.

…

The two didn’t linger long on the wall.

Song Gudao found Chen Changsheng a secluded courtyard to stay in. The spot was quiet and quite pleasant.

Song Gudao said, “Senior, you can stay here for now. If you decide to leave… could I trouble you to let me know?”

“I won’t be going for a while,” Chen Changsheng replied.

“Hearing that sets my mind at ease.”

Song Gudao let out the breath he was holding. Outwardly casual, he was intensely focused on this person. The Divine Domain was like a grasshopper on fire right now. If he couldn’t grasp this lifeline… all truly would be lost.

Song Gudao bid his farewell and left.

Chen Changsheng looked around the courtyard. Everything inside looked old and worn. Death Qi hung heavy over the place.

He walked across the yard. With a thought, a Peach Tree sprouted from a corner. A few Clivia plants pushed up from the ground nearby.

The dried-out well gurgled back to life, water bubbling forth. In the Main Hall, a long table and a single chair appeared.

A single thought later, all the furnishings were renewed. Life stirred throughout the courtyard, vibrant and alive.

Chen Changsheng sat down. He couldn’t help but shake his head with a wry smile. “What exactly am I doing here…?” he murmured softly.

He sighed after a moment’s thought.

Still, no trace of Yu Xuan or the Sutra of Rebirth. How was he supposed to explain things to his original self when he returned?

“He’s not me… but I am him. What he thinks… what I think… should be the same. It shouldn’t feel off.”

With that thought, Chen Changsheng settled in quite comfortably.