Chapter 83:

“Your experience is truly full of twists and turns—bizarre and tumultuous,” Xu Xi remarked after hearing Li Wanshou’s story.

Having experienced countless simulations and witnessing unimaginable events, even Xu Xi was momentarily stunned. The sequence of events was simply too outrageous to process.

First, Li Wanshou accidentally came across an elixir that altered his destiny. Then, he survived the catastrophic explosion of the fairy world—two feats that were individually astounding, let alone combined.

“I never imagined that even the Immortal Realm, with all its strength, could face destruction and death,” Xu Xi commented, his tone tinged with disbelief.

Though surprised by the explosion of the fairy world, Xu Xi didn’t dwell on it. The idea that the entity responsible for such destruction might have their sights set on Earth seemed laughable.

The Earth, compared to the fairy world, was insignificant—nothing more than a speck of dust in the vast universe. How could someone capable of annihilating the Immortal Realm ever care about such a trivial place?

Instead, Xu Xi turned his attention to something more pressing.

“Master, can you tell me about Mo Li?” he asked. He had long wanted to know what had happened after his first simulation.

[The Man Behind Him]—this achievement from the simulator continued to perplex Xu Xi.

What had Mo Li done to earn such a title?

“That child, Mo Li?” Li Wanshou’s expression turned complicated. “After you… left, she changed entirely. Driven by the desire for revenge, she hunted down demon cultivators with relentless determination.

“Her brilliance was overwhelming—she became someone who shouldn’t exist. The world of immortality simply couldn’t contain her.”

“Before she even reached the realm of ascension, she was already invincible in the lower world. Using her unparalleled swordsmanship, she broke open the gates of heaven and entered the fairy world, despite my attempts to stop her.”

“As her Master…” Li Wanshou sighed deeply, guilt etched across his face. “I thought I would find her after my own ascension, but fate was unkind. Despite everything, I still couldn’t reunite with her.”

The old man’s voice carried the weight of his regret. He had once promised Xu Xi that he would protect Mo Li, but the explosion of the fairy world had likely sealed her fate.

“It’s alright, Master,” Xu Xi said softly, trying to comfort him. “I don’t think Mo Li needs us to worry about her.”

As he spoke, his gaze drifted to the Eternal Teardrop on his wrist.

Though he didn’t know the full extent of his sister’s power, the fact that a single drop of her tears could fend off the attack of an Immortal Emperor spoke volumes. Mo Li had likely embarked on an extraordinary path.

“She must be fine,” Xu Xi reassured himself.

But deep down, he couldn’t help but recall her frail, delicate appearance from before. He worried about the possibility of her being bullied or hurt.

The thought lingered, a mix of protectiveness and longing for his sister. He sometimes felt her presence nearby, as though she were silently following him, just like in the first simulation.

“Perhaps I really need some rest,” Xu Xi muttered. He poured himself a cup of spiritual water and downed it in one gulp, chuckling at his own overthinking.

He turned his attention back to Li Wanshou, and the two continued their conversation. They reminisced about the past, discussed the Heavenly Sword Sect, the rapid changes on Earth, the Extraordinary Control Bureau, and the ruins appearing across the world.

“This world is strange,” Li Wanshou admitted, stroking his beard. “But it’s also fascinating.”

He marveled at the merging of worlds. Despite the wonders of the Immortal Realm, the Earth—with its convergence of countless systems—was unmatched. Magic, fighting spirit, fantasy, omnics, immortality, and undead—it was a kaleidoscope of phenomena.

“Even the legendary Immortal Emperor couldn’t achieve such a feat,” the old man remarked.

“I agree,” Xu Xi nodded. “The power that transformed the Earth into what it is today must be extraordinary.”

Their conversation shifted to Xu Xi’s purpose for visiting.

Without hesitation, he shared his initial goal of acquiring wood materials to craft a hybrid weapon tailored to his needs.

“Though, it seems that’s no longer necessary.” Xu Xi opened his palm, revealing the Heavenly Spirit Root Li Wanshou had given him.

The sacred tree that connects heaven and earth, was a treasure comparable to the World Tree of Western mythology. With this divine wood as the raw material, his new weapon wouldn’t just be powerful—it would grow alongside him, eliminating the need for constant upgrades.

“Master, I’ve enjoyed our conversation today, but I should get going,” Xu Xi said, rising from his seat.

“What? You’re not staying to spend more time with an old man like me?”

“Next time, I promise.”

“Bah, get out of here, you traitor!” Li Wanshou barked, but his laughter belied his words.

The two shared a hearty laugh. While their reunion was joyful, Xu Xi understood his Master’s nature. Li Wanshou valued peace and didn’t like being disturbed for too long.

“Then I’ll take my leave, Master,” Xu Xi said, turning to go.

As he stepped away, a storage bag suddenly flew into his hand.

“There are some cultivation resources in there,” Li Wanshou called out. “They’re useless to me now, so take them. And don’t slack off! How can a disciple of mine only be at the Nascent Soul Realm? If word gets out, where will I put my face as an immortal?!”

With a flick of his sleeve, Li Wanshou unleashed his immortal power. Time and space warped, and Xu Xi was instantly transported out of the serene bamboo forest.

When he regained his bearings, he was back in the silver-white corridor. The forest, streams, and Li Wanshou were gone.

“I can’t shake the feeling that something’s off,” Xu Xi murmured, staring at the storage bag in his hand.

Between the Eternal Teardrop and the resources he had just received, Xu Xi realized he was benefiting immensely from those around him—his sister’s strength, his Master’s influence, and the privileges they afforded him.

“Soft rice really is wonderful,” Xu Xi mused with a chuckle, tucking the storage bag away. “Who wouldn’t want to enjoy this kind of life?”