Chapter 222 The Annihilation Times (2/2)
”The Annihilation Times should have arrived 7,000 years ago. But for some unknown reason, all the Immortals and Devils died or disappeared without a trace. Thus, it was not activated then.”
Xiao Chen was astonished. 7,000 years ago ought to be his original time. What happened back then remained a mystery to him. Why was the Mystic Cyan Sect destroyed? Why did the so-called undying Immortals and Devils die? Why did he reawaken thousands of years later? It was all a mystery to him, a puzzle within a puzzle!
Fengxi contemplated for a long time before saying, ”The Annihilation Times has three stages. The first stage is that a great number of young experts will make an abrupt rise. Cultivators will see an increase in their cultivation speed. Hermit cultivators will show themselves, and there will be never-ending wars all around. In the first stage, even Nascent Soul Realm cultivators are no more than cannon fodder.”
”In the second stage, ancient cultivation sects and clans will reveal themselves and vie for supremacy. Immortal Kings in the heaven's realm will go to war, resulting in the upheaval of the Six Realms. In this stage, even Grand Completion Realm cultivators are no more than cannon fodder.”
He continued, ”The third stage marks the downfall of every god in this world. Legend has it that there were cultivators, who were outside the battlefield of the previous Annihilation Times, made their return. The world has perished, and the Six Realms have collapsed. Thus, the third stage is also called the Age of Dharma Decline.”
It was rare for Xiao Chen to see Fengxi look so earnest, so he didn't interrupt. Moments later, he finally asked, ”Is it that bad?” ”You only found about this so-called The Annihilation Times from the ancient texts. It could be very well made-up by some bored Taoist. Don't you think you're all overreacting about this?”
A solemn-faced Fengxi shook his head. ”Not at all. Look, the entire Violet Manor is in chaos from the moment you show up. Isn't that the clearest signal that the Annihilation Times are upon us?”
”F*ck! How can you blame that on me? Why don't you just go ahead and say I'm the cause of the Annihilation Times?”
”Hehe! That's not impossible!”
”...”
Fengxi coughed twice. ”Enough. Let's get back to business. The final stage of the Annihilation Times 7,000 years ago should have begun with the collapse of the Six Realms. However, only the Demon Realm collapsed while the remaining five were left intact. I think there's a lot more to it. Perhaps it has something to do with the ancient scroll. If my assumption is correct, there is a space in the scroll which records the whole truth of the incident.”
Xiao Chen contemplated this for a moment. The Six Realms didn't collapse when they should. Did a Deity appear at the end and save all living creatures from the crisis? Looking helpless, he spread out his hands and said, ”I can guess that too, but what can I do with it? I couldn't find any Immortal King's Bones or scrolls even after roaming the Changyin Mountain Range.”
To be frank, the Annihilation Times or even the end of the world all seemed too distant for him. His only purpose now was to find his Master, Ling Yin. The world would end, but so what? He only wanted to see his master again. If he could, he would have nothing to regret even if he died.
”Forget it and let's talk about something else. Kid, how are you going to handle the recent affairs? Immortals' League isn't as simple as you think.”
Just as Xiao Chen was about to sink into a sorrowful mood, Fengxi abruptly interrupted his train of thoughts. He gave a little shrug with his hands outstretched and put on the look of a fearless hoodlum. ”Those people are already dead; am I supposed to revive them one by one? Besides, Zuoqiu family provoked me first. If they start a fire, am I not allowed to extinguish it?”
Fengxi shook his head, sighing. ”Youngsters are always fearless. Have you never considered the consequences before acting?”
Xiao Chen didn't answer. Thinking about it now, the Immortals' League seemed like they wouldn't be easy to deal with. Putting aside the fact that they had Rogue Immortals backing them up, he would have a hard time fighting their other experts. Even though he could ask Bai Susu and the rest for help, it wasn't a good idea to trouble them every time.
Must he flee for fear of punishment? If he somehow ran into an acquaintance from thousands of years ago as a wanted criminal, wouldn't that be very embarrassing? Thus, he asked, ”Is the Immortals' League truly omnipotent? Do they poke their nose into everything?”
”Not entirely. There are at least three places where they have no control over. The first is the Spirit Silence Room. They would never interfere with the affairs of the Spirit Silence Room. The second is the Administration of Heaven, where they're powerless to interfere. The third... Well, the third... It's an area where they can't control even though they want to.”
Xiao Chen's heart tightened. Bai Susu and the others seemed to be under the purview of the Spirit Silence Room. The Administration of Heaven was a mysterious organization that dealt with souls. What about the third? He asked, ”What's the third place?”
Fengxi coughed twice. ”Don't ask. Either way, just think long and hard about how you'll handle this. Immortals' League will likely come here to catch you in a few days. Since we're acquaintances, I advise you not to think of running away.”
”Who said I would run away? If worse comes to worst, I'll just overturn the Immortals' League instead!” Xiao Chen retorted in anger. Just as he was talking, one of the ladies from the Hidden Fragrance Wafting Under the Moon entered the room.
”Master, you have a guest.”