Chapter 1633: Heart Has a Place to Rely On

If not for the encroaching darkness, the mountains and rivers would crumble, and the world would be destined for war and chaos. Who would willingly leave their homeland, abandon loved ones and lovers, to go to battle? Knowing it's a path of no return, they still won't look back.

Strangeness permeates everything; all worlds are on the verge of collapse. The terrifying canvas of blood and fire has slowly begun to unfold.

If lasting peace were possible, Chu Feng would gladly retreat to the mountains with Zhou Xi, experiencing the tranquility of seclusion, or wander among mortals, observing the myriad forms of life in the bustling world. But alas, there is no "if." Even though he was reluctant, he knew he had to return.

The mortal world's smoke and fire, the majestic mountains and rivers—would they perhaps only be relived in memory in the future? He feared that if he looked back again, only beacons of war would pierce the sky, mountains would crumble, and rivers of stars would be severed.

Chu Feng returned to the Yang Realm. This time, if he were to go to the alien realm, he would take many with him: the descendants of kings, the elites of various races, and ambitious individuals who rose from ordinary backgrounds. Anyone brave enough to forge ahead amidst the coming apocalypse would not lose their chance. Lao Gu, Mi Tian, Huang Niu, and the Holy Teacher would naturally also embark on this journey, entering the alien realm. Among the younger generations, only Chu Feng was unafraid of the erosion of grey matter. Those who wished to stay long-term in the alien realm would need to remain by his side. Of course, Yao Yao, with her transcendent talent, was an exception; she was already formidable enough. After learning about the alien realm a short while ago, she had already entered it to go into seclusion.

"Miss, you're back?" After several years, Zi Luan finally saw Zhou Xi return and was overjoyed. She stared with wide, round eyes at Zhou Xi and Chu Feng, exclaiming that she, too, wanted to go to the alien realm. Twisting her slender waist, she chattered merrily, full of cheer. This proud little bird no longer claimed to be the reincarnation of a Great Cosmos-level being; she seemed to disdain it now. Now, she proudly declared that her previous life was that of an unparalleled Immortal King and that she was actively awakening, insisting she must follow them into the alien realm this time. Chu Feng said nothing, only gave her a sharp flick on the head before going to see Jiu Dao Yi.

In recent years, the Heavenly Court had been somber; in fact, the Yang Realm and all heavens were similarly affected. They had slain a Dao Ancestor from a bizarre source, and all races had been constantly worried about ill omens descending, suddenly erupting and tearing apart the entire world. This was certainly no mere fantasy. The beings of the bizarre and cursed land were accustomed to dominance; when the time came, they would never allow those who resisted them and their factions to survive for long. Therefore, the end of the world could arrive at any moment, and a great calamity could instantly annihilate everything.

Jiu Dao Yi's hair flew wildly as he said grimly, "What is there to fear? Even if we pray and kowtow in worship, they will still overturn all worlds as they intend. This has nothing to do with whether you or I kill a Dao Ancestor, or whether we compromise. So, everything proceeds as usual. Do what needs to be done!"

The Dog Emperor agreed, saying, "Exactly. Eat when you should eat, drink when you should drink. Cultivate if you must, or fall into depravity if you will. The world remains as it is. No matter how much we think, it's useless. In the future, just kill more enemies."

The Corpse King also said, "At worst, we'll fight until the heavens turn upside down and the Great Dao collapses. The absolute worst is that you and I cease to exist, but that's no big deal. We have lived, fought, struggled, bled. Even if we die, we'll have no regrets. The long river of time flows endlessly, the tides of ancient and modern eras surge forward. We just face it calmly!"

They didn't grandstand or preach any great philosophies. They were all casual and nonchalant, yet how many heartbreaking past events were hidden within their words? Everyone knew they had experienced too much, survived more than one epoch, witnessed countless partings of life and death, and even bid farewell to the deceased Heavenly Emperor. Their descendants, their teachers, and those who fought alongside them were all gone, almost entirely wiped out.

In their hearts, there had been pain and wounds, and even unwillingness, but in the end, only silence remained. Only the ultimate battle could offer an outlet. Death itself was not terrifying to them. What they feared was years of constant attrition, leading eventually to numbness and confusion. Either killing their enemies or dying in battle might even be a form of release. Those who understood their state of mind sighed, feeling that these old individuals were, in fact, quite pitiable and desolate. At the same time, people pondered their own fate: if they were to miraculously survive the most dreadful calamity, would they too become like Jiu Dao Yi, the Dog Emperor, and the Corpse King?

Late into the night, Chu Feng could not sleep. He went to the window and gazed at the bright moonlit sky.

"Can't sleep?" Zhou Xi gently walked up to him.

"My heart is troubled, my obsession too deep," Chu Feng sighed. Many people had reappeared, so why couldn't he find his parents? If they were alive and had awakened their past lives' memories, they should have contacted the Heavenly Court, as Chu Feng's reputation was now truly immense. About to depart for the alien realm, he wished to let go of some of his lingering attachments before his final departure, but ultimately, his heart remained troubled.

In the early morning, Chu Feng and his companions set off. Zhou Xi accompanied him, also entering the alien realm; she didn't want to be separated from Chu Feng for "thousands of years." She wanted to endure the baptism of time with Chu Feng, leaving behind similar traces of their shared mottled history. Unfortunately, they would ultimately not be able to grow old together.

"Why not?" Zi Luan blinked her big eyes, quite confused.

"Because I am a goddess-like maiden, how could I grow old?" Zhou Xi's smile was incredibly pure, radiating a soft glow in the morning light, even her hair tinged with golden hues.

"But people do get old eventually," Zi Luan muttered softly.

Zhou Xi gazed into the distance, not mentioning any potential partings of life and death in the future, nor showing any sadness. Her fair cheeks were radiant with a brilliant smile, and her entire being seemed to glow.

A warship soared across the sky, packed with a dense crowd of young evolutionaries, all elites from various races, ready to enter the alien realm with Chu Feng. Jiu Dao Yi and Gu Qing watched from behind, silently observing their departure.

"They are all good children, what a pity. Who knows how many will survive in the future," the Old Man sighed. He had experienced similar events countless times. Epochs changed, each accompanied by a tragic lament. When an evolutionary civilization was utterly destroyed, it buried an entire era, and the races and civilizations on this land were replaced again and again. This was an incredibly heavy topic, one that neither Jiu Dao Yi nor Gu Qing wished to bring up again or elaborate upon. They were merely waiting, hoping that those who had fought their way out back then were still alive and would one day return for an ultimate battle, to eradicate the inauspicious beings! Alas, epoch after epoch passed, yet all worlds continued to sink into ruin, without hope, without a glimpse of dawn. This time, *They* were coming again!

At first, the warship was not very fast, as if to give those departing time to gaze at their homeland. It gradually accelerated at high altitude, and the vast land stretched out beneath them. Majestic mountains, roaring rivers, and the snow-capped plateau all quickly receded below.

"Once we leave, it will be thousands of years!" someone sighed softly, a more emotional person. As they delved deeper into the alien realm, they would be unable to see their families or reunite for a very long time.

Others, with stronger wills, consoled them, saying, "Thousands of years in the alien realm might only be one or two years in the current world. When you return, your family might even be wondering, 'How did you come back so soon? You didn't desert, did you!'" Many people laughed, and the sadness of parting was diluted.

Chu Feng stood at the bow of the ship, silent, looking down at the earth, at the rivers rushing like dragons, and the famous mountains piercing the sky like divine swords. His mind was restless, and he had no desire to appreciate the scenery. He always felt as if he heard a faint call. Was it an illusion? Was it because his heart yearned for something, and thus he perceived it?

Chu Feng inexplicably turned his head, feeling that the direction to his left held a certain pull, like the deepest instinct of his heart, making him want to stop. This feeling was unusual; he only became this sensitive when he wielded Dao Ancestor-level divine abilities and magic power with the help of the stone jar. Now, he was just himself, so why did he have this abnormal instinctive perception, making him want to stop? Upon reflection, he was already a Chaos-level evolutionary, a peerless mighty figure in the eyes of ordinary people. If there were matters intimately related to him, he would also have a premonition. So, this restlessness and unease in his mind meant that someone or something extremely important to him had appeared, causing an inexplicable connection?

"You all go first, I will join you later!" Chu Feng said in a deep voice.

Zhou Xi immediately walked over, gently taking his hand, intending to walk by his side and not let him go alone. Chu Feng nodded. Under everyone's astonished gaze, he stepped on Dao patterns, compressing space, and instantly vanished into the horizon.

Not long after leaving, Chu Feng quickly opened his Super Fiery Golden Eyes, scanning the land and heading towards the direction he had sensed. It was a small mountain village, not large, but full of life. Men went hunting in the mountains early, women picked mulberries in the morning, children ran around chasing a large yellow dog, and elders stretched their limbs, facing the warm morning glow. This small village was quite peaceful, with its young and old contentedly enjoying themselves.

As soon as Chu Feng arrived, his gaze fell upon a young man and woman. They appeared to be only teenagers, yet they possessed a composure, calmness, and self-possession that seemed unsuited to their age. He was excited and wanted to shout, but in the end, he held back, gradually calming his emotions. The young man and woman were teaching some children breathing exercises, practical cultivation methods. Their words were gentle but earnest.

Chu Feng's feelings were complex. He had never imagined that he would find his parents here, and that they would still be together! It was too unexpected, truly beyond his predictions. No wonder his heart had sensed something, making him restless and uneasy. Indeed, people and events intimately related to him had appeared. As a powerful being, he had keenly sensed them along the warship's flight path. Perhaps, it was also because his mind had constantly held this thought, refusing to let it go, that he was more susceptible to such a connection.

They had reincarnated and were still together; this deeply surprised Chu Feng, but he was also joyful for them. This was the best possible reunion. Finally, the young man and woman turned around and instantly saw Chu Feng. Although they possessed composure and maturity beyond their years, they still gasped in surprise. How could they forget? Everything felt as if it happened just yesterday. Though they had reincarnated, their soul light remained unchanged, and they must have long since awakened memories of their previous lives.

Chu Feng, pulling Zhou Xi, quickly walked over. Both sides, however, restrained themselves, saying nothing until they were outside the village, where they then poured out their hearts unreservedly.

"Son, is that you?" Wang Jing grabbed Chu Feng's arm, as if she couldn't believe her eyes. How could they meet here?

Chu Feng felt the same. He had always regretted and yearned, thinking he would never see them again in this life, that his connection to his previous life was completely severed. This area was very isolated, with little contact with the outside world. Moreover, there were very few people nearby who understood breathing techniques, so evolutionaries generally wouldn't come to this rural place.

"It's me!" Chu Feng's nose tingled as he looked at this young mother. Her appearance had changed, but her soul was still the same as before; she still regarded him as her child from the past.

Chu Zhiyuan also stepped forward, patting Chu Feng's shoulder vigorously, his excitement evident.

"Mom, Dad!" Chu Feng's eyes reddened, unable to control his emotions.

"It really is Xiao Feng!" Wang Jing cried out, tears immediately falling. Then, she began to ramble, recounting the worries and thoughts of these past years. Years ago, when they died in the starry sky and reincarnated in the Yang Realm, they thought all that was from a past life and that they would never see their son again. Their present reunion was too sudden and delightful.

"Back then, at the end of the reincarnation path, we held hands tightly and plunged into the whirlpool of reincarnation together, not wanting to be separated. We never imagined that we would eventually be born in neighboring villages." This was Chu Zhiyuan's explanation. His face was full of smiles, but tears almost fell from his eyes; he didn't want to lose face in front of his son.

Chu Feng's nose tingled with emotion. That parting so long ago had indeed been too painful. His parents had died, almost all his old friends had fallen in battle, leaving him alone. He had spent a long time in sorrow. To have this reunion today, and to meet both of them, it felt like the best arrangement from heaven, even though he usually didn't believe in heaven.

"It's a good thing you didn't become siblings. Otherwise, would you be in pain, or would you be relieved? After all, the relationship might have changed, but the affection would be the same." After the emotion and excitement, Chu Feng couldn't help but revert to his usual self, teasing his parents. At the same time, he also felt very unique. This young man and woman were too young, not yet twenty years old, yet they possessed mature souls—they were his parents.

"You brat, daring to make fun of your own mother?" Wang Jing immediately pulled his ear. Then, she saw Zhou Xi nearby and instantly became a little embarrassed, letting go of his ear. After all, they were in front of an outsider.

"Mom, please continue. She's not an outsider; she's your daughter-in-law," Chu Feng said with a smile.

"Mom!" Zhou Xi was graceful and at the same time affectionately stepped forward, holding Wang Jing's arm. Her address and etiquette were not according to the Yang Realm's customs, but rather like those from Earth's era.

"Dad!" Then, she smiled and greeted Chu Zhiyuan, saying with immense joy, "Chu Feng has always missed you. Now our family can finally be reunited."

"This is our daughter-in-law?!" Wang Jing's eyes widened, then she was instantly delighted, exclaiming, "She's so beautiful!"

"Didn't you always pressure me to go on blind dates and start a family early? Well, here I am, bringing my wife straight to you!" Chu Feng said with a loud laugh.

Chu Zhiyuan was even happier, saying, "You rascal, you're still the same as before. Not only has your appearance not changed, you even look younger, and your personality is still so lively. I still feel like you're a child." He was naturally excited and joyful about the reunion and was extremely satisfied with his daughter-in-law.

Chu Feng grumbled, "You say I'm like a child, but look at yourselves! Though you're mentally mature, with those youthful faces, I wouldn't dare call you Mom and Dad in front of outsiders."

"You brat!" Chu Zhiyuan and Wang Jing both pulled his ear together, but when they saw each other's youthful appearances and then considered disciplining their son in such a way, they couldn't help but want to laugh and both withdrew their hands.

Zhou Xi covered her mouth, chuckling, feeling the atmosphere was harmonious and amusing. They had too many things to talk about—the past, plans for the future, simply an endless stream of conversation. Chu Feng and Zhou Xi stayed for two full days without leaving.

"Dad, Mom, let me take you away. Let's move to a safer and more livable place. I'm worried about you here, fearing unexpected events, and this place is too isolated," Chu Feng continuously urged. Zhou Xi echoed his sentiments, as the place was indeed very remote, and they wished to bring them to a pure land of immortals.

However, Chu Zhiyuan and Wang Jing shook their heads simultaneously. They had joy, contentment, and also a sense of broad-mindedness and release, having come to terms with everything. "Having even experienced death, there's nothing we can't accept. Son, I know you're very capable now, but we've decided not to go anywhere. We'll stay right here; having less contact with the outside world is better for us. Being able to see both of you means we have no regrets in this life, no further ambitions. Please don't prepare any immortal-grade breathing techniques for us, or send any spiritual herbs or divine medicines. We feel that everything began in the past and will end with this life. Let us live, age, fall ill, and die naturally and normally here, living the lives of ordinary people. Regarding immortality, evolution, or power—we truly no longer have any desire for those. After experiencing all that happened before, we just want to be together, to live well, and to accompany each other, passing through this life without turmoil. That is enough; that is our blessing."

Chu Zhiyuan and Wang Jing seemed to have let go of everything. What they sought was simply a peaceful and harmonious life, nothing more. In their view, what good was it to become an evolutionary, even one so powerful? In the end, one couldn't escape conflict, slaughter, blood, and chaos. What one ultimately desired and sought in life was merely peace of mind; power couldn't solve everything. Both of them were content with spiritual tranquility. They had experienced too much in this life—great ups and downs, being hunted, and even witnessing reincarnation. They truly no longer wished to become powerful evolutionaries.

Ultimately, Chu Feng compromised, giving way slightly. He didn't take them away, as this place was also their home in this life, and they had relatives here. However, Chu Feng informed Gu Qing, and even sought out Jiu Dao Yi, asking them to take the trouble to look after his parents should any unforeseen circumstances arise, to prevent any accidents. As for spiritual herbs and great medicines, Chu Feng felt it would still be better to secretly administer some to his parents. He selectively respected their choices.

Finally, on the morning of the third day, Chu Feng decided to leave. He was going to the alien realm and could not delay any longer. To have met his parents on the way was the most unexpected and greatest surprise for him.

"When... when are you going to have children?" Just before they parted, Wang Jing asked Chu Feng from behind. Her personality truly hadn't changed; even though she faced this life with broad-mindedness, some desires remained the same. She had always wanted to hold grandchildren.

"We've been working hard, and we'll be even more diligent recently!" Chu Feng said boldly and brashly.

Zhou Xi immediately blushed deeply. She was usually graceful and poised, calm and natural, but now she felt completely uncomfortable.

"Then I'll wait to hear your good news. Next time you visit, I hope it's a family of three," Wang Jing said.

Upon hearing this, not only Zhou Xi but also Chu Feng quickly fled, speeding away until they were out of sight.

When they arrived at the warship, despite the three-day delay, no one expressed any dissatisfaction. The main reason for this journey into the alien realm was the need for Chu Feng's assistance in resisting the erosion of grey matter. In the brilliant morning glow, Chu Feng stood at the bow of the ship, his body appearing to have undergone some kind of transformation, tinged with faint golden light. The heaviness in his heart was gone; he had let go of his obsession. To have unexpectedly met his parents before leaving, such a reunion, made his spirit bright, pure, and clear. His mind seemed to have sublimated, and his soul power became even more complete. Having let go of the past and prepared to face the coming great calamity, he felt no more regrets. From now on, he could devote himself entirely to evolution and go forth to battle!

In the morning glow, Chu Feng looked back and gazed quietly into the distance, towards the small mountain village.

"What are you thinking about? Are you still worried about them?" Zhou Xi asked.

"No, I'm thinking, this reunion, this meeting, it was too unexpected. Was it specially arranged for me by a mighty expert?" Chu Feng whispered.

"What?!" Zhou Xi was startled, then felt a chill. Was everything they saw fake?!

"Don't panic, don't worry!" Chu Feng comforted her. He sighed lightly and said, "Even if it's illusory, unreal, that person's intention was good. They let me see my parents again, witness their presence, and experience a reunion full of emotion and joy." After saying this, Chu Feng bowed towards the direction of Xia Zhou and said, "Thank you. Even if it was false, my feelings at the time, the trembling in my heart, my longing, my joy, and the affection of my parents—all of it felt too real. It allowed me to touch what I had lost once more. Thank you for letting me have such an experience again."

Zhou Xi was stunned. Chu Feng abruptly turned, no longer looking back, and quickly wiped away the dampness and sparkle from the corners of his eyes. Zhou Xi was lost in thought. Could there be so many coincidences in this world? If not, then it meant Chu Feng's parents might no longer exist.

In the alien realm, the mountains and rivers remained largely unchanged, with wisps of grey mist clinging to many of the famous peaks. Although Jiu Dao Yi and Gu Qing had taken action and slain a slumbering bizarre monster here, it had been incomplete and fragmented from the start, so it hadn't caused terrifying destruction. Many years had passed since Chu Feng left, and his former adversaries in the alien realm were no longer present. While only a little over a decade had passed in the outside world, many tens of thousands of years had elapsed in this realm.

On a grand mountain peak, an ancient divine tree stood. Chu Feng sat cross-legged beneath it, holding a scripture scroll, silently reciting. It was the Emperor's Sutra that Yao Yao had given him. Yellow leaves drifted down, the mountain wind swept away the last withered foliage, and snowflakes began to fall, but Chu Feng remained oblivious. Day after day, year after year, he meditated, having already moved on to reading several different scriptures. Sometimes, he would rise to stretch his limbs, throw punches, and practice the wondrous techniques he had comprehended. But most of the time, he sat cross-legged beneath the divine tree, quietly reciting scriptures. Plants withered and then thrived again. Unbeknownst to him, a millennium had passed.

Sacred Ruins is nearing its conclusion; I'm working hard on it recently.Also, an advertisement for "Hunting the God of Creation."