Witnessing a near-immortal Nascent Soul ancestor, weeping like a child while cradling a toe bone and calling it "Ancestor"—what kind of experience is that?
Simply put, it's unsettlingly bizarre.
A Nascent Soul cultivator who hasn't undergone tribulation has a lifespan of 30,000 years! In other words, this ancestor's ancestor…
How ancient could such an existence possibly be?
Perhaps moved by the Nascent Soul ancestor's sorrow, a faint flicker of consciousness within the toe bone was finally awakened.
A translucent figure emerged, radiant with the brilliance of the Dao. Dignified and striking, it was none other than Ji Wushuang's second master—Lian Beihai.
Lian Beihai glanced disdainfully at the Nascent Soul ancestor. "You… Are you Little Stone?"
"Yes, yes, it's me, Ancestor."
"Hard to believe even you've grown so old."
"Ancestor, you've been gone for far, far too long… sob…"
"What are you crying for? A funeral? Oh, wait—I did die already. Cry if you must, but don't overdo it. My fragment of consciousness won't last much longer."
"Sob, sob… Ancestor…"
"Quiet."
"…Yes."
The gray-haired old man, like a scolded child, obediently suppressed his sobs, gazing at Lian Beihai's spectral image with reverence and longing.
Lian Beihai continued, "In the Battle of the Celestial Slaughter, I and a few other old fools perished. By chance, our corpses and souls were drawn into the Divine Tomb, wandering aimlessly for ages. How long has it been since?"
"Ancestor, nearly 60,000 years have passed."
"So long…" Lian Beihai murmured. "But since my remains have returned to the sect, I can rest without regrets. Find a tranquil place, bury me there, and let it be. Don't dwell on me any longer; my time is long past."
"Ancestor…"
"But there's one matter that I cannot set aside."
The Nascent Soul ancestor straightened up like an attentive student, his voice filled with urgency. "Please, Ancestor, command me."
"Wushuang!"
"Second Master, I'm here."
Lian Beihai turned to Ji Wushuang, his gaze soft and filled with pain. Addressing the Nascent Soul ancestor, he said, "Little Stone, this is my last disciple—your Martial Aunt. She's a pitiable child, and I can no longer protect her. I entrust her to you. Will you take care of her in my stead?"
The Nascent Soul ancestor nodded fervently. "Rest assured, Ancestor. I will look after Martial Aunt with utmost care and dedication. Whatever she desires, I will ensure it's hers."
"There's one more thing."
"Please instruct me."
"Your Martial Aunt possesses fire and wood supreme dual spiritual roots—a prodigious talent. However, her spiritual bones were cruelly stolen and cast into the Divine Tomb. It was by sheer luck that we found her and managed to raise her. The Divine Tomb connects myriad worlds, so her origins remain a mystery. Do everything in your power to retrieve her spiritual bones. If you cannot find them, then forge new ones using the rarest and most precious treasures available!"
"Yes!"
"My return to the sect is thanks to your Martial Aunt. Treat her with respect and kindness."
"Yes!"
Lian Beihai finished his instructions, then turned back to Ji Wushuang. His once stern expression softened into a gentle smile as he reached out to tousle her hair. "Child, you have someone to look after you now. My duty is fulfilled, and I shall take my leave."
As Lian Beihai's spectral form began to fade, the farewell Ji Wushuang had so carefully prepared for left her unexpectedly overwhelmed. Her vision blurred.
"Second Master…"
"Live well, child."
Finally, Lian Beihai's form dissolved into a gentle breeze, carrying with it his warmth and presence.
Softly.
Endlessly.
When his essence fully dispersed, Ji Wushuang wiped at the dampness in her eyes. She reverently collected the toe bone and, though reluctant, handed it to the Nascent Soul ancestor.
The old man quickly produced a jade box from his spatial ring, placing the bone inside with the utmost care. Tears brimmed once more in his eyes as he looked at Ji Wushuang, his expression blossoming into a childlike grin.
It had been so long since he'd spoken to someone so young. And now this person was his Martial Aunt. His voice softened to an almost comical pitch, as if trying to be approachable. "Martial Aunt, you've had a tough time. I'm Shi Lei—Little Stone, as Ancestor used to call me. Would you like to come to Wuwang Island with me? The island's abundant spiritual energy would be perfect for nurturing your body."
Ji Wushuang couldn't help but chuckle. "Senior Nephew, you don't need to be so formal. I have other tasks to complete."
"Whatever they are, just say the word."
"My Second Master wasn't the only one back then. I must also find the remains and fulfill the wishes of my other four masters."
Shi Lei's face dimmed at this, a bitter smile tugging at his lips. "Martial Aunt, to be honest, the Battle of the Celestial Slaughter devastated countless sects. Of the original Five Great Immortal Sects, only Yunlan Sect survives…"
As new sects rose to prominence, the old ones faded into history.
Ji Wushuang absorbed the news calmly. She nodded. "Even so, I must try."
"But the Tianlan Continent is vast, and your body…"
Shi Lei hesitated, his expression conflicted. Martial Aunt's current state made such a journey perilous. If anything happened to her, how could he face the Ancestor?
Ji Wushuang also weighed her options. Shi Lei finally suggested, "How about this: you stay in the sect for now. I'll search for a way to restore your spiritual bones. Once they're rebuilt and you've resumed cultivation, you can begin your search. How does that sound?"
For now, it seemed like the most feasible plan.
Ji Wushuang inclined her head. "Thank you for the trouble."
Shi Lei beamed again. "Will you return to the island with me?"
Ji Wushuang thought of her Second Master's concern for that "hapless junior," Lian Yuan, and shook her head. "No, I'll stay in the sect."
Since this junior was both cherished by her Second Master and blessed with luck and destiny, she'd lend him a helping hand.