SO who gave Skyblade the painting?
Skyblade said he doesn't know.
Chen Xiaolian didn't ask about the person's appearance. For a skilled player lurking in the game dungeons, if they won't even reveal their name, then the appearance has no reference value - there are too many ways to disguise one's appearance.
So who is this person?
The first person Chen Xiaolian thought of was, of course, the mysterious Mr. San.
But as soon as this thought came to mind, he dismissed it himself.
Mr. San gave Skyblade a painting and asked him to find Mr. San through this painting?
This logic simply doesn't make sense!
It's equivalent to saying, "I'll commit suicide, and then kill your entire family."
If it's not Mr. San, then who could it be?
This question, Skyblade couldn't answer, and of course, neither could Chen Xiaolian.
Chen Xiaolian thought for a moment, "So... did that person tell you anything else?"
"There was another sentence."
"What?"
Skyblade's tone became very strange, "He asked me: Do you think there might be a possibility that besides players and awakened ones, there is a third kind of person?"
Chen Xiaolian's body trembled, "He said that?"
"Yes."
"My question is, what tone did he use? Was it a question? Or a statement?"
Skyblade chuckled, "Why, kid, are you getting nervous?"
Chen Xiaolian rolled his eyes.
Finally, Skyblade stopped teasing Chen Xiaolian and answered seriously, "At that time, his tone... I felt like he wasn't very sure. But he told me this question, maybe... he wanted me to find out."
Chen Xiaolian remained silent.
"Now, looking back, I was probably used by him. Perhaps... that umbrella he wanted me to find, which might be related to someone like you, a third kind of person, as you call yourself, has some connection. I've been searching for that thing all along. Now it seems that I failed, but at least I encountered a guy like you, well, a deviant, that's how you refer to yourself, right? A very fitting name.
I met you, saw the existence of someone like you, at least proving that my efforts over the years were not in vain, and my previous speculations were not just nonsense. It's a kind of closure for myself."
With that, Skyblade suddenly laughed heartily and said loudly, "Alright, enough of this chit-chat, kid! I don't have much time; it's time to talk about the real business!"
"Um, real business?" Chen Xiaolian's eyes flickered.
"The matter with Blood Verdict, I had to ask for your help, it was not by choice. You already know this. In reality, I... can be considered 'dead' from a true sense, only my spiritual power hasn't dissipated completely yet. So, at that time, I could only use your abilities as a deviant not bound by the rules of this world to wield my power. If it had been someone else, like Bluesea, it wouldn't have worked.
It had to be you back then.
Since you helped me with that task, took the risk, and got it done, then naturally, I have to fulfill the benefits I promised."
As Chen Xiaolian listened to this, a faint sense of melancholy crept into his heart... Skyblade's tone sounded as if he were settling his affairs.
"I promised you to let you experience the true power of a [S] class. I believe you've felt it quite clearly in the Blood Verdict's arena."
Chen Xiaolian nodded seriously, "Yes, I did feel it! And... thank you!"
Chen Xiaolian spoke the truth.
Skyblade had demonstrated his skills twice, and both times, Chen Xiaolian had been the one to execute them. The experience of wielding that truly top-tier power had indeed been greatly beneficial to him!
If one were to say that [S] class power is on a palace level, and most experts spend their whole lives wandering outside that palace, unable to enter...
Then, at least in the two times he had intervened in the arena, Chen Xiaolian had the opportunity to stand close to that palace, no, to directly experience that power!
Such experiences were absolutely priceless!
"If I were to offer you only two chances to experience [S] class power as your reward, you might not be satisfied even if you didn't say it out loud," Skyblade snorted. "Naturally, I'm not that stingy. By entering the Blood Verdict arena, you essentially helped me and my brothers fend off a great disaster. That reward wouldn't be enough, so needless to say, I have more to offer you."
Chen Xiaolian felt relieved at this moment and patiently waited for Skyblade to continue.
"Of course, my rewards are not given freely."
As expected!
Chen Xiaolian smiled wryly, "Mr. Skyblade, you might as well just tell me straightforwardly."
"The Blood Verdict matter has been resolved, but the Blade Mountain Flame Sea Guild has gained a period of safety. However, it hasn't changed the predicament of not having an [S] class powerhouse in the team."
But the other teams are still eyeing us, and while the Blood Verdict threat has been eliminated this time, in the long run, without an [S] class powerhouse in the team, they will eventually see our weakness. When that time comes... they might not hesitate to make a move again.
So... I need your help."
Chen Xiaolian frowned, "How can I help you?"
Skyblade said calmly, "My remaining spiritual power is not much, but at the current rate of dissipation, I estimate I can hold on for about a month or so. During this time, I can ensure that my mental consciousness doesn't dissipate, and naturally, my power won't dissipate either. Even though I no longer have a physical body, I can still exist for another month."
"Huh?"
"However... I plan to... give this month to you."
"Give it to me?" Chen Xiaolian's eyes widened!
...
Outside the room.
Bluesea sat quietly on the floor, cross-legged.
His face appeared calm, but a faint and growing unease was taking root in his heart.
It was as if his heart was racing faster.
This restless feeling was causing Bluesea some hidden worries.
What could be going on?
In theory, the Blood Verdict problem was solved, and the team had overcome its biggest hurdle.
Most importantly, their Guild Leader Skyblade who had gone missing for so long had finally reappeared!
As long as he was back, all the team's problems would be resolved!
So, why was he feeling anxious now?
And at that moment, Bluesea received a message from "Skyblade" in his team channel.
"Brother, I'm sorry for these years!"
Bluesea suddenly stood up!
"There are many things I can't explain to you, and I can't tell you. This, I can only apologize to you for."
This sentence made Bluesea's heart sink instantly!
Just like Chen Xiaolian, Bluesea clearly felt that Skyblade's tone... seemed as if he were settling his affairs!
"Guild Leader!" Bluesea took a deep breath, forcefully stabilizing his emotions. "You..."
"No, you don't need to listen to me," Skyblade interrupted Bluesea, speaking rapidly. "I don't have much time, so let's not waste it. We've all fought for so many years; we can skip the sentimental stuff."
Bluesea's body trembled!
"I will directly pass the position of Guild Leader to you. Brother Qiao has already died once, and that guy Thunderflame is too radical. Only you are most suitable for this position. I'll transfer all the permissions of this position to you. From now on, you'll be the Guild Leader of the Blade Mountain Flame Sea Guild in an upright manner.
What I need to explain to you next is..."
...
In the room, Qiao Qiao sat on the sofa, staring at a steaming cup of tea in front of her, her gaze clearly vacant as she drifted in thought.
Soo Soo curled up on the couch, her hands clutching her knees, her petite body leaning against Qiao Qiao. However, her round, black eyes darted around as if avoiding something.
In the room, aside from the two sisters, there was only Qiao Yifeng left.
Qiao Yifeng paced around the room, his expression growing increasingly anxious. Finally, he stopped and turned to look at Qiao Qiao, angrily saying, "Qiao Qiao! I'm your father!! Are you really not willing to reveal anything?! What on earth is going on?"
Qiao Qiao lowered her head, staring at the tea cup, and remained silent.
Qiao Yifeng gave her a fierce glare and then turned his gaze toward Soo Soo. "What about you? You surely can't know nothing, right?"
Soo Soo timidly shrank back but shook her head vigorously. "I-I can't say anything, I'm sorry... Father."
"Alright, don't pressure her," Qiao Qiao held Soo Soo tightly and met Qiao Yifeng's gaze. "I won't reveal anything to you until he returns."
"..." Qiao Yifeng looked at his stubborn daughter and slumped down.
"Darn it, girls these days!" Qiao Yifeng rubbed his face forcefully.
...
"...After I'm gone, according to the system's rules, I should be refreshed as an ordinary person.
But considering our age, even if I'm refreshed as an ordinary person, I'm afraid I'll be nearing the end of my life.
Brother, do me a favor. Although Qiao Yifeng has been overseeing the 'retirement plan,' there's one thing I ask of you. After I'm refreshed, please, never try to find me again! Let me live the remaining years in peace and without worries."
Bluesea was now in tears, kneeling on the ground.
"My worthless son, I'm sure he's been a headache for you all these years. Let him stay in the outside world and make sure that Brother Qiao watches over him more, so he doesn't get involved in Zero City's matters anymore. I trust your arrangements.
Remember, don't try to find me after I'm refreshed.
I... should rest for a few years as well."
"G... Guild..." Bluesea reached this point and suddenly shouted, "Big Brother!!"
"Tell Brother Qiao, this is my decision... also tell Thunderflame that I'm sorry, I'm sorry to all of you. You've suffered over these years.
That kid is not bad, follow through with my arrangements, perhaps... it's also a way."
...
Chen Xiaolian sat silently on the sofa for a long time, looking around at the room's decor.
He also glanced at the photos on the cabinet.
Then, he got up and walked into the study.
Placing Skyblade on the desk, he thought for a moment, picked up a piece of gauze from the desk, and gently wiped the blade.
The blade gleamed brightly.
But Chen Xiaolian let out a soft sigh.
Then, he turned and left the study, leaving behind this "home."
When the door opened, Chen Xiaolian saw Bluesea kneeling on the ground, his eyes red and his voice choked.
"He... has gone?"
Chen Xiaolian remained silent for a moment and replied softly, "Yes, he's gone."