I stared blankly at Rachel Lan. The confusion in her eyes had vanished, her complexion had regained its flush, and she gazed at me with resolute determination. She grabbed my hand, and immediately I felt something strange.
What exactly is...
It's not like that, Ethan Zhang. Spirit Snake, Sacred Spirits—they've never stopped believing in humanity. From the very beginning, they've always had faith in people.
Spirit Snake and I looked at Rachel Lan in confusion. Vermilion Bird widened its eyes, staring at Rachel Lan in disbelief.
Ethan Zhang...
Rachel Lan softly called out, her cheeks flushed as she placed my palm over her heart. The steady thumping of her heartbeat echoed through my hand.
No matter when or where, remember this heartbeat and the warmth of being human. Because no matter how time changes or the world transforms, this will never fade. I believe in Lan Yin, I believe in the Sacred Spirits. It’s because this warmth isn’t false—during those cold, dim years of my life, it was these things that gave me comfort. So, I trust them.
Lan Yin’s mouth hung slightly open, the corners of his lips lifting just a little.
You all saw through my plan long ago, didn’t you? After all, you four have witnessed humanity’s changes all along. So why let me enter the Four Sacred Realm, knowing this could be the worst possible outcome...
Vermilion Bird lowered its head, quietly watching Lan Yin, then glanced at Rachel Lan.
Isn’t that exactly what makes people so fascinating?
As Vermilion Bird spoke, it transformed into a swirl of flames, drifting slowly before us.
Just like your faith, little girl—believe in us. Risk everything and trust in all that’s here: past, present, and future. Always believe in our existence, and in the light within your heart...
Rachel Lan nodded slightly, then sat cross-legged on the ground. She pressed her palms together, closed her eyes devoutly, and with a thunderous sound, we all looked down.
Please, Ethan Zhang, I want to answer the voice inside my body. This world was always beautiful, just like when we first met...
Rachel Lan opened her eyes and looked at me. Our gazes met, and in her eyes shone a pure, untainted light. A rush of warmth surged in my mind, just like the first time I saw Rachel Lan—her eyes were strong and pure, untouched by the superficial, unwavering whether in light or darkness.
With a deafening roar, we all looked down. The massive black ocean had completely merged, and wild, surging Curse Power began to swell, drawing dangerously close to us in an instant.
The wind howled. The four Forsaken charged down together, as if on cue.
Hurry...
007 shouted, and in an instant, dazzling light erupted all around us. I stared in shock as a gate wreathed in clouds appeared, with two large characters above it: Celestial Palace.