Chapter Sixty-Nine: The Wind King's Secret

The White Wolf King had also witnessed the Earth Qilin being transmitted from another world and saw the struggle between the Vermillion Ape and the Earth Qilin within the ruins’ pocket realm, which was why he kept away from the entrance to the passage. According to the White Wolf King, the world on the other side of that teleportation formation was even mightier. Not only that, the Earth Qilin had threatened the Vermillion Ape, claiming that he was but a child among the Qilin—a race of divine beasts, true overlords of countless great worlds. The Earth Qilin further mentioned that his elders could already shatter the void and wander the cosmos, and would surely come to track him down.

The White Wolf King believed I was vying with him for these things, so he pursued me relentlessly; I think this matter is quite important, for it’s unlike those ruins that simply opened up on Earth after the revival of spiritual energy…

Having finished, Lin Qingyun quietly gazed at Nangong Aoshi.

Nangong Aoshi, who had just been happily reminiscing with Lin Qingyun about his achievements and old stories, became much more cautious and serious, his previous calm now replaced by gravity.

By now, they had arrived at a floating island, from which they could overlook the great city below, home to millions. Under the rule of the Desert Wind King, this place flourished immensely.

“To think there is such a matter…” Nangong Aoshi pressed his hands to the white jade railing, his eyes fixed on the distant ruins. “If what you say is true, that the Earth Qilin is not a native of the ruins but was transmitted here from another cultivation world, and holds a significant status, then this is truly troublesome.”

After the revival of spiritual energy, Earth entered an era of cultivation, its cosmic laws shifting, and many hidden pocket realms gradually revealing themselves. People had grown used to these pocket worlds, calling them ruins. They were leftover fragments from the previous era of cultivation, but these pocket realms were certainly not on par with a great world like Earth. If Earth was a grand world tree, then the leaves on its branches were these dependent pocket realms. The pocket worlds relied on the great world’s existence, while the great world also benefited from their complementary nourishment. Losing a few was nothing, but losing them all would spell disaster.

In the century since the revival, many pocket worlds had been discovered, but they were simply part of an exploration of our own great world; no contact with other great worlds had occurred. Of course, that was the official line. As one of the few supreme cultivators of the age, a feudal lord in his own right, the Desert Wind King Nangong Aoshi knew things ordinary people could not—those at the top were not as clueless as they seemed; some matters simply couldn't be made public.

“In the past, people debated whether there were other beings beyond Earth. With the concept of great and small worlds, and ruins, now widespread, such existence is no longer in question. The real issue is how to respond to the arrival of other civilizations: will it be war or exchange? That’s unknown. Didn’t all those old science fiction stories dwell on such themes? Personally, I doubt it will be a peaceful cultural exchange.”

“Even here on Earth, whenever new civilizations encountered one another, it was always war and conquest before any balance was struck.”

“This matter you speak of is of great importance, and we must be cautious and prepared. I’ll report this to my superiors.” After sharing some confidential information, Nangong Aoshi assured Lin Qingyun he would treat the matter seriously.

A C-level ruin causing a major commotion was of little consequence. It was like a leaf on a great tree—there was only so much trouble it could cause. But if that leaf was connected to another great tree, the situation became entirely different.

“Stay here for a while. I’ve heard you rarely attend university even after enrolling, but that’s fine, since Master Chifeng is teaching you. A university title is enough. Now that you’re here, you should—” As a feudal lord, Nangong Aoshi was constantly busy.

Today, he had already spent a long time with Lin Qingyun, and his communicator had vibrated several times, clearly signaling urgent business elsewhere.

Lin Qingyun had no intention of staying long. He needed to refine the Xuan Yang Pill, find a way to help the Earth Qilin recover, investigate the matter of his parents’ legacy seeds, and not to mention further strengthening cooperation with Haicheng University…

“Uncle…” Lin Qingyun hurriedly interrupted before Nangong Aoshi could assign him a slew of tasks. “The thing is, Master Chifeng has a lot for me to do, so I need to return as soon as possible.”

“Also, while inheriting my parents’ holdings, I discovered many things, including some unfinished pill recipes and herbal cultivation methods.”

Nangong Aoshi smiled, “Ah, yes, I know. Haicheng University has been doing quite well lately. Some here have even proposed cooperation with them. Lowering the cost for entry-level cultivators is vital for development. You’ve done well—your parents probably never had the chance to popularize their work.”

But that was not Lin Qingyun’s main point, nor was he seeking praise.

“Actually, aside from that, I found some materials related to you…”

“To me?” Even through his armor, Nangong Aoshi’s surprise was evident.

“Yes…” Lin Qingyun glanced around, clearly signaling that some things were best kept private.

Though this was Nangong Aoshi’s palace and Lin Qingyun stood right beside him, matters concerning Nangong Aoshi’s secrets were best left unsaid in public.

Lin Qingyun’s caution made Nangong Aoshi realize something, even suspect a certain possibility.

A low hum echoed.

Nangong Aoshi’s palm opened, and his cloak instantly transformed into a shield. Runes and arrays shimmered across its surface, forming a barrier to isolate himself and Lin Qingyun.

“The truth is, some materials on my mother’s side were never uploaded—obviously for secrecy. These were all related to research on your injuries…” Lin Qingyun revealed the secret with utmost care.

This was Nangong Aoshi’s greatest secret. Many believed he wore his golden armor at all times to flaunt it, but the truth was he used it to hide his wounds.

Years ago, Nangong Aoshi was betrayed and nearly perished in a ruin, his body consumed by special flames that continued to torment him. Of course, it was there that he also gained a unique wind inheritance, becoming the Wind King. But his flesh was constantly burned by fire poison, making his appearance more horrifying than any cinematic zombie or skeleton.

He endured excruciating pain at all times, with periodic outbursts marking his weakest moments. This secret was of utmost importance, touching upon life and death itself.

In his previous life, Lin Qingyun had helped Nangong Aoshi resolve this issue, but only after he’d reached the pinnacle. That too was based on the foundation of his parents’ research.

This time, he wanted to free the Wind King from his torment decades earlier.

Only by ensuring the well-being of those closest to him could he truly be at ease. And this could still be credited to his parents, as they had indeed laid the groundwork.

Sure enough, as Lin Qingyun spoke, Nangong Aoshi’s gaze hardened, and he tilted his head slightly toward the sky.

“My elder brother always said it could be cured. I’ve grown used to it…” Nangong Aoshi’s tightly controlled emotions nearly broke through; after a long pause, he regained a measure of composure.

“I know little of alchemy, but after reading those documents, I consulted Master Chifeng. He said the research is basically complete.”

As he spoke, Lin Qingyun produced an isolated data drive—one that could not connect to any network, operating independently, and would self-destruct if anyone attempted a network transfer.

“Before coming here for the practical trial, I compiled all the materials; everything is in here.” Lin Qingyun handed the drive to Nangong Aoshi.

Even Nangong Aoshi’s body stiffened in that moment. Though he claimed to be used to it, only he knew it was a forced adaptation—pain so constant and overwhelming that ordinary people could not endure it.

He had to wear armor at all times for suppression. Even his own daughter, grown now, had never seen his true face.

He could scarcely recall what he looked like himself.

More than that, the fire poison had stunted his progress, keeping him from reaching greater heights.

Though called a superpower, among the world’s true top experts, he was gradually falling behind. Before long, many would surpass this once great hero.

If Lin Qingyun had given him only the data, he might not have been so moved. But Lin Qingyun said the solution was essentially complete, and had been verified by Master Chifeng. What did that mean?

Holding the drive, Nangong Aoshi was silent for a long time.

Apart from a handful of trusted researchers, only his elder brother and sister-in-law knew this secret. After so many years without news, he had all but given up hope; after all, the fire poison he suffered from was not native to any pocket world, but a power inherited from ancient times. His survival was due only to the simultaneous inheritance of other strengths.

“You must always remember—you have the best parents in the world. You are their son. Remember, no matter what happens, the son of my elder brother and sister-in-law fears nothing…” Nangong Aoshi gripped Lin Qingyun’s shoulders.

At that moment, a faint layer of flame flickered across his golden armor, as if it might burn through.

His voice came slowly, each word heavy but unyielding.

“I know. I’m proud of them, and I’ll make them proud of me as well.” Lin Qingyun nodded firmly, full of confidence.