Blind

Hearing this, the yarn-washing crone's heart clenched, and she blurted out, "Don't!" She thought Qi Yuan had accepted Liu Chudong's proposal to go to his death in exchange for the return of Divine Descent. That was something she did not want to see. Her faith lay in Divine Descent; any incarnation of Divine Descent was acceptable to her. Liu Chudong was filled with solemn respect. "Everyone has the right to choose. Whatever Big Brother Qi decides, I will support and understand it. I also know I shouldn't have said those words, but I had no other choice. I never expected... Big Brother Qi would actually agree." Qi Yuan blinked. "Who said I was going to erase my own consciousness?" Saying so, Qi Yuan drew the lightsaber from his spatial artifact and handed it to the yarn-washing crone. "I will be leaving Rakshasa, and I don't know when I'll return. During this period, you all will oversee Rakshasa and maintain its stability. If you encounter an insurmountable foe, activate this artifact, and Divine Descent will manifest." The Divine Descent that had drunk the toxic rain was destroyed. However, as his role-play assimilation increased, Divine Descent had respawned like a boss. As My Divine Descent could still be used as well. "As for what you spoke of... what Divine Descent anticipated..." Qi Yuan looked toward Liu Chudong. "Once I return, perhaps everything will be resolved." "You are leaving?" Liu Chudong was astonished. Liu Sheng looked at Qi Yuan in surprise as well. In his eyes, since Divine Descent now possessed sentience, it was no longer merely a divine artifact, but a God-rank powerhouse—just like a mortal. And all mortals possessed seven emotions and six desires, harboring worldly wants. As the former foremost empire under heaven, Rakshasa Country remained among the top three even in its decline. Wealth, resources, authority, beauties... it possessed everything. Even a God-rank weapon wielder, Liu Sheng included, could never relinquish all of this with such ease. Yet Qi Yuan was actually going to cast it aside and depart Rakshasa? How could he not be shocked? "Yes, I need to leave Rakshasa Country. I have many urgent matters to attend to," Qi Yuan said. Liu Chudong stared blankly, never imagining Qi Yuan would leave. Liu Sheng could not help but ask, "Why not rest for a few years before departing?" "No need. An inch of time is an inch of gold; I must get moving," Qi Yuan said earnestly. With that, his figure simply vanished. Chen Kangbao, who was eating a steamed bun, raised his head, a look of delight spreading across his face. "Right away, let's go!" The carriage had arrived with earth-shattering commotion, yet departed in complete silence. In the dead of night, no one knew that the terrifying deity who had slaughtered gods by day and shaken Rakshasa to its foundations... had already departed. Watching the receding silhouette of the carriage, thousands of thoughts surged through Liu Sheng's mind. Not even staying for a night? Not even spending a night in the imperial harem or something? His admiration for Qi Yuan only deepened. If it had been him, he certainly would have been reluctant to walk away like this. Even if he had to leave, wouldn't he stay at least one night to enjoy himself? With so many enchanting women in the harem, they would have offered themselves up willingly without the slightest coercion. Of course, Liu Sheng was only indulging in a vulgar daydream. "Brother Qi... is truly a saint," Liu Sheng could not help sighing. ... "Are you ready? I'm preparing to head to the Divine Wood Abyss." Within the Divine Wood Token, Qi Yuan skimmed the messages and sent a new one. The NPC Commentator remained online as always: "You're actually still alive? That's somewhat beyond my expectations." Ji Wuyun also came online: "Big Brother Qi... you didn't die?" She had just taken a bath, and her hair was still dripping wet. "Don't jinx me. Even if all of you die, I won't," Qi Yuan said. "This Void Paradise of yours—do you have to take on missions constantly? If so, you'd better not recommend me. I'm used to being free and undisciplined." The Thorn Blood staff member paused slightly. "That certainly fits your usual style. What a pity." It truly was a pity. Staying in this world, or even in this embryonic universe, held no future. Only by joining Void Paradise and heading to the Zhou Universe could one escape disaster. "I've finished my business here. Shall we meet up in real life at the Divine Wood Abyss?" Qi Yuan said. "While I'm at it, I can help supervise your Thorn Blood people and see if they've been cultivating diligently." The time limit to role-play the Blind Implement Master was approaching fast. If he didn't meet up at the Divine Wood Abyss soon, he would go blind. Once blind, he estimated his eyes would no longer see the information differentials, nor would he be able to communicate through the Divine Wood Token. That would also hinder his combat abilities. "The God-ranks from Thorn Blood wouldn't dare cross paths with you right now," the Thorn Blood staff member admitted honestly. "Still, compared to missions, I'm far more interested in the Divine Wood Abyss. I heard even Yang Gods have an interest in it." A Yang God Heavenly Venerable was a prominent figure even in the Zhou Universe. Someone far beyond his reach, whom he could only look up to. Through his ancestors, he knew that the Divine Wood Abyss was far more than it seemed on the surface. Although this embryonic universe was not even a hundredth the size of the Zhou Universe, it remained vast; a Yin God powerhouse could spend their entire life and never finish exploring it. Among so many worlds, those containing a Divine Wood Abyss were exceptionally rare. After some thought, he decided he would explore the Divine Wood Abyss with Qi Yuan and the others first before considering whether to complete the mission. As for Qi Yuan... he was certainly powerful. Yet he was no weakling either. Standing at the pinnacle of the Three Steps of Sky Treading and equipped with potent items from Void Paradise, he had nothing to fear even if Qi Yuan made a move. He had confidence. Barring an Ancestral God of this embryonic universe stepping in, or an absolute expert who had reached the pinnacle of the Yin God realm, he was certain he could escape from anyone else. "They aren't coming?" Qi Yuan didn't care. The Divine Wood Abyss contained divine wood. According to the information he had gathered, divine wood was the finest material for forging artifacts. Many divine artifacts in this world were crafted from it. Since he intended to forge a brand-new Divine Descent, making a trip to the Divine Wood Abyss was only natural. "Give me the exact location of the Divine Wood Abyss. I'll head over right now," Qi Yuan said. "It is at the westernmost edge of Rakshasa Country, the land of the sunset." Qi Yuan looked up and glanced at the sparse stars. "Is there a more specific description?" "It's beneath Sunset Cliff." The Divine Wood Abyss was a secret realm, unknown to most, but Sunset Cliff was widely renowned. "Old man, do you know about Sunset Cliff?" Qi Yuan asked offhandedly. "I do," Chen Kangbao replied hurriedly. "When I was a boy, I heard the story of Quark Chasing the Sun." Quark Chasing the Sun? Qi Yuan fell silent. Once upon a time, he had told many stories to the Soundless Sound. Heavily altered versions. Among them was Quark Chasing the Sun. "Quark had an elder brother named Kuafu—towering tall, treading the earth with his head against the blue sky, racing the sun until he finally perished. Though Quark was born minute, invisible even to mortal eyes, he could not bear to see his brother fall, so he followed Kuafu's path to chase the sun. In the end... when the sun plunged into Sunset Cliff, he leapt down after it." "...What a touching story. The person who made it up must have possessed profound depth," Qi Yuan remarked. "In the royal treasury, I dug out a map of the Qingshan Realm. Is Young Master heading to Sunset Cliff?" Chen Kangbao asked. "Yes." Qi Yuan nodded. Just then, Ji Wuyun sent a message through the Divine Wood Token. "We're meeting up?" She was somewhat apprehensive about going to the Divine Wood Abyss. "If you're scared, why not give your Divine Wood Token to Brother Qi Yuan?" the Thorn Blood staff member suggested. Ji Wuyun hesitated for a moment before finally replying, "I'll go." "I'll probably arrive in a month. See you then. Hopefully this meet-up goes without any accidents." "Oops, I just raised another flag." "Oh well, I have such great luck. The one having an accident definitely won't be me." ... Traveling beneath stars and moon, galloping through morning and night. Braving wind and rain, enduring the weariness of the road. This time, Qi Yuan traveled with great haste, arriving ahead of schedule at Sunset Cliff in under a month. Sunset Cliff lay at the western reaches of the sky. The ground consisted entirely of craggy earth and stone, with hardly any greenery. A setting sun dipped low, as though plunging straight into the depths of the cliff ahead. "Young Master, there's a stele here," Chen Kangbao said. Looking at the inscriptions on the stele, he read aloud: "In years past stood a tree, still within primordial chaos. Today I pine for you, as wood yearns for spring. Subtle, so subtle, seek me not." His voice drifted far, carrying a boundless, desolate melancholy. The curtain of the carriage was drawn back, and a tall, straight figure stepped down. Looking closely, one would notice that his eyes lacked focus. His clothing was somewhat thin; though his face was not gaunt, his demeanor carried an air of solitary gloom. Sunset Cliff was hardly a secluded secret; many young men and women even came here for excursions. Quite a few noticed the master and servant. When their eyes fell upon the handsome young man, regret and disappointment washed over many faces. Such a handsome youth, what a pity he's blind. This young man was naturally Qi Yuan. A few days prior, the restriction for the fifth month had descended, forcing him to role-play the Blind Implement Master. Moreover, if he failed to complete the role-play, he would remain permanently trapped in this state. The defining trait of the Blind Implement Master was blindness. Next came an unsociable temperament, paired with the madness of a genius artisan. Lastly, he had no wife, no friends, and lived an existence even more miserable than Qi Yuan the matrilocal son-in-law. The moment he assumed the role of the Blind Implement Master, Qi Yuan felt himself grow far more withdrawn. He had also lost his sight. Everywhere his vision reached was pitch black, or faint crimson. "Is it up ahead? Let me touch it." Qi Yuan was aware of this stone stele. In the past, he had inadvertently caught the whisper: "Subtle, so subtle, seek me not." He was rather curious about this stele. "Be careful, Young Master, there are many rocks on the ground," Chen Kangbao warned. "Rest assured. Though blind, could I really be tripped by a stone... and fall off Sunset Cliff?" Qi Yuan stepped toward the stele. From behind him came the warning voice of a young maiden. "Hey, blind guy, don't walk forward! The ground is uneven, watch out or you'll slip over!" Qi Yuan nodded, ignoring her. The Blind Implement Master was habitually aloof and disliked speaking; since he was role-playing, he naturally had to stay in character. "He doesn't recognize good intentions," the young maiden grumbled indignantly. "Might as well fall—" Before she could finish her sentence, her eyes widened in shock. "Someone help! Someone fell off Sunset Cliff!" The one tumbling off Sunset Cliff was none other than the blind young gentleman. The instant his hand touched the stone stele, an irresistible force suddenly swept over him for reasons unknown, casting him straight down the cliff. The young maiden slapped her own cheek in frustration, furious at her own jinx. Though the blind gentleman had been rude, he certainly did not deserve to die. "Falling into Sunset Cliff... not even his bones will remain." "Why isn't his servant worried at all? Could it be..." a conspiracy theorist muttered. Several people cautiously peered over the edge of Sunset Cliff, but saw only drifting clouds and thick mist, unable to glimpse a thing. "Young Master is a god descended from heaven, how could he die?" Chen Kangbao was not worried in the slightest, calmly sitting down nearby to wait. ... "I actually fell?" Wind roared incessantly past his ears. Qi Yuan offered no resistance, his thoughts gradually clearing. He had merely touched the stele when a force he could not resist swept over him, sending him tumbling off Sunset Cliff. In midair, with his strength, he could easily have stepped left foot over right foot to fly straight back up into the sky. However, he caught the scent of an unusual aura. After brief consideration, he allowed himself to plunge. "Leaves, grass, running water..." Qi Yuan heard these sounds. He also smelled a dense, rich vitality. "Not good... my divine power..." Qi Yuan suddenly felt a tremor of alarm, as his divine power had weakened considerably in this area. "Is this a place where heaven and earth are severed?" "Don't tell me I'm going to fall to my death?" Qi Yuan was utterly speechless. If he fell to his death in this game, it would be an absolute disgrace. Still, a faint wisp of divine power lingered within him. Without hesitation, he flapped violently upward to cushion his descent. "Hopefully... I land in a river." If he slammed into a boulder, he would truly be smashed to pieces. Thump! A yielding resistance broke his fall. Qi Yuan felt as though he had crashed into a tangle of ropes, or a net. A powerful impact struck him, feeling as if a heavy hammer had pounded against his heart. A mouthful of blood spewed from his lips, mixed with crushed tissue. He had emerged unscathed from his battle against six gods, yet falling off a cliff had actually wounded him. Qi Yuan was thoroughly exasperated. At this moment, his injuries were severe, and ropes bound his entire body. "Cough, cough..." He coughed again, his breath feeble. "The closer to the valley floor, the stronger the suppression. Right now... I'm probably only slightly stronger than an ordinary mortal." In his current state, such injuries were critical. If he actually died here, it would be truly laughable. Just then, faint rustling sounds drifted over, like footsteps treading upon dry, fallen leaves. Qi Yuan struggled slightly, turning his face toward the source of the noise. Unfortunately, blind as he was, he could see nothing at all. "Who is it? Are you alive?" A melodious, crisp voice called out, carrying bewilderment and a faint, detached coolness. "Cough, cough... Alive. Fell from above," Qi Yuan strained to answer. He pushed hard with his hands to cast off the ropes tangling his body. "Did you break my swing?" the voice asked again. "A swing? Perhaps..." Qi Yuan forced out the words. Heavily injured and growing weaker by the second, he felt he would pass out if he spoke any further. "Compensate me!" the clear, cool voice demanded, brooking no argument. "Save me... and I'll compensate you with ten thousand of them!" Having said this, a wave of dizziness washed over Qi Yuan, and he finally collapsed into unconsciousness. "All right." "Where are you?" "Why aren't you speaking?" "You didn't die, did you?" "Should I... bury you under the tree as fertilizer?" The woman tiptoed closer, walking with cautious steps. If Qi Yuan could still see light, he would discover that the woman before him... was a blind girl. Eventually, the blind girl stopped before Qi Yuan, a complex expression surfacing in her vacant eyes. "It's been so long... since anyone came here." Placing a slender, delicate hand upon Qi Yuan's chest, her expression turned solemn. "These injuries... are so heavy. He almost died." Looking toward this young man whom she could not see, she hesitated briefly, then bit into her own fair, tender arm. Blood dripped down, falling into Qi Yuan's mouth. Her face turned pale as paper. "I want to go outside..."