Chapter 3863: The Old Drunkard Awakens
Free Reading.
Zhang Ruochen stood at the bow of the divine ship, gazing into the distance. The starry sky before him was vast and boundless, dotted with countless stars, some shining brightly, others dim and faint.
Behind him, a figure stumbled over. It was an old man with disheveled hair, a wine gourd hanging at his waist, and a ruddy nose. His eyes were hazy, as if he had just woken from a drunken stupor.
"Where... where is this?" the old man asked, his voice hoarse.
Zhang Ruochen turned around, a faint smile appearing on his face. "Senior, you're awake."
The old man rubbed his eyes, looked around, and finally fixed his gaze on Zhang Ruochen. "Kid, where have you taken me?"
"This is the Dark Great Triangle Star Domain," Zhang Ruochen replied calmly.
The old man's expression changed slightly. "Dark Great Triangle Star Domain? That's the territory of the Ten Dark Powers. Why have you come to this godforsaken place?"
Zhang Ruochen's eyes grew deep. "There's something I must do here."
The old man frowned, took a swig from his wine gourd, and said, "Kid, I've watched you grow up. You're not one to act recklessly. Tell me, what exactly is going on?"
Zhang Ruochen was silent for a moment, then spoke slowly, "Senior, do you still remember the Immovable Bright King Great Venerable?"
The old man's hand trembled slightly, and the wine gourd almost slipped from his grasp. "Immovable Bright King Great Venerable? That's a taboo name. Why bring him up?"
"Because he might still be alive," Zhang Ruochen said.
The old man's face instantly turned pale. "Impossible! He was clearly killed by the combined forces of the Heavenly Court and Hell Realm back then. How could he still be alive?"
Zhang Ruochen shook his head. "I'm not entirely sure either, but I've sensed his aura in the Dark Great Triangle Star Domain."
The old man fell silent, his expression growing increasingly grave. After a long while, he said, "Kid, if he really is still alive, then this matter is far more serious than you imagine. The Immovable Bright King Great Venerable was once the overlord of the Dark Great Triangle Star Domain, and his power was immense. If he has returned, the entire starry sky will be thrown into chaos."
"I know," Zhang Ruochen said, "That's why I must find him and figure out the truth."
The old man sighed, "Since you've made up your mind, I won't stop you. But remember, if things go wrong, retreat immediately. Don't act rashly."
"Thank you for your concern, Senior," Zhang Ruochen said with a nod.
The old man took another swig of wine, then suddenly said, "By the way, where's that girl Huang Yanchen? Why isn't she with you?"
"She's cultivating in seclusion," Zhang Ruochen replied.
The old man chuckled, "That girl has a strong personality. If she knew you were running around in such a dangerous place, she'd definitely be worried."
Zhang Ruochen smiled faintly but said nothing.
At that moment, a figure flew over from afar. It was a woman in a black robe, her face obscured, but her aura was formidable.
"Master, I've found some clues," the woman said.
Zhang Ruochen's eyes sharpened. "Speak."
"According to intelligence, the Immovable Bright King Great Venerable's last known location was near the Abyss of Darkness," the woman said.
"Abyss of Darkness?" Zhang Ruochen murmured, a flicker of thought passing through his eyes.
The old man's expression changed again. "Abyss of Darkness? That's one of the most dangerous places in the Dark Great Triangle Star Domain. Even a Great Saint might not survive entering it. Kid, you're not really planning to go there, are you?"
Zhang Ruochen looked into the distance, his gaze resolute. "Since I've come this far, there's no reason to turn back now."
The old man sighed helplessly, "Fine, fine. Since you insist on going, I'll go with you. At least I can look out for you."
Zhang Ruochen turned to the old man, a trace of gratitude in his eyes. "Thank you, Senior."
"Don't thank me yet. I just hope we both make it back alive," the old man said, shaking his head with a bitter smile.
The divine ship adjusted its course and sped toward the Abyss of Darkness.
The starry sky around them grew darker and more oppressive. An eerie silence filled the air, occasionally broken by the roar of some unknown beast.
Zhang Ruochen stood at the bow, his gaze fixed ahead. He knew that this journey would be fraught with danger, but he had no choice. The truth about the Immovable Bright King Great Venerable was too important. It might even affect the fate of the entire starry sky.
The old man stood beside him, holding his wine gourd, his eyes deep and thoughtful. He knew that this kid, Zhang Ruochen, had already made up his mind. No amount of persuasion would change it.
"Kid, I've watched you grow up, from a nobody in Yunwu Commandery to the powerful figure you are today. You've always been one to act on your convictions. Since you've chosen this path, I'll accompany you to the end," the old man said softly.
Zhang Ruochen turned his head, a faint smile appearing on his face. "Senior, you've always been the one I trust the most."
The old man laughed heartily, took a big gulp of wine, and said, "Alright, enough with the sentimental talk. Let's go see what tricks that Immovable Bright King Great Venerable is up to!"
The divine ship tore through the starry sky, heading straight for the Abyss of Darkness. Ahead lay unknown dangers, but Zhang Ruochen's heart was filled with unwavering determination.
No matter what, he would uncover the truth.