(Two male leads! Warning: This is not a wish-fulfillment story!)
This is a fictional story, unrelated to reality, and contains personal interpretations. Apologies for any out-of-character (OOC) moments.
※Brain storage facility. You can store your brain here if needed! It's free, but only for brains.※
Volume One introduces the protagonist's background and is unrelated to the main text of this book, so it's best to skip it.
[The following is the main text]
...
In a chaotic void, a rift suddenly appeared, as if the most mysterious fabric in the universe had been torn open, with light intertwining, mysterious and dangerous.
"Get away from there, do you want to die?" a furious shout rang out.
Nitaru was startled. He quickly withdrew his hand that was about to touch it, and then stood there dumbfounded.
Xiao Wu scoffed lightly, pulled him back, and a hint of murderous intent flashed in his eyes.
The old man in black robes looked at him, his eyes filled with an inscrutable expression.
"The passage has just been opened and is not yet secure." He looked at Nitaru.
"We're about to set off. You don't have much time left, so enjoy this last bit of peace."
His gaze was tilted to the left, where a blue-haired child stood, seemingly deep in thought. His face was so somber it seemed about to drip water, and he exuded a chilling aura.
"Xiao Wu, you'll be working with You from now on. You're the most talented person in our clan, and my most prized disciple. If this hadn't happened, sigh..."
"Yes, Master." The boy's tone was slightly cold, but still respectful.
The most bewildered person at this moment has to be poor little Nitaru. Just the day before, she was training with her master in Yamanaka, and then she was forcibly "invited" here by a group of people, and she still doesn't know what to do.
At the same time, a dignified young man appeared before Nitaru's master, Qingyangzi.
He was handsome, with a tall and straight figure, and exuded a calm and composed demeanor in every gesture. His deep eyes seemed to have the power to see into people's hearts.
"The results are in?" Qingyangzi asked, his tone calm but revealing a hint of urgency.
"Yes, consistent with the previous conclusion."
"Then it seems I have no choice but to agree this time."
The hand that was holding the teacup tightened its grip a little more, then gently lowered it again.
"Fine, this is for the best. Take me to see him one last time."
He suddenly felt as if a piece of his heart was missing, but then he felt relieved. He had nothing to fear anymore, he thought.
"master!"
Seeing the boy's surprised expression, his brows relaxed.
This child and this place are such an odd match. Like an inextinguishable candle flame, flickering and dancing, even amidst turmoil and darkness, it never goes out. With such steadfastness and tranquility, as long as there is a glimmer of hope, the light can be rekindled.
He reached out and embraced the boy, savoring this last bit of warmth.
Nitaru seemed to sense something as well, responding closely. Although he couldn't hide his fear, he forced a smile, not wanting his master to worry.
"Master, you're crying."
The soft little hands covered the master's face, as if caressing the most precious treasure in the world.
"Hmm, when?" A rare hint of panic appeared on Qingyangzi's face, but it disappeared immediately.
This was the first time his master had lost his composure like this in front of him. Could it be that even someone as strong as his master had things he couldn't do? He forced down his panic; he couldn't let his master worry like this anymore.
"Put me down."
I can do it. I'm already very strong. I can't keep making Master worry. He encouraged himself in his heart.
He gently set his apprentice down, then softly stroked the top of his head, a touch soothing and comforting.
"Here's a ring for you. It contains some life-saving features."
The ring is silver overall, with a white gemstone set in it. Nitaru could feel the spiritual power of her master contained within it.
"I know, I'll take good care of myself."
As energy input increased, the violent spatial forces gradually calmed down, and the passage became fixed.
"Young Master, the passage is now fully secured and we can proceed."
The man in fine clothes nodded, then looked at Qingyangzi and gestured for him to proceed.
"Fellow Daoist, please."
He accepted the ring, bid farewell to everyone, and stood before the time tunnel once again.
Xiao Wu also entered the pre-prepared blood-red ring.
He walked through the passage, and the surrounding scenery began to distort and deform. The flow of time was sometimes fast and sometimes slow. Scenes from the long river of history flashed before his eyes: the rise and fall of civilizations, the birth and death of the world, all like a dream.
Suddenly, he seemed to have grasped something, like a shimmering silver thread.
"Put it back quickly, it's time, we'll be discovered."
It was Xiao Wu's voice.
To comprehend time on the very first try—that talent is truly terrifying.
Xiao Wu thought to himself: But compared to Fifth Master, I'm still a little bit lacking.
Moreover, I don't know how long I'll have to take care of this troublesome brat, and just thinking about it gives me a headache.
Nitaru dared not move again, so she closed her eyes and thought about what had happened in the past two days.
A wave of fatigue washed over me, and I slowly drifted off to sleep.
...
On the other side, the battle had only just begun.
"Once we get rid of those two, we can focus on fighting the enemy."
Qingyangzi sneered: "I've now completely boarded your pirate ship."
Di Ting said, "Fellow Daoist, you are mistaken. Resisting the invasion of the Asura Realm is something you have no choice but to do, even if you are in the human realm."
"As for little Nitaru, if those old guys find out, I don't need to say more about what will happen to him. You alone might not be able to protect him."
"Besides, you know how strong Xiao Wu is."
Seeing that Di Ting was still babbling on and on, Qing Yangzi put his hand on the hilt of his sword, his eyes filled with coldness.
Seeing him like this, Di Ting dared not delay any longer.
"Let's hurry up, that gentleman must be getting impatient."
...
"We've been stationed here for three days now, why hasn't the general arrived yet?" a soldier couldn't help but complain.
The soldier next to him chimed in, "I heard that a powerful demon has been helping them prepare a lost ancient formation that can completely seal this world and wipe them out in one fell swoop."
"This realm is also connected to the higher realms, is it possible?" another soldier asked worriedly.
"I heard that all the people above have been held back, and with the help of the demon realm's army, it's a sure thing."
At this moment, a squad leader from the advance team walked over and scolded, "What are you two whispering about? The general is almost here, so be alert!"
The two immediately straightened up and dared not speak again.
Just then, a chilling aura emanated from the portal connecting to this world, followed by a killing intent that almost solidified into a tangible form, leaving no room for any thought of resistance.
...
The underworld remained unchanged, devoid of light and shadow, filled with a suffocating chill. Ghosts wandered in the darkness, their figures appearing and disappearing as if they might vanish into the darkness at any moment.
Deep within the underworld, an ancient palace stands, its doors tightly shut, yet a powerful aura emanates from within.
Suddenly, the palace gates slowly opened, and an aged voice rang out: "The guests have arrived."
As the voice rang out, the atmosphere inside the palace became tense. Immediately afterward, nine more dark figures flew in from afar and instantly arrived above the palace.
"Old buddies, we've rested for so long, it's time we stretched our legs a bit..."
"It was an elderly man at the head of the group who spoke. His gaze was fixed on the distance, his eyes shining with determination."
The other guardians nodded in agreement with the old man. Then, they transformed into streaks of light and flew away into the distance.