Chapter 206: Wangchuan - Gathering Memories

Chapter 206: Wangchuan - Gathering Memories

Chu Xiu carried the Three Lives Stone Tablet and entered the area enveloped by seven-colored auspicious clouds. He followed the path for several quarters of an hour until the auspicious clouds dispersed and his vision cleared. Before him, everything was shrouded in darkness—the sky, the ground, the mountains, and the trees were all pitch black.

A vast yellow river stretched endlessly before him, its origin and end both obscured.

He approached the riverbank and peered through the fog to the other side, which remained completely hidden from view. His divine consciousness was suppressed, extending only a few thousand meters.

Attempting to cross, Chu Xiu found his cultivation severely hindered. Moreover, the river forbade flying, necessitating a physical crossing. Chu Xiu, however, was an exception. He placed the Three Lives Stone Tablet in the river, and a miraculous scene unfolded: the heavy black tablet did not sink but instead floated to the surface.

Chu Xiu mounted the stone tablet and withdrew a bamboo pole from his storage ring, paddling slowly towards the opposite bank.

As he did so, the suppressive forces of the secret land lifted. A cohort of great saints from the outside world surged forward, their powers no longer stifled. They reached the giant void tree almost instantly, climbing at speeds surpassing light.

Forget River

On the Forget River, Chu Xiu discovered that comprehending the artistic nuances and supernatural powers of the Forget River Finger came more naturally, doubling in ease. Unsure of the duration to reach the opposite shore, he chose to row while contemplating.

Gradually, a thin white mist emerged from the river. Eventually, Chu Xiu ceased rowing, laid down on the Sansheng Stone Tablet, and fell into a deep sleep.

"Waiter, waiter, why did you fall asleep?" came a voice as his body was shaken awake.

Chu Xiu's eyes snapped open to an old, wrinkled face. The old man checked Chu Xiu's forehead for a fever and, finding none, flashed a toothless yet comforting smile.

Sitting up from the recliner, Chu Xiu accidentally dropped a chess piece to the ground.

"Waiter, you stayed up late again last night playing on your phone, didn't you?" the old man chided as he bent to retrieve the chess piece.

"Go back to sleep for a bit. I'll head to the market and buy some meat to cook your favorite dish—garlic sprouts and twice-cooked pork—for dinner," he said with a kind pat on Chu Xiu's shoulder.

Chu Xiu clasped the old man's hand, forced a smile, and said, "Grandpa, let's finish this game."

Surprised but agreeable, the old man resumed his seat. "You kid, you really need to find a girlfriend next semester."

"General—"

"My son is gone, my daughter-in-law too, and you are the only college graduate in our village. Now, all I wish is for you to marry so I can cradle my grandkids."

Chu Xiu's grip on the chess piece tightened, his emotions mixed.

"What's wrong?" the old man asked, noticing his discomfort.

"Are you annoyed with your grandpa again? I'm over 80, can't I push you a bit?"

"You put more effort into online dating than into real relationships," the old man grumbled, puffing his beard in feigned anger.

Chu Xiu couldn't help but laugh, patting his chest reassuringly. "Don't worry, Grandpa, I have options."

The old man raised his hand and playfully smacked Chu Xiu on the back of his head. "What nonsense are you talking about? We practice monogamy now."

"Do you think we're still in the era of landlords?"

The grandfather and grandson enjoyed their conversation as they continued their game of chess.

"Grandpa, are you doing okay?"

"I'm in good health. I can still carry hundreds of kilograms of corn," the old man boasted with a smile, displaying the strategic prowess that had given him two generals in their ongoing game.

Chu Xiu's position in the chess game had reached a dead end. He leaned back on the recliner, observing the old man who beamed like a child in victory.

"I'm sorry, Grandpa," Chu Xiu murmured, his tone somber.

The old man, puzzled, asked, "Xiaoer, what did you say?"

Noticing Chu Xiu's unusual expression, he frowned with concern. "What's wrong with you? Did something happen? Tell Grandpa, maybe I can help."

Chu Xiu shook his head and sighed. "You are the you in my memory; all of this is an illusion."

"I've always regretted not playing that last game with you."

"Only when there is regret in the heart will memories gather by the Forgotten River."

Chu Xiu raised his hand to cover his eyes, not wanting his grandfather to see his vulnerability.

The old man gazed at him blankly, then slowly walked over and gently stroked his head with a dry, calloused hand.

"Xiaoer, Grandpa doesn't fully understand what you're saying."

"But I can feel your helplessness."

"My child, did you go to a faraway place?"

Chu Xiu nodded, a tear escaping and landing on the recliner's armrest, creating a tiny splash.

"I went to a very far place."

"I can no longer take care of you in your old age."

"I won't be able to let you hug your grandchildren in person."

"I'm sorry..."

The old man tousled Chu Xiu's hair and smiled warmly. "Silly child, all Grandpa hopes is that you live well and happily."

"Don't say sorry. As long as you are well, that's enough for me."

"No matter where you are, just live a good life."

His figure gradually faded, becoming transparent.

Scenes around the courtyard transformed into light spots and ascended towards the sky.

Chu Xiu's eyes reddened as he watched.

The old man looked down at his vanishing hands and smiled kindly.

"Child, it seems I really am the me in your memory."

"However, as long as I am still myself in your heart, I won't blame you. Go and do what you need to do without worry."

"Alas, it's a pity I couldn't make you that twice-cooked pork."

"You must take care of yourself."

Chu Xiu tried to speak, his throat tight with emotion.

He lay weakly back on the recliner.

He knew everything he was experiencing was an illusion.

No action or word of his could alter the reality.

Before the old man's figure completely disappeared, he waved his hand in a familiar gesture only the two of them knew.

Chu Xiu slowly raised his hand, pointing a finger towards the sky, a smile breaking through his grief.

All the scenery vanished.

Darkness enveloped him once more.

Chu Xiu closed his eyes.

The sound of dripping water echoed in his ears.

Suddenly, pain shot through his right leg.

A harsh voice rang out.

"This kid is still asleep. Hey, tell me if he's dead or not. If not, he better get up and pay the protection fee."

"He's seriously injured. You should leave him be!"

"After some time, he will surely pay."

An old voice pleaded.

"Mind your own business, old man. Get out of here..." A heavy thud followed.

"Ouch," the old voice cried in pain.

Chu Xiu slowly opened his eyes.

He turned his head and surveyed his surroundings.

He was in a dilapidated temple, long neglected and leaking badly.

The ground was damp, and cobwebs filled the eaves' corners.

The air was thick with the stench of mold.

He lay on a layer of mold-covered straw.

A man with a sharp, unpleasant face was stepping on his leg, grinning down at him with a mouthful of gold teeth.

"Boy, are you awake?"