Chapter 9: 1.5 Million Years

And so, Su Hao's days consisted of studying, eating, and sleeping.

His understanding of [Life] deepened, recognizing both its greatness and its fragility. He learned that [Life] itself contained many miracles that could not be accurately explained by science. In his quest to understand how ancient philosophers viewed [life] and its wonders, he delved into Daoist texts, Buddhist scriptures, and traditional medicine theories.

One concept left Su Hao puzzled.

[Soul]

The [Soul] was described as the force that could turn decay into magic, a key to creating miracles.

But what exactly was the [Soul]? Some said it was the strength of one's thoughts, others described it as faith, inner desire, yearning for life, or an unyielding spirit in the face of adversity. It was even suggested that life and death could be determined by one's own will. If the [Soul] leaned toward life, one could live a long and healthy life; if it leaned toward death, one would be plagued by illness.

These phenomena existed in reality, but science had yet to explain them. Su Hao believed that as humanity continued to explore, an answer would eventually be found.

Thus, Su Hao created a new category in [Cosmic Light] called [Mind Studies]—a collection of ancient philosophical writings on life, consciousness, and the soul, which he planned to study in depth in the future.

Meanwhile, his body continued to weaken, and his appearance deteriorated, though the light in his eyes remained bright.

He knew he didn't have much time left in this world.

Reflecting on his life over the past sixteen years, Su Hao felt he had no regrets. He had achieved everything he wanted. If there was anything left unfulfilled, it was that there was still so much more to learn, and he had not yet reached adulthood. He would never meet the beautiful, sweet girls he had dreamed of.

During treatment, he endured immense physical pain, experiencing firsthand the torment and helplessness of late-stage cancer patients. On one hand, he clung to the hope of survival, believing that a miracle might occur; on the other, he was overwhelmed by the unbearable suffering, yearning for release.

Who wouldn't want to live happily? But some say that life is inherently filled with suffering. Perhaps life is about finding hope amidst destruction?

This was something Su Hao couldn't fully grasp. Despite his pain, he never considered ending his life, partly because of his parents' hopes and partly because he wanted to document the entire process of life from illness to death. He believed that this information might be useful one day in the future.

No matter what Su Hao thought, or how desperately his parents tried to hold on, that day inevitably arrived.

Su Hao's parents repeatedly asked, "Little Hui, do you have any last wishes?"

In his final moments, Su Hao struggled to smile. "Thank you, Mom. Thank you, Dad."

At that moment, Luo Chaoxin moved closer, eagerly looking at his older brother.

Su Hao smiled but did not acknowledge him, instead turning to his parents. "Goodbye."

If he closed his eyes, he would never meet them again.

Silently, he thought to himself, 'Sorry for taking your son's place, but I can't be there to grow old with you. Luo Chaoxin, take good care of your parents.'

Amidst heart-wrenching cries, Su Hao's consciousness once again descended into darkness.

On that day, the world mourned or celebrated in their own ways. However people felt about Su Hao, he would never know.

….

Su Hao's consciousness gradually returned. He found himself once again as a small boy, just over two years old. He was being carried on the shoulders of a tall, strong man, his tiny hands gripping the man's head tightly, afraid of falling.

Although he had mentally prepared himself, Su Hao still felt reluctant. In his previous life, he had been on the cusp of achieving greatness and hadn't finished enjoying himself.

And now, he had to start over again as a weak, helpless little boy with no means of defending himself.

From losing consciousness in the previous world to regaining it now, Su Hao didn't feel like much time had passed. It was as if he had enjoyed a pleasant sleep, waking up refreshed, free of the illness and pain that once tormented him. His body felt light and full of vitality, though his short limbs and lack of strength reminded him that he was just a child. Still, he relished the feeling of being free from disease.

He realized the man carrying him was traveling on foot, dressed in tattered armor, wielding a sword and shield. There seemed to be no immediate danger, so Su Hao relaxed and shifted his consciousness into the Marbel Space to review the logs.

Upon entering the Marbel Space, Su Hao was stunned.

It wasn't because the space had drastically changed— it still resembled a cozy living room. What shocked him was the time displayed on the wall clock.

[1,532,648 years, 3 months, 25 days, 3 hours, 3 minutes, and 21 seconds.]

It had been over 1.5 million years.