Chapter 102 The Past Events on Earth

The warm sunlight poured down without reservation, passing through the leaves that were scattered in varying densities in the most generous manner. The mottled light and shadow meticulously outlined patches of broken gold in different shapes on the ground, just like a naturally formed painting of light and shadow. Every speck of light was like a brushstroke casually left by nature, random yet full of an artistic sense. The gentle breeze was like a lively dancer, gently brushing past with light steps. Not only did it tenderly stir the branches and leaves, making a rustling sound, but it also skillfully carried the faint and delicate fragrance of the spiritual flowers in the courtyard, which spread out thread by thread, adding a bit of a leisurely charm to this tranquil courtyard. It was as if the air itself had become sweet.

In this picturesque courtyard, Lin Yu and Li Qiang sat facing each other. The tea set on the stone table had tea that had already lost its initial heat. A thin layer of water vapor had condensed along the rim of the cups, which refracted a faint rainbow of colors under the illumination of the sunlight. However, the two of them were completely oblivious to this. Their hearts and minds were filled with those precious memories of the past, and they were immersed in them, deeply engaged in conversation. Laughter and cheerful voices constantly echoed in every corner of the courtyard, startling the birds that occasionally perched on the branches, which flapped their wings and flew into the distance.

A gentle and nostalgic smile first appeared on Li Qiang's face. That smile seemed to have a filter of time, instantly transporting him back to the distant past. He spoke first, his voice full of deep yearning, as if those wonderful times had never truly gone away: "Lin Yu, do you still remember the days when we stayed up all night playing games together in college? At that time, as soon as the weekend came, the whole dormitory was like a button for a gaming spree had been pressed. In that narrow space, there were dense keyboard tapping sounds everywhere. That sound was like a passionate drumbeat, interwoven with our shouts that rose and fell one after another. We cheered and jumped for joy when we pushed down the opponent's crystal, and we beat our chests in frustration when we failed in a crucial team battle. That carefree spirit is still precious when I think about it now." He squinted his eyes slightly, his face full of intoxication, as if he could see the bustling scene in the dormitory back then through the present scene, and the corners of his mouth involuntarily turned up.

Upon hearing this, Lin Yu also laughed, and the light of memories sparkled in his eyes. His thoughts were instantly drawn back to that youthful era full of passion and enthusiasm: "How could I forget? Once, we formed a team to participate in the gaming competition organized by the school. We fought our way through, from the preliminary rounds where we tested the waters, to the semi-finals where we got into our stride, and then to the thrilling semi-finals. We were on the verge of winning the championship. That final team battle was simply breathtaking! The strength of the opposing team couldn't be underestimated. Every skill they released was like a heavy bomb, pressing down on us so hard that we could hardly breathe. Our ADC was targeted by the opponent's assassin on our side, and he was almost instantly killed. At the critical moment, you used a flash and a control skill, and managed to hold the opponent's assassin back, allowing me to deal the crucial damage. Our support was also great, with all those crucial protections and controls. Every operation made people hold their breath in suspense. But none of us backed down. We cooperated with each other, using all kinds of tactics and operations. In the end, it was just a little bit away, and our crystal was pushed down by the opponent. It was such a pity." As he spoke, an excited yet slightly regretful expression involuntarily appeared on his face, as if he had returned to that tense and exciting competition scene. His fingers even unconsciously made the motion of tapping the keyboard, clicking in the air.

"And that time we went camping by the seaside and watched the stars together at night. You also said that you wanted to explore the mysteries of the universe in the future." Li Qiang's thoughts continued to extend, and he continued to recall, his tone carrying a trace of indescribable sentimentality, "Who would have thought that those dreams that seemed so distant back then would be ruthlessly shattered by the cracks in time and space of reality, and that we would end up in this world of cultivation full of wonders and unknowns by some strange twist of fate." A trace of confusion flashed in his eyes, as if he was feeling helpless about the teasing of fate. He gently shook his head, as if trying to shake off all these complex emotions.

When it came to this, Li Qiang's expression gradually became dejected. He lowered his head slightly and let out a soft sigh. That sigh was long and heavy, as if he wanted to release all the helplessness and exhaustion that had accumulated over the years in this world of cultivation along with this sigh. He then continued to speak slowly: "Lin Yu, do you know? Ever since I came to this world, I have been haunted by the longing for Earth every single day. That feeling is like an invisible thread, tightly pulling at my heart. I miss my family back home, those friends who grew up with me since childhood, and every street and every familiar corner of my hometown. I have tried all kinds of methods. I went deep into those ancient and mysterious ruins alone. It was gloomy and terrifying inside, full of unknown dangers. Once, I almost got trapped and died inside by the mechanisms in the ruins. I also humbly asked the senior cultivators with profound cultivation levels for advice, even though the looks in their eyes when they looked at me were full of doubt and incomprehension, and some of them even laughed at me for being whimsical. But the method to return to Earth is like the moon in the water and the flower in the mirror. I have tried my best, consulted countless ancient books, and visited countless strange people and extraordinary scholars, but I have always come up empty-handed. The laws and powers of this world are truly too mysterious and powerful. I'm like a headless fly that has lost its way, crashing around in the dark, not knowing at all where to find a breakthrough." Deep helplessness and confusion were revealed in his eyes. The hardships and exhaustion of his solitary exploration these days were clearly written on his face, and the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes seemed to have deepened a bit.

Lin Yu listened quietly without interrupting Li Qiang. His heart also rippled with layers of emotions as Li Qiang told his story. Those memories and feelings that had been buried deep in his heart were gently awakened by an invisible hand. Although he had gone through countless hardships and difficulties in the world of cultivation, struggling and working hard for many years, and had, by virtue of his own efforts and opportunities, possessed a powerful strength that was awe-inspiring. In the eyes of others, he was already a lofty and unreachable strong person, enjoying a noble status and supreme glory. Every time he flew through the sky on his sword, people would cast awed glances at him. Every time he overwhelmed all the competitors at the cultivation conference, he would win thunderous applause. But in the softest part of his heart, everything on Earth always occupied an irreplaceable position. Those playmates who chased and frolicked in the streets and alleys together when he was a child, those teachers who earnestly taught him in class and lit the lighthouse of knowledge for him, those familiar streets and cities that carried the footprints of his growth, countless times quietly came to him in his silent nights, becoming the spiritual pillar that enabled him to persevere in the world of cultivation. In those lonely days of cultivation, as long as he thought of everything on Earth, he had the motivation to keep moving forward.

"Li Qiang, have you ever thought that we might be able to find a way back to Earth together?" After a moment of silence, Lin Yu suddenly raised his head, a trace of determination showing in his eyes. That determined gaze seemed to be able to penetrate all difficulties and unknowns. As if at this moment, he had already made up his mind to go all out. There was a blazing light flickering in his eyes, which was the longing for going home and also the fearlessness in the face of unknown challenges.

Upon hearing this, Li Qiang's originally dim eyes suddenly lit up. In that instant, it was like seeing a dazzling ray of hope in the endless darkness, and his whole spirit was lifted. He leaned forward slightly, as if he was ready to immediately set foot on the journey of finding the way home. But this light only flickered for a moment and soon dimmed again. A look of worry and hesitation appeared on his face, and he slowly said: "Of course I've thought about it. I dream of it every night, Lin Yu. Countless nights, I've dreamed of going back to Earth and reuniting with my family and friends. I dreamed of sitting at the familiar dining table with my parents, eating the meals cooked by my mother. I dreamed of running and laughing heartily with my friends on the playground. But reality has forced me to calm down. Our understanding of this world is really just scratching the surface. Those powerful forces and mysterious laws are like a towering mountain peak that stands in front of us. With our current strength and knowledge, we simply can't climb it, let alone control it. Moreover, the road back to Earth is surely full of unknowns and dangers. Every step may be an abyss, and if we're not careful, we may be doomed and our souls may be scattered. Do we really have enough ability and courage to face all this?" His words were full of doubts. The fear of the unknown ahead was like a heavy stone pressing on his heart, making him involuntarily want to back off a bit, and he leaned slightly backward.

Lin Yu looked at Li Qiang, his eyes full of understanding and encouragement. He reached out his hand and patted Li Qiang's shoulder heavily, his tone firm and powerful, as if he wanted to transfer the strength in his heart to the other party through this pat: "Li Qiang, think carefully about everything we've experienced in this world over the years. Which time weren't we on the verge of life and death? When we were chased by powerful demon beasts, we fled desperately in the dense mountain forest. Behind us were the deafening roars and sharp fangs of the demon beasts. Every turn could have meant death. When faced with the schemes of ill-intentioned cultivators, we were trapped in a desperate situation. All around us were the enemies' plots and traps, and we were pushed back step by step by their spiritual power attacks. But which time did we give up? Which time didn't we grit our teeth and get through it with our tenacious will and mutual trust? We've grown from weak cultivators step by step to what we are now. Have you forgotten how many hardships we've gone through? As long as we don't give up, hope will always exist. This time is no different. As long as we work together, we will surely find a way back. We can't be intimidated by the difficulties in front of us. Our family and friends are still waiting for us on Earth. We must go back!" There was a determined light flickering in his eyes, which was the persistent adherence to his beliefs and the strong desire to go home. It was as if he was declaring to the whole world that they would never bow their heads to fate. His voice was firm and resounding, echoing in the courtyard as if it were going to break through all obstacles.

Li Qiang looked at Lin Yu's determined eyes. The strength and determination contained in those eyes were like a torch that ignited the fire of hope in his heart that was on the verge of going out. He truly felt Lin Yu's firm belief and powerful strength, and that unwavering spirit deeply infected him. He nodded heavily, as if he wanted to convey his determination through this action, and said: "Okay, Lin Yu, I believe in you. Let's work together. No matter what difficulties and obstacles we encounter in the future, we will never give up and must find a way back to Earth. For our family, for our past, and for our future!" At this moment, their eyes were full of fighting spirit, as if they were already ready to face all challenges. For the dream of going home, they resolutely prepared to set foot on that unknown journey full of challenges once again. They stood up and looked at each other. Their eyes were full of tacit understanding, as if they could already see the day when they would return to Earth and reunite with their family and friends.