Chapter 9: " Leaving, A Step into Eternity "

As he made his way down the street, countless people turned their heads, drawn to his striking presence.

Girls whispered excitedly to one another as they caught sight of him.

"who is this, he's so handsome... like an immortal come to life!" one girl murmured, her eyes sparkling.

"He's definitely too handsome to be real," another said, quickly recording him on video.

"He looks like one of those idols... so cool, so majestic," a third added, her phone screen filling with his image.

The air seemed to shimmer around him as he walked, the streets becoming a stage for his unexpected charm, and the girls couldn't help but stare, completely captivated.

Gu Dao was a little embarrassed but didn't let it show. He hailed a taxi and got inside, feeling a bit more at ease as the car began to move.

The driver, a middle-aged man, glanced at him through the rearview mirror, a curious expression on his face. "Hey, brother," he said with a grin, "are you some kind of idol or movie actor? You've got that vibe, like one of those top stars."

Gu Dao chuckled and leaned back, his tone casual. "Idol? Movie actor? Nah, just a guy with good looks and bad luck."

The driver raised an eyebrow, impressed. "Ha! Well, you sure got that star quality. The girls on the street were practically falling over themselves to look at you!"

Gu Dao laughed lightly, stretching his arms out as if he were basking in the glory of his past. "How can they not fall for this Emperor?" he said with a mischievous grin, making it sound like a casual remark.

The driver glanced at him through the rearview mirror, chuckling. "An Emperor, huh? You've got a good sense of humor, my friend."

Gu Dao laughed lightly, his gaze drifting out the window as the scenery passed by.

After a quarter of an hour, the taxi arrived at the park. He handed the driver the fare, who jokingly said, "Goodbye, your majesty."

Gu Dao smiled and nodded, stepping out of the car. He didn't bother responding, simply adjusting his white robe as he continued on his way.

As he walked through the park, he noticed a group of his classmates sitting under a cluster of trees. They were chatting casually, unaware of his approach.

But as he drew closer, a few of them turned their heads and froze, their eyes widening in shock.

It took them a moment to process, but when they did, their expressions morphed from confusion to astonishment. Gu Dao had changed so much that they almost didn't recognize him at first.

Zhao Fan stared at Gu Dao, his mouth hanging open in disbelief. "Gu Dao? Are you cosplaying or something? Why are you dressed like this?" He blinked a few times, as though trying to make sense of the sight before him.

Lin Yue, on the other hand, was completely captivated. Her eyes sparkled with admiration as she quickly pulled out her phone. "Wait, wait! I need a selfie with you!" She grinned excitedly, snapping a picture with him, clearly enjoying the moment.

Chen Xinyue, standing a little further back, flushed a deep red. Her gaze lingered on Gu Dao, and her heart seemed to skip a beat.

She had always had a soft spot for him, but now, seeing him looking so striking, she couldn't help but feel overwhelmed. Her crush seemed to have hit her all at once, leaving her speechless and flustered.

Liu Feng walked over, carrying a few drinks in his hands.

When he saw Gu Dao, he almost dropped them. "Hey, Gu Dao, you... you look just like an Immortal! What character are you cosplaying?"

Gu Dao let out a helpless sigh and smiled bitterly. "I swear, I'm not cosplaying. It's... complicated. I don't even know how to explain it to you."

Zhao Fan squinted at him, then suddenly reached out and tugged at Gu Dao's long black hair. "This isn't a wig?"

Chen Xinyue hesitated for a moment before stepping closer, gently running her fingers through his hair. Her eyes widened in shock. "It's real… This is really your hair!"

Liu Feng nearly choked on his drink. "Wait, wait. Are you telling me you grew waist-length hair overnight? That's completely unscientific!"

Gu Dao shrugged. "Well, what can I say? Science has its limits."

Zhao Fan crossed his arms. "So what? Are you telling us you woke up as some ancient Immortal overnight?"

Gu Dao smirked. "Not exactly… but if I start floating and summoning lightning, I'll let you know."

Liu Feng shook his head in disbelief. "Damn, I don't know if I should be amazed or concerned. Are you sure you didn't hit your head last night?"

Gu Dao chuckled. "Trust me, I'm just as confused as you are."

Chen Xinyue, still staring at him, muttered under her breath, "Confused or not… you look ridiculously cool."

Liu Feng sighed. "Alright, alright. Whatever magic shampoo you used, let me know. I wouldn't mind waking up looking like a sword immortal too."

Gu Dao laughed. "I'll consider it."

Gu Dao glanced at his friends and, despite their casual expressions, he could tell they were tense inside. He led them to a quiet spot, motioned for them to sit down, and took a deep breath.

Since he was leaving soon, a few white lies wouldn't hurt. Of course, telling them he was an Emperor in his past life or about the Dao Fruit? Impossible.

Not because he was afraid, but… well, some things were just beyond their understanding.

Clearing his throat, he put on his most serious expression and said in a calm tone, "An Immortal cultivator visited me in my dream. He said I have an unparalleled talent for cultivation and that he would take me as his disciple to another world."

His friends blinked. The silence was deafening.

Zhao Fan stared at him, his face twitching. After a long pause, he rubbed his temples and sighed. "Bro… isn't this literally what every novel protagonist tells their friends before disappearing? What's next? A distant cousin broke off an engagement with you? Or did you awaken some grandpa in a ring to guide you?"

Liu Feng nearly spit out his drink. "Wait, wait—don't tell me you also have a mysterious jade pendant that unlocks a hidden inheritance?"

Lin Yue clapped her hands dramatically. "And let me guess, after leaving, you'll come back in three years, stand at the top of some grand sect, and coldly say, 'You dare not recognize me?!'"

Chen Xinyue, still staring at his hair in a daze, suddenly snapped out of it and muttered, "Wait... but what if it's true?"

Zhao Fan scoffed. "Come on, Xinyue, use your brain! If a real Immortal chose a disciple, do you think they'd make them grow long hair overnight? They'd at least give him some glowing eyes or a cool sword that talks!"

Gu Dao folded his arms, watching them bicker with an amused expression. He sighed, shaking his head. "Believe what you want. I just wanted to say my goodbyes. When I leave, don't miss me too much."

Zhao Fan rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. Just don't forget to send us a voice message when you ascend to the heavens."

Gu Dao smirked. "Of course. I'll even send you a flying sword as a souvenir."

Seeing the seriousness in his expression, the laughter faded. Zhao Fan frowned. "Wait… you're not joking, are you?"

Gu Dao's lips curled into a faint smile. "Of course not."

Chen Xinyue stared at him, her voice soft. "When are you leaving?"

Gu Dao met her gaze, his smile unwavering. "Right now."

Zhao Fan's expression darkened. After a brief silence, he asked in a low voice, "How long will you be gone?"

Gu Dao clasped his hands behind his back, gazing into the distance as if peering beyond the mortal world itself. His voice was calm, yet carried a profound weight.

"The path of immortality is endless, the years flow like a fleeting dream. A hundred years, a thousand, even ten thousand—what difference does it make? In the eyes of the heavens, we are but dust on the wind."

For a brief moment, Zhao Fan and the others felt as if reality blurred. Before them, Gu Dao was no longer just their friend—he was a lone figure clad in white, standing beneath the endless, starry sky.

His robe with an ethereal grace, and an invisible aura of majesty surrounded him, as if he ruled over the heavens themselves.

In their eyes, he was like a celestial emperor walking upon the boundless void, his every step resonating with an unspoken grandeur.

The vast universe seemed to acknowledge his presence, the stars twinkling in silent reverence.

For a fleeting instant, awe filled their hearts, and they couldn't tell if what they saw was real or merely an illusion born from his words.

Gu Dao raised an eyebrow at their strange expressions. "What's wrong with you guys?"

The group snapped out of their daze, shaking their heads hurriedly. "Nothing, nothing at all!"

Zhao Fan forced a grin and waved his hand. "Since this is our last day together, let's make it count! No sadness, just fun. We're going all out today!"

Everyone agreed, and just like that, the mood lightened.

They started with arcade games, battling it out in racing simulators, rhythm games, and claw machines—Zhao Fan kept failing miserably, while Chen Xinyue somehow won a plushie with her first try.

Gu Dao, with his newfound sharpness, dominated every game, leaving the others in disbelief.

Next, they hit the karaoke booth, where Liu Feng belted out dramatic love songs, making everyone laugh.

Chen Xinyue, usually shy, sang softly, her voice unexpectedly beautiful.

Gu Dao, despite looking like an immortal, was terrible at singing, much to everyone's amusement.

They roamed the park, taking selfies and recording funny videos—Zhao Fan even edited one with dramatic background music, titling it "The Last Day of the Immortal King", making Gu Dao roll his eyes.

As the sun set, they sat by the lake, eating snacks and watching the sky turn golden.

The laughter slowly faded, replaced by quiet companionship. No words were needed—just the understanding that this was a moment they would never forget.

As night fell, the laughter from the day faded into a quiet stillness. The cool evening breeze brushed past them, carrying with it the weight of unspoken emotions.

Gu Dao took a deep breath and said softly, "It's time to go."

Zhao Fan wiped his eyes, forcing a grin that barely hid his sadness. He stepped forward and pulled Gu Dao into a tight hug. "Brother, take care of yourself… and be careful." His voice wavered, betraying his emotions.

Gu Dao nodded. " I will.

Lin Yue, her eyes red and brimming with tears, hugged him next. "Be careful on the road," she murmured, her voice trembling. She held on for a moment longer before stepping back, sniffling.

Liu Feng patted Gu Dao's shoulder, his usual easygoing smile forced. "You better come back someday, or I'll hunt you down myself," he joked, but his eyes told a different story.

Gu Dao laughed. "of course don't worry "

Finally, Chen Xinyue stepped forward. She hesitated for a moment before throwing her arms around him, holding on as if afraid he would disappear. "Will… will I ever see you again?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper, broken and uneven.

Gu Dao exhaled softly, patting her back gently. "Fate is unpredictable," he said, his voice calm yet distant. "But if it allows… we will meet again."

Soon The group stood in silence, their hearts heavy as they watched Gu Dao walk away, his white robe fluttering under the dim glow of the streetlights.

Just as he reached the edge of their sight, he turned back one last time, raising his hand in farewell.

"My friends, take care." His tone was light and casual, as if he were simply heading out for a short trip.

Then, deep within his consciousness, a single thought echoed—"Go."

In an instant, a golden radiance erupted around him, illuminating the night like the first light of dawn.

A terrifying pressure descended upon the world, sweeping across mountains and rivers in the Entire planet.

Countless people and beasts alike trembled, their knees buckling as they instinctively prostrated, their souls quivering under an unfathomable might.

But just as quickly as it came, the pressure vanished.

Zhao Fan and the others barely had time to process what was happening when space itself twisted around Gu Dao.

Cracks spread through the air like shattered glass, revealing a boundless void beyond.

The Entire Earth trembled as he took a step forward—and vanished.

The fractures in space sealed behind him, leaving no trace of his departure. The world returned to normal, as if nothing had happened.

Yet, standing there, staring at the empty spot where Gu Dao once stood, his friends knew—nothing would ever be the same again.

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