Chapter 214: Consciousness Projection

"Big brother, these are just some dry rations I carry around. I hope you don't mind."

Yu Keke's little face beamed with a shy smile, tinged with a trace of embarrassment.

This big brother had saved all their lives, and yet all she could offer in return was some simple, rough food—it truly felt inadequate.

Xiao looked down at the food in his hands, his expression heavier now than when he'd been facing down the swarm of Title Douluos moments ago.

"This form is but a projection of my consciousness…"

After a moment of thought, he pointed at the rations, then looked at Yu Keke and gently shook his head.

"Huh?"

Yu Keke blinked in confusion. Then, noticing how Xiao's body seemed slightly different from theirs—faintly ethereal—realization slowly dawned.

She had always assumed that misty aura around him was a deliberate effect, something powerful and mysterious. Never did she expect that he was merely a phantom, a consciousness projection.

Although she didn't fully understand what a "consciousness projection" meant, it reminded her of those who activated their Spirit Avatars—figures wreathed in glowing phantoms that bolstered their strength.

But this big brother… just with a projection, he had singlehandedly crushed a lineup of despair-inducing Title Douluos…

It wasn't just Yu Keke who thought this—everyone nearby, human and beast alike, had held their breath in silence due to the oppressive aura of karmic burden emanating from Xiao. But after hearing his explanation, they were all equally stunned.

This man, who had subdued an entire group of Title Douluos with a flick of his will—was only a sliver of consciousness?

If his true body were to arrive… he might be no lesser than those legendary gods they had only heard stories about.

After all, the defeated Title Douluos lying scattered across the cliff's edge clearly weren't his limit. It was just that—there were no more enemies to defeat.

Like in an academy exam—those prodigies who scored a perfect hundred didn't stop at a hundred because that was all they were capable of… but because that was all the test offered.

"Big brother, then your body…"

Yu Keke glanced at the continuous trickle of karmic miasma and green radiance spilling from Xiao, worry flickering in her eyes.

"It matters not. Once this form depletes its energy in the mortal world, it will dissipate."

"Big brother, then is there a way to—"

"No need."

Xiao cut her off flatly.

As he had said, this projection had only awakened due to the energy stored within it. His earlier clash with so many enemies had drained most of it. Had Aether not arrived when he did, Xiao figured he would've only been able to act once more before vanishing entirely.

"…I see."

Dugu Bo muttered softly, lifting his gaze to the heavens, where two overwhelming forces continued to collide and shatter the sky.

He had wondered earlier—if their lord was still fighting above, and this man Xiao clearly wielded divine strength, why did he not go to assist?

Now he understood. This man hadn't intervened—because he was waiting. Waiting for him.

…

Meanwhile, things weren't going so well for the Asura God.

Despite drawing continuous power from the rift above, he was growing increasingly unsettled with every clash.

Facing Aether's sharp, unrelenting strikes, even the Asura Blood Sword—his proud divine weapon—had started to chip and crack.

In contrast, the sword in Aether's hand, Dull Blade, seemed deceptively ordinary at first glance. But its level of existence appeared to surpass even divine artifacts. Throughout the relentless battle, its power remained undiminished, without a single scratch.

"You… I will remember this! Next time we meet, prepare for the wrath of the Divine Realm!"

After another fierce exchange, the rift in the heavens was shattered by a single slash from Aether. The Asura God, now cut off from the divine power source, became almost transparent in just a few moves.

Though this was only an avatar, being slain would still have repercussions on the true body—how much it affected him depended on how much of his divine essence he had imbued into it.

With the rift destroyed, his path to abduct Tang San had been severed. Left with no choice, he abandoned Tang San and hurled a final threat before turning to flee.

But Aether ignored his words. He raised his sword, now brimming with crackling thunder, and swung it down at the fading figure.

Slash—

The divine avatar disintegrated on the spot. Not a trace of divine presence remained.

Thud—

A heavy body slammed into the ground. Stripped of the Asura God's protection, Tang San had been casually tossed down by Aether. Moments later, Aether landed among the others.

"Your Excellency… is that… Tang San?"

Zhu Zhuqing, looking at the twisted body on the ground, finally recognized the once-proud, overbearing Tang San.

Had their lord really just fought against him?

When had that despicable man gained the strength to challenge someone like their lord?

Still, this pitiful fate felt like poetic justice.

"…Yes."

Aether gave a faint nod, not bothering to explain what Zhu Zhuqing was thinking.

"You've helped me more times than I can count."

He walked over to Xiao, who rose to greet him.

"This place is too far away… the projection is weaker here."

There was a trace of regret in Xiao's voice.

"This realm is separate from ours. Even Zhongli would be affected if he came."

Aether chuckled lightly.

"Wait—Lord Morax has been here too?"

He had spoken casually, but Xiao, who held deep reverence for his former master, perked up instantly.

Aether nodded.

"Zhongli came in a similar form, to help me. Though we barely had time to exchange a few words."

He sighed.

That was why Aether had tried to end the battle quickly—and why he hadn't wanted Xiao to intervene. He had hoped to share a few moments with an old friend.

"Oh right—Paimon's here too."

"Where is she?"

Xiao's eyes lit up at the mention of the only other person, aside from the Archon and Traveler, who had truly touched his heart.

That little chatterbox might be noisy, but she brought with her a warmth and liveliness that only the mortal world could offer.

"Ah-choo!"

Aether sneezed suddenly.

"Speak of the devil. She's probably thinking about me right now…"

He gave a wry smile, then flicked his wrist. The Serenitea Pot appeared in his hand.

"Come on, I'll take you to her."

Xiao nodded, transforming into a wisp of green light and vanishing into the teapot.

"Keke, everyone—relax your bodies. I'll bring you all home."

Aether turned to face Yu Keke and the rest. Now that everything was over, it was time to return.

"Wait, my lord!"

At that moment, Fire Meow Meow suddenly stepped forward, head lowered, nose twitching furiously.

Then she darted over to Tang San's side and clawed open his belt.

"That smell—I knew it was too strong! My lord, your Immortal Herbs are on this guy!"

"…What Immortal Herbs?"

Aether blinked, confused. He didn't have anything like that on him.

"Uhh…"

"My lord, do you remember that blessed land I told you about earlier?"

Dugu Bo immediately chimed in.

"You mean…"

Aether's eyes narrowed. Only now did he remember the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well—a place he'd long forgotten.

"That very place."

Dugu Bo sighed. "The reason we came all the way out here…"

Seeing the conversation turn serious, Dugu Bo quickly recounted everything that had happened leading up to their arrival.

"…I see."

After listening to it all, Aether looked down at Tang San's lifeless body and shook his head.

Though it was useless to him, it was surprising that Tang San had managed to take it in the end.

Well—now…

"Let's head back. Take this too."

He tossed the belt into the Serenitea Pot, then one by one, drew the others into its space.

_

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