Chapter 425 - Returning to the Other World
Several months pa.s.sed, and Zhao Ji’s body had already completely recovered. It was to the point that, because Gu Zuo took such diligent care of him, Zhao Ji’s qi and blood was so robust that it was comparable to that of some Blood Refining Realm martial artists. It was just that the trauma to his mind wasn’t so easily healed.
The present Zhao Ji still had a deep obsession with Gu Qi. However, towards other people, he could now barely constrain himself, and wouldn’t wildly attack due to the existence of strangers.
Gu Zuo said: “Let’s go check on father.”
Gu Qi didn’t have any objections, and the group of three came to the bedroom.
Zhao Ji was in the middle of lounging on the bed and eating a meal — At long last, he didn’t need Gu Qi to feed him anymore. Just like this very moment, he was fully concentrated on eating. Yet, it was as if Zhao Ji smelled Gu Qi’s scent the instant he walked in. Zhao Ji quickly lifted his head, and his gaze closely followed the other.
Gu Qi walked over, and sat at the edge of the bed.
Zhao Ji saw that Gu Qi had gotten closer to him, and seemed somewhat happy. He lowered his head, and continued to eat.
Gu Zuo didn’t know how to describe his own mood.
Gongyi Tianheng sensed that he was sad, and reached out a hand to ruffle his hair: “Uncle Zhao’s situation is slowly improving. There will come a day when he will recover completely. Ah Zuo, don’t worry.”
Gu Zuo was also aware of this reason, and his mood eased a little. Afterwards, he said: “The Zhao Family has already received the ending it deserves. Next…”
Tianheng spoke in a warm voice: “We should return.”
Upon hearing this, Gu Qi turned his head.
During this period of time, when Tianheng and Gu Zuo were discussing matters, they didn’t deliberately hide it from Gu Qi. As a result, even though Gu Qi had been taking care of Zhao Ji all the while, he would still pick up on a few things from the conversations between the two. At this very moment, it didn’t feel that strange.
Gu Qi looked at Gu Zuo. In his eyes, there was some reluctance to parting: “Son, have you two found a way to go back to the other world?”
Originally, he thought that Tianheng wouldn’t be able to go back after coming to this world, but he didn’t expect that they would find a way… Since it was like this, he naturally wouldn’t obstruct them. It was because he knew that, in the other world, Gu Zuo not only had a more exciting and marvelous life, he would also have a longer lifespan. As a father, how could he have the heart to let his son waste time for them? As a man, he could better comprehend the ambitions of men who wanted to achieve their goals. At the same time, as someone who also had a lover, he could understand the unwillingness to part with the one he loved.
Thus, during this period, in addition to accompanying Zhao Ji, Gu Qi also took the time to be with his son. He also frequently had Gu Zuo stay with Zhao Ji — In the future, when Zhao Ji regained his lucidity, he couldn’t let Zhao Ji regret this sense of detachment towards Gu Zuo, nor regret that he didn’t spend more time with their son.
Gu Zuo saw through Gu Qi’s reluctance to part ways. He couldn’t help smiling, and said: “Right, we found it. We’ll go back together, and maybe we’ll find a way to let father recover even faster in that world.”
Gu Qi was startled: “We’ll…go back together?” He didn’t hear incorrectly, right? Soon after, he asked, “Zhao Ji and I are two ordinary people. Could it be that we can go with you guys, too?”
Tianheng faintly smiled: “Uncle Gu, rest a.s.sured. Naturally, there’s a way. If this kind of method didn’t exist, Ah Zuo would stay behind.”
After all, this level of separation was of two worlds. It wasn’t known when they would be able to gather enough energy next time, and the days when they could freely use the Void-Breaking Shuttle were still very far away. Ordinary people had limited lifespans. Once they left, it might end up being an eternal farewell. As someone’s child, even if one wanted to pursue the supreme path of martial arts, they wouldn’t completely sacrifice the relationship between father and son.
Gu Zuo held his breath, and said: “Dad, I’ve always been wanting to ask. Are you and father willing to go with me? In that world, big brother and I have a bit of foundation, and we can let you guys step onto the path of martial arts. At that time, we’ll all be able to possess much longer lifespans. Moreover, we have some industries and properties that also need a helping hand… Dad, are you and father wiling to help us?”
Gu Qi closed his eyes. When he opened them, there was already a wisp of flames blazing inside: “Of course I’m willing.”
When he was young, it wasn’t like he didn’t have an ambitious and exuberant heart. He had wanted to develop careers with Zhao Ji in their respective fields. It if wasn’t for that wretched Zhao Family, he believed that, even if he and Zhao Ji didn’t make a name for themselves, they definitely wouldn’t have achieved nothing!”
At once, Gu Zuo revealed a smiling expression.
Gu Qi’s mood also eased greatly: “Zhao Ji and I are so old. Can we practice martial arts?”
Gu Zuo hurriedly said: “Dad, I’m a pharmacist. I have countless prescriptions. To say nothing else, so long as we can find enough medicinal ingredients, I can refine some treatment pills to nurse your bodies to the optimal state. Afterwards, while we have medicines on hand, there shouldn’t be any problems.”
His eyes shined: “Dad, once you go to that world, you’ll truly know how big that world is and how many fantastic and wonderful things there are.”
So-called age and apt.i.tude were thresholds specially set up and used by some organizations that sought better seedlings. However, they weren’t the same. They could devote enough resources to a.s.sist his parents! So long as it came from his own pool of resources, who could object?
Gu Qi had long heard Gu Zuo mention things about the other world, he was naturally fascinated. It was just that he never imagined that he could go with them.
After listening to Gu Zuo’s words, he couldn’t help showing the first smile untainted by melancholy in a long time: “In that case, your father and I will go with you guys and return triumphantly! I’m sure that if your father was completely clear-headed, he would definitely agree with my current decision.”
When he spoke up to here, his gaze turned to Zhao Ji.
As if Zhao Ji sensed something in his heart, he similarly looked over.
Both people locked gazes. Although neither of them showed any lingering expressions, the sight still made others feel that this emotional bond was already suffused within their lifeblood. There was no need for words for it to be meaningful.
Gu Qi’s voice was straightforward and open: “Ah Ji, we’ll follow our son. Is that okay?”
Right now, Zhao Ji could speak a few simple words. He agreed: “Follow son.” This time around, under Gu Qi’s indication, he unexpectedly looked at Gu Zuo and said, “Son.”
Gu Zuo’s heart suddenly skipped a beat: “Father recognizes me?”
Zhao Ji’s enunciations were clear. He looked straight at Gu Zuo with a glimmer in his eyes. He slowly nodded: “I know…son.”
Gu Zuo clenched his fingers, and his voice quivered: “Father…”
Gu Qi’s eyes teared up, but he quickly adjusted his state of mind: “Xiao Zuo, your father is doing much better than before. Isn’t it normal that he remembers you?”
Gu Zuo wiped his face: “k2026;Right, this is a good thing. This is normal.”
Gu Qi showed another smiling expression to Zhao Ji again: “Go together?”
Zhao Ji slowly nodded again: “Go.”
After that, Zhao Ji returned to that previous state.
His eyes lowered, and he continued to eat.
It was like that moment of lucidity just then never happened.
Gu Zuo and Gu Qi weren’t that disappointed.
It was because they knew that, if Zhao Ji awakened one time, there would always be many more times. There would come a day when he would be completely healed!
Once this decision was settled, Gu Qi’s heartstrings seemed to loosen much more.
Everything had changed for the better, and he also developed strong hopes and expectations for that other world.
Gu Zuo happily smiled: “Then after this, we’ll sort out the last few items on our list in this world. After all, we don’t know if we’ll come back here in the future.”
The items were naturally the Zhang Family, Tian Family, and Zhao Hewei.
The Zhang Family had spared no effort from the very beginning. If not for them, they wouldn’t have gotten in contact with the Tian Family. The Tian Family had also given it their all. Without them, the following events wouldn’t have gone so smoothly… As for Zhao Hewei, based on the information he bought them as well as the sincerity he showed Zhao Ji, he also deserved proper treatment.
Tianheng smiled: “Ah Zuo, you can do whatever you want.”
Gu Zuo showed him a great, big smile: “Okay.”
Subsequently, the following matters were quickly arranged.
First of all, he found a member of the Zhang Family, and gave them a prescription and a little more than one hundred Rejuvenation Pills.
The prescription was created by Gu Zuo after researching this world’s medicinal ingredients. He found the compatible ratio of ingredients with similar medicinal effects to create it, and utilized modern means for the aforementioned process — It had nothing to do with the methods of medicine refinement. At any rate, the effects were about the same as the manufactured Rejuvenation Oral Fluid. This resolved the problem of the supply of oral fluid once they departed. Nevertheless, the Zhang Family would still need to find someone to study the prescription for a period of time. During this period, the hundred-something Rejuvenation Pills would be enough to tide over the Zhang Family.
The Zhang Family member didn’t understand the reason for this at all. Of course, Gu Zuo wouldn’t explain that they were going to leave for another world. He only said that matters were already at an end, and that he wouldn’t get involved with this business anymore.
It was just that these things also weren’t given for free.
Previously, the Zhang Family relied on the Rejuvenation Pills to earn a huge profit. Now, they had to pay Gu Zuo two billion yuan. This was considered the transfer of all their shares as well as the price of the prescription — Though, this transaction was more like half-selling and half-giving.
Gu Zuo was only this generous because everything the Zhang Family did was for them. Since they were going to leave, he also needed to sort out the follow-up.
Once this was resolved, although the Zhang Family grandfather and grandson pair, who partic.i.p.ated in the small gathering of ancient martial artists, were reluctant to sever ties with such powerhouses, they considered the other party’s capabilities and could only handle matters according to Gu Zuo’s requirements.
From this point on, the Zhang Family’s side was set aside.
Afterwards, it was the Tian Family.
In comparison, the Tian Family was easier to deal with. They provided loads of help, and obtained many benefits. Thus, he would give them a few more.
As a result, before bidding them farewell, Gu Zuo gave them two hundred Qi Generating Pills and one hundred Rejuvenation Pills.
The Tian Family was naturally very happy to receive these things. Unfortunately, Gu Zuo and Tianheng were going to leave, which caused them to feel the same reluctance as the Zhang Family.
Gu Zuo’s only request was that they showed some consideration for the Zhang Family and looked after Zhao Hewei.
The Tian Family accepted.
Finally, Gu Zuo went to find Zhao Hewei.
When Zhao Hewei saw Gu Zuo and Tianheng suddenly appearing in his bedroom, he was quite startled. However, he recalled the abilities of these two people, and calmed down. He couldn’t help saying: “Long time no see. How is older brother’s health?”
Satisfied with his concern, Gu Zuo replied: “There aren’t any problems with father’s body now, but his mental state isn’t too good. As a result, we’re going to a faraway place to give father treatment.”
Zhao Hewei blanked: “A faraway place? Will I be able to see older brother?”
Gu Zuo shook his head: “Father wouldn’t want you to see him right now.” After that, he paused, “Don’t go looking for us. You definitely won’t be able to find…that faraway place. It’s so far away that you probably won’t see him again in this lifetime.”
Zhao Hewei didn’t understand too clearly, but for some reason, a strange feeling arose within his heart. It caused him to suddenly close his mouth. He didn’t ask any more questions: “Since nephew said this, I won’t pry either.”
Gu Zuo smiled at him: “You gave us so much help. Since we’re about to go, I ought to give you a few things on behalf of father. Otherwise, once father wakes up in the future, he’ll certainly blame me… Don’t refuse. You’re also considered father’s only relative, Second Uncle.”
Hearing the phrase “Second Uncle”, Zhao Hewei was shaken.
Gu Zuo flipped his palm, and a backpack instantly appeared in Zhao Hewei’s hands. Immediately following which, in the time it took Zhao Hewei to blink his eyes, the two people in front of him had already disappeared.
Zhao Hewei hurriedly dashed to the window sill, but he didn’t see a shadow of anyone outside. He stood there in a daze for a long time. Then, he turned around, walked to the bedside, and opened the backpack.
After that, he was given another shock.
Inside the backpack, there were three large gourds that were filled with medicinal pills. In two of the gourds were the Qi Generating Pills he recognized. In addition, loaded in the other gourd were the Rejuvenation Pills he heard so much about. Tentatively weighing the gourds with his hand, there were a thousand-something Qi Generating Pills and a couple hundred Rejuvenation Pills.
This was an incredibly huge sum of wealth.
Besides this, there were twenty books. Among them, five books were inner cultivation methods of different attributes, and fifteen books were different types of martial skills. With everything included, it was extraordinary bountiful.
The value of these books wasn’t any lower than that of those medicinal pills!
Following this, there were dozens of bank cards. According to the recorded denominations, with a rough estimation, there were a.s.sets of about ten billion yuan… This was another enormous mountain of money.
The aforementioned three kinds of gifts seemed simple at first glance, but if any one of them was taken out, countless people would undoubtedly break their heads to fight over it!
Zhao Hewei couldn’t help but stare blankly for quite a while.
Shortly thereafter, he slowly let out a sigh: “So many things. How can I, a single person, use them all up? Therefore… Is this hinting at me to build up another clan?”
The corner of his mouth twitched. He didn’t know whether to bitterly smile or exasperatingly frown: “Ah, how many kids do you want me to have?! What am I supposed to do if I also happen to like men, huh?”
After rambling to himself like this, Zhao Hewei shook his head, and broke into laughter.
Actually, he knew that Gu Zuo and the others didn’t have this intention. He was also only talking this way to express his thoughts… After all, those few relatives he had left would never be seen again.
Wasn’t he allowed to complain a little bit?
On the other side of things, Gu Zuo and Gongyi Tianheng, who had finally completed all of their matters, met up with Gu Qi.
They had already left the residence that the Tian Family provided them. Zhao Ji was brought along, and they came to a vast and uninhabited forest.
Hardly anyone pa.s.sed through this place. As a result, no matter what they wanted to do, it would be much more convenient.
Zhao Ji followed closely behind Gu Qi. After Gu Zuo and Tianheng exchanged glances, they took out everything they prepared one at a time.
First of all, there was that Void-Breaking Shuttle, which had already been refined.
Gu Zuo moved his thoughts. The psychic power within his Tianfu Acupoint shook, and a beam of silvery light burst forth from the s.p.a.ce between his eyebrows!
In a split second, a weaver shuttle-like object hovered in front of the group of people. At speeds visible to the naked eye, it quickly became larger. In just a few seconds, it grew from one foot long to a little more than ten feet long. After that, it transformed into something similar to a small-scale aircraft, and quietly landed on the ground.
This was no longer a weaver shuttle. Rather, it was a shuttle-shaped ship. The interior could accommodate dozens of people.
Gu Qi looked on with amazement.
Previously, he only heard about it. Now that he watched this kind of transformation with his own eyes, he felt that it truly was magical.
Gu Zuo said: “Big brother, dad, father. Let’s go inside.”
While he spoke, that shuttle erupted with a streak of white light, which formed a ring of light on the ground.
The group quickly walked into the ring. After that, they felt an attractive force rapidly surge forth, which promptly pulled their bodies upwards like a tractor beam. Following this, when they regained their senses, they realized that they were already standing inside the Void-Breaking Shuttle.
The interior of the shuttle wasn’t elliptical like its exterior appearance. The floor and walls were all flat and level. It was just that everything was a silvery-gray color, which showed that they really were inside the Void-Breaking Shuttle.
Gu Qi rubbed the wall on the side, and felt that it was glossy and sleek. There was also a vague feeling of power inside. Whenever lines of light flitted across the surface, there were faint and abstruse inspirations hidden within. It caused him to become somewhat dizzy.
Afterwards, he hurriedly withdrew his attention, and didn’t examine it carefully.
This was probably because his strength was insufficient. These weren’t things that he could look at…
Zhao Ji was leaning against Gu Qi. For some reason, he suddenly stretched out his arm, and held Gu Qi in an embrace.
Gu Qi’s heart warmed. He understood Zhao Ji’s intent, and said: “Ah Ji, there’s no need to worry. I’m fine.”
Zhao Ji remained silent. He only nestled his chin into the hollow of Gu Qi’s shoulder.
At this moment, Tianheng and Gu Zuo stood at the frontmost area of the Void-Breaking Shuttle.
Gu Zuo stated: “Big brother, let’s begin.”
Tianheng faintly nodded. Immediately following which, his palm swiped over the spatial bangle.
In the blink of an eye, a little over two thousand treasured crystals flew out like a ribbon of yellow light. Floating inside the shuttle, it presented a fantastic sight that was bright as the morning sun and resplendent as the twinkling stars.
After these treasured crystals hovered in the air for a few seconds, under Gu Zuo’s mental command, they rushed to the shuttle’s highest point, and acc.u.mulated into a pile.
Shortly after that, Gu Zuo reached out his hand, and made a flicking motion. A large gourd was released. When this gourd was overturned, what poured out was a shimmering, grayish liquid. It scattered into innumerable, evenly-sized droplets, which sprinkled onto those treasured crystals.
Another astonishing scene occurred.
These grayish liquid droplets seemed to form a thin film that swiftly covered those treasured crystals, completely coating their surfaces. Then, the gray and yellow lights reflected against each other, and intertwined into a weave of light threads. Unexpectedly, this also caused the appearance of many profound inspirations.
Gu Zuo loosened a sigh: “This is good.” He looked at Tianheng again, “Big brother, you should bring out the Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects with attributes of the five elements.”
These spiritual objects had already been totally absorbed by Tianheng.
Generally speaking, it wasn’t an easy thing to do.
Previously, Tianheng absorbed the Green Fairy Dust Dewdrop and the Myriad Manifestation Supple Gold. Currently, through the effect of the Jade Tree Heart, which was balanced in yin and yang, with a spurt of energy, the Heavenly Cloud Flame and Yin Bone Flame were also both a.s.similated. Thus, he had gathered Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects of four attributes. This also made it much easier to manipulate them.
However, because these were absorbed in the modern world, and this place’s ambient qi was thin, it was basically impossible to make a breakthrough during the absorption process as he had done before. As a result, Gu Zuo had no choice but to take out countless Qi Infusing Pills he previously refined, and let his family’s big brother swallow them by the handful to refine the medicinal properties, supplement his profound qi, and absorb the wondrous fires and wondrous wood.
At the same time, Gu Zuo crushed many Vast Spirit Pills, which were suitable for Atomic Realm martial artists. The pills turned into pure power, which replenished the surrounding ambient qi, and made it easier for Tianheng to make up for any internal shortages. In the end, when the absorption reached a critical juncture, Gu Zuo even crushed Profound Qi Pills, which were suitable for Ascendant Realm martial artists. This further increased the concentration of energy!
It was also due to such meticulous preparations that Tianheng was able to refine the wondrous fires and wondrous wood.
Currently, there still remained the wondrous earth, which had become the gap in this cycle of the five elements. In order for Tianheng, Gu Zuo, and the others to travel through s.p.a.cetime, they had to plan and prepare for the worst.
Tianheng slowly closed his eyes. When he opened them again, five shadowy lights had appeared in front of him. They were the projections of the four types of Heaven and Earth Spiritual Objects. Before long, they formed a small circular loop.
Immediately following which, the loop quickly rose up, and blossomed with multi-colored rays of light. These light rays formed a cover that completely filled the interior of the Void-Breaking Shuttle — No. There was a gap that was around the size of a person. Under the control of Gu Zuo’s thoughts, it appeared in front on the shuttle’s right side.
Gu Zuo took a deep breath: “Big brother, are you sure?”
Tianheng smiled and said: “We’ve done everything we can.”
Gu Zuo pursed his lips: “Big brother, remember to put on the Heaven-Concealing Battle-Crazed Regalia, and use the strongest defense… If you want to temper your body, you need to keep your life safe without worries first. Then, you can slowly figure it out.”
Tianheng’s gaze was gentle: “Ah Zuo, rest a.s.sured. This elder brother will definitely be careful.”
Gu Zuo felt relieved seeing that Tianheng had listened to these things, and would indeed be cautious. Afterwards, he spoke to Gu Qi and Zhao Ji: “Dad, father. This will certainly be dangerous. You guys absolutely mustn’t randomly change positions. Even if you see that big brother and I are in danger, you can’t move around.”
Gu Qi nodded his head, and replied straightforwardly: “You’ve told us about this several times. Son, just relax! We know that traveling through s.p.a.cetime isn’t easy. A layman like me won’t mess around and cause trouble for you guys. As for your father, I will also watch over him.”
Acting as if he was taking things very seriously, Zhao Ji also followed along and nodded: “Relax. No trouble. Watch him.”
Gu Zuo couldn’t help smiling: “Then, that’s fine.”
The number of times father regained lucidity was increasing. This was truly a good thing.
The next moment, Gu Zuo’s expression hardened: “Begin!”
Tianheng’s figure flashed out, and he stood at that person-sized gap.
At the same time, a black light flickered around him. A black cloak that covered him from head to toe was draped over his entire body. Surrounded by this strange feeling, it also added a bit of mystery to him.
Gu Qi’s heart tensed.
Gu Zuo loudly shouted: “Rise!”
In a split second, the surface of the Void-Breaking Shuttle was enveloped in silvery lights. It directly turned into a ball of light, and soared high into the sky!
T/N: Thanks for the corrections, Charysa.
Please don’t forget to support the original author.