Chapter 89 – Conclusion

On the day they moved, Yun Xiguang carried the sleeping Chi Qiong to their new home.

Although Chi Qiong was several meters long, he was mostly feathers, which made his actual weight surprisingly light. With Yun Xiguang absorbing all the spiritual energy and reaching a high level of cultivation, carrying Chi Qiong felt as effortless as holding a single feather.

Chi Qiong’s head, adorned with three silly tufts of hair, rested against Yun Xiguang’s neck. As Yun Xiguang moved, Chi Qiong’s head bobbed gently, and his beak occasionally brushed against Yun Xiguang’s neck.

Yun Xiguang recalled Chi Qiong’s human form and the somewhat ambiguous feelings between them, causing him to blush slightly as he gently adjusted Chi Qiong’s head.

To his surprise, after walking for a while, Chi Qiong’s head drifted closer again.

This time, it was even more daring; his beak pecked at Yun Xiguang’s face.

Even in the moving van, Yun Xiguang and Chi Qiong sat together on the rear seat. He placed Chi Qiong on the opposite side, sitting by the window himself, but before long, Chi Qiong’s head tilted over, pecking at Yun Xiguang’s neck.

Yun Xiguang glanced at the Silver Snow Wolf driving from the front seat. It had just passed its driver’s test, becoming the first spirit beast among them to obtain a license. This spirit beast was destined to be recorded in history books, a true leader in the spirit beast world.

This leader remained true to his original intention and insisted on serving as Chi Qiong’s chief mount. The reason it took the driver’s test was because, as a modern spirit beast, it needed to keep up with the times and master various skills. To excel as Chi Qiong’s chief mount, it not only aimed to obtain all A1, B1, and C1 licenses but also planned to become a pilot next.

Inspired by the Silver Snow Wolf, Wu Ailang began to work hard on his studies. He was currently catching up on high school courses, focusing on science and engineering, aspiring to become a mechanical designer in the future. Since the Silver Snow Wolf would fly planes, Wu Ailang wanted to build and repair planes, and should they develop mechs in the future, he would become a mech maintenance technician.

Wu Ailang was the Spiritbond Master of the Silver Snow Wolf and was destined to accompany the little wolf throughout its life.

The Silver Snow Wolf’s dream was to serve as Chi Qiong’s chief mount, while Wu Ailang’s dream was to be the Silver Snow Wolf’s lifelong partner. This pair of Spiritbond Master and spirit beast could be considered completely and utterly devoted to each other in a one-sided pursuit.

Yun Xiguang felt quite sympathetic towards Wu Ailang, but he noticed that Wu Ailang seemed happy with his tutoring. He suddenly realized that Wu Ailang merely needed an excuse to study.

After the resurgence of spiritual energy, Wu Ailang, as a crucial member of the final battle to save the world, received considerable benefits. Chi Qiong was particularly biased, not only leaving a piece of fire feather exclusively for Yun Xiguang but also specifically releasing two more pieces near them. These two fire feathers were distributed among those present, humans and spirit beasts alike.

Li Zheng, Wu Ailang, Ning Shan, Qin Shu, and other Spiritbond Masters who participated in the battle, along with the pilots of the fighter jets, cultivated much faster than others.

Wu Ailang seemed to have his brain cells activated by the spiritual energy, which greatly enhanced his learning abilities. He started dreaming of becoming a scientist, aiming to create planes that spirit beasts could pilot and mechs compatible with the interstellar era. This motivated him to throw himself into studying.

After three months, Wu Ailang found his new calling.

Yun Xiguang glanced at the wolf driving and found the scene rather startling, yet he was relieved that the loyal Silver Snow Wolf, which would never peek, was behind the wheel. If it were a driver arranged by the state, it would have been awkward, as explanations would be hard to come by.

Yun Xiguang waved his hand, setting up a barrier between the front and rear seats. Leaning close to Chi Qiong’s head, he whispered softly, “Are you doing this on purpose?”

Chi Qiong didn’t speak, but his silly tufts of hair moved slightly.

Yun Xiguang chuckled inwardly and continued, “Are you pretending to sleep?”

Chi Qiong remained silent, appearing sound asleep, but the phoenix feathers at the end of his tail twitched.

Yun Xiguang chuckled softly again and whispered, “Since you’re asleep, I won’t hold back then. You wouldn’t know anyway.”

With that, he kissed Chi Qiong’s head.

Chi Qiong’s eyelids fluttered, as if about to wake up.

Yun Xiguang said, “Don’t pretend to be asleep. If you’re faking it, I’ll ignore you.”

Chi Qiong’s eyelids stilled instantly, and even his silly tufts of hair became stiff.

Yun Xiguang chuckled quietly, thinking, ‘Suffocate yourself.’

The mountain villa was fully decorated according to Yun Xiguang’s wishes, and some simple luggage was delivered by helpers.

When Yun Xiguang got out of the car, the truck delivering the luggage arrived as well.

Since the mountain was still an undeveloped area, Yun Xiguang couldn’t hire a moving company. Instead, the delivery was handled by the first batch of human students at the Zhuzhao Spiritbond Master Academy. They were both assisting as part of their practical training and visiting the birthplace of the first generation of Spiritbond Masters in the spirit beast world, led by the Azure Dragon teacher. This was also an array formation class, explaining some of the formations left by the Yun family.

The former special forces soldiers, now spirit cultivation students, jumped out of the vehicle and effortlessly helped Yun Xiguang unload his belongings. Yun Xiguang asked them to leave the items in the courtyard, intending to handle the rest himself.

In reality, if it weren’t for the Azure Dragon insisting that these students pay homage to the Zhuzhao Supreme Deity – the initiator of the new era – Yun Xiguang wouldn’t have needed anyone else’s help moving. With a slight lift of his hand, he could easily carry dozens of tons of objects. He could have flown here with all the luggage directly, not needing anyone to deliver it, but everyone insisted on helping, saying that moving must have a sense of ceremony. Yun Xiguang thus relented.

After placing the luggage, a student looked at Yun Xiguang, puzzled. “Mr. Yun, in broad daylight, why is there a group of fireflies on the mountaintop?”

Yun Xiguang glanced at the constantly flickering fireflies around him. These fireflies had been lingering near the hospital since his hospitalization, drifting from summer into autumn. Now deep into fall, they hadn’t died and had continuously followed Yun Xiguang.

Yun Xiguang raised his hand, and a few fireflies approached, circling around him before settling on his palm, flickering with faint light.

Yun Xiguang gazed at the fireflies, smiling gently as he explained, “They are… no, he is a creature learning to adapt to the new world. I believe he will soon understand this world in his own way and find the value of his existence.”

The student was confused, but the Azure Dragon teacher, wearing golden-rimmed glasses, understood. It stared at the group of fireflies, exclaiming, “Supreme Deity Youying?!”

“Yes,” Yun Xiguang sighed. “He seems to have latched onto me.”

It all began when Chi Qiong devoured Youying’s power. At the time, Chi Qiong controlled Youying through his contract with Yun Xiguang. After shedding his feathers, the remaining spirituality of Youying gave rise to a hint of consciousness, attaching itself to Yun Xiguang through Chi Qiong’s contract.

In his dazed state, he mistook Chi Qiong and Yun Xiguang’s contract for his own contract with Yun Xiguang. After all, when Chi Qiong absorbed his power, he was briefly under the contract’s control and developed a sense of life due to Yun Xiguang’s soul energy. It was normal to say that he had briefly formed a contract with Yun Xiguang.

While Yun Xiguang slept, Youying diligently guarded him, floating outside the window as specks of light. Whenever no one was watching, they would slip into the room, more diligent than the doctors.

Upon Yun Xiguang’s awakening, he sensed these tiny dots, feeling Youying’s joy.

At that moment, Yun Xiguang felt a headache.

In the past, whether it was Crimson Chi, Azure Dragon, or Bai Ze, these spirit beasts were merely a part of his past, without forming contracts. Even if Chi Qiong was jealous, it was merely fighting with air.

But Youying had truly formed a contract with him, and it was Chi Qiong’s fault. Yun Xiguang didn’t know how Chi Qiong would react.

“The Moon Youying has become like this?” The Azure Dragon’s expression was sorrowful.

However, Yun Xiguang laughed. “Senior Azure Dragon, don’t underestimate these fireflies. They are actually only one, but if Youying wants to, he can manifest in countless forms, outnumbering the stars in the sky. He is the spark in the darkness, observing the world where sunlight cannot reach, searching for the meaning of his life.”

Feeling Yun Xiguang’s warmth, the firefly affectionately landed on Yun Xiguang’s nose.

Yun Xiguang understood his confusion; this was a spirit beast born only three months ago, its spirit not yet fully developed.

“There’s no need to rush to find meaning. First, learn and observe. When you understand enough, comprehend the vastness of the universe, and genuinely wish to do something, then take action.” Yun Xiguang consoled him.

The firefly flapped its wings, flying toward Yun Xiguang’s forehead, seemingly wanting to touch it.

At this point, Chi Qiong, who was pretending to sleep, could no longer contain himself. He abruptly opened his eyes, his body engulfed in terrifying flames, burning toward the group of fireflies.

“How dare you!” the divine bird spat, speaking in human language.

The firefly was unafraid of the scorching flames. Its body dispersed, transforming into countless points of light, reuniting in the shadows beyond the reach of the fire.

Chi Qiong’s flames couldn’t harm him.

Infuriated, Chi Qiong was about to open his mouth to spew more fire, but Yun Xiguang hurriedly prevented the two great Supreme Deities from fighting. His hand passed through the flames, stroking Chi Qiong’s head as he smiled. “When did you wake up?”

The flames vanished instantly. Chi Qiong proudly lifted his neck, his eyes on either side avoiding Yun Xiguang’s gaze as he arrogantly declared, “I woke up just now.”

“Hmm? Really?” Yun Xiguang asked.

Chi Qiong’s stubbornness was evident in every part of his body. He insisted, “Just now, within today counts as just now!”

Yun Xiguang laughed. “So, when I carried you in the hospital, it was still just now. And when you pecked me in the car, that was also just now, right?”

“Right…” Chi Qiong lowered his head guiltily.

Yun Xiguang feigned embarrassment poorly, covering his face and saying, “I thought you were asleep, I thought you didn’t know. I… oh, how embarrassing.”

With that, he darted into the villa, hiding in the second-story bedroom.

Chi Qiong quickly spread his wings and chased after him. The instant Yun Xiguang entered the room, Chi Qiong unfolded his long wings and fell onto the bed first.

Yun Xiguang was about to jump onto the bed. In that moment, Chi Qiong’s fiery red wings transformed into arms, pulling Yun Xiguang into his embrace.

Yun Xiguang’s heart skipped a beat.

“This Exalted One woke up when you picked me up. But this Exalted One knew you wanted to hug this Exalted One for a long time and wanted to give you the chance, so I didn’t wake up,” Chi Qiong stubbornly explained.

“If it wasn’t for Youying, when did you plan to wake up?” Yun Xiguang asked.

“I would naturally have waited until you put me on the bed, then awakened, transformed into my human form, and held you in my arms…” Chi Qiong blushed at this point, finding it difficult to speak about such matters. He quickly changed the subject. “Why does Youying look like he’s formed a contract with you? How many good spirit beasts do you have?!”

Chi Qiong felt this question might accompany them for eternity. Yun Xiguang was simply too popular among spirit beasts.

Yun Xiguang replied, “This isn’t my fault; it’s our problem. Moreover, Youying is a newborn creature, his consciousness still naive. We need to guide him properly. He’s like a child; you can’t casually lose your temper with him. You should educate him well.”

At this point, Yun Xiguang felt something odd. It was as if he and Chi Qiong hadn’t even started dating yet but already had a child?

That wouldn’t do.

Yun Xiguang decided to make amends.

Thus, he stood up, looking intently at Chi Qiong. “Back in the contract space, what did you say you’d do after saving the world? How would you satisfy my wish?”

Chi Qiong’s face flushed red. He stubbornly replied, “Si-since it’s to satisfy your wish, it’s naturally up to you to pr-propose it!”

Still a novice in love, like a little chick.

Yun Xiguang was also a bit embarrassed, but as the audacious human who once dared to seduce the Supreme Deity in the eyes of all spirit beasts, he had to take responsibility.

Yun Xiguang felt the need to clarify things with Chi Qiong. Thus, he said solemnly, “Initially, it was a misunderstanding. I never intended to pursue you. That was just… I saw you were too cute, and I couldn’t resist the urge to be intimate with something adorable.”

Chi Qiong suddenly sat up, first devastated, awkward, sad, and heartbroken. Then, he quickly melted his broken heart with fire and hardened his face. “Oh, is that so? This Exalted One feels relieved then. This Exalted One wouldn’t have developed any feelings for a human. I was merely going to grant you a wish based on the contract. Since you don’t have such thoughts, this Exalted One doesn’t need to bother anymore.”

With that, he turned around, transformed into a firebird, and flew out the window.

Fortunately, Yun Xiguang was agile. He hugged Chi Qiong tightly, resting his head against Chi Qiong’s wing. “Why are you in such a hurry? Can you let me finish?”

“This Exalted One is eager to inspect this Exalted One’s new world and new territory. Why waste time lingering here?” Chi Qiong declared proudly.

He was probably going to find a place to cry, no, Chi Qiong wouldn’t cry. His flames would evaporate any tears. If he discovered he was crying, he’d be furious enough to evaporate the sea.

Yun Xiguang hurriedly said, “Give me a moment, let me finish. Initially, I indeed had no ulterior motives, purely wanting to protect and care for you, spending the rest of my life with you. At that time, I defined the relationship between us as not kinship but surpassing kinship; not friendship but surpassing friendship.”

Chi Qiong’s stiff wings softened, no longer trying to escape Yun Xiguang’s embrace.

“But later, when we fought the Weaver Ants and you transformed into your adult form, my feelings for you changed. I realized you were an adult male, and I discovered that what I had done to you was actually quite intrusive.

“For a while, I was also in turmoil, unsure of how to redefine our relationship.

“If given time, I think I would have found a new position. However, events progressed too rapidly, leaving no time for contemplation. We had to face a life-or-death battle.

“Before the battle, I received your response amidst the chaos, and my wavering heart settled, finding its place.”

Chi Qiong transformed back into his human form, his large eyes anxiously staring at Yun Xiguang.

Yun Xiguang’s eyes were filled with affection. He told Chi Qiong, “During the life-or-death battle, I thought that if we failed, my soul would burn up intertwined with yours, and that would be beautiful.

“When I realized we survived, I had only one thought: for the rest of my life, I want to be with you.

“My feelings for you are kinship, surpassing kinship; friendship, surpassing friendship; love, surpassing love.

“My emotions shouldn’t waver. Between us, regardless of how your form changes, regardless of whether I’m alive or dead, there is only one emotion: unwavering devotion.”

Yun Xiguang’s words were too complex for the inexperienced Chi Qiong. After a long pause, he struggled to say, “Fortunately, this Exalted One is cultured. Unwavering devotion refers to love, right? You’re admiring this Exalted One, courting me?”

“Yes,” Yun Xiguang couldn’t help laughing as he leaned forward and kissed Chi Qiong’s cheek.

“I won’t leave then,” Chi Qiong immediately said. “This Exalted One is a merciful Supreme Deity who wouldn’t reject sincere wishes. T-this Exalted One agrees. Promise!”

Yun Xiguang pressed his forehead against Chi Qiong’s, whispering softly, “Then let’s learn together how to make this relationship richer, alright?”

“Promise!” Chi Qiong said. “But this Exalted One, supreme and unparalleled, will never submit to anyone!”

Yun Xiguang replied without hesitation, “Naturally, I’ll follow your lead. But isn’t it too early for you to say this? We’ve just begun.”

“Too early? I thought the custom among birds was to proceed quickly after agreeing…”

Yun Xiguang reached out and covered Chi Qiong’s mouth. “Let’s follow human customs.”

“Alright then, hurry up. This Exalted One might not be patient.” Chi Qiong wore an expression as if he was indulging Yun Xiguang.

Yun Xiguang kissed Chi Qiong, beginning his bumpy journey of love.

Outside the window, a group of fireflies flew by, trying to get a closer look.

With a wave of Yun Xiguang’s hand, curtains that met Chi Qiong’s aesthetic taste – golden-red – drew closed, blocking the fireflies’ view.

The Azure Dragon, who was leading the students in practical learning, suddenly abandoned them and flew into the sky, letting out a long, relieving, and worry-releasing dragon roar.

That day, everyone in City B heard that dragon roar and saw the giant dragon circling in the sky.

Hearing that sound, Bai Ze sighed in relief, his shoulders visibly relaxing.

The Golden-Winged Great Peng, engaged in capturing awakened humans, was so angry its nose nearly twisted. It fiercely pecked at the ground.

Li Zheng lifted it up. “Why are you jealous when others are in love? If Zhuzhao really wanted something with you, would you dare?”

“How dare you! Do you know what you’re saying?” The Golden-Winged Great Peng was terrified, its feathers almost falling out. It hastily said, “My meaning is that to serve the Supreme Deity, one must pass my test first and learn the rules of serving the Supreme Deity from me!”

Li Zheng flicked its head. “Snap out of it. The Qing dynasty is gone. Do you consider yourself a eunuch in the palace? The emperor isn’t worried, but the eunuch is anxious. What does it have to do with you that they’re in love? Keep causing trouble, and be careful Yun Xiguang dismantles the bird’s nest belonging to you in his family’s villa.”

The Golden-Winged Great Peng tilted its head, suddenly awakening. “How did you also know that the Supreme Deity is in love with Yun Xiguang? Can you understand the Azure Dragon’s dragon roar?”

Li Zheng cleaned his ears. “Yes, I can understand it. Plants, trees, birds, beasts, fish, insects – whatever they’re saying, as long as I want to listen, I can understand it.”

“What do they say? I can’t hear so many sounds,” the Golden-Winged Great Peng asked.

Li Zheng said, “Most creatures lack wisdom. They only have a bit of instinct. During these three months, they’ve been repeating one sentence. They don’t have language, only able to exchange consciousness. I translated their consciousness into human language, though not very accurately. This sentence is the most fitting.

“They’re saying – ‘When a whale falls, all life thrives.'”

— End of Full Text —

Author’s Notes:

After stumbling through four months of writing, it’s finally concluded today.

From the beginning, the theme of this story was “when a whale falls, all life thrives,” with my inspiration stemming from this concept. I wanted to write a story like this.

It’s not perfectly written, but it’s satisfactory.

Thank you for accompanying me all this time. I love you.

With this, the entire text concludes. Don’t search for side stories. In lazy Cyan’s view, the two chapters after rebirth can be considered side stories.

Kisses~