Above The Sky
Chapter 624 - 624 593 The Exit of the Labyrinth and the New Path of the Dao 23

624: Chapter 593 The Exit of the Labyrinth and the New Path of the Dao (2/3) 624: Chapter 593 The Exit of the Labyrinth and the New Path of the Dao (2/3) When everyone from the Huai Guang Rescue Team realized that they had indeed arrived at the Labyrinth’s exit and had rescued all the people they could, everyone unconsciously breathed a sigh of relief, and their spirits were greatly lifted.

Even so, some could hardly believe it.

It all seemed to have started with that mysterious “Ghost Valley Knight”.

Not long before, the entire rescue team was mired in the sorrow of losing two veteran comrades, and within their ranks lurked a Flesh Shapeshifter, deeply hidden and hard to detect—if not for the prestige of the Holder of the Huai Guang Office instilling a glimmer of hope in everyone, an ordinary squad would have disintegrated by now.

But then, the sudden appearance of the Ghost Valley Knight pinpointed the flawless shapeshifter with a single thrust…

After that, he led everyone to their destination as if he were a prophet, to the place where multitude of souls were bound.

Well, it was not exactly smooth sailing.

But with the Adventure Master, the Ghost Valley Knight, in the team, all perils and obstacles seemed insignificant compared to the harrowing battles and cautious explorations they had to endure before.

If there were enemies, the Ghost Valley Knight and the Executor of Redemption Light would forcefully clear a path.

If there was treacherous terrain, the Ghost Valley Knight could see right through it upon arrival, then warn everyone and tell them how to deal with it.

If there were ambushes, if there were traps, the Ghost Valley Knight could even sense them in advance—with his rich experience, he could even detect them a few subspace gardens ahead, giving everyone a clear idea of what to expect.

Having such an Adventure Master in the team naturally brought immeasurable comfort.

Although the enemies were the same, and perhaps even stronger, they became much easier to handle, seven or eight times easier.

There is a saying, “Walk often in the Secluded Valley and you will stumble at times”, but it seemed the Ghost Valley Knight would never stumble, no matter how treacherous the path, he traversed it quickly and steadily.

Of course, the opponent’s strength was formidable—no one had ever seen such a powerful Earth Ascender before.

His strength, defense, and resistance to various weakening effects made one feel he was truly a human form forged from fine steel.

How could there be someone so resilient?

And afterwards, this mysterious knight even suddenly gained the favor of this subspace!

The Huai Guang Rescue Team naturally did not know anything about the plans of the Deceased Monarch and the Duke of Solin; they came simply to rescue people.

Although some souls could not be saved, there was nothing to be done.

After all, on the Terra Continent, the souls of knights were not immortal, and after being saved they would still have to fade away.

The souls of the Dragonfolk and the Fae were rather special; one was because Sio was not dead, and the Fae could be reborn, so there was a necessity to save them…

As for Lubeck, who was now the “Red Blade”, he was also a reserve Cleric of Huai Guang.

Therefore, they were both shocked and overjoyed at the power that manifested in the Ghost Valley Knight.

After all, there was no reason for the Ghost Valley Knight to harm them—such was also the way of the Huai Guang Church.

So, when the members of the rescue team heard Ian seriously stating his intention to part ways with them and stay alone in the Subspace Labyrinth for some mission, some felt something was amiss and wanted to persuade Ian otherwise.

“Ghost Valley Knight, although I believe you have an important task to undertake,”

It was Radiant Nun who spoke, this Dragoness Nun was incredibly perceptive—Ian had already grasped this from her behavior as an investigator in Leyan Territory.

She looked intently into Ian’s now crimson eyes, and seriously said, “but don’t forget, if the mission cannot be accomplished, make sure to leave in a timely manner and preserve a useful body.”

As she spoke, she handed Ian a potion: “This is the Light Element Purification Elixir, unique to the Huai Guang Church.

It can create a high-temperature bright explosion, capable of damaging even fine gold armor.

It was originally intended for use under special circumstances to clear a path for the troops to retreat by wiping out large numbers of weak enemies.”

“Now that we are about to retreat, it no longer has a use, but for you, with the might of the Light Element Purification Elixir, it will certainly be of great use in combat.”

Indeed!

Ian’s eyes lit up.

This was a special attack potion from the Huai Guang Church, a brand new formula!

Perhaps he could even learn something about the unique alchemy of Huai Guang from it?

However, he had to act reserved, unable to show the excitement of an alchemist eager to learn, and simply nodded his head in thanks.

But what constituted a special circumstance?

Thinking this, he asked, and in response to the Ghost Valley Knight’s puzzled inquiry, the Radiant Nun hesitated, then somewhat sheepishly said, “This is…

a ‘Glorious Bullet’.”

Ian understood.

It seemed that the Huai Guang Rescue Team came here on a mission with the readiness to face death, quite unlike him, who already knew of many things through his Foresight View.

“Perhaps, the greatest courage of a Prophet is knowing there is a dead end ahead yet still walking towards it,” he thought, “Or rather, when there is only a dead end ahead, regardless of choices and prophecies, one can only walk forward with unwavering conviction.”

Beyond that, the other members of the rescue team also bid Ian farewell.

They did not persuade Ian to leave with them because they knew well that someone like the Ghost Valley Knight, when deciding to stay, must have a firm belief and missions to fulfill—advising him to avoid danger would be an insult to him.

“Be sure to survive, and perhaps if there’s a chance in the future, we might undertake a mission together!”

The previously friendly and proactive avian Archer even passed him a note with a list of taverns she frequented in the Eastern Plains of The Empire.

Of course, it was not just because of Ian’s appearance…

although that was indeed to her taste, but in truth, it was also because of the traits Ian had revealed along the way that had charmed her.

Having served Huai Guang for many years, and spent so much time with the truly moral people, along with her innate talent, the avian Archer had long developed the ability to judge people.

She could see a person’s true nature and discern what they were thinking from their eyes.

Whether it concerned themselves or others; whether it concerned a small happiness or a grand dream.

Whether they were cheerful or gloomy, wise or foolish.

Whether they were brave or cowardly, cautious or bold.

Was she wise or cunning, upright or rigid, she could see it clearly.

But the Ghost Valley Knight…

was something very different.

He was very different.

—He was always thinking about things that were very remote, highly impractical, even impossible.

—His actions this time were for the grand dreams spawned from the misfortunes of many.

—He was doing it both for himself and for others.

Under the Ghost Valley Knight’s presence, which was like that of the deceased, filled with an otherworldly and fearsome silence, the bird archer keeping watch for the rescue team from afar seemed to her to be a much more vivid person.

He would sincerely share knowledge he found useful, join everyone in eating the tasteless rations, and though he appeared very detached, one could actually see the hidden fury lurking behind his indifference.

Fury towards everything he had seen along the way.

Of course, this was not a flaw that would have been exposed by Ian using his original appearance and body.

Ian was always cautious, knowing that in the Terra Continent, there were extraordinary people who could spot significant flaws in minor details—not to mention, the ability to read minds wasn’t nonsensical.

Ian had always used his Spirit Energy to protect his brain to prevent any secrets from being inadvertently read by others.

He even dared not randomly feel anger or joy.

Therefore, with his past life appearance, Ian always seemed to act a bit more genuinely.

In a sense…

it was also a kind of disguise.

A disguise named ‘authenticity.’

“I entrust the dragon’s soul to you.

Take the Fae as well; they are a hot potato.”

Saying this, Ian handed over the crystal column containing Sio’s soul and the fairy souls to Glorious Sword, having noticed Sio’s reluctant psychic fluctuations.

Therefore, he sent a warning ripple to the dragon—’don’t you dare reveal my true identity.’

—Don’t get all sentimental; just get out of here, and we can meet anytime when I return to South Ridge.

“The Huai Guang Church thanks you for your courageous deed.”

At the same time, he was engaging in spiritual communication with Glorious Sword: [You should know who to give it to—if it really comes down to it, give it to me when I get out, but it’s better if you handle it, it makes more sense that way.]

[You truly seek neither fame nor gain; you’re not so different from the saints of the Embrace Light.]

Glorious Sword flattered Ian slightly, then informed him of their plan: [Next, our team will rest in Azure City for a while.

If needed, after leaving the Labyrinth, you can ‘coincidentally’ meet us in Azure City—we can vouch for you…

prove that you have never left.]

[That would be perfect.]

Ian nodded slightly, gestured to everyone in the rescue team, and watched as one after another disappeared at The Gate leading out of the Subspace.

Then, he turned and walked toward the lights representing ‘danger’ and ‘opportunity’ intertwining crimson and fine gold in the Foresight View.

This crimson light, mixed with golden radiance, reminded him of a midnight from many years ago, and of the South Sea Great Labyrinth half a year earlier.

It signified a turning point in his fate, even signaling the omen of a ‘Path of the Dao.’

—Indeed.

Alone, or rather, accompanied by the Frost Butterfly, he headed towards the deepest part of the Subspace Labyrinth.

At this moment, a sense of relief filled Ian’s heart.

Indeed, the true rewards only present themselves when facing danger.

If he hadn’t insisted on turning back, on seeking the truth of the Deceased Monarch and the reasons behind it all…

this golden brilliance would have never appeared.

So…

“Let me see, then, what kind of outcome your atrocities, your slaughter and torture, will forge.”

Whispering to himself, a bone-chilling cold flowed around Ian, the frost stemming both from the Fairy Bloodline and the resentment of the multitude of souls within him: “Let’s see, you beasts unworthy of being human.”

“Just how far can your wisdom really go.”

Amidst the cheering of the Lost Souls, Ian stepped forward.

The second Deceased Monarch embarked on his chosen second Path of the Dao.