The cosmic fortress, having ended its war, was now a scene of devastation. After shedding its sand armor, the fortress walls looked nothing like they did before the battle. They were utterly broken, pockmarked with large and small craters. Without the sand armor, the walls would have crumbled entirely.
A dozen people arrived on the fortress walls. The man leading them said, "Yun Shui, keep this woman under strict watch. Her situation is special."
"Yes."
Yun Shui, a woman, immediately hugged Qing Yuan and headed towards a room. It seemed the sister in her arms was not in a good state; a single misstep could lead to disaster.
"Alright everyone, let's focus all our efforts on repairing the fortress. Afterward, we can have a few days of peace. You've all been through battles big and small. Go home to rest or wander around for a bit. The Xieling race doesn't seem likely to attack again soon."
The leading youth spoke, conveying Chen Tian's clone's intention. After fighting for so long, their families wouldn't worry about materials, and it was only natural to go home and visit loved ones during this time.
Since their leader had spoken, everyone naturally complied, nodding in unison. The fortress repair process was swift. With high-level cultivators lending a hand, it took less than a day to complete the repairs.
"Alas, it's a pity the fortress's level can only go this far. The materials can't be improved."
"Hammer Elder, don't sigh. These materials represent all our wealth."
An old man and a young man chatted happily. Hammer Elder was the old man responsible for forging the city. It could be said that his contributions were indispensable to the fortress's standing on this cosmic frontline. Furthermore, as a long-lost master architect, given enough materials, he could truly create a fortress that could halt the Xieling race's advance.
A fortress that could even withstand Xieling attacks, but alas, the materials were insufficient, and some were even too low-grade. Thus, the fortress's capabilities were limited to this extent.
"Everyone, we'll meet here in three days. For now, you can all go home and rest well."
"Yes, boss."
As the words fell, the boss vanished from his spot first, seemingly wanting to rest. The others looked at each other. They had fought side-by-side for a long time, and combined with their inherited memories...
"Why don't we travel together? It won't be boring."
A youth spoke up, "No need."
His figure turned into a beam of light and flew into the distance.
"Ren Xin, this guy is still as aloof as ever," a nearby woman sighed. Everyone else was amenable to traveling together; it was a good chance to relax, chat while walking, and build camaraderie.
The dozen people split into three groups, heading in different directions.
Earth, China, M City. A woman looked down at the city below and said, "I've arrived. The rest of you carry on."
"So your home is here. I'll come find you next time to play."
"I look forward to it. Don't worry, I'll host you well."
After speaking, the woman descended towards the city, choosing not to fly directly to her home from the sky.
Wang Xue walked on the city streets, feeling a strange lack of vitality. She pondered that all of this was somehow related to them.
"I wonder if Mom and Dad are alright now?"
She looked worried. Arriving at her home, she saw its state and a look of anger crossed her face. Who did this?
Wait, where were Mom and Dad?
The house before her was in ruins. The ground was clearly ravaged, with items scattered everywhere, broken into pieces. It was as if something had happened here.
Wang Xue shouted loudly, "Mom, Dad, are you still here?"
But there was no response for a long time. As she entered the house, a cold light flashed. She quickly turned.
"Who?"
She hadn't sensed anyone in the house at all from outside. Who was it? The attacker was clearly hostile; that killing intent was directed at her.
"Your evasion speed is decent, but you must die here today."
A man in black emerged from the shadows, clad in a black robe, exuding a black aura.
"A running dog of the Xieling race. I didn't expect humans to betray us."
Sensing the aura, she realized the Xieling race's energy. It seemed some humans had become their lackeys. This attack might even be arranged by the Xieling race.
"So what if I'm a lackey? When they conquer the world, we'll reign supreme here."
The man stuck out his tongue, his eyes greedily fixed on Wang Xue. She was quite beautiful, possessing both a good figure and an alluring presence.
She felt uncomfortable under his gaze.
"You're seeking death. Where are my parents?"
"Killed. They were just two disabled human waste."
"You...!"
Enraged, the pain of losing her parents propelled her. Without hesitation, she attacked with all her might. Such scum deserved to die.
Warriors were forbidden from harming mortals, let alone her parents who were disabled. Such a heinous person did not deserve to live in this world.
"Let me see what you're capable of."
Two attacks shot towards the opponent, waves of energy sweeping out, affecting and destroying the surrounding houses.
The resulting shockwaves flattened the area for a hundred miles. The face beneath the black robe was revealed, and upon seeing it, Wang Xue gasped, "It's you! The Li family patriarch! No wonder you would attack my parents."
This person before her was an enemy of her family. In fact, their family's downfall was all thanks to the Li family.
That was a past event, and she hadn't expected him to still be coveting that thing even now.
Li Yunfeng's face was calm. "Tell me where that thing is. Those two old fools wouldn't say, and I don't believe you don't know."
"Do you think I'd tell you? Even if you knew, you couldn't get it."
Her words were accurate. That thing had long since merged with her heart. If she died, the thing would vanish.
It couldn't be extracted during this time. It was precisely because of this thing that their entire family had fallen into ruin, leaving only their immediate family.
"It seems you'll only speak after suffering some pain."
His figure blurred into afterimages, circling around. He took a step forward, his foot landing before her, and threw a punch. This punch was imbued with Xieling energy along with his own power. Wang Xue dared not be careless.
She thrust out both palms, and they both retreated three steps. Their strength was evenly matched.
"However, it looks like the other two aren't faring any better."
Wang Xue mused inwardly. Those three things were the keys to opening that place. Since they were attacked, it meant they were attacked together.
Judging by the face of the person before her, it was highly likely that the other two families had also become lackeys.
The secret between Wang Xue and her kin was now fully revealed today, a secret no one else knew.
Their eyes met, and they engaged in combat. In two other locations in China, similar scenes unfolded. The two people who had returned home found their parents dead. Upon seeing the figures before them, their faces contorted with rage, and the battles began.