Trafford's Trading Club

Chapter 1027: Chapter 71: There Is No Path to Becoming Immortal in This World (33)

Golden hair, Western maid attire, using strange but terrifying black flames, and… breathtaking beauty.

In the room where he met with Gongsun Shiyu and Gongsun Zhishui, Lai Caisheng is now drawing and flipping a deck of cards based on Gongsun Zhishui’s description.

After flipping, Lai Caisheng casually puts the cards aside… It seems he never managed to draw what he was hoping for.

So the myth of divine draws doesn’t exist.

Until the entire deck was drawn, Lai Caisheng finally stopped and met the gaze of everyone present.

“No, it can’t be divined.” Lai Caisheng shook his head.

This unexpectedly surprised Gongsun Shiyu, causing him to slightly frown.

Gongsun Zhishui exclaimed: “Is there something even Clothed Daoist doesn’t know?”

Lai Caisheng calmly said: “Predictions about the future or unknown things are never created out of thin air. This world is an interconnected yet independently composed whole, with invisible lines that connect all things. We merely touch these lines to find what we seek. If no line leads to the destination, there’s nothing we can do.”

“Do you mean this woman possibly doesn’t have such lines?” Gongsun Shiyu suddenly asked.

Lai Caisheng tranquilly said: “Not necessarily nonexistent, but possibly the information you provided isn’t enough for the ‘lines’ to appear. However, since even I cannot find this person’s background, at least one thing is proven.”

“Speak.” Gongsun Shiyu said simply.

Lai Caisheng said sternly: “This person may possess the power to resist destiny… According to what you said, even when you summoned Xuanyuan Sword Light, you couldn’t resist the opponent’s black flames, and instead the sword light was eroded and disappeared. So, these flames might exist on the same level as the Xuanyuan Sword of China.”

Gongsun Zhishui was astonished: “On the same level as the Xuanyuan Sword? The Xuanyuan Sword was forged by the ancient Emperor Huang with the wish power of all beings… Can anything exist in the world to match it?”

Lai Caisheng slowly said: “In ancient times, when Tao and demon had not yet declined, China’s transcendence flourished. For instance, the Nine Provinces Cauldron created by Xia Yu, although its fame may slightly fall short compared to the Xuanyuan Sword, do you think it’s weaker in power?”

“The Nine Provinces Cauldron is only a legend, nobody has ever seen it.” Gongsun Zhishui shook his head.

Lai Caisheng calmly said: “To mortals, the Xuanyuan Sword is also just an ancient legend… China’s ancient secrets are numerous, and the world’s construction is far beyond China’s, filled with mystery. We are but frogs at the bottom of a well. Brother Zhishui, don’t let weakness limit our imagination.”

Recalling his defeat under that woman’s strike, directly losing consciousness, even the War Spirit inherited from the clan was wiped out, Gongsun Zhishui’s face now looked somewhat ugly.

Indeed… truly weak.

“Since ancient times, in the face of Taoist and demonic powers, humans have always been the weak side.” Gongsun Shiyu said calmly: “Yet, why has the Human Race endured for countless years? It’s because the Human Race possesses infinite possibilities, weakness does not equate to incapability. Our ancestors emerged from the weakest conditions and gradually became powerful without ever giving up despite occasional failures.”

Gongsun Zhishui sighed, feeling somewhat ashamed… The person most heavily impacted should be his young master Gongsun Shiyu.

Having gained part of the Emperor’s Might and the ability to summon Xuanyuan Sword Light, Gongsun Shiyu… yet all pride was shattered in a single battle.

The kind of skyward laughter had never appeared on Gongsun Shiyu’s face.

“It’s rare that brother Shiyu can see through.” Lai Caisheng smiled slightly, showing a relieved expression.

Gongsun Shiyu frowned slightly, then said calmly: “Let’s not talk about this alien woman’s matter… I just want to know, does not retrieving what you requested have any effect on you?”

Lai Caisheng was silent for a while before slowly saying: “The priestess is at the end of the conference, there’s still ample time… Until the last moment, no one knows what might happen. I can’t give you a definite answer right now.”

Gongsun Shiyu said: “My sword light was destroyed, it’ll take time to gather it back. Zhishui’s War Spirit was wiped out, he needs to return to the clan to re-inherit a new War Spirit. During this time, I might not be able to provide you with much assistance. I heard recently, within both the Taoism-cultivated field and the demon world, numerous disappearances have occurred. This matter is quite odd, you’d best pay attention.”

Lai Caisheng nodded but replied: “It seems brother Shiyu still cares about external affairs.”

Gongsun Shiyu said calmly: “It’s merely because there’s someone from the clan working in the Management Bureau.”

Lai Caisheng suddenly asked: “Has the true dragon really come to Mount Tai?”

Gongsun Shiyu frowned: “Why ask this?”

Lai Caisheng slowly said: “Just curious. After all, prior to this, the true dragon had teamed up with the Management Bureau and Xuanyuan Palace to issue a statement… Although during this period we haven’t seen the true dragon appear. I’ve heard this true dragon doesn’t care much for the Penglai conference, often missing it, yet when present, the true dragon tends to reveal miracles. This time, there’s somewhat a sense of avoidance.”

“Before seeing you, I’ve already met her.” Gongsun Shiyu said calmly: “Does this resolve your concerns?”

Lai Caisheng laughed: “Since it’s from brother Shiyu, then there’s no problem. Well then, tonight I’ll trouble the two of you. Rest assured, I’ve already arranged resting places…”

“No need.”

Gongsun Shiyu interrupted directly: “Xuanyuan Palace has quite a few properties outside, no need to burden your Daoist Association with expenses… I’ve said what needs to be said, if there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave. After all, it’s crowded here, I don’t wish for any unforeseen events, letting people think Xuanyuan Palace has undisclosed secrets with you, Lai Caisheng, or private affairs with your Daoist Association.”

“Miss Gong, please help escort brother Shiyu and brother Zhishui out.” Lai Caisheng did not insist on keeping them but casually instructed after checking the time.

Just at this moment, hurried voices came from outside the door, “Representative Lai! Representative Lai! Please… please take a look!!”

The person at the door was flustered, causing Miss Gong to instantly think the verbal confrontation at the banquet between Taoist and demonic factions had escalated into something violent.

However, the informant recklessly rushed into the room, went to the window, and suddenly pulled open the curtains!

As the curtains were drawn, a pillar of light shot out from deep within Mount Tai in the night sky, exceptionally dazzling.

At the same time, it alarmed both Lai Caisheng and Gongsun Shiyu, who each frowned seriously.

As if reflected from water, the incandescent glow, even through glass, still rippled on everyone’s faces.

“What on earth, has happened…”

Lai Caisheng glanced at the time once more… midnight, about to become zero hour.

…

On a certain high tower of the banquet venue, a white figure flashed past, finally stopping here.

Her cold face faced the direction of the light pillar.

Qin Chuyu looked doubtfully at the appearance of this light pillar, pondering, “Is this… Spiritual Energy? It’s such a massive light of Spiritual Energy… is there a divine artifact emerging, or is it…”

Qin Chuyu quickly glanced at the Taoism-cultivated field and demon world figures below — these folks were now captivated by the mystical light pillar, quiet in an instant.

In that moment, Qin Chuyu floated toward the direction of the pillar’s eruption.

…

Nearly at the same time, in the quiet room of Wolong Mountain Villa’s Clothed Daoist’s exclusive courtyard.

Daoist Bai Jie slowly opened his eyes… midnight, the moment the day alternates and also the seamless connection of year to year, was upon them.

The Blind Mr. sitting in the center of the room also opened his eyes at this time.

A pair of milky white eyes at this moment almost seemed to burst out of their sockets, as numerous blood vessels appeared around them, nearly covering Mr. Blind’s entire face.

Hideous and terrifying.

The precious items placed beside Mr. Blind, used to supply inspiration, began to tremble incessantly.

Within the quiet room, a swirling current of air suddenly emerged.

These precious items instantly shattered into countless points of spiritual light, which the swirling air current gathered and absorbed into Mr. Blind’s body.

Mr. Blind appeared extremely distressed, with blood oozing from his eyes simultaneously. His hair suddenly grew long, and a ferocious aura transformed into a plume, rising from his body, becoming a phantom like an evil spirit!

“Quick!!” Mr. Blind blurted out rapidly… It seemed he could barely utter this single word.

Daoist Bai Jie witnessed this, promptly forming different handprints in front of him with both hands. A surge of overwhelming mana emerged, surrounding Mr. Blind with a massive Yin Yang Fish symbol!

The Yin Yang Fish rotated rapidly, the phantom of the evil spirit transformed by that ferocious aura gradually calmed down… As if unwilling, a mournful sound of wind howled in the room at last.

As the Yin Yang Fish stopped rotating, Mr. Blind collapsed powerlessly to the ground.

Daoist Bai Jie hurriedly stepped forward to support him, placing one hand on Mr. Blind’s back to transfer some spiritual power, “That was close, you nearly became Tai Sui’s avatar, a ferocious being; if you couldn’t endure, I would’ve had to…”

“As they say, wealth comes from taking risks…” Mr. Blind turned over, his face weak, “During the fleeting moment of year change, heaven and earth pause momentarily; this is when external evil is most likely to invade… I invoked Tai Sui’s possession, using it as a surrogate to spy on heaven’s secrets. When heaven and earth resume operation, the Tao will only consider me as Tai Sui…”

“And the result?” Daoist Bai Jie naturally understood the danger involved but was more concerned with the outcome of this divination… to ensure this effort wasn’t in vain.

“Spiritual Energy Awakening… Heaven and earth are changing drastically… Whether it’s a blessing or a curse… an unknown value… I saw… a war…”

“War?” Daoist Bai Jie’s expression changed slightly. Just as he was about to inquire further, Mr. Blind collapsed, losing consciousness.

At this moment, a spiritual light penetrated the quiet room’s wall, falling beside Daoist Bai Jie, transforming into a piece of yellow sigil paper.

“Transmission Talisman?” Daoist Bai Jie furrowed his brows, picked up the talisman, sticking it to his forehead… Suddenly, Daoist Bai Jie dashed out of the quiet room, looking up at the night sky.

That enormous column of light reaching skyward.

“Spiritual Energy Awakening, Spiritual Energy Awakening…” At this point, Daoist Bai Jie’s eyes were already fully open, his face dark with seriousness, “Heaven and earth… drastic change?”

…

…

Near Mount Tai, on New Year’s Eve, people at home watching TV or accompanying their families were also drawn by the light shining through the windows from outside.

They walked to the windows, gazing towards the horizon.

The passersby on the streets did the same, stopping in their tracks, talking and discussing, raising their phones high to capture the scene.

Thus.

——”UFO?”

——”Maybe it’s a laser? Something like the light of Jesus? Or perhaps some optical experiment?”

——”Which Taoist friend is transcending the tribulation here!”

Thus, the largest social media platforms exploded with this scene, a deluge of messages and bullet comments filling the screens… even live streamers started broadcasting live.

Its speed rivaled that of light’s dissemination… netizens across the country kept their eyes glued to the constant updates.

…

“Surely it’s not an alien invasion on Earth, right?” Ren Ziling muttered absentmindedly, picking up the wine glass from the coffee table, taking a sip.

On the coffee table lay some cheese, black currants, crackers, and chips as accompaniments, while the wine was a gift from a client—Ren Ziling had already finished an entire bottle by herself before this.

Her face flushed, her gaze growing increasingly blurred.

Though both Lizi and Officer Ma had separately invited her for dinner, she had ultimately decided to stay at home by herself.

Sitting on the carpeted floor, leaning against the sofa, with a laptop resting on her folded legs and a nearly full ashtray beside on the rug… this was how the evening went.

From seven in the evening to what is now Zero Hour, from last year to this year, from twenty-nine to thirty years old, Ren Ziling toasted herself another glass.

“That brat… didn’t even send a single message…”

She hiccuped.

Her eyes grew heavier, probably due to the alcohol… Red wine, indeed, the after-effects are quite strong.

Ren Ziling slowly closed her eyes, her body tilting to the side… So tired, she’ll just lie on the rug and sleep till morning… too lazy to move.

Strange… is the rug this soft?

Falling like this, she should have bumped her head… but it doesn’t hurt at all…

Feels like… something is holding her… so comfortable.

Warmth.

Almost asleep…

Tomorrow… what was she supposed to do tomorrow…

Never mind… so sleepy…

Who… is…

“Stay a little longer tonight.”

“Alright, Master.”

From fifty-nine minutes to Zero Hours and then to one second after Zero Hour.

Time moved, as if pausing for a brief moment and then restarting.

This year had passed.