Master of Strange Dao

King Xiang had already knelt on the ground, his face full of joy, tears in his eyes, and he choked out,

"Father..."

The man in the middle slowly opened his eyes, his dilated pupils gradually contracted, and the Divine Light remained condensed.

He glanced at King Xiang, his expression somewhat dazed, as if matching the person in his memory.

"Ren'er, you've grown so much..."

"It's me, Father."

The former Emperor Zhen helped King Xiang up, a trace of confusion still in his eyes. He looked at the surrounding environment, then at Yu Ziqing's strange appearance, and the countless hungry ghosts around. He had too many questions, too much confusion.

"Father, I only knew about your right leg, how did you awaken?" King Xiang was somewhat puzzled and surprised.

"The Heavenly Demon infiltrated my Heart Field, and I don't know how long it's been, I was ambushed, and that Heavenly Demon seized the opportunity.

If a Heavenly Demon possessed me and became the Emperor Zhen, it would be a disaster.

So, I shattered my Divine Soul, merged it into the flesh, giving him no chance at all.

Unfortunately, a great uproar was still triggered in the end."

"Father, you were ambushed? Who ambushed you?" King Xiang was both shocked and furious; he had never known about this.

Even the current Emperor Zhen and the people outside knew nothing of this matter; everyone only knew that back then, his father suddenly turned Devilic, and within a day, he sank deeply into demonic possession, losing control.

King Xiang thought for a long time, never understanding how his steadfast and unyielding father could suddenly become Devilic.

Now, he understood everything.

"I don't know who it was either." The former Emperor Zhen shook his head, pondering slightly, then advised, "You should keep this matter to yourself."

Yu Ziqing didn't disturb the father and son's reunion; there were some conversations he shouldn't hear. He continued to lead the hungry ghosts to cleanse the entire Sorrow Cave Heaven, coincidentally easing his appetite.

The former Emperor Zhen watched as Yu Ziqing and the hungry ghosts walked away. He wanted to pat King Xiang's head as he used to, but instead, he placed his hand on King Xiang's shoulder.

"Tell me what happened. For me to regain consciousness and see you, a lot must have occurred..."

King Xiang recounted roughly the events of the past two thousand years, focusing on recent events, especially regarding the Forbidden Land on Jinlan Mountain, how they saved him, and how he was awakened, all explained in detail.

The former Emperor Zhen expressed admiration for his younger brother's decisive usurping.

"Your Second Uncle is indeed more suitable. I had intended to name him as the Imperial Younger Brother, but he refused, asking me to make you Crown Prince instead.

Now everything is still fine, at least much better than I expected.

Don't mention the ambush I suffered to anyone else, because I haven't discovered who ambushed me either.

I only know it was a Primordial Spirit Realm Strong.

Don't pursue this matter, for now, pretend you don't know."

"Father, I understand. After finding the other parts of your body, we'll discuss this again," King Xiang responded solemnly.

He understood his father feared he would act rashly.

But it had been two thousand years. He was no longer the young impulsive boy in his father's memory.

He clung to that thread of barely visible hope for two thousand years. He trained with all his might just to gain strength sooner, to slightly grasp that faint hope, to see it a little clearer.

"Now I only have a right leg. Although I retained consciousness and some memory by completely shattering my Divine Soul,

I am no longer suited to return to Dazhen or to show myself.

From now on, go back by yourself.

From now on, I'll call myself You Zhen, keeping a part of 'Zhen' as a memory."

"Father..." King Xiang felt anxious. He understood but couldn't accept it.

"Soon you'll understand; don't worry, we owe a great debt this time."

...

Yu Ziqing instructed Wu Shuangge and Cece to lead the hungry ghosts to cleanse, while he went to the tombstone of Heavenly Monarch Luoge.

Staring at the tombstone as large as a mountain, Yu Ziqing bowed with cupped hands.

"Senior, I have completed my duties and will be returning. I came especially to bid farewell to you.

I have left a Jade Scroll behind. If you awaken in the future and need someone to do something, feel free to shatter the Jade Scroll.

I will come at once."

Yu Ziqing left a Jade Scroll, performed another tribute, and turned to leave.

He didn't understand why the Heavenly Monarch Luoge didn't seek another life. With his strength, he certainly could have done so, yet he did not enter eternal rest but remained here.

Still, his impression of Heavenly Monarch Luoge was quite favorable.

Just like those noble predecessors he saw in White Sun Holy Mother's memories, striving for ideals.

And more like a human being rather than merely a lofty powerful figure.

Those lofty figures outside surely wouldn't apologize to a small weakling they didn't know.

After Yu Ziqing finished paying respects to Heavenly Monarch Luoge, King Xiang and his father were already waiting for him.

"Greetings, young friend." The former Emperor Zhen saluted first.

"Greetings, Senior." Yu Ziqing quickly returned the gesture.

"My name is You Zhen; I have something to ask of you, young friend."

"No need for formalities, Senior. I will not decline where I can assist."

King Xiang stood aside, wanting to speak, but was held back by his father.

"Young friend, you should know, I now have only my right leg, and my identity is awkward; I can't return to Dazhen, and my identity shouldn't be known."