At the foot of the mountain.

Jiang Feng looked far away. He was full of respect for the past and at the same time felt emotional. He did not notice that Lu Ming who was next to him had a stiffened expression on his face.

That was how the World of Shadows was destroyed?

The Internet…

This was true.

It was due to the Internet.

One might find it incredulous, however, on second thought…

d.a.m.n!

That was indeed possible!

How did people use the World of Shadows?

Firstly, one practiced Shadow Manipulation.

Secondly, when one reached a certain cultivation level, one's shadow could be separated from the body.

Thirdly, when one reached a higher cultivation level, the shadow could enter the World of Shadows.

Fourthly, when one reached an even higher cultivation level, one's shadow could interact with others.

To put it bluntly…

To become a user of the World of Shadows, at the very least, one's talents had to meet the requirements and one had to cultivate Shadow Detachment to a higher level!

This alone limited 90% of the users!

Furthermore…

Practicing Shadow Detachment took a lot of time!

In this era, everyone faced life and death struggles every day. Unless necessary, no one would waste their time and energy to practice Shadow Manipulation?!

In the past, as there were no cell phones, people could only interact in the World of Shadows!

However…

Now that there was the Internet…

Although the speed might be slower, everyone was surprised to find out that the world was highly connected.

No matter where one was, all one needed was communication software and one could be connected with others, by sending pictures and texts.

The introduction of the telephone did not destroy the World of Shadows.

This was because in that era, the phone was usually used for emergency purposes… However with the introduction of the Internet, it totally changed everyone's opinion.

There was no need for any cultivation!

There was no need to waste any time or energy!

They had a better experience than the World of Shadows!

Although the World of Shadows provided them with a social platform, communication was limited to interactions like simple texts and dialog boxes…

What about the Internet?

One could send pictures and emoji packages!

Furthermore, there was no limit on the interactions on the Internet. Unlike the World of Shadows where only 10% of the people who practiced Shadow Manipulation could partic.i.p.ate, the Internet truly connected the whole world!

In addition…

Some people could predict the amazing speed of development of the Internet as well as its potential!

Hence…

The World of Shadows was done for.

Without new users who cultivated skills, the World of Shadows lost its vitality and old users were too lazy to use it. Therefore, the World of Shadows collapsed at an incredible speed.

Since then, the World of Shadows disappeared.

Lu Ming was stunned.

He never expected that the World of Shadows would disappear for this reason!

Well…

He had been to the World of Shadows once. It only provided dialog boxes and text exchanges. It was lacking even when compared to the initial functions of the Internet!

This… How could he say it?

Lu Ming was inexplicably reminded of his previous life where Nokia disappeared at an alarming speed… It used to be one of the global leaders, but it disappeared just like that…

No one had seen it coming.

"The change of a lifetime…"

Lu Ming sighed.

"Yes."

Jiang Feng shrugged.

What happened afterwards was much easier to understand.

Back then, they expanded the World of Shadows by force, resulting in a high energy requirement. The consequences were that they did not receive sufficient energy!

The world was abandoned by everyone.

However…

It was at this time that some big shots hidden in the dark appeared and they took over the World of Shadows, kicking out all other users!

They instilled their own energy, turning the World of Shadows into a real World of Darkness and Shadows!

A new Shadow Manipulation!

A new World of Shadows!

They rebuilt the platform so that it could only be used for evil transactions. They would stay hidden in the dark, earning a high commission for it. It was surprising that their operations managed to stabilize.

Evil…

It bred in the dark.

The World of Darkness and Shadows officially became the base camp of these people and it gradually expanded.

"That doesn't seem to be anything scary, does it?"

Lu Ming was doubtful.

This was merely the World of Shadows!

The World of Darkness and Shadows was later developed from it. It could not be compared to the world it was before in terms of scale and energy!

Since that was the case, there was no need to be fearful of it.

How many big shots were they in reality?

Why should they worry about one World of Darkness and Shadows?

No matter how powerful it was… It had to hide in the dark!

"It was only like this in the initial stage."

At this point, Jiang Feng grew solemn. "However… things began to go out of control, particularly the power cultivators…"

What was the foundation of the World of Shadows?

Users!

What kind of users?

People who practiced Shadow Manipulation!

Or… Shadows!

The shadows separated from bodies to enter the World of Shadows!

This was the first prototype of the World of Shadows. It was also its foundation. The existence of the World of Shadows was to maintain the energy needed by the shadows as well as to provide a place for them!

However… big shots rebuilt the World of Darkness and Shadows and changed Shadow Manipulation!

It was at that time that people found out why the big shots were willing to pay a huge price and pay for it out of their own pockets to maintain the World of Shadows!

They finally knew why they were willing to save the World of Shadows!

A dying big shot who had mastered Shadow Manipulation was wandering about in the World of Darkness and Shadows when his body died.

Afterward…

He was given an eternal life.

This was true.

Eternal life.

His body was dead, but his shadow lived on.

The strange and mysterious World of Darkness and Shadows and the unique Shadow Manipulation resulted in this mysterious situation.

Hence… from that day on, an everlasting kingdom was born.

Ss——

Lu Ming's heart skipped a beat.

The World of Darkness and Shadows…

This was its hidden secret! It was no wonder everyone was so secretive that they did not dare to mention it! It was because it was too scary!

Immortality…

Immortality really existed!

Although one lived on in the form of a shadow, it was still immortality!

If this came to light and everyone knew that it was possible to become immortal, society would be chaotic!

Wait a minute…

Lu Ming suddenly felt that something was amiss. "If one can be given an eternal life, why didn't the big shots of the dark forces publicize this?"

"Do you think immortality is easy?"

Jiang Feng sounded disdainful. "To live eternally, one has to master Shadow Manipulation to the ultimate level! This is a very difficult skill and there are many levels inside of it!

"Only seven-stars are capable of mastering the ultimate level!

"Ordinary people?

"No way!"

Old Jiang was full of contempt.

"Alright."

Lu Ming had gained some understanding of the situation now.

The big shots who lived eternally in the World of Darkness and Shadows were indeed powerful cultivators!

"In the World of Darkness and Shadows…"

Jiang Feng lowered his voice, "On the surface, only the evil forces engage in sinful transactions. They make dealings and interactions in the initial community that the World of Shadows built, maintaining its order. Beyond the community, the big shots are hidden in endless darkness."

"Understood."

Lu Ming was stunned.

Therefore…

Whatever that he had seen was merely the tip of the iceberg!

Those seemingly evil traders as well as the cultivators who engaged in transactions in the community were merely just the tip of the iceberg! They were the weakest ones!

It turned out that…

This was the real World of Darkness and Shadows!

Since this was the case…

Why would black cat bring him to and fro the World of Darkness and Shadows?

What was the black cat?

Lu Ming looked toward his Sea of Consciousness. Brother Cat was sleeping and it had no interest in the conversation between Jiang Feng and him…

Of course.

This was not the point.

Now that he had figured out the World of Darkness and Shadows, the problem was even more perplexing. What was The First Academy doing there?!

If the World of Darkness and Shadows was as scary as Jiang Feng had said, why would The First Academy allow its students to be a.s.sessed over there? What was it up to?!

"I reckon it is for them to understand this world more than others."

Jiang Feng sighed.

Was the World of Darkness and Shadows dangerous?

Yes!

However, one thing they had to note was that under normal circ.u.mstances, once the shadow was killed, it would not have an impact on the body. At most, they had to re-condense!

This was also the reason why people traded peacefully in the darkness.

This was because killing others was useless…

Since that was the case, no one would waste their energy killing others!

It was just that…

Would it be alright for the college students to witness this?

But on second thought, Jiang Feng felt that all the students were six-stars. They were powerful and would be the pillars of society in the future!

It was time for them to find out about the World of Darkness and Shadows!

Of course.

They didn't know about immortality!

They didn't know where the powerful shadows in the suburbs were from. All they knew was that this was a world where darkness bred!

That was all.

Perhaps…

This was the a.s.sessment of The First Academy!

If they could remain true to their hearts after learning about all that, they would then be able to pa.s.s the a.s.sessment!

Otherwise…

They would have no chance of achieving seven-star!

"The old man has made some improvements."

Jiang Feng was filled with emotions.

He remembered a long time ago these people treated students like treasures, trying to groom them all the way to seven-star… However, they turned out to be losers…

Tsk tsk.

They had indeed become smarter.

Lu Ming just listened quietly.

He knew that Old Jiang certainly was keeping more from him. However, this was enough.

A World of Darkness and Shadows!

From the decision made by The First Academy, he finally understood the true meaning of the a.s.sessment.

"In that case, my sister and the rest should be alright?"

Lu Ming felt relieved.

"Of course."

Jiang Feng sounded indifferent. "In the World of Darkness and Shadows, only shadows are allowed entry. It is alright even if one dies. This type of a.s.sessment is safer. What is difficult is one's nature."

"I see."

Lu Ming understood now.

He felt more at ease.

He did not need to worry about his sister's nature. She was insusceptible to everything!

As for Zhao Yunshan…

Well…

He was a rich tyc.o.o.n. There was almost nothing that he would succ.u.mb to.

Money?

He had lots of it.

Women?

He had all the women he could wish for.

If he really lacked anything…

It would be a sense of achievement.

Ordinary people would feel a sense of achievement from using their few months worth of hard-earned money to buy some items for themselves. People like him did not have the same experience.

Well…

This was a fatal shortcoming.

However, the situation should have improved after he joined the Sword Card Master a.s.sociation. He should have felt a sense of achievement from working hard for the a.s.sociation.

In that case, the tricks of the World of Darkness and Shadows should be ineffective for Zhao Yunshan as well.

Lu Ming finally felt rea.s.sured.

He could have a peace of mind while waiting for graduation season to end.

"That's what you came here for?"

Jiang Feng sighed.

To his surprise, Lu Ming specially made a trip for Lu Yan and his disciple.

"Good."

Lu Ming nodded slightly.

In fact, he was not too concerned about his sister. After all, she had Qiu Shuyi as her backstage supporter. He was more worried about Zhao Yunshan. This was because he was his backstage supporter.

He was at a loss.

He never expected that he would become someone's backstage supporter.

He had a guilty conscience!

"Not bad. You have learned how to be responsible for others."

Jiang Feng was glad of this change.

Lu Ming had finally grown up.

That was good.

"You should know that I am in a special situation."

Jiang Feng patted Lu Ming on the shoulder. "Although you used to mess around, demolis.h.i.+ng the legacy and the city, and finally the school, as well as all of Qing Ming City…"

Lu Ming became sullen. "I didn't do that!"

"Alright, I will take it that you are not the person behind all these events."

Jiang Feng was filled with emotions. "Anyway, after leaving for Tian Du City, you have finally grown up. Remember, don't mess around and work hard on expanding the Sword Card Master a.s.sociation…

"Your a.s.sociation…

"I have researched it. It is pretty interesting. At the very least, one can still be a Swordsman. This is not considered a scam! Therefore, if there's a chance, it is always good to recruit more disciples.

"Also…

"Your own ability is key!

"As the president of an a.s.sociation, being an advanced four-star is not powerful enough."

Jiang Feng was concerned.

"Understood."

Lu Ming felt warm inside.

Old Jiang was still concerned about him. Since this was the case…

"Old Jiang, regarding your will…"

Lu Ming kindly reminded him.

"Get lost!"

Jiang Feng was upset. "Rest a.s.sured, I won't die before you!"

"Hehe."

Lu Ming smiled.

After a long while…

Jiang Feng left.

Although he sounded melancholic when he said that he would not return for the time being in order to ensure Xiaobai's safety, Lu Ming reckoned he might have brought a lady to look at the goldfish with him again.

…

It was very late at night.

Lu Ming returned to Tian Du City.

"Master."

Xiaobai stumbled towards him in her pajamas.

"Bam!"

She knocked into Lu Ming's chest.

"That hurts."

Xiaobai rubbed her head.

"It is the middle of the night. Why aren't you sleeping yet?"

Lu Ming was between laughter and tears.

"I was waiting for you Master."

Xiaobai leaned against Lu Ming, speaking in a gentle voice.

"Silly girl."

Lu Ming was helpless.

Lu Ming handed the communication device to Xiaobai. He pondered for a moment and said, "Old Jiang is doing well. He won't be back for the time being."

"Okay."

Xiaobai's voice became increasingly softer.

"Regarding the positioning…"

Lu Ming was about to continue when he noticed that Xiaobai had fallen asleep. He was between laughter and tears. He had no other choice but for her to stay overnight here…

This girl…

Sigh.

Wait a minute.

Did she do it on purpose?

Lu Ming paused for a moment.

"Xiaobai?"

He was careful as he helped Xiaobai into the bed.

Xiaobai did not respond.

Well…

Lu Ming placed his hands against her nose. She was not even breathing.

"Well…"

Lu Ming sighed. "It is normal for people to breathe when they are asleep, it is just that they breathe lightly…"

"Phew."

He could hear light breathing sounds.

Lu Ming was between laughter and tears. This girl…

Forget it.

What else could he do?

The girl was still young. There was nothing to worry about. Besides, his bed was large enough…

…