The devastation of Xiang Ning’s cultivation wasn’t something that could be kept under wraps. Not when he stayed in the fortress without going out to battle, not when he returned to Marsh City, not when anyone who came into contact with him would realize that he was no longer the same. 

It couldn’t be kept a secret, nor was there a need. 

A huge wave of comments emerged online as countless people sighed at the loss. Xiang Ning had displayed great potential; if it hadn’t been destroyed halfway, everyone knew how powerful he could be in the future. But now they didn’t dare envision his future. 

Xiang Ning looked at the people before him, beaming an unnatural smile, afraid that he would say something that shot him in the foot. He knew his situation well. 

Level: Tier four, seven-star martial artist (7535/1000000)

Current status: No cultivation abilities

Mental Power: Tier four, three-star spiritual cultivator 

Current status: Unable to use Mental Power 

System status: Extremely weak due to mental overexertion (Permanent damage sustained in physical body) 

Techniques: Advanced Breathing Technique, Telekinesis, Keen Observation, Taunt, Combat Instinct, Comprehension, Disguise, Eight Gates (Gate of Origin, Gate of Resting, Gate of Life, Gate of Pain, Gate of Resolution, Gate of Joy, Gate of Death, Gate of Shock)

Currently unavailable 

Martial skills: Mountain-Splitting Slash, Triple Slash, Shadowmist Ghost Step, Charging Toss

Currently unavailable 

Special Techniques: Refresh

Special Artifacts: Sovereign’s Throne 

Xiang Ning couldn’t help but bitterly smile at his current condition. Without Refresh, he would definitely be permanently unable to cultivate. 

As Lei Zhongyuan was making arrangements to send Xiang Ning back, a rumbling suddenly came from the sky. Anyone who had used the Exploration Mode on the Battle Network before would recognize it as the sound of a mech! 

“What’s going on? Are there mechs in real life?” 

“What’re you talking about? What’s wrong with having mechs in real life with our current technology?” 

“No, I’m referring to the mechs from the Battle Network’s Exploration Mode!” 

“That’s impossible, not even the Federation possesses the technology for it.” 

“Look, look! It’s here! Wow, it really is!” 

An eight-meter-long black mech quickly descended from the sky, and when it was about to touch the ground, it released powerful gusts of air to stabilize the vehicle. The hatch opened and a man who had an average physique but possessed great presence walked out, clad in tight black clothing. 

The gusts of wind hadn’t stopped but he leaped off the vehicle and rushed toward the medic bay. 

Naturally, such a dramatic entrance had alarmed Lei Zhongyuan and everyone else, but the moment he heard the sound, Xiang Ning knew it might be his Master. 

Indeed, after about two minutes, a stony-faced Dong Qianyi burst through the doors. Lei Zhongyuan wanted to explain, but he was ignored as Dong Qianyi walked up to Xiang Ning and demanded, “Do you remember what you told me before you left? Everyone else is fine, that’s true, but what about you? How’re you going to conduct research with me if you’re like this? I don’t care if you want to die, but don’t let it interfere with my research, alright?” He glared at Xiang Ning, furious. 

Lei Zhongyuan wanted to hold him back, but stopped in alarm when Dong Qianyi gave him a glare. 

Xiang Ning looked at his master for a long time, then scratched his head. “Well, I’m going back now. I’ll help you with your research, Master, and we’ll finish the dimensional travel technology project.” 

Dong Qianyi’s breathing turned rugged as his temper flared once more. Did he know the level of technology he was referring to? The way Xiang Ning so nonchalantly spoke about it sounded like it was just some common science. But it was a satisfactory answer, a promise that was needed. His eyes suddenly darted at Lei Zhongyuan. “You owe me a disciple.” 

Lei Zhongyuan smiled bitterly without a word. 

After Dong Qianyi’s arrival, the more complicated arrangements could be made quicker, since there was now a shortcut. 

Xiang Ning hopped on the returning train. Before that, Dong Qianyi had bulldozed his way through the clearing process of the entire rail back to Marsh City, removing any beasts in the way. A cleansing on such a scale was very rare. 

On the train, Dong Qianyi sat in front of Xiang Ning and his sister while the rest of Xiang Ning’s squad remained at the fortress in Hang City. Although they missed him, they suppressed their longing. What reason did they have to make him stay, when he looked like this? 

Especially Wu Rui. Just as before, no one knew Xiang Ning better than him. He believed that if Xiang Ning said he was just resting for a while, he would return. He definitely would. Just as Xiang Ning had mentioned, this was the best chance for him to surpass his rival. If he missed it, there might not be another. 

Dong Qianyi made small talk with Xiang Ning about miscellaneous topics along the way. The journey wasn’t as solemn as expected; in fact, it was rather carefree. 

About two hours later, Xiang Xiaoyu had fallen asleep in her brother’s lap. He quietly, gently stroked her hair. 

“Let’s make this clear. Now that you’re coming back, focus on research with me. If you rely on that alone, you’ll still earn a good living. At the very least, your sister will have a stable, happy life and this incident won’t affect your future,” Dong Qianyi softly said. He had once thought of the possibility of this tragedy befalling his disciple, but had never expected the day would come so quickly. It was so sudden that they hadn’t been ready, but the most fortunate thing was that Xiang Ning was still alive. 

Looking at his disciple’s nonchalant, carefree expression, Dong Qianyi’s heart ached even more. How much pain was a person who looked like that hiding within? How much grief did he feel? 

Time quickly passed. The train made no stops until it arrived at Marsh City. Looking at the familiar city approaching, Xiang Ning felt like a child returning home after a long time away. 

“Big brother, we’re going home.”

“Mm, we’re going home.” He held Xiaoyu’s hand as they disembarked from the train and set foot on the hard ground. Compared to Hang City, the weather was cold, but they felt the warmth in their hearts. Winter break was also coming to an end. 

When all three of them were leaving the station, an elderly man holding two children appeared at the exit. Tears flowed the moment Xiang Ning’s eyes laid eyes on him. 

He was still a child himself after all. 

“Little Ning, Little Xiaoyu! It’s good that you’re back, it’s good that you’re back!” yelled the old man with all his might, waving at them. 

MC just needed a break