Divine Providence

Outside the Red Moon Forest, all was bleak and desolate, yet the Heavenly Hall remained as magnificent as ever.

However, at this very moment, the great hall was completely empty.

Even though numerous elders had come to report the news, none could find a trace of the Island Master. Discussing the shattering of numerous Soul Jades, the crowd paced anxiously before the hall doors, acting as if they were facing an imminent apocalypse.

This once lofty and solemn sanctuary had suddenly descended into absolute chaos.

Yet, in the depths of a peach blossom forest known to no one, it remained as tranquil as ever.

Island Master Luo Tianbei sat cross-legged within, fingering a string of ancient, simple jade beads. His graying temples bore the marks of time. He remained motionless for a long while, seemingly deaf to everything happening on Wind Snow Island.

Suddenly.

The ancient cord of the prayer beads snapped. The round jade beads scattered onto the ground, precious treasures rolling into the dust like some sort of ill omen!

Luo Tianbei finally opened his eyes slowly.

"Even the certain-death trap in the Red Moon Forest has been broken. It seems Guo Jiannan was not fated to die."

"This, then, is the will of Heaven."

As he spoke, this supreme powerhouse who ruled Wind Snow Island visibly aged. New wrinkles etched themselves onto his face, yet his expression became strangely more relaxed.

Looking at his cherished ancient beads scattered on the ground, he made no move to retrieve them, as if he had already seen through the vanity of all things.

It was not until a sound pierced the air.

"Whoosh!"

Only then did Luo Tianbei raise his eyes to look.

In his line of sight, a figure riding a snail emerged from the ripples in the air. The newcomer emitted no energy fluctuations whatsoever, appearing just like a mortal.

He observed the visitor for a few breaths, showing no surprise. He simply spoke with a calm, conversational tone, as if he had long anticipated this.

"You have come, as expected."

Yi Feng paused upon hearing this, then hopped down from Man Man's back and walked steadily forward.

Stopping about ten feet in front of the other man, he finally spoke.

"You must be the Island Master, right?"

"It seems you already know everything that has happened and have accepted your fate."

He had intended to resolve all the troubles once and for all, seeking justice for Brother Guo. He hadn't expected the man to have already resigned himself to the situation; this was somewhat unexpected.

As soon as the words fell, Luo Tianbei nodded calmly.

"That is only natural."

"After all, I have governed Wind Snow Island for tens of thousands of years. I am neither deaf nor blind; a battle of that magnitude in the Red Moon Forest could never escape my perception."

As he spoke, a hint of unwillingness revealed itself in Luo Tianbei's eyes.

"Your Excellency."

"Your cultivation far exceeds our comprehension. To lose at your hands, this old man has no complaints. It is indeed Guo Jiannan's fortune to have made your acquaintance. The winner becomes the king, and the loser the bandit; that is how it should be."

"But on the verge of death, could Your Excellency please tell me the truth: who exactly are you? As for claims of being a mere Mortal Star cultivator, there is no need to repeat such things."

"I have admitted defeat and am willing to bear all consequences. I only wish to know at whose hands I have truly fallen."

Hearing this, Yi Feng couldn't help but view the man with a newfound respect.

This Island Master was indeed a character of substance.

Even in defeat, he faced it calmly. He was someone who could let go as easily as he took hold, possessing the qualities of a formidable hero. This bearing alone made him a thousand times better than the trash Yi Feng had encountered before.

But upon hearing the final question, Yi Feng found himself in a bind.

*Who am I?*

Faced with this inquiry, he suddenly felt a sense of confusion.

Once, in Pingjiang City, he was the owner of a martial arts hall and a master to others. Although he was just an unremarkable mortal, he had lived a free and clear life.

With simple meals and coarse tea each day, he had been happy and carefree.

Later, as the System awakened, Yi Feng finally stepped onto the path of immortality. Yet, he was forced to run around constantly in pursuit of his grand plan to seek death, his understanding of the world constantly being destroyed and rebuilt.

A mortal?

An ordinary cultivator?

A Mortal Star cultivator?

These past identities seemed like mere temporary titles, unable to define his entire life.

As memories flashed through his mind, Yi Feng suddenly felt his mind go blank.

He raised his eyes to look up.

In the endless firmament, the clouds were like brocade. They appeared brilliant and dazzling, yet it was but a fleeting moment of glory. Only the blazing sun hung high in the sky, illuminating everything in the world.

In such a vast and magnificent world, what did a single person matter?

Regardless of identity, one was nothing more than an ant.

A look of emotion appeared in Yi Feng's eyes, and he could only softly voice the thoughts in his heart.

"I do not know who I am either."

Clad in white robes purer than snow, he gazed up at the firmament.

His eyes seemed to contain a sea of stars, and his words sounded unfathomably profound.

Luo Tianbei was momentarily stunned.

He followed Yi Feng's gaze toward the sky, sitting stiffly in astonishment for a long time. It was as if he had finally grasped some ultimate truth; he slowly nodded, his eyes filled with relief and release.

"I understand..."

"To have lost to Your Excellency in this life, I have no regrets."

With these few sentimental words, Luo Tianbei slowly closed his eyes.

Within just a few breaths, the Island Master began to age rapidly. His face withered visibly before the naked eye, and he passed away in a seated meditation, his expression peaceful...