Set Sail, the Clissa

Xu Xi once observed the changing seasons.

That was before he obtained the simulator.

Confined to his wheelchair within the cramped walls of his old home, he gazed through the rigid window frame and the small, glowing screen of his phone, watching the world outside shift and churn.

"Spiritual Energy Revival, the rise of myths"—what fervent and exhilarating slogans they were.

Nearly everyone threw themselves into that frenzied tide.

But back then, Xu Xi could only sit alone at home, watching helplessly as the era left him behind, gradually reducing him to an insignificant speck of dust.

When reflecting on his simulated experiences,

Xu Xi had once asked himself: Why did he save his sister, the witch, and others—even at the cost of his own life?

He pondered for a long time before arriving at a simple answer.

It was just that...

He didn’t want anyone to feel as he once had—drowning in helplessness and despair, with nothing to cling to.

"......"

The study was quiet.

Sunlight spilled across the room.

Having finalized his plans for the future, Xu Xi returned the books to their original places.

Leaning back in his wooden chair, he lazily watched the flowers and plants in the courtyard sway in the breeze.

"Time passes so quickly."

Suddenly,

Xu Xi chuckled.

That loneliness would never return. In its place was an overwhelmingly lively daily life in the courtyard, punctuated by the occasional dousing of dragon’s blood.

Perhaps next time, he could consider cultivating dragon’s blood mushrooms.

"Professor, your afternoon tea."

A voice as calm as flowing water interrupted Xu Xi’s thoughts.

"Thank you, Krisha." Xu Xi accepted the cup from the witch and took a sip, feeling the warmth dispel the autumn chill.

Krisha stood motionless.

Her black, gold, and red eyes, indifferent yet luminous, reflected the light.

"Professor."

"What is it, Krisha?"

"I... also want to watch a movie with you."

The witch clearly remembered how Xu Moli had thrown herself into Xu Xi’s arms during a horror film.

So enviable...

No, so infuriating.

Krisha condemned such behavior. To thoroughly denounce it, she decided to experience it firsthand.

"Of course, Krisha."

Xu Xi agreed.

He encouraged her to do more of this instead of dedicating all her time to tending the courtyard.

"I understand, Professor."

The Krisha Express, setting sail!

The next day,

To fulfill his promise to Krisha,

Xu Xi left early and accompanied her to the cinema.

His intention was to pick a lighthearted, cheerful film, lest Krisha dislike it.

But the witch acted swiftly.

She had already purchased tickets for a horror movie.

"Professor, let’s watch this."

"Well... alright."

Seated inside, they waited for about thirty minutes.

Then came the film’s first terrifying moment—shrill music, flickering lights, the atmosphere building relentlessly.

At that exact moment, Krisha clumsily and stiffly leaned into Xu Xi’s arms.

Her face was expressionless as she met his gaze.

"Professor, I’m scared."

Her tone was as flat as water, so bizarre that anyone hearing it would be baffled.

Xu Xi couldn’t help but laugh, gently patting the witch’s head to comfort the "frightened" girl.

Those mesmerizing tricolored eyes,

Empty yet unwavering,

Reflected Xu Xi’s image with perfect clarity—unchanged by time, unblurred by years.

As time flowed, Yanshan City grew colder. The harsh winds of late autumn and winter stripped the trees bare, sending withered leaves tumbling onto the streets.

In the martial world of his third simulation,

Autumn and winter were the hardest seasons.

Cold meant no food. It meant people would starve.

But ever since coming to Earth,

The refugees of the Survival Army no longer despised these seasons so much.

"Sir, everyone is so happy..."

On the outskirts of Yanshan City, Xu Xi and Wu Yingxue walked through the Survival Army’s settlement, observing the lively lives of its people.

They had come today

Because of joyous news.

Niu’s wife was pregnant.

The dark-skinned man had excitedly shared the news with Xu Xi first.

"Brother Xu, I’m gonna be a dad!"

The honest man grinned foolishly, his hands fidgeting until they settled on the back of his head, where they remained as he chuckled endlessly.

"Congratulations, Niu. You’ll need to be more responsible now."

Xu Xi’s expression softened as he blessed Niu and his growing family.

Then he presented a gift—

A longevity lock engraved with protective magic.

When Niu tried to refuse, Xu Xi insisted, invoking his authority as an elder brother.

"Sir."

On the way home, Wu Yingxue hesitated, her gaze alternating between the sky and the ground.

"When do you think we should also..."

"Never mind. Forget I said anything."

Before Xu Xi could respond,

The princess stamped her foot and vanished, leaving no trace of where she’d gone.

Xu Xi: ?

As winter deepened, a pristine snowy night descended upon Yanshan City.

The New Year approached.

The courtyard grew quieter.

Everyone was eagerly preparing for the coming celebrations.

The wizarding world had no New Year’s Eve, but that didn’t stop Servia from joining in. She even volunteered to help prepare the reunion dinner.

But soon,

The valiant warrior met defeat.

"What’s wrong, Servia?"

"Great Sorcerer, my cooking still needs improvement..."

Servia was embarrassed—her culinary skills paled in comparison to the witch and the mechanical maid’s, making her reluctant to serve her dishes.

"It’s alright, Servia."

Xu Xi reassured her.

He was certain her skills would improve with time.

Later, the feast began. Alongside the lavish spread, Ailei had specially prepared a tonic soup—

Exclusively for Xu Xi.

"Master, this is my All-Purpose Vitality Soup for you."

Fragrant and shimmering gold,

It was a signature dish of the mechanical maid.

"Thank you, Ailei." Sensing the potent energy within the soup, Xu Xi felt a mix of awe and trepidation—but he accepted her kindness nonetheless.

And, as usual, he patted her head in encouragement.

"Everyone, Happy New Year."

At the dining table,

Xu Xi’s toast, accompanied by the roaring fireworks outside, ushered in the new year.

The chimes of the clock echoed, bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new.

The new year had arrived.

Xu Xi’s sixth simulation, meticulously planned, was about to begin.

Before that, he left Earth briefly, traveling to the minor underworld created by Servia to visit the elderly couple, Mr. and Mrs. Hansen.

They remained as they always were—devoted to each other and full of reverence for Xu Xi.

"Great Sorcerer."

"Truly, we are so grateful to you... and to Lady Servia."

The elderly spirits thanked Xu Xi for ensuring their bones were laid to rest after death.

Their cloudy spectral eyes shimmered with hope and blessings,

Gazing tenderly at Xu Xi and Servia.