Chapter 397: Summoning the Quasi-Mythical

Tens of thousands of meters below the surface of the deep sea, everything was shrouded in darkness. The skull-crushing water pressure here reached one ton per square centimeter.

Despite that, there was a waterless zone with a diameter of one kilometer. A massive red vortex several hundred meters high rotated slowly within it, emitting strong spatial fluctuations.

The surrounding area was enveloped by an invisible and powerful force field, which connected the two worlds. Its influence caused the surrounding water to roar and churn violently, forming another vortex spanning dozens of kilometers that reached from the seabed up toward the surface.

Boom!

The water exploded on one side of the vortex, and a massive python emerged. It was over two hundred meters long, covered in black scales, and radiated the aura of a middle stage level 9 beast.

Black rings of power circled around the menacing python, shattering the rocks beneath it as it slowly approached the world passage. Lodged in a rock in front of the rotating red vortex was a gigantic black scale from an unknown creature, over ten meters long and several meters thick. It emanated an aura that instinctively made the dark serpent lower its fearsome head in awe and submission.

At that moment, a powerful surge of spiritual energy burst forth from the dark python, striking the scale.

Roar! My King, the Blue Kun you asked me to keep an eye on... has perished.

Boom!

In an instant, the black scale trembled, acting as a medium as a mighty power pierced through the world passage and descended upon it. The air distorted, forming a mirage-like projection of a distant place.

The ground was cracked on the other side, and fiery lava burned within the rifts, rolling like a hellish sea as a fearsome colossal head appeared.

It almost resembled a dragon. Purple and red flames blazed around three pairs of spiraled horns that pointed skyward, emitting a dreadful power that distorted the void.

The colossal beast lowered its head slightly, and its gaze pierced through the void to fall upon the dark python. Its domineering and majestic thoughts reverberated through the space, manifesting as a deep, thunderous roar.

Roar! Dead! The Blue Kun wasn’t weak, and there was that blue serpent with it. Did they provoke the humans of the land?

The dark serpent let out a respectful low growl.

Roar!

My King, it wasn’t the humans on land, but a few other transcendent beasts. A kin of the Blue Kun who managed to escape told me that it had a grudge against this group, and once hunted down one of their members.

Roar! Upon learning of the Blue Kun’s death, I dispatched some special underlings skilled in speed to investigate further. They discovered that this is a newly emerging faction of transcendent beasts. Recently, they have been aggressively expanding their territory eastward.

Roar! And the creatures of this new faction are extremely brutal, killing every beast they encounter. Each time they occupy new territory, they celebrate with a bloody massacre.

Roar! At the speed they're advancing, I fear it won’t be long before these vicious creatures invade the territories around the passage and potentially disrupt your plans, my king.

Unlike the wild and uncultured colossal beasts, the dark python could convey its information and language in an articulate manner, almost like that of a civilized and cultured intellectual.

It also didn’t act recklessly, as was typical of other colossal beasts in the wild. Instead, it exuded a sense of calm and cool, or more accurately, a coldness unique to pythons.

After finishing its report, the dark python bowed respectfully, waiting for orders from the mythical-level beast on the other side of the image.

In the scorching lava, the colossal beast sent its thoughts through the void, which transformed into a deep roar that reverberated across the seabed.

Roar! This group of transcendent creatures has the strength to kill the Blue Kun and that blue serpent, both of which had quasi-mythical potential. That's impressive. They have earned the right to serve me.

Roar! Taar, borrow my strength and subdue them. If these transcendent creatures refuse to submit, kill them all.

After issuing its command, the piercing will gradually withdrew, and the mirage-like projection slowly faded away.

However, the dark python did not leave, instead quietly waiting in front of the passage.

About half an hour later, the rotating red vortex suddenly shook, as the aura of a quasi-mythical-level colossal beast spread out from the other side.

***

In June, the weather was starting to get hot. The streets were filled with beautiful women dressed in light clothing, some of them looking quite stunning.

However, Chen Chu wasn’t like Li Daoyi. Even when he encountered a truly gorgeous woman, he would just glance briefly and move on, rather than trying to add her on social media or send her red packets.

In the old town, Luo Fei and Chen Chu walked along the sidewalk shaded by lush trees. Luo Fei's eyes showed a hint of nostalgia as she softly said, "When I was little, this was my favorite street because there were so many delicious snacks and fun things to play with.

"Back then, my aunt was still in high school, and every vacation she’d bring me here."

Curious, Chen Chu asked, "So why did you end up going to West Meng? Because your father was working there?"

"Mhmm." Luo Fei nodded, and then her eyes lit up in surprise as her gaze fell on an old, small shop at the corner of the street not far ahead.

"That shop is still here! Chen Chu, let’s go take a look." Saying this, the girl happily jogged over.

About ten minutes later, the two of them came out holding a bunch of snacks. Luo Fei had a smile on her face and was eating as she spoke with her mouth full. "How do you like it? They have lots of tasty stuff inside, right?"

Chen Chu smiled and nodded. "It’s really good."

The shop they had visited specialized in selling nostalgic snacks, primarily from ten or twenty years ago. Unfortunately, that was the furthest back it went; the owner wouldn’t even know where to source the goods from decades or a century ago.

For shops like these, however, which typically sold nostalgia, business was probably pretty good.

"Chen Chu, I’ll take you to a great place."

After wandering around the old town, Luo Fei suddenly changed direction, leading Chen Chu through winding paths to a small hill behind the area.

This spot was at the border between the old and new towns. Standing on the hilltop, one could look down and take in the vibrant hustle and bustle to the left and the aged, historic scene to the right.

The girl’s eyes sparkled with a smile, and she said proudly, "What do you think? Doesn’t it give you a strong sense of contrast between the old and the new? Like standing in between two eras of history?"

Chen Chu replied, "It really does. I didn’t expect that just by changing the angle, the view could become so different. It’s quite breathtaking."

Luo Fei sighed softly. “I accidentally discovered this perfect spot when I came back last year. Every time I stand here, I feel an overwhelming sense of insignificance. To the Blue Planet, which has existed for billions of years, humanity’s presence must be like a fleeting moment. Who knows, one day we might just vanish completely."

She turned and suddenly asked, "Chen Chu, do you think there will be a day when humanity disappears?"

"Why are you asking such a question all of a sudden?"

Chen Chu gave her a puzzled look, then pondered for a moment. "If you had asked this question fifty years ago, I probably would’ve said it was possible. With the technology humans had back then, a single asteroid could destroy the surface and wipe out all human civilization.

"But things are different now. We’ve grasped the path to harness great power within ourselves. As long as we continue to grow stronger—strong enough to destroy worlds, to traverse the starry sky—then even if the world itself perishes, humanity will still exist.

"And my current cultivation goal is to become strong enough to achieve eternal existence, to transcend time itself."

When Chen Chu spoke about eternal existence, his tone was calm and filled with confidence, as if it was something he could truly achieve. In that moment, against the backdrop of prosperity and decay, Luo Fei felt an intense sense of awe and impact.

Her eyes flickered, and she suddenly said, "Chen Chu, let me draw a picture of you."

Uh... wait, weren’t we just talking about life? Why are we suddenly talking about drawing?

"Sure." Although he was a bit confused, Chen Chu nodded and went along with it.

Then he watched as Luo Fei pulled out an easel, paper, and brushes one by one from her Sumeru Bracelet. She even set up a small stool to sit on and began adjusting her position.

"Chen Chu, move a little to the left. Yes, just like that. Turn slightly away from me, and look forward..."

The drawing took several hours. A pile of discarded sketches accumulated at Luo Fei’s feet, but she still couldn’t capture that fleeting sense of awe from earlier.

As the sun was about to set, Chen Chu, who had been standing with his hands behind his back for hours, couldn’t help but speak up. "...Luo Fei, maybe we can finish it another time?"

"Just wait a little longer, it’s almost done.” Luo Fei continued moving her brush slowly.

In her drawing, half of it was the timeworn town of the past, while the other half depicted the bustling modern cityscape. In between stood Chen Chu with his hands behind his back, creating the impression that he was standing firmly between the present and the past.

When Luo Fei added the finishing touches, she let out a long breath and smiled. "Chen Chu, it’s done."

"Finally." Chen Chu also breathed a sigh of relief. Even for him, standing there posing for several hours was a bit awkward.

When he saw the finished painting, however, he was somewhat surprised. He had thought that, like last time, it would be a realistic scene, but it turned out to be an abstract painting instead.

After putting away the easel and brushes, Luo Fei winked at him without handing over the painting, seemingly planning to keep it for herself.

Well, if she’s not giving it to me, then so be it.

Chen Chu glanced at the darkening sky and suddenly said, "Luo Fei, do you feel like having some grilled fish?"

"Grilled fish?"

"Yes, grilled fish. And this one’s a bit special." Chen Chu smiled, pulled out his phone, and sent a message to Chen Hu, asking him to bring his equipment and wait under the bridge at the edge of town.

The river was just a few miles down the hill; even with a leisurely pace, it only took ten minutes to reach it.

The two of them chatted the whole way over. By the time they arrived at the edge of town, Chen Hu was already waiting by the roadside, sitting on his motorcycle with the barbecue grill attached behind it.

He looked in surprise at the refined girl walking alongside Chen Chu. "Luo Fei, you’re here too?"

Although Luo Fei had been back for over two months, she had spent most of her time either reading at school or staying at home. Since Chen Chu hadn’t been around, there hadn’t been a need for her to drop by his place.

"Long time no see, Little Hu," Luo Fei said with a warm smile. However, she was a bit surprised to see that the boy looked almost twice as strong and imposing as he did three months ago.

Chen Chu grinned and said, "Ah Hu, make sure you show off your professional barbecue skills tonight and treat Luo Fei well."

"Got it, leave it to me, bro!" With that, Chen Hu excitedly picked up the barbecue grill and fishing gear and ran down under the bridge.

As Chen Hu dashed off, Luo Fei couldn’t help but stifle a laugh. "You mentioned we'll be having grilled fish made by someone with twenty years of grilling experience. That's quite an exaggeration considering Little Hu is only fourteen."

Chen Chu chuckled. "Don’t underestimate him. This guy’s been grilling fish while fishing lately, and his skills have become quite impressive. I only had a whiff of it yesterday, but I’d say it smelled just as good as that of any professional barbecue chef."

Suspicion flashed in the girl’s eyes. "So, you haven’t actually tried it yourself?"

"

Ahem!

Well, something came up yesterday, so I didn’t get to try it. But we can both taste it today."

"I have a feeling you brought me here as a guinea pig."

"That’s just your imagination, for sure."

Joking and laughing, the two of them arrived by the riverside.

With expertise, Chen Hu set up the grill, started a fire, and then took out a small piece of mutated beast meat and pierced it through the hook. With a slight flick, he cast the bait over twenty meters out into the river.

The fish were attracted by the scent of mutated beast meat, and it didn’t take long before there was movement in the water.

"Here we go!" Chen Hu said excitedly. With a powerful tug, a fish that was nearly one and a half meters long exploded out the river's surface. It thrashed about, bending the fishing rod into a crescent shape.

However, the large bass was no match for the immense strength of Chen Hu’s arms, and it was forcibly dragged to the shore, water splashing everywhere.

Bang!

Chen Hu punched down with a fist the size of a soup pot, instantly crushing the fish’s head. Blood gushed out, staining the riverside red—a display of raw power and violence that left Luo Fei unsure of what to say.

Was this really a fourteen-year-old middle schooler?

Under Luo Fei’s watchful gaze, Chen Hu skillfully descaled, gutted, and cleaned the fish. Then he scored it, brushed it with oil, rubbed on some barbecue seasoning, and secured it onto the grill.

"Little Hu, let me do the grilling," Luo Fei suggested with interest.

"No need. I promised my brother I’d show off my skills," Chen Hu declined.

He failed to deliver because of his brother's breakthrough yesterday, so he couldn't afford to fail again today. Otherwise, wouldn’t all the time he spent researching his unbeatable, super-delicious grilling technique have been for nothing?

However, half an hour later...

"Bro, Sister Luo Fei, how does it taste?" Chen Hu looked at the two with excitement.

"... It’s okay, not bad," Luo Fei paused before replying.

"Yeah, the flavor is... acceptable."

Chen Chu slowly put down his chopsticks and suddenly asked, "Ah Hu, has anyone else tried your grilled fish?"

Chen Hu chuckled. “Yeah, Yiyi tried it. She also said it was good, which is why I thought of grilling some for you two.”

Chen Chu nodded thoughtfully. "...I see. Ah Hu, since you two are good friends, let her eat more of it next time."

"Mhm, sure, bro!" Chen Hu nodded enthusiastically. He then noticed something odd and asked, "Why aren’t you guys eating anymore?"

Chen Chu calmly replied, "No need, you can have it. We already had dinner before coming here. I mainly brought Luo Fei out to have a taste of your grilled fish."

Luo Fei smiled and nodded, "Yes, we’ve already had dinner."

"In that case, I won’t hold back." Chen Hu didn’t overthink it; he simply picked up the entire grilled fish and began to devour it with gusto, savoring each bite. Chen Chu and Luo Fei exchanged a look.

The truth was, Chen Hu’s grilled fish wasn’t exactly bad, but it couldn’t really be considered delicious either. He had used too many seasonings, which made it smell enticing while grilling, but the actual taste was a bit odd. That smell was why Chen Chu had exaggerated about the fish to Luo Fei earlier.

Chen Hu’s liking for the flavor probably had to do with personal preference—just like durian. Some people thought it smelled as bad as excrement and couldn’t stand it, while others loved it and were willing to pay a high price for it.

However, before Chen Hu could finish eating, Luo Fei received a call from Luo Wuyue.

Standing by the roadside, Chen Chu waved to her. "Remember to give me a call on the day you leave, and I’ll come see you off."

"Okay." The girl waved back at them before walking off lightly in the opposite direction. There was no need to worry about her safety; she was a Fourth Heavenly Realm expert. One punch from her could easily bring down a wall.

Watching her figure disappear into the streets, Chen Chu turned back to look below. "Ah Hu, let’s head back too."

"Got it, bro."

Soon, with the sputtering sound of the engine, the two brothers—one riding a motorcycle and the other running alongside—vanished into the night.

After spending the day relaxing with Luo Fei, it was time to get back to serious business.

That night, Chen Chu sat cross-legged on the bed, looking at the attribute page displaying over 4,000 points. He focused his mind and commanded,

Consume 1,000 attribute points to enter the epiphany state.

Boom!

As the attribute points disappeared, a profound energy once again enveloped Chen Chu. His entire consciousness buzzed, and his thoughts became incredibly clear and sharp.

At the same time, within Chen Chu’s sea of consciousness, the phantom of the combat rune, with its three faces and six arms, rapidly expanded. Today’s cultivation session has begun.