Published: February 12, 2025
“It's Alang, come sit.”
Ji Rui Guang glanced at the young man who had knocked and entered, smiling as he waved his hand, then continued brewing his tea.
Alang took off his hood and sat beside the chair, looking curiously at the old man in front of him.
No, aside from the habitual perception, the person before him showed no signs of aging; he exuded a vibrant and energetic aura.
This did not seem like the appearance of someone nearing seventy.
It was as if he had returned to his youth.
Perhaps this was the power of the nine-star.
"What are you looking at me for?"
Ji Rui Guang placed a smooth, celadon cup in front of Alang, filled with amber-colored, crystal-clear tea.
Although Ji Rui Guang had experienced failures, he immediately stood up. Although he may have been in a state of obscurity externally, internally, he still held the top position and commanded authority within the rebel zone.
Now that he had evolved into a nine-star, no one could shake his control over the rebel zone, reaching its peak.
Even Zhang Hengtai and Wen Zhong were now respectful in front of Ji Rui Guang.
Only Alang could remain so composed, even a bit reckless.
Ji Rui Guang's fondness for him came from the bottom of his heart.
This was not because Alang was his grandson or illegitimate child, but because he truly admired him.
At just twenty-two, he possessed a maturity beyond his years; his 'Spiral Nest' battle department had developed from a new unit into a leader in the rebel zone in just two short years. He himself had become an eight-star evolver without relying on the rebel zone; how could someone like this not be liked by Ji Rui Guang?
Another important reason Ji Rui Guang was willing to be so lenient with Alang was that the young man had consistently good fortune. When he himself activated the Evolution Potion, he had three successful breakthroughs from one-star to eight-star.
In the apocalypse, strength was crucial, but luck was also incredibly important.
Ji Rui Guang felt that the older he got, the more he preferred to stay with those who had good luck.
“Uncle, Ye Zhongming has been a nine-star for many days now, and now they have gained another one. You... are you really just here to drink tea?”
Alang's voice was as steady as his work. Earlier at the Fat Sheep Tavern, he had delivered the news in the same manner.
Originally, he thought that after Ji Rui Guang became a nine-star, he would make some significant decisions and lead substantial actions, but surprisingly, this leader who allowed him to call him uncle when no one was around had done nothing at all!
Not only was he enjoying life in the peaceful Tang City, but he also spent his days either drinking tea, reading, tending to flowers, or playing chess. It was simply...
A waste of time!
“Oh?” Ji Rui Guang smiled as he looked at Alang, “What do you think I should do?”
Alang was momentarily taken aback, opening his mouth but saying nothing.
Should he suggest that Uncle eliminate Zhang Hengtai, that unruly wolf cub? Or challenge Ye Zhongming to redeem himself?
Or perhaps seize this opportunity to unify the rebel zone?
Undeniably, these were thoughts Alang had considered before, but facing the wise gaze of the old man, he found himself at a loss for words.
These ideas were still too naive.
Nine-star may represent invincibility, but it does not equate to omnipotence.
“Child, I also had many thoughts before becoming a nine-star.” Ji Rui Guang swallowed a sip of tea, feeling the liquid flow through his body, followed by a special warmth rising through his limbs.
Some things in Cloud Summit truly are remarkable; even though they are in a hostile relationship, Ji Rui Guang had to admit this.
“But once you become a nine-star, standing at the pinnacle of this planet, you will find that many things are not as you originally imagined, and many people are not as you originally perceived.”
Ji Rui Guang's gaze grew distant, becoming elusive in Alang's eyes.
“You see me drinking tea and playing chess every day; I am actually contemplating, or rather, making some decisions.”