Chapter 1983 - 1979: Blame
Ye Fan walked through the ruins of a human civilization that closely resembled Earth, discovering distinct differences from our world.
Though there were skyscrapers and firearms here, many things found on Earth were absent, like some advanced communication devices. This place had only developed radio communication, yet Ye Fan was unclear how this civilization conquered space; it wasn’t his primary concern.
He came here to search for clues about this near-illusory world; finding Shen Yan was his ultimate goal.
"I can’t sense any signs of human existence, but it seems there’s something I’ve overlooked." Ye Fan closed his eyes, feeling the changes around him, then opened them, saying, "The three-dimensional space here is very small; with the cultivation level you raised Shen Yan to, it’s difficult to survive in higher-dimensional spaces. She should not have left any trace here."
Nuwa’s avatar said, "If she’s not here, then I don’t know where she is. Ye Fan, you’re not trying to say you can’t find her and want me to take responsibility, are you?"
"Why do you ask that?" Ye Fan replied.
"Obviously, you intend to abandon me now. You’ve stopped supplying me with energy, so I’ll die; surely you won’t do that?" Nuwa’s avatar said coldly.
Ye Fan sneered, "I’m not as despicable as you imagine. Since I promised you and you’re still helping me find Shen Yan, I won’t kill you, which is my promise to you. But if you have any tricks in mind, don’t blame me for the consequences. Is this satisfying enough for you?"
Nuwa’s avatar hesitated for a while, seeming to finally accept Ye Fan’s statement, "I sincerely hope you won’t break your word."
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After Ye Fan and Nuwa entered the mysterious space, Pan Gu and Fu Xi severed their connection with Ye Fan, also unsure where he went.
"What’s going on? Why did Ye Fan suddenly disappear?" Pan Gu asked Fu Xi beside him.
Fu Xi seemed unaware, responding, "Ye Fan lost contact, likely because he realized he was being tracked. Considering his cultivation, it’s not difficult for him to find a place to completely hide."
"Ye Fan hiding now, ha, I bet he can’t do it alone. The only explanation is that someone used a method to help conceal him—another trick by Nuwa?" Pan Gu asked sharply.
"Whether it was Nuwa, I don’t know, but the possibility seems low now. You should know Nuwa is imprisoned by you. How could she have the means to imprison Ye Fan again, leaving you unable to find him?" Fu Xi seemed keen to speak on Nuwa’s behalf.
Pan Gu said, "I’ve experienced all the ways to hide under my nose. You don’t think I know this is her doing? You’re speaking for her despite knowing her crafty nature."
"Perhaps as you say. She is indeed scheming, but regarding you, I dare say her intentions are sincere. Her sincerity has shown me that fulfilling any task in this world isn’t difficult. She possesses emotions we both lack. Do you intend to be devoid of emotions for life, without any entanglements?" Fu Xi asked.
Pan Gu replied, "I’m not here to discuss these issues. Just tell me, how can we find Ye Fan!"
At this moment, Pan Gu seemed angry; his attitude towards Fu Xi hadn’t been so friendly. He appeared on the verge of killing Fu Xi, which disappointed Fu Xi greatly.
"I never thought your disposition would be such." Fu Xi said with great disappointment, "From the moment I joined you, I’ve been searching for methods to calm you, but now all efforts are wasted. I can only seek other ways for you to accept the changes I bring. Please tell me how you can let go of past prejudices."
Pan Gu said, "Now, everything I do is to prevent the heavenly tribulation and uphold a promise from ancient cultivators. I’m fulfilling that promise; how could that be wrong?"
Fu Xi shook his head, "What you’re doing now violates our original creation purposes. If you call this fulfilling a promise, I have nothing to say. She’s the one you imprisoned; if you think she’s playing tricks, go ask her. I’m not responding, and if she doesn’t answer, don’t blame me. We have philosophical differences."
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Pan Gu looked extremely grim, leading Fu Xi to meet Nuwa. Nuwa was imprisoned in a very small space; only Pan Gu could imprison her, even Fu Xi admitted he lacked this ability.
Nuwa still appeared calm, smiling coldly at Pan Gu, "Are you finally here to kill me, avenging Ye Fan?"
Pan Gu asked, "Nuwa, did you create a secret space to hide Ye Fan?"
"Hahaha..." Nuwa laughed wildly, "If I had that ability, would I be imprisoned here? Pan Gu, don’t make excuses for your incompetence. If you’re looking to kill me, go ahead. I never intended to awaken you. It was mere coincidence that Xuan Nu did it; otherwise, you’d still be asleep, better off avoiding the heavenly tribulation!"
Fu Xi stood outside, eyes closed, saying nothing, which didn’t satisfy Nuwa.
Nuwa said, "Fu Xi, you’re weak and incompetent, unable to protect your own woman? In this regard, you’re lesser than a human; at least Ye Fan knows to protect those around him."
Fu Xi didn’t respond, while Pan Gu’s expression grew darker, "Impossible, Ye Fan’s cultivation can’t yet escape my tracking. I’ll need to investigate further; for now, it’s undoubtedly you, Nuwa. Speak up, or don’t blame me for being harsh. This is your second betrayal."
Nuwa sneered, "The answer won’t change; I won’t bother lying or deceiving you. Ye Fan isn’t hidden by me; do as you please."