Chapter 1364 - 402: Shen Hanyi’s Sudden Dry Heave
Zhou Qing’s heart skipped a beat, and he immediately put on a bewildered expression: "Here...where is this place? And who are you?"
Number Four’s green sphere was visibly stunned, its light flickering on and off: "You...aren’t you the previous Number One?"
"Number One?" Zhou Qing continued to feign ignorance, "I picked up this Token from a corpse, and somehow muddled my way in here."
Number Four’s green sphere glowed intensely, about to press for specific details, but was interrupted by a dry cough from Number Five’s cyan sphere.
Number Four suddenly realized something and turned toward the two red-framed images beside the vortex.
The eyes couldn’t help but narrow.
Just like with Number Seven, Number One also showed two forbidden zone images.
The first image was still the familiar scene: a withered Ancient Tree, a river of blood, and the floating Dead Crow.
Whereas the second image appeared unfamiliar—the endless mountain range hinted at deep, crisscrossing mine tunnels.
"Wait..." Number Four suddenly reacted.
The first image didn’t change, which means this was still Number One himself.
If it were a newcomer, the forbidden zone image should have refreshed.
He turned speechlessly to Number One’s red sphere: "Is this fun for you? Since when did you become as annoying as Number Seven? Could it be you two share the same hometown?"
Zhou Qing responded indifferently: "If you could change your habit of prying into others’ affairs, you might not be so detestable."
Number Four’s green sphere light faltered, then returned to normal, pretending ease: "Ahem, well, that’s probably impossible to change."
"That’s just how I am, I always like to take a gamble, what if it pays off big?"
He paused, the green sphere leaned slightly forward, his tone carrying a hint of provocation: "Besides, in this Divine Ruins Celestial Palace, who can truly harm whom?"
Zhou Qing’s red sphere emitted a trace of cold light: "You can give it a try."
Number Five’s cyan sphere hastily stepped in to mediate: "Why such hostility, you two? It’s fate that we meet here..."
Only then did Number Four reluctantly step back a bit, still unwilling to resign, muttering: "Just a joke, why take it so seriously..."
Subsequently, Number Five, the perennial mediator, chimed in at the right time: "Number One, congratulations on discovering another new forbidden zone."
Zhou Qing looked at the two, pondered briefly, and said: "With the two of your abilities, finding a new forbidden zone shouldn’t be that hard, right?"
Number Five laughed heartily: "There are indeed many forbidden zones around, but those recognized by the Divine Ruins Celestial Palace are few and far between."
The cyan sphere slightly swayed, "Moreover, we can’t even thoroughly study one, how dare we divert our focus to simulate others? Biting off more than we can chew."
Zhou Qing chuckled inwardly.
It was probably just an excuse, more because touching too many forbidden zones might risk exposing their identity.
Just like how seeing Sikong Yan’s second forbidden zone image instantly confirmed he was in Nanhuang State.
As for himself, it surely also aroused that guy’s suspicion, which is the downside of having multiple forbidden zones.
But if one’s strength is overwhelming, what if ten or eight forbidden zones manifest?
Even if the identity is completely exposed, who could do anything to him?
"Number One!"
At this moment, a blue streak of light flew out from the forbidden zone, condensing into a blue sphere in the void, and softly spoke.
Zhou Qing nodded slightly: "If you don’t mind, how about we take a spin around your place?"
Shen Hanyi’s gaze swept over the two images beside the vortex, the blue sphere surface rippling slightly.
She nodded, saying: "Just in time, I need your help."
Watching the two disappear, Number Four and Number Five exchanged a glance, and after a moment’s silence, each re-entered their respective forbidden zones to resume simulations.
...
Within the Desolate Forbidden!
When the two reappeared, they were once again under the crooked-necked tree.
Unlike before, now the place was crowded with people.
The severely injured were recuperating under the tree’s protection, while the lightly wounded were whispering discussions on the periphery.
From the distant black boats drifting about, nearly each one emanated sounds of fierce fighting.
From different times and spaces, the people naturally could not see them.
"It’s been a long time since I’ve seen you; you’ve finally reached the Desolate Forbidden!" Shen Hanyi spoke, her voice carrying a hint of probing.
All along, Number One had understood her too thoroughly.
Several times when he assisted her, the knowledge and solutions he demonstrated within the Desolate Forbidden were extraordinary.
This always led her to speculate that Number One was from Nanhuang State, yet he had never manifested an image of the Desolate Forbidden.
As such an experienced and powerful senior, how could he not have come into contact with the Desolate Forbidden?
This contradiction left her perpetually baffled about Number One’s identity.
Now, finally seeing him manifest a second forbidden zone image, and it was the second stage scene they had once explored together.
The information revealed was enough to let her mind wander.
Zhou Qing slowly turned, gazing at her hazy silhouette.
As she had leisure to simulate here, coveting the Sanshuas, it indicated Lu Yaoyao should be safe and sound.
According to the City Lord Li Changhong, they had waited for him in Celestial Wave City for ten years before leaving.
In these hundred forty-plus years, too many things could have happened.
Perhaps she had resolved the issue with her third aunt and the Blood Contract Pavilion, and Lu Yaoyao might have already advanced to the Mid-stage Divinity Transformation Realm.
The girl’s filial piety Realm wasn’t merely for him but also for Shen Hanyi.
Yet when faced with Shen Hanyi’s inquiry, Zhou Qing lightly shook his head: "I am no longer in Nanhuang State, this Desolate Forbidden was accessed long ago, it just manifested today."
Shen Hanyi thoughtfully nodded.
"Senior, it has been years since we last met, have you been in seclusion all this time?" she hesitated momentarily before asking.
Zhou Qing appraised her from head to toe: "My affairs, should not require reporting to you, right?"
Shen Hanyi was taken aback, immediately stepped back a pace, respectfully saluting: "I apologize for my impudence..."