Chapter 104: A Cruel Yet Sweet Truth

An hour later.

"Has the Source Energy of the Azure Realm truly depleted to such an extent?" Seeing Zhuge Yi nod in confirmation, Zhang Ning felt he needed time to digest this overwhelming influx of information.

When he had first posed the question, Zhang Ning had feared he might have committed some grave error, perhaps touching upon a taboo regarding Source Energy. However, the Source Energy crystal he had just acquired from the small world—an item lacking any manual—felt intuitively significant. Since his instincts had been remarkably sharp ever since arriving in the Azure Realm, he decided to ask his Third Senior Brother about it.

Hearing Zhuge Yi’s response, Zhang Ning realized he had stumbled upon the most monumental secret of the realm. It was no mere gossip; it was a crisis inextricably linked to him and everyone around him. He could hardly believe his senior brother had actually told him the truth instead of sternly interrogating him about how he had learned of such things.

The term "Source Energy Crystal" was not a name invented by the people of the Azure Realm. According to the system and ancient records, it was a name used across various worlds since time immemorial—a broad, abstract concept.

If a world were likened to a power furnace, Source Energy would be its fuel. It governed the survival of a world; historical progression, technological advancement, and the emergence of brilliant, talented individuals all consumed this energy constantly, not to mention the monumental task of the world’s ascension.

Previously, the Azure Realm’s development of martial arts, supernatural powers, and its peak combat strength had already surpassed the scale of a Middle Thousand World; the ascension to a Great Thousand World seemed imminent. Yet, for unknown reasons, what should have been a natural progression became incredibly difficult. The Source Energy of the Azure Realm had suddenly and inexplicably become severely depleted, stalling the world's evolution.

The "Great Heavenly Tribulation" was a catastrophe that every world faced periodically. While the forms varied, it was closely tied to Source Energy. For a world already lacking energy and nearing destruction, these tribulations would strike with even greater, more vicious intensity, creating the dire predicament the Azure Realm now faced.

Strangely, there had been no warning. It was only when the previous pillars of the Azure Realm perished in a suddenly intensified tribulation that everyone realized the realm, on the verge of ascension, was utterly starved of Source Energy.

To counter these increasingly violent tribulations, a generation of prodigies—led by Chu Hanyu, who were then merely Martial Emperors or of even lower cultivation—rose rapidly. Perhaps it was true that chaotic times breed heroes; this generation was exceptionally gifted. After a long period without a single Martial Venerable, eleven emerged at once.

To cope with the worsening tribulations, these Venerables promoted martial arts above all else. They poured their hearts and blood into crafting a standardized martial path that anyone could cultivate, leading directly to the rank of Martial Venerable. Yet, whether it was a lack of great destiny among those who practiced this method or otherwise, the highest anyone reached was Martial Saint.

Their approach seemed to conserve Source Energy, preventing it from being wasted on the emergence of various "heterodox" paths and other types of talents—much like feeding only the soldiers during a war. But how could the Venerables not know the flaws of such a desperate, self-destructive measure? How could they not feel the agony of it? To watch the home that nurtured them fail to ascend was a source of profound sorrow.

However, the matter was of such magnitude that it could not be openly discussed. Furthermore, the fact that Chu Hanyu's eldest disciple had died indirectly because he learned of it served as a grim reminder that informing one's disciples was not necessarily an advantage.

Thus, the world remained ignorant of the severity of the Great Heavenly Tribulation, nor did they know that their world had the potential to ascend, potentially elevating them to the status of immortals in the eyes of those from Lesser Thousand Worlds.

Zhang Ning hadn't expected the truth to be so cruel yet so sweet. His instincts had been correct! The rigid, jarring nature of the cultivation ranks... he just hadn't realized that the Azure Realm wasn't a high-martial world, but a half-formed fantasy world! It was suffering unimaginable labor pains, and whether it could survive depended entirely on the critical factor of Source Energy.

Zhang Ning clenched his hands instinctively, then quickly loosened them, feigning nonchalance. With a natural yet anxious tone, he asked, "Then, Senior Brother, what are we to do?"

Zhuge Yi, despite the gravity of the truth he had shared, remained gentle. He looked at Zhang Ning with a smile. "I don't know where you heard these things, little Ning, but when the sky falls, the tall ones will hold it up. Master has his own plans, so do not worry yourself. If you are truly concerned... then grow up quickly! When that time comes, you will be able to help Master."

Zhuge Yi tried to divert the topic, urging Zhang Ning to improve his cultivation while omitting the fact that he himself had been providing support for their master even when his own strength was low. Zhang Ning was sensitive to this but chose not to press. With an innocent yet firm expression, he said, "I understand, Senior Brother. I will! I will become strong as soon as possible and help Master."

Logically, Zhuge Yi was not easily deceived. But having only heard of Zhang Ning’s return and not having witnessed the specific circumstances himself, he did not know that the look in Zhang Ning’s eyes now was exactly the same as it had been before he left for that small world.

Relieved, Zhuge Yi said, "Good. Then you must work hard and stay focused, little Ning."

The brothers discussed other matters, including the token for the small world that the Master had forged for Zhuge Yi. After Zhang Ning expressed his envy, he hurried his Third Senior Brother away to refine and bind the token.

Once Zhuge Yi departed, Zhang Ning slowly left his room. Upon returning to his own quarters and instructing Jiegeng to light the purple snow styrax incense for mental clarity, Zhang Ning pondered for a long time and reached a decision.

It is often said that life is full of scenes that feel like déjà vu. Just then, Zhang Ning heard a knock at his door. After he gave his permission, he saw someone slowly enter, pushing a wheelchair-like device.

The person had handsome features and a refined, gentle air. It was Su Ye, who had been gone for days to serve his punishment at the Great Freedom Heavenly Demon Sect!

Su Ye looked exactly as he had before they parted—graceful and poised, with a quiet, bone-deep confidence that suggested nothing had changed. Yet, he was sitting in a wheelchair! How could Zhang Ning ignore that?

The young nobleman who had been perfectly healthy, running and jumping before he returned to the sect—how had he ended up in a wheelchair? Zhang Ning could not believe it.

By the time he regained his senses, he had stumbled to Su Ye's side and knelt, staring at his legs, completely stunned.

The next moment, Zhang Ning bolted upright and roared, "Who?! Who the hell did this?!"