Chapter Twenty-Nine: Do You Believe in Light?

“Th—the senior praised my perception? Oh heavens, I was actually complimented by an expert… Did you all hear that? The senior said I have perception…” As soon as Master Fufeng heard this, he became excited beyond measure. Ye Qiu had actually praised his perception; wasn’t that an indirect acknowledgment? He was overwhelmed with emotion. After all… Ye Qiu was almost certainly a confirmed immortal. To be praised by an immortal was the greatest honor of his life.

The Sky-Swallowing Sparrow was nearly strangled in Fufeng’s excitement, yelling as its face flushed red. “Damn it, this old man is strong! I’m going to die, I’m going to die…” It had always prided itself on its strength, but now found its fate literally in the hands of an old man—a devastating blow to its pride.

This fellow, who had glanced at the Classic of Mountains and Seas only last night and received a bit of Ye Qiu’s guidance, had made such progress. Even the Sky-Swallowing Sparrow, after consuming immortal medicine, couldn’t match up. Wasn’t this a bit much?

“Let go, old man, let go! I heard! I heard you!” the Sky-Swallowing Sparrow gasped, nearly suffocating.

Fufeng realized his own excitement and, embarrassed, scratched his head. “Heh, sorry, I got carried away! You don’t mind, do you?”

“Mind, my foot! Would I dare mind? Damn it, ever since I got here, I feel like I’ve become the weakest of all. Where am I supposed to complain about this…” The Sky-Swallowing Sparrow cursed inwardly, feeling utterly aggrieved.

Not only was Master Fufeng formidable, but even the simpleton beside Ye Qiu possessed terrifying cultivation, far beyond the Sparrow’s reach. This whole tavern was full of monsters…

“Cough, it’s nothing, nothing. I can handle it…” the Sky-Swallowing Sparrow said, panting. What else could it say? It could only accept its misfortune.

Even Ye Qiu was startled by Fufeng’s reaction, unconsciously touching his own neck, still a little shaken. “This old man must be crazy! What’s there to get so worked up about? I’d better keep my distance, or I’ll be the next one he strangles…”

Ye Qiu really wanted to say, “I’m just an ordinary guy! I’d topple over with a gust of wind. Why do you think I’m some expert? I praise you a little and you take it so seriously?”

“Senior! When you spoke of the great calamity earlier, were you referring to those things lurking in the darkness?” Tian Zhong stepped forward and asked hesitantly.

“Huh?” Ye Qiu was caught off guard. Things in the darkness? He had no idea what darkness they were referring to. How was he supposed to answer that?

Ye Qiu nodded. “A new storm is brewing. Darkness is about to descend; perhaps this will be an unprecedented calamity. Yet, behind what seems to be a dead end, there may still be a sliver of hope. So, don’t be too pessimistic.”

I might not understand, but that doesn’t stop me from putting on a show! Since I’m making things up anyway, I’ll improvise.

“A sliver of hope? Senior, could you elaborate?” someone pressed.

“Do you believe in light?” Ye Qiu asked.

“Light?” Everyone was stunned, pondering the meaning behind his words.

Suddenly, Fu Yao spoke up. “Senior, do you mean to say that only light can dispel darkness? If there is light in our hearts, then there is hope. So, you’re telling us to hold onto the light of hope, not to be deceived by the fog before us, and to see beyond appearances to the true essence?”

Uh? Was that what I meant?

“Er, yes, you are very perceptive—intelligent, quick-witted, and adept at grasping the core of a problem. You have the potential of an emperor…” Ye Qiu replied with a slight smile, thoroughly pleased. Who would have thought that with just a casual remark, he could stumble upon such a philosophical truth—impressive. They really are insightful.

Heh, I’ll claim that line for myself!

“My goodness, the senior actually said my daughter has the potential of an emperor…” Master Fufeng was utterly shocked. This praise alone was enough to prove her talent. After all, a true expert never speaks idly or flatters on purpose.

All at once, the members of the Sacred Land of Radiant Light were overcome with emotion, especially Master Fufeng, who was beside himself with joy.

Fu Yao, on the other hand, was a bit embarrassed, her cheeks flushing as she threw her father a reproachful glance. “Father, can’t you be a little more proper…”

Ye Qiu had no idea what they were thinking. Hearing Fu Yao’s words, he suddenly recalled a meme from his previous life and said, “When darkness falls, only light can disperse the deathly silence. This is the light of hope, the light within people’s hearts. Only those who believe in light can see the true nature of things and break through this calamity…”

“Only those who believe in light can see the true nature of things?”

At Ye Qiu’s words, everyone’s heart trembled. Suddenly it felt as if a supreme divine light was shining above them, like the grace of heaven itself.

“Is this… the light?”

In that instant, Master Fufeng began to emit a faint golden glow, followed by Tian Zhong, who radiated light as well.

Light is hope…

These words echoed in their minds. On the surface, the phrase seemed simple, but coming from Ye Qiu’s mouth, it felt like the very embodiment of the Dao had appeared.

His words and gestures all carried a mysterious power, a result of the righteous energy within him. The crowd, bathing in this blessing, fell into deep meditation.

Suddenly, in unison, there was a resounding sound as everyone broke through their previous limits and ascended to a new realm right on the spot. In an instant, golden light illuminated the area—Master Fufeng, Tian Zhong, Fu Yao, Yang Xuan, and others all radiated with golden brilliance.

“What the heck! What’s happening to them?” Ye Qiu was dumbfounded. He’d only said a few words—how had they all broken through? Wasn’t this absurd? That line wasn’t some profound truth of the Dao, why were they so moved by it?

Please, could you stop messing with me? If you keep this up, you’ll be the end of me…

Ye Qiu was utterly bewildered, almost believing he was someone extraordinary, but the truth was, he felt nothing special about those words at all.

“Is the light coming? Is it finally coming?” The brilliance before him was dazzling. Unable to help himself, Ye Qiu muttered, “Tiga…”

Silence.

“Well, I guess Tiga really doesn’t exist,” Ye Qiu said, disappointed. He’d hoped he could transform, but it turned out to be nothing. If anyone ever said Ultraman Tiga existed in this world again, he’d throttle them.

If even this level of light couldn’t trigger a transformation, what Ultraman was there to speak of?

“Shopkeeper, what’s wrong? Why did you suddenly look so dejected…” Cao He asked, utterly perplexed.

Ye Qiu replied, utterly disheartened, “Is there really no Ultraman in this world?”

Cao He: “???”

Cao He didn’t understand, and Ye Qiu didn’t expect him to. Then again, it made sense—this was a world of cultivation, where would Ultraman come from?

Though, monsters did exist—why, the little red bird beside him was one such creature.

The Sky-Swallowing Sparrow shivered. “Why do I suddenly feel a chill down my back? Was it the cold wind last night? Am I coming down with something?”