Chapter 762: What a liar I
Time flew by like a breeze, and before anyone knew it, another peaceful month had slipped away in the Forsaken Land. Each day, everyone grew stronger, fiercely battling against the forces of the dark side, who finally began to retreat.
The change in the war was drastic; it was as if the never-ending tide of fighters from the dark side was finally coming to an end. Aside from one or two supreme ranks, all the other supreme ranks from the dark side had vanished. The shadow generals also didn't show their faces.
Yet, James and the seven elders had a hunch that something was amiss. How could the vast dark army that had fought tirelessly against them for countless years suddenly start to show signs of retreat?
Unaware of the growing unease in the hearts of James and the elders overseeing the war, Alec and his companions trained diligently to grow stronger. They focused mainly on enhancing their physiques and mastering the natural laws.
However, it felt as though they were at a standstill because after Sinon successfully comprehended the law of wind, no one else seemed to be making progress in that area.
Nevertheless, they made tremendous strides in their physical strength under the guidance of Elder Kurt and Kyle, who would spar with them to toughen their bodies.
Suspended above one of the floating islands, Kyle watched his brother, who was panting heavily across from him. His green eyes held a carefree light, and a thin layer of ice coated his body, causing his skin to shimmer softly under the dimly lit sky.
"Come again."
His deep, calm voice echoed in the air, causing those training around him to cast envious glances at Neon, who was being trained by the Ice Monarch himself.
Neon clicked his tongue in frustration before raising his hands in surrender. His entire body ached; there was no way he could continue training.
"Can't... anymore."
He tossed his sword into the storage ring and floated down to land on the island before slumping onto the ground.
A soft laugh escaped his lips.
"Can you believe there was a time I actually beat you? Haha, I wish I could go back and tell my past self to treat you better. Now look at me-I'm the one suffering!"
Kyle, who had followed him to encourage him to continue after a short rest, shrugged in amusement upon hearing his words.
"Unfortunately, we can't change the past."
A familiar firm and resolute voice contradicted his words from behind.
"No, no, we can! We can change the past! The future too! We just need to grow strong enough to manipulate time so profoundly that it will bend to our will!"
Kyle's lips twitched, and he wanted to disappear. Not again. For the past month, Jian had done nothing but annoy him day and night with questions about the laws of time. It was as if the man was obsessed with the idea of controlling time!
Neon lifted his head from where he lay and regarded the approaching crimson-haired man with a contemplative expression.
"That actually sounds doable."
Jian chuckled and rubbed his nose sheepishly. He shot daggers at Kyle's back.
"I am here for another lesson! Let's continue from where we left off last time. Time is like sand! I still have not grasped this profound concept!"
With a reluctant sigh, Kyle turned around. The numerous people around them didn't attempt to interrupt. They knew better than to engage with Kyle after witnessing how he treated those he didn't know, as if they were mere shadows that didn't even exist.
He stared at Jian, whose entire body was covered in shallow injuries and dust, clearly indicating that he had just returned from a beating by Alec and the others.
"Do you need a helping hand in healing?"
Kyle offered, but upon hearing his words, Jian jumped back a few steps with a shiver.
"No, thank you! Your spiritual energy is so cold! I almost turned into an ice statue the last time you offered help!"
He curled his fingers when he felt a sharp pain in his abdomen and right leg, a curse slipping from his lips.
"Damn, that bastard Alec. He's always venting his anger from losing to you on me and the others!"
Kyle hummed in response. He wanted to tell Jian that he was the one who benefited the most from all the beatings he somehow provoked by annoying others.
However, he held back.
He wasn't blind. He had noticed how Jian's progress had surpassed everyone else's, as if the man only needed to breathe and walk casually to become stronger.
This transformation was due to a shift in fortune; unlike in the past when Jian's bad luck consistently landed him in challenging situations that forced him to grow, now his luck had drastically improved, presenting him with perfect opportunities.
Coupled with his hard work, Kyle was sure that he could defeat Carcel and Alec if he achieved the supreme rank before them.
The only thing Jian couldn't grasp was the natural laws, and that was because of his limited comprehension abilities.
He needed enlightenment, which unfortunately no one could provide, as there were few capable of manipulating natural laws. Moreover, those who could hardly knew how to teach
it.
Regardless, his agility and physique had become remarkably powerful.
Kye mused as he looked at him, as if delving directly into his very being.
'And his soul. It has also grown stronger.'
Jian waved his hand in front of him when he noticed he was lost in thought.
"What? Even if you are not keen on giving me lessons, you know I won't let you off the hook.
So, come with me willingly, or else..."
He stopped when Kyle's eyes narrowed.
"Or else?"
Jian chuckled and raised his hands. He could feel a familiar icy sensation creeping closer to his body and was sure his next words would decide his fate.
"I am joking."
Kyle's lips curled upward.
"You better be."
He waved his hand and turned back to Neon, who had stood up.
"Come back later. I'm teaching him how to wield a sword in a way that it can obliterate
everything and everyone with a single, decisive strike."
Neon groaned at his words. He had never trained this much in his entire life, not even when the blue planet was attacked by the dark side! He couldn't even remember the last time he got
a good night's sleep.
"I can't. I'm done for the time being."
Kyle didn't stop him, just reminding him to continue training. If nothing went wrong, he would easily be able to break through to the pseudo-divine rank in a few months.
Jian wanted to drape his arm over Kyle's shoulder, but before his hand could reach him, he felt a chilling coldness that made him pull back.
He sighed and rubbed his arm. He knew it wasn't Kyle, but it was strange how Kyle's body was growing colder and colder.
"You're free now, right? Let's go. We can head to the island where Han and Lily are learning about arrays. The building there is the most peaceful."
A dejected expression crossed his face as he recalled an old promise Kyle had made to him-
the promise that he would tell him how he obtained his flames and icy power once Jian
reached the transcendent rank.
"What a liar."