Star Odyssey

Was Whitecloud City a true parallel universe to the Origin Universe? That certainly seemed to be the case, given the presence of Earth and its solar system. However, there was no version of Jiang Feng or any of the others in the Origin Universe.

Jiang Chen had previously mentioned that the people of Whitecloud City had found other versions of themselves in other parallel universes. For example, there had been two Kong Tianzhaos, though only one had ultimately survived.

It was a very intriguing idea.

As Lu Yin gazed at the distant Earth, he saw that Whitecloud City was quite different from what he had initially imagined.

He had imagined that Whitecloud City would be a colossal entity, much like the Heavens Sect, and sprawl across outer space. Instead, Earth was in the same location as in the Origin Universe, and Whitecloud City was on the planet.

With Jiang Qingyue leading the way, Lu Yin quickly arrived on the universe’s version of Earth.

Between the two universes, the Earth in Whitecloud City’s universe did not seem to have advanced much when it came to their knowledge of cultivation. In fact, even the planet’s technology was not particularly advanced, as the people here were still at the stage of exploring their solar system. Only a few of the closest nearby planets showed any trace of settlements or human activity.

"What is this?" Lu Yin asked, puzzled.

Jiang Qingyue explained, "Whitecloud City hasn't been around for very many years, and my father has never interfered in Earth's development. While there are other places in the universe where technology or cultivation methods are more advanced, almost none of that has been brought back to Earth. Cultivators have their own worries, while ordinary people have their own joys.

"Joining Whitecloud City allows a person to cultivate, but people who don't join will never catch even a glimpse of the vast world of cultivation.

"On Earth, the inside and outside of Whitecloud City are two vastly different worlds."

Lu Yin thought of God’s Domain. That civilization had been ruled by their Divine Maiden, and it had been harmonious, but their peace had brought about decline and complacency. The Earth in Whitecloud City’s universe seemed similar to God’s Domain, but Whitecloud City was constantly pursuing progress. The Lord of Lightning was not one to fall into complacency.

Externally, they wielded great power and influence, while internally, their people enjoyed peace and harmony. Was this what Jiang Feng believed to be best?

"It's said that the Lord of Lightning started off as an ordinary human before stepping onto the path of cultivation, and because of that, he’s lived two lives. His journey parallels that of normal people, and yet he possesses the will and determination of a powerful cultivator," Lu Yin said.

Jiang Qingyue smiled. "My father is basically just an ordinary person."

She then led Lu Yin to her Earth, and they entered Whitecloud City.

Whitecloud City covered a vast area, but Earth itself felt small to Lu Yin. He had seen far more impressive places, and he could envelop all of Whitecloud City within his perception. Still, this place was Whitecloud City, the home of the Lord of Lightning.

It was also completely surrounded by clouds, causing the city to live up to its name.

Following behind Jiang Qingyue, Lu Yin climbed up to the Lord of Lightning's residence. In this place, Lu Yin restrained his aura, choosing to show his respect for the Lord of Lightning by observing Whitecloud City with nothing more than his eyes. He was just like an ordinary person even though he had the ability to perceive all of Earth with but a thought.

"Ah, Brother Lu, you're finally here!" Jiang Chen called out as he approached from a distance.

They were in the northern part of Whitecloud City. It was a serene place filled with various flowers and plants. It looked like paradise. Even with just his eyes, Lu Yin could see far, and he had already spotted Jiang Chen, as well as a mantis.

When the Astral Beast Domain had invaded the Outerverse, a giant astral beast that looked like a praying mantis had chased after Lu Yin. Jiang Chen arrived at the last minute, and Lu Yin had tossed the mantis to Jiang Chen, who had taken it away.

At the time, Lu Yin had joked about giving Jiang Chen a gardener, but as it turned out, that was exactly the role the giant mantis was serving.

When Lu Yin saw the astral beast, he was noticed in turn. The creature’s demeanor immediately changed, and it grew cold and blazed with killing intent.

Amused, Lu Yin’s eyes narrowed, and a pressure enveloped the giant mantis, inducing indescribable terror. The mantis froze, as it could instinctively sense that Lu Yin had gained a level of power that could not be fathomed. The astral beast quickly prostrated in submission.

Jiang Chen watched the silent exchange and just shook his head. "Poor thing. It's only been a few decades, but its old target is already able to terrify it out of its mind. Brother Lu, stop scaring it. It's quite the skilled gardener."

Lu Yin chuckled. "I can tell. Your garden is beautiful."

He observed the garden, and he also noticed giant ants walking in the distance. Some of them were carrying people on their backs. In one corner, he saw a chicken coop.

He blinked and then stared at the various chickens. There was no doubt what the birds were, yet their tails came in a variety of colors. There were two-colored, three-colored, and even four-colored tails. The Lord of Lightning had quite the eclectic taste.

The garden was filled with common plants, but all of them looked slightly different from normal. There were bananas, cucumbers, and eggplants, but the slight differences made Lu Yin feel both familiar and alienated by their presence.

Overhead, a giant eagle soared through the sky, but lightning crackled over its body.

"What do you think? Isn't my Whitecloud City quite unique?" Jiang Chen boasted.

Lu Yin was impressed. "It truly is unique. Many things that I see look familiar at first glance, but a second glance reveals the differences."

"Ha, there's a lot more! We have flying fish, turtle islands, and all sorts of other things," Jiang Chen boasted.

Jiang Qingyue interrupted, "That’s enough. Stop bragging. No matter how unique Whitecloud City might be, it can't compare to an entire universe. Brother Lu has experienced far more than anything you or I can imagine."

Jiang Chen retorted, "Just because he’s seen a lot doesn’t mean that he’s seen everything I have. Anyway, Father’s waiting, so let’s go."

Suddenly, he shouted, "Wait! Brother Lu, where's your gift?"

Lu Yin grew puzzled. "What gift?"

Jiang Chen gave Lu Yin an odd look. "What do you mean, ‘what gift?’ You came here without a gift?"

Lu Yin was more confused. "Why would I need to bring a gift? I don't have a habit of bringing gifts when I visit people. Is that a custom here? If so, I can prepare something."

Jiang Qingyue frowned. "Jiang Chen, what are you doing? Brother Lu is the Heavens Sect’s Dao Monarch, and Father invited him here. If not for the fact that he’s friends with us because of our ages, Father would have greeted him personally. We’ve already lapsed as his hosts. Brother Lu, ignore him."

Jiang Chen gave Lu Yin a knowing look. "Normal guests don't need to bring gifts, but given your special relationship with my sister, isn't it customary to make a good impression during your first time meeting your future father-in-law?"

Jiang Qingyue instantly exploded in anger, and her sword slashed out at Jiang Chen. "Jiang Chen, are you looking for trouble?"

Jiang Chen yelped as he quickly dodged. "Brother Lu, I was just thinking about you! Take care!"

Her face flushed with rage, Jiang Qingyue let out a huff and then turned to apologize to Lu Yin. "Brother Lu, Jiang Chen likes to tease people. Please don't mind his words."

Lu Yin felt quite awkward. He had no idea if he should take offense to what had been said.

He did have a good impression of Jiang Qingyue, but Yan'er was already in his life, which made him feel conflicted. Bringing a gift to Whitecloud City did seem like it would be appropriate, but doing so would also imply something more. Lu Yin had a headache over his indecision.

Jiang Qingyue sheathed her sword. "Brother Lu, please follow me. Father has been waiting a long time for you. Business needs to come first."

Lu Yin remembered the butterfly and immediately grew serious. "Lead the way."

Shortly thereafter, Lu Yin met Jiang Feng.

Three times before, Lu Yin had seen Jiang Feng. The first had been when Jiang Feng had invaded the First Scourge on his own. At that time, Lu Yin had witnessed the Lord of Lightning's unmatched prowess with his identity as Ye Bo. The second time had also been during an invasion of the First Scourge, though Lu Yin had never gotten a good look at the man. The third incident had been the most recent battle. At that time, Lu Yin had gotten a clear look at Jiang Feng, but he had not had the opportunity to speak to the man.

This was Lu Yin’s first true meeting with the Lord of Lightning.

Jiang Feng was a legendary figure, and he was feared by even Aeternus. He was a man who, despite knowing that certain death awaited him, had still dared to charge into the First Scourge. Like Lu Yin, the Lord of Lightning also possessed mirebound treasures.

Jiang Feng had a quite average appearance, but leading Whitecloud City and surviving countless battles had granted the man a unique charisma. Years of enduring lightning had infused him with a sense of righteousness, and it immediately inspired trust from people.

Lu Yin had encountered many powerful individuals. Some of them were arrogant and haughty, and others were untouched by worldly matters. There were also some who seemed to be as approachable as ordinary people. However, the Lord of Lightning gave Lu Yin a different impression; it was a sense of shared destiny.

Lu Yin did not know if this feeling was because they both owned mirebound artifacts, or if there was something else to the sensation.

As Lu Yin was sizing up the Lord of Lightning, Jiang Feng was also scrutinizing the younger man.

Lu Yin was far from an unknown name to Jiang Feng.

The first time that Jiang Feng had heard of Lu Yin had been from Jiang Chen, who had mentioned encountering an interesting person in a parallel universe. At first, Jiang Feng had paid little attention to the matter.

However, as Jiang Chen had continued to bring up Lu Yin’s name after subsequent visits to the Origin Universe, and especially after Jiang Qingyue and Dragonturtle had both mentioned Lu Yin, Jiang Feng's interest had finally been piqued.

He had also heard Lu Yin’s name be frequently mentioned by people from the Sixverse Association and the Merchant Exchange. This had made Jiang Feng realize that meeting Lu Yin was an inevitability. There was a sense that the young man was rather similar to the Lord of Lightning himself.

This sense had proven to be true.

Jiang Feng had been the first to invade the Scourge, but Lu Yin had done so on several occasions after that.

Jiang Feng possessed a mirebound artifact, as did Lu Yin.

Jiang Feng had risen to power when Earth had faced an apocalypse, and he had united the entire planet.

Lu Yin had done the same for the Origin Universe when the universe had faced a crisis, and he was currently trying to unify the Sixverse Association.

There were numerous similarities between the two men.

The more similar two people were to each other, the more likely they would be to become either enemies or friends.

"Senior Lord of Lightning, this junior is Lu Yin," Lu Yin introduced himself.

The older man smiled. "If you are calling yourself my junior, then you can call me Uncle Jiang. If you are here as the Heavens Sect's Dao Monarch, then I'd have to stand up to greet you."

Lu Yin smiled back. "I'm not here in any sort of official capacity. I’m just a friend of Jiang Chen and Qingyue."

"Listen to that, Dad! He’s so warm and friendly! Qingyue, Dragonturtle was right," Jiang Chen butted in.

Jiang Qingyue gritted her teeth in irritation.

Jiang Feng ignored them both.

Lu Yin felt rather uncomfortable. "Uncle Jiang, Qingyue and I are just friends."

Jiang Feng nodded. "You don't need to explain your relationship to me. Have a seat. Would you like tea or a real drink?"

Lu Yin sat down across from Jiang Feng. "There’s no need for any of that. I'm not thirsty."

"Alright, then just let me know if you get thirsty. I'll have your aunt prepare some fruit. The fruit in my Whitecloud City is unmatched," Jiang Feng stated casually.

Lu Yin did not hold back. "I’ll make sure to take some with me when I leave. What I saw looks delicious, and I’d like to see if I can grow them in my universe’s Earth."

"Help yourself."

The fact that he was on Earth gave Lu Yin an innate sense of familiarity with his surroundings, and Jiang Feng's straightforward attitude put Lu Yin even more at ease. After having interacted with countless people, Lu Yin could tell that Jiang Feng saw him as a nephew.

"Uncle Jiang, thank you for supporting me," Lu Yin stated.

Jiang Feng sighed. "The Five Spirits Alliance and I have a deep connection. I didn’t attack the Scourge just because I was supporting you, but also to further my own vendetta."

Lu Yin replied, "I wasn't referring to that. When the Great Sovereign was making things difficult for me, Qingyue stood up for me and spoke on your behalf."

Jiang Feng glanced over to stare at something in the distance. "The girl never mentioned that to me."

Lu Yin was taken aback, but then he showed a wry smile. "I see."

Jiang Feng chuckled. "If I had known, I would have personally helped, and that's the truth."

Lu Yin felt a warmth well up in his heart. "Thank you, Uncle Jiang."

OMA's Thoughts

Translated By: OMA

Edited By: Neshi/Nyxnox

TLC'ed By: OMA