畅想听

Song Shuhang’s reference to “old” doesn’t pertain to any physical differences, but rather to the distinction in aura and temperament.

Take his current self, for instance. Although he doesn’t look physically older compared to last year, the overwhelming challenges and life-altering experiences he’s encountered over the past year have made him seem more weathered and mature.

Even if his appearance hasn’t changed, his aura makes him seem much “older.”

The “Ghost Song Shuhang” behind Daozi shared this characteristic—while he looked very similar to Song Shuhang, his demeanor seemed noticeably more mature.

Even though the “Ghost Song Shuhang” floated behind Daozi like a cloak, his presence still exuded an unmistakable sense of maturity.

A truly mature man looks composed and seasoned no matter what he does.

“Shuhang, what did you do?” The Northern Emperor immediately contacted the still-reviving Song Shuhang, his tone urgent.

This 8.5th Heaven’s Path Plan is critical to him, too. Like Wooden Song, he has a dear friend he wants to save. Therefore, he hopes the 8.5th Heaven’s Path Plan will succeed without a hitch.

Moreover, the throne of the Heavenly Emperor that Daozi is sitting on is something he exchanged for, by sacrificing his pride, for a chance to use it. Now, the anomaly behind Daozi is clearly connected to the Heavenly Emperor’s throne.

If it weren’t for Song Shuhang’s well-known character, the Northern Emperor might have considered filing a complaint with the “Consumer Protection Association” against Overlord Song!

Song Shuhang quickly clarified: “It’s not me, Senior Northern Emperor. I have no idea how that ghost version of me appeared… But look closely; it’s not really me. He looks a bit older than me.”

The Northern Emperor fell silent for a moment before responding: “Even if he appears slightly older than you… can you honestly say he has no connection to you?”

Song Shuhang was left speechless.

The Northern Emperor had hit the nail on the head.

The truth is, even if this “Ghost Song Shuhang” looks older, his face and appearance are unmistakably similar.

If someone were to claim that this “Ghost Song Shuhang” has no connection to the real Song Shuhang—even Song Shuhang himself wouldn’t believe it!

Why else would this ghost take on his likeness if there was no connection?

Song Shuhang conducted a quick self-assessment.

At the moment, he was still in the “reviving” state.

His “Iron Clone” hadn’t fled.

His “Three Corpses Avatar” was still intact.

His “Song Youyou” remained in the Netherworld.

His “Overlord Corpse,” the avatar integrated with the “Heavenly Dao Remnant,” was still in the Evil Lotus World.

“Could it be my secret technique clone? The one that disappeared with Onion Maiden?” A sudden thought struck Song Shuhang.

Onion Maiden, Song Shuhang’s clone, Heart Demon Akasha Sword, and Nine-Repair Phoenix Saber had all vanished into a black hole during the “Heaven’s Path Little Black Room Tunnel Explosion.”

But afterward… the Nine-Repair Phoenix Saber returned to him, fully upgraded to the Eighth Stage. Onion Maiden, Heart Demon Akasha Sword, and his clone, however, never reappeared.

“But, no… My clone wasn’t a ghost.” Song Shuhang frowned.

As he pondered, the Northern Emperor asked again: “Do you have any ideas? Will your “Ghost Song” interfere with Daozi’s path to ascension?”

“Sorry, Senior Northern Emperor, but I’m just as clueless about this “Ghost Song.” I’ve checked all my clones and avatars, and they’re all in normal states. The one problematic clone isn’t even a ghost. As for the ghostly figure behind the Heavenly Emperor’s throne, I have no idea…”

“Wait, the Heavenly Emperor’s throne! What if “Ghost Song” is connected to the Heavenly Emperor’s Child? That throne belongs to her. Could the “Heaven’s Path Ceremony” have triggered her resurrection? And maybe I accidentally became her resurrection’s anchor point? That could explain the emergence of “Ghost Song”!” Song Shuhang speculated as a sudden realization dawned on him.

The Northern Emperor was left speechless.

“Also, could it be related to the Thirteen Tribulation Immortals of Confucianism? My first spirit ghost was borrowed by the Glazed Scholar, one of the Thirteen Tribulation Immortals, who is closely connected to Daozi.” Song Shuhang felt like his brain was suddenly flooded with ideas, each potential connection surfacing in rapid succession.

“Wait, maybe it’s also linked to the “Heavenly Dao Ball”? When it collapsed, one of my necrotic kidneys got sucked in.” Song Shuhang recalled yet another detail.

The Northern Emperor was speechless.

“Or maybe it’s because someone accessed my “Core World”? I’ve mentioned before that the Core World absorbs “Heavenly Court Dao.” Now, the Confucian Heavenly Court fragments and my own Heavenly Court fragments, which are in the Core World, have all had their “Heavenly Court Dao” absorbed… Perhaps that triggered some sort of mutation?” Song Shuhang frowned.

On the other end, after carefully considering everything, the Northern Emperor finally decided: “Let’s cut ties, Overlord Song!”

You’re like a walking “event core”; wherever you stand, chaos follows.

To avoid getting caught up in another major incident, the Northern Emperor felt it was best to sever ties with Song Shuhang.

Song Shuhang: “…”

At the same time, in the void, within the “Heavenly Dao Projection,” Daozi remained seated on the Heavenly Emperor’s throne, steady as ever.

He turned his gaze toward the “Ghost Song Shuhang” floating behind him.

With the insight of someone on the brink of becoming the 8.5th Heavenly Dao, one look at the “Ghost Song” revealed much to Daozi.

“Everyone, don’t worry. The Ghost Song Shuhang behind me won’t interfere with our ascension plan.” Daozi’s voice echoed in the minds of the Northern Emperor, Song Shuhang, and the others.

With Daozi’s reassurance, the Northern Emperor, the Eight-Armed Ancient Demon from Beyond the Skies, and the Great Master of the Diamond Temple all breathed a sigh of relief.

In the projection.

The Ghost Song Shuhang transitioned from floating to standing behind Daozi.

Then, he leaned in close to Daozi’s ear, whispering something.

After listening to “Ghost Song’s” words, Daozi’s expression suddenly changed.

His gaze sharpened, sweeping across a corner of the void like a blade.

“I won’t let you ruin my plan. This is my last chance… my teacher’s final request! Anyone who tries to thwart my plan will die!” Daozi declared coldly.

His voice grew even icier, like the mechanical hum of a soulless machine.

Daozi’s obsession was with his fellow disciples.

No one could stand in the way of his last opportunity.

After his sweeping gaze, Daozi flipped his hand.

The Confucian Saint’s “Confucian Canon” was summoned forth.

The next moment, Daozi hefted the hefty “Confucian Canon” and without hesitation, hurled it toward the corner of the void he had locked onto.

The projection of the myriad worlds still maintained the illusion of “Daozi’s ascension.”

Daozi’s strike carried the force of an “about-to-be-immortal” existence—an attack on the cusp of becoming the Heavenly Dao!

With one strike, the void shattered, spiritual energy annihilated… Over a hundred destructive heavenly phenomena engulfed that corner of the void!