Swallowing the Stars: Starting with Panlong

Chapter 79 Water of Life

The day after returning to Yangzhou, Lin Yun was practicing the control techniques of the Sky-Piercing Shuttle in the training room when his communication watch suddenly rang.

He glanced at the caller ID—Luo Feng.

"Ah Feng?" Lin Yun answered the phone.

"Lin Yun, I've thought it through." On the other end of the phone, Luo Feng's voice was strong and resolute, carrying a firmness Lin Yun hadn't heard in a long time. "I've chosen the second path. The path of a martial artist cannot be walked by relying on others; I will walk it myself. Besides, if I rely on your help, how can I ever catch up with you?"

Lin Yun was silent for a moment, then the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.

"Okay." He didn't say anything more, just replied with one word.

But in his heart, he sighed inwardly: Luo Feng, you are still you. Indeed, you are still the same Luo Feng whose life is vibrant and colorful because of battle, and as bland as still water when there is no battle. Your pure heart has never changed.

"I plan to register at the Extreme Martial Arts Academy next week to participate in the preliminary martial arts assessment," Luo Feng said. "Then I'll go to the wilderness area for training."

"Okay. Just let me know if you need anything."

"it is good."

Hanging up the phone, Lin Yun leaned back in his chair, gazing at the sky outside the window. He believed in Luo Feng. The future chosen one of the world, the guardian of Earth, the pinnacle of power in the universe—his journey had only just begun.

A few days later, Lin Yun entered the War God Palace for the first time as a "High-level War God".

The War God Palace is a virtual space accessible only to warriors at the War God level or higher. War Gods from around the world exchange information, trade, and post missions here, making it the most advanced martial arts platform on Earth. Entry to the War God Palace is through a special virtual helmet—issued to Lin Yun by the Extreme Martial Arts Academy headquarters when they bestowed upon him the title of Advanced War God.

His appearance in the virtual space caused quite a stir—the sixteen-year-old invincible war god was the first in the history of the War God Palace.

Ignoring the stares, he walked straight to the auction area. The Water of Life had a starting bid of 20 billion. Without hesitation, he bought one unit for 22 billion. Subsequently, through the introduction of the War God Palace manager, he met the head of Area 11 in America and purchased a second unit of the Water of Life for the starting bid of 20 billion.

Two portions of the Water of Life, one for Luo Hua and one for Lin Zheng.

After leaving the Palace of the God of War, Lin Yun glanced at the date. Today was the day the Thunder Blade Squad would finish their rest and prepare to set off again for the wilderness.

He thought about it and decided to go see his old friends.

Jiangnan Base City, HR Alliance Building.

The members of the Thunder Blade Squad arrived one after another. Shenyang was the first to arrive, carrying his modified heavy sniper rifle and a lollipop in his mouth, looking to be in a good mood. Luo Fang and Leng Bao arrived together, the two talking quietly. Lin Zheng and Liu Xu arrived last—the two walked in side by side, not holding hands, but their tacit understanding and closeness were obvious to everyone.

"Captain, why did you come with Sister Liu Xu today?" Shenyang asked with a mischievous smile.

"Get lost! Why can't the captain and I come together?" Liu Xu scolded, her expression clearly a little shy, but her eyes held an undisguised sweetness.

"Alright, everyone's here." Lin Zheng walked to the conference table and was about to speak when he was interrupted by a voice.

"Captain, everyone's not here yet, how can you start?"

Everyone was taken aback at first, then turned sharply to look at the source of the sound.

At the entrance of the private room, Lin Yun, dressed casually, stood there with his hands in his pockets and a grin on his face.

"what?"

"Lin Yun!"

What are you doing here?

Everyone was overjoyed. Shenyang was the first to rush over, punching Lin Yun on the shoulder: "What are you doing here, kid? Weren't you at the training camp?"

"I've graduated." Lin Yun shrugged. "What, aren't you welcoming me?"

"Graduated? You've only been there for a little over two months!" Luo Fang's eyes widened.

"A genius doesn't need to study for five years," Lin Yun said with a smile. "I finished it in two months, is that not allowed?"

"Were you kicked out of the training camp, so you're embarrassed and that's why you said you graduated early?" Shenyang said weakly, but his eyes were mischievous, clearly joking.

"Shenyang, I've got it. You won't get any gifts later." Lin Yun turned her head away and ignored him.

"No, Lin Yun, I was just joking!" Shenyang quickly corrected himself. "You're so amazing, what else could the training camp possibly teach you? Graduating won't be an easy task!"

Upon hearing the word "gift," the others perked up. Luo Fang leaned over and asked, "What gift? Is it for everyone who sees it?"

"Yes, yes, we have everything." Lin Yun smiled and took out several bottles of wine from his spatial ring—medicinal wine made with thousand-year-old ginseng, one bottle for each person.

The group took the bottle and examined it curiously. The liquid was amber in color, with ginseng roots faintly visible inside, and it emitted a rich medicinal aroma.

"Remember not to drink too much of this medicinal wine each time," Lin Yun instructed. "After finishing this bottle, each of you should be able to reach the level of a high-level warrior."

There was a moment of silence in the private room.

"A high-ranking general?" Shenyang swallowed hard. "Lin Yun, you're not kidding, are you?"

"When have I ever joked with you guys?" Lin Yun said seriously.

The crowd exchanged bewildered glances, their eyes filled with disbelief. But they all knew Lin Yun—this young man, though sometimes hiding his true abilities, never boasted.

"Captain, yours is different." Lin Yun looked at Lin Zheng, "The medicinal wine won't work for you, so I prepared something else for you."

He took out a red gift box from his spatial ring and handed it to Lin Zheng with both hands.

"Captain, this is a wedding gift for you and Sister Liuxu."

The private room fell silent again.

Liu Xu's face flushed red, while Lin Zheng's expression stiffened.

"Lin Yun, you..." Lin Zheng opened his mouth, not knowing what to say.

"Captain, do you remember what you said to me when I left?" Lin Yun pretended not to notice Lin Zheng's embarrassment and continued, "You said that when I came back, I could eat your wedding candy. I have a very good memory, I still remember it."

All eyes turned to Lin Zheng. A hint of surprise and anticipation flashed in Liu Xu's eyes as she also looked at Lin Zheng.

"Captain, just admit it!" Shenyang was the first to chime in. "I think Sister Liuxu can't wait any longer!"

"Who can't wait!" Liu Xu stamped her feet in embarrassment, but did not deny it.

Lin Zheng stood there, his face flushing red and then turning pale. He rummaged in his pocket a few times, then withdrew his hand.

"Captain, if you don't say anything, I'm not going to give you the wedding gift I prepared in advance!" Lin Yun shook the red gift box in his hand.

Lin Zheng took a deep breath, then suddenly pulled a small black box from his pocket, knelt on one knee, opened the box, and inside was a silver-white diamond ring.

"Liu Xu, marry me!" His voice trembled slightly, but his gaze was firm. "I can't wait any longer."

A deafening cheer erupted from the private room.

"Wow—haha—"

"Say yes! Say yes!"

"Captain, kiss her quickly!"

Liu Xu's tears welled up instantly. She nodded vigorously, her voice choked with sobs, "I promise... I promise..."

She pulled Lin Zheng up and hugged him tightly. The two embraced, amidst cheers and applause from those around them.

Lin Yun stood to the side, watching this scene, a slight smile playing on his lips. He recalled months ago, on the hotel rooftop, Lin Zheng's desperate, reckless act of shielding Liu Xu with one leg against the Devouring Python. He knew then that these two would inevitably end up together.

"Ah, true love prevails in the end," Lin Yun said with emotion, then handed over the red gift box. "Captain, this is a wedding gift for you two."

Lin Zheng accepted the gift box, his fingers trembling slightly. He didn't open it on the spot, intending to put it away—after all, it would be somewhat impolite to open it in front of the gift giver.

"No! Open it and take a look, Captain!" Shenyang chimed in again.

The others joined in the chant: "Open it! Open it!"

Lin Zheng glanced at Lin Yun helplessly. Lin Yun smiled and nodded, indicating that there was no problem.

Lin Zheng opened the gift box. Inside were two things: a test tube containing a bright green liquid; and a crystal core the size of an egg, entirely emerald green, radiating a warm glow.

None of the people recognized the two items, but when they saw the instruction manual attached to the test tubes, they rushed forward to take a look.

"The water of life!" Lin Zheng's pupils suddenly contracted, and his hands began to tremble.

His leg had been broken for so many years, and he had searched online countless times for information about "limb regeneration." He had seen descriptions of the Water of Life—a legendary potion worth billions, priceless and unavailable. He had once despairedly believed that he would never be able to possess it in his lifetime.

And now, it's right in front of me.

"This...this is impossible!" Lin Zheng's voice was hoarse. "Lin Yun, this is too precious, I can't..."

"Captain, don't be so quick to refuse," Lin Yun interrupted him. "Take a look at that crystal core over there."

Lin Zheng picked up the crystal core and examined it carefully. The surface of the crystal core had a faint fluorescent glow, and liquid seemed to be flowing inside. The accompanying instruction manual stated: "The heartwood of a thousand-year-old willow tree; consuming it can strengthen the body, enhance genetic energy, and help break through bottlenecks."

"This is..." Lin Zheng's voice trembled even more.

"Captain, your comprehension and talent are actually quite high, otherwise you wouldn't have been able to master the Ninefold Thunder Blade to the fourth level," Lin Yun said earnestly. "It's just that you've been somewhat discouraged because you lost a leg, and you've been stuck at the Advanced Warrior level for too long. Once your leg recovers, and you consume this willow heart, breaking through to the God of War shouldn't be a problem."

Lin Zheng opened his mouth, but couldn't say a word. His eyes were red, and tears welled up in them.

"Captain, can this Water of Life really regenerate severed limbs?" Shenyang leaned closer, his eyes wide. "Then your leg..."

"That's what it says in the instructions," Lin Yun said. "If you don't believe me, Captain, you can try it now."

"I believe! I believe!" Lin Zheng nodded repeatedly, clutching the Water of Life and the willow heart tightly in his hands, as if afraid they would fly away.

Liu Xu stood beside him, holding his hand, her eyes also filled with tears. She knew that Lin Zheng's leg was his greatest pain. Over the years, he hadn't said it, but every time he saw others running and jumping, a trace of loneliness would flash in his eyes. Now, this pain finally had a chance to be erased.

Lin Yun looked at them, a warm feeling welling up inside him. These people were his earliest friends in this world. They fought together, drank together, and went through life and death together. No matter how strong he became, these people would always be his partners.

"Alright, I should go now." Lin Yun stood up.

"So soon?" Luo Fang asked, somewhat reluctantly.

"There's something else," Lin Yun said. "Captain, Sister Liu Xu, remember to call me when you have your wedding."

"Definitely." Lin Zheng nodded solemnly.

Lin Yun turned around and quietly left the room.

The atmosphere at Luo Feng's home was completely different.

Lin Yun stood at the door, watching Luo Feng hand the Water of Life to his younger brother, Luo Hua.

Luo Hua sat in his wheelchair, holding the test tube in his hands, tears streaming down his face. He had been unable to walk since childhood, and over the years, he had grown accustomed to the wheelchair, to the strange looks from others, and to hiding all his pain inside. But now, someone was telling him that he could stand up again.

"Brother...is this true?" Luo Hua's voice trembled.

"It's true." Luo Feng squatted down and held his younger brother's hand. "Anything Lin Yun gave you can't be fake."

Luo Hua looked at Lin Yun. Lin Yun nodded and gave him an encouraging look.

Luo Hua took a deep breath, opened the test tube, and poured the emerald green liquid into his mouth.

The liquid melted instantly upon entering his mouth, and a warm sensation spread from his throat throughout his body. He felt a sharp, tingling tingling sensation inside his legs, as if something was growing inside.

"Ah—" Luo Hua couldn't help but cry out, gripping the armrests of the wheelchair tightly with both hands.

"Luo Hua!" Gong Xinlan rushed over anxiously, but Luo Feng stopped her.

"Mom, don't worry, this is normal," Luo Feng said.

The tingling and itching lasted for about fifteen minutes, then gradually subsided. Luo Hua looked down at his legs—his trouser legs were no longer empty, but were being stretched out by something.

He reached out with trembling hands and touched his leg.

I have a feeling.

It has temperature.

It has...bones and muscles.

"My legs... have grown back..." Luo Hua's voice choked with sobs, tears blurring his vision.

Gong Xinlan could no longer hold back. She rushed over and hugged her son, bursting into tears. Luo Hongguo stood to the side, his eyes also reddening, constantly wiping away tears with his sleeve.

Luo Feng watched this scene, took a deep breath, and then turned to Lin Yun.

"Lin Yun, thank you."

"No need to thank me." Lin Yun waved his hand. "We're family, no need for formalities."

Luo Feng nodded, saying nothing more. He and Lin Yun had grown up together; some things didn't need to be said aloud. Keeping them in their hearts was enough.

Luo Hua tried to stand up from his wheelchair. Holding onto the armrests, he slowly, little by little, transferred his weight onto his legs.

"I can stand up now..." He released the handrail and stood steadily on the ground, tears streaming down his face.

"I've stood up!"

The family hugged each other, weeping with joy.

Lin Yun stood at the door, watching this scene, a slight smile playing on his lips, before quietly slipping out.

He stepped out of the villa, stood in the moonlight, and took a deep breath.

A night breeze swept by, carrying the coolness of early autumn. The distant sky was dotted with stars, and the streetlights of Mingyue Residential Area shimmered with a warm glow in the night.

"Sigh." Lin Yun sighed softly, "In the sixteen years since I came to this world, the number of people I'm attached to and the things I'll never forget are increasing."

He had assumed he could observe all of this from the sidelines. After all, he knew the plots of both worlds inside and out, who would be involved, what would happen, and what fate awaited them. He thought he could strategize and reap the rewards as calmly as playing chess.

But now he realizes he was wrong.

Luo Feng's pure heart, Lin Lei's deep brotherhood, De Lin's five-thousand-year obsession, Lin Zheng and Liu Xu's love, Luo Hua's tears of rebirth... These people and these events have unknowingly become part of his life.

He was no longer a bystander. He was a participant, a family member, a friend, and a brother.

"I don't know if it's good or bad," Lin Yun murmured.

He touched the small bronze cauldron on his chest, feeling its slightly cool touch.

Two worlds, two lives, countless entanglements.