The world returned to tranquility once more. Yet the devastation of war ran bone deep. The then Sword Sea Continent had almost turned barren. Powerful sects and heritages that had stood tall for hundred thousand years perished. Still there were many lineages that had escaped the disaster. Sky high mountains were razed to the ground, oceans turned dry, flat land became abyssal chasm as corpses littered on the ground. River of blood flowed quietly, soaking the ground red. Billions of people, cultivators and mortals alike were sacrificed. The air was heavy, filled with lamentation and cries of sorrows. Some cursed the fate, some blamed the heaven and some resented the strong for not protecting the weak.
The other parts of the world had also suffered major casualties, it would probably take a few thousand years before the world could welcome its golden age.
Lord Jiang and the remaining Godkings slowly emerged from the ruins, sunlight touching their faces once more. For the first time in their lives, the warmth of day felt like a blessing. This war had been beyond anything they had imagined, its scope and ferocity had shattered their very understanding of the world.
Along with drifting wind and sand, Lin Shenrong's tall figure landed, the blood on his body had yet to dry. The Godkings solemnly knelt on one knee with utmost veneration. In this moment, Li Shenrong's prestige outshone even that of a Supreme Emperor.
From afar, the Emperor Wills gazed at him one last time. Their faces were serene, suffused with joy. Their undying intents, which had endured for countless ages, finally found solace and dissolved into particles of light like morning mist under the sun. From this day forth, the Emperor Era was ended. A new age was about to begin.
Li Shenrong glanced around, his gaze swept down, stretching beyond the horizon. His eyes reflected the cries of the weaks but also tears of joy and happiness. Li Shenrong didn't feel sad nor happy as he observed everything. His face was still expressionless.
Bao Zhentian, Luo Shenghua, Adity, Jessi, the Mu sisters gathered together and approached him. At this time, they were no longer as casual as before and acted with restraint.
"Sir…" Bao Zhentian cautiously broke the silence.
"Hmm? What's wrong with you?" Li Shenrong asked with confusion written all over his face.
Bao Zhentian felt awkward and embarrassed. The man infront of him was a transcended figure, unbound by any laws so how could he be so casual as before? He truly felt ashamed of how ignorant he was before.
Jessi stepped forward and propped on one knee. She felt a little proud inside because she was the first person to recognise his strength yet she felt she had still greatly underestimated this young man.
The Godkings tactfully created a barrier from the prying eyes of the low level cultivators. Only Godking level figures could now see what was happening around Li Shenrong.
"Get up. There's no need to scrap and bow." Li Shenrong waved his hand impatiently.
"Haha…" Jessi gave a dry, awkward laugh as she rose.
The system inside her mind was silent as cicada in winter. Usually it would babble and flaunt its rich knowledge but now It hid deep within her sea of consciousness and didn't let out a single sound or whimper.
Li Shenrong threw the tattered battle banner to Bao Zhentian. He caught it with trembling hands and felt elated. But still he said, "Sir…this…"
"Take it. That's your reward for following me. If you can comprehend it then your future will be bright." Li Shenrong said.
Bao Zhentian kept fidgeting back and forth.
"Child, why aren't you thanking his excellency for such generous gift!" A melodious voice rang out as Red Dust fairy appeared behind him.
Bao Zhentian quickly bowed and thanked him.
Then Li Shenrong turned his head and threw the spear at Adity. She caught it in disbelief, never expected to receive a fortune. "This spear suits you. Name it yourself when the time comes."
Keep in mind the Spear was one of the primary weapon that had dealt great damage to the Demon prince. Its might was unparalleled yet it was casually given to her.
Tears of gratitude streamed down her face as she bowed silently. She wanted to say something but in the end no words came out.
Li Shenrong gave the Bone sword to Jessi. She accepted it with both hands and swore to live up to his expectations.
To the Mu sisters he granted two Emperor Laws. They saluted deeply, their hearts were heavy with gratitude. Mu Yun's lively spirit had tempered into maturity and calmness. Mu Yan only stared at Li Shenrong's back as if in deep thought.
"As for you," he said to Luo Shenghua, "that saber is wondrous. Do not let it go to waste."
She repeatedly nodded her head like chicken pecking on rice.
The Godkings approached Li Shenrong one after another.
"Sir, we want to thank you for saving the world…."
Li Shenrong interrupted and said, "It isn't me who saved the world. It is the Emperors and sages of the past who cared about the future generations, and loved the world."
"You are right, sir. We descendants are unworthy." The Godkings sighed.
"Now, the future will be in your hands. Remember, there is no saviour so you can only save yourselves." Li Shenrong said evenly.
"We shall remember your teaching sire." The Godkings bowed in unison.
"Let's go." Li Shenrong gestured to Jessi as he walked away. He moved like an unremarkable man, one who could vanish into the streets of the mortal world. Who could believe this was the same figure who had stood shoulder to shoulder with Emperors, trampling devils beneath his feet?
Only when Li Shenrong's figure vanished into the distance did the Godkings sighed in relief. It would be a lie if they said they weren't nervous. Who wouldn't actually?
"Farewell everyone…" Lord Jiang bid farewell to everyone as he left in a hurry.
"This time, we avoided death by hair's breadth." A Powerful Godking said, his voice couldn't help but tremble when remembering the scenes.
No one dared to laugh or mock him, they all shared the same sentiments.
"Everyone, i think now we need to stay united more than ever." Red Dust fairy spoke, waking them up from their stupor.
"Indeed. Fairy is right." Few other Godkings instantly understood the underlying meaning as they glanced afar.