"In these three years, we have experienced much. The enemy treated us humans as pawns in their games, inflicting suffering upon our brethren. Yet, we persevered, and under the guidance of Brother Xian, we gradually grasped the secrets of immortal cultivation, acquiring countless techniques and ancient scriptures..."
"If there is one person in human history who must not be forgotten, it is our Brother Xian—Chu Yang! To repel the invading gods, he sacrificed his own life, creating for us a powerful being capable of confronting them. What touched us even more was that to help Li Qingyun, he even deliberately made us forget him! I must seriously criticize Xue Qianwei here. Although everyone's memories have now been restored, I suggest you consult us next time..."
Speaking on stage was Bai Nianchen. To attend this memorial service, he had shaved off the beard he had intended to keep for the rest of his life.
He transformed from a sage-like elder into a young and handsome Taoist priest.
Called out by Bai Nianchen, Xue Qianwei shivered her shoulders in embarrassment.
This plan was Chu Yang's idea, yet all the blame was falling on her.
However, she was also quite saddened. Sometimes, when she recalled it, everything felt like a dream.
Back then, she had, as a wealthy businesswoman, recruited Chu Yang to her company for live streaming.
Who knew that this stream would usher in an era of immortal cultivation.
She herself couldn't quite figure out her relationship with Chu Yang.
Later, when he became the Human Emperor, he always carried an aura that was both intimate and awe-inspiring.
Yet, she always liked to be close to Chu Yang, to joke with him. When he looked troubled, teasing him was also quite amusing.
Thinking about it now, perhaps she had truly developed romantic feelings for him.
It's just that she never had the chance to express her feelings before he was gone.
Moreover, Xue Qianwei never imagined that the person who seemed least likely to die would have his life constantly in Yanxu's hands.
This confrontation was a battle between Yanxu, Shitian, and Chu Yang.
Chu Yang's life was in Yanxu's hands, and his strength was not even on the same level as the other two. In such a dire disadvantage, he was the one who ultimately smiled.
No, it should be said that humanity smiled in the end.
Lost in thought, Xue Qianwei's eyes reddened again.
"Sigh, he will definitely come back, won't he? Otherwise, the readers will curse the author to death..."
Bai Nianchen was still reading the lengthy speech, which they had all written together. It downplayed the achievements of the Immortal Emperors among them and emphasized Brother Xian's wisdom and the contributions of the cultivator army.
As he listened, everyone present began to weep.
He had protected everyone, sacrificing only himself.
"...Heroes should be remembered. Humanity might not need a Human Emperor, but we need Brother Xian! Next, let's watch a video, to see firsthand the efforts we've made over the past three years to prepare for the war against the Shitian clan."
Everyone turned their attention to the large screen that had been reinstalled in the plaza.
However, what was displayed was... No signal.
Bai Nianchen: "???"
He quickly sent a telepathic message to Little White Bear, who was controlling the large screen from a building several kilometers away, "What the heck are you doing? It's time to play the video!"
Little White Bear replied anxiously, "Daoist Bai, something's wrong! The control center here seems to have a problem!"
"What? A problem? It was fine through so many rehearsals, and it has to have a problem today?"
Little White Bear sat in the control room. He was clearly already playing the video!
He was playing it, but why wasn't it connecting to the large screen?
This was being broadcast globally, and a hiccup like this would be too embarrassing.
At this moment, the large screen still showed "No Signal," and people were whispering amongst themselves.
"What happened? No internet anymore? Hacked?"
"Are you crazy? Who would dare hack it? The entire Blue Star's top fighting force is right here!"
"Is it a equipment malfunction?"
"..."
Wang Teng and the others saw this and knew there was a problem with the video team.
They all frowned. They wanted this memorial service to be as perfect as possible.
The most advanced technology was used here, and the equipment was supported by spiritual energy, so the possibility of a malfunction should have been minimal!
Just then, a voice came from beside him, "It's okay, it will be fixed soon."
Wang Teng was stunned. That familiar voice.
He turned his head and his eyes widened, "Holy crap! Qingyun, my brother, when did you get back? Why are you... Where's Brother Xian?"
Everyone was greatly surprised by Li Qingyun's sudden appearance.
Currently, they were at a loss on how to revive Chu Yang, with no clues whatsoever.
Now, their greatest hope rested on Li Qingyun.
Little Lian sat on Li Qingyun's shoulder, fiddling with his hair. The surrounding noise seemed unrelated to her.
Li Qingyun remained silent for a moment and said, "Let's get through this celebration first."
Although anxious, everyone decided to follow the day's proceedings first.
But why was the video playback segment stuck?
Just as everyone was lost in their thoughts, the screen suddenly flickered.
Little White Bear was dumbfounded. He was watching the live broadcast; his side was playing the edited video normally, but the connection to the plaza's screen was out of sync!
"It's haunted!"
Bai Nianchen breathed a sigh of relief when the image appeared.
It was good that the proceedings could continue.
The screen showed Chu Yang. He looked around, then cleared his throat, and said, "Dear family, good morning!"
Everyone's faces showed a look of grief.
This was likely a recording of Chu Yang's live stream. He always greeted them this way when he started broadcasting.
Memories flooded back...
"Huh? Why is the family so sad? That... Xue Boss, your eyes are a little red! Zi Fan, your hairstyle has lost its personality! Daoist Bai, I told you to shave long ago, see, you look much handsomer..."
As he said this, everyone froze!
This wasn't a recorded video! This was live streaming!
"Wow!! Brother Xian, where the hell have you been!"
"You finally remember to come back!"
"I knew it, I knew Brother Xian wouldn't die..."
"..."
At this, the people cried even harder!
Xue Qianwei covered her mouth, tears streaming down her face.
Li Qingyun also smiled, and Little Lian on his shoulder smiled along.
Seeing these people weeping profusely because of him, Chu Yang felt a pang of guilt.
He hadn't expected his temporary absence to cause them such sorrow.
A great sense of happiness enveloped him.
Being cared for by someone was a happy thing, but being cared for by the entire world was simply explosive happiness!
He had prepared many drafts, wanting to give everyone a big surprise, and had rehearsed countless times in his mind. Yet, at this moment, he didn't quite know what to say to respond to their affection.
After a moment of thought, he broke into a brilliant smile.
"If you are unwilling to forget, then naturally I am unwilling to leave..."
"Family, I'm back! I love you all!"
Chu Yang shouted loudly, raising his hands.
People looked up and saw the figure waving his hands from the top of the Ascending Immortal Pagoda.
The rising sun shone upon him, making him appear incredibly radiant...