Planet Pulverizer: A Mortal's Ascent-Chapter 588: Bystander

Li Pin settled quietly at the foot of Mountain Qingyuan.

The Xiya Kingdom? The factions surrounding Baili Qingfeng? None dared to oppose Li Pin's will.

Their greatest reliance was Baili Qingfeng himself. If Baili Qingfeng chose not to act against Li Pin, these factions had no way of dealing with him

***

Over the following period, Li Pin observed Baili Qingfeng closely and began to understand why the pioneers feared him so deeply.

Baili Qingfeng was decisive—unwaveringly so. His actions were swift and resolute. To enforce his will, he would not be swayed by any external influence. When he decreed death, death followed. When he spoke of annihilation, it was done.

Li Pin watched as Baili Qingfeng formed the Watcher Alliance, declaring that any collaboration with the humanoid races of the Twin Moon Domain would make them his enemy.

He saw Baili Qingfeng face the Legendary Beastmen alone, battling against overwhelming odds as a Quasi-Legend.

He followed him into the depths of the cavernous world, where Baili Qingfeng single-handedly stood against 30,000 cavern dwellers before the Wither Tree City, fighting desperately for survival.

Li Pin even witnessed Baili Qingfeng, as a Quasi-Legend, confront the Immortal God Emperor, who unleashed a sword strike with the Supreme Demonic Sword.

Though the strike missed, no one could deny the courage and conviction Baili Qingfeng displayed in that moment.

Perhaps it was his True Spirit perception that gave him the confidence that he wouldn't die.

But even so, it was like an ordinary person bungee jumping—knowing the equipment is safe doesn't mean everyone would have the courage to step up and take the leap.

After the Immortal God Emperor incident, Baili Qingfeng turned his attention back to the Beastmen and the Radiant Empire. All of this unfolded within a few months. To Li Pin, Baili Qingfeng seemed like an unceasing axis, constantly in motion.

Li Pin found this life fulfilling, even enjoyable. But he could see that Baili Qingfeng did not. Yet, Baili Qingfeng pressed on without pause, as if stopping would mean losing the purpose he had clung to for so many years. Restarting, it seemed, was not an option.

***

Li Pin stood quietly outside Baili Qingfeng's residence, observing. I've thought about this before. The True Spirit Realm involves reflecting one's surroundings with their True Spirit. Since it's described as 'reflecting,' the True Spirit must be polished to perfection.

I once speculated that a temperament like blank paper—or a mirror capable of illuminating everything—might be a prerequisite for achieving True Spirit. But now it seems... this is simply Baili Qingfeng's nature.

In the courtyard, Baili Qingfeng was teaching Baili Zhu swordsmanship.

Shi Yiyi appeared to be asking what they wanted for breakfast.

The atmosphere seemed warm and harmonious.

Yet, for some reason, Li Pin sensed a hint of falseness in the scene.

Yes, falseness.

Baili Qingfeng, Baili Zhu, and everything around them felt out of place. Even in this world shaped by Baili Zhu's perception, the disconnection was stark. There was an undeniable sense of fragmentation.

"He doesn't belong here," Li Pin murmured.

At that moment, Baili Qingfeng noticed Li Pin and greeted him warmly. "Senior Li, you're here? Have you eaten? Would you like to join us for breakfast?"

"No need," Li Pin replied.

He studied Baili Qingfeng for a moment before asking, "Have you ever felt exhausted?"

Realizing his question might be too vague, he added, "Have you ever felt like you couldn't go on? Like you wanted to leave this world?"

Baili Qingfeng looked puzzled. "Leave this world?"

"Retreat from society, or even die," Li Pin clarified.

"Retreat from society? Die?" Baili Qingfeng scratched his head. "Senior Li, isn't this a bit heavy for the morning?"

"Answer me," Li Pin said. "Answer me with your most genuine feelings."

"No... not really..." Baili Qingfeng replied.

"Then you have," Li Pin concluded, quickly seeing through his true thoughts.

"That was back when I didn't understand things. And back then, I already knew I wouldn't die." Baili Qingfeng quickly dismissed those dark memories and said firmly, "Now, I'd never think that way. I have my father, my sister, relatives, and friends. If I were to die suddenly... they'd be sad, very upset."

"Just because they'd be sad?" Li Pin asked.

"No," Baili Qingfeng quickly shook his head. "Since heaven gave us life, we should cherish it, make the most of every day, and live our lives to the fullest, right?"

Li Pin frowned upon hearing this. Have I misjudged? Or has Baili Qingfeng endured it?

He hadn't broken down or gone mad. Instead, he seemed more resolute, more positive about life. He had even spoken about cherishing each day and making the most of it.

But if that were the case, why would he become that eternal void, that eternal emptiness, the Void Emperor who understands nothing and feels nothing in the future?

Has the critical moment not yet come? Li Pin wondered.

Would it only happen when everyone from the Thunder Sect's generation had died? When even Baili Zhu stood against him, rallying the True Gods he had imprisoned to rebel together? Only then would he truly lose hope, abandon this world, and venture into the depths of the universe?

"Then I'll wait and see," Li Pin said, glancing at Baili Qingfeng. "What will you do next?"

"We plan to use the Astral Gate in the Blood Orchid Kingdom to travel to the Twin Moon Domain," Baili Qingfeng explained. "We'll buy some things there and also try to find clues about Xiao Zhu's origins—perhaps even locate her parents."

He then extended an invitation. "Senior Li, would you like to come with us?"

"To the Twin Moon Domain..." Li Pin murmured.

He knew these two trips were pivotal for Baili Zhu's growing affection for Baili Qingfeng. He had no intention of altering the course of events, nor did he believe he could. Thus, he decided not to interfere at this crucial juncture.

"I won't join you this time. But be careful out there. The world is full of deceit." He glanced at the doll-like girl in the courtyard. "Protect Xiao Zhu."

"Of course," Baili Qingfeng assured, thumping his chest. "I'll make sure nothing happens to her."

Li Pin nodded and returned to his courtyard.

That afternoon, Fang Zhiqian arrived, accompanied by Fang Chunyang, Xu Anping, and others. By now, the group had effectively split into two factions.

One faction included Li Pin, Fang Zhiqian, Fang Chunyang, Xu Anping, and Lie Qingqing. The other consisted of Shi Yiren, Shi Keqing, Chao Yang, and Chao Yu.

Though the team hadn't officially split, the two sides had little interaction and no exchange of information. Each group operated independently, both convinced that they were the ones in the right.

***

"You're here." Li Pin glanced at Fang Chunyang, Xu Anping, and Lie Qingqing. He smiled and said, "You've all reached tier nine, not bad."

They followed up with their own remarks.

"Only tier nine. Compared to you, Captain, we're still far behind."

"The rules of this world are too strict. Energy exchange, material exchange, there are no shortcuts."

"You reached tier ten months ago. Now you're probably at tier eleven, right? You must be close to tier twelve, the Legendary Realm."

"I've been focusing on other research lately. My cultivation has slowed down a bit," Li Pin replied.

The cultivation system of this world held little value to him. The only thing worth studying was Baili Qingfeng's human form, his True Spirit realm, and the Transcendent Realm that followed, said to grant omniscience and omnipotence.

Lately, Li Pin had been using Baili Qingfeng as a mirror. With his Clairvoyance, he observed every detail, patiently learning and reflecting. He used this mirror to reflect upon himself, hoping to see the realest version of himself more clearly.

With a smile, Fang Chunyang said, "Word has spread in the circle about your close contact with Baili Qingfeng. Captain, if you weren't living next to him and accompanying him everywhere, many would've already tried to collaborate with you."

"Collaboration isn't necessary," Li Pin replied. "I plan to first observe the storyline, staying by Baili Qingfeng's side and experiencing it from his perspective. Only then can I find a way to break open this divine treasure world."

Xu Anping's eyes lit up. "Do you have any leads?"

"Just a guess. If things go smoothly, it should help a lot in breaking the Void World. If not... it will still be a clue of some use."

"If we let the storyline unfold as it is... what should we do?" Lie Qingqing asked.

At this moment, Fang Chunyang spoke up. "I've received news that many people plan to target Baili Zhu in the Twin Moon Domain. If we want the storyline to develop normally, it's best—"

"It doesn't matter, I've already reminded Baili Qingfeng," Li Pin said, pausing for a moment. "It should have some effect. If not, we'll just observe and see where the storyline goes next."

Fang Chunyang nodded in agreement.

Li Pin glanced outside and smiled. "As soon as Baili Qingfeng leaves, someone arrives."

Lie Qingqing, Xu Anping, Fang Chunyang, and Fang Zhiqian exchanged looks and hurried out.

"It's fine," Li Pin said, waving his hand. "Since they're here, let them work with Zhao Tiangang and Fang Zhiqian to investigate Baili Qingfeng's past, especially what happened before the Void Divine Treasure World."

He seemed to remember something and turned to Lie Qingqing, "You're a woman. Head to the original Aurora Empire and discreetly monitor a woman named Gu Lingying."

Lie Qingqing nodded. "Leave it to me."

With that, Li Pin stepped out of the courtyard.

Outside, a group of over a hundred people was hurrying towards them.

Among the three leaders, one of them... was none other than Wu Tian, the legendary pioneer of the Frostbound Star Abyss.

Their aggressive demeanor suggested they hadn't come with friendly intentions.

R𝑒ad latest chapt𝒆rs at freew𝒆(b)novel.c(o)m Only