In the morning, I greeted Father Bing and Mother Bing under immense pressure. Then, we had breakfast together. The expressions on the two parents' faces … I won't describe it, you can imagine it yourself. Anyway, they looked horrifying. Uncle Kouwain was so handsome that he could become the richest man in the world with just his face alone. Yet, before we even finished breakfast, he was laughing so hard that three creases formed on his cheeks. Auntie Eshari also looked inexplicably excited as she kept adding food to my bowl. I was quite thankful for her passion — — before my vision was completely blocked by the food in front of me.
"Look at how worried your parents are," I whispered to Icetis who was in the depths of my soul. "But, their reactions are indeed a little exaggerated."
"They are in fits and starts. It's fine," Icetis replied sleepily. "Actually, they are exaggerating on purpose to give me a sense of urgency. Oh, and also to give you some pressure. They have used this trick a few hundred times. It's fine even if you ignore them."
I chuckled dryly. I didn't know if I should be impressed by Father Bing and Mother Bing's exaggerated "cute" style, or by Icetis's understanding of her parents, or by Icetis's stubborn personality. After thinking for a while, I felt that I shouldn't be impressed. This family of three has been like this for hundreds of millions of years. I might not be able to finish lamenting until the next millennium. It was better for me to continue feeding Bing-jie with dead fish eyes next to me. Speaking of which, I was already quite familiar with this mission. Not only did I know Icetis's taste, I could even judge if she was full based on my intuition and memories of feeding her. This was all thanks to Icetis's soul that was constantly nagging in my head.
I took care of the dazed Sister Bing like I was taking care of a child. I taught her to open her mouth, reminded her to chew slowly, fed her water, and even patted her back when she choked (Although it didn't affect the Protoss much). As her body wasn't coordinated, she would make mistakes even in simple actions. I even had to wipe the food residue on the corner of her mouth and clothes from time to time. These actions were very complicated, but it wasn't annoying. On one hand, it was a pleasure to see such a beautiful lady eating blankly. On the other hand … I trained myself to take care of a child at home.
It was a sad story.
I feel that the current brainless, dead fish-eyed Icetis is much cuter than the normal version. But thinking about it, the normal version of Icetis is also quite … unique. Apart from that, there was one more thing. It had been too long since the lively Sister Bing ran around in front of him. He really missed that figure.
Although this stupid female gangster was always by his side, she was temporarily separated into two parts and stored separately. It would be strange if she didn't reassemble herself. Can you imagine what it feels like to eat plain boiled noodles today and drink boiled water to make seasoning packets tomorrow? A female gangster like Icetis needed a healthy body and a devilish soul to support her …
"We still have to go to Father's place later, right?" Icetis suddenly spoke. "We should be able to get a preliminary result today. Lord Sauvarese's efficiency has always been insane."
I helped Icetis wipe her (body) face, tidy up the bread crumbs on her clothes, and tidy up her hair. I nodded. "Mm. There were two things that we had to do in the God Realm. Now that you have completed your task, all that's left is to focus on researching. Oh right, you didn't sleep well last night. You should take a nap now. I'll call you if there's anything. "
Icetis acknowledged my words. Although she didn't need to breathe in her soul form, she still yawned to indicate that she was ready to sleep. I was thinking about three questions at the same time: Do Gods need to yawn? Do souls need to sleep? How does Icetis deal with her hair when she sleeps? Before I could ask about it, I heard a vicious threat in my mind. "Try asking about hair again!"
I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Then, I saw Auntie Ashali looking at me with a smile. Mm, Icetis was right. Her parents were exaggerating on purpose to give her psychological pressure. Isn't Ashali's gaze normal now? Uncle Kvain also finished his meal like a steady old gentleman. He waited for the shadow servants to clear the cutlery.
"She fell asleep. She didn't rest well last night. I let her take a nap." Although I wasn't sure, I guessed that the two of them could sense that Icetis's soul had just turned from active to quiet, which was why there was such a change in their behavior. Thus, I told them about the situation of Icetis's sleep.
"She must be a very troublesome and foolish girl." Auntie Ashali smiled elegantly. She didn't look like Icetis's mother at all. As Gods didn't age, she looked like Icetis's sister. It was even to the extent that it was hard to tell if they were older or younger sisters. When she smiled, I could vaguely see the shadow of Icetis. Even though their personalities were worlds apart, they seemed to be very similar when they smiled.
"Well, she is quite active. After getting used to it, I feel that her temper isn't bad. At the very least, it is very genuine." I replied with a smile. What I said was also from the bottom of my heart. Bryndis's temper might be a little too intense for most people, but thanks to the inertia of Void Creatures, I feel that I can adapt to communicating with anyone with a different temper. Look at Qian Qian's brain, isn't she still able to get along with me like a match made in heaven?
"Actually, we also know that such an anxious look would give her a lot of pressure." Kvain sighed softly. "… Actually, I have no other choice. I am a rather stupid father. When Icetis was young, I spent most of my time fighting outside. Every time I returned home in triumph, I felt as though I saw a complete stranger staying in my house. She called me daddy but I didn't know how to talk to her … You see, it slowly became like this. Now, I only know that this is the only thing that I can do as a father. Also, you know that she has been missing for a very long time and there is no news of her at all … Now, I just want someone to tie down that crazy lass. Do you understand? "
Unexpectedly, but within reason, I could only spread my hands. "So, you are going to let me do it alone, right?"
"Don't use honorifics. Strictly following the Void Stairs, we have to pay our respects when we meet you." Uncle Kvain waved his hand half-jokingly. "Actually, it isn't all about 'doing it'. This child, Icetis … is really worrisome. You should understand her. Do you think that someone like her … Forget about tens of millions of years, even after tens of millions of years, she would still be able to marry … "
"… Do you want to hear the truth or a lie?"
"Don't say anymore."
"Actually, Icetis can be a very stupid child at times." Ashali patted her dispirited husband to the side and said with a warm smile. "She is seen as a genius by many but when it comes to personal matters, she is like a blank piece of paper. She doesn't even understand what is going on with her feelings. Whenever she encounters an emotion that she has never experienced, it is easy for her to not react. Then, she foolishly categorizes it as the only brotherly relationship that she knows. "
"I already have Sandora and the others." I chuckled. "I am already quite satisfied with this. Love is a good thing but if you split it too much, it might not make everyone happy. Furthermore, I really don't think that my messing around with Icetis can be considered as love …"
"But, if it can really make one more person happy, there is no harm in doing so," Ashali said calmly but her eyes still moved away. "Of course, I am just saying casually. After all, it is still your own matter. I can see that you and Icetis … probably can't develop according to common sense. Just let nature take its course. Also, let me remind you that I am even more satisfied with your thoughts … "
I was speechless. In the end, I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Alright, alright. Let's not talk about this. Let's just talk about me. Isn't Uncle Kouyin the only one? If Icetis had another mother …"
"Yes," Ashali replied casually. "Anna Kavuna. This old fool knew her even earlier than he knew me."
What?!
I was dumbfounded. I was dumbfounded. What is going on with this unexpected development!
How did I get it right after I casually said it? Why has Icetis never mentioned this to anyone? Look at how proud Xiaoxue is when she usually introduces her three mothers to others.
"Err … That is Icetis's other mother …" I chuckled dryly. My gaze fell awkwardly on Uncle Kouyin. Initially, I thought that he only had one wife when I saw him spending time with Auntie Ashali every day. I didn't expect that the seemingly simple and honest Father Ice was actually multithreaded. "Then, why haven't I seen her before? Doesn't she live in this Divine Hall?"
"She died in the sixth quadrant 130 million years ago and left nothing behind," Kouyin said calmly. His expression was calm but his eyes hid a kind of sadness that was forcefully buried by time. "It is normal for Icetis not to mention her. It was something that happened a long time ago."
Even 130 million years of time couldn't erase the longing. Even the Protoss couldn't overcome this kind of separation of life and death.
I really wanted to slap myself. "… Sorry."
"It's fine." Kouyin shrugged. His expression was really calm. "In the God Realm, who doesn't have a few who died on the battlefield? Gods don't age either, so it is only a matter of time before they die in the expedition into the Abyss or while protecting the world. As long as there is a day when we die, this will not change. Even the Father God is no exception to this experience. Catie and her sister had an older sister before but there are less than a hundred Gods in the God Realm who have seen the appearance of the Princess Royal. To us, this is a part of immortal life. It will be the same for all of you sooner or later. "
I didn't know why the topic suddenly changed to such a heavy direction. I wanted to change the topic but I didn't know what to say. Kouyin, the old Protoss who had lived for too long, was right. This isn't something unimaginable. When a race is like the Gods who never age, never die from illness, and their hearts remain firm forever, while the Abyss and Armageddon are forever entrenched in the void, then their long life is actually a cruel one-way street from the beginning.
As long as you live long enough, you will eventually die on the battlefield, falling in a lonely place so far away that mortals can never reach. Abandoning your hometown and loved ones, leaving only your name on the list of those who died and being brought home by your commander.
It has always been a single choice.
"Ever since the establishment of the God Realm, not a single Protoss has died in their own bed at home." Kouyin smiled in relief, as though he didn't feel that this topic was very sad at all. "The place where they fell has always been far away from home. I have now withdrawn from the active service of every expeditionary army. But you also know that there are times when even the Father God personally goes on an expedition, so I will have such a day sooner or later. "
I looked past the crystal window at the side and silently looked at the busy gardeners of the temple in the garden. Anything that shines brilliantly is built on a heavy foundation. There is only darkness and coldness around the roots of the World Tree. It's the same for Galactic, it's the same for Huron, it's the same for Schilling. Immortals have to pay the price of immortality — Icetis actually said something similar to me. But I suddenly didn't feel that it was unacceptable. At least, these things will only happen after a long time, right? And you will always have enough opportunities to avoid them.
Or you will have enough time to smooth them over and accept them.
"If that's the case, only the Goddess of Life who doesn't know anything and spends her days happily celebrating everything is the winner." I suddenly chuckled. "They don't have the Death Attribute at all. Only Void Creatures can wipe them out."
"Other than the Light God System that was personally created by the Father God, the Life Goddess System is the first race that the Father God promoted to a True God," Kouyin said calmly. "But after them, the Father God didn't allow another race to possess the attribute of absolute immortality. He has this ability. Why do you think that is? "
I fell silent for a moment.
"Haha, don't think too much about it. At the very least, life in general isn't too bad." Uncle Kouyin didn't let me remain silent for long before he laughed and patted my shoulder forcefully. "You have to understand that even the Father God doesn't have the ability to protect every inch of the Void. So, I will reluctantly give you a piece of advice as an elder. Don't mind those things that can't be redeemed. As long as you protect everything within your sight, ability and heart, within this range, even if you die, you have to protect it well!"
"I've learned from you." I felt the heavy pressure on my shoulder as I emphasized every word.
Kouyin nodded. This was the first time I noticed that the pair of blood-red eyes glowed with the wisdom of an elder. I suddenly felt that I had been fooled by his unreliable image. Perhaps, the true wise one was here …
"Teaching Void Creatures sure feels good, heh." Kouyin moved to the side as he rubbed his hands and whispered to Aishali. However, his voice was so loud that the entire house could hear him. "Aren't you going up to say a few words? When he grows to the level of the Father God, we can only stare at him … "
I was speechless.
If I were to believe that anyone who is related to Icetis is reliable, I would be lacking in intelligence!
I returned to the Book Tower with a heart full of emotions. The Father God was already waiting for me at the entrance of the Book Tower. His observation skills are sharp. The moment we met, he asked, "Not in a good mood?"
"It's nothing." I took a deep breath. "I was chatting with Kouyin about the Protoss Expedition and suddenly felt sentimental about immortality." "Is that so?"
"Is that so?" How intelligent was the Father God? With just one sentence, he had probably thought of everything, but he only smiled warmly. "Dilute the heavy matter to the extent of a hundred million years, or even a billion years if that doesn't work. It will eventually become easier to accept. Before that, try your best not to let them happen."
I suddenly thought of a strange question, a question that seemed to be inevitable under the premise of 'infinity'. "Hey, have you 'died' before? Just like how I 'died' back then. "
Void Creatures wouldn't 'completely disappear' but we have our own way of 'dying', which is to be exiled back to our initial state.
"Un, more than once." The Father God laughed without a care. "The worst time was when I was exiled to the Void for as long as sixteen million years. However, the first time I 'died' was after I became an adult, so I didn't lose all my memories like you did. The God Realm has a special plan to deal with this kind of situation. After I die — or should I say, I'm exiled back to the Void Dispersion state — the God Realm will be partially sealed off. At the same time, the Pantheon will manage it on my behalf, so there won't be any delays. The only troublesome thing is that I'll have to get to know a lot of people again after I return … "
I opened my mouth and thought for a long time. Suddenly, I looked at him with a strange expression. "Speaking of which, why is our topic so strange?"
"I've talked about even stranger topics with Hilla in the past." The Father God shrugged. "We made a bet to see who could 'die' three times first. The first person to reach that number would treat the other party to a meal. I've been waiting for this meal for a total of one hundred and forty billion years. Oh, who knows when she'll ask you to make the same bet. You don't know how bored she is usually … "
I said, "… Let's talk about searching for information."
As expected, Sauval's work efficiency was very high. Although the manpower wasn't in place yet, the ancient soul queue that was used to filter information was already operating normally. We once again arrived at the void storage area of the Library Tower. This time, the screening went very smoothly. At least, there were no crashes.
After a rough screening, the suspected targets of our homeworld were reduced by almost half. The ones that were eliminated were the universes that obviously hadn't been contacted by the "observers from other worlds" other than the Protoss. However, the number of suspected targets was still huge, and they were distributed in all the known Void Quadrants. Nobody knew which quadrant our homeworld was in, so we could only list out all the suspected targets in all the quadrants.
However, I suddenly recalled that when I was talking to Anthus about the Ark of Exile, he mentioned that the ark would quickly lose contact with us after entering the Void. At that time, Sandora deduced that the reason for this phenomenon was that our homeworld was located at the intersection of two quadrants.
This was important information. The number of suspected targets of our homeworld was instantly reduced to one-fifth of the number.
Then … there was no shortcut to eliminate any more targets.
In the next few days in the God Realm, we carried out this sort of mechanical investigation. The information provided by the ancestors on the voyage logs wasn't enough, which made the screening process a waste of time and an endless loop. After confirming that the huge data vault couldn't provide any more information, I felt that it was time to return to the City of Shadows.
Of course, there was another important reason why I decided to return.
If I didn't return, Father Ice and Mother Ice might even kidnap Icetis and me to their wedding … As a good man of the new era who insisted on walking the path of true love, I decisively ran away, comrades!
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