"Dad, you're finally back!"
Xiaobai was the first to pounce.
Mo Ran also quickly scrambled out of Tang Houde's body, vying to rush into Zhang Chen's embrace.
"Whoosh, I'm finally back!"
Zhang Chen was almost suffocated by the two girls.
Recovering from a prolonged spiritual form left him feeling slightly unwell.
But feeling the warmth and softness against his chest, his hands touching a real substance...
He had to admit, returning to a physical form was so much more comfortable than being a spirit.
"True God, where have you been during this time? We were all so worried!"
Zhang Wenwen asked anxiously.
"It's a long story, and it's hard to explain. The important thing is I'm back!"
Zhang Chen said with a smile.
"You've changed somehow since you returned!"
Chen Xiao tilted his head, looking at Zhang Chen. He felt a familiar aura emanating from him.
This was the unique aura possessed by the core of the time meteorite.
"That's right, I've completed my trial. And during the time I was gone, I witnessed your trial!"
"Your trial isn't over yet; it's only just begun!"
"I look forward to the day you become different!"
Zhang Chen smiled slyly at Chen Xiao.
Previously, it was Chen Xiao, who possessed the abilities of the time meteorite, who knew the future but didn't reveal it, deliberately being mysterious.
Now, the situation was reversed. Zhang Chen could see Chen Xiao's future, while Chen Xiao could no longer see through Zhang Chen's.
"I can change too?"
Chen Xiao asked in surprise.
"That's right. However, you should return to your own world now. They need you."
"Perhaps one day, you will need my help too. When that time comes, come find Wenwen, and she will lead you to me."
Zhang Chen finished speaking and waved his right hand gently, opening a portal out of thin air.
"Okay, thank you. I hope I'll have the opportunity to follow in your footsteps again in the future!"
Chen Xiao said respectfully.
"You're welcome. In the future, when we have the chance, we'll fight side by side, like true friends and comrades!"
Zhang Chen smiled and patted Chen Xiao on the shoulder.
Chen Xiao nodded, bid farewell to everyone present, and returned to his own world.
"Everything is over, True God. You can return and continue to rule your dynasty!"
"Your subjects are all eagerly awaiting your return!"
Zhang Wenwen said respectfully, bowing her head.
"I'm not suited to be an emperor, a politician, or a leader."
"Now that everything is over, I'm not needed anymore. I just want to return to my peaceful life."
Zhang Chen said with a smile.
"You... want to live in seclusion? But the True God Sect cannot be without you... You are everyone's faith!"
Zhang Wenwen said piously.
"You're mistaken. The True God Sect cannot be without you. Most of them have never seen me, yet their faith in me is devout."
"This is not my accomplishment, but yours. The True God Sect can do without this rarely seen True God, but it absolutely cannot do without you!"
"You continue to manage the True God Sect, together with Li Bingyu. This is your stage!"
Zhang Chen said, giving Zhang Wenwen a gentle hug and whispering in her ear, "You've worked hard! Xiaoruan is left with you. I've already had it memorize the location of my world. When you need it, it will take you to me!"
A moment later, he waved his right hand again.
A portal slowly opened.
This portal was different from the previous ones. It shimmered with a golden light, illuminating the entire room.
"Alright, Xi Yue and the others have already been arranged to go to this world ahead of me. Now, I should head out too!"
Zhang Chen said with a smile.
"Dad, I'm going too!"
"Yes, take Mo Ran with you. Mo Ran wants to go too!"
Xiaobai and Mo Ran pleaded from the side.
"That world is too weak and not suitable for you. You won't be happy there!"
"We're just living in different worlds, not like we'll never see each other again."
"You two be good and stay by Wenwen's side. If you miss me, you can come see me anytime through Xiaoruan!"
Zhang Chen gently stroked the faces of the two girls and said softly.
"But..."
Xiaobai pouted, sobbing as she tried to argue, but Mo Ran held her back.
"Listen to Dad, he's doing this for our own good. Let's not make it difficult for him..."
Although Mo Ran was also crying rivers of tears, she knew that Zhang Chen was right.
Xiaobai was so playful; she could only find enjoyment in the apocalyptic world. If she went to other worlds, wouldn't she destroy the entire world?
As for herself, she had more than a dozen spider clans behind her. If she left, with their complementary skills and vast numbers, the spider army would become the greatest enemy of the survivors.
"Then... Dad, you have to come back and see us when you have time!"
Xiaobai said reluctantly.
"Don't worry, I'll come back to see you at least once every month!"
Zhang Chen said softly.
Although the two girls were reluctant, they were somewhat reassured by Zhang Chen's promise.
Under their reluctant gazes, Zhang Chen slowly stepped into the golden portal.
From then on, the power struggles and schemes of the apocalypse had nothing to do with Zhang Chen.
He was merely a god of faith, a legend, a passerby...
As the surrounding scenery gradually became clear, Zhang Chen appeared in an alleyway of a bustling metropolis.
This was a world meticulously chosen by Zhang Chen. Furthermore, through the power of the meteorite, this world no longer rejected him and those around him, allowing them to live here without the constraints of time.
Katerina, embracing Zhang Mo and Zhao Xi Yue, stood smiling with Xu Ruina and a few others.
Behind them stood Shirley, Guan Xin, and Qian Xin Xin.
"This is..."
Zhang Chen was momentarily stunned. He hadn't expected that by secretly opening a portal for Katerina and the others, a few more people would have come.
"Master, do you not want me anymore?"
Shirley asked with red eyes.
"That... the submission potion's effects have worn off. I thought you could regain your freedom, so..."
Before Zhang Chen could finish speaking, Shirley threw herself into his arms.
The overwhelming feeling made Zhang Chen involuntarily step back.
"Whether or not the submission potion is effective, I want to be your servant forever and obey you forever."
"I don't have a home anymore, Master. You are my family. If you leave, I'll be an unwanted child! Wuwuwu..."
Shirley said, bursting into tears.
This alley was not far from the commercial street.
Occasionally, passersby walking past the alley entrance heard the crying and stopped to point and comment.
"Alright, alright, this is my fault. I didn't consider everything thoroughly before. We'll all live together from now on!"
Zhang Chen said with a smile.
Hearing this, Shirley's tears finally turned into a smile, but her arms, tightly wrapped around Zhang Chen, did not let go for a moment.
Seeing Zhang Chen look at her, Guan Xin answered before he could ask:
"Don't look at me. I was just worried about you. I heard that woman Xu Lin Na tricked you before, and I knew you could be naive and foolish sometimes."
"If I'm not around, you might get tricked again. I'm only here because I'm worried about you, not because I can't live without you!"
Qian Xin Xin on the side also said helplessly:
"I came here to realize my own value. The ring has failed, and it's hard for me to continue operating in the apocalypse."
"It's better to come to this world and use my talents again to earn some money.
"Besides, with this large family of yours, you can't just live on thin air in a peaceful world. I'll support you!"
Zhang Chen chuckled, looking down at the Underworld Mushroom on his left arm greedily absorbing the energy emanating from everyone around.
In fact, as long as it was there, whatever he wanted was within easy reach.
But Zhang Chen didn't refute Qian Xin Xin. He just smiled, then turned to the women and said:
"Let's go. Let's start our new lives. Money is not a problem, but I wonder which country's laws allow me to marry multiple wives?"
Xu Ruina smiled calmly and said:
"Titles are all虚的 (xū de - superficial/empty). As long as we are together, that's what matters."
"Moreover... what country's laws can control a True God?"
The women agreed in unison, like a flock of swallows surrounding the sun, leading Zhang Chen out of the alley and towards a new tomorrow...
Three years later...
On a tranquil island, a luxurious complex of buildings was located.
Yachts, helicopters, and luxury cars were all readily available.
Xu Ruina and Katerina, along with the other women, were wearing swimsuits and playing cliff diving by a cliff tens of meters high.
Zhao Xi Yue, holding her daughter who was just one year old, stood by and giggled.
Suddenly, a shining meteorite streaked across the sky, trailing a long tail of flames as it plunged into the sea.
Seeing this, Zhang Chen smiled playfully and muttered to himself, "What is bound to come, will eventually come..."
(The new book "Apocalypse Survival: Infinite Rebirth" will be released next Monday, June 13th. The protagonist is Chen Xiao. The later part of the next book will continue Zhang Chen's story as they explore the truth behind the meteorite!
This is just a temporary pause for the main storyline. The subsequent chapters of this book will feature a series of side stories attached to the main plot, detailing the peaceful life of Zhang Chen's family in the city, but this urban world is not as calm as it appears...
The sequel will include some stories omitted from the original, such as how Guan Xin killed Lin Qingsong, and where the women from the beginning went. Please continue to read, and don't forget to follow the new book! Lots of love!~
If there are any side stories you'd like to see, feel free to leave a comment in the comment section at any time~)