Him and their stars.

Chapter 2063 Long Time No See, Now
So all of you magical creatures have similar ailments, huh?

This is a rare mythical beast known as the "Seven Sacred Fish." The name comes from its appearance, from its fine scales that seem to be imbued with seven-colored light, and also from its innate ability to master multiple supernatural attributes.

Having lived two lifetimes, Yu Lian had heard of their existence, but this was the first time he had seen them alive and breathing. He was immediately struck by the novelty and took a closer look.

To be fair, some amazing creatures are so beautiful just by standing there, they're like a painting.

Similar to Master's Little Xuanwu, this is also a rare mythical beast that can jump back and forth between the real world and the virtual world. It has extremely high intelligence, can fly freely in the ethereal sea and outer space, and is generally friendly to humans.

Throughout humanity's millennia-long history of space exploration, they have only appeared a handful of times, but each time the story unfolds like a heartwarming fairy tale, making their style and habits quite predictable.

For this reason, Yu Lian was quite surprised by their visit.

He stared directly at the round, chubby head, those clear purple eyes, and that three-lobed mouth with some feline characteristics, but still couldn't discern any reptilian features at all.

"Aren't you the Seven Sacred Fish? I can't see the 'snake' at all," Yu Lian said. Although he couldn't see any fish-like features either.

“Translation problem.” The illusory beast magically produced another sign, then raised the “I am a snake” sign even higher, as if to emphasize this point.

I really don't understand why this person is so fixated on the concept of "snake".

Just as Yu Lian had this thought crossed his mind, he saw the magical beast flip one of the signs over, revealing a blank side. Then, as if by magic, it spat out a marker and began writing furiously, shaking its large head.

...To be fair, this cultured man's demeanor is much more solid than his master's little Xuanwu. However, the way he writes with a pen in his mouth so quickly makes him look like he's taken too many ecstasy pills.

Less than half a minute later, the Seven Sacred Fish stopped what they were doing and set up their sign again: "In the Alliance language, this word refers to an ancient mythical beast that is neither fish nor dragon. You Earthlings simply translated it as 'fish,' which is a very lazy approach and a betrayal of translation studies. What if you used Naga? Or Chiwen?"

To be honest, the fact that someone can write so quickly using only their brain is not just beautiful, it's downright magnificent.

"This...uh, I'm really sorry." Although being criticized for academic issues by a fat, chubby, rainbow-colored seal seemed a bit inappropriate, the other person's longer text meant they were right, so Yu Lian still sincerely apologized.

"However, the earliest translators in Earth's civilization were actually scholars or theologians of the classical era, who did not receive systematic education in translation studies."

The Seven Sacred Fish nodded, a subtle, expressive smile playing on its lips. While it didn't display any particular expression, its eyes held a hint of understanding.

He lowered his head and resumed his spectacular, head-shaking calligraphy, then held up the sign:

"You are the leader of a civilization and a nation, and this is a tremendous responsibility. You have an obligation to set things right in all aspects. You have an obligation to ensure that cultural workers embody culture."

Although it was just a signboard, Yu Lian could clearly read a deep and earnest message from it.

"...Yes, you are right. I will reflect on this and examine myself carefully in the future."

Although it seemed there was still something wrong with being advised by a large seal, considering that the other party was writing with his head and was so sincere, Yu Lian could only continue to be humble.

Wait a minute, doesn't this mean I'm implicitly assuming I'm the leader of civilization? Is this some kind of divine designation from a mythical beast?

Just as he was about to say something, he saw the Seven Sacred Fish across from him, holding a marker in its mouth, busily shaking its head and moving around.

You might be able to write faster using the tail!

As Yu Lian, who had been watching the whole thing, began to feel a little dizzy, the other party raised up the third updated signboard: "More than 30% of the known races in the universe that have developed original civilizations regard snakes as symbols of life, rebirth, and prosperity. Although I am a bit more powerful, I cannot forget my roots, just as you humans regard monkeys and apes as your own kind. I am still proud to be a snake."

Is this a matter of "forgetting one's roots"? Also, "kindred spirits" and "family" are not the same thing!
Yu Lian wanted to complain but didn't know where to start, so he cupped his hands again and said, "Then, may I ask what guidance you have for this trip, senior? This junior is all ears."

A distinct look of bewilderment flashed across the other person's face. As if just realizing what was happening, they swayed their long neck and shook their head. Even the ornate, jewel-like fins extending from their jaws seemed to show a hint of unease.

After pondering for a moment, it dropped its nameplate and stretched out its tail, sliding it through the void. The spatial gate that had just closed reopened, expanding several more times with swirling force field fluctuations before stabilizing.

Behind this "fish-made" miniature wormhole, there was only a deep abyss that was completely beyond the reach of the naked eye, but Yu Lian could clearly sense the aura of the illusory realm.

Excellent, another virtual realm. To ordinary psionicists, it's clearly an endless abyss fraught with danger, but for Commander Yu, the demigod, going to this world is like coming home. It's filled with endless wonders and bizarre sights, yet it also contains boundless mysteries and treasures. He already loves it there.

"Is this your invitation?"

"I'm just a coachman who delivers messages on the side; I never force anyone." The Seven Sacred Fish magically erected a sign again before stretching out its tail.

The tip of its long, serpentine tail also holds a layer of fan-shaped fins, still appearing to be made of crystal-clear gemstone fragments, and each fiber lake still flows with a breathtaking aura.

Yu Lian rubbed his hands together slightly, about to place his hand on hers, when he suddenly heard Fei Fei's voice:

"The bridge just reported that a third party was secretly observing during the attack on Xiamen Base. This was sensed by Xiao Qing, so it shouldn't be unfounded."

"I already know."

"I also sensed a slight spatial fluctuation just now, very subtle, but it shouldn't have been hostile."

"Yes. I have an exceptionally distinguished guest here, who even invited me to visit."

"Oh, then go ahead. Have a safe journey. I have quite a few bottles of herbs from the dragon's nest last time, I must restore the herbal tea, so I won't wait for you."

My Feifei is such a good woman with stable emotions!
Yu Lian sighed and placed his hand on the tail of the Seven Sacred Fish. The touch was not cold stone, but rather like a soft cushion, easily reminiscent of a cat's paw pads.

He felt the gravitational pull from another dimension, the familiar feeling of "ascension" to another world. Of course, it was also the familiar sensation of a sudden visual detachment and sensory dislocation.

However, this time, the feeling of being in a daze was lighter and shorter than ever before.

When his vision returned to normal, he found himself on an island floating in the ethereal ocean of the void. Of course, it was an island, but it had been modified. Before him lay a smooth, circular plaza paved with polished white marble bricks. If a mound resembling a grave were added, it would be suitable for ancient emperors to use for sacrificial rites.

Looking at the ethereal gray mist surrounding the island, it seems very close in visual perception, as if it could collapse like an avalanche at any moment.

But upon closer examination and appreciation, it always feels very distant, as if it were isolated in another world.

This is a solitary realm, one of the small worlds independently carved out within the void realm.

I remember a serpent head that had already gone to the Cosmic Spirit once told me that all the serpent heads of the Ring World with thirteen or more faces have such a small territory in the illusory realm.

This can be considered a perk the club gives to its members who are both "red sticks" and "white paper fans."

So, it's obvious who invited me here.

Yu Lian glanced at the Seven Sacred Fish and saw that it had already moved aside with its agile body, looking like it was saying, "I've finished my work, so I'm just watching the show."

He looked at the center of the square again and was surprised to see the "Modern Lady" whom he hadn't seen for a long time. Her appearance, figure, and demeanor were all exceptional, yet she could seamlessly switch between being dazzling and ordinary in terms of her presence.

Miss Bei's biological mother.

Yu Lian was obviously not friendly with the Snake Organization, but seeing that the lady was still healthy and radiant, he was actually a little happy.

Just as he was about to greet him, he saw his "old friend" open his fan with a whoosh, on which was written: "Long time no see, Zhiyu, I often think of you."

This immediately made Yu Lian, who was about to casually say "Long time no see," seem like a complete country bumpkin.

This is such an elegant style; I've never seen anything like it before.

However, seeing an old friend suddenly become cultured was quite a pleasant experience. Yu Lianzhen wanted to sincerely praise her, but then the lady couldn't help but sigh again, uttering a full, affectionate, and kind voice: "The wheel of time bites its tail and transforms into a spiritual trace, a fleeting moment of beauty blooms crimson. A serpent coils around the universe, startling thunder, its reflection in the mirror reveals its true form!"

Very good, the familiar opening. Just based on the intonation and rhythm of reciting the opening poem, he should be able to say a line on stage.

Yu Lian grinned: "...You did this yourself?"

"Of course! It's definitely not an AI."

“No wonder.” Yu Lian sighed. “If it were done by AI, even if it’s not exactly literary, it would at least be neater than yours.”

"Where is my handwriting not neat?" The woman's eyes widened, revealing obvious hurt and humiliation, but after opening her mouth, she finally said with a hint of resentment, "You are a writer, so I won't argue with you."

That was a really foul language. Yu Lian looked at the words on her fan again: "You didn't choose this, did you?"

"Yes. It was Miss 'Past' who chose her. She is understanding, speaks beautifully, and is cultured. I like her very much. She is also the current leader of the Ring Serpent."

"So you just let her take the position without any hesitation? Even though she's far less qualified than you."

"We, the Snake of the Panoramic View, are a progressive organization that doesn't care about seniority. Anyone who is suitable can be in charge." The woman seemed very proud: "Although she is the 'past,' she represents the future."

"Oh, so where is the real 'future' then?"

"That's not important. Your Excellency, my presence here represents the collective will of the snakes. Doesn't the future depend on the choices we make, based on our own actions?"

"...That's why I find it so tiresome! I just can't connect with you snake-heads. It's always like we're playing a riddle, there's no sincerity at all." Yu Lian shrugged with an emotionless poker face, revealing a bright golden blade: "Very well, let's get down to business."

The woman put away her fan and subconsciously raised her hands, taking several steps back: "Procedure? What procedure? You've misunderstood! We really have no hostility. We've come here to discuss serious business."

“But I was hostile. The last time we met, we were fighting to the death, and I even ordered your snake den to be demolished,” Yu Lian said matter-of-factly.

What he said made such a good point that Ms. "now" had no way to respond.

She looked at the Seven Sacred Fish for help, only to see that the divine beast, draped in brilliant rosy light, had already drifted to the mountaintop on the edge of the island furthest from them, turned its head toward the thick gray fog beyond the Realm of Solitude, and fallen into deep thought, as if it were observing the ultimate mystery of the Ether Sea.

"Besides, if you really have no hostility, why are there other people hiding here? Come at me all at once, I'm in a hurry."

They just didn't have time to say hello. The woman wanted to say that, but it was too late now. Yu Lian opened his palm, and a bright golden blade suddenly bloomed, pointing at the other person's brow or vital point.

However, before the beam formed by the atomic light spear could strike the opponent's brow, Yu Lian had already placed his other hand across his chest, making a grabbing motion.

In that instant, his outstretched palms seemed to hold the entire weight of the small world within them.

With a slight thought, an invisible and overwhelming gravitational field suddenly erupted from him. It was a spatial collapse effect purely simulated by psionic energy.

In an instant, the woman felt a terrifying sense of oppression, groaning under the weight of the ground beneath her, and spiderweb-like cracks suddenly appeared in the air. The space surrounding her was then pulled and shredded into countless pieces by this invisible force.

It felt as if one's own body was also a part that had been cut off.

The snake head suddenly realized that it could be reduced to dust at any moment, both in body and soul.

Even so, the white marble plaza beneath my feet remained completely still, with not even a tiny crack showing in the stone bricks, as stable as the roots of the World Tree.

Looking at the Seven Sacred Fish over there, they had already curled their heads into their rolled-up bodies.

As a divine beast, although it receives a considerable allowance from the organization, it remains neutral, rigorous, objective, and rational.