this infinite world

"this world……"

When Zhang Heng came out of his half-asleep, half-awake state and opened his eyes to look at the dark world in front of him, the young man immediately frowned.

"What's wrong, Heng?"

Beside Zhang Heng, Ming Yanwei also opened her eyes. When she noticed the ground full of dead bones, she couldn't help but exclaimed, "What's going on...what on earth has happened in this world?"

Zhang Heng shook his head gently, temporarily suppressing the inexplicable uneasiness and the malice that came from nowhere in his heart. His eyes were fixed on the dim sun in the sky that was almost extinguished, and his brows were deeply furrowed.

According to what Chu Xuan concluded using the Investiture of the Gods, this world is a plane based on Greek mythology, and Zhang Heng and Ming Yanwei only need to follow the arrangements of the first person they meet after entering, and they will naturally get opportunities...but they didn't expect that the situation they saw as soon as they arrived would be so bad.

You know, the elves that Zhang Heng exchanged for are a race that is extremely sensitive to the force of life, but this land is filled with a lingering breath of death, and it can even be said that it is on the verge of destruction.

Perhaps sensing Zhang Heng's mood or noticing the situation outside, four elemental elves also emerged from Zhang Heng's body and stared at the dead silent land for a long time in silence... But just as the atmosphere became more and more depressing, the most lively wind elf Sylph suddenly moved her ears, as if she sensed something: "Master, the wind tells me that there seems to be a battle in that direction... Ah, there is an old man being chased by a really big snake!"

"Heng?"

Hearing this, Ming Yanwei immediately looked at Zhang Heng, and the other three elemental elves also looked at him: "What should we do? Do you want to go and take a look?"

Thinking of the "prophecy" Chu Xuan had given through the Conferred God List, Zhang Heng took a deep breath, took off Hou Yi's Sun-shooting Bow from his back, and the Heavenly General Vajra Gauntlet also quietly appeared: "Well, let's go, at least we have to figure out what happened in this world..."

"Don't worry, as long as I'm here, you won't be hurt at all."

……

At night, beside a burning bonfire, Zhang Heng stared blankly at the flames in front of him, his heart in turmoil.

During the day, Zhang Heng successfully shot and killed the giant snake monster and saved the old man who was being hunted. Although the giant snake was extremely tenacious, it was still no match for Hou Yi's Sun-shooting Bow... What Zhang Heng didn't expect was that the man he saved was not an ordinary old man, but a wise man who called himself "Chiron".

But what surprised them even more was that Chiron not only clearly stated the identities of Zhang Heng and Ming Yanwei as outsiders, but also stated that the two came here to prepare for the destined battle. He wanted to use the "will of God" as an excuse to promise to teach them a method of cultivation suitable for them.

Although he had no idea why the gods were watching him, and he did not believe in such a coincidental arrangement as pie falling from the sky, and even the other party's identity was quite suspicious, Zhang Heng accepted the kindness after thinking it over again and again.

Firstly, this world is based on Greek mythology. Anyone who has read the corresponding mythology must know that the gods are fickle and irritable. If you rashly reject their kindness, it will not be seen as humility, but may lead to unnecessary disasters. Since this world is dominated by them, it may be the best choice to go with the flow. Moreover, it is better to have someone to lead the way than to grope forward in this unfamiliar world.

As for the second one…what the other party gave was really too much.

After Zhang Heng agreed, Chiron took out two holy clothes and gave them to Zhang Heng and Ming Yanwei on the spot... That's right, holy clothes, based on the constellations of the mythological era, were made by refining Orichalcum, Gammanion and Silver Star Sand. Even the relatively low-level bronze holy clothes, according to the "Dragon Constellation" that Zheng Zha consulted, were also an A-level branch line foundation. And what Chiron gave them was a gift of this level.

Although there was something fishy about this matter from beginning to end, Zhang Heng, who had absolute trust in Chu Xuan, still chose to accept it. However, this way, he would have no way of refusing the other party's invitation.

Of the two, Zhang Heng got the Phoenix Cloth. It was like solidified flames, showing a red color close to gold. The surface of the armor flowed with a flame-like halo, emitting a blazing light. Just by looking at it, one could feel the surging heat. Whether it was the wrist guards, chest armor, or leg armor, they all looked like the wings of a phoenix, as if they could flap their wings and fly at any time.

As a representation of the Phoenix, this sacred garment naturally possesses the immortal power of the Phoenix's rebirth, and can repair itself even if it is shattered into atoms. It can even adjust its shape and size according to the needs of the wearer, and combine with the Yaoling armor that Zhang Heng is already wearing to become one.

Ming Yanwei was given the Aquila Armor. Different from the Phoenix Armor that displayed strength and fiery power, the Aquila Armor exuded a kind of cold elegance. The silvery-white light enveloped Ming Yanwei's body like moonlight. Every piece of armor was like a meticulously crafted work of art. The smooth curves and intricate details complemented each other, showing nobility and beauty...so much so that Zhang Heng often couldn't help but stare at it in fascination, and would not look away until he was severely rolled his eyes.

In Chiron's introduction, Zhang Heng and Ming Yanwei also learned the background of this world. But surprisingly, although this universe is the world view of ancient Greek mythology, it does not have the most famous and well-known gods such as Gaia, Zeus, Athena, etc. The only god is the naturally sacred god of light Apollo.

It is under the illumination of the God of Light that all things in the world come into being. This god, who represents both art and creation, shines on the world during the day and personally descends to teach humans patiently at night, allowing them to create their own civilization. Even the method of making the holy garment was taught by Apollo himself...

Although they were somewhat confused about the history of this plane, Zhang Heng and Ming Yanwei still followed Chiron's arrangement and traveled with this sage in Greek mythology. At the beginning of their journey, in the sacred hall of the Temple of Apollo, Chiron first taught Zhang Heng and Ming Yanwei the way of power, "Microcosmos", which was said to be passed down by the God of Light himself.

“Know thyself.”

Chiron quoted the first of three Delphi sacred maxims, which were not sure whether they came from gods or philosophers, to explain the truth of microcosmic cultivation. The wisdom echoing from ancient times was concise and profound. According to him, the microcosm is not just energy. Its essence is a concept that the human body is the universe. Human individuals are composed of the four elements of earth, water, fire and wind, and the universe as a whole is also composed of the four elements of earth, water, fire and wind. Therefore, each person is equivalent to a microcosm, containing the soul energy from the universe and the origin of life.

Once this point is realized, any energy, from the most basic life force and mental force to the spirit energy in Zhang Heng's body, as long as it is cultivated to a high level, can open up a small universe in the human body, just like martial arts and alchemy can also cultivate an inner world.

Although he seemed to understand it at first, Zhang Heng was actually very successful in his practice. It was unknown whether he was just extremely talented or whether this was related to the so-called "chance"... What's more, the countless runes engraved on Zhang Heng's Yaoling armor condensed the wisdom of the elves who integrated into the world by visualizing the spirits of all natural things. They were able to transform the elves' energy into the natural aura of all things, and even the four elemental elves could blend with his soul, so it was much easier for him to comprehend the way of the microcosm than for ordinary people.

Finally, his heart was like a peaceful starry sky. His thoughts and spiritual power flowed and merged like water at this moment, gradually sublimating a power that resonated with the pulse of the universe. Six stars were projected behind him, connected to each other and transformed into a virtual image of the Phoenix constellation in the southern sky. With the blessing of the microcosm, Zhang Heng not only made further progress in the energy level, but also his "feeling" became more acute and powerful. No longer limited to the five basic senses of vision, hearing, taste, smell and touch, even the sixth sense of mental power was greatly enhanced.

In Sicily, Zhang Heng rescued a Cyclops who was good at making weapons from the attack of a hundred-armed giant. To express his gratitude, the giant combined the power of fire and water to make nine arrows for Zhang Heng.

It was called an arrow, but in reality the arrowhead was shaped like a sword blade, and the body of the arrow was like a sword handle. It was majestic and powerful, and it was like a burning meteor. If it weren't for the arrow feathers made of phoenix feathers, Zhang Heng would have almost mistaken it for some strange long-handled sword or even a spear... Fortunately, these nine feather arrows could not only change size according to the needs of the user, but also had the function of automatically tracking the target and automatically returning after hitting it, which saved Zhang Heng from his own troubles.

At Mount Etna, Zhang Heng successfully shot and killed the Fire Demon deep in the volcano, and under the guidance of Chiron, he threw the Phoenix Cloth into this ancient volcano and reforged it.

Seven days later, accompanied by a roar that seemed to illuminate the dark world, the newly born Phoenix Cloth rose from the lava like a phoenix reborn from the ashes. The light it radiated was as blazing and pure as the sun, but not glaring; it was also like a sacred flame, warm and majestic, illuminating everything around it, showing the new power and glory of the Cloth...

Banshees, sirens, behemoths... During this journey with Chiron, Zhang Heng has cultivated the seventh sense that surpasses all six senses through meditation, fighting and "knowing himself". It is known as the "source of life and microcosm", and it can also be called the power of "light of the soul". Even Ming Yanwei has made rapid progress. She broke through herself in the battle with Gorgon, and rose from the second-level gene lock when she first entered to the fourth-level gene lock like a rocket.

——But, no matter how long the journey is, there is always an end.

When Zhang Heng followed Chiron into the familiar Temple of Apollo again, he suddenly realized that he had traveled around the world. Just like Hercules, the greatest hero of ancient Greece who did not exist in this world, he left countless legends all over the world.

“Nothing in excess.”

Looking at Zhang Heng's expression, Chiron, who had accompanied the two all the way, said the second sacred motto of the Delphic Oracle. The old man smiled and nodded to the two of them: "During this period, you have done very well... faster and much better than I imagined."

"'Don't do anything in excess'... Does this mean that your help to me has come to an end?" Zhang Heng whispered these words with a stir in his heart. At this moment, he suddenly realized one thing... The moment of separation was approaching.

"Yes, awakening the seventh sense means that you have stepped onto a new ladder. What you really need now is not to rush to pursue a higher realm, but to be down-to-earth, to consolidate the insights you have gained through practice, and to become familiar with the power deep in your soul."

Chiron smiled slightly: "As for help, you have helped many people in this world...but I don't think I have told you yet, the help they need most."

As he spoke, Chiron looked up at the sky, and following his gaze, Zhang Heng understood what he was about to say.

——The dim sun.

As we all know, Apollo is the god of light, so why is the sky in this world so dark and even the sun is about to go out?
"Because, something went wrong with Apollo, the God of Light, a thousand years ago."

Chiron turned his gaze back to Zhang Heng and the Phoenix Cloth on his body that was burning brightly, as if it was about to take off at the next moment. His tone was full of emotion: "And you, Zhang Heng, during this period of travel, I have understood what kind of person you are... You are destined to become the new sun of this world and bring light to this world again."

"what?"

Even though Zhang Heng roughly knew what the other party was going to say, he couldn't help but laugh when he heard this. He raised the Houyi Sun-shooting Bow behind him and said, "This bow behind me is used to shoot down the sun... Now, you want me to become the new sun?"

"Yes."

Although Chiron was saying something that sounded quite absurd, his eyes were extremely serious: "Ever since the black storm from outside the world passed by a long time ago, Lord Apollo has been infected by something horrible and has been declining day by day."

"Everyone knows that Lord Apollo has changed. The scorching sun that hung high in the sky has turned into an icy black sun, no longer as warm as before..."

"…So, this is the last thing you want me to do, save the world?"

"That's right." Chiron nodded, and above his head, the dim sun seemed to begin to melt and turn into a dark ring: "The end is approaching. As the people of Lord Apollo, we can only place our hope on others."

At the same time, the world became dark, with only a little light remaining: "The one who tied the bell must be the one to untie it. You who have come from outside this world are the most suitable saviors..."

"give it to me."

The flames on the Phoenix Cloth ignited, illuminating the surrounding space. Zhang Heng looked at the cold black sun in the sky, which was twisting and changing, and finally turned into an indescribable terrifying existence. There was no fear on his face, but he smiled at Ming Yanwei.

"Wait until I come back," he said.

"You can do it." She said, "I believe in you."

Then, the man strode out of the temple and pulled the bowstring of Hou Yi's Sun-shooting Bow. (End of this chapter)