In the virtual conference room of the Spirit Realm battlefield, Xiang Fan (Zero) was discussing the next action plan in the Chaos Region with Shadow Killer and others. Suddenly, a special prompt sounded, and the atmosphere in the entire conference room froze instantly.
"496 is online."
Zero jerked his head up, a flicker of excitement and awe in his eyes. He quickly exited the discussion channel, opened the private messaging window, took a deep breath, and initiated contact.
The communication was connected, and an avatar slowly emerged. It was a figure clad in ancient armor, its face blurred by data streams. He exuded an oppressive aura. His voice was deep and carried an indescribable majesty, as if transcending time and space.
"Master! Long time no see!" Zero's voice was filled with suppressed excitement and respect.
496 on the other side nodded slightly, his tone calm and profound: "Zero, you've grown up. I heard about your recent performance. You've performed well. Even the Spirit Realm Battlefield leaderboard shocked many people."
Xiang Fan quickly waved his hands and said humbly, "Master, you are the real master. I just followed your teachings and learned some basics."
496 sighed softly, his tone filled with mixed emotions. "Zero, don't underestimate yourself. You've already surpassed me. I've taught you everything I could, and you've already reached heights far beyond my reach."
Xiang Fan was stunned, his brows furrowed slightly, and a hint of uneasiness appeared in his tone: "Master, why do you suddenly say this? You have always been my goal and role model. Without you, I am nothing."
496's virtual image shook his head slightly, a hint of desolation in his voice: "Zero, everyone's path is different. I have reached the end, but yours has just begun. I hope you can carve out your own path and become a truly powerful person."
Xiang Fan felt a sense of foreboding. Although his master's words were calm, he knew 496 all too well—this didn't sound like a casual chat, but more like an explanation.
"Master, are you in any trouble?" Xiang Fan asked tentatively.
496 was silent for a moment, a hint of fatigue in his voice. "Don't worry about me. I just have some things to deal with. Besides, some things... may be irreversible."
Xiang Fan's heart tightened, and he couldn't help but ask, "Master, what on earth happened to you? If I can help, I will do my best."
496 chuckled softly, but there was a hint of something inexplicable in his smile: "Haha, silly child, your current strength is not enough to deal with this situation. The most important thing for you is to protect yourself and those you care about."
Xiang Fan gritted his teeth, feeling that his master's words held too much hidden meaning, but 496's attitude made it impossible for him to question them further. He clenched his fists and said firmly, "Master, I will not let you down."
496's virtual image trembled slightly, as if the signal was being interfered with. His voice grew fainter, yet still held undeniable power. "But..." He paused, his voice deepening. "If one day, even we old guys can't prevent certain things from happening... then, perhaps you'll be the only one left."
Xiang Fan held his breath. 496 on the screen remained indifferent, but his gaze seemed to penetrate the cold data and fall on Xiang Fan. In that instant, Xiang Fan seemed to see some heavy responsibility pressing down on him.
Xiang Fan's heart was shaken when he heard this, and his tone became more determined: "Master, I don't know what you are talking about, but as long as I have the ability, I will definitely not let you down."
496's virtual image seemed to reveal a relieved smile. "Very good. Zero, you handled the situation with Ming Xuanzi very well last time. I reviewed the battlefield records. You were able to shoulder everything single-handedly under such circumstances and maintain peace in this area. I'm very pleased."
Xiang Fan scratched his head, a hint of embarrassment in his tone: "It's nothing, actually. I just... just did what I had to do."
496's voice softened. "Keep your original aspiration. Remember, no matter what situation you find yourself in, only by keeping your original aspiration can you achieve your goal."
Xiang Fan nodded, his voice low but firm: "Master, I understand. I will never forget your teachings."
496's virtual image gazed silently at Xiang Fan, as if wanting to take one more look at this disciple he had personally nurtured. Data streams flowed slowly around him, as if the entire virtual space was filled with a sense of farewell silence.
"Okay, it's almost time. I should log off." 496's voice was filled with fatigue, like the weariness of having fought countless battles. "Zero, you'll have to walk the rest of the way on your own. Remember, no matter what happens, stay clear-headed and calm. This world needs people like you."
Xiang Fan opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but in the end he just whispered, "Master, you... must take care of yourself."
496 paused briefly, then chuckled. "You're still the same as when you were little, always worrying about others." His virtual image gradually grew blurry, the data stream began to dissipate, and his voice gradually faded. "Come on, kid."
Xiang Fan stood there blankly, unable to recover for a long time. His master's words echoed repeatedly in his mind, and he felt both heavy and inexplicably motivated.
Just as he was lost in thought, the public channel suddenly exploded.
"Boss! Come back soon! Stop standing there!" Shadow Killer's voice was tinged with teasing. "Are you chatting with some girl and can't bear to come back?"
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