NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 152:
Chapter 152: The End of Survival, The Last Mountain:
Learning to accept separation is a lifelong challenge.
In this simulation, Xu Xi had experienced countless partings.
The people of Qingniu Town had perished in the demon tide.
Soldiers from Daqian had starved to death while seeking survival.
A Niu had fallen at the hands of a “human immortal.”
Each farewell left Xu Xi with a burning sensation in his throat that worsened over time, leaving him hoarse and eventually silent. His pain turned into fury, directed solely at the demons.
No matter how many wise sayings advised letting go, the pain of separation remained. Sadness lingered, and the smiles people wore became nothing more than a mask shaped by the erosion of time.
Xu Xi continued to throw punches and swing his sword. The only way he could honor A Niu was to fight harder—to kill more demons and ensure the safest path for the survivors.
“Click—”
The sound of cracking echoed, a mix of demons being torn apart and Xu Xi’s body groaning under the strain.
Xu Xi was strong, so strong that his battles brought him closer to the threshold of becoming a martial immortal. His qi and blood resonated with heaven and earth, nurturing his soul. He was one step away from a true breakthrough.
This strength allowed Xu Xi to lead the survival army through waves of demons. Yet, even with his power, he faced countless life-and-death crises. Exhaustion often brought him to the brink, and it was only through the sacrifices of the people—swinging their battered weapons—that he survived.
Even Wu Yingxue, who had been steadfast for so long, panicked when she saw Xu Xi’s life in danger.
Finally, the bloody road reached its end.
The ground was littered with shattered bones, bloodstains, bruised bodies, and broken armor. It was as if a nightmare had come to life.
When Xu Xi looked beyond the mountains, he saw the horizon—the end of the survival journey and the real world.
All that stood in their way was one final mountain.
One last climb, and their suffering would end.
…
As another battle concluded, the golden hues of sunset bathed the sky. The sun slowly sank, giving way to the rising night.
The once-crowded survival army was now sparse, its members busy preparing dinner.
Xu Xi leaned against a tree, slumping to the ground as he stared weakly at the sunset.
“This is the final and hardest battle,” he muttered to himself, the golden light reflecting in his tired eyes.
The remaining path was no longer treacherous. The demons were weak, and even without him, Wu Yingxue could lead the people out.
But the real threat lay behind them.
The “human immortal” had been following leisurely, like a cat playing with a mouse. Xu Xi could feel the oppressive aura closing in—a presence vast and terrifying, like an endless abyss.
The timing was cruel.
The survival army, excited by the sight of the endpoint, had let their guard down.
Xu Xi clenched his fists. “To treat human life as a game, to toy with people’s emotions over and over… I can’t accept this.”
He closed his eyes briefly, steeling himself. Only he could stop the immortal. If he succeeded in delaying the pursuit, the others would have no more obstacles in their path.
His body was riddled with wounds, scars left by countless battles. Though his qi and blood approached perfection, he was fragile—a candle burning at both ends.
“If I become a human immortal… it will be like fireworks on New Year’s Eve,” Xu Xi thought. “A brilliant moment, followed by eternal silence.”
“That’s enough… That’s enough.” He murmured.
The towering peaks of the Hundred Thousand Mountains sliced through the golden glow of the setting sun, creating a stunning interplay of light and shadow.
The roars of demons and the joyful cries of people filled the air.
As the golden light touched the ground, it rippled like waves, softly caressing Xu Xi’s palm.
He stood and walked toward the survival army, watching them with deep nostalgia. He tried to memorize every face, knowing this might be the last time he saw them.
“Brother Xu is here!”
“Erwazi, don’t stand there! Say hello to Mr. Xu!”
“Brother, have something to eat. You’ve grown so thin!”
The young, the children, and the few remaining women surrounded him, their enthusiasm undimmed by their hardships.
The people Xu Xi had protected, those who survived because of him, offered him food and other items with sincere concern.
Xu Xi smiled faintly and declined. “No, thank you all. Let me rest alone for a while.”
Though disappointed, they respected his wishes and dispersed to continue their tasks.
Xu Xi found a quiet corner and sat alone. He watched the people, their simple and joyful gestures lifting his spirits.
It was peaceful.
The sunset clouds burned red and yellow, floating like molten lava across the sky—beautiful and serene, like candy.
“Sir, I made you some soup!”
A familiar voice broke his thoughts. Without turning, Xu Xi knew it was Wu Yingxue. He took the bowl she offered and thanked her.
“Thank you, Yingxue.”
“Sir, drink it quickly. You’ve worked hard today, and you need your rest and nourishment,” she urged.
Her red-and-white patched robe and repaired armor mirrored Xu Xi’s battle-worn appearance. Both bore the scars of their relentless fight.
The soup was simple—oily flecks floating on the surface, with bits of dried demon meat and a few broken leaves. It was no different from the broth they’d had before, made from whatever they could scavenge to stave off hunger.
Tender monster meat was scarce, and Xu Xi had only tasted it once before giving it all to the young and elderly. He wanted them to have something easier to chew and more nourishing.
“It’s delicious,” Xu Xi said after finishing the bowl, encouraging the girl.
In such harsh conditions, having someone cook for you was a rare blessing. Complaining about the food would have been ungrateful.
“You have good taste, Sir!” Wu Yingxue grinned as she took the empty bowl from him.