Guarding the River of Time-Chapter 387 - 377: Boiling the River of Time, a Powerful Presence within the Black Mist

Chapter 387: Chapter 377: Boiling the River of Time, a Powerful Presence within the Black Mist

"Zero?"

Zhang Ruocheng rubbed his chin, trying to remember the name in his mind. For some reason, it felt very familiar to him, but he couldn’t recall why it was familiar.

A person that Elder Su would specifically mention should be a significant figure in the All Heavens and Myriad Realms. Even if he hadn’t met them, he should have at least heard of them.

After thinking for a moment, he shook his head, "I don’t know him, but it feels somewhat familiar. Elder, could you describe his appearance?"

Su Mu then described Elder Ling’s appearance in detail.

Hearing Elder Su’s description, Zhang Ruocheng did indeed think of someone, but... wasn’t that person supposed to be long dead?

Regarding "that person," Zhang Ruocheng had only heard about him, never met him.

Because the era of that person’s existence was far apart from his own, they weren’t people from the same time and space, so there was basically no interaction.

"The person you mentioned, Elder, I heard about him a long, long time ago, but I don’t know much about his identity and deeds." Zhang Ruocheng spread his hands and said.

Even though Zhang Ruocheng had lived for many eras, those ancient figures who have existed for endless ages were separated by countless epochs and eras, making it hard for there to be any interaction.

"He has been an old friend of mine. If there’s a chance next time, I’ll bring him to meet you."

Su Mu asked casually.

After all, Elder Ling is one of the few residents on the river. Everyone knowing each other is no big deal.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Ruocheng stood up abruptly, face full of shock.

"What’s wrong?"

Seeing Zhang Ruocheng’s strong reaction, Su Mu asked with curiosity, "What’s up? Are you two enemies?"

This action spoke to the respect of an ancient forbidden legend, not to mention holding onto Elder Su’s influence. A legendary figure, being brought over just like that??

"No, no, I was just a bit excited."

Zhang Ruochen sat back down, smiling awkwardly.

"Excited?" Su Mu queried.

"Elder, you should understand that people like us are mostly solitary with few friends."

"When Elder introduces a friend to me, of course, I get a bit excited."

Zhang Ruocheng’s words were heartfelt, as at a certain level of strength, meeting someone who could be a friend becomes very rare.

For instance, Zhang Ruocheng himself had numerous loves, countless wives, children, descendants, and a large family, but no one was able to reside with him on the River of Time because they lacked the needed strength.

At times, Zhang Ruocheng would come alone to reside on the River of Time for a period, to comprehend new things, seeking deeper understandings.

"Indeed."

Zhang Ruocheng’s words also resonated with Su Mu, who, after guarding the river for so many years, aside from those who came and went across the river, were just nodding acquaintances or debtors. Very few were genuinely friends or comrades you could count on one hand.

Ultimately, humans are social creatures; while solitude can be typical, one still hopes to have like-minded comrades.

...

"It’s getting late, I must head back."

The sky had darkened, and Su Mu didn’t plan on staying any longer. Time had become extraordinarily precious to Su Mu, with none to spare.

"It’s already dark. Elder, why not rest for a night and leave in the morning?"

When the sky darkened over the River of Time, it became very dangerous. Even Zhang Ruocheng dared not to wander outside.

"Thank you for your kindness, but until we meet again."

Su Mu declined the offer.

Hearing these words, Zhang Ruocheng suddenly realized, what would the darkness have to do with Elder?

The elder is the guardian of the River of Time. What danger could darkness pose to him?

"Safe travels, Elder."

Zhang Ruocheng escorted to the edge of the island, cup-fisting his hands to bid farewell.

...

And so, Su Mu led Little Sheep Ah Fei on their way home.

As it became dark, the river was very quiet and cold, with a black fog rising on the river’s surface. This fog was very dangerous and eerie, although it had little effect on Su Mu, it was hazardous for others at home, so he generally returned home at night.

Little Sheep trotted quietly behind Su Mu, not daring to stray even a little or look around.

It was well aware of how dangerous the River of Time was after dark.....

As playful as it was during the day, it was just as well-behaved at night.

...

If it weren’t for its owner personally redeeming it, it would have been in deep trouble.

To think, apart from Li Qiye, there was someone so fearsome in the Ten Thousand Realms, capturing it with ease. Yet it was its owner’s reputation that held sway, asking only face appeared, treating him with utmost respect.

This reinforced its determination to stick closely to its owner, as the Ten Thousand Realms now were much less peaceful compared to the past. It had to cling firmly to its owner’s support!

Previously, it could frolic freely across the River of Time, but now it needed to be cautious at every turn.

...

Walking along, suddenly a patch of black fog appeared over the water ahead, enveloping them.

This black fog was thick and covered a wide range. Su Mu waved his large hand, unable to disperse it entirely in one go.

The next moment, gripped by fear in the black fog, Little Sheep tightly hugged Su Mu’s leg.

"Look at you, cowardly thing."

Su Mu peeled Little Sheep off and tucked it into his sleeve pocket.

...

Without the burden of Little Sheep, Su Mu no longer held back, using Divine Techniques, he dispelled the fog after three attempts, finally clearing it away.

After driving away the fog, Su Mu noticed the waters beneath him were flowing backward, carrying him to an entirely unfamiliar area.

This lower, enclosed area surrounded by stone barriers formed a reservoir, and the water surface was calm. Worth noting was that the river appeared faintly dark red.

Furthermore, the surface constantly bubbled as if boiling.

A glance over revealed various Water Beast corpses, both large and small, floating on the river. Some had decayed, turning into nourishment for the water.

Su Mu crouched down, touched the water with his hand, his pupils constricting.

The water’s temperature was so high?

No wonder, in this segment of the river, Su Mu sensed no living Water Beasts—all were roasted to death by the extreme temperature.

Even with Su Mu’s strong physique, feeling the heat hinted at how severe the temperature was.

Su Mu raised his head, gazing forward, searching for the heat’s source.

Sensing for a while, he discovered that the intense heat originated from the black fog ahead, continuously emanating like a "tiger of electricity," constantly heating this reservoir section.

Su Mu opened his Divine Sense, locking onto the fog ahead, clearly sensing the presence of a blazing Fire Attribute energy within, an energy that was exceptionally advanced.