God-Level Special Forces Soldier

Chapter 843 - 839: Who Is the Outsider?

As Xiao Tian continued on his journey, whenever he thought of someone, they would appear in front of him, smiling and greeting him, looking just as real as a living person.However, to Xiao Tian, these tricks seemed rather crude, at best deceiving those immersed in such illusions.

Because this situation, where a single thought can turn dreams into reality, would lead anyone with a bit of sense to realize something was off.

Moreover, Xiao Tian had seriously contemplated the consequences of indulging in this scenario, considering the potential dangers of deep entrapment. If everything came too easily, there would inevitably be a time of boredom.

Imagine if money, power, beauty, and strength—these goals that symbolize a lifetime of pursuit for ordinary people—could be obtained with just a thought, then where would their inherent value reside?!

Humans tend to value certain items or people immensely because they are hard to come by and fear of losing them; missing either point renders this moot.

Thus, when things acquired don’t meet the expected value in one’s heart, even mountains of gold and silver may be discarded like worn-out shoes!

Nevertheless, although Xiao Tian knew everything around him was an illusion, or rather, was the "reality" within the vast expanse of the Shaking Light Disc, he continued to enjoy the surrounding scenery tirelessly, as if strolling leisurely in his own backyard.

Little did he know, out of sight, a pair of eyes were watching him...

...

Lu Yangrong was inside a lavish palace, where the surroundings were made completely of translucent jade. Looking from the outside, everything appeared hazy; only an outline could be discerned, and it was impossible to glimpse inside.

With a wave of his thin, bony arm, the water from the teacup in front of Lu Yangrong overflowed, slowly forming a water screen, on which appeared Xiao Tian’s figure.

Seeing Xiao Tian glance around, appearing fresh to everything, even chatting warmly with the illusions he conjured, a hint of derision flickered in Lu Yangrong’s deep gaze.

Sure enough, as expected, no matter how clever or strong-willed one is, this kind of god-like ability is irresistible, just as Lu Yangrong himself experienced over a hundred years ago.

The difference was, Lu Yangrong groped his way through the long darkness to discover these rules, while later, Xiao Tian immediately possessed this miraculous power of realizing thoughts!

A while later, Lu Yangrong withdrew his gaze, deeming there was no longer any point in continuing to observe Xiao Tian; once such thoughts are entertained, no one can escape.

The best outcome would be Xiao Tian traveling from one illusion to another until he eventually tires and suddenly wakes, writhing in eternal regret and pain.

However, just as Lu Yangrong was about to dispel the water screen, he saw Xiao Tian’s figure on it suddenly turn, and then, seemingly seeing himself, curved his mouth into a slightly diabolical smile.

Lu Yangrong was startled, unsure if Xiao Tian had detected him or seen something else. He hurriedly waved his skinny arm again to switch to a non-directional view for a full scan.

"I see you!"

An icy voice reached Lu Yangrong’s ears, causing him to lose his composure and focus intently on the water screen, only to find a bleak, dark scene with no trace of a person.

This was the first time in over a hundred years in the space of the Shaking Light Disc that he encountered something beyond his understanding, a bewildering astonishment beyond words.

Lu Yangrong prided himself on knowing the Shaking Light Disc better than anyone alive, but being seen through with a glance disrupted his long-held convictions.

However, as a once-talented figure and top master from over a century ago, Lu Yangrong’s competence was more than adequate. After a brief panic, he steadied his mind, turned slowly around, and saw Xiao Tian smiling.

"How... did you discover me?" Lu Yangrong asked hoarsely, maintaining a calm demeanor but clearly exuding eerie intent in his tone.

Xiao Tian chuckled lightly, "Why? Do you find it difficult?!"

"I would like to hear more!" Lu Yangrong said, suppressing his anger, though harboring murderous intent.

Xiao Tian’s sudden appearance undeniably posed a significant threat, and Lu Yangrong, after past experiences, couldn’t tolerate being threatened again.

Yet, on the other hand, Lu Yangrong truly wanted to know how Xiao Tian managed to see through his figure and suddenly appear behind him.

Although in the space of the Shaking Light Disc, everyone could be considered akin to immortals, Lu Yangrong had dedicated countless years to rigorous study, while Xiao Tian immediately brought him such a "surprise."

The reason behind this, Lu Yangrong felt, would haunt him lifelong without resolution—even if he killed Xiao Tian.

Of course, this sentiment might seem inaccurate. Theoretically, as long as the Shaking Light Disc remained undamaged, with enough energy to sustain the internal space’s autonomous operation, Lu Yangrong could exist eternally.

Therefore, he wasn’t in a hurry to kill Xiao Tian, choosing instead to wait for him to uncover the answer.

...

Meanwhile, Xiao Tian, facing the murderous aura, responded with ease, "Before answering your question, please explain why I couldn’t possibly perceive your presence?"

After a moment’s thought, Lu Yangrong replied coldly, "Because I have enough knowledge of the Shaking Light Disc, whereas you’re just a newcomer, how could you see through my position with a glance?!"

This eloquent reasoning sounded quite justified, yet Xiao Tian found it utterly amusing.

"New only, but the term ’outsider’ shouldn’t exclusively refer to me alone," Xiao Tian mocked, pointing to Lu Yangrong. "And you, aren’t you also an outsider?!"

"If the criterion for determining an outsider is being born in this world, how can you claim everyone else is an outsider except yourself?!"

After Xiao Tian spoke, Lu Yangrong felt chills down his spine. It was a question he never considered, now posed by the other, making it impossible to answer directly.

In fact, since Lu Yangrong fell into the darkness, relying on high insight and courage for bold exploration, he considered himself the master of the Shaking Light Disc after learning some rules.

Even if not fully in control, assuming the role of the Shaking Light Disc’s master seemed fitting given no one knew it better.