System: Infinite Evolution into Qilin Bloodline

Chapter 595

Wu Tianzhen's eyes welled up slightly:

"Uncle..."

"remember!"

Zhang Hao patted him on the shoulder:

"No matter what happens, we are one family."

You, me, Little Brother, Fatty, Little Flower, and the others—we're all family we've chosen for each other.

These words reminded Wu Tianzhen of all the moments they had shared along the way—fighting side by side in the Dragon God Temple, entrusting each other with their lives in front of the volcanic lava, and supporting each other in the desert illusion.

Blood ties may have connected them initially, but what truly binds them together is the shared experience of life and death.

"I understand."

Wu Tianzhen nodded vigorously.

Zhang Hao smiled with satisfaction, took out a talisman from his pocket, and tied it around Wu Tianzhen's neck:

"This was made from scraps of the Five Elements Spirit. Although its power is weak, it can protect you."

The amulet warmed upon contact with the skin, and Wu Tianzhen held it, feeling the faint energy flowing within it.

"Uncle, what are your plans after all this is over?"

Zhang Hao looked out of the tent; the figures of the night watchmen by the campfire were faintly visible in the darkness.

"Maybe...we'll find a place to settle down."

After years of running around, it's time to take a break.

"Open an antique shop?"

"Do not."

Zhang Hao shook his head:

"Open a martial arts school to teach children how to improve their health."

Or... open a teahouse and live a quiet life.

Wu Tianzhen laughed:

"How come it's the same thing the fat guy said? He also said he wanted to open a teahouse."

"is it?"

Zhang Hao also smiled:

"Then why not go together as partners?"

The two looked at each other and smiled, filling the tent with a rare warm atmosphere.

The last shift of night watch consisted of Huo Xiuxiu, Yi Sa, and Ding Yudie. Ding Yudie stood to the side with her head down, seemingly lost in thought.

Two girls, wrapped in thick blankets, shared a pot of hot tea.

"SaSa, do you think we can really defeat the ancient gods?"

Huo Xiuxiu asked softly.

Yi Sa stirred the teacup, watching the tea leaves rise and fall in the hot water:

We must win.

For the Zhang family members who sacrificed their lives, and for...

"So that we can have a future."

Huo Xiuxiu continued her sentence.

Yi Sa nodded and took out a yellowed photograph from her pocket.

The photo shows her with her family. She was still young then, and her parents' smiles were as bright as sunshine.

"I joined this operation not just for the Zhang family or for the world!"

She said softly:

"It's also for my parents."

They disappeared during an archaeological accident, where traces of ancient divine power were found.

Huo Xiuxiu held her hand:

"We will find the answer."

"Xiuxiu, after everything is over, I want to continue researching ancient civilizations."

Yi Sa's eyes gleamed:

"But not in search of power, but in search of understanding."

Understanding our past is essential for moving better into the future.

"I'll accompany you."

Huo Xiuxiu said firmly:

“We can form a research team to compile the findings along the way into a book, so that future generations will know what happened and remember those who sacrificed their lives.”

The two girls held hands tightly and made a promise for the future.

As dawn broke in the east, the outline of the Kunlun Mountains gradually became clear in the morning light.

Zhang Hao stepped out of the tent and watched as the first rays of dawn pierced the darkness on the horizon.

The others gradually awoke and gathered around the campfire. A long night of conversation strengthened their bonds, and unspoken emotions quietly blossomed amidst life and death, like snow lotuses blooming silently on the summit of Kunlun Mountain.

"Are you ready?"

Zhang Hao asked.

The group looked at each other and nodded.

Zhang Qilin gripped the black gold ancient sword tightly, with Xie Xiaohua standing beside him;

The fat man patted Xie Xiaohua on the shoulder and received a smile in return;

Wu Tianzhen touched the amulet on her chest and looked at Zhang Hao;

Huo Xiuxiu, Yi Sa, and Ding Yudie stood side by side, their eyes resolute.

The spirits of the five elements emanated a resonant glow in Zhang Hao's hand, and the sword that fused the five powers seemed to sense the emotions budding in the hearts of its masters—not a simple division of love or friendship, but a deeper bond born in the crucible of life and death.

"Set off."

Zhang Hao said.

The group set off into the depths of the Kunlun Mountains, with the rising sun behind them and an unknown final battle ahead.

But whatever lies ahead, they already know that some things are more important than victory—the promises exchanged by the campfire on cold nights, the hands extended in the face of life and death, and the trust that remained steadfast in dire straits.

The snow on the Kunlun Mountains never melts, but the warmth in people's hearts is enough to melt the hardest ice.

This warmth will be their greatest strength when facing the ancient gods.