Following the alliance between the Kingdom of Pompey and the Church of Light, significant support poured into Alexandria.

In return for this assistance, Alexander proactively offered to eradicate the bandits and rebel factions plaguing Pompey’s lands.

The Kingdom of Pompey, seeking to gauge the true strength of the Church of Light and enhance their operational synergy in preparation for a future campaign against the Xiling Kingdom, readily accepted Alexander's proposal.

Thus, the forces of the Church of Light and the Kingdom of Pompey launched a joint offensive, commencing a thorough sweep against all internal banditry and rebellious elements. These insurgent groups were formidable adversaries, having resisted complete subjugation by Pompey for many years. However, the current confrontation proved vastly different. Aided by super-bombs from Earth, the combined armies of Pompey and the Church of Light displayed overwhelming combat prowess, swiftly quashing all domestic unrest and restoring absolute order. The long-held dream of generations of monarchs was suddenly realized under the current King, leaving him profoundly exhilarated.

Witnessing Alexander's immense potential, the Crown Prince of Pompey became even more dedicated to his affairs. Recalling Alexander's peculiar obsession, the Prince began tirelessly hunting for God-Tier Beast Crystal Cores within the Elven World. In a mere six months, he managed to amass sixty-one of these rare cores for Alexander.

Of course, these sixty-one God-Tier Beast Crystal Cores soon passed from Alexander into the hands of Liu Hui. Upon securing the total requirement of 81 cores needed to lay out the massive Energy Condensing Array, Liu Hui immediately erected this super-array atop the "City of Starlight."

Once successfully activated, the super-array performed precisely as Anqi had calculated using the supercomputer. It could supply the "City of Starlight" with 81 billion kilowatt-hours of energy per day, accumulating to 30 trillion kilowatt-hours annually. Furthermore, once established, this energy core could operate perpetually without fear of depletion.

With this miraculous array providing nearly infinite energy, the defensive formation mentioned in the legacy of Xiaoyaozi was finally deployed within the "City of Starlight." A transparent protective energy shield materialized above the city, drawing its power directly from the super-array. As long as the primary array sustained its energy flow, this defensive shield would remain eternally in place.

Naturally, the "City of Starlight" implemented modifications and controls over the shield, allowing authorized aircraft controlled access while ensuring that any unauthorized flying object attempting entry would be utterly pulverized upon impact with the energy barrier.

With the super-array complete and the "City of Starlight" secured with a powerful energy source, the installation of massive propulsion drivers began beneath the waterline, also powered by the super-array. Driven by these powerful engines, the "City of Starlight" would soon possess formidable oceanic mobility, transforming into a true maritime metropolis, no longer confined to a fixed location in the Western Pacific.

When the "City of Starlight" was fully realized, it would be capable of traversing the globe, observing diverse natural vistas and experiencing seasonal shifts across all latitudes. Only then could the "City of Starlight" truly act according to its master’s will, moving wherever desired at a moment's notice.

Yet, the surprises Alexander brought Liu Hui extended beyond just those 61 God-Tier Beast Crystal Cores. After thoroughly studying the totem pole obtained from the Behemoth in prior years, and cross-referencing it with magical knowledge acquired from Pompey, Alexander's group managed to fabricate magical scrolls never before seen in the magic plane.

However, due to their limited experience as initial researchers, they could not yet craft scrolls utilizing volatile elemental magic. For now, they were restricted to producing only Healing Spell scrolls, drawn from the gentler tenets of Light Magic.

The Healing Spell scrolls were limited to mending physical harm, yet even this modest utility immensely pleased Liu Hui. Upon obtaining them, he conducted tests: a single Light Magic Healing Scroll proved capable of regenerating completely severed limbs on ten disabled individuals.

Consequently, Liu Hui immediately instructed Alexander to mass-produce these therapeutic scrolls. A portion was allocated for the Church of Light’s ongoing military campaigns, while the rest was supplied directly to Liu Hui.

As a result, the Starlight Terminal Illness Hospital aboard the "City of Starlight" instantly introduced a revolutionary new medical technology: "Limb Regeneration Therapy." This advanced treatment offered rehabilitation for all disabled persons worldwide. Given the vast number of people disabled by various causes—especially in perpetually warring nations like the United States, which harbored countless wounded veterans—news of the "City of Starlight's" new "Limb Regeneration Therapy" prompted nations to contact Liu Hui to discuss potential partnerships.

Leveraging these healing scrolls, Liu Hui swiftly secured collaborations with several nations that would have otherwise been unimaginable. These agreements not only advanced the strategic goals of the "City of Starlight" but also generated substantial profits.

,～～,～,～,、, The "City of Starlight" had developed admirably over the past six months, yet its progress in intelligence gathering remained minimal.

Last year, while operating in the United States, Desheng managed to track the tail of "The Professor," but this individual proved exceptionally alert. Sensing potential exposure, he vanished instantly, wiping away any lingering traces and allowing Desheng to lose his trail.

Ultimately, all Liu Hui learned was that "The Professor's" main base was situated somewhere in Europe; further intelligence ceased. Facing this cunning and dangerous figure, Liu Hui had no immediate countermeasures. His only recourse was to covertly heighten security, hoping that "The Professor" might eventually make an oversight.

The moment Liu Hui could pinpoint "The Professor's" weakness or base of operations, he would mobilize every asset at his disposal for a thunderous strike to utterly eliminate this threat that haunted his every waking and sleeping moment.

While no new leads surfaced concerning "The Professor," Wei Chao, who had been missing for a long time, suddenly reappeared.

,～,～,～,～,～,～,～,～,～,～,～,～,～,～,～,～,～,～,～,～,～,～

That evening, Desheng sought out Liu Hui.

Noticing Desheng’s strange expression, Liu Hui inquired, "Desheng, what's with that look? Something rather odd seem to have happened?"

Desheng replied, "Boss, we’ve found Wei Chao’s trace, so I hurried here to report to you."

Liu Hui startled, quickly asking, "Where is Wei Chao?"

Desheng showed that peculiar expression again, saying, "Wei Chao is currently in a place you would least expect."

Liu Hui’s curiosity was fully piqued. He urged, "Spit it out, where exactly is Wei Chao?"

Desheng announced, "Wei Chao is currently aboard our 'City of Starlight.'"

Liu Hui was shocked. "When did Wei Chao get on the 'City of Starlight'? What is he doing here? Where on the city is he now?"

Desheng replied, "Boss, we don't know when he arrived, nor what his intentions are, but we have locked down his location."

Liu Hui pressed, "What is his specific location?"

Desheng’s expression turned odd once more. He stated, "Wei Chao is currently hiding in a park near Mei Peng’s residence."

"What? Near Mei Peng's home? Is Wei Chao alone?" Liu Hui asked, immediately recalling the grave incident of Wei Chao disrupting Liu Lin and Mei Peng's wedding years ago.

"Boss, Wei Chao is alone, and he appears to be gravely ill, perhaps near his end," Desheng reported.

Liu Hui commanded, "Take me to see Wei Chao immediately."

,～,～,～,～,～,～,～,～,～,～,～,～,～,～,～,～,～,～,～,～,～,～

At nine o'clock that night, in a park near Mei Peng’s house, a beggar-like figure lay hidden within the bushes. Weak, he could only observe with his peripheral vision the illuminated window of Mei Peng's home. Through that window, he could see Liu Lin playing with Mei Doudou and Xie Yuxin, while Mei Peng stood beside Liu Lin, watching the three of them with a joyful smile.

The beggar suddenly erupted into a violent fit of coughing, spitting out a mouthful of blood. After catching his breath, he let out a long sigh, closed his eyes, and a stream of murky tears traced a path down his cheek.

Just then, a person approached the park entrance, carrying a bag. He spotted the beggar and slowly walked toward the thicket where the man lay, studying the figure on the ground. The beggar, accustomed to such unwanted attention, didn't even open his eyes, remaining prone.

The newcomer suddenly sighed, sat down beside the beggar, and asked, "Little Wei, what happened to you?"

The beggar’s eyes snapped open instantly. He looked at the man sitting beside him and cried out, "Liu Hui, why are you here?"

Liu Hui managed a wry smile. "Little Wei, don't say anything else. I'm taking you to the hospital right now. We’ll deal with everything else once your illness is treated!"

The figure on the ground was indeed Wei Chao, missing for a long time. He stared blankly at Liu Hui, then another violent coughing fit seized him, lasting much longer this time.

Liu Hui pulled a warm beverage from his bag and handed it to Wei Chao. Wei Chao took the drink with effort and sipped it slowly until the coughing subsided. A strange, vibrant flush appeared on his face.

Liu Hui frowned deeply. "Little Wei, come with me. Your body has serious problems."

Wei Chao’s coughing had stopped, perhaps due to the warm drink or some other factor, and he regained a flicker of strength, sitting up. He declared, "Brother Liu, please don't bother with me. I know my own body; no one can save me now. The strength I have now is merely the last surge before death. My time is short."

Liu Hui reassured him, "Little Wei, don't worry. Don't you know our terminal illness hospital specializes in all difficult and rare diseases?"

Wei Chao chuckled. "Brother Liu, truly, it’s unnecessary. My heart is already dead. Even if I survived, I would just be a walking corpse. I don't want others to see me in this state; please just let me pass peacefully."

Liu Hui looked at the fallen Wei Chao, his heart filled with emotion. The current Wei Chao seemed like someone utterly disconnected from the glamorous figure he once was. The sheer unpredictability of fate caused him to sigh internally.

Wei Chao smiled. "Brother Liu, thank you for coming to see me. I’m a dying man, and I really wish to share what’s on my mind."

Liu Hui took off his coat and draped it over Wei Chao. "Alright. Regardless, we were once considered brothers. We’ll have a proper talk right here."

Wei Chao turned his gaze back toward Mei Peng's window, but unfortunately, the curtains had been drawn, obscuring any view inside. His voice grew despondent. "Brother Liu, do you know why I lost control at Linlin’s wedding?"

Liu Hui replied gently, "No, but I believe you must have had your reasons."

Wei Chao gave a bitter smile. "That’s right—I had my reasons. Did you know? Linlin was originally supposed to be my wife. She was supposed to bear me a son, and we were supposed to build a life together. That’s why I was so distraught seeing her marry someone else."

Hearing this, Liu Hui instantly connected Wei Chao's extraordinary experiences with his previous suspicions about him, leading to a sudden realization. "Little Wei, are you saying you aren't from this era..."

Wei Chao laughed. "Brother Liu, you are correct. I am indeed not from this time. I originally lived in 2025, but an incredible, serendipitous event sent me back to 2001, when I was fifteen. Armed with those twenty-five years of foreknowledge, I began my legendary journey."

Liu Hui’s breathing grew rapid. He asked, "So, that means you knew everything that would happen in the future?"

Wei Chao nodded. "I knew most of what was to come."

Liu Hui anxiously questioned: "...Then what becomes of me and my... City of Starlight... in the future?"

Wei Chao looked at Liu Hui, a strange glimmer in his eyes, and replied, "Brother Liu, in the future, there is no 'City of Starlight.'"

Liu Hui frowned. "How is that possible? Was my 'City of Starlight' destroyed in the future?"

Wei Chao shook his head. "It wasn't destroyed by anyone. In the history I know, the 'City of Starlight' never existed. Nor is there any record of a person named Liu Hui in history."

This time, Liu Hui was truly astonished. "But I exist right now! How can there be no record of me and the 'City of Starlight' in the future history?"

Wei Chao offered a wry smile. "Brother Liu, I don't know why history has shifted this way, but in the future I knew, I never heard of the 'City of Starlight' or your name. In my memory, everything in the future is now completely different from what I experienced here. I’ve thought about this a lot; perhaps the scientists’ explanations apply. The history of this world has been drastically altered by the flap of this sudden butterfly’s wings. The future is no longer fixed. Perhaps the future you still exists, just not with the same fame you have now."

Liu Hui was still processing the intense shock of Wei Chao’s words. He believed Wei Chao truly came from the future; otherwise, the strange events surrounding him were inexplicable. Yet, he couldn't accept that in the original timeline, he achieved nothing. After a long pause, he spoke: "Wei, have you ever heard of Juweixuan in the future? The culinary company in Bashan."

Wei Chao responded, "Juweixuan didn't make any major headlines, and it went bankrupt in the future, ultimately unable to withstand the relentless pressure from Western cuisine. Oh, speaking of which, that reminds me of something. The daughter of the Juweixuan owner married a man from a commoner family back then. The marriage was widely lauded as a model victory for love prevailing."

Liu Hui had just suddenly thought of Liang Jingyue, prompting the question. To his surprise, he received useful information from Wei Chao. If Liang Jingyue later married a commoner man, who was that man? Could it be the future version of himself?

Liu Hui asked again, "Then do you know who that man was? What happened to them later?"

Wei Chao shook his head. "I don't know specifics, only that the man was from a small town under Bashan, supposedly without any formal job. Afterward, there were no more reports about them."

Liu Hui was stunned. Could the man Liang Jingyue finally married truly be his future self? The description Wei Chao gave sounded exactly like his current situation. But he was separated from Liang Jingyue now—what was going on? After a moment's thought, he decided to shelve this confusing issue and asked, "Little Wei, what did you do in the future?"

Wei Chao replied, "In the future, I was a runner and errand boy at a state-owned financial company. Despite my hard work, I lacked connections, so after many years, I was still only a low-level clerk whom anyone could boss around. However, precisely because of this experience, I overheard a great deal of financial knowledge from colleagues while running errands. Over those years, I became intimately familiar with the financial developments of the last two decades, which was the main reason I could establish myself so quickly upon returning here."

Liu Hui was deeply moved. The "Financial Young Prodigy," seen as invincible by outsiders, was merely a menial errand runner in the future, subject to reprimands from anyone. Liu Hui then asked, "You mentioned earlier that in the future, Liu Lin was your wife..."

Wei Chao glanced back toward Mei Peng's window, only to find it closed, offering no view inside. His voice became somewhat dejected. "In the original history, I met Linlin when I was twenty-four, and we married when I was twenty-eight. After our marriage, we had a lively, adorable son. Linlin was an exceptional woman. She never scorned my family's poverty, nor did she mind that I was just an office boy, devoting herself entirely to our household. She not only managed the home flawlessly but also worked tirelessly to earn money, striving to make our life better. Rationally speaking, a man should be content with a devoted, home-focused wife like Linlin. Thinking back now, those days with Linlin by my side were the happiest span of both my lifetimes."

Wei Chao's voice trailed off as he spoke those words, regret clouding his eyes. After a moment of silence, he continued, "But I was not a good man. After all those years of sharing hardships with Linlin, I gradually began to take everything she did for me for granted, assuming it was simply her duty. Worse, I grew increasingly resentful of Linlin’s somewhat unsophisticated ways. Perhaps it was the inevitable seven-year itch, or perhaps my own nature was simply rotten, but I became dissatisfied with her. I started to lash out, yelling at her, even hitting her. But Linlin misinterpreted my volatility, thinking I was just stressed from work; she reacted with complete compliance, trying to absorb my abuse in the hope of stabilizing our home."

Linlin’s yielding only hardened my resolve; it didn't bring me back to my senses. In the time that followed, I finally fell in with a truly bad crowd. Under the **influence of this bad friend, I finally cheated. I started sleeping around, living a life of **excessive indulgence and debauchery, until one day, during a **police raid on prostitution, I was arrested. When Linlin heard the news, she was devastated. She bailed me out and brought me home, but then she returned to her parents’ house and refused to speak to me again."

Liu Hui felt a surge of sorrow. Liu Lin marrying Wei Chao in the future was truly walking into disaster. She had loved Wei Chao with all her heart, pouring endless energy into maintaining their marriage, only for Wei Chao to ultimately treat all her efforts as expected, arbitrarily abusing her, disdaining her lack of polish, and finally betraying her with infidelity. To make matters worse, he was caught in a vice sting and needed his own wife to bail him out and bring him home. It was no wonder Liu Lin had completely given up hope, returning to her parents and refusing to acknowledge Wei Chao ever again.