Wang Xuan found himself nodding along with Old Chen's insights. Time in the Inner Landscape seemed to align with the real world, suggesting their minds were operating at an extraordinary pace. It was entirely possible that they were experiencing everything more intensely, their very cells were going through a process of ultra rapid regeneration.1

Stepping out of the Inner Landscape, Wang Xuan felt more alive than ever. There was no trace of weariness or the weight of added years. Instead, his mind was sharp, and he was at peace. Even if this newfound vitality was due to the mysterious energy, and even if he had truly aged decades, there would still be some signs of mental fatigue.  0

The sprawling suburban estate was peaceful. Walking under the moonlit sky, Wang Xuan admired the pond filled with reeds, its surface mirroring the stars and moon. Further in the distance, the city lights painted a vivid picture. Everything felt incredibly real, grounding him and reminding him of the importance of living in the moment. Whether it was the captivating woman in red with unmatched powers or the otherworldly swordswoman radiating pride, both seemed to be striving for a connection with the present. Wang Xuan felt an inkling of their desires; if these ageless beings yearned for the present, then he, being in this reality, should cherish every moment. His path was clear: to dive deep into the ancient arts here and now. 0

Back in his room, Wang Xuan quickly fell into a restorative sleep. Yet, for many others, sleep was hard to come by that night. They whispered amongst themselves, fearing Old Chen might not make it through the night based on how things were unfolding. By morning, people were up...0