The Grand Elder felt a bit awkward.

He didnt think the situation would be like this, and neither did Reneedol.

Scarlet was only a disciple, but something that she had decided for herself couldnt possibly be changed by someone else.

Shroud walked forward in front of Scarlet and Rhode, then grinned: Grand Elder, you probably dont realize it, but us young people have other choices outside of cultivation as well

The Grand Elder also smiled: Then shall be it, this is only a small matter

-nothing can happen to Shroud.

Rhode is also the best choice for the Law of Death.

These two cant be touched.

Reneedol quickly changed the subject and giggled: How unexpected, I didnt think you had so much game, Rhode

I just think shes really suitable for the scythe

Gu Qing Shan honestly replied, but he was silently feeling triumphant.

I gave her a scythe, you people havent given her anything yet, and you still think you can convince her?

As long as Scarlet isnt baited, you wont be able to touch her.

Gu Qing Shan let his killing intent subside, then respectfully said: Grand Elder, Ive always respected you, and we also understand your hardship, but some things just cant be forced. Anyways, are you hungry? Should I make you a bowl of noodles?

The Grand Elder was blankly listening when he suddenly heard the word noodles.

His throat moved slightly and said: Do you know how to make noodles?

I do. Since you came from a long journey, Im sure you have some ingredients with you. Provide me the ingredients, Ill make sure to cook up a satisfying meal Gu Qing Shan replied.

The Grand Elder paused, unable to help himself searching his own body.

-as expected, this corpse isnt carrying anything notable.

But its been such a long time since I last even heard the word eat, how could I pass on such a chance?

The Grand Elder tossed the previous away without hesitation and said: Let me get a bit of ingredients

Then disappeared without a trace.

Reneedol shook her head with a rare look of helplessness.

She can understand their feelings, so it wasnt something she could scold the other party for.

She could only keep one eye closed.

What did you think about the Apocalypse just now? Reneedol asked.

Especially dangerous Scarlet replied.

And that was only the beginning, so if that [Siming] wanted us to state even more connections between ourselves, wed be in a lot of trouble Shroud added.

As Gu Qing Shan was about to state his opinion, he saw glowing lines of text appearing in front of his eyes.

These glowing text flashed a bit, then turned bloody red.

Gu Qing Shan immediately became serious.

the War God UI very rarely changes the color of its text, the only time it would do so was to draw his attention.

The lines of bloody red text appeared:

[Attention!]

[Attention!]

[Your remaining time of survival is rapidly decreasing]

[Apocalypse: Siming had deceived the System, as well as this world itself]

[In 27 minutes, that Apocalypse will descend again]

[Compared to the previous time, it will ask for one more connection between all living beings dont ask me why I know, Ill deduct 200,000 Soul Points from you now]

[Stay cautious!]

Gu Qing Shan was shaken.

It clearly said 12 hours, and yet the time had been reduced to 20-odd minutes.

This fraudulent Apocalypse!

However, if I think about it carefully, the Apocalypses goal is to end the life of all living beings.

Why did I ever think that it couldnt deceive people?

The timer on the War God UI had also changed:

[00:26:59]

[00:26:58]

[00:26:57]

What now?

Gu Qing Shans thoughts rapidly moved, but his tone was as calm and collected as normal:

Shroud, youre right, we should quickly form even more connections to avoid being killed the next time [Siming] arrives Gu Qing Shan said.

Shroud nodded.

Reneedol thought briefly and also thought that this was urgent.

But then, how should we form more connections? Scarlet asked in confusion.

Gu Qing Shan replied: A connection between two people can also be called a relation, its a basic tool for communication and forming relationships, as well as a representation of status

But then, how many connections could there be between people? Scarlet asked.

Shroud counted: Fellow disciples, friends, brothers, what else are there?

Reneedol pondered: Parents and child is also one kind of connection

Theres also lovers, couples, spouses Scarlet added.

Gu Qing Shan added: The difference between friends and brothers is too blurry, theres a possibility that itll be considered the same one

Generally speaking, lovers, couples, and spouses can all be considered the same relation Reneedol commented.

Why do we need to be general? Scarlet asked confusedly.

Because the goal of [Siming] is to end all things, we cant rely on it giving us loopholes Shroud explained.

Reneedol and Gu Qing Shan both nodded.

That was indeed the case.

Against this unknown entity, one must discard all wishful thinking to avoid falling into a trap.

There arent that many relations between us, this is quite troublesome Reneedol scowled.

Everyone also fell silent.

They were fellow disciples, which can also be considered friends.

But what else was there?

There werent any other relations.

Shroud turned to Reneedol and asked: Then, can you be my girlfriend?

Of course! Reneedol smiled in return.

Scarlet pondered: In that case, there would be three layers of connections among the two of you, which are fellow disciples of the World Valley, a couple, and friends

Gu Qing Shan refuted: No, I think that the couples and friends connections cannot exist at once, because between male and female, you can only be friends or a couple, [Siming] will definitely draw a clear line

Yeah, I also think Shroud and I only have two layers of connections Reneedol replied.

Gu Qing Shan thought briefly before saying: Then, I can teach you how to cook right now, the three of you would become my cooking disciples, while I become your cooking teacher

Can this be considered a connection? Scarlet asked.

Yes, we will have formed a master-disciple relationship, one side teaches and the other side studies, it would naturally be considered a connection Gu Qing Shan replied.

Reneedol, Shroud, and Scarlet exchanged glances.

Were friends, but also master and disciple? That doesnt feel right Shroud hesitated.

Perhaps it doesnt matter how you actually study? Scarlet nervously asked.

No, Ill teach you very seriously, and you must also seriously study, dont depend on being able to gloss things over in front of [Siming] Gu Qing Shan replied.

Isnt that a lot of trouble? Perhaps we should try something else? Scarlet asked.

Gu Qing Shan glanced at the War God UI.

-There are only 25 minutes left until [Siming] descends again.

He shrugged: Then you guys can try and think of something- as long as you have any practical skills, talents, jobs, or ability, I can learn it from you as well

All three of them went silent.

Other than growing stronger and fighting, what can I actually do?

This is a very real question that makes a person clearly perceive themselves.

After a bit of silence, Reneedol said: If that can really form a connection, I dont mind being your disciple, but only limited to studying cooking

I wont teach you my other skills even if you wanted to learn Gu Qing Shan replied.

I have no problem with that Shroud followed up.

Me too Scarlet said as well.

Alright, let me teach you the first lesson in cooking right now Gu Qing Shan said.

The three of them focused their attention.

Gu Qing Shan took out a basic chefs knife and showed it to everyone.

Pay attention, this is a knife for cutting meat and vegetables, everyone take a look at it

The cleaver was passed between each of them to examine.

How do you cut meat? Scarlet

Gu Qing Shan casually cut off a tree branch, handed it to Reneedol, then said: You can try it first. Following the vein of the branch, pay attention to keep the cuts at similar thickness each time

Thats simple Reneedol said as she took the knife.

She seriously began cutting a tree branch while Gu Qing Shan, Shroud, and Scarlet watched.

When the Grand Elder returned, that was what he saw.

He rubbed his eyes, almost unable to believe what he was saying.

She

Is cutting a tree branch with a knife?

What are you doing? the Grand Elder asked.

Gu Qing Shan casually replied: Were forming connections lets see what kind of ingredients the Grand Elder had brought back; it would make it easier to show you guys on the spot as well

When speaking of cooking ingredients, the Grand Elder didnt bother asking further and took out a bunch of random rationed grains.

there are still 11 hours until [Siming] descends again.

The more important thing right now is to have a fulfilling meal.

A group of pixies were moving, so I took a bit of their ration the Grand Elder explained.

Gu Qing Shan checked the ingredients, rolled up his sleeves, then began to form the grain into long and thin pieces.

Ill now show you how to make noodles he told the three of them.

Wouldnt it be better to fry these rations? Scarlet asked.

Theyre both about the same, but Im better at noodles Gu Qing Shan replied.

-dont be ridiculous, I still have a lot of questions to ask this Grand Elder, so a bowl of noodles is definitely on the menu.

Gu Qing Shans skills were naturally undisputable.

A bottle of noodles was swiftly finished for the Grand Elder to clean out in record time.

Thats delicious, so really delicious

The Grand Elder held onto his bowl even after he finished, unwilling to let go.

Gu Qing Shan turned around and told Scarlet: You can take Shroud as your older brother, thats also one relation

Thats right, how come I didnt think of that!

Scarlet turned to Shroud.

Alright, then from now on, were brother and sister, Ive always wanted a younger sister Shroud smiled.

Scarlet called out: Older brother

Hm, sister Shroud replied.

Gu Qing Shan turned to Reneedol and said: Im older than you

Reneedol turned away and told Scarlet: How about I take you as my younger sister as well?

Sure Scarlet looked at Gu Qing Shan and giggled.

Gu Qing Shan appeared helpless.

His gaze moved towards the timer on the War God UI.

Shroud, Scarlet, and Reneedol now each have three connections.

Five minutes left.

Gu Qing Shans heart started beating faster.

With so little time, would my plans be feasible?

He silently simulated it in this mind.

Suddenly, the Grand Elder asked: What kind of connections did you form with Rhode?

Cooking master and disciples Reneedol replied.

The Grand Elder looked at Gu Qing Shan and praised: That is a good connection

Gu Qing Shan continued: Grand Elder, how about I learn a combat skill from you, this way wed be able to form a master-disciple relationship as well

The Grand Elder agreed after a bit of thought.

[Siming] is too terrifying, I really should prepare some connections ahead of time.

He stood up and asked: What do you want to learn?

How to improve the power of my attacks Gu Qing Shan replied.

The Grand Elder pondered for a bit, then said: This isnt a good place to learn that, lets find a more open place where we can unleash large-scale attacks

Yes Gu Qing Shan replied.

Four minutes left.

The Grand Elder told the others: Everyone rest here, were going to return very soon

Hm, well try to think about any other connections we might have Reneedol replied.

The Grand Elder nodded and brought Gu Qing Shan into the wilderness.

About three minutes later.

They stopped in the middle of a desolate empty field.

Alright, we wont cause any unwanted collateral damage here even if we unleash large-scale attacks the Grand Elder said.

Gu Qing Shan looked at him and suddenly asked: Wind Deity took over Atley, but he was killed by the Apocalypse, will he revive?

[See you once again] was activated!

The Grand Elders expression became blank and answered: Only Reneedol can resurrect, were all powerful enough to not be killed, but if something could really kill us, we would cease to exist

At the very next moment.

The Grand Elder regained his senses without realizing what had happened and said:

Rhode, let us discuss something

What is there to discuss? Gu Qing Shan asked.

If you are willing to persuade Scarlet to accept the covenant of Flames, Ill teach you the most advanced destructive spells the Grand Elder told him with a solemn expression.

What if I refuse to persuade her? Gu Qing Shan asked.

The Grand Elder shook his head: Then I can only teach you something crude this is only for the sake of forming a connection

Five seconds left.

Gu Qing Shan sighed and said: No need

Time was up!

The countless stars in the sky abruptly gave off blinding light once again.