Time passed, and without him realizing it, Xiao Ning's Spiritual Energy increased. He was already close to advancing a level.

  For a technique as powerful as the Eternal Sleeper, accumulating the Energy necessary to advance a stage while in the Mundane Realm was something simple. Even more so in Xiao Ning's case, who apparently was only at the 2nd Layer of the Mundane Realm.

  But of course, this didn't happen overnight.

  Xiao Ning slept deeply, such that an entire day passed. And likewise, the second day went by. It was already night, and yet he gave no sign that he would wake up. It even seemed as if he had entered a vegetative state.

  The night passed and the morning of the third day arrived, but he remained asleep.

  It was then that suddenly, the light enveloping his body shone brighter, and he woke up, with blue lightning bolts leaping from his eyes.

  Xiao Ning jolted upright and took a deep breath, as if he had escaped a nightmare in which the death sentence was drowning. Disoriented, he gasped with difficulty while drops of sweat dripped from his gaunt face.

  "Damn, that was close! I almost entered an eternal sleep!" he cursed to himself, trying to catch his breath.

  The Eternal Sleeper Technique had its advantages and disadvantages, as well as its dangers. And the most terrifying of all was also the reason it earned its name. Behind its goofy moniker lay a gloomy and terrifying danger. Whoever cultivated it would have to live with and accept the constant possibility that perhaps they might never wake up again.

  It turns out that if the cultivator is not careful when cultivating it and does not possess sharp Spiritual Senses, the chance of entering a deep sleep from which one could never wake up was high.

  Xiao Ning, who had always been negligent with the things he did, almost entered this state of eternal sleep. His luck lay in the fact that he was still at a low level—low enough that only a few days of cultivation made a big difference. Otherwise, out of carelessness, he would have entered an irreversible coma.

  "I have to improve my senses," he murmured after calming down. Although reinvigorated and full of energy, there was no denying he had been in a tight spot. Reviving only to go into a coma is almost comical.

  Spiritual Sense, or the ability to sense Spiritual Energy, is a skill that generally allows the practitioner to recognize the level of a cultivator, monsters, techniques, among other things. But in the case of the Eternal Sleeper, it would grant the user the ability to sense their surroundings even while their senses were dormant, and likewise, to wake up whenever they wished. It was almost like being asleep without really falling asleep.

  Now a bit more relaxed, Xiao Ning finally exclaimed with satisfaction when he noticed he had leveled up. Immediately, he perceived his advancement to the 3rd Layer of the Mundane Realm. But the success of the progress was soon replaced by a feeling of confusion. Just a nap wouldn't be enough for such exponential growth. After all, how many days had passed?

  Wondering this, he got up and left the shack—but not without giving a good stretch. He wanted to eat something first, for his stomach, already sticking to his back, growled loudly like an imprisoned beast deprived of a good meal. However, just imagining eating another piece of that meat, profaned by a bad cook, made him nauseous.

  The instant he stepped outside, Xiao Ning immediately spotted a figure approaching the shack step by step. Even for his faulty senses, it was difficult not to feel all that Energy.

  Approaching was a middle-aged man with long, dark blue hair and a short beard, styled on his face in a way that hung between uncouthness and elegance. He wore a navy blue tunic bearing the figure of a golden, serpentine Long stamped on the side. Xiao Ning felt a vast Spiritual Energy emanate from his body and sweep in his direction. However, there was no malice in it; it was as if it were something natural to him, accompanying his calm and resolute parade.

  "Spirited Realm, but I don't know which layer he is in," he murmured thoughtfully, with a serious tone, while staring at the man.

  In the Central Continent, it was common knowledge that there are nine spiritual realms. And they were: Mundane, Awakening, Virtuous, Spirited, Sovereign of Awakening, Mystic Monarch, Mystic Saint, Mystic Sage, and Mystic Scholar.

  These are the spiritual realms of which the people of the Central Continent possessed knowledge.

  And in the Xiao Family, an organization considered middling within the Golden Empire—although this in itself represented a considerable force—being in the Spirited Realm was the same as being at the top. That approaching man was most likely a great personage. An important Elder.

  Xiao Ning narrowed his eyes and looked attentively at the man. He couldn't remember who that gentleman was, but his face wasn't strange to him.

  It was only after much effort that he finally recognized him. That was Xiao Chang, the 9th Elder of the Xiao Family.

  In his past life, while he was still in the Golden Empire, there weren't many people who cared about him. In fact, everyone ignored him. Xiao Chang was the only one who paid him any attention. If not for him, Xiao Ning would certainly have been banished from the Family.

  However, although Xiao Chang had always, in a way, looked after Xiao Ning, they weren't that close. The only reason for the Elder to do this was because of Ning's late father.

  Without much haste, Xiao Chang approached and, with a grave tone of voice, said:

  "Little Ning, we need to talk." He cast a deep look at Xiao Ning, followed by a light, regretful sigh, fearful of the message he came to deliver. But then, with a second look, somewhat impressed, he continued. "Little Ning, you reached the 3rd Layer, congratulations!" he expressed a sincere compliment, like someone happy for an acquaintance's achievements.

  "Ahahaha! That's nothing much." Xiao Ning gave a relaxed smile. "Uncle Chang, did something happen?"

  By the expression on Xiao Chang's face, something serious seemed to have happened.

  "I wanted to be here just to congratulate you on your advancement, but I regret to say, Little Ning, I don't have good news."

  "Uncle doesn't need to worry so much. Just say it, what could be so serious?" Xiao Ning, without the slightest doubt, had already been through this once, so what could be so surprising? Thus, with a smile on his face, he asked the question.

  Seeing him so carefree, Xiao Chang shook his head slightly, condemning his youthful innocence, and announced:

  "Your fiancée, Xu Xia, is here. And she came accompanied by the 4th Elder of the Xu Family."

  Hearing that name, it didn't take long for Xiao Ning to remember. He indeed had a fiancée, but it hadn't been by his choice. It was a marriage planned by his father when he hadn't even been born yet.

  However, after his father's death and after realizing that Xiao Ning possessed no talent, the Xu Family hurried to undo the marriage agreement, leaving him with nothing.

  At that time, the only thing that made the Elders tolerate Xiao Ning was the marriage with the Xus. But after the cancellation, his situation within the Family worsened even more. And from a burden who was good for nothing, he came to be seen as a definitive parasitic freeloader.

  He remembered the cancellation perfectly, for it had been a difficult moment in his life. For a long time, he felt humiliated, since not only the Xu Family but the one who was supposed to be his fiancée, on the occasion, did everything for the marriage to be interrupted. And that was the kind of thing that left a scar.

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  But of course, that was all in the past.

  Today was probably the day the marriage would be cancelled.

  And when he realized this, Xiao Ning's expression sank. With furrowed brows and a finger tapping his lips, he began to reflect on something...

  Of course, he didn't care one bit about this marriage or fiancée nonsense. Not anymore. Knowing what awaited him on the next continents, it was even better not to be married. If it weren't her, it would be him putting an end to this rubbish.

  No... What really mattered in this was that Xiao Ning finally discovered the date he was in, as well as how much time remained until the start of the War of Extinction. And according to his calculations, the war would begin in approximately four and a half years.

  Four and a half years—that was good news for Xiao Ning. It meant he would still have plenty of time to prepare. He wouldn't need to leave in a hurry for the next continent.

  Furthermore, when he saw Xiao Chang, he made a decision.

  For everything Xiao Chang did for him, as a form of repayment, he would stay and help increase the Xiao Family's chances during the great catastrophe. Even if only a little. Because, really, there were no longer reasons to rush and flee.

  "Hm, what is it, Little Ning? Is something wrong?" asked Xiao Chang, concerned, seeing his lost countenance.

  "It's nothing, Uncle, no need to worry. As for the marriage, you can..." Xiao Ning was about to send the Elder away, taking with him the message that it was all over. But suddenly he realized something...

  If he was going to help increase the Xiao Family's chances of survival, then what would be better than that, his specialty?

  Having glimpsed a plan, he let out an amused smile and couldn't help but think: Maybe I can have a little fun around here.

  "Uncle, you said Xu Xia is here, right?" he questioned, with a smile on his face. "In that case, we can't keep her waiting. Let's go see her."

  "Are you sure about this? If Little Ning wants, I can handle this myself."

  "Uncle worries too much. I can't leave my fiancée waiting, can I? Ahaha!" he said in a joking tone. And immediately after, he began to laugh loudly, like a senile old man. "Come, let's go."

  Even though he seemed excited to meet his future ex-fiancée, Ning still waited for Xiao Chang's lead. The reason for this was simple: he didn't remember the way.

  And so, the two set off...

  After walking for some time, they arrived at a beautiful courtyard, with a verdant lawn and some flowers in a flowerbed, properly organized and well-tended.

  That was Xiao Chang's private courtyard. The house, which stood a few dozen meters away from the entrance, was enormous. Even the entrance door was wider than Xiao Ning's shack.

  And near the main house, at the end of a path paved with small rectangular stone blocks, was a large hall. The walls were dyed a striking shade of red, and carved into the wooden pillars supporting the porch were drawings of legendary beasts and wild animals.

  Without standing on ceremony, Xiao Ning entered the hall accompanied by Xiao Chang, and inside, he spotted two people sitting and looking quite comfortable on a red sofa while drinking tea.

  The one who seemed more at ease was an old man with gray hair and a long silver beard that cascaded over his lap. That was Xu Gan, 4th Elder of the Xu Family and Xu Xia's grandfather.

  Beside him sat a beautiful young woman with golden hair. She wore a yellow dress with an incandescent bird stamped on the chest, whose tail unfolded along her left flank. Her eyes were light green, and despite her tender and youthful beauty, they were cold with a touch of vanity.

  Xiao Ning looked once at the old man and the young woman before collapsing into another armchair with a relaxed posture that was anything but respectful. Over the course of his thousands of years of life, he ended up losing many of the customs considered "good manners."

  "Now that Xiao Ning has arrived, we can get this over with quickly," said Xu Gan, being direct, without bothering to use courtesies. Resting his teacup on the table in front, he continued his speech. "Xiao Ning, do you know why we are here?"

  "No idea," he replied in a carefree tone, shrugging his shoulders.

  At this moment, Xiao Chang took a step forward and interfered:

  "Big Brother Gan, please reconsider. If it's a question of dowry, I am willing to part with some treasures. This agreement was made a long time ago; wanting to back out now is..."

  "I understand Little Brother Chang's side." Xu Gan interrupted him, shaking his head as he continued. "But the decision has already been made. Xiao Ning, we are here to officially cancel the marriage between you and my granddaughter."

  Hearing this, Xiao Chang cast a pitying look toward his godson and shook his head while letting out an exhausted sigh. He lamented the fact that he couldn't be of much help. On the other hand, Xu Xia stared at him with a piercing gaze, like someone saying: "Don't you dare refuse!"

  However, contrary to everyone's expectation, Xiao Ning was calm, as if what he had just heard was no big deal.

  Then, shrugging, he replied disinterestedly:

  "Alright." There wasn't much to be said. And to be honest, he didn't want to waste time with futile conversations either.

  Seeing the groom's impartial attitude, Xu Gan narrowed his eyes and made an ugly face. He was ready to make a speech. After all, breaking a marriage agreement isn't such a simple matter. He came all the way here rehearsing a speech about positions and differences in talent.

  However, to his surprise and chagrin, Xiao Ning didn't seem to care about it. It was as if he gave the matter no importance whatsoever. And that was a bit annoying, but it also avoided problems.

  Xu Xia, despite feeling displeased regarding Ning's disinterested attitude, said nothing. She remained inert, without manifesting her emotions. She was happy that things were resolved so easily.

  "Judging by your attitude, I believe you agree with this decision," said Xu Gan. But now, his voice wasn't indifferent like before. There were slight traces of irritation hidden in it.

  However, Xiao Ning continued with his relaxed attitude.

  "Of course, I fully agree. I am one of those who believe in free will. People should just do what they want to do. Don't you agree? Ahahaha!" And he burst into laughter. "Actually, this impresses me greatly. I know this was a decision made, above all, by the Xu Family, but I am sure that Little Xia also fought against this marriage, and a girl with the courage to fight for her goals is worthy of admiration. Ahaha!"

  Xiao Ning's loud laughter, which reverberated through the hall, made everyone look at him with strange eyes. That boy seemed more like a senile old man, saying nonsensical things and laughing at himself.

  "What did you call me?" However, unlike the elders, who were disconcerted by the relaxed and carefree attitude, Xu Xia became irritated to the point that her eyes emitted a trace of fury. Hearing Xiao Ning call her "Little Xia" made her blood boil. How did someone like him dare act so intimately with her?

  In a leap, she rose from the sofa and released an oppressive aura toward Xiao Ning. The air flickered, causing slight violent vibrations, bloodthirsty, demanding respect.

  However, Xiao Ning remained seated haphazardly in the armchair, marked by a relaxed expression on his face as he was pressed by an oppressing and violent aura.

  "My, what a stressed girl," he commented, giving a relaxed smile.

  Xu Xia took a step forward, and small balls of light began to appear around her body. She was preparing to fight.

  But then, Xu Gan touched her hand and shook his head, telling her, without the need for words, to stop.

  And, although reluctant, she suppressed her aura and sat back down on the sofa. But not before casting a furious look toward Xiao Ning, who responded with an unperturbed smile and a provocative wink.

  After things had calmed down, Xiao Chang couldn't help but look at his godson and say:

  "Little Ning, are you sure about this? If things end like this, your honor..." He was truly worried. He knew that if it ended that way, things would become much more difficult for Ning, and perhaps not even he, in his position as Elder, could continue to protect him.

  But in response to Xiao Chang's concern, Xiao Ning laughed loudly:

  "Ahahahah! Uncle Chang worries too much. My honor isn't something so fragile as to be wounded just because of a simple broken engagement."

  Xiao Ning's words could be considered merely arrogant. In what way could the end of a marriage commitment, arranged by the Family itself, be so trivial?

  In Xiao Ning's words, it seemed that breaking this agreement was no big deal and would have no consequence, and this made the elders present shake their heads inwardly. "This was a naive and ignorant young man," they thought.

  But what they didn't know was that, for Xiao Ning, this indeed didn't represent a big deal.

  Xiao Ning had traveled across hundreds of continents. He knew various cultures. In some places, marriage was arranged by parents. In others, people were free to do whatever they wanted. There were countries where women couldn't do anything other than take care of the house and children. They had no voices. In other regions, they ruled empires.

  In each place, a different belief. A different hierarchy. But was there a right and wrong? In the end, weren't they just lifestyles?

  Traveling through countless lands, knowing and experiencing distinct cultures, Xiao Ning came to know the world and in doing so, molded his own consciousness. To him, things like obligations, right and wrong, were nothing more than conveniences created for coexistence and, in some cases, the simple abuse of power.

  In his more than five thousand years, he never closed himself off to new experiences, never denied different opinions, and also never ceased to question cultures, beliefs, and lifestyles. And it was exactly because of this—not letting himself be influenced and searching for the simple truth—that he was able to become a Mystic Sage in his past life.

  For Xiao Ning, who molded his own consciousness through experience and discovered who he truly is, a simple broken marriage was nothing major, nor even offensive. In fact, it was as he had said: for a girl in this place, where the Family's voice represents the law and appearance came above everything, even life itself, having the courage to oppose this agreement was something worthy of praise.

  Even if she seemed to be a bit arrogant and disdainful towards those without talent, it didn't change the fact that she was a strong girl.

  It seemed things had reached a conclusion. Xu Gan and Xu Xia stood up and prepared to leave.

  "Well, since Xiao Ning has no opposition to the cancellation, then we will be leaving," said Xu Gan. "As for the dowry given by your father to my Xu Family, I will be returning it within a few days."

  With that, he turned, ready to leave.

  But then, a calm and carefree voice stopped him:

  "Wait a moment!" Xiao Ning suddenly called out. "I indeed do not mind the broken engagement, but we haven't finished settling our affairs yet."