Chapter 96: Sudden force
In the warm and familiar comfort of home, we talked late into the night, but the moment of parting inevitably arrived. It was time to temporarily say goodbye to my parents."Dad, Mom, it's getting late. I have to head back to my place now. I'll come back to visit as soon as I can. If you miss us, just use the communicators to chat with me and Enis. Think of it as me settling down somewhere far away. When the time is right, I'll take you to see my new home," I said reluctantly, holding my mother's hand. "Son, take care of yourself and your wife out there. Stay safe and don't get involved in anything too dangerous," my father advised. "I know, Dad. I'll take care of us both," I replied. "Tianhao, we don't know when we'll see you again after this. Video calls are great, but they're nothing compared to having you here in person. Come back often, okay? Wait a moment, let me pack some local specialties for you to take back. They don't have those where you're going," my mother said, wiping away tears as she headed to the kitchen. Enis and I couldn't refuse, so we accepted the bags of goods. We slowly walked out of the house, with my parents accompanying us to the alley entrance. "Is this car yours?" my father asked. "No, it's just rented," I lied. "Oh, well, drive carefully and don't damage it," he cautioned. "Got it, Dad," I said, loading the bags into the trunk. After a final farewell, we got into the car. "Mom, Dad, this is far enough. I promise I'll be back soon," I said, waving to them. I started the car, watching my parents fade into the distance in the rearview mirror, wiping tears from my eyes. "It's okay, hubby. We can come back anytime," Enis comforted me. "Yeah, let's come back for the next Earth holiday," I said, driving away slowly.I drove around, looking for an empty, secluded spot to get rid of the car before returning to the demon realm. Suddenly, a figure appeared in front of us, and I slammed on the brakes. "Sorry for startling you. I come from another universe and went to great lengths to find you," said a mysterious figure in a black robe. "Enis, stay in the car. I'll check this out," I said, stepping out."Who are you?" I asked cautiously. "My apologies for not introducing myself. In Earth's language, my name is Yehua Jianye, from the Boundless Universe. You must be the one who triggered the multidimensional energy shockwaves, correct? Our queen, Suōshā, is very interested in you and has sent me to invite you to our universe to meet her. Would you honor us with your presence?" Yehua Jianye said."Sorry, it's been a long day, and I just want to go home and rest. I can't come now. Please tell Queen Suōshā we'll meet another time," I said, waving my hand and turning back to the car. "That's a pity. The queen also entrusted me with another task—to test your abilities," Yehua Jianye said with a sly smile. I ignored him and was about to get in the car when the surroundings suddenly turned pitch black. The car was enveloped in a dark glow, trapping Enis inside. "What are you doing? I already said I'm not going!" I shouted angrily. "No need to panic. I've merely stopped time in this area. Please, show me your full strength so I can report back to the queen," Yehua Jianye said, launching an unknown energy attack at me. Dark energy tendrils wrapped around my body, rendering me immobile.In the divine realm, "What's this?! As expected, that universe is far beyond this level. I didn't expect 5000 cosmic units of power to be just a subordinate's strength," Satiantian exclaimed. "Indeed. The enemy is still too powerful for him now, but overcoming this trial will prepare him for even greater challenges ahead. I believe that young man will rise to the occasion, and the key to his strength lies with his companion," Aotian said calmly."(What is this energy? It's nothing like the Blood Demon or Aotian's power. I can't believe I'm facing such a formidable enemy right after returning to Earth)," I thought, struggling desperately but unable to break free. "What's wrong? You shouldn't be this weak. Show your true power, or your life may be in danger," Yehua Jianye said, tightening his grip on me."We have no grudge. Why are you doing this just because I won't meet your queen?" I retorted angrily. "It's all under orders. Please don't blame me," Yehua Jianye replied. He then sent a surge of blue-purple light through an energy whip, electrifying my body and charring it. The light seeped into me, corroding my insides. I screamed in agony. I thought I was strong, but now I realize I was overconfident…