Chapter 326: Why Not Cheat?
"Damn it, that's downright sinister!"
In Jiangnan's Hidden Sword Manor, Lü Yang's immortal spirit body clearly witnessed through [Puppet on Strings] the predicament his split soul fragment had fallen into.
This was precisely the challenge of the second tribulation.
'According to current intelligence, the second tribulation of [Heaven of Non-Existence] differs completely from the first. Cultivators won't retain memories of their past lives this time.'
'Their previous memories will be obscured as they fully integrate into the identity of the [Innate True Person]. Though memories quickly return after exiting [Heaven of Non-Existence], making it seem like just a dream—this operation is clearly problematic! No matter how you look at it, something's wrong!'
'Fortunately... I only sent a soul fragment!'
To this day, Lü Yang had never allowed his main body's divine sense to enter [Heaven of Non-Existence], precisely because of these doubts, making him unwilling to act recklessly.
Mental contamination was secondary—what if [Heaven of Non-Existence] could lock onto someone?
Imagine his main body stepping into [Heaven of Non-Existence], only for the Innate True Person to immediately notice: "Hmm? An immortal spirit? Let me see what's going on..."
Though the Innate True Person hadn't yet displayed the might of a Golden Core True Lord, and [Heaven of Non-Existence] appeared weaker compared to other fruit positions, Lü Yang wouldn't gamble on whether the opponent had such capabilities. Nor would he rely on luck—better to let his soul fragment suffer instead.
'Besides, there are benefits to this approach.'
This was why Lü Yang felt confident about breaking through the second tribulation—his main body could provide external support to the soul fragment!
Normally, this would be impossible.
Saint Sect True Persons had long attempted it, but even when using split souls to enter [Heaven of Non-Existence], the connection to their main bodies would be severed, preventing any cheating.
But Lü Yang was different.
'The connection through [Puppet on Strings] cannot be severed by [Heaven of Non-Existence]!'
Thinking this, Lü Yang grew increasingly excited. While keeping an eye on True Person Dangmo's battlefield, he focused intently, ready to speedrun the second tribulation!
"I've now reached early-stage Foundation Establishment perfection."
At this moment, the soul fragment fully immersed in the identity of the [Innate True Person] mused: "My Life Essence divine ability is complete, with virtue, fortune, and cultivation depth all accounted for."
"Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiends have been obtained as well."
Before it floated shimmering waterlight—this was [Ren Water], clouds in the heavens and marshes on earth, the ultimate yang-water of the world.
Its memories told it that refining this [Ren Water] would allow a breakthrough to mid-stage Foundation Establishment, bringing it closer to its ideal goal... Yet the next moment, immense sorrow and long-suppressed despair surged forth, darkening its expression.
"But... what's the use!"
In the next instant, it flung aside the [Ren Water], its face twisting viciously: "My path is broken! Even if I refine this, I can't Achieve a fruit position anymore!"
Images from the first tribulation surfaced in its mind.
The [Heaven and Earth Dragon-Tiger Yin-Yang Grand Formation], one hundred eight [Heavenly Maidens]... That great battle had truly left it battered and broken.
And severed its path.
"My original intent was [Flowing Water], but with a fourth-grade true qi foundation, I'm inherently flawed. The highest I'll reach is Foundation Establishment perfection!"
"Yet the path offers no regrets—I can't even start over."
"Damn beasts... they've wronged me too much!"
Where was the way forward?
As these thoughts arose, Lü Yang's soul fragment grew increasingly distressed. Meanwhile, his main body outside comprehended the challenge of this tribulation.
'To sink into it, fully adopting the [Innate True Person]'s circumstances, then find a way out—using Dao heart as a sword to cut through all confusion and obstacles before finally breaking free. Without question, overcoming this tribulation through sheer Dao heart would greatly enhance both divine sense and mental fortitude.'
Provided one didn't cheat like Lü Yang.
That said, Lü Yang felt no envy. Compared to minor improvements in divine sense and mental strength, his own safety mattered far more.
With this in mind, he activated [Puppet on Strings].
In his view, this hurdle was easily overcome. Even disregarding the Innate True Person's threat, his main body could confidently break through if entering.
Because this challenge meant nothing to him.
Had he fallen into such a tribulation, he wouldn't feel sorrow or hatred—his instincts would simply prompt one straightforward thought:
'Why not cheat?'
Was it because he didn't want to?
Lü Yang slightly adjusted this notion before implanting it into his soul fragment's consciousness, making the idea irrepressibly surface.
"Starting over... that's it!"
"It's just beginning anew! If I kill myself and reincarnate five times, using the power of samsara to cleanse my soul, I can truly start over!"
"I understand!"
With these words, the [Innate True Person] inhabited by the soul fragment wasted no time—drawing the ritual sword at its waist and sweeping it across its neck with flawless grace—
"Pfft!"
Above the layered clouds of [Heaven of Non-Existence].
The Innate True Person sat upon a cloud mass, countless streams of light before him—each reflecting a Foundation Establishment True Person undergoing tribulation within [Heaven of Non-Existence].
"Oh? Another has broken the second tribulation?"
Suddenly, his eyes opened, brows lifting with joy as he examined one particular light: "And at such remarkable speed?"
Upon recognizing Lü Yang's soul fragment within, his surprise grew: "It's actually him... Could the True Lord behind him have secretly guided this?"
The thought piqued the Innate True Person's rare interest.
"How did he overcome it?"
Recalling his own past despair when facing hopeless circumstances—how he'd nearly gone mad enduring countless trials before finally shattering the illusions to reforged his Dao heart.
In his design, the second tribulation only had three solutions.
The first and supreme method was using Dao heart to break through—persevering with unshakable determination even when the path seemed hopeless.
The second, middling approach was muddling along, abandoning deeper thought while making breakthroughs where possible.
The third and worst resolution was giving up—accepting mediocrity without despair or motivation to advance further.
Any of these would free one from the heart demon of despair.
Yet the Innate True Person prioritized the first, for cultivation meant scaling perilous heights—without an extreme and steadfast Dao heart, how could one attain the Dao?
With this in mind, the Innate True Person stretched his jaws unnaturally wide—his once-immortal demeanor twisting into something grotesque as he swallowed the light containing Lü Yang's image whole. After brief contemplation, his expression gradually shifted to puzzlement:
"Suicide... to reincarnate and start over?"
"Isn't that a bit too extreme?"
The Innate True Person could sense Lü Yang's soul fragment's emotions at that moment—not despair, not resignation, but genuine belief this was the solution.
"If I attain the true fruit, whether original self or other self—it's still me. If I fail, then original or other selves make no difference..."
Slowly, the Innate True Person fell silent.
Only after a long pause did he snap back to awareness—suddenly bursting into laughter: "Excellent! What a magnificent 'starting over'! Such Dao heart is truly extraordinary!"
In all the world, who didn't fear death? Who didn't dread reincarnation?
The path allowed no regrets—who could truly begin anew?
Yet here was someone treating reincarnation as nothing, seeking only to [start over]—how similar to his current self!
Hadn't he exhausted fate's calculations and schemed for years, becoming this neither-human-nor-ghost existence, all for a chance to [start over] while retaining himself?
If even he went to such lengths...
What tremendous willpower did it take to disregard everything for the sake of [starting over]? Such Dao heart inspired even the Innate True Person's reluctant admiration.
"If the true fruit is attained, it is ultimately I who has learned a lesson today!"