Chapter 495 496: Passing the Torch
Chapter 496: Passing the Torch
Above the layered sea of clouds within the [Heaven of Non-Existence].
Mu Changsheng wore a bewildered expression. He distinctly remembered having used the Myriad Spirits Banner when constructing the [Heaven of Non-Existence]. How could there still be a Banner Spirit?
'No, this isn't a pure Banner Spirit... A living person entered the banner? Not only that, the banner's master specially reconstructed a physical body for them and restored their freedom. Who could this banner master be, so kind-hearted? My inheritance should have landed with the Demon Sect north of the river. How could there possibly be good people in a demonic sect?'
In that instant, Mu Changsheng's thoughts raced.
As the previous owner of the Myriad Spirits Banner, his research into Banner Spirits had long reached profound depths, allowing him to immediately discern Ancestor Nether Whisper's unusual state.
But that was all.
Though he recognized that Ancestor Nether Whisper had once been a Banner Spirit, he failed to see that even now, Ancestor Nether Whisper remained under Lü Yang's control.
Because this was the domain of the [Book of a Hundred Lifetimes].
The Banner Spirits in Lü Yang's possession had undergone a complete transformation after being refined by the [Book of a Hundred Lifetimes], becoming fundamentally different from the Banner Spirits Mu Changsheng knew.
Yet this did not hinder Mu Changsheng's admiration for Ancestor Nether Whisper.
'A Banner Spirit is excellent!'
'Having once been a Banner Spirit, they must have been in close contact with the [Heaven of Non-Existence], which should increase their chances of Achieving the [Heaven of Non-Existence].'
The next moment, his gaze shifted to Chongguang, his eyes gleaming with astonishment: 'This one is also extraordinary—a reincarnated celestial being with overwhelming fortune, not to mention an impeccable Dao heart and innate talent. If the [Heaven of Non-Existence] were entrusted to him, there would also be great hope for successful Achievement.'
At this thought, Mu Changsheng even felt somewhat conflicted.
Who should he choose?
Just then, Ancestor Nether Whisper suddenly spoke: "Speaking of which, I have privately studied your [Heaven of Non-Existence] for quite some time."
"...Oh?"
Hearing this, Mu Changsheng immediately raised his head and smiled. "Interesting. In that case, how does my [Heaven of Non-Existence] fare in your esteemed opinion?"
Mu Changsheng's tone was modest.
But in truth, posing such a question was self-praise—after all, not just anyone could cultivate an External Dao Fruition out of thin air as he had.
Yet in the next moment, Ancestor Nether Whisper shook his head:
"If measured by the standards of mediocrity, your [Heaven of Non-Existence] could be hailed as a masterpiece. But by my judgment, I can only say it still needs refinement."
Mu Changsheng: "..."
As these words fell, though Mu Changsheng's smile remained, a trace of coldness surfaced in his eyes. "Then where does the esteemed Daoist believe improvements are needed?"
This was meant as sarcasm.
Yet to his surprise, Ancestor Nether Whisper responded with utmost seriousness: "Setting aside other aspects, at the very least, the illusions here have much room for improvement."
"I observe that the trials in this place are all based on your personal experiences. Though thrilling, after repeated exposure, they grow somewhat monotonous. When you first created the [Heaven of Non-Existence], it was likely not for the pursuit of the Dao, but as a weapon against the True Lords of the world—its essence was that of a tool."
Here, Ancestor Nether Whisper shook his head:
"In my view, you have squandered such a magnificent fruition. With patient cultivation, its potential would not be inferior to that of an orthodox fruition."
Mu Changsheng fell silent for a moment.
Ancestor Nether Whisper was correct—the [Heaven of Non-Existence] was merely a weapon he had devised to constrain the True Lords of the world, not the foundation he had planned for his Dao-seeking path.
However, Mu Changsheng scoffed at the mention of potential.
"Orthodox fruitions originate from Tian Gong—how could an External Dao compare? Though your talent is exceptional, you are blinded by a single leaf and speak recklessly."
"Perhaps so."
Ancestor Nether Whisper neither agreed nor disagreed, merely surveying his surroundings once more with eyes ablaze, flickering with countless sparks of inspiration.
During Lü Yang's six-month seclusion, he had not been idle. Besides mastering the [Heaven of Non-Existence] Divine Ability, he had also found time to visit Skeleton Mountain and retrieve the fragments of his divine soul "lost" in the Witch-Ghost Secret Realm. This had elevated his comprehension to a qualitatively new level.
The next moment, Ancestor Nether Whisper chuckled lightly:
"If you entrust the [Heaven of Non-Existence] to me, I am confident I can extend its suppression of the world's True Lords and intensify its restraining force."
Hearing this, Mu Changsheng froze:
'What nonsense!'
The [Heaven of Non-Existence] was his life's work, especially in its function of suppressing the True Lords. He believed he had achieved near-perfection.
Sixty years—that was the limit.
Though if a True Lord were willing to pay the price and burn their Dongtian, they might break free in thirty years, this was already an astonishing feat.
After all, the [Heaven of Non-Existence] was merely an External Dao Fruition!
To accomplish such a feat with an External Dao Fruition was already extraordinary—yet now, Ancestor Nether Whisper claimed there was still room for improvement?
However, Mu Changsheng soon regained his composure.
Rather than anger, he felt an unprecedented solemnity. With utmost seriousness, he bowed to Ancestor Nether Whisper and said, "Esteemed Daoist, I beg you to enlighten me without reservation."
"You honor me."
Ancestor Nether Whisper returned the bow, then transmitted a strand of Divine Sense. After carefully reviewing it, Mu Changsheng exhaled deeply moments later.
Witnessing this, Chongguang, who had remained silent until now, sighed softly.
'No need for me to choose.'
Mu Changsheng's reaction spoke volumes—Ancestor Nether Whisper's Achievement of the [Heaven of Non-Existence] was now inevitable, leaving no room for his interference.
"Daoist Chongguang."
At this moment, Ancestor Nether Whisper suddenly turned to Chongguang and spoke sincerely: "The master behind me is, in truth, a kind-hearted and benevolent man."
"There is no need for excessive concern."
"With time, so long as you cooperate wholeheartedly, the [Overturned Lamp Flame] position will undoubtedly be yours. For you, acting excessively now would only invite mistakes."
Chongguang frowned slightly at these words, then shook his head:
"Thank you for your advice, Daoist. I will consider it carefully... But this is my path—only I can walk it. I will not entrust my life and fate to another."
With that, Chongguang turned to Mu Changsheng:
"Innate Daoist, I wish to discuss a transaction with you."
"...Very well."
Mu Changsheng nodded. The sea of clouds surged, enveloping the two. Moments later, Mu Changsheng emerged alone—Chongguang had vanished.
"He obtained what he sought and has departed."
Mu Changsheng spoke indifferently: "Daoist, your talent is extraordinary—you discerned much without my explanation. Since that is so, I shall refrain from superfluous words."
The next instant, light coalesced in his palm.
The radiance condensed into the form of a precious pill, inscribed with endless talismanic scripts, ethereal and elusive. The surrounding sea of clouds stirred in response to its presence.
[Contest of Freedom]!
"I have fully grasped your intentions, Daoist. Since you are willing, I entrust this to you. Perhaps you may bring a new Variation to this world."
As he spoke, anticipation flickered in Mu Changsheng's eyes. The modifications Ancestor Nether Whisper proposed for the [Heaven of Non-Existence] were so extensive they astonished even him. Strictly speaking, it could no longer be called the [Heaven of Non-Existence]. If successful, it would undoubtedly benefit him as well.
Yet one doubt lingered.
"Daoist, do you possess the resolve to oppose the True Lords of the world at all costs? Faced with their oppression, do you have a reason to persevere?"
Mu Changsheng pressed solemnly.
This was crucial. If the one who Achieved the [Heaven of Non-Existence] was weak-willed and dared not oppose the True Lords, they would be unfit for the role.
Meanwhile, Ancestor Nether Whisper wore a nostalgic expression:
'If it were only me, I likely wouldn't dare...'
No one understood the terror of True Lords better than he. By now, the ambitions of his youth had long faded, his former vigor gone.
'...But Lü Yang is different. That child still has fire in him.'
At this moment, Ancestor Nether Whisper sought to Achieve the [Heaven of Non-Existence] not for himself, but for Lü Yang—for the Witch Ghost Path's new future.
Ancestor Nether Whisper cared not for life or death.
To live fully within a brief lifetime and pass the fruits to future generations—this was how the Witch Ghost Path had once been, sparing no effort to support his pursuit of gold.
Otherwise, in just three hundred years, even if his Cultivation Depth sufficed, he could never have gathered the four Heavenly Gang and Earth Fiends.
Seeking gold in a single lifetime sounded impressive, but without the Witch Ghost Path pouring its entire sect's fortune into supporting him, Ancestor Nether Whisper alone could never have achieved it.
'Now, it's my turn.'
'With such a successor, how could I, as an ancestor and elder, stand idly by?'
He had to do something.
If a reason was needed to oppose the True Lords of the world, this was it. Perhaps not grand, but for Ancestor Nether Whisper, it was enough.
The next moment, Ancestor Nether Whisper steeled his expression and grasped the glowing sphere in Mu Changsheng's hand without hesitation. Within his grasp, the Divine Ability once named [Contest of Freedom] began to transform—its original name erased, replaced by a new one:
[Passing the Torch].