Chapter 497
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Translator: Ace
Chapter:
Chapter Title: Heaven of Non-Existence
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In the [Heaven of Non-Existence], above layers upon layers of cloud seas.
Mu Changsheng's expression was one of bewilderment. He remembered that the Ten Thousand Spirits Banner had been used up when he created the [Heaven of Non-Existence], hadn't it? How could there still be a banner spirit?
'No, this isn't a pure banner spirit. A living person fused into the banner? Not only that, but the banner master even specially reshaped a physical body for him and restored his freedom. Where did this banner master come from, so kind-hearted? My inheritance should have ended up with the Demon Sect in Jiangbei. How could the Demon Sect possibly produce someone good-hearted?'
In that instant, Mu Changsheng's mind raced.
As the previous master of the Ten Thousand Spirits Banner, his research into banner spirits had long reached profound depths. That was how he could spot Ancestor Master Tingyou's unusual state at a glance.
But that was as far as it went.
He could tell that Ancestor Master Tingyou had once been a banner spirit, but he failed to realize that even now, Ancestor Master Tingyou remained under Lu Yang's control.
That fell into the realm of the [Book of a Hundred Lives].
The banner spirits in Lu Yang's possession had undergone a complete metamorphosis after being refined by the [Book of a Hundred Lives]. They were utterly different from the banner spirits in Mu Changsheng's understanding.
Yet this didn't stop Mu Changsheng from taking a liking to Ancestor Master Tingyou.
'Excellent, a banner spirit!'
'Since he was once a banner spirit, he must have been in close proximity to the [Heaven of Non-Existence]. That should raise the chances of successfully proving the [Heaven of Non-Existence].'
The next moment, he turned his gaze to Chongguang, a flash of astonishment in his eyes.
'This one is no ordinary reincarnated immortal spirit either. His destiny surges like a flood, and his Dao heart and talent are both outstanding. Handing the [Heaven of Non-Existence] to him would offer strong prospects for success as well.'
With that thought, Mu Changsheng found himself in a dilemma.
Who to choose?
It was then that Ancestor Master Tingyou suddenly spoke up.
"Speaking of which, I've actually studied this [Heaven of Non-Existence] of yours in private for quite some time."
"Oh?"
Mu Changsheng's head snapped up at those words. He smiled.
"Interesting. In that case, what do you make of my [Heaven of Non-Existence], Daoist Friend?"
Mu Changsheng's words sounded modest.
But in truth, posing the question was an act of self-praise. After all, not just anyone could nurture an outer Dao fruit position from nothing, as he had.
Yet the very next moment, Ancestor Master Tingyou shook his head.
"By the standards of ordinary folk, your [Heaven of Non-Existence] is a masterpiece for the ages. But to me? It still needs work."
Mu Changsheng: "."
As the words landed, Mu Changsheng's smile held, but a chill crept into his eyes.
"Then, Daoist Friend, what improvements do you suggest?"
The remark dripped with sarcasm.
To his surprise, Ancestor Master Tingyou responded with utmost gravity.
"Others aside for now—at the very least, the illusory realms here have plenty of room to grow."
"I've observed the trial stages in this place. They're all drawn from your personal experiences—thrilling, yes, but repetitive after a while, and rather dull. When you first created the [Heaven of Non-Existence], Daoist Friend, I suspect it wasn't for pursuing the Dao. It was a weapon, meant to counter the True Lords of the world."
Ancestor Master Tingyou shook his head.
"In my view, Daoist Friend, you've squandered such a prime fruit position. With patient nurturing, its potential could rival any orthodox fruit position."
Mu Changsheng fell silent for a moment.
Ancestor Master Tingyou was spot on. The [Heaven of Non-Existence] was merely a tool he'd forged to bind the True Lords of the world—not the foundation he'd planned for his own path to the Dao.
But as for the "potential" Ancestor Master Tingyou mentioned? Mu Changsheng scoffed inwardly.
"Orthodox fruit positions stem from the Heavenly Duke himself. How could some outer Dao possibly compare? Daoist Friend, your talents are exceptional, but you're seeing the world through a narrow lens—speaking without foundation."
"Perhaps."
Ancestor Master Tingyou neither confirmed nor denied it. He merely scrutinized their surroundings once more, his eyes aglow with brilliant light that flickered like countless spiritual gleams in motion.
During the half-year Lu Yang spent in secluded cultivation, he hadn't idled. Beyond mastering the [Heaven of Non-Existence] divine ability, he'd slipped away to Skull Mountain in secret, retrieving the soul fragment he'd "lost" in the Witch Ghost Secret Realm. His insight had leaped to an entirely new level.
The next moment, Ancestor Master Tingyou let out a light chuckle.
"If Daoist Friend entrusts the [Heaven of Non-Existence] to me, I can make it seal the True Lords of the world for far longer—and with much greater intensity."
Mu Changsheng froze at the claim.
'What nonsense is this!'
The [Heaven of Non-Existence] was his life's work, especially when it came to sealing the True Lords of the world. He'd achieved near perfection there.
Sixty years—that was the limit.
Sure, a True Lord willing to pay a steep price and burn their cavern heaven might break free in thirty. But that was already an astonishing feat.
And this was just an outer Dao fruit position!
The fact that an outer Dao fruit position could accomplish such a thing was already outrageously impressive. And yet here was Ancestor Master Tingyou claiming room for improvement?
Mu Changsheng quickly regained his composure.
He felt no anger. Instead, he grew uncharacteristically solemn, bowing deeply to Ancestor Master Tingyou.
"Please, Daoist Friend—teach me without reserve."
"You're too kind, Daoist Friend."
Ancestor Master Tingyou returned the bow. He extended a strand of divine sense.
Mu Changsheng pored over it carefully. Moments later, he exhaled a long breath of stale qi.
Witnessing this, Chongguang—who had remained utterly silent till now—let out a sigh.
'No choice needed after all.'
Mu Changsheng's reaction made it clear: Ancestor Master Tingyou proving the [Heaven of Non-Existence] was now inevitable. There was no room left for him.
"Daoist Friend Chongguang."
Ancestor Master Tingyou turned abruptly, facing Chongguang with genuine sincerity.
"The lord behind me is truly a kind-hearted soul."
"No need to worry overmuch, Daoist Friend."
"Given time, if you commit fully, the position of [Covered Lamp Fire] will be yours and yours alone. For you right now, more action means more peril."
Chongguang's brow furrowed. He shook his head.
"My thanks for the advice, Daoist Friend. I'll weigh it carefully... But this is my path. Only I can walk it. I won't stake my life and fate on another."
With that, Chongguang turned to Mu Changsheng.
"Innate Daoist Friend, I'd like to propose a deal."
"...Very well."
Mu Changsheng nodded.
Cloud seas roiled, veiling the pair.
Moments later, Mu Changsheng emerged alone. Chongguang was gone.
"He's obtained what he sought and departed."
Mu Changsheng spoke flatly.
"Your talents pierce straight to the truth without need for explanation, Daoist Friend. No point in needless words from me."
The next instant, light bloomed in his palm.
It coalesced into the form of a treasure pill, etched with endless talismanic scripts—ethereal and elusive. The surrounding cloud seas churned in response.
[Competing for Freedom]!
"I've grasped your intentions fully, Daoist Friend. Since you're willing, the task is yours. It may yet introduce a fresh twist to this world."
Anticipation flickered in Mu Changsheng's eyes. Ancestor Master Tingyou's revisions to the [Heaven of Non-Existence] had stunned him with their scope. Strictly speaking, it was no longer the [Heaven of Non-Existence] at all. Success would benefit him immensely.
One concern lingered, however.
"Do you possess the resolve, Daoist Friend, to defy the True Lords of the world at any cost? When they bring their pressure to bear, what reason will you have to endure?"
Mu Changsheng's voice was grave.
This was the crux. A weak-willed inheritor afraid to challenge the True Lords would never do.
Ancestor Master Tingyou's face softened with reminiscence.
'If it were just me... probably not.'
No one understood the terror of the True Lords better than he. These days, his youthful ambitions had long faded. His vigor was spent.
'...But Lu Yang is different. That boy still has fire in him.'
Right now, Ancestor Master Tingyou sought the [Heaven of Non-Existence] not for himself—but for Lu Yang. For the Witch Ghost Dao's bright new future.
Life and death meant nothing to him.
Live one's brief span to the fullest, pass the gains to those who follow—that was how the old Witch Ghost Dao had poured everything into supporting his pursuit of gold.
Else, in a mere three centuries, even with sufficient cultivation, he could never have gathered four Heavenly Gang Earthly Shaents.
Proving gold in one lifetime sounded dazzling. But without the sect exhausting its destiny to back him, Ancestor Master Tingyou could never have managed it alone.
'Now, it's my turn.'
'With a successor like this, how could I, as founding ancestor—as elder—stand by idle?'
He had to act.
If pressed for a reason to battle the True Lords of the world, this was it. No grand cause, but enough for him.
In the next breath, Ancestor Master Tingyou schooled his features. Without hesitation, he seized the orb of light from Mu Changsheng's palm.
In his grasp, the divine ability once called [Competing for Freedom] began to shift. Its former name faded away. A new one emerged:
[Passing the Torch]