The Ethereal Domains

Chapter 502: What You Need

What You Need . . .

Master Bai wore a deeply serious expression, as if the weight of the world rested upon his shoulders. Thoughts churned within him as he contemplated how to unravel the complex matter at hand. Eventually, he posed a question seemingly unrelated to Ling Wuxie's initial query. "You encountered Feng Zhiling today. What are your impressions of him?"

Ling Wuxie furrowed his brows, his gaze meeting Bai Chen's. [So, he's noticed it too,] Ling Wuxie thought.

Given Bai Chen's customary seriousness, Ling Wuxie recognized the gravity of the situation and approached his response with caution. He knew that this question held significant importance, particularly in the current circumstances.

After a prolonged moment of contemplation, Ling Wuxie finally replied, "He is far from ordinary. My assessment of him is that he possesses exceptional qualities."

Master Bai's smile reflected his understanding. "Lord Ling, you don't dole out praise lightly. It appears this man has truly left an impression on you. Could you elaborate on your observations? Do you have any evidence to support your judgment?"

In response, Ling Wuxie spoke solemnly, "Firstly, I couldn't pierce the veil of his true self with my Universal Eyes. To date, only a select few individuals have eluded my scrutiny using this ability. You comprehend the significance of this."

Master Bai nodded slowly, maintaining his amiable demeanor. He was familiar with Ling Wuxie's character and understood that his friend was earnest. "Universal Eyes unable to penetrate..." he echoed thoughtfully.

Master Bai inhaled deeply and repeated the phrase, his voice lowering, and his brows furrowing in contemplation. "Unable to penetrate..."

Universal Eyes was a remarkable martial art mastered by Ling Wuxie. When employed, it granted him the unique ability to witness a person's entire life within his field of vision. Even those with considerable cultivation couldn't escape his insight entirely; Ling Wuxie could foresee most of their life's trajectory. It was one of Ling Wuxie's most closely guarded secrets, known only to himself and Master Bai. Not even his parents were privy to this remarkable ability.

In the Human Realm Upon Heavens, Universal Eyes had proved invaluable, allowing Ling Wuxie to see through most individuals. However, in this lower realm, he found himself unable to penetrate the life of a seemingly insignificant man. It was an anomaly that defied comprehension.

"How can such a seemingly ordinary individual elude your Universal Eyes?" Master Bai mused aloud.

Ling Wuxie continued, "Secondly, he possesses an extensive knowledge that took me by surprise. During our negotiations, he requested treasures from me, citing the threat of lightning divine punishment as a reason. I had no choice but to surrender the Golden Soul Tower. Despite my efforts to discern his background and identity, I came up empty-handed."

Master Bai's eyes widened in surprise. "The Golden Soul Tower? You actually surrendered your cherished Golden Soul Tower? You acquired that through great peril. When I once asked to borrow it for a few days, you flatly refused…"

Ling Wuxie mustered a wistful smile. "Life takes its twists and turns. My affinity is with water, while yours lies with wood. The Golden Soul Tower suits neither of us. Otherwise, I would have bonded with it already. Today, when Monarch Feng attempted to forge a connection with it, the process went so smoothly. He accomplished it effortlessly. You understand the implications of that, don't you?"

Master Bai's countenance grew somber, and he remained silent.

He knew precisely why Ling Wuxie had relinquished the Golden Soul Tower – it was a test for Feng Zhiling.

"It might appear as extortion," Ling Wuxie continued, "but both Monarch Feng and I recognize it for what it truly is. I handed it over, not out of desire, and he accepted it, not out of a wish to receive it. That's how it unfolded."

Master Bai nodded slowly, grasping the intricate dynamics at play.

Ling Wuxie added, "Furthermore, I have a feeling... this man possesses some sort of..." He paused, struggling to find the right words, then shrugged. "A destined counterpart," he finally offered.

"A destined opponent?" Master Bai mused casually, although the sharpness in his eyes betrayed his true interest.

"Something akin to that," Ling Wuxie affirmed. "But not quite. After all, he's currently too feeble. If you genuinely view him as your destined opponent, the entirety of the Human Realm Upon Heavens would find it amusing."

Master Bai looked up, and his dark hair danced in the breeze. He spoke slowly, saying, "Indeed, he is weak, far too weak to withstand a single blow from me. It is inconceivable that he and I could be adversaries... Is your motive for giving him the Golden Soul Tower to aid in his growth?"

Ling Wuxie replied, "Not exactly. I felt compelled, and... yes, I desired for you to have a worthy rival."

His gaze bore into Master Bai with an unprecedented seriousness. "Old Bai, do you comprehend what you require?"

Master Bai remained silent, his face a shade of dark contemplation.

Ling Wuxie continued, "In the entire Human Realm Upon Heavens, few can envisage ascending to that pinnacle. You are undoubtedly among them."

Ling Wuxie emphasized, "Without someone pushing you relentlessly, you may never reach that summit. You need an opponent who can bring out your latent potential and propel you onward. You require a rival."

Ling Wuxie locked eyes with Master Bai and declared, "If anyone can transcend the realms, I hope it's you."

Master Bai looked away, gazing skyward. He preferred to conceal the emotions that Ling Wuxie's words had stirred within him, but he eventually replied, "And if I manage to break through, I hope you're by my side."

His voice was resolute and clear.

Ling Wuxie burst into laughter.

"Regardless," he continued, "waiting for him to grow strong enough could take a considerable time."

Master Bai sighed and remained contemplative. After a pause, he said, "Too long."

"Perhaps it will be lengthy," Ling Wuxie concurred. "Or perhaps not as long as you anticipate. It might even transpire sooner than you imagine."

He added, "That's a matter for the future. For now, please explain."

Master Bai fell silent, looking puzzled as he admitted, "Wuxie, I came here to disrupt the natural order. While it may be detrimental to the environment, I sought the Heavenly Mystery."

"Now it's over."

"That Heavenly Mystery has transcended to the higher realm. Sooner or later, it will fall into another's hands."

Master Bai uttered these words, his excitement restrained. "It seems that, despite all my efforts in this mortal realm, everything I've done amounts to naught."

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