Chapter 1322: Summer Insects Discussing Ice? Laughing at the Roc and Peng

“This is truly Ba Zun'an!”

With just a few simple words, he exuded immense pride.

Everyone immediately felt relieved, as if they were witnessing the Eighth Sword Immortal of old, full of youthful vigor and conquering the world, and also the current Ba Zun'an, though down on his luck, still utterly content.

However, whether he was the Heavenly Immortal who reached the Innate realm in three breaths and became a Sword Immortal in three years, or the banished immortal who, upon returning, remained an Acquired Spirit Refiner, from his words, "Why not be carefree?", it was evident that his state of mind had always remained undisturbed. Success and failure, to him, seemed nothing more than life experiences, from which joy could always be derived. He was neither elated by gain nor dejected by loss.

This level of detachment and transcendence astonished everyone.

Whether it was the Way of the Sword, the Way of Spirit Refining, or even the Three Thousand Great Daos... cultivators might require talent, perseverance, or fortuitous encounters. But no matter what, the 'heart' was the most indispensable.

" 'Why not be carefree, even as a banished immortal?' "

Many spirit refiners murmured this phrase, vaguely understanding why Ba Zun'an was Ba Zun'an, why he could become Ba Zun'an, while they themselves could only feel ashamed of their inferiority. One who possessed such a Dao heart, even if they only applied a mere fraction of their talent and effort, how could they not succeed? Heaven itself was feeding them success! Even if Ba Zun'an hadn't cultivated the sword, he would surely have achieved instant success in another path at some point, wouldn't he?

" 'Why not be carefree? Why not be carefree...' "

Above the void, the condescending Dao Qiongcang was stunned by a single remark, yet he himself almost applauded in admiration. He truly hadn't expected his overtly disparaging yet subtly sarcastic remarks to be so easily defused and countered by Ba Zun'an in such a way.

But upon closer thought... That's right! How could this fellow be an ordinary person whose state of mind could be swayed by a mere few words from an outsider? Unlike Rao Yaoyao's overt emotionality or Xu Xiaoshou's adaptability, Ba Zun'an, despite appearing down on his luck now, had never let the arrogance in his bones weaken. One could get a glimpse from the three words 'Banished Immortal': He never believed he had failed; he merely believed he had temporarily descended to the mortal realm to experience its worldly affairs. When the time came, he would eventually soar upwards, reaching the highest heavens.

" 'Did that incident back then truly have no impact on him?' "" 'Everyone thought he had fallen for thirty years. Was there a possibility... that he simply chose to slow down and embark on another cultivation path?' "

Dao Qiongcang's mind was filled with various thoughts, his thoughts drifting elsewhere, as if he had seen through Ba Zun'an's intentions. If it were anyone else, he would never believe that someone could voluntarily make such a choice, choosing to remain dormant. But if it was Ba Zun'an, anything was possible.

So, what was worth it for Ba Zun'an, who had achieved 'Innate in three breaths and Sword Immortal in three years', to abandon his rapid progress and instead choose to spend over thirty years in seclusion, just waiting to accumulate strength for a sudden, astonishing breakthrough?

Once Dao Qiongcang's thoughts settled, his pupils slowly dilated. He slowly shook his head, and with a sighing tone, said to the man below: " 'Ba Zun'an, oh Ba Zun'an, what can I say... it truly is you, isn't it?' "" 'But given your ambitions, do you think you can achieve them?' "

What was the Hallmaster Dao talking about? Across the vast battlefield, no one understood the literal and implied meaning of Dao Qiongcang's words, which had suddenly shifted to such a profound level.

Above the ruins, Ba Zun'an merely chuckled, bent down amidst the rubble, and with his left hand, which only had four fingers, scooped up a handful of sand. Everyone watched him, unclear as to the purpose of his action; even Dao Qiongcang appeared puzzled. When Ba Zun'an straightened up again, he gently opened his four fingers, allowing the wind, howling across the battlefield after the fight, to carry away the sand from his fingertips, grain by grain. Until almost all the sand had flowed away, a small, black beetle, seemingly lifeless, appeared in his palm.

The world was silent; even the wind seemed to wait.

Ba Zun'an's fingertips gently brushed the cold, black insect. He slowly closed his eyes and spoke softly: " 'Dust knows not what permanence is, and the beetle understands not what eternal life is... So, I also do not know how to discuss this matter with you.' "" 'In your world, I am too mad; but in my eyes, this is truly just a normal step, one step forward.' "

Ba Zun'an took a step forward, raised his head, and gazed into the distance at his former opponent. After a long moment, he let out a soundless laugh, ultimately unable to say more: " 'How can a summer insect speak of ice? The little sparrow mocks the great roc!' "" 'Think what you will!' "

At this, let alone Dao Qiongcang, everyone detected the contempt in Ba Zun'an's words. It was long heard that the Eighth Sword Immortal was arrogant! Yet few could have imagined that one day they would personally experience such unrestrained arrogance. Even the unfathomable Dao Qiongcang, in Ba Zun'an's eyes, was not from the same world? He even believed that Dao Qiongcang could not understand him because his level was insufficient?

A sharp intake of breath! All observers in the field sharply drew in cold breaths, growing more curious about Ba Zun'an's true intentions. What exactly was it that even Hallmaster Dao could not accept? Something grander than the heavens, more difficult to calculate or imagine than the entire situation on Void Island?

Only Teardrop, standing outside the fray in the distance and holding Xu Xiaoshou, who was still sound asleep, her red lips parting with a few strands of silver hair blown by the wind, could vaguely understand what Dao Qiongcang had said. She still remembered that after the battle at the Eight Palaces, the Saint Servants had retreated to a dark cave. At that time, Ba Zun'an was still guiding Xu Xiaoshou. Teardrop, still in her Mu Zixi phase, had overheard their conversation. When they discussed the meaning of 'failing to become a Saint means remaining a slave', Ba Zun'an had briefly mentioned his reason for wanting to become a Saint: " 'Sainthood is too elusive; even Saint Emperors are powerless to reverse fate.' "" 'Therefore, I intend to become a God. When I draw my sword again, I will cleave this defiled world until it bleeds profusely.' "

At that time, Xu Xiaoshou and even Mu Zixi had thought such remarks were too outlandish, too lofty and unrealistic, and later dismissed them as mere jokes. What situation could not be broken by a Half-Saint or a Saint Emperor? Now that the great battle on Void Island was over, Teardrop believed that if Xu Xiaoshou were to wake up again, he would, like her, realize that Ba Zun'an had never been joking.

" 'To become a God...' "" 'To surpass Half-Saints and Saint Emperors, aiming directly for the realm of Godhood and Ancestral status...' "" 'This, then, is his ambition?' "

Teardrop silently pursed her lips and lowered her gaze to glance at Xu Xiaoshou in her arms. She felt that if it were only herself, she might never in her entire life conceive such a mad idea. But with Xu Xiaoshou present, she could now calmly accept such madness. The one sleeping soundly in her arms, his ambition was likely no less than this.

In the sky, Dao Qiongcang's face no longer looked pleasant. Precisely because he valued it, he could not dismiss Ba Zun'an's words as idle talk and ignore them, as he would with others. But upon closer thought, it was still too infuriating! After so many years, Ba Zun'an was still so arrogant that even he, Dao Qiongcang, had not yet caught his attention? Heh, how noble!

Dao Qiongcang let out a scoff and quickly regained his composure, then said noncommittally: " 'Different fields are like mountains apart. I can only wish you success.' "

" 'I, however, cannot wish you success!' " Ba Zun'an retorted unrestrainedly, hinting knowingly, " 'Flamboyant old Daoist, I don't know about others, but I know a thing or two about your intentions...' " He paused, glanced in Teardrop's direction—or more precisely, at Xu Xiaoshou—then slowly shook his head: " 'I advise you, it's best not to.' "

Dao Qiongcang's eyes narrowed instantly, and he met the gaze in silence.

Just then, Xu Xiaoshou, in Teardrop's arms, let out a soft groan and opened his eyes, just as Ba Zun'an's gaze shifted away. " 'Are they talking about me?' " he 'sensed', taking in the entire scene.

" 'You're awake?' " Teardrop asked, surprised.

" 'No, your eyes are just blurry... Are they talking about me?' "

'Curse received, Passive Points +1.'

Teardrop's beautiful eyes grew cold. She threw Xu Xiaoshou away and spat, " 'You're thinking too much. Are you that important?' "

" 'I am very important!' " Xu Xiaoshou smacked his lips, lingeringly standing in the air and feeling the chilly wind, which was clearly not as sweet as a soft, warm embrace. He suddenly regretted waking up. But immediately sensing his Qi Sea, this was more important.

Before long, Xu Xiaoshou saw that his Qi Sea was depleted and his Dao foundation was damaged. His heart sank, and Xu Xiaoshou's face turned pale.

" 'How are you?' " Teardrop asked, supporting the dazed fool who stumbled and almost fell.

" 'I'm fine, no big problems...' " Xu Xiaoshou waved his hand, while cursing wildly in his mind. His Qi Sea was cracked; his Dao foundation was actually damaged! All his passive abilities were frantically circulating, but they only managed to bring him back to consciousness; he didn't even know if his remaining injuries could recover. Even if they could, judging by this speed... How much time would it take to return to his previous state?

'It can't be that they really can't be repaired, can it?''Indeed, forcibly accepting the power of the four Saint Emperors, then exhausting myself to unleash a sword strike like Prajna-Void... it was too much!'

Xu Xiaoshou's expression twisted strangely for a moment, then he calmed himself down. 'It's fine, it's fine...' Ba Zun'an, for example, had lost two fingers that hadn't recovered for so many years, yet he could still continue cultivating the sword. His own injuries were probably trivial in comparison.

While he was giving himself a pep talk, Teardrop, seeing Xu Xiaoshou's nonchalant 'no need to worry' demeanor, knew even more clearly that he was in big trouble. She said nothing more, but simply reached back and grasped Xu Xiaoshou's hand, quietly staying by his side.

'Concern received, Passive Points +1.'

" 'No need to worr—' " Xu Xiaoshou was just speaking when his body suddenly stiffened, feeling his hand go numb and become like a sleeveless, flaming red hand. Soon, his eyes darted sideways, looking at the battlefield. " 'What are they talking about?' "

Teardrop glanced at him. " 'Talking about things that seem right but aren't, things ordinary people can't understand.' "

" 'That's you!' "

" 'Hm?' "

" 'Oh, I mean, tell me, maybe I'll understand.' "

" 'Heh, you're so clever.' "

Teardrop gave him a cold look, deciding not to argue with an injured person, and told him what the two had just said.

Xu Xiaoshou thoughtfully rubbed his chin. Ba Zun'an's ambitions were grand, and Dao Qiongcang's intentions were probably no small matter either. But the former sealed his sword to become a god; what was the latter's purpose? The same? Or something else, but achieving the same end? A thought suddenly shot into Xu Xiaoshou's mind: Dao Qiongcang's previously revealed arm, seemingly made of jade, which was powerful enough to send the Saint Emperor of the Divine Prison Azure Stone flying. He also recalled that the flamboyant old Daoist was actually calm on the surface but mad inside, a crazy person whose certain research had even been halted by the Five Great Saint Emperor Clans. Xu Xiaoshou had a few conjectures. Perhaps their paths differed, but Dao Qiongcang's ambition was not much lower than Ba Zun'an's path to godhood, perhaps even more astonishing?

The two in the distance fell into a brief stalemate, gazing at each other for a long time like old friends reuniting, clearly with a hint of tenderness. As Xu Xiaoshou watched, the corners of his lips were about to curl upwards.

But the standoff between the two quickly collapsed. Dao Qiongcang suddenly burst into laughter, returning tit for tat: " 'How can a summer insect speak of ice? The little sparrow mocks the great roc!' "

Ba Zun'an flicked the dead beetle from his palm and said softly: " 'Ants imitate, walking the path to death.' "

" 'Ba Zun'an, you are too arrogant!' "" 'Your virtue doesn't match your position, your talent is insufficient. This is why you were stopped, so give up.' "" 'You...' "" 'Just a word of advice, nothing more. Whether you listen or not is up to you.' "

Ba Zun'an waved his hand, interrupting Dao Qiongcang, clearly not wishing to say more. Dao Qiongcang was still about to retort when Void Island trembled, and the power of Saint Emperors, radiating from all directions, began to gather rapidly.

" 'Hm.' " Teardrop let out a muffled groan as white flames reignited on her body. Although the white flames did not harm her, they were, after all, the power of a Saint Emperor, and even as a Supreme Life Demon Body, she still had to endure the pain caused by the emergence of this power. Having experienced this kind of pain personally, Xu Xiaoshou naturally understood it. He frowned. A red Taotie beast head appeared behind him and opened its mouth, swallowing all the power emerging from Teardrop's body in one gulp. A grand feast! With a 'thump', Teardrop's state recovered, but Xu Xiaoshou almost groaned aloud. " 'Oh—' " He finally couldn't suppress it, and his heavily injured body was healed considerably by this energy. But after only that sound, noticing Teardrop's strange gaze beside him, he quickly cleared his throat and coughed, saying: " 'You don't need to come out; there's only a harmless Dao Qiongcang left, you won't be needed.' "

What was on Teardrop was precisely Old Ancestor Jinzhao's power. Xu Xiaoshou had a slight guess as to why Old Ancestor Jinzhao dared not possess him. Perhaps, it was precisely because it sensed danger—the risk of a situation similar to Feng Yujin's sealing power, carrying sentience, breaking into his body only to be obliterated by his passive system. Therefore, during the Four Divine Pillars event, Old Ancestor Jinzhao chose Teardrop on the spur of the moment. This was no big deal; in any case, it didn't affect the final outcome.

Now that everything was over, Ba Zun'an was going to take care of Dao Qiongcang. Xu Xiaoshou, who had briefly shone brilliantly, knew that dealing with a mere Half-Saint didn't require such a grand display, so he spoke up. Old Ancestor Jinzhao's power then disappeared without a trace, and indeed did not emerge.

" 'Aren't I amazing?' " Xu Xiaoshou immediately raised an eyebrow proudly, but quickly realized this cold-faced person was no longer his junior sister, and turned his head away awkwardly.

" 'Just so-so...' "

Even Xu Xiaoshou, with his keen senses, almost didn't hear it. He immediately glanced over. " 'What did you say!' "

The wind lifted her silver hair, obscuring her profile. Teardrop stared intently at the distant battlefield, where a great battle was about to erupt.

" 'So strange...' " Xu Xiaoshou muttered quietly, trying to shake off Teardrop's hand, but couldn't. Rich life spiritual energy was constantly flowing from her palm, warm and soothing, and quickly transformed by his breathing technique, nourishing and healing his injuries.

Xu Xiaoshou opened his mouth, just about to speak. A thunderous roar in the distance interrupted his words: " 'I have my own Life Spirit Seal in my Yuan Mansion.' "

"Boom—"

Looking up, he saw the two, whose conversation had broken down, acting without hesitation. Ba Zun'an had only drawn upon three-quarters of the Four Divine Pillars' power when Dao Qiongcang, without a second thought, chose to self-destruct! Yes, self-destruction! That thunderous roar did not spread out, caused no strange phenomena, and harmed no one. Instead, enveloped by a layer of Heaven's Secret Art, it erased all traces Dao Qiongcang had left on Void Island. The green chains that had risen beside Ba Zun'an naturally lost their target.

Heh, he ran really fast.

Gazing at the void-like black hole before him and feeling Dao Qiongcang's aura gradually fade into nothingness, Ba Zun'an merely shook his head and chuckled, then dismissed the matter. It was impossible to capture Dao Qiongcang; this had been anticipated long ago. Who knew how many contingencies this fellow had prepared for himself? He wouldn't be caught after stubbornly resisting like Saint Emperor Wang Ze, damaging his own primal power. He was extremely shrewd! In this situation, one could say he never truly stepped in, wisely preserving himself.

But... if one doesn't enter this game, yet finds themselves within it, where can one escape?

Ba Zun'an reached into his robes, pulled out a sound-transmitting stone, faced the massive black hole before him, and then gazed around at the trembling crowd on Void Island. It was time for this to end.

As spiritual essence was infused, Ba Zun'an's body trembled violently, but he skillfully concealed this immense tremor and kept the stone in his palm hidden at all times. Then a lingering Daoist voice reverberated in all directions—advice that Dao Qiongcang could not hear!

" 'Daydreams, often, can indeed become reality.' "" 'If you wish to be carefree like me, then enter the path of madness.' "