Chapter 1847: Dao's Farewell

Kong Yuhen pointed to himself. "Me?"

His bewildered expression also left Xu Xiaoshou stumped.

He exchanged a glance with Bazun'an, knowing that no concrete answer would come from Kong Yuhen, so he simply gave up pressing the matter.

He then turned his gaze to the other gates on the tea table. "How did you acquire the Gate of Time and Space?"

He recalled that during his time on Void Island, Kong Yuhen had mastered several of the Ancient Six Gates. But he couldn't remember if Kong Yuhen was wearing the necklace back then.

"Before entering Void Island, I met a bard eating an apple..." Kong Yuhen began his earnest explanation. He knew these details were crucial for him to borrow the gates from the two of them. "He mentioned the 'Fu Family' and the Gate of Time and Space. Only then did I remember that the Gate of Time and Space was no longer with the Fu Family; it was already on me."

Kong Yuhen picked up the Gate of Time and Space pendant from the table, musing, "With this gate, I can freely enter various temporal and spatial planes, including Void Island and the Divine Ruins."

Xu Xiaoshou's eyebrows shot up. He wanted to borrow the gate too.

Kong Yuhen glanced at him. "However, in your hands, this gate might not achieve such efficacy."

Only Kong Yuhen could use it? There was no need to doubt the mystery in his words; Kong Yuhen at this moment seemed to have no reason to lie.

Xu Xiaoshou then pointed to the Gate of Dao. "What about this one?"

"According to the Fu Family mentioned by that bard, after leaving Void Island, I visited the Tai Xu Rong family. Finally, I recovered the Gate of Dao in their family's forbidden zone. The Gate of Dao can perfect the Great Dao and is essential for the reconstruction of the Time Realm."

How lucky the Tai Xu Rong family was to meet you!

Xu Xiaoshou actually remembered the Rong family, or rather, he remembered a young man named Rong Dahao. Rong Dahao of the Fu Family first appeared in the Eight Palaces of White Cave, wanting to follow Mo Mo. After failing, he followed Jiang Xian of the Half-Saint Jiang family, and later reunited with Xu Xiaoshou in Eastern Imperial City. One could say he had unique insight, as those he wanted to "invest" in were indeed future stars. Unfortunately, no matter how closely he followed them, it couldn't save the declining Fu Family.

Xu Xiaoshou withdrew his thoughts and looked at the last gate. "Then this Gate of Guidance..." He had a faint idea.

Kong Yuhen nodded. "The Divine Ruins."

Just as he thought! It was only today that Xu Xiaoshou belatedly realized what the idle Kong Yuhen had been doing in the Divine Ruins while he was fighting against Chong Yin on his main quest line. So, there was also one of the Ancient Six Gates in the Divine Ruins?

"When the Divine Official Ranming forged the Divine Ruins by axing the Sky Boundary Triangle and planting the Ancestral Tree to create new life, the only remaining entrance and exit was the Gate of Guidance. Later, this gate was seized by Chong Yin, who, under the guise of Ranming's decree, guided various saints into the Divine Ruins, trapping them like turtles in a jar, scheming for a resurgence. When Shen Yi shattered Chong Yin with his staff, Chong Yin could no longer control the Gate of Guidance, and I obtained it."

Xu Xiaoshou keenly caught a detail, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. "Then why, in the later stages of the Divine Ruins, could people still enter but not exit?"

Kong Yuhen's expression was calm and very natural. "Because I acquired the Gate of Guidance, the path of entry/exit was severed."

Is that so? Is that really true?

Xu Xiaoshou said nothing, staring directly at Kong Yuhen opposite him.

The atmosphere at the tea table suddenly turned cold. Kong Yuhen remained silent for about ten breaths, then nodded and spoke: "Yes, I was involved with Chong Yin."

You rotten bastard!

*Boom!* Xu Xiaoshou slammed the table and stood up, furiously pulling Bazun'an and Mei Siren to leave. Forget the Sub-Plane Gates; he wouldn't borrow them. This guy wasn't without a stance; he was a fence-sitter, intending to play both sides.

Bazun'an and Mei Siren were bewildered but were pulled to their feet, not expecting Xu Xiaoshou to be so decisive. But they followed quickly, not falling behind. Mei Siren naturally deferred to Xu Xiaoshou's will. Bazun'an surprisingly didn't interject much either, seemingly placing complete leadership in the hands of this second-in-command of the Holy Slaves, trusting him immensely.

Kong Yuhen watched the three stand up, knowing Xu Xiaoshou was in charge. He calmly said, "Precisely because of this, I can offer you more."

Now you're talking!

Xu Xiaoshou cheerfully sat back down. At the same time, he waved, signaling Old Bazun and Old Mei to sit down as well, urging them not to be impulsive or hot-headed, for impulsiveness was the devil.

He looked back at Kong Yuhen. "How much can you give?"

"If the Time Realm is reconstructed successfully, I promise that the three of you can become the first batch of testers, immediately entering the Time Realm to explore the Thirty-three Heavens of the Heavenly Realm and experiment with new methods," Kong Yuhen said.

Xu Xiaoshou slammed the table again and stood up, pulling Bazun'an and Mei Siren, whose bottoms had barely touched the wooden stools, towards the wooden door. Bazun and Mei's mouths twitched slightly, but neither said much.

"What's wrong?" Kong Yuhen stared at the young figure. "Not enough?"

"Do you think that's enough?" Xu Xiaoshou spun around furiously. "The first batch? Who else have you promised to be in this 'first batch'? Chong Yin? The Holy Demon? The Medicine Ghost?" He pointed north, towards the unseen Ghost Buddha: "You came out with them; do you really think I didn't see that? Kong Yuhen, you're quite generous with your affections, aren't you? One promise, given to so many people?"

Mei and Bazun were speechless, surprised by Xu Xiaoshou's reaction. This guy had an innate talent for negotiation; he always pinpointed the details. Looking at Kong Yuhen's reaction, it seemed he had indeed been hit where it hurt; he was a person of broad affections.

Kong Yuhen sighed. "For the reconstruction of the Time Realm, I promise that *one* of the three of you can become the *very first* tester."

What were the benefits of being a tester? Xu Xiaoshou actually didn't know, but he sneered, "What about the promises you made to Chong Yin, the Holy Demon, and the Medicine Ghost? Do they not count?"

"They are the *first batch*; among you, there can be the *first one*."

"So, if you meet another person, you might promise them to be a 'privileged one' with higher priority than the 'first one'?" Xu Xiaoshou scoffed, "Kong Yuhen, your words are like farts."

Kong Yuhen shook his head. "I can swear an oath that the *first* tester will only be chosen from among the three of you."

I'm not even sure if your name, Kong Yuhen, is real or fake. Believing your oath is less reliable than believing I, Xu Xiaoshou, am actually Bazun'an!

Xu Xiaoshou did not return to his seat. He stood by the door, pulling Bazun and Mei, and said coldly, "Not enough."

Kong Yuhen felt the chips he had offered were already very high. "Do you know what the Divine War was for?"

"The Dao?"

It was nothing more than a battle for the Dao! Xu Xiaoshou didn't fall for the bait, waiting for Kong Yuhen to continue. Then he heard him say: "The Divine War was not only for seizing the Dao but also for contending for supreme dominion over the Thirty-three Heavens of the Heavenly Realm, to reach the peak."

The First Ancestor God? The Supreme Ancestor God? This was too vague and ethereal. Xu Xiaoshou wasn't stupid; he knew this didn't mean the first tester would become the First Ancestor God. He waved a hand in front of his nose. "It stinks! Who's farting?"

Mei Siren nearly burst out laughing, pressing his lips together in silence. Xu Xiaoshou was lawless; Mei Siren truly didn't know what gave him the confidence to act this way in the Ancestral God Court. Was he truly not afraid of Kong Yuhen forcefully taking things? Bazun'an had been silent since the start of the negotiation. This was Xu Xiaoshou's confidence: truth only lay where the keen edge of a sword reached. If Kong Yuhen dared to make a move, Xu Xiaoshou would be more than happy, delighted for the Battle of Ten Venerables to reappear in the Pavilion of Ancient and Modern Forgetfulness.

"What else do you want?" Kong Yuhen conceded. Kong Yuhen realized that while powerful figures could be reasoned with, this troublesome young man was far more difficult to handle. But for the sake of the last two gates, he had to give in.

Xu Xiaoshou released Mei and Bazun's hands, walked over to the tea table, and said calmly: "Whether it's the first tester or the first guinea pig... I want your promise, but whether we become this pioneer depends on us. After all, even if the Time Realm succeeds, whether it's dangerous or not is still unknown. And I'm not considering things too far in the future right now. What if your Time Realm reconstruction fails?"

Kong Yuhen opened his mouth, wanting to say 'impossible,' but Xu Xiaoshou placed a finger to his lips: "Shhh." He leaned closer. "Give me something tangible, something I can see – real benefits!"

Kong Yuhen was taken aback by the "shhh." He weighed his options for a long time, offering no response. Finally, with a flip of his hand, he produced a palm-sized stone carving. Upon closer inspection, it was an ancient character: "War!"

Xu Xiaoshou's pupils dilated. He had seen this item before: a True Origin Stele. He himself had one: "Dragon!" He had obtained it from Rao Wangze in the Divine Ruins; Dao Qiongcang had given it to him, saying he could study it first, as it seemed to contain the Dragon Ancestor's legacy. However, Xu Xiaoshou had played with it for a long time afterward but couldn't figure anything out or gain any legacy. Thinking again, this item had been in Rao Wangze's hands for so long. If it were truly so easy to study and master, Saint Emperor Wangze would have become the Dragon Ancestor's representative long ago, and wouldn't have been easily manipulated by Chong Yin. And if it were truly that significant, Dao Qiongcang wouldn't have given it up so easily.

Xu Xiaoshou glanced at the "True Origin Stele: War," snorted, and wore a look of amusement: "Am I a beggar?"

"What do you mean?" Kong Yuhen was stunned.

"You think you can dismiss me with just a broken stone?"

"This is a True Origin Stele!" Kong Yuhen was a little angry.

"What 'Jie'?"

"This object contains the War Ancestor's legacy, which can illuminate the path to Ancestor Godhood, and can also serve as a reference to perfect one's own Dao methods."

"My Dao never borrows from others."

Kong Yuhen fell silent. He hadn't expected Xu Xiaoshou to have such high aspirations and lofty ambitions. He was about to take back the "War" character.

"But this item... it does seem a bit extraordinary?" Xu Xiaoshou, quick-witted, snatched the "War" character before Kong Yuhen could take it back, held it up high for inspection, and casually asked, "How does one achieve Dao through it, how does one study it, how does one reference it? This thing, perhaps Shen Yi could take a look?" As he spoke, he looked at Bazun'an.

Bazun'an: "...Mm."

Kong Yuhen, however, didn't notice anything unusual about the two.

"Comprehend."

But that one-word answer made Xu Xiaoshou almost want to smash the "War" character into his face.

"Not just Shen Yi, but all ancient martial artists can potentially comprehend the War Ancestor's legacy, and so can you," Kong Yuhen hastily added.

"Well, I have the 'Dragon' character, and I have the power of the Dragon Ancestor. I've eaten Dragon Apricots, and Dragon Apricot is my friend. I'm practically half a Dragon Ancestor successor. Yet, for the past half year, I haven't comprehended even a shred of profundity from the 'Dragon' character?" Xu Xiaoshou simply took his words as nonsense.

Kong Yuhen, however, didn't stop. After a pause, he continued, "But before 'comprehending,' one must 'borrow.'"

As soon as this word came out, Xu Xiaoshou felt as if the veil covering "comprehension" had been pierced, and he had glimpsed a corner of profundity. This was probably something even Dao Qiongcang didn't know. Indeed, only the enigmatic Kong Yuhen would have such deep knowledge of these peculiar ancient items.

"Borrow what, and how?" Xu Xiaoshou casually interjected. "Even if I borrow it, it's useless, right? 'Borrowing' is usually how swindlers start their tricks..."

Kong Yuhen ignored his insinuation and explained seriously: "You must first 'borrow' the War Ancestor's avatar and gain its recognition before you can further comprehend the Way of the War Ancestor. And as for the borrowing method..."

War Ancestor's avatar... Xu Xiaoshou seemed nonchalant, but he was actually excited, his ears subtly perked up, listening intently. Then, as Kong Yuhen was speaking, he suddenly shook his head. "The method for borrowing the War Ancestor's avatar has long been lost."

You're messing with me, you bastard!

Xu Xiaoshou launched a critical hit, aiming the "War" character directly at Kong Yuhen's forehead.

"Calm down." Mei Siren stepped forward in time, restraining the little madman.

Kong Yuhen, startled, scrambled back from the wooden stool, stumbling as he said, "I haven't finished! The usual borrowing method is lost, but I still have a method of 'forced borrowing'!"

Forced borrowing? I like that!

Xu Xiaoshou hummed, "You'd better be able to really 'force borrow,' otherwise I don't mind letting you taste my... *our* Bazun'an's 'forced borrowing' method."

Bazun'an remained standing by the wooden door, as if the negotiation had nothing to do with him, as if the Sub-Plane Gates were not on him but in Xu Xiaoshou's hands.

"Are you skilled in the Path of Arts?" Kong Yuhen widened the safe distance.

"Indeed, the Great Dao of Arts, transcendent and transformed," Xu Xiaoshou replied with a cold smile, not knowing what scheme Kong Yuhen was cooking up.

"Then let's start from the Path of Arts. I'll teach you a spell seal and an incantation; this is the simplest way." Kong Yuhen spoke, extending his right hand, skillfully pressing his thumb against the fingernails of his middle and ring fingers, leaving his index and little fingers straight up. At first glance, Xu Xiaoshou actually wanted to remark, "Kong Yuhen, you're quite rock and roll."

Kong Yuhen held the hand seal upright before his chest. The three enclosed fingers formed a circle, and a faint aura of Dao Rime spread from the seal. He quickly entered a state of 'unity of heaven and man'.

"Interesting..." Xu Xiaoshou realized this was serious and followed suit. Mei Siren watched the two form hand seals, closed his fan, hesitated, then secretly measured, and then began to learn with an air of generosity. Finally, he looked back and nudged his chin towards Bazun'an. "Join us! Otherwise, it'll be weird..."

Bazun'an hesitated to speak. He ultimately ignored them, watching the three of them embarrass themselves in the Pavilion of Ancient and Modern Forgetfulness, enveloped only by silent awkwardness.

"What's the incantation?" Xu Xiaoshou, holding the "War" character in one hand and forming the seal with the other, was still able to speak and urge.

"Divine stratagem and wondrous method, lend me your avatar!"

"Oh, and you need to shout it loudly, so the will within the True Origin Stele can hear it," Kong Yuhen said, continuing to retreat.

Mei Siren's old face twitched upon hearing this. He silently lowered his hand seal. He could recite it to himself, but he truly couldn't shout this incantation out loud.

"You'd better not be messing with me..." Xu Xiaoshou opened his mouth, feeling a bit embarrassed, and changed the subject. "What happens after this 'forced borrowing'?"

"If the War Ancestor's avatar is truly lent out, you can briefly transform into the War Ancestor, but there's a time limit. How much battle power you can unleash depends on your understanding of the Way of War, and also on how much power He is willing to lend you."

These words immediately swept away all of Xu Xiaoshou's overflowing shame and awkwardness. Transform into the War Ancestor? What was so over-the-top or shameful about this incantation? This was clearly an excellent incantation, even more profound than Bazun'an's sword incantation, a return to simplicity and truth!

Behind him, Mei Siren secretly formed the hand seal again, his lips moving, not uttering any sound. Bazun'an clenched his fists tightly, then twisted his wrist. He looked down at his own hand. In fact, he was qualified to form the hand seal. His thumb had grown back.

But only Xu Xiaoshou held the True Origin Stele with the "War" character. With the "War" character in his left hand and the seal formed with his right, his eyes narrowed, and his black hair rose without a breeze. With just one misstep, the Three Dao Plates of Spirit, Will, and Body, along with the Array Diagram of the Path of Arts, unfurled beneath his feet.

Outside the Pavilion of Ancient and Modern Forgetfulness, on Lingyu Mountain. Li Fugui slowly awoke, feeling a thunderclap explode beside his ear, rattling him to his core. It was a furious, hoarse roar, attempting to kill someone with a single shout:

"Divine stratagem and wondrous method, lend me your avatar!""WAR!!!"