Chapter 1863: Ward

"I might need to remind you of something..."

Inside the Ancient Pavilion of Forgetfulness, as he watched Xu Xiaoshou meditate cross-legged, Kong Yuhen unusually took the initiative to break the silence. Seeing Bazun'an and Mei Siren look his way, he pointed outside the door: "Something's probably happened out there."

Mei Siren immediately thought of Hua Changdeng. He had heard Xu Xiaoshou say earlier that Hua Changdeng would arrive soon, but he hadn't expected it to be so quick. Now Xu Xiaoshou was still in meditation, and Bazun'an had to protect him, while also guarding against Kong Yuhen, who might have hidden tricks. Who should deal with Hua Changdeng?

"He's not someone who indiscriminately kills innocents..." Leaning against the doorframe, Bazun'an murmured softly, but after speaking, he fell silent himself. This was his impression of Hua Changdeng from thirty years ago. But now, with time passed, whether an old acquaintance remained the same was debatable. Moreover, in his deduction, far more than just Hua Changdeng had descended this time; there were also Ancestral Gods, and these people must be after something. Therefore, it was absolutely impossible for Hua Changdeng to be so good-tempered as to patiently wait for him for ten days or half a month if he wasn't there—he would have to be forced out! In other words, Kong Yuhen's mention of trouble didn't just mean Hua Changdeng had arrived; perhaps someone had already sacrificed themselves?

"Bazun'an..." Mei Siren rose from the tea table, looking intently, momentarily unsure of what to do. On one hand, he knew that it was no longer the Holy Divine Temple protecting the world; Dao Qiongcang had sunk even further beneath the surface, and it was entirely up to the Holy Slaves and Xu Xiaoshou's people to hold things up. But with Xu Xiaoshou and Bazun'an absent, in terms of peak combat strength, no one could possibly stop Saint Emperor Hua Changdeng. On the other hand, were Xu Xiaoshou's people more important, or was Xu Xiaoshou himself more important? If Bazun'an were to leave the pavilion to confront Hua Changdeng, who would protect this place? Could he do it himself? Glancing at Kong Yuhen out of the corner of his eye, Mei Siren truly lacked the confidence that he could stop Kong Yuhen if he decided to do something.

"I will not leave this place." Bazun'an spoke decisively, without hesitation. In his world, even if the sky fell, no one was as important as Xu Xiaoshou.

Kong Yuhen seemed to have anticipated this answer and sighed: "Actually, you two don't need to be wary of me. All I want are the Door of the Sub-Dimension and the Door of Reincarnation. Once you leave the Ancient Pavilion of Forgetfulness, do whatever you need to do. When the time comes and Xu Xiaoshou finishes his enlightenment, I will return him to you exactly as he is. As long as both you and he remember and abide by the agreement, that will be enough."

For Bazun'an, the Door of the Sub-Dimension was already optional. Over the past six months, he had completely mastered Void Island and no longer needed this door for entry or exit. With the guidance of Shen Bailiu, the transit channels of the Apricot Realm, or even his sword-self forcing entry and exit, he had three equally viable options. But Xu Xiaoshou was not yet finished, so how could he hand over the Door of the Sub-Dimension, which was his bargaining chip? Wouldn't that be a betrayal? Bazun'an slowly shook his head, trusting only his own judgment and unwilling to believe Kong Yuhen's one-sided claims.

"I'll go out for a bit, then." After careful consideration, Mei Siren knew this was the best solution. Staying here, he couldn't help at all, and even if he went out, he certainly couldn't defeat Hua Changdeng. However, having met once before, he was considered Hua Changdeng's half-enlightenment master in the way of ancient swords. Regardless of whether the other party acknowledged it, he might be able to buy some time by appealing to their past connection.

"Thank you for your trouble, Mr. Siren." Bazun'an nodded slightly, without a single word of retention, clearly also believing this was the best approach. Seeing this, Mei Siren could only shake his head helplessly; they were too close, not even bothering with courtesies. Fortunately, he wasn't one to fuss over such things. He immediately bowed to the two, drew his sword, pushed open the door, and walked out of the Ancient Pavilion of Forgetfulness.

Inside the wooden pavilion, only two remained. Bazun'an's gaze was fixed on Xu Xiaoshou; though his expression was unmoved, he was clearly anxious about the situation outside, and asked, "How much longer do you think he'll need?"

"Hard to say..." Kong Yuhen knew the answer was actually a long time. After all, comprehending the Way of Time was just the beginning. Afterward, he would also need to help Xu Xiaoshou meet the Battle Ancestor and Heavenly Ancestor, and assist him in comprehending his avatar. After comprehending the avatar, he still needed to acquire the door, which would certainly involve some bargaining. But this was the most crucial part of their agreement—he couldn't help Xu Xiaoshou so much and then receive no compensation at all, could he? All things considered, the time delay would be considerable. And this didn't even account for whether Xu Xiaoshou's doubts, after comprehending the Way and meeting that individual in the River of Time, would require his help to resolve, or whether his enlightenment and cultivation would need time to consolidate... In short, Xu Xiaoshou would most likely not be able to participate in this battle. And this was Kong Yuhen's original intention in delaying the young man—not to hinder him, but to mitigate risks.

Bazun'an seemed to understand Kong Yuhen's unspoken meaning and said directly, "With Hua Changdeng's arrival, I don't necessarily need Xu Xiaoshou to fight, but I do have a request, which I'd like to discuss with Brother Yuhen." Kong Yuhen quickly became serious, gesturing with his hand, "Please speak, Mr. Bazun'an."

There were no outsiders in the Ancient Pavilion of Forgetfulness. Even if Xu Xiaoshou were half-awake and heard, it wouldn't matter. Bazun'an, not avoiding his own people, raised his head and stared directly at Kong Yuhen: "Brother Yuhen, whose side are you on?"

Kong Yuhen was startled. Was this the way of ancient sword cultivators? Did they just choose to get straight to the point? He knew the person in front of him wasn't easy to fool and remained silent, not immediately giving an answer.

Bazun'an looked back at Xu Xiaoshou and spoke to himself: "In fact, from your consistent planning and schemes, it's clear that you also favor Xu Xiaoshou. Aside from anything else, the Time Ancestor's Shadow Staff has turned the tide multiple times, saving him from dire situations. Xu Xiaoshou is not ungrateful; I believe he also holds you in high regard, even after meeting the Demonic Ancestor."

Demonic Ancestor... Kong Yuhen became slightly vigilant. That's right, Xu Xiaoshou had already met the Demonic Ancestor, and even he couldn't eavesdrop on their private conversation. Bazun'an's meaning was very clear. Sometimes, one might appear to be making their own choice, but in reality, others might also be considering whether to switch allegiances.

"I will always trust Xu Xiaoshou." Bazun'an, however, spoke with absolute certainty, his resolve unwavering. His eyes held a smile as he looked at the young man meditating on the floor, "I watched him grow every step of the way. I know his temperament best: 'If you don't betray me, I won't betray you.' This is the best description of his character."

As he spoke, he moved, slowly walking to the tea table and taking a seat, pouring himself a cup of tea. He merely held the teacup, twirling it, but didn't drink it, giving Kong Yuhen ample time to think before continuing:

"I know They have also offered much. I won't interfere with your final choice. But as Chong Yin previously said, this matter is unjust, and I'd like to ask for your judgment, brother... Has this young man's growth period been too short, to face Ancestral Gods head-on after just a few years?"

Kong Yuhen listened in a daze. Chong Yin had previously been hunted and came to the pavilion seeking justice, with Dao Qiongcang and Xu Xiaoshou following close behind. Ultimately, the pursuit of justice ended inconclusively, both sides fought their way out, and Rao Wangze died. Now Bazun'an also came to him seeking justice, and after hearing his words, it was indeed startling to realize that it had only been a year or two since Xu Xiaoshou made his debut. If his parents were alive, they would surely feel heartache for this poor child, wouldn't they? Bazun'an resembled Xu Xiaoshou's old father, his expression somewhat wistful. Without waiting for Kong Yuhen's reply, he raised his cup and said to himself:

"Brother Yuhen, the Ancestral Gods' schemes are undeniably weighty. After Hua Changdeng, regardless of victory or defeat, I will be powerless to oversee the situation. From then on, it will be up to Xu Xiaoshou to bear the main burden alone. And with Ancestral Gods surrounding him, under multiple pressures, he will be like a lone boat without oars. Even if I leave Shen Yi and Cao Yihan with him, they might still be defeated one by one, for the Ancestral Gods are not to be underestimated. Other matters aside, my only request is that if he shows signs of exhaustion, or if Dao Qiongcang interferes midway to scheme against him, and he is already stretched thin... in such a case, I kindly ask you, brother, if possible, to offer a small helping hand and assist Xu Xiaoshou. This favor and kindness, I, Bazun'an, will remember, and Xu Xiaoshou will remember it too."

After speaking, regardless of how Kong Yuhen would respond. Bazun'an, using tea as wine, symbolically raised the teacup high above his head, and after a respectful gaze, drained the tea in one gulp. "Thank you!"

Oh... For the first time, Kong Yuhen felt troubled. He couldn't agree to Bazun'an's request here and now; if he did, he wouldn't be able to stay out of it later. But Bazun'an's sincerity was so great that it was hard not to accept this gesture.

"Clack." Bazun'an didn't make things too difficult for him. He gently placed the Eight-Character Token on the tabletop. He had taken this from Xu Xiaoshou when the Ghost Buddha appeared earlier and he summoned Void Island with his sword-self.

"I gave this item to Xu Xiaoshou in White Cave, telling him that in the future, whenever he encounters a major problem he can't resolve, he can display this token, and it might help resolve some of the trouble. The same applies now. If in the subsequent situation Xu Xiaoshou is overwhelmed, I kindly ask Brother Yuhen to pass this token to him on my behalf, let him call my true name, and I may still be able to lend him a hand. As for you..." Bazun'an paused, then smiled, "Help if you can, if not, then forget it."

After placing the Eight-Character Token and speaking these words, he took out the Door of the Sub-Dimension, also placing it on the tea table and pushing it forward. Seeing this, Kong Yuhen slowly closed his eyes.

After a long time, he too walked over, sat down at the tea table, raised the already cold tea in his cup high, and drank it in one gulp. "Certainly."

"And this is..." The world beyond the second door was unexpectedly familiar to someone. Not unfamiliar, but rather too familiar: it was a hospital room!

A white hospital room. The walls were white, the bed was white, the sheets and bedding were white. Everything looked new, a comfortable and warm room. Yet, between "white" and "new," there was no hint of sanctity. After Xu Xiaoshou opened his eyes, all he felt was the loneliness and suffocation of his previous life.

"What the hell? Did it send me back to my previous life?" "Or is this my soul space?"

On the Holy Divine Continent, Xu Xiaoshou had also encountered similar hospital rooms. At that time, he had comprehended his heart under Rao Yaoyao's Mortal Dust Sword, breaking through to the Grandmaster Heavenly Phenomenon realm. This, incidentally, was the foundation of the Two-Worlds' Aspect and Reincarnation's Proof. Had he not affirmed his true self then, accepting the bleakness of his past life, perhaps later, if he regarded this life as real and the previous one as false, continuing his cultivation, he truly might have gone astray in the end.

"But it doesn't seem to be a soul space either..." That time, in his soul space, Xu Xiaoshou had seen the Blazing Serpent, the Four Swords, and the talking, very human-like Cang Ku, but none of them were present this time. There was a big difference!

Clearly, this wasn't the "home" from his memories; it must be related to the River of Time. It must have been "time" that brought him back to his previous life. And according to what the figure by the pavilion—either the Time Ancestor or Kong Yuhen's silhouette—had said, the heavenly realm behind the first door was called "Past." Now, what should this hospital room behind the second door be called? Future?

"Doesn't look like the future..." Xu Xiaoshou clicked his tongue. This was clearly his past, how could it be the future? Time must have gone mad to arbitrarily rename things like this, confusing past and present lives.

Xu Xiaoshou rose from the hospital bed, still covered by the bedding, though he felt no warmth. He didn't dwell on the "name" of this hospital room, noticing instead that he still held a golden bead in his hand; this item had accompanied him. "Source of Time and Space..."

Besides this item, although the Three Swords weren't visible in the room, the red interface of the Passive System was, hovering right before his eyes. Not inside his mind, but outside, suspended in mid-air! And the third item, the last one, was an illusory wooden door placed on the bedside table.

"Wooden door!" Xu Xiaoshou had a very deep impression of this item. It looked exactly like one of the Six Ancient Doors; aside from appearing somewhat translucent and intangible, it was identical to the four doors Kong Yuhen had displayed on the tea table in the Ancient Pavilion of Forgetfulness.

"I have a 'door' too?" This was surprising. Kong Yuhen had collected four of the Six Ancient Doors, and if Bazun'an's Door of the Sub-Dimension was subtracted... If the one on the bedside table was truly one of the Six Doors, it could only be... "Door of Reincarnation?"

When he softly murmured the door's name, Xu Xiaoshou's pupils constricted, and his hair stood on end. He suddenly realized how he had transmigrated, and even retained his memories after doing so. "Could it be the effect of this 'Door of Reincarnation'?!"

He also belatedly realized that Kong Yuhen sought him and Bazun'an not just for the Door of the Sub-Dimension. From his words and actions before, that fellow was clearly also targeting the Door of Reincarnation, which Xu Xiaoshou hadn't even noticed he possessed. And then there was Kong Yuhen's astonishing remark upon their first meeting: "A visitor from another world!"

It clicked! Everything clicked into place! "Two-Worlds' Aspect, Reincarnation's Proof, so easily cultivated—as if I was born to cultivate this path. Did the Door of Reincarnation help, at least protecting my memories before reincarnation?" "Ghost Ancestor gave me the Scythe of Death, which also contained insights into the path of reincarnation. Was it because he saw me as a reincarnator, capable of easily achieving great things in this path, and wanted to invest early?"

This was chilling to ponder. And not just this, but in the realm of the unseen, the path he cultivated seemed to have been "arranged" for him. Whether it was Sword Mastery, Berserk Giant, or the Way of Arts Disc, Way of Life Disc... All these powers, obtained from the Passive System, were also linked to the powers of the Ten Ancestors, clearly suggesting a meaning of "gathering the strengths of all and cultivating them within me." Who arranged this? By whom was I arranged? And whose fallback plan was this Door of Reincarnation on his person?

On the hospital bed, Xu Xiaoshou suddenly wanted to get up but found his legs numb and powerless. He could only move his upper body; his lower body was still paralyzed, just like in his previous life. He fell silent, propping himself up with his hands on the bedding, deep in thought.

"Name Ancestor..." When he entered the previous door, the silhouetted Kong Yuhen had said that that world was called "Past," and revealed the title "Name Ancestor." Name Ancestor, already existed, at least in the "Past"? Is Name Ancestor himself, who also cultivated the path of Two-in-One and One-to-Zero, and after losing hope, used the Door of Reincarnation to circumvent the Way of the Ghost Ancestor, placing himself back into reincarnation? Having successively experienced his past self and present self, then relying on the Passive System to gather the strengths of various schools, attempting to integrate the destinies of the Ten Ancestral Gods, to cultivate the path of returning to zero?

Xu Xiaoshou's pupils quaked. This conjecture was undeniably bold. According to this idea, it would mean he had arranged his own fallback—his passivity, born from himself? This was being passive to an extreme!

"And the Passive System..." This thing seemed mysterious: accumulating passive points based on others' emotional fluctuations, then allowing him to freely allocate points to gain the power of the Ten Ancestors, which was beyond the reach of ordinary people. Did it truly have no source, truly appear out of thin air?

"Name!" If one looked at the Passive System from the perspective of "Name." The joy, sorrow, grief, and anger others felt after observing him—wasn't that also a direct manifestation of "Name" being nurtured? Name, by nature, is abstract. But passive points and various passive skills materialized these abstract powers, assisting him in growing to this point.

"I..." Xu Xiaoshou, half-paralyzed on the hospital bed, slowly raised his hands and lowered his head to look at them, suddenly feeling an inexplicable heaviness. Had he always been controlled by himself, walking a predetermined, arranged path, until he cultivated "Name"? The so-called "beast escaping its cage" was merely seeing the world from the bottom of a well. When the truth of the "cage theory" was revealed... was he still within the game?

Xu Xiaoshou gasped. Elder Sang, truly terrifying?

"It's chaotic, chaotic..." "Calm down, calm down..." These were all self-conjectures; whether any of it was true was another matter entirely.

Xu Xiaoshou looked back at the golden bead in his hand, and Kong Yuhen's words from before the pavilion flashed in his mind: "The Source of Time and Space, only possesses the power to trace everything back to its origin..."

In this hospital room located on the River of Time, only three items were currently visible: the Source of Time and Space, the Door of Reincarnation, and the Passive System. To consider it more abstractly, there was also the hospital room itself, and himself.

"Source of Time and Space, if I trace everything, will I know the answer?"

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