Chapter 1873: Reincarnation

“Hua Changdeng has dragged this on for too long; variables are bound to arise!”

Beyond the rift of the Seven Severance Forbidden Time Realm in the Sacred Continent, an enormous ancient pagoda tree was rooted in the starry sky, its origin unknown.

It appeared as a phantom, yet it was real enough, at least indistinguishable from a true Great World Pagoda Tree.

The ancient pagoda tree's long aerial roots hung down, swaying without wind. Its lush crown of branches and leaves subtly outlined a colossal human face.

Its full appearance was unclear, its facial features impossible to recall, but its overall demeanor exuded kindness and benevolence:

“Why is an extra hour needed?”

“He did not act according to the plan; he must have developed his own ideas.”

“He should not have ideas. Life should grow according to rules. If it branches out, its leaves and branches should be pruned as a warning.”

The ancient pagoda tree's branches and leaves swayed, and its voice, which felt like a warm spring breeze to those who heard it, echoed everywhere within the starry void wherever its power extended, without the need for mental transmission.

The starry sky was silent, and there was no reply for a long time.

Far from the phantom of the Great World Pagoda Tree, stood a golden inverted Buddha pagoda, equally magnificent and imposing.

Beneath the pagoda, a bronze coffin was sealed. Perhaps due to its ancient age, the coffin had turned black, and "thump-thump" sounds occasionally emanated from within, like a heartbeat reviving.

With each beat, the coffin lid slightly bulged, and black, viscous demonic fluid seeped out from the cracks.

However, once it flowed out, the inverted Buddha pagoda would emit Buddhist light to purify it.

The purification was not complete, leaving black spots. Again and again, this might be why the bronze coffin had turned black.

“Shennong Baicao, you are too aggressive.”

A voice from within the coffin beneath the pagoda spoke, tinged with a hint of mockery, “Even if there are variables, how do you know they won't benefit us?”

“Oh?”

As these words were uttered, a colossal purple eyeball on the other side rotated, casting its gaze over. “Demon Ancestor, what do you mean by that? Do you already know what these variables are?”

The coffin beneath the pagoda remained motionless.

Judging by its demeanor, it seemed disinclined to respond.

“I, however, know someone who often brings about variables, named Xu Xiaoshou,” the colossal purple Malice Yin Eye continued. In fact, it was not merely an eye, but also a human face.

Only the eye portion occupied ninety-nine percent of it, with the other superfluous features like the nose, mouth, and skin pushed to the back by the eyeball, piled together and tiny as beans, almost negligible:

“Xu Xiaoshou is skilled in stratagems, constantly producing cunning schemes.”

“With all due respect, when this Ancestor first revived, I didn't take him seriously. I even allowed his spirit to transcend the Great Dao, thinking he could become a more powerful pawn, perhaps even surpassing Ai Cangsheng.

“Little did I expect that in the end, I was tricked by him more than once, along with Dao Qiongcang and Bazun An.” It gritted its teeth somewhat.

The ancient pagoda tree's crown rustled, a sound audible even in the starry sky:

“Xu Xiaoshou is but a weakling.”

“Only Cao Yihan and Bazun An hold the potential to reach the Ancestor God realm, and that could happen at any moment.”

“An hour is neither long nor short. Perhaps they only lack that tiny bit of time. This Ancestor cannot wait any longer; I want to devour Hua Changdeng, who broke the rules.”

A sneer emanated from the coffin beneath the pagoda: “Then devour him.”

The Malice Yin Eye also chuckled, “I fear that once inside your pagoda body, his sword will unlock profound mysteries and strike you – sword cultivators have always been like this. In ancient times, this Ancestor also suffered wounds from them and has only recovered until today.”

“I cannot devour him now...”

The ancient pagoda tree's voice was gentle, tinged with regret. It no longer addressed Malice Yin, instead speaking to itself, “The Time Rift is guarded by this Son of Thunder; it will be difficult to breach it quickly. If I can enter the Sacred Continent, I will devour him immediately.”

“Exactly,” the Demon Ancestor's laughter came again from within the coffin. He now seemed calm and composed, with a plan already in mind. “Cast a long line to catch a big fish.”

“Demon Ancestor, what exactly are you hiding?” Malice Yin's curiosity was irrepressible. It sensed that the Demon Ancestor had more than just one move planned and wished to know as much as the Medicine Ancestor.

The starry sky fell silent.

The coffin beneath the pagoda remained motionless.

After a moment, the ancient pagoda tree spoke: “The Body in the Coffin, the Soul of the Sword Tower, the Will of the Cold Palace – all three paths are complete. All is ready. Yet, Demon Ancestor, you hesitate at this final step. What are you afraid of?”

“Not fear, but greed.”

To the Demon Ancestor, greed seemed never to be a derogatory term. It spoke from within the coffin, directly and frankly:

“After this Ancestor's complete integration with the Great Dao, I will not treat you two unfairly.”

“But for now, these obstacles on the path still require more effort from both of you to clear away.”

It spoke eloquently: “If you give me a peach, I will return a plum. This Ancestor will forever be grateful.”

*That repulsive, utterly despicable thing...*

Repeatedly ignored, Malice Yin began cursing its ancestors in its mind. After all, it was also a fusion of two entities; why did it not deserve an answer?

Malice Yin then blinked its colossal purple eyeball, which had no eyelids, and asked curiously, “Demon Ancestor, have you met Xu Xiaoshou?”

The coffin beneath the pagoda fell silent.

This time, there was finally a reply: “The Art of Dao is indeed quite extensive.”

*Do I need you to tell me if the Art of Dao is extensive?*

*Do you really think you're like a divine dragon, appearing without a trace, hiding so deeply?*

Malice Yin understood guidance and time, having mastered various Daos. It even believed that the Art of Dao it cultivated encompassed the Path of Spirit Refinement, including countless attributes.

Whatever it wanted to know, nothing could escape its eyes.

*If I don't reveal something, does this fool in the coffin truly think I'm just here to get a share of the spoils?*

“Xu Xiaoshou is not as easy to deal with as you think.”

“This Ancestor doesn't care what you discussed, what you talked about, or if you reached an agreement. Just be careful.”

“Bazun An isn't stupid; he's hiding someone... Xu Xiaoshou won't appear in this battle, but remember, do not underestimate that little fellow.”

Malice Yin's intention was good. It knew that Xu, with the surname Xu, also possessed the qualifications to be deified and revered as an Ancestor, and his mind was quite complex.

In fact, it believed Xu Xiaoshou was even harder to deal with.

That boy understands how to use pawns, leverage situations, and maneuver among the powerful with a weak body. He knows when to withdraw from the game board, even when immersed in it. He possesses great strategic talent!

What a pity.

The Demon Ancestor and the Medicine Ancestor had never directly dealt with Xu Xiaoshou.

Having reminded them to this extent, it felt it had done its utmost and fulfilled its duty as an ally.

Any more, and it would inevitably be suspected of colluding with the enemy.

However, the coffin beneath the pagoda failed to recognize its good intentions, and laughter, full of disdain, emanated from it:

“Once bitten by a snake, one fears a rope for ten years. Malice Yin seems to be regressing with age. Why haven't you revealed your true form as the Ancestor of Arts?”

With a boom, purple mist billowed across the starry sky.

The colossal pupil of the Malice Yin Eye sharply contracted, seemingly fixed on the coffin beneath the pagoda, poised to strike.

But soon, it released all its imposing aura, gently retreating:

“Mighty Demon Ancestor.”

In the Flower World, Xu Xiaoshou had also intended to form an alliance with it.

But Malice Yin, having suffered losses and been deceived before, ultimately chose a conservative approach, adhering to the original plan.

It had a premonition, or rather, a guidance.

That person is difficult to control; he is rebellious to the core.

The original plan was naturally to ally with the Demon Ancestor. It had already given all necessary warnings, but unexpectedly, its efforts were met with cold indifference.

Never mind!

Even better, then!

Malice Yin also wanted to see what spectacular expression that useless entity, who couldn't even show its face in the coffin, would have if it suffered a setback later.

Ideally, when the snipe and clam fight, Malice Yin benefits...

Malice Yin's idea was very simple and coincided with what Dao Qiongcang had told it: just lie low for now.

After all, it was no longer the destined person of this era.

The Demon Ancestor's extreme greed, however, indicated a form of restraint. Unfortunately, despite its strong will, its body was crippled, and it was blind, unable to even see where its opponent was.

Malice Yin was now very restrained. It considered itself to be on the same starting line as the Demon Ancestor, and what it sought was unspoken but perfectly understood.

But for now, the supporting character only needed to do its job.

It played along, while holding back a trick.

The Demon Ancestor gained face, advancing proudly.

They hit it off instantly; truly the best allies!

“Xu Xiaoshou...”

The ancient pagoda tree murmured the name again, interspersing it with a few mentions of “Bazun An.”

Finally, the human face on the tree's crown did not turn to Malice Yin, who had a deeper understanding of these two, but instead looked at the coffin beneath the pagoda:

“Xu Xiaoshou carries profound mysteries, but unfortunately, when he entered the Mourning, the Ghost Ancestor awoke a step ahead and blocked him.”

“What is he?”

The starry sky fell silent.

However, the lightning from the Time Rift on the other side shone brighter than the stars.

After a long pause, the Demon Ancestor, from within the distant coffin, let out a sneer, full of hidden meaning:

“Xu Xiaoshou, an unknown.”

Rumble—

The starry sky dimmed, and black holes were scattered unevenly.

Xu Xiaoshou felt his consciousness plunge into an icy abyss, fall into a deep sea, pass through volcanoes, and cross thunderstorms...

Finally, he arrived in another strange world he had never seen before.

“Is the Gate of Reincarnation reversing time like this? This is torturing me to death!”

Still feeling dizzy, Xu Xiaoshou slowly recovered and found himself in a boundless, desolate wilderness.

The land was barren, with faint signs of magma spewing from underground.

Space was riddled with cracks that could swallow or cleave a person at any moment.

And when he looked up, this world had no sky, no clouds, no atmosphere or other miscellaneous things; looking up revealed the starry sky, seemingly within reach.

The starry sky itself was riddled with cracks, from which emanated the aura of decaying Great Dao and various indescribable dark matter energies.

When these energies sprinkled onto this world, even greatly diluted, they brought with them the stench of decaying dead branches, as if soaked in faeces and urine.

“Ugh!”

Xu Xiaoshou dry-heaved again.

Now, whenever he thought of urine, he would associate it with Dao Qiongcang, though he didn't know why.

“Someone...”

“It's them three... oh no, two!”

Two figures darted out from a distant spatial rift: one was Time Ancestor Kong Yuhan, clad in ragged pale golden robes, and the other...

“This... is Dian Nuo?”

Xu Xiaoshou was stunned.

Dian Nuo was the nickname he had given Nuo Ancestor, and he felt it was incredibly fitting.

The madman wearing the Nuo mask was now about ten feet tall, his two arms incredibly muscular, wrapped with vines and covered in talismans. His sharp purple claws resembled beast claws, and his exposed skin was covered in purple patterns, emitting an eerie aura throughout his body.

If not for that Nuo mask and the Nuo attire that only he would wear, Xu Xiaoshou truly couldn't have connected him to the previous person, or indeed, to a 'person' at all.

Perhaps, he was never human to begin with...

“It failed!”

Dian Nuo's voice was incredibly heavy, like he was venting and roaring:

“One hundred twenty-nine thousand six hundred cycles of reincarnation! You said ten years, and I waited. A hundred years, and I waited. Now an epoch has passed, and I've waited too!”

“But how much longer must I wait? When will this end?”

“Like this, going back from the future to the past, repeating countless times, avoiding battle again and again, deceiving myself that there's still hope?”

“One hundred twenty thousand...”

Xu Xiaoshou's pupils constricted in shock.

Didn't they say nine reincarnations? How, in the blink of an eye, did an epoch come into play?

“You can't hold on anymore!”

Dian Nuo was indeed mad enough. He clutched Time Ancestor's head with his sharp purple claws, lifting him into the air.

His colossal Nuo mask couldn't conceal the fierce aura erupting from his pupils. He tilted his head,

and his voice softened:

“Why don't I just kill you? Then we'll fight with our backs against the wall; there might still be hope.”

Was the Great Catastrophe forcing them to turn against each other?

Xu Xiaoshou was greatly surprised, but quickly realized it wasn't the case.

Time Ancestor's state was very unusual. Even as he hung suspended, his limbs dangled limply. Only after a long while did he begin to struggle:

“Let me go, let me go...”

With a 'thud,' Dian Nuo casually tossed him aside.

Time Ancestor landed butt-first on the ground, his head plunged into the magma. After soaking for a while, he seemed to awaken.

“There will be hope, there will be hope...”

Time Ancestor, like a broken record player, would both repeat and crash.

These words seemed to be a fuse that completely ignited Dian Nuo. He unleashed his hands in the air, and with a boom, tens of thousands of miles around were shattered to dust.

“Roar!!!”

Beneath the Nuo mask, the roar of a great beast emanated.

Time Ancestor was blasted through by a single roar and fell into the decaying starry sky.

Dian Nuo then reached out again, pulled him back, seizing him between his fingers and palm. With one hand, he formed a spell with joined fingers and shook Time Ancestor, as if trying to shake out treasures from him:

“Appear!!!”

A rushing sound of water erupted.

Behind Time Ancestor, nine long rivers of time cascaded from the starry sky, winding and intertwining, almost indistinguishable from one another.

Apart from occasional openings and closings, which revealed distinct boundaries, these rivers of time were practically merging back into one.

“Look at yourself, Kong Yuhan!”

“I told you, with nine cycles unable to achieve transcendence, everything is no longer necessary. Even if Ming lives, he is no longer himself.”

“I also said there's no need to divide out a tenth incarnation anymore. You simply cannot protect him; you cannot even find him, because this thing...”

He roared angrily, and with his thick left hand, he conjured a small black dial, completely losing himself to madness:

“He despises it! He despises it!”

“Gahahaha, he is too arrogant!”

“Ancestor Ming! What an Ancestor Ming! This humble one, with good intentions, protected him, but he, on the other hand, threw the protective amulet into the past and placed himself in reincarnation, heading towards the future?”

As Dian Nuo spoke, he suddenly flexed his fingers, as if to crush the black dial in his hand. “If I hadn't gone looking, how much longer would you have kept it from me!”

“No!”

This time, Time Ancestor became lucid remarkably quickly.

Without any visible movement, the dial at Dian Nuo's fingertips vanished, reappearing in Time Ancestor's hand. He quickly said:

“I have a plan.”

“Shut up!!!”

“It's not that he despises it; there must be variables, other variables...”

“This humble one said, shut up.”

With those words, Dian Nuo tossed Time Ancestor high into the air and, with a swift and decisive aerial slash of his purple claws, cut him.

Rip!

Time Ancestor Kong Yuhan's body and head separated, his head flying high.

Xu Xiaoshou recoiled in fright.

*What kind of madman is this? They can't see me in these flashback scenes from the Gate of Reincarnation, right?*

*If you've already cut Kong Yuhan, don't suddenly look over and cut me too.*

As if in response to his own thoughts, when Xu Xiaoshou subconsciously wanted to retreat, the scene before him slightly blurred.

That invisible force pushed him backward again.

“No, I haven't seen anything yet, and I didn't actually want to retreat...” Xu Xiaoshou immediately grew anxious, thinking he could really influence the scene here.

Soon, he realized that wasn't the case.

This scene should be short, not as long as the previous dial one.

He was retreating slowly, so he should still be able to watch the entire flashback scene from the Gate of Reincarnation before it ended.

—Having come through this very gate, the thing itself hasn't even appeared yet!

Ahead, Kong Yuhan's decapitated head actually seemed to have truly died, utterly defenseless.

One might say he was weakened after splitting into myriad forms.

Or was Dian Nuo simply too strong?

“Indeed...”

Dian Nuo's malevolent aura intensified, his entire body trembling involuntarily. “Even you are merely an incarnation. Could it be that your true self has fallen into time and become lost?”

“Nuo Ancestor!”

From high in the sky, a figure suddenly descended; another Time Ancestor Kong Yuhan had appeared.

“Shut up.”

Nuo Ancestor lifted his Nuo mask upwards, and countless bone spikes erupted from his back, impaling the Time Ancestor directly in mid-air, and the Time Ancestor fell.

“Nuo!”

Another Kong Yuhan appeared.

Dian Nuo didn't even turn his head. With a flick of his finger, he shot a yellow talisman sideways. Amidst the booming sound, Time Ancestor fell.

And another...

“All of you, shut up!”

Nuo Ancestor roared, bending his body, his bones cracking and popping.

It seemed less like he was speaking to Time Ancestor Kong Yuhan and more like he was conversing with countless versions of himself within his own body.

This guy...

Xu Xiaoshou realized.

Dian Nuo was in an abnormal state, seemingly on the verge of succumbing to cultivation deviation, likely influenced by that “Great Catastrophe.”

Yet another Time Ancestor Kong Yuhan appeared.

This time, Dian Nuo sharply turned around. Just as he raised a finger to point through the air, he paused, stunned.

Xu Xiaoshou knew why he was stunned.

Time Ancestor had changed his attire and appearance.

Dian Nuo's state was abnormal, so he might not have recognized him immediately.

That Time Ancestor Kong Yuhan, dressed as a refined scholar, had now become indistinguishable from the Kong Yuhan Xu Xiaoshou had seen in the Ancient and Modern Forgetful Pavilion.

It seemed even his power had regressed to a similar level...

Time Ancestor Kong Yuhan bowed politely and said gently:

“Master Xihe, please hear me out.”