Chapter 1899: Arrival

Mountains rise starkly, stars are scarce in the sky; waters flow ever eastward, where countless ruins lie.Let me borrow myriad worldly dreams, and seek out ten thousand ancestral mysteries once more.

On the old turtle's back, the Dao Child formed hand seals with his fingertips. After softly chanting, he looked up at the starry sky and smiled gently."Xu Xiaoshou, I am helping you. Do not act recklessly."

The vast Qian Shi Emperor Realm seemed to be pieced together from countless planes.After the Dao Child's long chant, the distant starlight faded, and gurgling water flowed in from beyond the realm, transforming into the River of Time. Wherever the river passed, it nourished all things, bringing life to places where everything had been devastated. Each spatial plane within the Qian Shi Emperor Realm appeared to correspond to a bubble in the River of Time, drawing sustenance from it. In other words, the Qian Shi Emperor Realm was designed from its inception to individually verify the 'Dao' principles on the River of Time.

"Dao Qian Shi!"A point of light suddenly appeared from beyond the sky, accompanied by an angry roar.Jin Ren, in his lament, suddenly heard this voice and burst into tears: "Ah, Boss! Ah, save me! Ah, you're finally here! I've waited for you so long!"The firmament trembled. That speck of light plummeted rapidly, finally revealing its true form. It was an ultimate giant, blotting out the sky, swinging its fist down, charging forward with a head-first, ground-shattering momentum."Dao Qian Shi, take this punch!"

The old turtle shook its head from side to side, unable to find anyone. The Dao Child on its back drooped his eyes and quickly kicked the turtle twice, "Retreat."With a whoosh, the old turtle vanished.The Dao Child then looked up, directly facing the giant's punch that was heading straight for his face: "Master Shou, do not be impulsive."Too impulsive! He couldn't stop him at all!The Dao Child then shifted, and his figure disappeared. The ultimate giant's punch landed, causing the entire ground to crumble. Even the spatial plane where Jin Ren was located became unstable, and his enlightenment of the mortal realm was instantly interrupted.

"Waaah!"Jin Ren burst into tears, the torment finally over."Boss, hit him! Hit him! Don't hold back! Smash his pig head! Avenge me!" Jin Ren cried out, cheering and urging from behind.

Xu Xiaoshou's ultimate giant punch missed its target, but his perception was incredibly sharp. After his "Path of Intent" disk locked onto the location, he turned and unleashed another punch."Stop!"The Dao Child had just appeared in the void and did not resist. But not fighting back, merely shouting, couldn't stop the frenzied wild beast. The ultimate giant's punches came relentlessly, and he dodged them repeatedly. This particular space was not of a high level; it was created to imprison Jin Ren. Now, even its principles were shattered.

"Dodging?""Even if you hide at the ends of the earth, you'll still have to take this punch!""Disaster Nation, Blade Wield!"With a mental roar, this time he charged face-to-face.The Dao Child's eyes suddenly glazed over, and his body slowly floated up. He completely gave up struggling. Before his mind went blank, he even instinctively pushed out his chest, saying, "Don't hit my face."The ultimate giant's punch landed squarely on his face. The Dao Child's head was directly smashed into his sternum, and his entire body turned into a puddle of goo, breaking through fragments of space-time and nearly falling into the River of Time.

"Whoosh."The old turtle reappeared from somewhere, caught the liquefied Dao Child, and carried him towards the starry sky.So tough…

Only then did Xu Xiaoshou deactivate his ultimate giant form, returning to human shape and landing beside Jin Ren. He shook his fist, feeling a little surprised.Like Dao Qiongcang, Dao Qian Shi’s body glowed with an astonishing jade-like whiteness the moment he was struck, exuding remarkable defensive power. Although everything seemed like paper in the face of the ultimate giant's attack, this guy hadn't used his "Path of Stars." He was purely taking hits with his physical body, surviving a blow, and knowing not to fall into the controlled River of Time, which showed careful consideration."That old turtle is also peculiar…"Xu Xiaoshou gazed at the distant giant beast, thinking that perhaps it might even be Dao Qian Shi's true body.

"Boss, how did you get here?"Jin Ren tugged at Xu Xiaoshou's clothes. While reveling in the satisfaction of revenge, he was still somewhat worried about how Xu Xiaoshou dared to personally come to the Qian Shi Emperor Realm. During his confinement, he couldn't contact Xu Xiaoshou, and Xu Xiaoshou couldn't contact him. Neither of them knew what had happened in the other's respective planes. Jin Ren's memory of Xu Xiaoshou was still stuck at the initial disruption of the Five Great Saint Emperor Secret Realms; he didn't even know about Hua Changdeng's arrival in the Five Regions.

But no more words were needed. When both were in the same space-time, their memories began to synchronize. Jin Ren quickly learned about what had happened to Xu Xiaoshou in the Saint God Continent, including Hua Changdeng, Ba Zun'an, and Kong Yuhen of the Ancient and Modern Forget-Worry Tower… However, when the synchronization progressed to the point where the "Wild Time Dao Disk" was about to enter the River of Time, everything abruptly stopped.

"Boss?"Jin Ren was stunned, looking at Xu Xiaoshou in front of him. Then, tears streamed down his face, and he understood: "Yes, I'm tainted. I'm not worthy of seeing the rest…""Stop the nonsense."Xu Xiaoshou couldn't be bothered with the hypocritical Jin Ren. After being in the Qian Shi Emperor Realm for so long and falling for its tricks so many times, even when Xu Xiaoshou came this time, he first used his "Path of Intent" disk to scan Jin Ren. No mark was left on Jin Ren.But was this truly the case? One must always be on guard. If what happened on the River of Time, or even Time, Name, and Nuo behind the three doors, were to be known by Dao Qian Shi through synchronization with Jin Ren, it would be a huge loss.In a word… suicide was Jin Ren's best destiny.

"After this time, such things will not happen again regarding your extreme 'Path of Intent' state," Xu Xiaoshou said, turning to comfort him.Indeed, after leaping out of the Ancient and Modern Forget-Worry Tower, he rushed not to Lingyu Mountain, but to the Qian Shi Emperor Realm. He had retrieved "Standing Alone in the World." His "Second True Body," this second awakening, was even equivalent to an extra life, superior in its "deceitfulness" – it could change forms and trick the Ancestral Gods. Since he had the ability to retrieve it, how could he let Jin Ren remain trapped in the Qian Shi Emperor Realm? Moreover, he now had sufficient qualifications. There were some matters he could directly ask Dao Qian Shi and contend with him.

"Go. I've left flesh and blood in the Apricot Realm. You will be reborn in the Five Regions.""I've left the Blazing Python behind. It will give you a thrill after your rebirth.""This place, leave it to me."Jin Ren nodded silently. Jin Ren bit his tongue and committed suicide. Xu Xiaoshou set Jin Ren's ashes ablaze, obliterating his body, spirit, and intent, leaving Dao Qian Shi no chance. What if the memory remained, and Jin Ren lived forever… Once Jin Ren was reborn there, even if Dao Qian Shi's reach was long, he couldn't extend it that far!

After dealing with the aftermath, Xu Xiaoshou finally looked at the old turtle, his gaze indifferent:"I ask, you answer.""You can lie, after all, I'm not seeking the truth.""But this is your only chance for an equal exchange. If this conversation doesn't go well, the next time we meet, we will be enemies."

Whoosh…The old turtle let out a low cry. Clearly, it hadn't fully recovered from the sudden shift in the situation, but the rotten flesh on its back shone with starlight, quickly reassembling and regenerating. Before long, the Dao Child, in the likeness of A-Jie, had grown back.He was extremely respectful, as if meeting an Ancestral God, lowering his head in a gesture of reverence and clasping his fists in praise:"It is better to see than to merely hear; Master Shou's strength truly lives up to its reputation!"

Xu Xiaoshou scoffed. Before reaching the extreme state of his "Path of Intent" disk, this guy wasn't like this at all. He put on airs and gave Jin Ren no opportunities. In short, without sufficient strength, there would be no leverage for an equal exchange with him. His imparting of "mortal realm enlightenment" to Jin Ren could be interpreted as helping Xu Xiaoshou himself. But trapping Jin Ren and sealing off the second awakening of his "Second True Body" was also a fact!

"Holy Emperor Qian Shi?""Indeed, it is I," the Dao Child directly admitted his identity."Are you the true body?""One could say so," Dao Qian Shi replied with a smile.Which meant it could be, and it also might not be… Xu Xiaoshou stared at the ground beneath him, his questions direct, without a hint of politeness or circumlocution:"What kind of turtle is this?""A yuán.""What kind of yuán?""An old yuán."

"Alright, I'll mark that down once." Xu Xiaoshou pulled out a small black notebook and, in front of him, wrote a Chinese character '正' (zhèng) with a brush. Surprisingly, this act had zero lethality but was highly intimidating, proving very effective against troublesome individuals.

On the turtle's back, Holy Emperor Qian Shi, in the form of the Dao Child, saw this and his lips twitched slightly. He then actively explained:"Master Shou, wait a moment.""This is the 'Stellar Dao Yuán,' its body like the stars, bearing myriad worlds, and it is the true form of the Qian Shi Emperor Realm. Furthermore…"Dao Qian Shi voluntarily extended his hand towards Xu Xiaoshou, pointing to the turtle's back."Master Shou may approach and observe the Dao patterns on this yuán's back.""This pattern is called the 'Longevity Mark,' embodying the Dao of Eternal Life. Observing it brings profound enlightenment, allowing one to reach the Ancestral God realm.""Medicine Ancestor once sought to see it three times but was denied. To express my apology, Master Shou may observe it freely this time."

So generous?Xu Xiaoshou put down his brush, then swiftly scratched out the '正' character he had just written. Only then did he sweep his perception over it."Eternal life…"With just a glance, his "Life Dao Disk" was actively stimulated, unfolding at his feet, yielding considerable insight. Xu Xiaoshou suppressed his enlightenment, reining in the Dao charm around him. He then copied the "Longevity Mark" on the yuán's back into a diagram, drawing it on paper. He tore off the paper, folded it, and tucked it into his embrace, then said:"Holy Emperor Qian Shi, you bestow upon me the Dao of Eternal Life in such a manner. Xu is grateful, but I will come back to examine it more closely when there's an opportunity.""If, at that time, the diagram I copied onto paper differs from the Longevity Mark on your yuán's back, it means you are deceiving me.""If you intend to mislead me about true eternal life with a false one, then the next time we meet, I will heavily mark you down."Xu Xiaoshou wagged the wolf-hair brush in his hand, his expression benign.

Dao Qian Shi fell silent, then after a long while, chuckled: "Master Shou, please draw another diagram!"He waved his hand. The Dao patterns on the yuán's back shifted, transforming into another pattern. Observing it still stirred the "Life Dao Disk," and upon careful contemplation, it seemed to have slight differences from the previous one, though not significant.Xu Xiaoshou didn't say much, merely nodded, took out the previously copied diagram, burned it, and then drew another one. This time, he stored it within his internal space."Holy Emperor Qian Shi is truly a benevolent person.""Master Shou flatters me."The two exchanged smiles that didn't quite reach their eyes, looking at each other, both radiating immense friendliness.

Truly vile… And so much like Dao Qiongcang!Xu Xiaoshou cursed inwardly, a hint of confusion appearing on his face: "Holy Emperor Qian Shi, what realm do you believe I am currently in?"Dao Qian Shi, from the turtle's back, cupped his hands and humbly said: "Master Shou's might extends throughout the Five Regions, unparalleled in the universe. If your sword opens mysteries, you can slay an Ancestral God. This is truly the Ancestral God realm."

"No!"Xu Xiaoshou's face hardened as he refuted sternly: "Holy Emperor Qian Shi, you are truly short-sighted this time. I am merely at the Throne realm. Above me are Half-Saints, then Ten-Realm Saint Emperors, and only then Ancestral Gods.""Achieving Sainthood is but a thought away. Master Shou possesses the Ancestral God's fate, with no obstacles above. What your mind conceives, you can attain directly to the highest peak. There's no need for excessive modesty.""You think so highly of me?" Xu Xiaoshou's expression was one of surprise, as he pointed to the spot where Jin Ren had committed suicide, "Do you dare offend me, the supreme one?"Dao Qian Shi handled it smoothly: "Master Shou is joking. When I imparted the mortal realm enlightenment, I already told Jin Ren it was to assist him, though the process was somewhat painful."

Xu Xiaoshou nodded slightly, twirling the wolf-hair brush in his hand, seemingly contemplating whether to write. He ultimately did not write but instead pulled out the Ancestral God's fate mentioned in Dao Qian Shi's words:"I can tell you really want this. It's yours."With that, he tossed it. The Ancestral God's fate, originating from the Divine Ruins, arced gracefully through the air, looking glistening and fresh, then landed with a thud on the turtle's back. It rolled twice.

Dao Qian Shi was stunned. This development seemed to be completely beyond his expectations. A sweep of his Saint's perception confirmed that the Ancestral God's fate didn't seem fake. If he were to take it and merge with it… Holy Emperor Qian Shi would no longer be a Saint Emperor. There was hope of becoming a Dao Ancestor!"Master Shou, what does this mean?"Dao Qian Shi did not bend to pick it up. He even suspected that the moment he bent down, Xu Xiaoshou would make a move, and a battle would erupt. But it was so close! Even if Xu Xiaoshou was wary, as long as he wanted to take it, regardless of subsequent developments, the Ancestral God's fate would definitely be his! Absolutely! This was a sure path.Xu Xiaoshou, did he truly dare to just give it to him like this?

"What else could I mean?" Xu Xiaoshou chuckled as he looked at him, "I'm giving it to you, literally.""Does Master Shou wish to obstruct my path?" Dao Qian Shi narrowed his eyes."You're overthinking it, you dirty fellow. You always judge a gentleman's heart with the mind of a villain…" Xu Xiaoshou shook his head, laughing.With that, he flipped his hands. In each hand, another Ancestral God's fate appeared. Including the one on the old turtle's back, there were now three Ancestral God's fates present!

"This…"Dao Qian Shi's pupils suddenly dilated as he stared incredulously at the young man.Xu Xiaoshou grinned, a bright smile on his face: "Dao Qian Shi, I mass-produce this stuff. If you really want one, what's the harm in giving you one?""This is impossible!"Dao Qian Shi was truly shocked. He pondered and recalled, unable to remember why the number of Ancestral God's fates in Xu Xiaoshou's hand was "three" instead of the "one" he remembered."How could you…""Why don't you do the math?" Xu Xiaoshou smiled, eyes narrowed, shaking the two Ancestral God's fates in his hands, "Don't you Daoists all know how to calculate divine prophecies with your fingers?"

Dao Qian Shi actually started calculating with his fingers. His face gradually darkened, and finally, his eyes flickered dangerously as he condensed his thoughts and said:"You and the Demon Ancestor…""How clever," Xu Xiaoshou raised an eyebrow, signaling him to continue: "What about us?""You… cooperated?"Xu Xiaoshou burst into hearty laughter. After laughing, he casually put the Ancestral God's fates back into his storage. Then his expression settled, and with a subtle, half-smiling gaze, he stared at Dao Qian Shi, remaining silent.Dao Qian Shi: "…"He conceded defeat. Without a doubt, this brat was doing it on purpose, trying to gross him out.

"Master Shou, what exactly do you want? Please speak plainly."Xu Xiaoshou then spoke, pointing to the Ancestral God's fate at his feet: "I'm giving you something. What, are you scared? Don't dare to take it?""What's the cost?""It's free.""Master Shou, I don't believe in such things…" The free things are often the most expensive. Dao Qian Shi knew this truth better than anyone.Xu Xiaoshou slapped his thigh and laughed heartily, pointing at him: "A good thing, like a pie falling from the sky, just happened to land on you today, Dao Qian Shi. You don't believe it?"

Dao Qian Shi's body trembled. He even began to suspect if he truly looked like an idiot for Xu Xiaoshou to underestimate him so much. He waved his hand, sending the Ancestral God's fate back, ensuring it didn't touch his skin at all during the process."Accepting unearned favor makes my heart uneasy. Master Shou, please take back the Ancestral God's fate."Xu Xiaoshou caught the Ancestral God's fate and silently stared at the Dao Child on the turtle's back, making him feel uneasy. He suddenly attacked, flashing forward in a single step, striking out with a palm towards Dao Qian Shi's head.Dao Qian Shi sharply retreated. He managed to avoid it, but this time, the old turtle beneath him couldn't get away and was struck by Xu Xiaoshou, transforming with a bang into a…A horse?This was his "Life Form Reversal" spiritual technique… Dao Qian Shi stood in the distant sky, recognizing the technique but feeling bewildered:"Master Shou?"Xu Xiaoshou maintained the grotesque magic trick, his internal energy rapidly depleting. But this old turtle was clearly just a clone, not the true body, so he could still withstand the consumption. He looked up, staring at Dao Qian Shi in A-Jie's form, and a corner of his lips curled up. He pointed at the horse beside him, a mocking expression on his face:"Dao Qiongcang, what horse are you pretending to be?"