Chapter 419: Ma Yi Divine Physiognomy, Master of Mysterious Land

Zhao Xing looked up at Han Chuchen, who was standing at the edge of the pit. Han Chuchen looked down at Zhao Xing in the pit. Both recognized each other.

In the Department of Agriculture of the Primordial Realm, there weren't many combat-oriented cultivators of the True Self faction. Those with even a little strength were easily remembered. Moreover, both Zhao Xing and Han Chuchen sensed a subtle karmic connection between them. This was a karmic resonance that arose after meeting and being part of the same faction. Though weak, the threads of karma were remarkably strong.

"So it's Brother Han. What a coincidence," Zhao Xing said. Zhao Xing sensed that Han Chuchen's emotions were clearly off. And why wouldn't they be? "It's him! It's actually him!" Han Chuchen muttered to himself. Spreading a pair of white, leaf-woven wings behind him, he stirred up a solar storm and swiftly descended into the pit.

"Zhao Xing, how did you end up here?" "What do you mean, Brother Han?" Zhao Xing tried to play dumb, sensing Han Chuchen's agitated state. "Isn't it normal for me to be here when I'm on a mission in the Primordial Ocean?" "Past lives, karmic entanglements... Zhao Xing, we need to talk," Han Chuchen said. Seeing no way to avoid it, Zhao Xing reluctantly replied, "Brother Han, what do you want to ask?"

"Why did this happen?" "I can't tell you that. If you know, you know; if not, I can't say," Zhao Xing sighed. Although he was aware of the events in the Ancient Kingdom of Yuanhai, he couldn't speak freely about them. If Han Chuchen had died at the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom's dharma assembly without knowing the full truth, Zhao Xing was forbidden to reveal it.

"Can't say? Why can't you say? What do you know?" Han Chuchen pressed, clearly agitated. Zhao Xing frowned. "There's naturally a reason why I can't say. Even if I dared to speak, would you dare to listen?" "Do you wish to reincarnate again?" Han Chuchen was immediately stunned into silence.

"Why? Why did it turn out like this? The Three Divine Life Palace is just a minor divine ability, not a great divine ability like the *Cycle of Reincarnation*... This was just a small matter!" "Zhao Xing, we were just conducting a transaction, a business deal where each party bore their own risks. But so many people have done such things, why did it become like this with you?" "I died without understanding why." Han Chuchen's voice was filled with sorrow and indignation.

He wasn't really there to blame Zhao Xing, but rather to admit his own misfortune. Yet, how had it come to the point where he had to pay such a heavy price? "Wait, you were punished by the Reincarnation Palace, and that's why you reincarnated? I understand now, so you weren't..." Zhao Xing quickly realized he might have misunderstood something. Han Chuchen had not attended the dharma assembly in the Ancient Kingdom of Yuanhai back then. This meant he was purely punished as an example. Punished by the Reincarnation Palace, he had been forced to reincarnate. And this was precisely the point that bewildered Han Chuchen. Why such an extreme measure?

"You *do* know something after all!" Han Chuchen keenly deduced from Zhao Xing's words that there might be another hidden reason behind his reincarnation. At the very least, it was inseparable from Zhao Xing. "No," Zhao Xing shook his head. "Brother Han was simply caught as an example for interfering with the affairs of the Reincarnation Palace, which is why the punishment was so severe."

To fully explain, Zhao Xing would have had to start with the theft of the Divine Manifestation Tablet by the Ancient Clan of Dongyan, then detail the events of the Yuanhai Ancient Kingdom's dharma assembly, his own actions, and his relationship with Qing Yuzi. Only then could Han Chuchen understand why the Reincarnation Palace's punishment was so harsh. Essentially, by investigating Zhao Xing, they uncovered Han Chuchen's audacious involvement in such matters. The Reincarnation Palace had three factions; if they couldn't deal with Qing Yuzi, could they not deal with Han Chuchen? Since a cleansing was underway and Han Chuchen was caught in the crossfire, it was naturally his bad luck.

Because Han Chuchen hadn't died in the Ancient Kingdom of Yuanhai, he knew his reincarnation was forced, a consequence of taking Zhao Xing's order. However, he wasn't an Emperor-level cultivator, so he couldn't possibly know the full inside story, nor would the Reincarnation Palace reveal more to him. This left Han Chuchen utterly confused. He felt that the transaction itself had been problematic.

Zhao Xing, a mere Origin Realm cultivator who had learned the *Three Divine Life Palace*, was fundamentally different from a reincarnated cultivator of the Reincarnation Realm who had learned the *Three Divine Life Palace*. Han Chuchen hadn't made this connection before, but when Gu Luohe took Zhao Xing as his disciple, he began to suspect Zhao Xing was a reincarnator. "When we're out here, we adhere to principles. I kindly offered help, but you concealed crucial facts about yourself, leading to my forced reincarnation... Zhao Xing, you used Du Yun and me, or perhaps you and Du Yun conspired against me!" Zhao Xing was speechless.

From Han Chuchen's perspective, his anger was justified. Helping an Origin Realm cultivator was vastly different from helping a reincarnator. The problem was that Zhao Xing genuinely hadn't intended to trick anyone at the time. As for using Du Yun and Han Chuchen, that was even more absurd. Zhao Xing didn't even consider himself a reincarnator; who had ever heard of reincarnating into the past? Moreover, he had no memories of reincarnation-related divine weapons or cultivation techniques. Therefore, in the face of Han Chuchen's accusations, Zhao Xing could only remain silent.

If he couldn't explain, he wouldn't. "Brother Han, this truly was a misunderstanding." "Du Yun and I are bonded by life and death, and you were invited by him... but I doubt you'll believe me." "In that case, state your terms." "Whether it's gratitude or resentment, I accept it all. It has nothing to do with Du Yun." After speaking, Zhao Xing quietly observed Han Chuchen.

Han Chuchen fell into a brief silence. At this moment, Han Chuchen looked at Zhao Xing with a similar feeling to how Zhao Xing looked at Wu Tian. In two words: mysterious! Nothing could be said, nothing should be said. The key was that Han Chuchen genuinely believed Zhao Xing couldn't speak, and that hearing it might not even be beneficial for himself. Otherwise, during that whole ordeal, why was he punished while Zhao Xing wasn't? Logically, Zhao Xing, who dared to seek help to evade sanctions, should have received a much heavier punishment! He himself had been forced to reincarnate, but Zhao Xing hadn't! Furthermore, Zhao Xing had even been taken as a disciple by Gu Luohe. All these factors made Han Chuchen feel that Zhao Xing was shrouded in an aura of mystery.

Moreover, Zhao Xing had appeared in the large pit today. Could it be... Thinking of this, Han Chuchen suddenly said, "Zhao Xing, since you refuse to speak, consider me truly unlucky, a wronged soul. I will no longer pursue this matter, nor will I trouble Du Yun."

"Hm?" Zhao Xing was surprised by Han Chuchen's rapid change in attitude. "Brother Han, though it was an unintentional mistake that implicated you, if there's anything I can do to compensate you, however small, please don't hesitate to ask, as long as it's within my capabilities." He wasn't afraid of Han Chuchen becoming an enemy, but preferred to avoid enmity if possible. After all, Du Yun was involved, and if this karmic knot could be resolved and a friend gained, Zhao Xing was certainly more willing to do so.

"Brother Zhao is straightforward," Han Chuchen said with a faint smile. "Then I'll speak plainly." "I once consulted a Fatesmith, who told me that my 87th reincarnation is extremely important to me." "If I can overcome it, it will be a smooth path forward, with hope of becoming a Reincarnation Emperor." Zhao Xing nodded slightly. Reincarnators often sought powerful Fatesmiths to predict their future. This was because the true spirit's repeated reincarnations were defying the heavens, going against the natural balance of life, death, and aging in the universe. If a destined calamity in the ethereal realm couldn't be overcome, it meant absolute death. If it was overcome, they could live another lifetime, extending their survival.

"Now, this is my 86th reincarnation." "Originally, I had made extensive preparations for this life, but now I've been stripped bare by the Reincarnation Palace's punishment, left only with my innate Reincarnation Dao Weapon..." Zhao Xing suddenly understood. No wonder this guy took even such a small order from him. He had been preparing for this life; it was impossible to be over-prepared for a calamitous lifetime. If it had happened to himself, being suddenly rendered penniless, he would likely be furious too. Zhao Xing also understood why the karmic thread between Han Chuchen and himself, though faint, was so resilient. He had encountered the other's calamitous lifetime.

"I had no idea I caused Brother Han such great trouble," Zhao Xing said, cupping his hands in a respectful bow. Han Chuchen waved a hand and shook his head. "A calamitous lifetime is called that precisely because it's unpredictable." "Even without Brother Zhao, I likely would have encountered other calamities."

Zhao Xing solemnly replied, "Even so, since I was involved, I owe Brother Han." Seeing Zhao Xing's sincerity, Han Chuchen revealed his true intention, cupping his hands in a bow. "Brother Zhao, the renowned Fatesmith who divined my fate once said that the vital chance for my calamitous lifetime would be on an island, within a pit of earth." "I didn't understand its meaning before, but now, seeing Brother Zhao, I realize it refers to you." "I am destined to face a calamity in this life, and at that time, I ask for Brother Zhao's assistance." "Then, I will owe Brother Zhao a great debt of gratitude."

Zhao Xing looked at Han Chuchen, his feelings somewhat complex. He hadn't expected that when they first met, a part of Han Chuchen's emotional reaction to seeing him was due to this. "No wonder this guy was surprised to see me lying in the pit and couldn't help but ask how I got here." It turned out Han Chuchen hadn't intended to cause him trouble at all; he merely wanted to understand how to overcome his calamitous lifetime. Furthermore, he had already consulted a diviner, and the divination seemed to point to Zhao Xing himself.

But was this truly the case? "I'm protected by Old Qing and now a disciple of Gu Luohe, involving one god and one demigod. Who could have divined my fate so long ago?" Zhao Xing questioned inwardly, looking at the bowing Han Chuchen, not immediately agreeing. "Brother Han, what is the background of the Fatesmith you consulted?"

"I don't know his background; I only met him on Mount Shifang eight epochs ago. He called himself the Divine Soothsayer in Hemp Robe," Han Chuchen replied. "Mount Shifang? Divine Soothsayer in Hemp Robe?" Zhao Xing pondered the names. Mount Shifang was one of the Ten Mysterious Lands of the Profound Spirit. The Black Sky Desolate Realm, which Wu Tian was headed to, was another. However, Mount Shifang was a unique place strongly associated with the Fatesmith profession. It had several distinct characteristics:1. It appeared only once every epoch.2. Whenever it appeared, any Fatesmith performing divination on Mount Shifang would face no cost, no backlash, and could not be traced.3. Within a limited time, the first Fatesmith to ascend the mountain had a one hundred percent success rate in divination.

"It is said that obtaining the first divination on Mount Shifang makes even becoming a god not difficult." "Legend has it that the first divination on Mount Shifang can predict opportunities for godhood. Although this particular rumor has not been verified, it is true that divine artifacts have been divined there." "Divine Soothsayer in Hemp Robe... Hemp Robe... why does that name sound familiar, yet I can't quite place it?" A great doubt arose in Zhao Xing's mind. Originally, he had only intended to help Han Chuchen with a small favor to resolve their karma. Unexpectedly, it had now piqued his curiosity instead. Not many things could make Master Zhao feel such doubt! "Either a huge trap or a grand opportunity!" Zhao Xing mused.

After a moment's thought, he continued, "Brother Han, can you still meet that Divine Soothsayer in Hemp Robe?" "Not necessarily," Han Chuchen replied. "Not necessarily?" "Brother Zhao must know that Mount Shifang is a wondrous place for Fatesmiths. Those who go there to contend for divinations often have unspeakable secrets and fear retribution, so most use aliases."

Zhao Xing nodded slightly; that was indeed true. No cost, no fear of backlash, and a greatly increased success rate—the first divination even guaranteed 100% success. What immense benefits! Of course, one would have to conceal their identity and travel under an alias.

"I have met the Divine Soothsayer in Hemp Robe twice." "The first time, I only met that Fatesmith halfway up the mountain. I spoke a few words with him and even gave him some treasures. At the time, I didn't pay much attention, because I had given treasures to seven or eight hundred thousand Fatesmiths in total that time. The number of people was too vast, and many had duplicate names or were in disguise, making it difficult to remember or distinguish them." "When I saw him again, it was three epochs later. He recognized me and said he wanted to repay a past kindness," Han Chuchen recalled. "It was still at the same location, but the feeling was different. I also went under an alias, yet he recognized me at a glance." Zhao Xing listened quietly to Han Chuchen's extraordinary encounter.

"It was during that encounter that he gave me some things and spoke some prophecies. Thirty years later, as we parted ways, he performed a divination for me, which was precisely about my calamitous lifetime." "At the time, I still didn't pay it much mind, as there were many charlatans on Mount Shifang, or perhaps not charlatans, but simply those lacking sufficient skill." "Back then, I had only just become a veteran-level reincarnator and was completely unaware of the concept of a calamitous lifetime, so I still didn't take it seriously. It wasn't until much later, when some of his words came true, that I belatedly realized and became a firm believer."

Zhao Xing nodded and helped Han Chuchen to his feet. "Brother Han, this matter is of great importance, and it's not convenient to discuss it further at this moment." "I will help you overcome this difficulty to the best of my ability. However, in the future, you must tell me everything about the Divine Soothsayer in Hemp Robe and carefully preserve all the items he gave you." Han Chuchen was overjoyed. "Thank you, Brother Zhao! It's a deal!" Having received Zhao Xing's promise, Han Chuchen didn't linger in the Primordial Ocean any longer and immediately departed. Watching Han Chuchen leave, Zhao Xing jumped out of the deep pit and gazed after him.

"Han Chuchen... I wonder if what he said is true." "This is the Primordial Realm, and under the watchful eyes of many powerful figures, it's unlikely to be a scheme against me. It should just be a matter of coincidence, much like our meeting and acquaintance—pure happenstance." From Zhao Xing's experience, Han Chuchen's situation seemed to be more of an opportunity than a trap. "But this is a matter for the future. Mount Shifang is still a long way from opening. The Divine Soothsayer in Hemp Robe... perhaps this person is a powerful figure..." Zhao Xing pondered, then set the matter aside for now and continued on his path of cultivation.