Chapter 456: Prophecy Fulfilled, City of Scholars

Only Emperor Hongshan and Gu Luohe likely knew why Wei Tianchen abducted Zhao Xing. Emperor Hongshan had attended the Yuanhai Dharma Assembly, where Wei Tianchen had specifically inquired about Zhao Xing's Taiyi Silent Heaven Poison Source Body. Though Gu Luohe was not present, he had access to this information, making Wei Tianchen's motive for abducting Zhao Xing relatively easy to deduce. He wanted the poison source body Zhao Xing mentioned, though it was unexpected that it was hidden in the Desolate Domain and appeared to be a legacy of a divine realm expert.

However, this information could not be disclosed to Emperor Wudu and Lord Lushan. Explaining it would require mentioning the Yuanhai Dharma Assembly, which was forbidden under a divine realm decree and thus could not be spoken of. Ultimately, Gu Luohe stepped forward to answer, "Zhao Xing may not be fully aware of Wei Tianchen's schemes. He is currently afflicted with True Spirit Heavenly Poison, so do not question him further, as it will deplete his soul energy." In truth, Zhao Xing was unable to speak at all, as Fan Qianrou's dharma carried immense power that affected him.

The demigod from Taigu Hill gazed at Zhao Xing's unconscious main body, his anger burning. "Regardless of the reason, Wei Tianchen harming Zhao Xing is an undeniable fact. Gu Luohe, my Taigu Hill will issue a warrant for Wei Tianchen and his disciples. Will the Primordial Realm participate?" Wei Tianchen himself was notoriously difficult to kill, but he had disciples and numerous private territories. With Zhao Xing poisoned by the True Spirit Heavenly Poison, Wei Tianchen had to be forced to surrender the antidote.

Gu Luohe nodded in agreement. "Yes, the Primordial Realm will participate in this operation." The two parties quickly reached a consensus. Upon returning to the Blue Butterfly Ancient Path, they immediately issued orders to apprehend Wei Tianchen's disciples and seize his territories. The public reason given was that Wei Tianchen possessed forbidden poisons that endangered the entire stellar domain. The operation was swift; within two days, all of Wei Tianchen's disciples were captured, and his strongholds were cleared.

Nevertheless, Emperor Wudu remained deeply distraught. "Since Wei Tianchen dared to do this, he certainly won't hand over the antidote just because some disciples were arrested. He possesses too many hidden treasures; his whereabouts are impossible to trace quickly. Zhao Xing, your master has failed you. These past two days, I've scoured all ancient texts. There has never been a recorded case of survival from True Spirit Heavenly Poison. Even if you were to be resurrected by the Samsara Temple after death, this poison would resurrect with you and remain in your true spirit." Emperor Wudu's expression was bleak. "Do you have any last words?"

Emperor Hongshan stood nearby, his face etched with deep regret. True Spirit Heavenly Poison was rumored to be capable of killing even demigods. When an ancient expert like Wei Tianchen chose to act against Tianningzi, there was truly nothing they could do. Even with his connections to Qingyuzi, Qingyuzi was not a god of medicine and would likely find it difficult to resolve such a potent toxin. Zuo Qiyu's expression was also complex; he seemed unwilling to witness such a scene and quietly left.

Zhao Xing's remnant soul, housed within the Tai Void Straw Effigy, remained remarkably calm. "Master, don't be sad. Everyone dies eventually. Besides, I might not be beyond saving." Emperor Wudu stayed silent, clearly unconvinced there was any hope. Zhao Xing wasn't merely trying to comfort his master. He recalled a singular, rarely documented case of survival from True Spirit Heavenly Poison. This successful method was detailed within the eighth Dharma Realm of Scholar City. However, the method came with a significant cost, and it would likely be difficult to persuade Scholar City's Grand Elder Zhixin to agree. Moreover, Grand Elder Zhixin was only a Seven-Realm Scholar, so it was uncertain if he could even access the eighth Dharma Realm.

Just as Zhao Xing pondered how to explain, someone arrived on the third day. "Feng Chen, a Six-Realm Scholar from Scholar City, greets Envoy Zuo and Emperor Wuxing." A scholar in a red lotus robe appeared on Crystal Island at Jiachen Pass. "Wei Tianchen, in blatant disregard of the Heavenly Leisure Dharma Assembly Convention, poisoned an imperial genius! He is utterly depraved!"

"Upon hearing this, Grand Elder Bo Wei immediately dispatched me to visit, hoping to offer some humble assistance.""Grand Elder Bo Wei?" Zuo Qiyu questioned. "Isn't the Grand Elder Zhixin? How did he become his disciple?""Elder Zhixin is in seclusion, so Scholar Bo Wei is temporarily acting as Grand Elder," Feng Chen explained.Zhao Xing, eavesdropping from behind, found this a bit peculiar. Was Bo Wei already taking over Scholar City's affairs?"Scholar Bo Wei is very thoughtful," Emperor Wudu acknowledged, cupping his hands. "However, this poison has no antidote."Feng Chen persisted, asking, "May I ask, Emperor, what poison is Zhao Xing afflicted with?""True Spirit Heavenly Poison.""Truly insane, abhorrent to both gods and men—" Feng Chen launched into another indignant outburst.Mid-sentence, he abruptly paused and, with an excited expression, cupped his hands toward Zuo Qiyu and Emperor Wudu. "Envoy, Emperor. I just reported the situation to Grand Elder Bo Wei, and he mentioned that the ancient texts of Scholar City seem to contain a record of a successful case of True Spirit Heavenly Poison treatment!"

"What? What did you say?" Emperor Wudu's eyes blazed with intense light. The next moment, he was standing beside Feng Chen. "Is that true?"Feng Chen's breathing became shallow. Under Emperor Wudu's oppressive aura, he appeared extremely uncomfortable, and Zuo Qiyu had to step in to alleviate the pressure. "Absolutely true. The Grand Elder's exact words were: 'The ancient text's recorded therapy is incomplete. Even if it cannot immediately cure him, Zhao Xing will at least not perish within a month, and his life can be extended.'"

"Excellent, excellent, excellent! Contact the Grand Elder immediately! I'll send him over at once!" Emperor Wudu exclaimed excitedly.Feng Chen looked troubled. Zuo Qiyu pulled Emperor Wudu aside. "Don't get too excited.""How can I not be excited? Zhao Xing only has 27 days left to live!""To cure True Spirit Heavenly Poison, even just to delay it, will likely consume many treasures. Are you going to let Scholar City treat him without first inquiring about the price? If Scholar City demands ten Samsara Dao Soldiers, can you afford it?"Emperor Wudu waved his hand dismissively. "Are our combined assets not enough? If worse comes to worst, we can enlist old Hongshan or Senior Gu."Zuo Qiyu stated plainly, "Did I say I would contribute? After all, Zhao Xing and I only share a karmic connection through the transmission of knowledge. Senior Gu Luohe probably also—"Emperor Wudu cut him off. "Stop with the nonsense." He walked directly to Feng Chen and declared, "Regardless of the cost of the treatment, I, Emperor Hongshan, and Envoy Zuo Qiyu will each bear one-third."Zuo Qiyu could only sigh.

Feng Chen quickly cupped his hands. "The Grand Elder said that the person can be sent over immediately. As for the cost, he naturally trusts the credit of the Primordial Realm and Taigu Hill. We can discuss it when the need arises.""Good, without further delay, I'll make arrangements immediately!" Emperor Wudu wasted no words and prepared to depart with Zhao Xing at once.

At this moment, Zhao Xing's remnant soul, waiting patiently, felt a touch of bewilderment. "That was fast. Bo Wei's efficiency is remarkable. How could a Grand Elder react so swiftly to a matter concerning a mere Origin Realm cultivator like me?" A Grand Elder of Scholar City would undoubtedly be a demigod. Even if Bo Wei was only acting temporarily, he wouldn't be weak. For such a powerful figure to send someone seeking him on the third day, Zhao Xing felt a momentary sense of unease. Was he truly receiving such preferential treatment now?

"Zhao Xing, quickly depart with your main body." Emperor Wudu joyfully found Zhao Xing's clone. "You're saved!""Master, my remnant soul won't go," Zhao Xing mused. In Wei Tianchen's eyes, his remnant soul should have been destroyed. Aside from the few who rescued him, the outside world had no idea of Zhao Xing's true condition. Zhao Xing instinctively distrusted Bo Wei. He didn't want to leave himself no alternatives. He had cultivated the soul secret art "Samsara" given by Old Qing. Now, his karmic soul and life soul had merged. If Old Qing had a way to cure him, this remnant soul would be crucial. If both his main body and remnant soul went to Scholar City, how could he contact Qingyuzi?

"Don't be absurd! What if the treatment fails because you're missing this remnant soul?" Emperor Wudu scolded.Zhao Xing explained, "Although my remnant soul is closely related to the soul core within my main body, it is the main body that is poisoned. If it can extend my lifespan, it won't be too late to go later."Emperor Wudu looked at Zuo Qiyu, who nodded. "Indeed. The Great Severing of the Tai Void Straw Effigy has already begun since his breakthrough to the Life and Death Dao Domain. If Scholar City fails, perhaps this remnant soul can still offer hope for survival."

"Assuming the Great Severing is complete, there would actually be no need to fear True Spirit Heavenly Poison. This poison would be ineffective against me. Any severed soul can become a soul core for me, growing into a complete entity, unaffected by other separated soul bodies. It's just that Zhao Xing hasn't cultivated to that level yet. However, once the soul core decays, the remnant soul will still dissipate."

Zuo Qiyu had cultivated the Straw Effigy Art to the 'Primordial' level, meaning he couldn't die as long as one clone existed. At most, his strength would be damaged, requiring time to recover. Theoretically, below the divine realm, there was only one way to kill Zuo Qiyu: render his Straw Effigy clone art ineffective. To achieve this, only another person who cultivated the Primordial Clone art could do it. One Grand Dao could not accommodate two people. This secret art was a classic 'king meets no other king' scenario; if they encountered each other, all straw effigy clones would become ineffective.

Emperor Wudu conceded, "Alright, if that's the case, then let's act quickly."

Regardless, Zhao Xing's nominal teacher was Gu Luohe, and he was highly regarded by Taigu Hill. Upon learning that Zhao Xing was afflicted with True Spirit Heavenly Poison, causing all his clones to collapse and him to fall into a coma, visitors came one after another to express their condolences. Emperor Tianwu of the Origin Palace, Emperor Yuanding of the Samsara Temple, Emperor Yushu, and Emperor Mangya of the Ancient Nations Alliance either sent representatives or came personally, leaving behind various healing treasures. However, Zhao Xing was soon secretly transported to Scholar City, and none of them saw Zhao Xing's main body. As for Zhao Xing's relatives and friends, they were completely unable to visit.

In the empire, at the Heavenly Master's Abode, Fate Master Jing Yue returned to report. "Master, Zhao Xing is afflicted with True Spirit Heavenly Poison and is unconscious, with only a remnant soul remaining. However, Scholar City just sent a secret message that there seems to be a solution. Emperor Wudu and Emperor Hongshan have already negotiated with Scholar City and are sending Zhao Xing there for treatment."

The ceiling of the Heavenly Master's Abode's main hall was a black and white Yin-Yang diagram. Below it lay endless stars, surrounded by many seven-star lamps. In the center, two dim figures, one large and one small, sat on a circular platform. One wore purple robes, the Heavenly Master of the Scarlet Star Empire, and the other wore gray robes, who was Ji Si. When Ji Si heard this news, she immediately opened her eyes, a flicker of tension in them.

"Understood, Jing Yue, you may leave," the purple-robed Heavenly Master said, dismissing Jing Yue. Only Ji Si and the Heavenly Master remained in the hall."Ji Si.""Disciple is here," Ji Si quickly looked up."A portion of the Karma Battle has come to pass. I ask you, who do you think won?" the purple-robed Heavenly Master asked.

Ji Si's cultivation had begun right after Zhao Xing made his request! Because the Imperial Heavenly Master had already witnessed Zhao Xing severely wounding Lord Tiangui and completing the Rain Immortal Sacrifice ritual, Zhao Xing's various achievements were certainly worth 30 billion merit points! Therefore, the Imperial Heavenly Master began training Ji Si immediately after taking her in, rather than waiting for Zhao Xing to accumulate 30 billion merit points as initially communicated. The Imperial Heavenly Master's first lesson for Ji Si used Zhao Xing as an example. Ji Si had never imagined participating in such a high-level Karma Battle, so when she heard about Zhao Xing's poisoning, she was tense but not panicked.

"Disciple believes that although Wei Tianchen successfully captured Zhao Xing and took what he wanted, he did not get everything he wished for," Ji Si said, her eyes closed, but the 'Eye of Destiny' on her forehead constantly pulsed. This injured eye had naturally recovered long ago, and was even stronger than before."How do you determine that?""His two accelerations forcing Zhao Xing were 'fate proofs.' At that point, he was already out of the game," Ji Si said. "It's just that my cultivation is shallow, and I don't know what he didn't get."The purple-robed Heavenly Master offered no comment, merely continuing, "Then who do you think the second opponent was, and did he win?"Ji Si said, "The second opponent in the Karma Battle was Grand Elder Bo Wei of Scholar City. He also did not win. Although Grand Minister of Agriculture went to Scholar City and lies in an ice coffin, I did not see Du Yun. From the outcome, Du Yun is still well in the Cloud Immortal Realm. It's just that disciple also doesn't know his intention. However, I did sense something else.""Speak.""Scholar City's Grand Elder Zhixin seems not to be in seclusion, but rather has been refined into a spirit artifact by Bo Wei," Ji Si stated her guess. She received her first praise since entering the Heavenly Master's Abode."It is truly rare for the Eye of Destiny to see this."Ji Si respectfully said, "All credit to Master."

The purple-robed Heavenly Master continued, "One last question. Close your Eye of Destiny before answering. This question exceeds your capacity to bear. Therefore, you should only speak 'idle talk,' and not 'clear discourse.'""Yes," Ji Si immediately closed her Eye of Destiny and ceased using any cultivation techniques or divine abilities. After entering the Heavenly Master's Abode, Ji Si learned many things. Even conversations among Fate Masters were highly nuanced. In the Heavenly Master's Abode, a Fate Master's words were categorized into 'idle talk,' 'clear discourse,' 'definite conclusion,' and 'divine speech.' This was a classification based on whether one was 'involved in the game' and to what extent.

Idle talk was like the noise of the universe; no matter what was said, it wouldn't affect the future course of events. Back on Crystal Island, what Zhao Xing heard from Fate Master Bu Minghou Yuan Xin was 'idle talk.' Of course, those who spoke idly might not intend harm, but listeners might. Fate Masters speaking idle talk also carried risks; they could be pulled into a prophecy and forced to participate. It could even escalate from idle talk to 'divine speech,' leading to a backlash. However, here, Ji Si didn't need to worry at all; she could speak idle talk freely.

Ji Si was still cautious, waiting for a moment before speaking. "Master, please ask. I can now speak 'idle talk.'"The purple-robed Heavenly Master was very pleased with Ji Si's performance, as Ji Si had specifically waited for an auspicious moment, which, though useless here, was a good habit. In future external actions, good habits could avert many risks."How many opponents were in this battle, how many bystanders, and who was the ultimate winner?"Ji Si pondered, "In this battle, we had four opponents, and including myself, there were three bystanders. As for the ultimate winner, of course, it is you, Master." Since it was idle talk, a true answer was impossible. The purple-robed Heavenly Master did not confirm Ji Si's answer, to prevent it from escalating to a higher degree than 'idle talk.'

"Starting today, you may cultivate in the 'Realm of Causes,'" the purple-robed Heavenly Master said."Thank you, Master," Ji Si respectfully bowed. The Realm of Causes was one of the holy lands of the Heavenly Master's Abode, corresponding to the 'Realm of Effects,' 'Realm of Destiny,' and 'Realm of Reversal.' Results cause effects, destiny changes the universe. The four treasured lands of the Heavenly Master's Abode were the highest cultivation grounds for Fate Masters. Fate Officials able to cultivate in the four treasured lands were extremely rare. Ji Si, having only recently joined, gained this opportunity in a very short time, which was considered a record.

"Master, Zhao Xing—" Ji Si, after rising, was still somewhat worried.The purple-robed Heavenly Master did not answer. "Fate Masters must not show emotion. Do not ask."Ji Si could only bow again. "Disciple acknowledges her mistake."

"Scholar City, in the Xuanling Star Domain, occupies a very small actual territory, not even one percent of the Northern River galaxy. However, its geographical location is very special, situated at the center point of the entire Xuanling Star Domain's human territory. Scholar City's territory is just a floating star city in this central region."

Zhao Xing's main body was transported to Scholar City's area, while his remnant soul remained in Jiachen Pass 14. Until further orders or his main body improved, Zhao Xing's remnant soul could not withstand fluctuations and could not move freely. He could only observe his main body being transported through a star mirror. The transport was handled by Scholar Feng and several clones of Zuo Qiyu. Emperor Wudu and Emperor Hongshan had daily duties to attend to. Lord Lushan of Taigu Hill was present, talking to Zhao Xing.

"The scale of Scholar City exceeds the volume of a top-tier realm star. Individually, it can still be considered enormous. However, in terms of territory, it occupies very little space. Being in the heartland makes it almost impossible for Scholar City to be assassinated by any demon race. Historically, Scholar City has rarely experienced turmoil. Since the end of the Five Emperors era, Scholar City has always been neutral. No matter what internal conflicts arise among humans, such as wars between ancient nations or annexations by major powers, Scholar City will never be affected by warfare. Since the New Generation, Scholar City has basically not been affected by war. Major powers donate to Scholar City every epoch, and it has maintained peace."

Zhao Xing curiously asked, "Uncle Master, has Taigu Hill contributed to Scholar City's expansion? Its size should have grown quite a bit since the New Generation, shouldn't it?""No," Lord Lushan shook his head. "Scholars may not be able to fight, but they can still cast spells. So Scholar City's expansion can be completed by itself."Zhao Xing nodded slightly. If not for some mysterious cosmic restrictions, scholars, with their unique talent, should be omnipotent! They were not like priests who achieved omniscience by simulating various professions and borrowing divine power. Scholars are not formed through acquired means; they are chosen by heaven. That is, if one is born with scholarly talent, they can become a scholar. One cannot become a scholar through cultivation later in life.

A scholar has only one chance to fight in their lifetime. Once they act, their lifespan rapidly dwindles, leading to death in a short time. Moreover, it's true spirit decay, leaving no chance for reincarnation. Scholars advancing to demigod status also do not need reincarnation to strengthen their true spirit. In fact, reincarnation is just one common way to strengthen the true spirit, not a necessary process.

"Humans have scholars, and so do demons, though their numbers are not large. They only became numerous through accumulation over time. Every scholar can basically reach the Dao Domain realm. The number of Samsara realm scholars is rarer, but still much more than other professions," Lord Lushan explained. "The densest place for Samsara realm cultivators should be Scholar City."

"Have there ever been divine-level scholars in history?" Zhao Xing asked."Never heard of any," Lord Lushan shook his head. "It is said that scholars cannot become gods, unless a scholar can open the ninth Dharma Realm and comprehend all the knowledge within it. However, this is just a rumor. Even the elders of Scholar City are unsure if a ninth Dharma Realm exists, as even the eighth Dharma Realm has only a handful of scholars who can enter. The current Grand Elder Zhixin is merely a Seven-Realm Scholar. Bo Wei is the next Grand Elder. He has great hope of entering the eighth realm. With Zhixin in seclusion, Bo Wei has taken over the daily operations of Scholar City. There are reports that Bo Wei has already entered the eighth Dharma Realm, but this news is not yet conclusive and awaits official confirmation."

"I hope he can open the eighth Dharma Realm," Lord Lushan wished. "If Bo Wei opens the eighth Dharma Realm, then you will have great hope of survival.""I hope so too," Zhao Xing nodded. Aside from Wei Tianchen, Bo Wei was the second person who could resolve this poison. In his previous life, Zhao Xing had heard of a survival case, not the one recorded in Scholar City's ancient texts. It was a martial artist who resisted the poison for a long time with his physical body and was eventually saved by Bo Wei. It was also how he learned that Scholar City could cure this poison.

"Uncle Master, I'm a bit tired," Zhao Xing suddenly expressed his desire to rest."Alright, then rest well. Uncle Master will see you tomorrow," Lord Lushan quickly withdrew, allowing Zhao Xing's remnant soul to rest.

After Lord Lushan left, Zhao Xing's remnant soul entered a dream. In the dream, a misty green fog swirled. A stone platform and two stools appeared. Qingyuzi arrived."Master, you've finally come.""Sit," Qingyuzi said. "I warned you long ago that Gu Yi Tianchen is a madman, and getting tangled with him would lead to trouble. It seems it has come to pass. Fortunately, you completed the first stage of 'Samsara' and preserved a wisp of remnant soul, otherwise, you probably wouldn't have the chance to speak with me now.""Yes, disciple is reflecting.""A fall into the pit, a gain in your wit. It's not too late for you to realize this," Qingyuzi said. "Even when I became a god, I maintained a respectful heart."Zhao Xing cupped his hands. "Disciple will remember that, but I'd still dare next time."Qingyuzi was somewhat taken aback. "Is this your reflection?"Zhao Xing chuckled. "These matters are all results-oriented. If you succeed, it's bold and meticulous; if you fail, it's ignorant self-destruction. Disciple believes his cultivation path has been cautious enough. The current situation is truly not my fault, but rather destiny. One cannot stop eating because of a choking incident. Didn't your opportunity to become a god also come from taking risks, Master? Did Master foresee that you would become a god?"

Qingyuzi recalled for a moment, then couldn't help but laugh. "Indeed, before making my plans, I probably only had a 20% chance of reaching the divine realm. As I progressed, I found the hope growing. In my opinion, a 20% chance of becoming a god was already worth the gamble. Things with no risk also mean not much reward."

The two quickly moved past this topic."Zhao Xing, your current situation is both dangerous and safe," Qingyuzi began to get to the point. "I predicted that in your journey with Gu Yi Tianchen, you would not be in mortal danger. Because I became a god more than four thousand years ago, and have established a firm foothold in the 'Interventionist Faction' of the Samsara Temple, gaining some core rights. For example, the ability to command a Fate Master infinitely close to the divine realm."Zhao Xing listened quietly."Wei Tianchen should have engaged you in a Karma Battle. The Fate Master I commanded also participated in that battle, gaining the initiative. You are temporarily out of mortal danger. However, not being in danger now doesn't mean no danger in the future.""Master, are you suggesting my trip to Scholar City is dangerous?" Zhao Xing asked. "Did Scholar Bo Wei participate in the Karma Battle?""No danger," Qingyuzi said. "Scholar City participated, but they seem to have been drawn in innocently. Bo Wei genuinely wants to help you."Zhao Xing's heart immediately sank. Bo Wei was quite formidable; his true intentions were unclear even to Old Qing's side. It seemed Old Qing's friend probably couldn't see clearly either."The danger I speak of is not this.""Master, I don't understand. How could these things be involved innocently?" Zhao Xing asked. "What exactly is the danger?"Qingyuzi explained, "The Karma Battle caused a great stir, at least in the eyes of Fate Masters. As such, even if they don't know why, some people will want to get involved."

Zhao Xing suddenly understood. It was like exploring a secret realm where a treasure's light suddenly appeared ahead, and many people were fighting over it. Even if they didn't know why or what the treasure specifically was, anyone with a bit of strength, seeing others scramble, would definitely join the fray. Zhao Xing could roughly imagine such a scenario: Gu Yi Wei Tianchen, for the sake of the poison source body, was the first to launch a karmic attack, breaking through the empire's karmic defense for Coral-level members, which was the layer Jing Yue had set up. Since Wei Tianchen was of high rank and well-known in the Xuanling Star Domain, and Qingyuzi was watching him, Qingyuzi also joined in. He had once entered the Imperial Heavenly Master's sight and had the karma of persuading him to accept Ji Si as a disciple. Perhaps the Imperial Heavenly Master also joined the battlefield. Thus, the Karma Battle further escalated.

In the eyes of powerful Fate Masters, it was like a giant firecracker exploding in the sky. However, all parties were concealing themselves, so outsiders couldn't see clearly. To see clearly, one had to enter the fray. "So, back and forth, I've been hyped up by various forces into a treasure?""Yes, the danger comes from here," Qingyuzi said. "Even beyond humans, demons also participated, though they were merely stirring up trouble at the edge of the battlefield. I didn't find anything unusual there."Zhao Xing couldn't help but be speechless. Gold originally had no inherent value, but with many people speculating, it acquired value. He hadn't expected a person could also be treated this way, and it was happening to him. Perhaps all major forces thought this way: "Although we don't know why, they are all plotting against Zhao Xing, so let's try to plot something too!" That is, in addition to the just-finished Karma Battle, there were probably many more, smaller Karma Battles happening. Perhaps not directly targeting Zhao Xing himself, but like Wei Tianchen, using indirect calculations, starting with Dazhou was also feasible.

"No wonder my karmic lines are a tangled mess. Even cultivating 'Samsara' and having the protection of a Primordial Realm member couldn't hold up. So that's what happened, damn it!" Zhao Xing cursed under his breath. "Master, you must help me. Who can endure this kind of constant manipulation?" Zhao Xing truly couldn't stand it. Who could? From now on, every decision he made, he'd have to consider if someone was manipulating him to do it. Every opportunity he encountered, he'd have to suspect if someone had arranged it. What's the point of cultivating then? Just die already!

"I will certainly protect you," Qingyuzi said. "As I said, you are temporarily out of danger. However, once you reach the Samsara realm, I cannot always protect you, unless—""Unless what?""When you awaken, I suggest you return home as soon as possible.""Home?" Zhao Xing's eyes flickered slightly. "You mean my home is—"Qingyuzi nodded, confirming Zhao Xing's guess. How strange! Before, Qingyuzi warned him not to return, but now he was telling him to go back to the Xuanhuang Realm as soon as he awoke. What was so miraculous about this small Xuanhuang Realm? Why did Qingyuzi believe that returning home once would solve this problem?

"Zhao Xing, my help for you is limited," Qingyuzi said. "After this Karma Battle, I have already taken action. The Boundary-Breaking Stone I promised to find for you has also been found. Once you achieve the Samsara realm, you can ask Gu Luohe for it. I have more important matters to attend to and must concentrate all my energy. If you can survive the third epoch of the Desolate Domain, you and I will eventually meet again.""Wait a—" Zhao Xing wanted to say something else, but the surrounding green mist rapidly dispersed. The next moment, he woke up.

Zhao Xing turned his head to look at the star mirror in the room. Zuo Qiyu on the other side had already disembarked from the realm-crossing boat. In front was an ancient, white-domed tall tower. A group of scholars appeared before it. His main body was also taken out and thrown out by Zuo Qiyu. "The goods have been delivered," Zuo Qiyu clapped his hands. "Arrange a place for me to rest. If he's cured, we'll settle the bill. If not, we won't blame Scholar City, but it's best if I can bring a corpse back for explanation."

Hearing this, Zhao Xing couldn't help but laugh bitterly. "Damn these 'Self-Centered' faction members, none of them are normal."