Longevity, starting from being a chicken raising servant Chapter 2437 - 215: The Truth

Cloud Sky Realm.

Since the last visit, it looks like there are no major alterations.

A few hundred years clearly allow a massive area like the Cloud Sky Realm to mend the damages from the earlier battle. From Wang Ba's perspective, at least, few irregularities catch the eye.

True Man Gai resided within the Cloud Sky Sect's Taoist Field, so with Bai Lechan leading the way, the pair swiftly made their way into the Taoist Field, proceeding directly to the Cloud Sky Sect's Qianguang Cave.

This location was far from unknown to Wang Ba.

He had once isolated himself here for three days, absorbing numerous enlightenments and lessons bequeathed by the Cloud Sky Sect's forebears, which allowed him to forge his personal Primordial Spirit Secret Skill—Ten Thousand Streams Return to the Sect.

Yet, much to Wang Ba's astonishment, an elderly figure was already stationed in the stone pavilion by the cave entrance. As soon as Wang Ba appeared, the old man offered a bow and a grin:

"Haha, young friend, after your arduous travels, do not disdain this modest dwelling."

Wang Ba landed with a soft chuckle, clasping his hands in deference to the elder:

"True Man jests too much. The Cloud Sky Sect stands as the premier power in the Great Realm; even in the Realm Sea, it holds great prominence. How could anyone call it humble? Moreover, fame does not come from a peak's loftiness, but from the immortals who dwell there. With True Man and Sect Leader Bai here, the Cloud Sky Sect is bound to flourish eternally."

Upon hearing Wang Ba's polite remarks, True Man Gai dismissed them with a wave and a smile, inviting Wang Ba to take a seat as he remarked:

"I dare not entertain such ideas. Gazing over the Realm Sea through endless ages, which force has endured forever? As the proverb goes, full waters spill over; full moons diminish. Everything fades; only through Cultivation and Ascension comes true freedom."

Wang Ba paused briefly at these words, a notion flickering in his mind, though he failed to fully seize their intent right away, so he offered a gentle smile in concurrence:

"True Man speaks profound truths."

True Man Gai noted Wang Ba's response, his smile carrying insight, aware that comprehension had not yet dawned, yet he felt no haste.

In the meantime, a young servant brought tea, and with Bai Lechan, they settled cross-legged in the stone pavilion, overlooking the enormous gathering in the Cloud Sky Arena.

Although Bai Lechan commanded as the Cloud Sky Sect's leader beyond these walls, before True Man Gai, he showed deference like a youth, delicately sipping his tea and saying little.

Wang Ba observed this dynamic, burning to talk about the Immortal Pass yet holding back his impatience, steadying his thoughts, sharing tea with them, and admiring the Taoist Field's vistas.

After a few cups of tea had passed.

True Man Gai set aside his cup, abruptly gesturing toward the immense throng in the Taoist Field, and spoke unhurriedly:

"Young friend, in your opinion, out of everyone in my Cloud Sky Arena, how many will pursue eternal life, grasp the Great Dao, and venture into the Second Realm Sea?"

Wang Ba hesitated for a moment, caught off guard by the abrupt inquiry, his brow furrowing as he reflected:

"As ancient Taiyi records show, every era in the Cloud Sky Realm produces a Mahayana Cultivator. In this Cloud Sky Sect's Taoist Field, a handful ought to arise."

True Man Gai laughed lightly at this, dismissing it with a wave:

"Young friend, spare the lofty praises. We both recognize that attaining Mahayana as a Cultivator demands far more than ease."

"In the Cloud Sky Arena, from this assembled multitude, should even one or two succeed, it would count as divine favor. The majority will sink away here, regardless of their gifts, fortunes, or diligence."

"To become Mahayana Cultivators, innate talent, chance encounters, and hard work form the basics. Throughout the Realm Sea, myriad Cultivators fulfill these criteria, but how few actually ascend to the Mahayana Realm?"

Wang Ba quieted, offering a sincere nod this time, though lingering uncertainty clouded his grasp of the intent.

True Man Gai idly cradled his tea, dispersing the rising vapor without sipping, hinting:

"In contrast to we Cultivators, Innate Divine Demons emerge bound to the Realm Sea's laws from birth. These laws accompany them innately, as embodiments of the Realm Sea itself. Such Innate Divine Demons, infused with the Realm Sea's core, can dwell harmoniously within it, so long as they remain satisfied in their niche..."

"Regrettably, they crave further growth, aspiring to progress as we Cultivators do, even to surpass this Realm Sea. Yet, the Mahayana Realm, which slips from countless Cultivators' reach, how readily can these advantaged Innate Divine Demons claim it?"

"Young friend, your thoughts?"

True Man Gai turned to Wang Ba, inquiring with a smile.

Wang Ba grew quiet once more, now perceiving the deeper message in True Man Gai's earlier statements.

Evidently, spotting his ties to the Master of Quiet Cave, True Man Gai had offered this subtle warning on purpose. After a brief hush, feigning puzzlement, he ventured cautiously:

"Does True Man Gai imply..."

True Man Gai narrowed his eyes a touch, explaining directly:

"We Cultivators are fated to diverge from Innate Divine Demons. Growing too intimate with them might prove harmful to you."

Wang Ba considered it briefly, nodding gradually:

"True Man Gai offers sage advice. Cultivators of the human race differ inherently from Innate Divine Demons—one born with essence, the other acquired; one fixed, the other evolving. Taiyi comprehends this divide, yet... I truly lack alternatives."

True Man Gai's brow creased faintly:

"Is the Master of Quiet Cave forcing your hand?"

Wang Ba shook his head deliberately:

"No, I approached him of my own accord."

True Man Gai's expression soured, the air thickening with tension, as though the ambient Spiritual Energy pressed down with immense weight.

Containing a flicker of ire, he uttered in a hushed tone: