Longevity, starting from being a chicken raising servant Chapter 2460: 222: Divine Empowerment (Part 2)

Capítulo 2460: Chapter 222: Divine Empowerment (Part 2)

The very nature of the Realm Sea dooms it so that no spot in this world can ever be truly free from care and untouched by impurity.

A sigh escaped him involuntarily:

“When one person revels in utmost bliss and freedom, another is fated to endure hardship—how then can all troubles be banished? This seems like an unattainable state altogether.”

Heavenly Monarch Chao nodded in agreement, yet soon a grin lit up his features as he lifted his eyes to the Sky Dome, as if boring through the Realm Membrane to gaze at the profound depths of the Third Realm Sea, his voice brimming with thrill:

“Still, if I linger here, I'll surely forfeit the chance to behold the glories above. I'd far prefer to push onward into the Second Realm Sea for adventure than remain in this mundane realm. Setting forth is infinitely better than standing still.”

His declaration rang with bold spirit and lofty aspirations.

Wang Ba listened and sank into a brief quietude.

He didn't dispute the man's words; instead, an unusual uncertainty stirred within him.

For Wang Ba, the destination held little importance. Truth be told, if he could dwell close to Duanhai Cliff and bask in boundless Chaos Origin Substance, he'd embrace it gladly—even without attaining Cultivation Ascension, life here would suffice.

Thus, Heavenly Monarch Chao's statement prompted him to ponder: once the mystery of Little Cang World's location was unraveled, what path should he choose for himself?

Cultivation Ascension, or…

Clarity eluded him, leaving a touch of bewilderment.

This moment of doubt passed swiftly.

Before long, Xin Yuan guided them to a resting spot in an immortal cave.

Neither Wang Ba nor Heavenly Monarch Chao objected, trailing Xin Yuan to a cavern at Sumeru's base where they settled in loosely—mainly awaiting word from Buddha Tianyin.

Xin Yuan didn't depart right away but eyed Wang Ba with a mix of reluctance, concern, and hope, ultimately voicing his question:

“Little Friend Wang, may I inquire about the status of Xituo Continent's legacy inside Little Cang World?”

Catching the query, Wang Ba blinked in surprise, then a warm smile crossed his lips:

“I overlooked telling you.”

“Senior Xin Yuan means the Wheel-turning Temple on Xituo Continent, doesn't he? Fear not, Senior— the Wheel-turning Temple's heritage thrives steadily in Little Cang World, if not in full bloom.”

With that, he succinctly described the shifts in Little Cang World since Xin Yuan's Nirvana.

Learning his reborn heir was none other than the ape-like Wu Monkey King left Xin Yuan unsurprised; rather, the tales of Little Cang World's trials under Wang Ba's stewardship drew several looks of wonder from him.

“Following my Nirvana, Little Friend Wang faced such trials.”

Xin Yuan praised:

“In the wake of dire calamities come heroes of bold resolve and fortune. I thank you, Little Friend Wang, for safeguarding Xituo Continent's legacy, sparing me shame before my forebears.”

Wang Ba responded with a deep, respectful bow and declared:

“Senior's aid to me defies full repayment; without you, my achievements might never have come. Please accept this junior's gratitude!”

Xin Yuan took it as Wang Ba's humility, waving it off hastily and insisting it was unnecessary.

Wang Ba relented without pressing.

His words held true depth—cultivating the Dharma Dao, he'd inevitably master myriad rules if progress stayed steady.

Yet without Xin Yuan's initial bond to the world, unlocking the Rule World for him, countless delays and errors might have barred his current heights.

Having glimpsed the Rule World's marvels from the outset fueled his smooth cultivation path, forging a strong base for wielding Mahayana-level power.

Hence, his gratitude was sincere, regardless of whether Xin Yuan had mastered Little Cang World's rules completely.

This thought led Wang Ba to wave his sleeve, summoning an ape's form.

Xin Yuan, detecting the akin Buddhist aura, first widened his eyes in astonishment, then beamed with delight, scrutinizing the figure and growing ever more pleased:

“Indeed, a innate Buddha nature!”

Wu Monkey King scratched under his arm, uneasy around this new guide, yet at Wang Ba's nudge, he offered a bow to Xin Yuan.

Xin Yuan met it with an approving smile and nod, rather than reproach, then touched his own sleeve awkwardly, letting out a sigh:

“I have no gift for you; your cultivation surpasses mine now. My Dharma alone couldn't propel you so swiftly—it must stem from Little Friend Wang's guidance. As your teacher, I feel remorse.”

Wu Monkey King paused briefly before bowing once more, murmuring awkwardly:

“Thank you, Master.”

Xin Yuan's heart swelled with solace at the words, nodding as he rose to depart without delay.

Wang Ba made no effort to detain him amid this pivotal time, lacking the spirit for it.

So in the immortal cave, he delved into discussions of the Ten Thousand Beasts Unbridled Path alongside Heavenly Monarch Chao.

The Ten Thousand Beasts Unbridled Path isn't merely a Beast Control art; it's a way to refine rules too, and Wang Ba's mastery of the Dao of Dharmas lets him thrive in its practice.

Chatting with Heavenly Monarch Chao, he spoke freely and sharply, flowing without snag, now and then dropping profound insights that spurred the other to contemplation and fresh realizations.

Days slipped by unnoticed in this dialogue, until amid their shared enlightenment, both halted suddenly, attuned to a shift, and exited the cave side by side.

Instinct drew their gazes to Sumeru's peak, Miaojue Temple.

There, the temple doors swung wide at last, lines of monks emerging with faces etched in grief…

From within resounded the Buddha's resonant, solemn chant, laced with boundless mercy.

Wang Ba discerned the Rebirth Mantra woven into the sacred tones…

A monk soared from the temple, alighting near Wang Ba and Heavenly Monarch Chao, his visage worn and weary—none other than Yan Poluo, head of the Eastern Luli Buddha Realm.

He approached, pressing palms together in formal salute, his tone grave:

“Kong Zen Buddha Lord has taken Buddha Tianyin's infusion and remains in Closed Cultivation, unable to meet you. Thus, prior to seclusion, he instructed Yan Poluo to convey his regrets…”

Heavenly Monarch Chao exhaled a soft sigh, inclining his head:

“Such abrupt turmoil is forgivable. Assure him we'll depart now that Tianyin's fate is known, but if aid is required, the four Great Realms stand united—while I draw breath, call upon me freely.”

A faint, thankful smile pierced Yan Poluo's sorrowful expression, though it seemed strained, as he bowed to Heavenly Monarch Chao:

“My gratitude, Heavenly Monarch. When Kong Zen Buddha Lord concludes his seclusion, might I invite you to the grand rite, to witness his ascension?”

He then faced Wang Ba:

“Kong Zen Buddha Lord bids me extend an invitation to True Man Taiyi.”

Wang Ba acknowledged with a nod:

“Gladly—though I wonder the timing?”

Yan Poluo wavered:

“It hinges on Kong Zen Buddha Lord—perhaps decades, or a century…”

Reassured, Wang Ba inquired no more.

He too suggested farewell.

Yan Poluo added a few words but didn't press.

With Buddha Tianyin's demise and Kong Zen Buddha Lord yet to fully assimilate the legacy, plus a lingering Mahayana and late-stage tribulation expert from beyond the Domain, Yan Poluo—aware of the four Great Realms' bonds—dared not risk it.

So the pair set off toward the Domain's edge by flight.

Yet both faltered mid-stride, tilting heads skyward.

Over Miaojue Temple atop Sumeru loomed vast crimson clouds…

Dim silhouettes flickered on the verge of visibility.

An odd emotion swelled in Heavenly Monarch Chao's chest, drawing forth a quiet recitation:

“Arrival without footprint, departure without shadow—coming and going as one. No queries on worldly woes; this existence but a fleeting dream.”

With that, his white robes billowed as he strode away, humming a tune.

“No queries on worldly woes; this existence but a fleeting dream…”

Wang Ba echoed the verse softly, sighing as he trailed after.

Leaving Yan Poluo to gaze alone at the crimson sky, deep in reverie…