Chapter 4
"Perhaps there is still time, Humanity …."
"Isn't such a statement made only for the sake of total capture?"
"Why … is your way of thinking directed astray?
"Cough."
"No need to deny it. The entrance and exit of this cave are regarded as singular, the only sacred territoriality that cannot be purely justified, a coincidence born from the sudden sprouting of a passage.
"Sir, I mean the Elder is in this place and this very region. The impossibility of design serves as foundation, grounded upon luck like planting and uprooting."
"Where does such conviction come from?"
"Quite harsh, but you don't wish to taste the poison thick in my hand, do you?"
"...."
Understanding that the helm of the ship must remain aligned, justification of behavior was then released, carefully explaining the misunderstanding of prejudice long bound, weary pleasantries becoming the seed, affirming rumors of attempted ambush as her thoughts suggested.
No need to avoid beyond the standard.
Any attempt at straightening was mere chatter, no truth to be found no matter when.
Frankly, the scorched-earth campaign against the Exiles had reached its climax.
Her impatience to interrupt should be understood, appreciating Ling Xu's keen projection of cause and effect in the present state.
Naturally, she had supporting arguments.
The trade of a girl was identified as reference, painting the obscurity of the Elder's origin as though he merged and vanished at will.
Follow-up upon her lips had already gathered, at least granting clarity without intent of insulting seniority.
Whatever the case, he was an expert, a veteran of mankind's cruelty who indeed deserved respect, both from friend and foe alike.
It was hoped his statements would be grounded in logic, yet the dark beard he wore could never initiate an upheaval with such ease.
To prevent instability from steering beyond the helm, provocation poured forth from the Elder's mouth, placing denial at the moment her narrowed eyes gripped the dagger.
Even though daily life was spent studying herbs and plants, foreign mastery of poison did not signify weakness, but rather the capacity to kill any cultivator once a single drop or two of toxin was inhaled.
Understanding the foundation of medicine, poison would always follow.
Even if the opponent possessed a dozen bottles of antidote, the spread of poison would strike, breaching logic until the target wished for death rather than unending torment.
"In the coming period, I hope your resolve remains firm. Setting aside the imperfections of this conversation …."
As option after option burned away, she faced a critical urgency that had to be handled before reaching its deadline, suffocation in her chest answered by raising her left palm, as foreign light appeared, floating free without any single control.
Bright and stainless, truly painting the impossibility of sin.
The reflection of aura spread gave the impression of Divine majesty descending from the heavens, embodied in the unique brilliance of a pearl as white as snow.
Impressive—and at a glance it could cause every inner organ to cry out for prostration.
The literal meaning was this: an image, proof that the Supreme Divine once reigned before the fall began.
"To kill me?"
"Look deeper. Radiance without blemish is the foundation, within it lies the essence of the true Life Core.
"Yes, from here farmers began their steps, freeing themselves from the snare of curse while beginning life as Enlightened Overlords.
"Because of Battle—or rather collapse and betrayal—the Overlords did not merely help, but with their full might uplifted dignity while returning the mandate to its rightful throne.
"A final message, in which the complexity of the problem I leave to you."
Momentarily stunned, pierced by disbelief at the sacred truth before her, she identified no significant change striking her, yet remained calm, not displaying shock even as questions formed.
It was natural for Ling Xu's subconscious to waver. The treasures of cultivation before her eyes felt empty, as if she could not grasp their fantastical value despite all efforts.
Merely because she had long encountered warriors did not mean Ling Xu could understand.
Thus the Elder needed patience, conveying understanding sincerely, striving as attractively as possible as though to draw Ling Xu into cultivation.
Based on his explanation, her joy beyond measure only grew, multiplying to madness.
All her days witnessing the tragedy of warriors, never did she expect a day would come, a perfect moment where Ling Xu had the chance to leap into the path of cultivation.
Through the sowing of knowledge, brilliance could be achieved, continuing her work as a healer while advancing cultivation with wages fueling both power and medicine.
Be calm and master yourself.
Such was the way brilliance earned multiplied gain.
Though joyous, seldom did fortune this great arrive, and her greed she restrained, unwilling to obtain or hoard too soon.
This was not without reason, for authenticity remained ambiguous, data had to be verified to avoid calamity.
Thus Ling Xu's lashes flickered, choosing to meet his gaze in hopes of uncovering hidden intent.
"Lying?"
"Should common sense weave itself, ignoring all advice as death approaches?
"The throne's authority, the mandate of power, and so forth are gathered, wholly absorbed and framed within one vessel of pearl's glory. Though at this moment merely an unthinking Exile, in the future gratitude would be woven, hoping for words of thanks as the grave's lament is long prepared.
"Glad to meet you, wounded junior."
Detecting the fluctuation of false benevolence, her tone held steady, unraveling words born of suspicion and doubt, furrowed brows deepening until at last his words and counsel faded, and his soul departed the mortal realm.
Yes, the Elder left the world right before Ling Xu's eyes.
It began with light rising around his body, floating with delightful spirals, then slowing, dimming, until transparent skin ended his journey upon this earth.
Though Ling Xu's manner of speech seemed utterly rude, her annoying attitude was no issue, revealing problems marked with calm reflection.
Perhaps understanding the root of her doubts was appreciated.
Because of the countless victims in the conflict of two factions, the Elder kept speaking, steering the vessel so that misunderstanding could be washed away.
His body gone, to Him his astral form was gathered, forming reunion.
"Should it be taken? Though of much benefit, awareness knows well, at least one or two oddities could seize life in a single grasp."
After long contemplation, heartbeat after heartbeat passed with the Elder's final words, leaving Ling Xu alone with the floating pearl, her mind silent, weighing whether to seize agreement or instead walk away, leaving the pearl behind with its remaining cultivation intact.
Though its value seemed little, a cultivator's treasure was the seed of cultivation.
And it would be a shame if such treasure were left behind, the chance of gain wasted when profit approached.
One opportunity thrown away—never again would a second brilliance be hoped for.
Yet with a single glance she already understood, the pearl's greatness steadily rising in radiance, its brilliance gnawing at the sanity of her subconscious mind.
To be continued…