I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors? Chapter 562: Each Chooses
Previously on I was just making up techniques… how did all of you become Emperors?...
The North Abyss Prince, feeling the heavy pressure of their collective attention, declared with a righteous air, "If you intend to seize my fortune, do not even dream of it!"
The cultivators gathered there were not the least bit shocked by his rejection.
Instead, what truly baffled the crowd was the fact that the Holy Beast statue remained calm. It showed no signs of fury after hearing the North Abyss Prince's defiance.
Shifting its gaze toward the others, the Holy Beast statue spoke, "Since he refuses to be the pioneer, which of you will step forward?"
A heavy silence followed. The Holy Beast statue was met with nothing but a long stretch of quiet.
After a significant pause, Wang Baole finally broke the silence. "Senior, what if I were to strike this bargain with you?"
The moment he spoke, everyone turned to stare at Wang Baole with looks of pure astonishment.
Even Nie Xiuyuan couldn't help but warn him, "Junior Brother Wang, do not seek your own destruction."
Wang Baole replied with a faint smile, "I already carry fortune that was never originally mine, so trading a portion of it away is of no great concern."
"How is such a thing possible?" the Heartless Saintess questioned, her expression filled with disbelief.
The Holy Beast statue let out a laugh. "Why would it be impossible? It appears you lot are labeled as Heavenly Pride, yet your perception is inferior to this young fellow’s."
As it spoke, a golden radiance erupted from its eyes and settled upon Wang Baole. Suddenly, a flicker of genuine surprise crossed the statue's features.
"Little fellow, I did not foresee that you had previously hunted and slain a Son of Fortune."
Wang Baole cupped his fists respectfully. "Senior has a keen eye. In the past, I did indeed suppress a Heavenly Pride to settle a grievance for a fellow disciple."
"I am curious, what do you wish to receive in exchange?" the Holy Beast statue inquired.
"I require your essence blood," Wang Baole stated plainly, making his demands known without any stalling.
"Bold brat, you have actually set your sights on one of the most vital treasures of this old man’s body. Normally, the cost would be three zhang of fortune. However, since you are the first to trade with this Seat, I shall only require nine chi of fortune."
Having finished its offer, the Holy Beast statue watched Wang Baole intently, waiting for the youth's decision.
"I agree," Wang Baole replied, not hesitating for even a second.
With a wave of its massive hand, a pillar of light descended from above. Within this radiance resided the will of the Great Dao; a single glance at it evoked a profound sense of sanctity.
The statue smiled. "This is the Light of the Righteous Path. Within its glow, every transaction is balanced and fair. Boy, let us begin."
"How should this junior proceed?" Wang Baole asked.
The Holy Beast statue explained, "Simply place your palm against the light and visualize the terms of the trade in your mind. The exchange will then conclude automatically."
"Understood." Under the intense scrutiny of the onlookers, Wang Baole pressed his hand into the light and shut his eyes.
Simultaneously, the Holy Beast statue extended its own claw into the radiance.
Once the light completely enveloped both the youth and the statue, Wang Baole’s form vanished from the spot.
Witnessing this, Nie Xiuyuan demanded with a freezing expression, "Senior, where have you taken my junior brother?"
The Holy Beast statue replied, "Little fellow, there is no need for alarm. That little fatty has finished his deal with this Seat and has naturally departed from the Immortal Palace. Now, who among you is next to trade with this old man?"
"Allow this humble monk to proceed."
The Golden Cicada Spirit Son stepped forward with a serene smile.
Seeing this, the North Abyss Prince immediately interjected, "Daoist Friend Jin Chan, do Buddhists not preach the purity of the six senses? Why have you also succumbed to the poison of greed?"
"That is not quite right," the Golden Cicada Spirit Son replied gently.
"In my youth, I happened upon a Buddhist scripture capable of enhancing one's fortune. If I sacrifice a portion now, I need only recite sutras and pray for the salvation of all living beings to replenish it."
"The little bald monk from the Great Thunder Sound Temple truly possesses some interesting tricks," the Holy Beast statue remarked mockingly. "And what is it that you desire, little monk?"
The Golden Cicada Spirit Son bowed respectfully. "I have heard that the Saint holds a Dragon Buddha Relic. This humble monk wishes to exchange for it."
The Holy Beast statue countered, "You certainly know how to ask for a king's ransom. That Dragon Buddha Relic costs nine zhang of fortune. Do you still dare to proceed?"
"I am willing," the Golden Cicada Spirit Son agreed instantly.
This sight left both the North Abyss Prince and the Heartless Saintess stunned. Nie Xiuyuan, however, sank into deep thought. He realized that as someone who chased after nothing but carefree freedom, he possessed no burning desires to trade for.
Shortly after, the Golden Cicada Spirit Son also vanished from the Immortal Palace.
The Holy Beast statue turned its gaze toward the final three. Nie Xiuyuan stepped out and said with a grin, "Senior, this junior has a somewhat bold request."
"Oh?" The Holy Beast statue looked at him with curiosity. "Speak your mind."
Nie Xiuyuan said, "I hope that when you send me out of the Immortal Palace, you will deliver me to Junior Brother Wang’s side. That should be a simple matter for you, shouldn't it?"
The entire Immortal Palace fell into a silence so profound that even a falling needle would have sounded like thunder.
Even the Holy Beast statue looked at the youth with a stunned expression.
"Young man, you are the most devoid of desire I have ever encountered. Do you truly want for nothing else?"
Nie Xiuyuan smiled. "Since the day I took my revenge, I have sought only a life of carefree freedom. To me, becoming a Saint or a God is meaningless. 'To be drunk on today’s wine today'—that is my only goal. During this trek through North Jade Mountain, I have gathered many herbs perfect for brewing sacred wine. This journey has not been in vain."
"I am impressed; this Seat truly admires that. Since you seek nothing, I shall not force you. However, I will gift you a recipe for a divine wine."
As the Holy Beast statue spoke, a beam of light shot from its eyes into Nie Xiuyuan’s mind.
Nie Xiuyuan quickly processed the new knowledge. He cupped his fists toward the statue. "My thanks, Senior."
"Young man, today I finally see what it means to be truly without desire, though it is a path far too difficult for most. You may leave."
As the words echoed, a beam of light descended upon Nie Xiuyuan.
When Nie Xiuyuan's vision cleared, he found himself in a forest. Ahead of him, Wang Baole was holding a porcelain vial, carefully inspecting its contents.
Wang Baole sensed a presence behind him. His first instinct was to hide the vial, draw his Sword Jade, and spin around.
Upon seeing it was Nie Xiuyuan, he let out a long breath of relief and asked, "Senior Brother Nie, how did you end up here as well?"
Despite his words, Wang Baole did not lower his Sword Jade.
Nie Xiuyuan didn't take offense. He smiled and said, "I asked that Holy Beast Senior to send me to your location. Junior Brother Wang, how are you faring?"
"I'm alright, just feeling a bit on edge," Wang Baole admitted.
He wasn't lying. Ever since the fortune on his body had been depleted, he had felt a lingering sense of discomfort.
Nie Xiuyuan suggested, "Let us regroup with our fellow disciples from the Wen Dao Academy first, and then we can depart from North Jade Mountain together."
"Very well." Wang Baole agreed to the plan. He stood up, and the two of them set off together.