Longevity, starting from being a chicken raising servant Chapter 2431 - 212: Astounding Grace (Part 3)
Previously on Longevity, starting from being a chicken raising servant...
During the moment that finger streaked through the heavens earlier, he vaguely detected a known aura lurking in the emptiness beyond, alongside another entity that felt unfamiliar but appeared even stronger. He had already roughly discerned the identities of these two individuals.
Refusing to take chances, he quickly calmed a few Cultivators from Zhang’s Ruins before piercing the skies to arrive in the outer void, where he bowed toward two spots in the emptiness.
"Taiyi of Zhang’s Ruins, greetings to the two of you."
The emptiness hesitated briefly before two forms slowly materialized.
One was an elderly man with a benevolent and warm expression, yet his sword-straight white brows lent a hint of edge to his softness.
The other form was immense and endless, rising from the void and pressing down on everything nearby. His features were striking, but his look held little joy, almost grim, with eyes flashing traces of murderous intent and caution as they passed over the far-off old Cultivator.
Wang Ba felt a jolt inside, yet he kept a composed smile on the outside:
"Greetings, Master of Quiet Cave, True Man Gai."
True Man Gai acted as if he ignored the hostility the Master of Quiet Cave directed at him, offering Wang Ba a light smile and a nod instead:
"Little Friend Taiyi, you've truly broadened my horizons today. I never imagined you could handle three Great Bodhisattvas alone so effortlessly, and soon you might reach Mahayana."
Wang Ba shook his head with a wry expression:
"True Man Gai overpraises me. Taiyi just used the favorable location to hardly hold off those demon monks. If the Supreme True Buddha sent forces like the ones that hit Cloud Sky Realm before, I'd likely be powerless. Plus, that blow from Tianshang Buddha Lord earlier was only stopped because of your intervention."
At these words, True Man Gai shook his head, replying earnestly:
"Don't underestimate yourself like that—even I lack assurance against Tianshang Buddha Lord. Back when I clashed with one of his Avatars, a swift withdrawal saved me from capture. So, Little Friend Taiyi, no need for modesty."
With that, a sudden recollection crossed his mind, prompting a grin:
"Oh, and last time you came to Cloud Sky Realm, I happened to be away from the domain and couldn't host you properly. Now that you've driven back the Supreme True Buddha, feel free to visit whenever convenient, and I'll make sure to welcome you warmly."
Wang Ba picked up on True Man Gai’s genuine goodwill and respect, his face steady while his thoughts stirred a bit, pondering the six Mahayana required to storm Immortal Pass.
His grin widened noticeably:
"With True Man Gai’s invitation, Taiyi wouldn’t dream of refusing. After Zhang’s Ruins settles down, I’ll come calling, and I’ll have to trouble the Cloud Sky Realm and True Man then."
True Man Gai burst into a loud, joyful laugh right away:
"Hahahaha! Your visit would be wonderful...
As he continued, the Master of Quiet Cave nearby let out a cold huff, clearly annoyed.
True Man Gai caught the sound, his words halting momentarily, but he quickly resumed with an easy smile toward Wang Ba:
"I came here out of concern that the Supreme True Buddha might ravage this area. But with Little Friend present, Zhang’s Ruins faces no threats. Given that, with so much rebuilding ahead, I won’t impose longer—I’ll await your coming in Cloud Sky Realm."
Finishing up, he gave Wang Ba a slight bow, then faced the Master of Quiet Cave with the same steady smile, calling out clearly:
"Taoist Friend, until next time."
The Master of Quiet Cave huffed again, his eyes narrowing a touch, but he offered no reply.
True Man Gai paid it no mind, still smiling as he departed, turning into a streak of light that vanished instantly from view.
Wang Ba shifted his eyes away, then turned to the Master of Quiet Cave, wearing a warm and honest smile as he bowed respectfully:
"Many thanks to Master of Quiet Cave for your arrival. Without you, the clash with Tianshang Buddha Lord might have turned dire."
These words brought back the earlier events for the Master of Quiet Cave.
He’d seen the foe as bold, yet the conclusion felt abrupt. Still, factoring in how the adversary likely hesitated due to both him and True Man Gai being there, opting for a cautious pullback, it made sense.
He gave a small shake of his head:
"True Man Gai of Cloud Sky Realm could have handled this without my help."
Wang Ba replied with full sincerity:
"True Man Gai is one thing, Master of Quiet Cave another—how can they be lumped in? Besides, True Man Gai showed up for Zhang’s Ruins, while Master of Quiet Cave came for me; to Taiyi, the distinction is clear."
The Master of Quiet Cave paused briefly at this, then a faint, pleased curve touched his refined features.
He nodded, eyeing the ruined Zhang’s Ruins below and its wounded Cultivators, his tone a bit rigid as he aimed for a softer demeanor, and said:
"Should the Supreme True Buddha strike again, get word to Xuan Yuanzi at once, and I’ll rush over... But remember the vow you made earlier."
Wang Ba hesitated, then caught on, a spark of astonishment rising within.
Knowing the other had seen through his disguise and chosen alliance, he nodded firmly:
"Master of Quiet Cave, rest easy—I’ll send Alchemists and Hundred Arts Cultivators to aid, hastening the Cultivation of Innate Demon Reincarnation Bodies in Quiet Cave. And once things here are sorted, I’ll visit often to guide them."
Satisfied by this, the Master of Quiet Cave wasted no time:
"Good, I’m off."
His statement was brief and direct, free of any fluff, as he melted into the void in an instant.
Wang Ba lingered in the emptiness, observing the Master of Quiet Cave’s form fade away, a trace of reflection in his eyes, before he descended once more into Zhang’s Ruins...