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

Cloud Sky Realm.

In comparison to his previous visit, it appears there are no major alterations.

Evidently, a few hundred years suffice for a vast domain such as the Cloud Sky Realm to heal from the wounds of the prior conflict. From Wang Ba's perspective at least, few irregularities stand out.

True Man Gai resided within the Cloud Sky Sect’s Taoist Field, thus with Bai Lechan's direction, Wang Ba and his companion swiftly accessed the Taoist Field and proceeded directly to the Cloud Sky Sect’s Qianguang Cave.

This location held no strangeness for Wang Ba.

Earlier, he had isolated himself here over three days, absorbing numerous enlightenments and legacies 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, unexpectedly for Wang Ba, an elderly figure awaited them in the stone pavilion by the cave entrance. As Wang Ba approached, the old man offered a bow and a grin:

"Haha, young friend, your arduous travels here should 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; across the Realm Sea, its prominence shines. By no means could it be deemed humble. Moreover, fame arises not from peak elevations but from dwelling immortals. With True Man and Sect Leader Bai here, the Cloud Sky Sect is bound to flourish enduringly."

Upon catching Wang Ba’s polite remarks, True Man Gai dismissed them with a wave and a grin, guiding Wang Ba to take a seat as he remarked:

"Such thoughts I dare not entertain. Gazing over the Realm Sea through endless ages, which force has endured without end? The proverb holds: full waters spill over; full moons diminish. Everything proves fleeting; solely Cultivation Ascension offers true freedom."

Wang Ba stood briefly taken aback by these utterances, a notion flickering in his mind, though he failed to seize their deeper intent right away, thus he offered a mild smile and concurred:

"True Man offers profound insight."

True Man Gai noted Wang Ba’s response with a perceptive smile, aware that comprehension had eluded him, yet he felt no haste to press.

In the interim, a young servant poured tea, and alongside Bai Lechan, they settled in crossed-legged positions within the stone pavilion, overlooking the expansive throng in the Cloud Sky Arena.

Although Bai Lechan commanded as the Cloud Sky Sect's leader beyond these walls, before True Man Gai, he behaved with youthful deference, delicately tasting the tea and uttering little.

Wang Ba observed this dynamic, despite his eagerness to address the Immortal Pass, he curbed his impatience, composed his thoughts, joined them in tea-sipping, and admired the Taoist Field's vistas.

After a few cups of tea.

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

"Young friend, in your estimation, from our Cloud Sky Arena, how many might pursue longevity, grasp the Great Dao, and venture into the Second Realm Sea?"

Wang Ba hesitated briefly, caught off guard by the abrupt inquiry, knitting his brows in contemplation:

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

True Man Gai laughed lightly at this, dismissing with a hand gesture:

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

"From the Cloud Sky Arena's current assembly, should one or two succeed, it would count as divine favor. The majority will fade away here, regardless of their innate gifts, fortunes, or diligence."

"For those reaching Mahayana, aptitude, luck, and perseverance form the basics. Throughout the Realm Sea, myriad Cultivators possess these essentials, but how few actually ascend to the Mahayana Realm?"

Wang Ba grew quiet, sincerely affirming with a nod this instance, though lingering uncertainty clouded his grasp of the intent.

True Man Gai idly cradled his tea, wafting away the rising vapor without sipping, alluding:

"Distinct from we Cultivators, Innate Divine Demons emerge bound to the Realm Sea’s laws from birth. These edicts serve as their innate allies, embodying the Realm Sea's very essence. Such Innate Divine Demons, infused with the Realm Sea’s core, might harmonize alongside it, provided they remain satisfied within their domain..."

"Regrettably, they crave excess, aspiring to progress akin to us Cultivators, even surpassing this Realm Sea. Yet, the Mahayana Realm that baffles countless Cultivators—how readily might these Innate Divine Demons claim it, for all their innate edges?"

"Young friend, your thoughts?"

True Man Gai regarded Wang Ba, inquiring with a smile.

Wang Ba quieted once more, at last perceiving the undertone in True Man Gai’s earlier statements.

Evidently, noting Wang Ba's ties to the Master of Quiet Cave, True Man Gai had intentionally provided this cue. Following a brief pause, feigning puzzlement, he ventured haltingly:

"Does True Man Gai intend..."

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

"We Cultivators are fated to diverge from Innate Divine Demons. Too intimate a bond with them could prove disadvantageous to you."

Wang Ba reflected briefly, gradually inclining his head:

"True Man Gai imparts sage counsel. Cultivators of the human race and Innate Divine Demons inherently differ, one congenital and the other acquired; one fixed, the other mutable. Taiyi comprehends this divide, yet... I possess no alternative."

True Man Gai creased his brow faintly:

"Is the Master of Quiet Cave pressuring you, perhaps?"

Wang Ba gradually denied with a shake of his head:

"No, I approached him on my own initiative."

True Man Gai’s expression soured, thickening the air with tension, as though the ambient Spiritual Energy bore down like a myriad catties.

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