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

The circumstances in the Realm Sea, in particular, have predetermined that a truly peaceful and untroubled haven might not exist anywhere in this realm.

He couldn't resist letting out a sigh:

“When one person experiences utmost joy and freedom, another is fated to endure hardship. How can concerns ever truly vanish? This seems like an unattainable state.”

Heavenly Monarch Chao nodded in agreement, yet a grin soon spread across his features as he lifted his eyes to the Sky Dome, as if penetrating the Realm Membrane to gaze upon the profound depths of the Third Realm Sea, he burst forth with enthusiasm:

“However, if I linger in this place, I'll inevitably forgo beholding the magnificence of loftier realms. I'd prefer to embark on explorations in the Second Realm Sea than remain here observing this mundane existence. Setting out on the journey surpasses stagnation any day.”

His declaration brimmed with bold spirit and lofty aspirations.

Wang Ba listened and sank into a brief quietude.

It wasn't that he failed to acknowledge the validity of the other's statement, but rather an uncommon uncertainty stirred within him.

For Wang Ba, the destination held little importance. Truthfully, if he could dwell close to Duanhai Cliff and bask in boundless Chaos Origin Substance, he would gladly do so, even without attaining Cultivation Ascension, as remaining there posed no issue.

Thus, upon hearing Heavenly Monarch Chao's remarks, he inevitably pondered: once the mystery of the Little Cang World's location was ultimately unraveled, what course should he pursue for himself?

Cultivation Ascension, or…

He lacked certainty and sensed a touch of bewilderment.

This bewilderment was short-lived.

Before long, Xin Yuan prepared a resting spot for them in the immortal cave.

Neither Wang Ba nor Heavenly Monarch Chao objected, and they trailed Xin Yuan to an immortal cave situated at Sumeru's base, where they settled in loosely—mainly awaiting word from Buddha Tianyin.

Xin Yuan didn't depart right away; instead, he eyed Wang Ba with a mix of reluctance, concern, and hope, ultimately unable to hold back his question:

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

Wang Ba was taken aback by the query, then a grin formed on his lips:

“I overlooked mentioning it.”

“What Senior Xin Yuan seeks to know is the Wheel-turning Temple on Xituo Continent, isn't it? Be at ease, Senior; the Wheel-turning Temple's legacy thrives steadily in the Little Cang World, if not in full bloom.”

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

Learning that his reincarnated heir was none other than the ape-like Wu Monkey King didn't faze Xin Yuan; rather, the diverse trials of the Little Cang World under Wang Ba's oversight elicited several looks of surprise from him.

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

Xin Yuan expressed admiration:

“After immense disasters come individuals of immense bravery and fortune. I thank you, Little Friend Wang, for safeguarding Xituo Continent's heritage, sparing me shame before my forebears.”

Wang Ba responded by offering a deep bow to Xin Yuan and stating earnestly:

“The aid Senior has given me defies full description. Without Senior, I doubt I'd have reached my present achievements. Please receive this junior's respects!”

Xin Yuan, upon hearing this, simply noted Wang Ba's humble nature, quickly refused, and insisted it was unnecessary.

Seeing this, Wang Ba chose not to press the matter.

He spoke no mere flattery; his pursuit of the Dharma Dao, assuming no disruptions, would inevitably lead to mastery over myriad rules in due time.

Yet without Xin Yuan's initial fusion with the world to unlock the Rule World for him, untold delays and errors might have prolonged his progress to the current stage.

Because he had beheld the Rule World's marvels from the outset, his cultivation path flowed seamlessly, laying a firm base for him to harness power beneath Mahayana.

Therefore, this gratitude was utterly sincere.

Even though Xin Yuan himself may not have completely comprehended the rules pervading the Little Cang World.

With this in mind, Wang Ba swept his sleeve, summoning an ape's form to appear.

Xin Yuan, upon spotting it and detecting the familiar Buddhist aura emanating from the figure, first registered shock, then delight, scrutinizing it intently with mounting satisfaction:

“Indeed, an innate Buddha nature!”

Wu Monkey King scratched under his arm, feeling awkward around this unfamiliar guide, yet at Wang Ba's nudge, he still paid obeisance to Xin Yuan.

Xin Yuan, observing this, harbored no reproach but smiled approvingly and nodded, then touched his own sleeve with some sheepishness, letting out a sigh:

“I have no gift for you. Your cultivation level surpasses mine already; relying solely on my Dharma would hardly propel you to such heights swiftly. It must stem from Little Friend Wang's guidance. As your master, I feel remorseful.”

Wu Monkey King paused briefly upon hearing this, then bowed once more to Xin Yuan and said a bit clumsily:

“Thank you, Master.”

Xin Yuan found immense solace in those words, nodded affirmatively, and then departed without delay.

Wang Ba made no effort to detain him either, given the pressing circumstances that left him uninterested in prolonging the stay.

In the immortal cave, he thus delved into discussions on the Ten Thousand Beasts Unbridled Path alongside Heavenly Monarch Chao.

The Ten Thousand Beasts Unbridled Path extends beyond mere Beast Control techniques; it serves as a means to cultivate rules as well. Wang Ba, versed in the Dao of Dharmas, excels particularly in refining the Ten Thousand Beasts Unbridled Technique.

Engaging with Heavenly Monarch Chao, he displayed no hesitation, replying with ease and without impediment, occasionally voicing profound insights that instead spurred Heavenly Monarch Chao to contemplation and further revelations.

In this manner, time slipped by unnoticed. Several days hence, amid their sharing of understandings, the pair suddenly halted, perceiving a shift, and exited the immortal cave as one.

By reflex, their gazes turned toward Sumeru's peak, the Miaojue Temple.

There, the temple doors at last swung open, and lines of monks emerged gradually, their faces etched with grief…

From within the temple resounded the Buddha's solemn, resonant tones, laced with profound mercy.

Wang Ba discerned the Rebirth Mantra woven into the Buddha's chant…

A monk soared from the temple, alighting before Wang Ba and Heavenly Monarch Chao, looking weary—it was none other than Yan Poluo, head of the Eastern Luli Buddha Realm.

At that instant, he approached, pressed his palms together in formal salute, his demeanor precise, and declared gravely:

“Kong Zen Buddha Lord has received Buddha Tianyin's transference and remains in Closed Cultivation, unable to meet you both, so prior to seclusion, he dispatched Yan Poluo to convey his regrets…”

Heavenly Monarch Chao, taking in these words, gave a soft sigh and inclined his head:

“Amid such abrupt turmoil, it's comprehensible. Assure him of his peace; upon learning of Tianyin's fate, I have no intent to tarry. Should assistance be required, the four Great Realms stand united—as long as I draw breath here, speak freely.”

Yan Poluo mustered a faint, thankful smile amid his sorrowful visage, which only deepened its bitterness, then bowed to Heavenly Monarch Chao:

“Many thanks, Heavenly Monarch. Once Kong Zen Buddha Lord concludes his seclusion, I implore Heavenly Monarch to attend the grand rite, bearing witness to the Buddha Lord's ascension.”

He then addressed Wang Ba:

“Kong Zen Buddha Lord expressly instructed me to summon True Man Taiyi.”

Wang Ba acknowledged the invitation with a nod:

“Of course. I merely wonder when the event will occur?”

Yan Poluo wavered slightly:

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

Reassured, Wang Ba refrained from probing further.

Immediately, he suggested taking leave.

Yan Poluo exchanged a couple more words but didn't press.

With Buddha Tianyin's demise and Kong Zen Buddha Lord yet to fully integrate Buddha Tianyin's bequest, and considering a lingering Mahayana and late-stage tribulation cultivator from an external Domain, Yan Poluo—despite the alliances among the four Great Realms—dared not take risks.

Consequently, the two prepared to soar beyond the Domain's bounds.

However, both halted mid-stride, their eyes drawn upward.

Above Miaojue Temple, crowning Sumeru, vast crimson clouds unfurled endlessly…

Indistinct silhouettes appeared to flicker into view.

An unexplained emotion welled in Heavenly Monarch Chao's heart; he couldn't help murmuring:

“Arrival without trace, departure without mark—comings and goings unite as one. No cause to query worldly affairs; this existence is but a reverie.”

With these words, his white robes billowed as he chanted a melody and departed.

“No cause to query worldly affairs; this existence is but a reverie…”

Wang Ba echoed the verse softly, sighed faintly, and trailed after him.

Thus, Yan Poluo stood solitary, contemplating the sky ablaze with red clouds, deep in reverie…