Chapter 583: Despair on the Path of Cultivation, Power Amidst Calamity
Chapter 583: Despair on the Path of Cultivation, Power Amidst Calamity
The Infinite Transformation Society.
The Ten Thousand Day Supreme, Tian Tang, had returned, exuding a profound and restrained aura, radiating a vibrant vitality that inspired admiration.
This was in stark contrast to the gloomy atmosphere surrounding the President of the Infinite Transformation Society.
"Greetings, Vice President," many Sovereigns bowed, their eyes filled with reverence.
Currently, the President of the Infinite Transformation Society was eccentric and reclusive, rarely showing himself to the world.
The power was firmly in the hands of the three Vice Presidents.
Two of these Vice Presidents, perhaps due to their ancient existence, seemed to have some mental issues. More importantly, they exuded a heavy gloom, lacking the demeanor befitting a Heaven-Splitting Sovereign.
Thus, among the Infinite Transformation Society, the most highly regarded was the Vice President Tian Tang.
Tian Tang's gaze fell upon Chun Ran, and he said indifferently, "For your contribution in the recent ambush on the White Profound Palace, you deserve to be among the top three. From now on, you will serve at Tian Tang Mountain."
Chun Ran had provided crucial information for this strategy.
However, by doing so, she also exposed her role as a double agent.
Remaining in the Soul Summoning project would likely cause discontent and unnecessary trouble, so it was better for her to serve at Tian Tang Mountain.
"Thank you, Vice President Tian Tang," Chun Ran expressed her gratitude, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes.
Just then, a voice suddenly rang out, "Qi Yuan is still alive."
"Oh? Lucky him, he seems to have some heavenly fortune," Tian Tang remarked, unsurprised.
Chun Ran's expression changed slightly upon hearing this.
She felt guilty towards Qi Yuan for her actions, a sentiment she couldn't shake.
But more than that, she hoped Qi Yuan wouldn't return, wishing for his demise in the Wind Spirit Cloud.
That way, she could continue living with her guilt.
However, Qi Yuan had survived.
"The Lord of the Black Profound Palace... is dead," the voice carried a hint of shock.
The Sovereigns present were all startled by this news.
The Lord of the Black Profound Palace was a giant in the Heaven-Splitting Realm, his power comparable to that of Tian Tang.
Each Heaven-Splitting Sovereign, given enough time, could destroy an entire realm.
The Lord of the Black Profound Palace, a master of dozens of Dao Lord Scriptures, was no ordinary figure.
His death at the Palace of Ten Thousand Saints, was a shocking development.
"Oh? Could it be that the Buddha Corpse backfired, killing the Lord of the Black Profound Palace? I didn't expect this plan to bring such unexpected joy. Well done, well done," Tian Tang's eyes lit up, clearly pleased with himself.
The other Sovereigns congratulated him upon hearing this.
Killing the Lord of the Black Profound Palace was a significant achievement, one that could even make him the President of the Infinite Transformation Society.
Just then, a lazy voice sounded in everyone's ears.
"I was almost assassinated by the Black Profound Palace, shouldn't there be an explanation?"
Qi Yuan appeared, clad in a blood-red robe, his expression devoid of emotion.
Beside him stood a fat old man, gritting his teeth in anger.
Upon seeing this, Chun Ran's heart skipped a beat, and she took a step back towards Tian Tang.
"Using you as bait to plot against the Black Profound Palace was my strategy," Tian Tang admitted straightforwardly. "For this plan, I'll credit you with thirty great merits, and you can even borrow these seven Dao Lord Scriptures.
The Sovereigns present couldn't help but show their envy.
Such a generous reward for a minor risk.
"Hurry up and thank the President," the female Sovereign beside Tian Tang urged, her voice carrying authority.
"This is my thanks," Qi Yuan's voice remained calm.
"Couldn't you have sought Qi Yuan's consent before plotting against the Black Profound Palace?" the fat old man couldn't hold back his anger. "You put Qi Yuan in danger without his knowledge. You should know what Qi Yuan represents in the Infinite Transformation Society!"
He was furious.
"If the President had informed us in advance, the plan might have been exposed, and we wouldn't have achieved such success," a Sovereign argued.
"But you've already been rewarded," Tian Tang pointed out.
"The greater good should take precedence. Don't argue over trivial matters," he added.
The Sovereigns discussed, most siding with Tian Tang.
Clearly, they were part of Tian Tang's faction.
"The greater good?" Qi Yuan stretched lazily. "It's been a while since I've heard that term. But your greater good means nothing to me. My greater good... that's the true greater good."
"This matter must be resolved to my satisfaction.
I may be lawful and good, but even a clay Buddha can get angry."
While Qi Yuan benefited more than he suffered from this betrayal, he disliked being set up.
"You're not wrong," spoke Tian Tang Sovereign, interrupting. "At our level, all this talk of morality and grand schemes are just illusions and excuses."
"I can make plans without informing you, because I'm stronger than you. That's all there is to it."
Tian Tang Sovereign's voice carried an air of superiority. "I'm more powerful and influential than you, so I can bully you."
"You have some strength, so I won't completely bully you. Your reward for this task still stands."
Tian Tang Sovereign's words were simple and direct.
"As for a response? The reward I've given you is my response."
Tian Tang Sovereign exuded an air of superiority, clearly not considering Qi Yuan a worthy opponent.
In the Universe Void Realm, there wasn't a single person worthy of his serious attention.
Even the President, with greater strength, failed to impress him.
After all, at such a high level of power, a mind so fragile and unworthy, filled with madness—not worth mentioning.
"What if I'm stronger than you?" Qi Yuan asked.
"You're free to plot against me," Tian Tang Sovereign replied bluntly.
The tension between them was palpable.
The other Sovereigns remained silent, witnessing the exchange.
"Why don't we settle this with a fight?" Qi Yuan suggested politely.
If the Wondrous Transformation Dao Assembly was a company, Tian Tang Sovereign would be his boss.
Before killing his boss, Qi Yuan needed to seek his opinion.
"Why not?" Tian Tang Sovereign asked, oozing confidence.
The others looked at Qi Yuan with pity.
After all, Tian Tang Sovereign wore the Purple Talisman, and within it resided an absolute powerhouse, not someone a newcomer like Qi Yuan could challenge.
"Now?" Qi Yuan asked.
Since the boss had agreed to a fight, it should be fine to kill him now, right?
Tian Tang Sovereign's eyes flickered, as if he was hesitating.
Just then, an ancient voice suddenly spoke up.
"The Wondrous Transformation Dao Assembly, in these times, the Dao Lord may descend at any moment.
To start a fight within the Assembly at this time is disrespectful to the Dao Lord."
An old man appeared, his body hunched, standing less than a meter tall.
But despite his small stature, he exuded a terrifying energy.
"Wait until the Assembly is over, then fight," he said, stopping them.
In the Wondrous Transformation Dao Assembly, every epoch, the Dao Lord may descend to impart their teachings, hence the name.
This meant that the Dao Lord's "avatar" could appear at any time.
Battles between Sovereigns could last for tens of thousands of years before a victor emerged.
That's why the old man intervened, to prevent Qi Yuan and Tian Tang from missing the Dao Lord's arrival.
Additionally, the Wondrous Transformation Dao Assembly was founded for the pursuit of truth and transformation.
Starting a fight before the Dao Lord's arrival would be unwise.
When the old man appeared, the fat old man's eyes filled with reverence.
"Divine Mechanic Vice President, you're awake."
"Greetings, Divine Mechanic Vice President."
The other Sovereigns also bowed in respect.
"The other Sovereigns sighed in unison, sharing the same sentiment."
The current Vice President of the Divine Mechanic Assembly, old and frail, had a weakening Dao heart, as if his spirit was on the brink of collapse, akin to the rules of the Realm of the Heavens and the myriad realms.
...
Inside the dilapidated cave mansion.
The Vice President, with hands like dry tree bark, propped up his face, appearing as if he could fall asleep at any moment.
"Old Pants told me he saw you in the Cosmic Spirit Sea." He opened his eyes, a deep gloom within them.
"Old Pants?" Qi Yuan found this title rather unique.
"It's the President, the old fellow who keeps asking about underwear." As he spoke, a rare smile appeared on the Vice President's face.
"So, it's him." Qi Yuan replied casually.
"Sigh... His time of lucidity is running out. I wonder when... he will step into the Fourth Layer Solar Deity." As the Vice President spoke, his words carried a tone of admiration and regret.
He had lived for far too long.
Some even said that some Dao Lords might not have lived as long as he had.
"You're quite interesting. Although you're as crazy as the rest of us, your true spirit can still maintain some clarity. It's rare..." The Vice President's eyes revealed envy as he spoke.
If one could surpass the Fourth Layer Solar Deity and step into the Fifth Layer, who would willingly let their true spirit fade into oblivion, entering the Fourth Layer?
"Tian Tang, that little fellow, has some talent, but not enough. This lifetime... I estimate he'll just pass by without achieving much."
Sigh, if he reached their level, why would he constantly think about such trivial matters as power struggles?
However, one of his ancestors had a connection with me, so today, this old man will consider it a favor to speak a few words for him.
Whether he can comprehend it or how he should act is up to his fate." The Vice President sighed, "The world is filled with fools. I see his immaturity, and he sees my decline."
Although it was said, within the Wondrous Transformation Dao Assembly, many Sovereigns believed that Tian Tang's strength surpassed the other two Vice Presidents, and he was even on the verge of surpassing the President.
In reality, compared to Tian Tang, the Vice Presidents, and the President, they were as immature as cabbage.
The Sovereigns of the Heaven-Creating Realm, by mastering the Dao Lord Scripture, could indeed enhance their strength.
But the Dao Lord Scripture did not represent everything.
"I feel he already possesses the path of death." Qi Yuan casually evaluated.
"The debt to his ancestor has been repaid. This old man won't interfere with his life and death." The Vice President spoke.
"Old man, how many like you are there in the Universe Void Realm?" Qi Yuan asked.
The Universe Void Realm was vast and boundless, with countless unknown territories.
"Not many, probably less than twenty, and who knows how many will ultimately awaken in their madness and step into the Fourth Layer Solar Deity." The Vice President sighed.
This sigh was filled with helplessness and despair.
Anyone who reached their realm was a true prodigy, who hadn't experienced grand and legendary tales?
At the end of their cultivation journey, they had to step into the Fourth Layer Solar Deity, facing the potential obliteration of their true spirit.
Perhaps, many cultivators couldn't accept this outcome.
Maybe they had also seen the despair of the cultivation path, or perhaps they were still searching for the way forward, which was why they were so crazy, occasionally maintaining a sliver of lucidity.
When the day came that they could no longer stay lucid, it meant either the obliteration of their true spirit and entry into the Fourth Layer Solar Deity or a complete and utter fall.
The ending... was always the obliteration of the true spirit, falling into ruin.
Only by stepping into the Fifth Layer Solar Deity was there a glimmer of life.
But this path was only for oneself.
For the Dao Assembly and the lifeforms within the universe, the future was predetermined, an unending cycle.
"Powerful is the calamity." The Vice President sighed.
"It's quite something. I once heard these words from the Great Calamity." Qi Yuan spoke.
During the destruction of the Cang Lan Realm, he had heard the Great Calamity speak of "powerful calamity."
"The Fourth Layer Solar Deity is a dead end. Don't enter it. There's still a chance in the Fifth Layer.
In less than a century, the Witchcraft Dao Lord may descend. You can discuss the Dao with Him and seek the path to enter the Fifth Layer Solar Deity." The Vice President gazed at Qi Yuan, his aged eyes filled with admiration.
He couldn't enter the Fifth Layer Solar Deity.
If there was a junior who could, he would naturally be delighted.
As he spoke, his once clear eyes turned cloudy, and his entire being seemed to fall into madness.
"Who are you?"
"Old dog, kneel!"
In his moment of madness, he was infinitely close to the Fourth Layer Solar Deity.
"Old man, I'm leaving." Qi Yuan simply ran away.
After all, when encountering a madman, it's best to keep your distance.
Although he also had his moments of clarity, he didn't want to stay with a true madman.
This kind of magic attack was too much.
Before leaving, he added,
"Old man, if I ever open a psychiatric hospital, remember to come and support me!"
(End of Chapter)
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