“You overestimate me, Real Person.” Jiang Wen smiled wryly, shaking his head upon hearing the words of the Pure Yang Real Person. Crossing the River of Time was not something he could easily accomplish. It involved numerous coincidences, but he didn't know how to explain it to others. “Let's not discuss this. May I ask why Real Person is waiting for me here?”
“It's merely to settle a karmic debt,” the ink figure sighed. “I placed a wisp of my soul here to await the arrival of the First Teacher. After ten thousand years of waiting, the First Teacher has finally come.”
“How so?” Jiang Wen stood in place, his hands behind his back, sighing. He looked at the distant giant sword, his mind struggling to organize his thoughts.
“I was originally a commoner, a mere mortal. By chance, I obtained the First Teacher's Medicine Sutra and attained enlightenment by observing the Qi refining methods within. I cultivated diligently for two hundred years, yet remained outside the mainstream. Later, I thought my path was sealed, but I accidentally obtained the Pure Yang Jade Pearl. Through good fortune, I finally became a Saint. Alas, the Dao of Heaven is unpredictable, and my fate was destined for turmoil. Within this Sumeru Realm, I was trapped by the transformations of my inner demons. During that time, I harbored two minds and three consciousnesses. Sinister forces were reborn, and heavenly demons danced. I was ensnared by them and inadvertently killed my most esteemed disciple.” The ink figure slowly recounted his experiences, narrating the past events of the Pure Yang Real Person one by one.
“I was overcome with grief, knowing that if I didn't eliminate the corpse god of inner demons within me, I would surely face misfortune. So, I searched the three mountains and four seas of the Sumeru Realm, finally finding a method to slay the corpse in the Medicine Sutra. However, although the First Teacher's method for slaying corpses was profound, it was also fraught with endless disasters. If I were to use the First Teacher's method, I would surely bring harm to the world.”
“From the age of three, I listened to the words of the sages. At nine, I learned of the First Teacher's miracles. At twelve, I established a grand ambition for the world, pursuing the righteous path throughout my life. I would never do anything that would harm the world. Therefore, I sought the Five Elements Pearls and built this Pure Yang Grotto at the seam of the Abyss of Heaven.”
“But the inner demons came fiercely, and I could only suppress the two corpses within the grotto. Alas, my talent was inferior to the First Teacher's, and in the end, my physical body was completely destroyed. I could only scatter my divine soul and place it in various locations. I knew that ten thousand years later, the First Teacher would come to this Pure Yang Grotto, so I left behind relics to await the First Teacher. To repay the First Teacher's kindness and answer the First Teacher's guidance. This disciple, Shao Chunyang, is of dull talent. Only with the First Teacher's guidance was I able to enter sainthood. By repaying the First Teacher's kindness this time, this disciple can also depart peacefully.”
As the ink figure spoke, his tone revealed an indescribable sense of ease. He looked at the four flying swords in the distance and beckoned with his hand. The four flying swords flew into his palm, transforming into a miniature Four Symbols Killing Array. He respectfully walked towards Jiang Wen, presenting the Four Symbols Killing Array.
“This is a killing sword energy that this disciple nurtured with the Vajra Pearl. Although it is formless and without appearance, it possesses spiritual charm. Combined with the First Teacher's Four Symbols Sword Array, it will surely become an array that integrates offense and defense. Please, First Teacher, do not hesitate to accept it.”
“This, how can I casually accept your things?” Jiang Wen sighed. “I have already taken many of your relics. It would be inappropriate to accept this killing sword soul as well.”
“First Teacher, there's no need to belittle yourself,” the ink figure said. “The guidance you gave me in the Pure Water Palace was already a great kindness. The Golden Core Dao is incomparably profound. Without the First Teacher's guidance, I'm afraid I would have difficulty finding it in this lifetime. Although it was late, I have no regrets after hearing the Dao. The things in the Pure Yang Grotto are merely naturally formed; I only obtained them by chance. Now, waiting here for the First Teacher is only to express my gratitude and fulfill my Dao heart.”
“Since you say so, then I will accept it.” Jiang Wen did not decline and accepted the killing sword energy frankly. He then looked at the giant sword in the distance and asked, “How should I break the great formation of this Vajra Palace?”
“First Teacher is intelligent and wise and will surely have a way,” the ink figure smiled. “The time I can remain in this world is limited. Having settled my karmic debt with the First Teacher, it is time for me to reincarnate.”
“I still have many questions,” Jiang Wen said.
“First Teacher, please speak frankly. I will answer whatever I can,” the ink figure replied.
“What is the Abyss of Heaven?”
“So, you mean that the Sumeru Realm and the Mortal World should be one, and cultivators have actually existed since ancient times?” Jiang Wen said.
“Exactly,” the ink figure nodded. “I also don't know why the Great Wilderness collapsed. Perhaps it has something to do with the gods, but I no longer have the time to explore it.”
“As for the Abyss of Heaven, the great fog that the Mortal World experiences always harms people's minds. However, no one knows where this fog originates. This disciple accidentally wandered between the two realms and saw a great fog rising out of nowhere in the chaos. The fog came from the chaotic void, like a fierce gale blowing towards the world. I guessed that this fog should originate from the chaotic void between the two realms. Borrowing the protection of the Pure Yang Jade Pearl, this disciple found a gap in this chaotic void. That gap was not like the chaotic disorder; it was a stable place. But it was different from the Sumeru Minor Realm and Sumeru Dimension. Only one place can enter that gap. Although there is a dense fog, it is not bound by the two realms. This disciple calls it the Abyss of Heaven, which is also where the Pure Yang Grotto is located.”
“I see,” Jiang Wen nodded, understanding where the Pure Yang Grotto was built. Today, his conversation with the divided soul of the Pure Yang Real Person has allowed him to understand the secrets of the Sumeru Realm and the Mortal World, which can be considered a great gain.
But before he could think further, the ink figure said again: “This disciple has explored the two realms and the chaotic void for a hundred years, and I couldn't understand why the Sumeru Realm would cause people to develop inner demons. But when this disciple observed the appearance of the great fog, I suddenly realized something. Perhaps the changes in the Sumeru Realm are also like the great fog, coming from the chaotic void.”
“It is a pity that this disciple no longer has the strength to explore that void and will not be able to know its secrets.”
As the ink figure spoke, he sighed about his unfinished business. After all, if he could know why the cultivators of the Sumeru Realm would undergo strange changes, perhaps he would have been able to think of a way to deal with it. It's just that the Pure Yang Real Person no longer had the ability to complete such an unprecedented feat.
The ink figure's voice was filled with infinite regret, and even Jiang Wen felt emotional.
