Chapter 858: Chapter 29: Xuanyuan Ancestor Awakens
"But strangely, whether it’s in the life of Lei Yan King or this life, or even the memories inherited from my brother, there’s no impression of the transformation and correction of Taoism. Could it be that the lost memories during the time as Lei Yan King are not so simple?"
Zhou Yan pondered deeply. Having reached the Sword God First Transition, his combat power changed remarkably, and his form and meaning in the Heavenly Gang Transformation Method matured to a true Venerable Level. Yet, Zhou Yan felt even more weighed down than before.
However, even such thoughts were completed within the Soul Sea, with Zhou Yan showing no external expressions or any emotions, just like before.
After some time, Zhou Yan completed the consolidation of his Realm, reaching a stable state. With even Emperor Xuan Yuan’s Energy gathered again, he finally breathed a sigh of relief.
At this moment, Xuanyuan Ancestor also gradually regained composure, and even showed signs of recovery. This was due to the extremely rich soul power and Divine Origin Power here, greatly benefiting the Xuanyuan Sword, which had lost its divinity. Xuanyuan Ancestor thus gained substantial benefits in this space.
And at this moment, the soul power in the entire soul nurturing space was depleted to nearly thirty percent.
Thirty percent may not seem much, but it’s the result of the Jiang family’s painstaking accumulation over decades from countless breeding grounds in lower planes, like a farmer having their income from decades of hard work reduced by nearly thirty percent, which is undoubtedly a significant depletion.
Xuanyuan Ancestor had regained almost all of his divinity, no longer appearing as injured, and sighed softly within Zhou Yan’s Soul Sea.
At this time, Zhou Yan’s Divine Soul split into two, one part continuing to comprehend the Taoist rules contained in the soul power of the soul nurturing space, and the other part transformed, sinking into the Soul Sea to face Xuanyuan Ancestor.
"Zhou Yan, speaking here, you need not worry about being sensed by anyone,"
Xuanyuan Ancestor suddenly spoke.
"Ancestor, Zhou Yan understands,"
Zhou Yan nodded and replied.
"You do not understand,"
Xuanyuan Ancestor sighed, his words grew somewhat indifferent.
"Hmm?"
Zhou Yan’s heart tensed slightly.
"Have you ever thought about what the most perfect plan in this world would be like?" Xuanyuan Ancestor asked seriously.
Upon hearing this, Zhou Yan’s figure derived from part of his soul shook instantly.
The eyes of his Soul Body couldn’t help but narrow, revealing a terrifying divine light in that split second.
"There’s a very simple yet complex Tao, which is the true Supreme Dao of the primordial Heaven and Earth—the ’Dao Sheng Yi’ Tao which you once comprehended."
Xuanyuan Ancestor explained with a wry smile.
"I would like to hear more,"
Zhou Yan concentrated and transmitted his thoughts.
"Dao Sheng Yi, Yi Sheng Er. Er can be Yin Yang, good and evil, presence and absence, etc. The Tao derived from this consists of ignorance and wisdom, ingenuity and clumsiness, extreme Yang and icy cold, etc.
The Taoists, with this, proposed sayings like ’Great wisdom appears foolish, great skill appears clumsy, great sound is inaudible, great tool matures late,’ and the Buddhists also said—neither having form nor lacking form, simply named ’having form’ and ’lacking form.’ Now, do you understand what I mean?"
"If this is the case, doesn’t that mean... I’m still within the plan? But there are certain things I can clearly judge not to be so; I’m not being schemed against."
Zhou Yan spoke gravely.
"That’s right, but some things don’t require going through; they only need outcomes,"
Xuanyuan Ancestor spoke with a somewhat mysterious tone.
Zhou Yan nodded slightly, speaking gravely, "Ancestor, are you saying: the truly perfect plan is having no plan at all, perhaps letting the planned individual believe they’ve transcended any plan, thinking they can control all the plans, when in fact, they are still within the plan?"
"If it’s really so complicated, then the immortality Tao I comprehend amounts to nothing more than trash."
Zhou Yan’s expression grew exceedingly solemn.
It seemed that every meeting with Xuanyuan Ancestor brought no good news.
"This is about fate and reincarnation, as well as an interplay between supreme Taos."
Xuanyuan Ancestor’s words made one’s heart tremble.
At the same time, he suddenly said, "When you borrowed my ability before, did you feel an eternal invincible momentum? The immortality Tao you comprehended partly stems from my insights; it’s the Xuanyuan Sword that sparked the idea of your own immortal Supreme Dao. But you’ve already seen my outcome."
Xuanyuan Ancestor spoke with some regret.
Zhou Yan’s heart grew heavier.
"Who exactly is it that can predict my actions, even when I return? I still don’t believe it. I trust my soul sensing isn’t wrong! After all, who I am and when I return—they would never know!"
Zhou Yan’s resolve was firm, and he no longer doubted himself.
"I didn’t say you were wrong, just that you misunderstood one point."
The Xuanyuan Ancestor sighed as he spoke. Though he admired Zhou Yan’s steadfast nature, he did not praise him but instead seemed intent on challenging Zhou Yan earnestly.
"Please enlighten me, Ancestor," Zhou Yan focused his mind and spoke respectfully.
"If you encounter a truly Immortal Strongman or someone who can stand equally with me, the Xuanyuan Ancestor, would you kneel?"
The Xuanyuan Ancestor asked.
"With my character, naturally not."
Zhou Yan replied without hesitation.
"Nor would Jiang Tianxin."
The Xuanyuan Ancestor’s comment almost chilled Zhou Yan’s heart. In an instant, his mind lit up, realizing that his seemingly perfect plan had numerous flaws.
"Since Jiang Tianxin wouldn’t, yet he knelt, it indicates two things: firstly, Jiang Tianxin has lost the heart of a strongman, which one possessing a perfect Soul like yours would never lose. This seems improbable. The second point is that he is feigning to lull you. Perhaps the Evil Venerate is strong enough to crush the Jiang family.
So, what is the Evil Venerate’s identity, what strength does he have, and why would he frequently interact with Jiang Tianxin? Now, Jiang Tianxin surely perceives you as an enemy of the Evil Venerate or someone not to be offended, but never as the Evil Venerate. If you meet Jiang He, you will inevitably face an immediate trial of strength. It is very likely that Jiang He will kill you in one move."
"I have not heard of a Jiang He in this world, for if such a formidable figure existed, I would certainly know. So, perhaps this Jiang He is only known as ’Jiang He’ within the Jiang family; outside the Jiang family, he is no longer Jiang He. He could be any Supreme figure in the Nine Heavens, couldn’t he?"
The Xuanyuan Ancestor spoke solemnly.
"This thought had occurred to me. Since leaving the Ancestor Land, I’ve gained a lifeline card which I’ve carefully derived; it must be near Immortal, and it can safeguard my life. With this, I will confront Jiang He, hence my confidence in negotiating with him. As for the Evil Venerate’s identity, it’s merely a means to quickly enhance my strength, not to deceive everyone in the Jiang family. It’s just expedient. After all, I am stronger now, aren’t I?"
"Indeed, you are truly remarkable. Considering this point, then it matters little about any scheme. At least you can use the Jiang family’s soul-nurturing space to complete your own strength transformation. Such an approach is bona fide madness, indeed taking measures without conscience to become stronger.
However, this is correct. What I say only highlights the part you ignored.
Though I spend most of my time in slumber, due to the growth of the Xuanyuan Sword, I am still able to sense some external things. Though what you have realized is merely what I have realized of the Immortality Dao, you also have your own insights, and your Soul form is your greatest advantage. Therefore, when you see the crisis from Jiang He’s side, I already cease worrying about you."
The Xuanyuan Ancestor spoke with some relief.
Zhou Yan was slightly silent.
Despite the Ancestor showing appreciation for him, because of his words, Zhou Yan already felt his conjured Soul Body becoming ice-cold all over.
If everything is indeed as the Ancestor says, then this world is beyond terrifying.
If Jiang He is not Jiang He, then who is Jiang He? Why is he lurking in the Jiang family?
If Jiang He’s supposed injuries are likely fake, then Jiang He’s injury is fake, and the series of battles involving Jiang He, Lei Yan King, and Lee Ran are a false existence. Then the memories Lei Yan King lost in these battles...
If Jiang He’s injury is fake, then Jiang He’s so-called retreat will appear with a completely new identity, entirely unrelated to Jiang He. And this identity, does it stand on the allied side of the Jiang family or the opposing side?
If on the allied side, it’s still okay; but if Jiang He’s other identity is on the opposing side of the Jiang family, then...
Zhou Yan thought of this, and his whole body became cold. If so, it already defies description as a dire situation.
The enemy’s enemy could become a friend, an ally.
But if the enemy’s enemy is a disguise of the enemy, then this friend, ally, might well be the one to stab in the back at the crucial moment, the one to betray without mercy at the crucial moment.
"Ancestor, what do you mean by the so-called perfect grand scheme?"
Zhou Yan pondered and shifted the topic.
"I manipulated the Star River, broke the Sky Track trajectory, and compelled the Plane rules to rectify the Sky Track traces, disrupting the situation. Therefore, not being schemed against is correct. But your ability to sense others’ schemes is an instinct. Sometimes, the feeling instinct reveals isn’t necessarily true, because the enemy isn’t a fool; after unsuccessful arrangements, adjustments will be made inevitably. Not being schemed against represents you have transcendental capability, much like possessing Void Sword Body ability prevents you from getting lost in the Void, nonetheless, if a specific environment first restricts the Void Sword Body ability, followed by planting false Void Sword Body rules, then exiling you into the Void, would you get lost?
I think you would.
You wouldn’t just get lost but would be deceived by your own confidence.
So, if deep down you think you absolutely wouldn’t be tricked, holding onto a mentality of being the best in the world, eventually you will stumble."
The Xuanyuan Ancestor’s words carried a sense of earnest caution.
This was akin to striking a sword against Zhou Yan’s powerful belief.
But this was a form of tempering. Zhou Yan felt not disappointed but rather more invigorated, with unwavering resolve.
At such times, having someone like the Xuanyuan Ancestor remind him prevented repeating past mistakes on the path forward.