One choice decides your friends.
One choice defines your beliefs.
One choice determine your loyalties - forever.

After all my experiences in the 1900 beginning journey ,god sent me back to my original world.It was unbelievable together with amazing experience ,It was the same place and same day where god fortuned me and I really used it well .Divergent changes Iam waiting to see still it was nothing new.Later on when I went to my home ,first thing ,I gave a huge hug to both of my parent .In the oppose they gave divergent looks stil I was so happy to regain my future . subsequently when I foraged for both world war one and two books ,really they were missing .ensuing about the books to mg parents my parents replied that what are those books . Continuation of that I equally asked about The Great dictator of Germany Adolf hitler, they replied by saying that who is that person and having strange name.More over you know I started behaving like the German people together with my parents found a lot of divergence in me.Neverthe less to me God gave me a precious gift that no one else can give me in my upcoming life 😀.  



  By the story I really want to convey that when a person dearly together with heartfully wants something then the nature will help him getting that .


      ***************************************

In the blink of an eye, another month had passed. Mo Wuji had failed to advance in cultivation and pill refining. The lack of immortal spiritual energy in this place rendered his cultivation futile.
Cultivating in the Undying World was a possibility, especially with the heaps of immortal crystals Mo Wuji had with him. However, there was a downside to this: the five elements were incomplete. At low levels of cultivation,the side effects of cultivating in such an environment would be minimal, whereas at high levels, doing so would interrupt the flow of his dao.
In addition to this, Mo Wuji had advanced to the level of Grand Luo Immortal in a short span of time. Even though he had not sensed any destabilisation in his fundamentals yet, it was not a bad time to take a step back and gather his thoughts instead of cultivating.
In these recent months, Mo Wuji had been rigorously conducting research on smithing. He possessed the book on Equipment Dao, as well as the Guide To Smithing and the Knowledge Of Smithing given to him by Xu Suren.
Mo Wuji had obtained the book on Equipment Dao long ago, but never had the time to study it. If not for the serious injuries he took this time around, in addition to the destruction of Da Huang, it was quite possible that he would never have researched smithing, as his goal for researching it was to restore Da Huang.
One thing that offered Mo Wuji some solace was that even though Lian Yingxian was a Grand Luo Immortal, she hadn’t caused any trouble after living here. Mo Wuji didn’t even seen her cultivate either. Every day, she would only assist Yu Cheng in cleaning the fish that Yu Jingfeng caught. Occasionally, she would also leave Divergent Immortal Village with Yu Jingfeng to trade and exchange goods.
Whenever Mo Wuji conducted his research on smithing, no one would ever bother him. It was almost as if they knew that immortals did not like to interact with mortals.
Due to his frequent refining of array flags, which bore some resemblances to smithing, Mo Wuji already possessed a strong foundation in smithing. The more complex array flags were arguably even harder to refine than some high grade immortal equipment. In addition to this, Master Pu Zi had imparted to him many smithing techniques in the Half Immortal Domain.
In actuality, as an immortal array master, Mo Wuji was very self-aware that if his smithing did not improve, his Array Dao would definitely be adversely affected.
In the Gods Tower, one Immortal Sealing Array could seal countless experts. After suffering in the shackles of the Immortal Sealing Array, Mo Wuji’s belief that he needed to rigorously research Array Dao was further fortified.
Within a month, Mo Wuji could refine and create Grade 4 immortal equipments. Although they were the simplest of that level, it did show that there was certain improvement.
Mo Wuji attributed much of his progress to Xu Suren, who gave him the the Guide To Smithing, and provided many valuable insights into smithing, which hastened his research tremendously. The most complex issues in smithing were all virtually explained by Xu Suren in the book of Equipment Dao. One could say that this book was even more precious than Grade 9 immortal equipment.
One day, while Mo Wuji was refining a Grade 5 immortal long sword, Yu Jingfeng, who usually did not disturb him, knocked on his door. Yu Jingfeng was a young man of good character and morals. After knowing that Jingfeng was the one who saved him, Mo Wuji had even considered accepting him as his disciple. However, Mo Wuji hesitated, as he did not know whether imparting techniques to Yu Jingfeng would benefit him or harm him instead.
After staying at Divergent Immortal Village for so long, Mo Wuji had begun to understand the lives of Yu Jingfeng and his grandfather. They could not cultivate to become immortals, but led fulfilling lives without any boring days, frequently encountering surprises in the Extreme Glade Sea.　　
If he allowed Yu Jingfeng to cultivate, it could very well disrupt the peace and balance in his life. Moreover, after he leaves the village, Yu Jingfeng might perish while gathering resources for cultivation. In comparison, leading a simple life may not have been that bad after all.
The good thing was that Yu Jingfeng had never inquired about the matter of immortal cultivation, which gave Mo Wuji time to take his mind off the issue, until this day, when Jingfeng had come to Mo Wuji’s doorstep.
"Jingfeng, you’re looking for see me?" Mo Wuji asked as he kept his half-refined long sword. At his current level of skill, abruptly ending the refinement of this long sword was equivalent to wasting the effort he had put into refining it to this point. This however, did not concern Mo Wuji as he had a vast amount of low grade smithing materials in his ring, much more than the amount of immortal herbs.
"Yes, brother, I have something that I’ve always wanted to speak to you about, but grandfather didn’t let me bother you for no reason, so I kept it to myself up till now. He is out with sister in law now, which is why I had the chance to come and talk to you in the first place," Jingfeng said in a flurry as he stood at the door.
"It’s only been a month, but you’ve grown quite a bit" Mo Wuji remarked as he invited Jingfeng in. Yu Cheng and Lian Yingxian were indeed not at home. Even though Jingfeng often said that he admired and idolised Mo Wuji, Wuji himself felt that the admiration was a result of Yu Cheng’s teachings.
Wuji no longer shrouded himself with the caution that he once did, as after such a long time, he felt that the differences between immortals and mortals were insignificant.
"Hey, I’m already 14, and seafaring helps me train my physique as well," Jingfeng replied as he earnestly rubbed his own head.
"Where have your grandfather and sister in law gone to?" Wuji asked as he gestured for Jingfeng to sit.
"They’ve gone to Extreme Glade City to get the Thousand Fusing Rice. It’s the harvesting season for it now," Jingfeng said without a second thought.
Mo Wuji knew about Extreme Glade City – In the region of the Extreme Glade Sea there were many villages similar to Divergent Immortal Village, between these villages, there needed to be a set location for the purpose of trade, which led to the formation of Extreme Glade City. Everyone in the villages would come here if they needed to buy anything, and the immortal energy in the air here was as scarce as it was in the other parts of the region.　　
Even though Ji Ke City was a City for mortals in name, there were some cultivators here as well, as the city was, in reality, co-inhabited by low level immortals and mortals. However, the immortals here were either talentless, or were severely limited in their ability to cultivate.
The Thousand Fusing Rice could only be planted in areas near Extreme Glade City, and was the rice ate by most of the regular beings. Every time harvesting season came, all the people living around Extreme Glade City would bring the unique produce from their respective villages and exchange them for Thousand Fusing Rice.
"Jingfeng, your sister in law is gorgeous, I don’t think there are many in this village who can compare to her beauty," Wuji suddenly said while grinning.
Perhaps having sensed Wuji’s relaxed disposition, Jingfeng eased into the conversation. At this point of time, he had completely forgotten that his grandfather once told him that Wuji was an immortal cultivator, and that there were taboos that they could not violate.
"Big brother, it’s not only Divergent Immortal Village, not anyone in Extreme Glade City could match up to my sister in law’s beauty. Have you perhaps fallen for her? But... she has no spiritual roots, it would be impossible for her to cultivate."
Mo Wuji hurriedly leapt to his own defence. "No no no, you’re overthinking, it was just a passing comment. Speaking of which, what happened to your elder brother?"
In his heart, Mo Wuji deeply admired Lian Yingxian, as he did not know how what cultivation technique she used, and what means she had to disguise her cultivation level. Had he not used his spiritual eye, he wouldn’t have been able to assess her cultivation level, which meant that from an outsider’s point of view, Lian Yingxian was a completely ordinary person, which added that much more credibility to the prowess of her concealment technique.
This was different from himself. Apart from a few top-notch cultivators, most cultivators would not be able to asses her cultivation level as he cultivated with the Immortal Mortal Technique, which was unique in that the more one cultivated in the technique, the more ordinary the user would seem.
A memory flashed across Jingfeng’s mind, and after a moment of silence, he said,
"10 years ago, when I was three, my brother came back from the sea and said he had felt some immortal spiritual energy. Afterwards, he sneaked out and went to Extreme Glade city to buy a few books about cultivation, and told me that he had discovered the hidden spiritual roots within him. However, my grandfather refused to even entertain the possibility of him becoming an cultivator, leaving him lost and helpless. He eventually married my sister in law under the insistence of my grandfather.
Less than 3 months after sister in law came, my brother left a letter behind and left the village to join a sect, stating that he had to become an cultivator no matter what. Another few years passed, and people in the village were saying that something bad had happened to my brother while he was out venturing. When the rumours proved to be true, my grandfather allowed sister in law to go home, even giving her the liberty to decide whether she would remarry or not. She has been very kind to us, often dropping by to visit us because she’s worried for grandfather."
"What about your parents?" Wuji asked.
Jingfeng got a little teary.
"Not long after I was born, they got into an accident at sea and never returned."
Mo Wuji sighed.
No matter how safe the Extreme Glade ocean was, it was still a sea in the immortal world, and seafarers would inexplicably face some form of danger.
"What happened to your aunt then? Has she always lived in Divergent Immortal Village? Was she older or younger than your brother?" Wuji asked.
In reality, Mo Wuji was only asking this much for one sole reason - to find out more about Lian Yingxian’s background and history. In his opinion, a Grand Luo immortal, even a genius at that, had to train for a few hundred years before achieving such prowess that Yingxian possessed.
Jingfeng grinned and chuckled, " Big brother, my sister in law is not even thirty yet, if you indeed have feelings for her, my grandfather would definitely approve, I would be happy if you married her!"
Wuji sneered in his mind.
He knew that it was not possible.
"We’ll talk more about his next time, don’t get the wrong idea. Before this, I even thought she was at least 40!"
Still forgetting the fact that Wuji was an immortal, Jingfeng hastily refuted.
"Impossible! What poor judgement you have big brother, my parents and her’s were the best of friends, when she was born, my parents even went to congratulate them!"
Wuji was taken aback by this fact, could it be possible that a person, not even at the age of thirty yet, could reach the later level of Grand Luo Immortal? Even with possession it would seem absurd.
"It must be a mistake on Jingfeng’s part," he thought to himself.
Wuji did not plan on inquiring further, and without even asking about her parents, he decided to change the subject.
"So, Jingfeng, what was it that you wanted to speak to me about?"
It was only at this moment Jingfeng recalled why he was here. Patting the back of his head, he revealed,
"Uhm.. It goes like this big brother, a month ago I caught a Red Herring, and today I went back to the place I caught it in search for more, but before I even got close, a blinding ray of white light rose from the depths of the ocean. Several white lights emerged, and an object shot out from within them, eventually landing in my boat."
While speaking, Jingfeng took out a bunch of broken pieces and passed them to Wuji.
"This is it," Jingfeng said.
Array flag? Mo Wuji knew what they were once he received the pieces from Jingfeng. These pieces were as old as time, and even Wuji didn’t know when they were made.
　　


Here, only those with spiritual roots can cultivate while those with mortal roots are destined to stay mortal.

Mo Wuji only has mortal roots, but will he only remain as a mortal? 

----------

Watch as Mo Wuji fights against this destiny with his grit and tenacity. Feel your hearts pound as he goes through exciting adventures and encounters. Cry as tragedies befall him. Smile as he crushes his enemies and forges his own path. Where will his cultivation ultimately lead him?

Anne
For the past forty five minutes, Vincent has been flipping through books like he was looking for something but wasn't finding it.

On two occasions when I turned to glance at him, he was tossing a book aside and picking up another to continue his flipping exercise.

I could tell he was frustrated because in addition to the flipping and tossing, he kept on sighing.

I was getting worried that he  might start tearing his clothes and dragging his short hair next. Maybe am exaggerating but he was close to agitation.

"Hey?" I found myself calling out.

'typical you Anny.'

He looked up from yet another flipping and stared at me.

Go on Anne, finish what you've started, he'll flip and toss you next.

"Err..why don't you take a break...those books are exhausted already." I said smiling hoping he got the joke.

He exhaled heavily pinching the bridge of his nose and to my surprise he  pulled back his chair and stood up.

He stretched his whole body and then proceeded to walk slowly with his hands in the pockets of his track pants to where I was sitting and plopped down next to me with just a little space separating us.

He folded his arms, his muscles flexing beneath his white t-shirt which didn't go unnoticed by me. 'Yea, am a fan of muscles.'

He rested his head on the headrest and closed his eyes.

I ogled him like a psychotic fan,  fighting the urge to touch his arm.

But he was burdened by something,  that's for sure and I really wanted to help.

"You know you got me scared for a bit there, I thought you were going to start ripping your clothes and hitting your chest."

He smiled still closing his eyes. That smile .

'Glad I could lighten the mood though.'

"What's bothering you Vince?"

He sighed and sat up, opening his eyes with his arm still folded and then turned slightly to face me.

I can't seem to get used to looking at his face. This man is beautiful, with his sharp jawlines and straight nose and those eyes, almost gray with thick dark lashes shading them.Don't get me started on those lips, they are small yet full and luscious.

Focus Anne!

"A cancer patient of mine was on remission a few months back but the cancer came back in full force a few weeks ago and its rapidly sucking the life out of him."

Oh no

"Am so sorry," I said placing a hand on his arm.

I felt tingly like there where little charges coursing through me.

He lowered his gaze to where my hand was touching him and I almost jerked my hand away but then he relaxed back into the couch and stared into space.

"I've consulted different books and worked alongside several cancer specialists but nothing. I feel am missing something and its frustrating!" He said throwing his head back on the headrest and closing his eyes again.

I increased the pressure of my hand on his arm because let's face it, I couldn't help any other way.

I don't know his patient or what treatment he has undergone and his not allowed to divulge any of that and then again am a laboratory student.

He unconsciously placed his hand over mine which was on his arm rubbing circles at the back of my hand and I was almost jolted across the room by the force of the sparks that was ignited from the point where his fingers where touching mine to the core of my stomach.

"But I'll be fine," he said raising his head and withdrawing his hands when he realized where it was.

"So, what are you watching?" He said gesturing to the TV.

"Divergent."

We both turned to see the two main protagonists in the heated kissing scene.

Awwkwardd

From the corner of my eyes, I could see him staring at the screen indifferently.

His phone rang and he brought it out to answer a video call. Just then, I heard the sound of thunder outside and the rain started pouring heavily.

I went over to the window to look through giving him some privacy.
I didn't know it wanted to rain, typical Alba weather.

"Who's that at the window," this coming from the person talking through the phone.

I turned immediately almost tripping because the curtains entangled my ankle.

I heard the person laugh.

"Hello," I squeaked.

"Hello sweety," she said smiling at me.

" Son, is there something I should know your not telling me?"

"Mum?" He warned.

"What?" She protested. "You have a girl in your apartment, a pretty one at that, what do you want me to think.

My cheeks heated up immediately.

"Nothing. I want you to think nothing."

"Oh shush, bring her to my party."

"Mo..."

"Gotta go, your dad's calling me,love you son, bye. Coming dear!"

"Mum! Wait!"

The line went dead.

He sighed and then turned to look at me registering my predicament.

"You can untangle yourself, right?" He asked amused.

I looked down at my ankle. I had forgotten I was still tied up. I tried to free myself but it proved difficult. It was as the curtains where having a dead grip on me.

Vincent stood up and walked over to where I was standing, his back muscles rippling as he bent over and untangled me from the clutches of the evil curtains bent on embarrassing me.

What is wrong with me!

"Thanks." I said bashfully.

"Anytime clumsy." He teased standing straight.

I smiled, my cheeks almost at hundred degrees now.

He looked through the window and then back at me and was about to say something when his phone rang again.

"Hey?.....yea she's here.....what's going on there.....are you okay....alright. Here Anne, its Andrew," he said handing his phone to me.

"Hello Drew?"

"Anny, there's a really big storm out here and the roads are blocked, the river near the school overflew flooding places, please don't leave the house, it's not save. I'll try to come back but if i can't I'll stay at Paul's, okay?"

I was too shocked to speak, not because of the storm and flood but because  I might be spending the night here, alone with a guy that's not family, that was new . I didn't even know what to feel.

"y..yea," I stammered.

I handed the phone back to Vincent who was staring at me. He took the phone, spoke some more which i wasn't paying attention to, then ended the call.

"Anny, are you okay?"

I wasn't even aware I had zoned out.

"Yea am good." i wasn't.

He stared at me thoughtfully, he does that a lot.

"Hey, relax, get comfy till this storm passes alright?" He said coming to stand in front of me.

I looked up at him and for a moment, our eyes locked and held, He then cleared his throat breaking the awkwardness.

"I'll go grab us some food, is pizza okay with you?"

I nodded and then he left for the kitchen.

I checked my phone, it was already six o'clock which further dashed my hopes of sleeping in my own bed this night.

'calm down Anne, it's all good, I hope.'

I went back to the couch and sat down. As if on cue, Vincent walked in carrying a box of pizza, a carton of orange juice and two glass cups.

"Ordered this earlier," he said dropping the box pizza and the rest on the table, returned to the kitchen and came back with two plates.

"Anny," he called out dramatically with deep velvety voice, "..dig in," he said and grabbed a slice, taking a huge bite.

I couldn't stop myself from smiling. He was going out of his way to make me comfortable and that was sweet.

I took a slice and started eating. Hadn't realized I was starving till now and the pizza was out of this world.

We finished eating and i helped him carry the dishes into the kitchen, he disposed the pizza box and i washed the dishes in the sink.

'what now.'

Outside, the rain intensified crumbling the minuscule hope i had left.

Vincent is cool to be around but I get tensed up with different unfamiliar feelings when his close and I hate losing control of myself to thing that are foreign to me.

He excused himself and went upstairs while i went back to my couch which is now my favorite place in the house.

The movie in front of me wasn't appealing anymore but I had to use it as a distraction from my present situation.

He pushed me gently against the door and covered my mouth with his. I moaned, raising my arms to encircle his neck. I kissed him back.

"Anne, am in love with you." he whispered sending shivers down my entire body. 

He left my lips to my neck, placing gentle kisses on my skin, biting softly as he made his way down to my chest.

I arched my body so I could get more.

He raised me up and I wrapped my legs around his waist. He carried me to the bed and laid me there, with him on top of me, putting his lips back on mine.

This shouldn't be happening, but it was and I didn't want it to stop.

Ara's Point Of View

Nag-ligo na ako at nag-bihis, pupunta ako sa Botique ng Tita Elizabeth– my father's side, para magpa-gawa ng gown para sa grand ball.

Nang maka-pasok ako ay agad ko'ng nakita si Sissy, ang assistan ni Tita, he's a gay, share ko lang, oh bakit?

"Hi Tita Eliza, it's me Ara!" Bati ko kay Tita Eliza at umikot-ikot pa.

"A-Ara, ikaw na ba talaga yan, you changed a lot, gosh!" Sabi ni Tita at nakipag-beso beso.

"Hay nako tita, ila'ng buwan lang ako di nagpa-kita, ang dami kasi'ng nangyari eh!" Sabi ko sa kaniya.

"Ahh, oh siya, nasan na nga pala si Sam?" Tanong niya sa akin, napa-yuko ako pero agad din ako'ng humarap.

"Ahm, a few weeks ago, he broke up with me, and I don't know why but now, I moved on and happy go lucky!" I said and smile brightly.

"Ohh, bamuti naman, pero ano nga pala ang pinunta mo dito?" Tanong ni Tita.

"Ahh, tita, magpapa-gawa ako ng gown para sa grad ball and sana yung brightly, yung unique, and I know you can do it Tita!" I said.

"Siyempre, oh sige, pa-birthday ko na lang yan sa iyo, malapit na nga pala iyon!" Sabi niya sa akin.

"Ahh, oo nga pala, nakalimutan ko, ang dami ko kasi'ng iniisip ngayon eh kaya, sige Tite, and thank you so much!" I said and smile.

"Oh sige, kailan ba yung ball?" Tanong niya.

"This Friday, kaya ba tita?" Tanong ko.

"Ahh, siyempre, may lima'ng araw pa para gawin iyon, one day para sa pagde-design, and four days para sa pag-tahi, oh siya, bukas ko na lang ipapa-kita yung design huh!" Sabi ni tita.

"Sige po tita, aalis na rin po ako, basta color bright red po ang kulay, thanks po tita, bye!" Sabi ko at kumawaykaway pa habang palabas ng botique ni Tita.

Pumunta ako sa International bookstore, bumili ako ng mga libro na nasa listahan ko.

John Green Novels
Nicholas Sparks Novels
The Selection Series
Harry Potter
Divergent
Maze Runner
Mortal Instruments
Vampire Diaries
Haruki Murakami
Hunger Games
Michael Faudet
Lang Leav
The Diary Of A Wimpy Kid
Fifty Shades Of Grey, Freed, Darker
Hex Hall Trilogy
Rebel Bell
Before I Fall
13 Reason Why
The Future Of Us
Falling into place
This is the world ends
The Best Kinds of magic
21 proms
Tell me 3 things
What to say next
The Revenge Playbook
The Perks of being a wallflower
The lonliest girl in the universe
The Hundred Lies of lizzie love
The Sky between you and me
The art of feeling
Some boys
Nerve
Since You've been gone
How to break a boy
Love and Gelato
Girl againts the Universe
Girlboss
Geekerella

And more, so dami na, tapos yung iba hinati'ng books kaya sobra'ng dalahin ni Manong, tsk hahaha.

Yung iba naman tagalog novelas, umuwi na ako at inilagay na sa bookshelves ang mga libro na binili ko sa bookstore.

Pinakita na rin sa akin ni Tita ang design para sa gown ko at nagustuhan ko ito, unique na unique siya, wala'ng katulad, tinatahi niya na iyon at sa huwebes na siguro yun matatapos ni Tita, at dahil nga nakaka-pagod ang pagbi-bili ng libro ay inantok na ako, pa-gabi na rin naman kasi kumain pa ako sa restaurant.

Pagka-gising ko ay agad ako'ng nag-ligo at nag-bihis bago pumasok sa University, at tulad ng dati katabi ko si Sam, di naman talaga siya doon naka-upo pero dun siya umupo simula pa nung una'ng pasok niya

Napapa-kamot na lang ako kasi ang kulit talaga niya, ayoko nama'ng mag-walkout ulit.

"Ano ba Sam, ang kulit kulit mo, alam mo ba yung salita'ng space, please paki-bigay naman nun oh!" Sabi ko, napa-tingin yung nga kaklase ko at si Ma'am.

"O-okay, sorry" sabi niya sa akin, tumingin na lang ako sa mga kaklase ko na tila ay sinesenyasan na 'Ano'ng tinitingin tingin niyo?'.

"Okay so, class dismissed!" Sabi ni Ma'am sa amin, agad ko'ng knuha yung bag ko at umalis na, naunahan ko pa si Ma'am palabas.

Pumunta ako sa garden kung saan kami lagi nagkikita ni Prince pero ngayon hindi ko siya nakikita, pero sana ayos lang siya.

Umalis na lang din ako kasi wala naman ako'ng gagawin dito eh, pumunta na lang ako sa canteen at kumain na ng diet food.

Nakita ko naman si Sam na naka-tambay sa isa'ng puno malapit sa building na pinagkikitaan namin.

Lumapit ako sa kaniya at naupo, hindi naman madumi ang sahig kasi malago ang damo dito.

"Ba't mag-isa ka, nasan si Amanda?" Tanong ko dito.

"Wala, at saka bakit naman ako magpapasama kay Amanda?" Sagot niya sa akin.

"Bakit nga ba?" Nagtataka'ng sabi ko.

Umupo siya sa tabi ko, dumasog naman ako ng konte, masyado siya'ng close sakin.

"Eh ikaw, bakit ka nandito?" Tanong niya sa akin.

"Wala, namiss–" di ko na natuloy yung sasabihin ko ng magsalita siya.

"Namiss mo ko?" Ay ang kapal rin neto.

"Hindi, namiss ko ito'ng puno, di ba dito mo sinulat yung pangalan nati'ng dal'wa ng... Wala'ng katotoohanan, tanggap ko naman eh kaya nakapag-move on na rin ako, may Prince na ako" sabi ko dito at lumingon sa kaniya. Naka-tungo siya na parang may iniinda'ng sakit, eh baliw na ata to eh.

"Oh ano, okay ka lang?" Tanong ko dito.

"A-Ahh, o-oo ayos lang ako, buti naman at nakapag-move on ka na pero ako... Hindi pa" sabi niya, napatingin ulit ako sa kaniya.

"Ehhh, kaya mag-move on ka na, kasi may Amanda ka na pero... Bakit di ka pa nakakapag-move on eh wala ka nama'ng nararamdaman sakin" sabi ko dito ng nay pagtataka.

"Yan ang akala mo... Yan din ang akala ko, yung kala mo moved on ka na tapos malalaman mo na lang kapag nakita mo yu'ng tao, mararamdaman mo nanaman" sabi niya, mat tumulo'ng luha sa mata niya, is he crying?

The girl who changed her style after his boyfriens broked with her.

"But this is impossible! You are definitely a Divine, I've seen the golden aura! But how can this be?!" Ralfe started to mumble to himself ignoring the small clone in front of him.

The little manta frowned and spoke into his mind in a loud voice to awake him from his stupor. "Explain!"

The white fatty jumped in shock quickly coming back to reality. "Yes yes! I'll explain!" He took a few seconds to organize his thoughts before he started to speak again.

"There are a total of 6 elements in the world, earth, water, fire, wind, light, and darkness but there are some special creatures that are born with a new element that has a purple color which gives them a strange ability, we call them divergent. Those abilities are random and make no sense but give you a huge advantage against anyone at your level however, it is still considered a curse, do you know why? No creature that is born with a divergent ability is ever able to reach divinity! They are forever stuck in the realm of mortals! Forever stuck at the peak!" As Ralfe spoke he looked at the small clone in front of him with a strange gaze.

"I wasn't born with this ability. I gained it from another creature in the sea." The manta spoke calmly. The fatty already knew he had a divergent ability anyways so he might as well tell him everything and get as much information as possible, he can think of how to deal with him later.

Ralfe shook his head as he started to speak once more. "Creatures are indeed able to gain new elements through consuming others' core but this is an exception. I don't know the exact details but what i do know is that it's impossible to gain a divergent ability from consuming another creature. Do you know how many tried this over the years? There used to be just as many creatures with this seventh element as there were of every other element however, now they are almost extinct! Even today the church of light and church of darkness will reward anyone with huge sums of money for one of these creatures either dead or alive, even just information of where there could be such a creature will get a commoner enough gold for a lifetime!" Ralfe started speaking normally but was practically shouting by the end of the explanation.

'Why am I special? Could it have been the whale? No, or else little gold would have been able to gain this power as well… maybe?' the manta left his thoughts and turned his head towards the nervous fatty in front of him.

"What are the requirements for creatures to be able to gain a new element?"

"No one knows exactly, not even the divines know this answer. A creature can sometimes gain a new element on its first time eating a core but at the same time a creature of the same species could consume a core of the same element 1000 times and never gain anything. I heard some people say its luck others say it depends on your affinity with it, who knows? One detail they were able to confirm though was that it is impossible to gain an element from the core of someone lower level than you."

'Affinity? So maybe it's my modern human understanding of how gravity works that allowed me to gain this new element?' After coming to this conclusion he got into a very good mood. Every reincarnator in novels always came with a cheat ability and he finally found his! Knowledge! 

'Now what to do with this fatty? If word got out that there was a divine with a divergent ability I would probably be hunted down by the two biggest powers in the continent!' The small clone looked at the person in front of him as he went through his options.

Ralfe felt the change in the small mantas gaze. He knew he had learned some sensitive information so there was no way he would just be let off! 

"Your holiness this little one wishes to follow you in the future whether it be through sickness and health all the way until I die!" Being fast on his feet he knew he had to speak first before the small manta made a decision so he quickly kneeled on the ground with his forehead touching the floor as he shouted.

'You couldn't have phrased that a little different!? For two lifetimes I have been single and the first person to confess to me is this human dumpling?!' The little manta was disgusted as some strange images flashed through his mind.'Well let's see if you really are saying the truth!' The manta then focused onto the fatties mana and started to read his mind.

[I'm really saying the truth! I would never lie to you!] Was what he heard being constantly repeated in Ralfe's mind.

"...." 

'This fatty is an artificer which would be very useful, but he is too smart for his own good! If I don't kill him I would have to keep watch over him at all times!... But, I can't just kill him…. This fatty is so interesting and funny…. Wait a minute! I have an idea!'

Seeing as the small clone had no reaction, Ralfe slightly raised his head to take a peak and as he did he found the small black clone looking straight at him with shining eyes. 

'Did it w-' Before he could finish his thought he found that the clone charged at him and dove right into his body!

"AAARRRRR!!" The fatty jumped up from the ground at such surprising speed it would even leave a powerful warrior like Vall amazed. He touched his back where the clone had gone into expecting to find a hole but he found that there was nothing there, he was completely fine! 

'Was it an illusion?'

"Hehehe it wasn't an illusion! I'm right over here!" He felt something moving along his skin just as he heard the small mantas voice in his head.

Ralfe quickly pulled off his robe and took off his shirt showing his soft pale skin…. A lot of soft and pale skin… enough to make at least 2 leather armors....For horses. On his chest he found a black tattoo-like image of the little manta ray that slightly moved from side to side leaving him stunned.

"Didn't you say you wanted to follow me until death did us apart? Well you got your wish! Are you happy?" A large smile opened on the belly of the manta tattoo that was on his skin.

Ralfe controlled himself not to swear and spoke after taking a deep breath "Of course! Of course! Who else can be so lucky to have a divine creature by his side .. every.. Single.. Day …" Reaching the end of that sentence he was practically speaking through his teeth.

"Well that's all the information i needed for now. This clone will be sleeping on your body but do remember that I will still be able to see everything that is happening around you! You can go back now"  As it finished speaking the black manta tattoo moved onto his forearm curling his tail around his upper arm and rested Its body on the fatties shoulder no longer speaking.

Rafel gave a wry smile and put his clothes back on before leaving the building by himself. As he walked out the door everyone looked straight at him and noticed that the small clone was no longer there. Seeing him leave the house a burly man stopped what he was doing and came up to him.

Vall looked behind Ralfe at the empty house and then up in the air at the giant manta that was quietly floating before moving close to the fatty starting slowly fixing his messy robe.

"Is he gone?" Vall whispered as he came close to Ralfe.

"N-.... yes he's gone" When he was about to answer he felt that the tail of the little manta tattoo had tightened around his arm and he quickly corrected himself.

"So what do you think? Is he a new divine? Can we trust him?" Vall whispered again

"Yes it seems they have just left the ocean for the first time. We can definitely trust him, he's the most trustworthy divine i have ever met." Ralfe felt helplessness as he spoke. Vall was surprised that the fatty had gotten such a good impression of the manta in just a few hours.

"Hmm, even so he is still a divine of darkness. They can be very sneaky so don't ever fully put your trust in them, but still get on his good side. Who knows? maybe if you can get on his good side our village might not be godless anymore in the future." As he said this Vall finished fixing the messy robe and left to take care of the mess the creatures had made in the village.

"I'll try" Ralfe didn't know if he should laugh or cry as he let out a big sigh and started to get busy as well.


"Hehehe little gold these humans sure are interesting" The large manta in the air spoke.

"Hmm, interesting" A sweet voice sounded out from his back as the duo quietly watched the yellow sun slowly moving over the horizon.

A boy who has been bed sick since he was born finally reached the end of his life. Fortunately the gods decided to give him another chance and allowed him to be born into a new world. The only problem was that, he was not human! 
"I was only joking when i said that all I needed was a healthy body and that i didn't even need to be human OK? You didn't have to take it seriously!!" The frustrated scream of a little manta reverberated in the dark underwater world.

Han stared at the screen before dismissing it with a bat of an eye; he looked at his companion, friend—Timothy Cook. If he told this guy to kick himself out of the Academy, would they do it? He wasn't sure of how much influence he had, and he really didn't want to know either.

In some way, despite everything informing him that this was a simulation, Han Jing considered Timothy as alive and real as himself. This person felt more real than the supposedly real [ Demon Lord ], [ Wood Elf ] and other [ Races ] in their chatroom.

"Choose whatever you like, Tim. Whatever you think would work best for you."

The young man's lips twitched, a familiar sneer as he eyed Han dismissively. "You don't know what to recommend either, do you?"

This guy still had his bouts of narcissism at that. But it seemed to be a defense mechanism if anything. "You got me, though," Han grinned and shrugged. "I think it should be your decision and not mine." 

It was both a gracious thing, allowing the man to choose what he wanted and a calculated risk that Timothy inherently knew what curriculum to take, him being an NPC and all.

"I'll be taking the Primary Mage curriculum then, Professor Lavelda," Timothy responded with a short nod.

"Splendid!" The Professor clapped their hands, a grin on their face. She pushed her robe sleeves up and glanced at her fellow teachers. "Let's draft your schedule immediately, fit you a uniform—class is ongoing, but you guys can start tomorrow."

"Already on it." Someone replied, scribbling on parchments in their hand. It only took a quick moment before they handed it over to both Han and Timothy. "Timothy Cook for the Primary Mage curriculum while Han will be in Mixed Combat and Mage curriculum."

The two of them thanked the person in charge and glanced at the parchments, it included a list of their classes and professors, required items and prescribed books and uniforms. 

"Since the two of you have just arrived, we'll let you guys finish settling down in the dorms." The Professor explained, she turned to the only remaining student. "Ah, young lad—mind leading them to the dormitories?"

A charismatic smile formed on sir Leon de Harrington's lips, "It will be my pleasure, Professor Lavelda."

Timothy tried not to gag while Han stifled a laugh. Now this person in front of them was the de facto nobleman with a pleasing personality—the type you'd see in novels, movies and other mediums.

. 
.
.

The Academy of Kraelonia was already huge when they had first arrived and compared it to the size of the entire city of Gloria—but now Han's head was spiralling as they passed through corridors and stairs that seemed to go on and on. He had a feeling that the Academy was magically designed this way, shifting and altering… trying to find classrooms would be a mess.

But he would worry about that later, he paid attention to the young man leading the way. Even the way the guy walked was reminiscent of a nobleman striding in a ballroom—how that idea came to mind was a little embarrassing. Han cleared his throat, "So this dormitory of ours… what's its name? What makes it different from other dorms?"

"Name? Does everything need to have a name?" Sir Leon de Harrington glanced back at them, a genuinely puzzled expression on their face.

Timothy chose to ignore their conversation, paying attention to the parchment on hand. He for some reason was even more irate than Han with the nobleman.

Han shrugged, "It makes sense, you know? It'd be great to identify students according to how they act? If you could group people based on their attributes or characteristics, like all brave people go to Griffin, kind people to Puff or like smart people are Ravens?" Should he have gone with something like 'Districts' or some people being 'Divergent' or 'Dauntless'? 

Sir Leon de Harrington stared at him.

Timothy looked up from his parchment, his brows furrowed at him.

Han cleared his throat, trying to explain why that made sense. "You don't necessarily have to name them that way—but like, it's a good way to know which is which. If I'm in need of some people to understand a cryptic codex or language, I go to the Ravens? If I wanted some adventurers then I would approach those in Griffin?" 

It also meant it'd be easy for him to avoid those slithering kinds of people if they were all lumped together.

"Using it to identify key individuals and people of note for certain tasks does sound great." Sir Leon de Harrington admitted, "But I feel that it will promote much schism between already divided students. It's not that different from aristocracy's political games..."

Han didn't think of it that way, he had been always a fan of classifying himself to certain 'roles' like being in this 'House' or 'Faction' or supporting a certain band or sports team... but the guy also made sense. He scratched his cheek. "But it's also one way of ensuring that we don't get complacent right?"

"Complacency?"

"If there's some division, then there will be competition as each student strives to be the best or at least bring honour to their faction. It's like how we're all identifying ourselves as people of [ Yegarian Kingdom ] and would fight for it?"

"I suppose you do bring up good points, Han isn't it?"

"Yeah, just Han, Sir Leon de Harrington."

"No need to be too formal, we're all [ Students ] here, aren't we?" The young nobleman opened a door and they entered into a grand hall filled with numerous doors. They were all lined up neatly like a hotel actually, and there was even a grand staircase that led up to other floors also brimming with people.

Actually, it should be more comparable to a mall—the doors were all entrances to shops while a large courtyard was present in the middle. There was a water fountain inside the place along with benches and even patches of ground that had evergreen trees. Some students were seated and discussing animatedly.

Some

"Woah." Timothy glanced around with obvious amazement. "It's bigger than even our village—I suppose that makes sense as Kraelonia Academy is filled with numerous students from across the kingdom. This is completely normal." He ended his sentence with a cough. 

"I don't recall the dormitory being called anything but this entire portion of the Academy is in the Dewrowan Tower." Sir Leon de Harrington explained as he waved at some students passing by.

Once again, some people looked at them oddly—probably because they weren't in uniforms but Han paid no heed to that. There were things that he wanted to know. 

"How many students do we have in each room? Bunk beds? Porter type of beds?" Perhaps it was his only way of grasping the situation they were in. Han Jing connected it to things that already existed in his world. "Are the girls segregated in another tower or floors?"

"We all have our separate rooms, there is no need to share when there is an abundance of space." Sir Leon chuckled, "You're quite inquisitive aren't you, Han?"

Han Jing was the worst kind of gamer. He was the filthy casual, a mobile gamer.

But you couldn't blame him for beta-testing Races: Online. He ended up in server sixty-nine so that was kind of nice right? A bully Demon Lord, a forgetful Elf that ignored their alliances and a mischievous Witch that's up to no good.

It was the time of his life.

Though they all acted like they were all real?! 
. . .

Image not mine.
Thank you Author of Searching For Andromeda for making the cover!

A lowly child beggar, a noble prince, a monster viewed as the enemy of the entire world. If you possess all three identities at the same time, which identity would you choose to help you earn a better ending?
Thales did not have the answer.
He only knew that he came to a different and magnificent world, and he had to face a future that was as difficult to handle as a nightmare. The glorious Empire had already been destroyed for one thousand years, the dying royal family suffered many problems, the legendary sacred battle had plenty of conspiracies, the divided world was in chaos.
But Thales had nothing. 
The only thing he had left was an unswerving determination to preserve his own identity, bravery which would allow him to survive in a perilous situation, and a belief that he would never submit to principles he did not believe.
“A King does not gain respect by virtue of his bloodline. The bloodline's glory rests on the deeds of the King.”
Darkness will baptize light. Fire will create true steel. The forbidden prince’s story starts here.

This era of history was too long ago, to the point where Merlin and Maya had never heard of it.
"What crisis could that be that caused the death of such a powerful being?"
As the Purple Emperor, one of the Thirty-six Emperors, he must surely be one of the mightiest existences in the Void Zone at that time, yet he died. It was difficult for Merlin to imagine what was it that could harm the Purple Emperor.
"As for what crisis it was exactly, I'm unsure as well. After all, I'm merely a puppet left behind by Master. Perhaps Master's projection can tell you."
The puppet glanced toward the transparent crystal wall in front. On the wall, a figure shrouded in purple light had appeared.
"Someone has come…"
A voice spoke slowly. The voice of this Mind Projection left by the Purple Emperor revealed a trace of weary worldliness.
"Swoosh."
Suddenly, the Mind Projection of the Purple Emperor opened his eyes. In that instant, Merlin and Maya felt very small as if they were facing the vast and boundless Void Zone.
The Purple Emperor exuded the force of the Void Zone. It was somewhat inconceivable.
"Both of you aren't the Purple Tribe… How much time has passed? Where are the descendants of the Purple Tribe? Not even one has shown up?"
Upon seeing Merlin and Maya, a great change came over the Purple Emperor's face. He seemed quite agitated. A frightening pressure descended immediately. Merlin knew that this was pressure from Mind Power, which would not cause them physical harm.
Regardless of how strong the Purple Emperor before them was, he was merely a projection, unable to be of threat to Merlin and Maya.
"Noble Purple Emperor! Indeed, we're not descendants of the Purple Tribe. We're from the Spell Caster civilization and the Golden Light Tribe. As for the Purple Tribe you spoke of, we've never heard of them."
Merlin's Mind Power was formidable, and he gradually became used to the pressure. Hence, he spoke in response.
"You're able to withstand the might of my Mind Power? That's not right. You're not from the Purple Tribe. How can you have such powerful Mind Power?"
The Purple Emperor's projection stared at Merlin in astonishment. He could tell at a glance that Merlin was not a descendant of the Purple Tribe, yet he had Mind Power that was not inferior to the Purple Tribe. His Mind Power was even more powerful and compact than the average member of the Purple Tribe.
After all, the Mind Power of the Purple Tribe was something they were born with, so it had not gone through systematic, focused cultivation. On the other hand, Merlin's Mind Power was strengthened bit by bit through Meditation Spells and various methods. Naturally, there was a huge difference.
Merlin did not know how to reply. Spell Casters had Mind Power – this was the most basic truth. To become a Spell Caster, one must at least awaken their Mind Power or they would have no way of constructing Spell Models.
"How much time has passed? Spell Caster? The Golden Light Tribe? I have no impression of all this. That war – we must have won that war? I can feel that the natural order of the Void Zone has become stronger…"
The Purple Emperor seemed to be speaking to himself.
"Honorable Purple Emperor, we've never heard of you and the other thirty-five Emperors. I'm afraid that your era is too distant from ours. It could be more than a trillion years or even longer… What crisis did you face?"
Merlin asked curiously. Although Spell Casters had only set foot in the Void Zone for more than three thousand years, they had collected many books and information – the oldest of which dated back to ten billion years.
Nonetheless, even such an ancient record did not mention the existence of the Thirty-six Emperors. Since they were the strongest thirty-six beings in the Void Zone at that time, it was impossible that the books would not mention them.
The only possibility was that the era of the Thirty-six Emperors was far too distant from the present. It might be a few hundred billion years or even trillions of years ago or even longer – to the extent that each of the major civilizations had no record of them. 
"The crisis came in the form of the Vestigial Tribe. They were an abnormally powerful civilization, and their cultivation methods were greatly divergent from ours. In the end, they didn't need to merge with the Void Zone's natural order. They only had to use the resources of the Void Zone to ceaselessly manufacture all sorts of terrifying military weapons such as warships, puppets, and so on. Their warships are powerful, more frightening than a dimension. The puppets they produced – not even a Great Lord was a match. Ultimately, except for most of the civilization under the Vestigial Tribe, everyone joined forces under the leadership of us, Thirty-Six Emperors, to deal with the Vestigial Tribe.
"This war dragged on for many years; perhaps a hundred thousand years or longer… At last, we finally gained the upper hand gradually. Right when it was almost over, I was hit by the strongest warship of the Vestigial Tribe and was gravely injured. Even with the support of the natural order's power, I was unable to heal. In the end, I forced my way here, turning my own body into a dimension, and leaving behind an inheritance. I hoped that the descendants of the Purple Tribe would receive this inheritance. It's a shame that after so many years, you're the only ones who came."
Upon hearing the descriptions of the Purple Emperor's Mind Projection, Merlin's heart gave a shiver. Colossal warships, puppets – was this not similar to the Atlan civilization?
However, the Atlan civilization was not that powerful. Otherwise, the Spell Caster civilization by itself would be no match for them, and they would not be so weak as to allow the Spell Caster civilization to suppress them completely.
It was just that the Vestigial Tribe described by the Purple Emperor was too similar to the Atlan civilization.
Numerous thoughts flashed across Merlin's mind, but beside him, Maya said, "We've never heard of this Vestigial Tribe nor the Purple Tribe either. This war you spoke of, if it really did happen, we must've won it."
"That's right, the natural order of the Void Zone still exists, so we've won for sure. According to the agreement back then, the Vestigial Tribe would no longer exist, leaving behind not a single member. It's just too bad about the Purple Tribe. Perhaps they were replaced by other civilizations throughout the interminable passage of time. If that's the case, to whom should my inheritance go?"
All at once, the Purple Emperor's Mind Projection was somewhat lost. He was nothing more than a Mind Projection. Here was the inheritance the Purple Emperor had left for the descendants of the Purple Tribe.
However, now it looked like the Purple Tribe no longer existed. After all, in the extensive history of the Void Zone, a civilization like the Purple Tribe which was not very powerful would not take too long to go extinct completely. Even some of the stronger civilizations would vanish in the Void Zone.
The Purple Emperor, as one of the Thirty-six Emperors, had even witnessed such a process with his own eyes.
Merlin was still caught up in the link between the Vestigial Tribe and the Atlan civilization. Even though he was somewhat uncertain, the Atlan civilization must surely be connected to the Vestigial Tribe. As for what connection that was, Merlin currently had no clue, of course.
Upon hearing the Purple Emperor's sorrowful words, Merlin's heart leaped. This inheritance was left behind for the Purple Tribe but if the Purple Tribe had gone extinct, then of what use was the inheritance?
In addition, Merlin had previously drooled at the puppet's Mind Suppression. This was surely a technique left for the Purple Tribe by the Purple Emperor. Therefore, a bold idea was conceived in Merlin's heart.
"Great Sir Purple Emperor, the Purple Tribe no longer exists. This inheritance is your life's work. How about if I receive the inheritance?"
"You receive the inheritance?"
It was not just the Purple Emperor but even Maya at the side, expressed surprise. Nonetheless, soon enough Maya recovered, feeling a stab of regret.
The Purple Emperor's inheritance was the most precious treasure but it was a shame that he missed his shot. Still, Maya was unwilling to give up and nodded as well. "That's right, Sir Purple Emperor. At this moment, the Purple Tribe is gone. You've used your full efforts to preserve this inheritance. Surely you won't let it disappear just like that? Why don't you pass it on to us? In the future, your inheritance will emerge again in the Void Zone."
The Purple Emperor eyed Merlin and Maya in careful consideration.
After a long moment, the Purple Emperor waved his hand. "What you both said makes sense. The inheritance I left for the Purple Tribe was strictly forbidden to outsiders. Before this, if you dare to touch it, it would emit the power I left behind. No matter how strong you were, as long as you hadn't reached the stage of an ultimate existence, you'd be killed."
Merlin and Maya heaved a sigh. Before this, they had already decided together that they would never touch the inheritance of the Purple Tribe. After all, they were previously warned by the puppet as this was left behind by an ultimate existence. Merlin and Maya would not believe that it would have no protective measures.
"What about now?"
From the Purple Emperor's words, Merlin could tell that the Purple Emperor was already somewhat swayed.
"Now that the Purple Tribe isn't even around, I don't wish for my inheritance to disappear. However, your friend here won't be able to receive the inheritance, for he has no Mind Power. I've also left some good stuff for contenders who made their way here. Later, he can go and get those rewards."
Maya's face darkened slightly, feeling somewhat rueful. However, just as the Purple Emperor had said, he had no Mind Power. Even if he received the inheritance, it would not serve any purpose.
Furthermore, it was not that he would get nothing. He would still get a share of the goods.
Thus, with the puppet leading the way, Maya entered another place to obtain the benefits he should get. As for Merlin, he stayed on. The Purple Emperor continued, "What a coincidence that you're able to come here. What's more important is your Mind Power! The inheritance here is only meant for the Purple Tribe, and the Purple Tribe is born with formidable Mind Power. It's a shame that they were too weak in the past, totally unable to train it in a focused manner. With that, their talent was wasted. Otherwise, the Purple Tribe would certainly have become a flourishing civilization."
The Purple Emperor explained about the Purple Tribe in detail. Merlin slowly learned that the Purple Tribe back then was truly a rather special group of people. Compared to the Spell Casters, their innate Mind Power was incomparably powerful.
Perhaps this was an actual group who was born to be Mind Power Masters. As for Spell Casters, when they first awakened their Mind Power, it served no function. In the end, it was Aruba who tailored and created a cultivation system for them, which became the Spell Caster system.
It was a shame that the Purple Tribe was not so lucky. They did not have a noble existence like Aruba to create a cultivation system for them. Even the Purple Emperor had relied upon great fortune and other cultivation methods to finally become one of the Thirty-six Emperors. 


Anyone who could construct a stable Spell Model could become a Wizard — that was the Wizards' ultimate secret! Having been given a new life as the son of an aristocrat and armed with a super quantum computer from his past life, Spell Models game as easily as breathing to Merlin. With this overwhelmingly huge advantage, would Merlin become the greatest Grand Wizard of all time?

Shangguan Heng jerked his head in defiance, struggling to get rid of that surge of admiration for his companion's enshrouded greatness. Coldly, he shot back, "Not even the grandmasters of the Dharmakaya who are capable of flight questioned such absurdity. What possessed you to make such baseless postulations? The Primogenitors of Buddhist and Taoist teachings will answer in the debate of the Origins. There is hardly a need for you to burden yourself with such things beyond your comprehension."
"Indeed," replied Meng Qi softly with a deep sigh. The night grew darker still as the hour edged closer to dawn. The countless twinkling stars in the borderless expanse of the heavens filled his view.
"Of course, there have been a multitude of Dharmakaya prodigies and even great legends of old that have walked this very Earth. How could they not know if the Heaven and Earth are flat or round? How could they not tell the difference of the gleaming stars and the burning sun?"
Meng Qi reached forward and plucked another blade of grass. He set the grass between his teeth and leaned back against the large green rock. Dreamily, he wondered aloud, "Long ago, during the Fall of the Celestial Court and the scourge of the demons and devils, and then recently, at the Cataclysm of the Demonic Buddha, there has been little martial knowledge imparted from the ancient antiquities. More so of the scarce historical books and records entrusted to us through the decay of Time. How do we know what lies between their pages?"
"Still,the Dharmakaya marvels of this age possessed the ability of flight. But what of the Samsara, were they too capable of traversing the Samsara Realms?"
"The world may be of a spherical Heaven and a flat Earth, but what of the many Samsara realms and dimensions? Where did the mysterious worlds of the Samsara dwell between the planes of Heavens and Earth? Were they merely figments of imagination of the Dominator of the Six Samsara Realms, or were their origins and births related to the essence of the cosmos, the arcane mystics of the Earth and Heavens?"
"There have yet to be any chronicled records of the Samsara realms or any other dimensions and worlds, not to mention the lack of information on whether Dharmakaya masters are capable of passing through the Samsara realms."
"As such, how does one quantify the Lanke Temple, which has long borne the truism of 'So Close, Yet So Far'? What can be said of the other Pure Lands of Buddhism? How and where did they dwell between the Heavens and the Earth?"
"What of the Earth before the present Earth? What of the Cosmos before the present Cosmos? What relationships linger between them and the present dimension?"
If Meng Qi had not endured the experiences of his struggles in the Samsara realms nor experienced the enrichment of the knowledge from his past reincarnations,he would have dismissed all his present doubts and debates of a Dharmakaya's ability to soar through the winds long ago. He would have succumbed to the banalities and trifles of the present age just like the common folk.
Meng Qi's question had stumped Shangguan Heng despite being endowed with great acumen. He regained himself before replying, "History has frequently suffered blank intervals, and still the Wang family of River East endured. They have prevailed despite the passing of Time, and through adversity and woe. Surely they do not lack records of their deeds."
Meng Qi breathed in the cold night air. He smiled, "I see. You have seen the ancient records of the Wang family of River East?"
Shangguan Heng's expression darkened. "How could I? Everybody knows that the Wang family of River East guards their ancient lore books closely as if they are their most treasured possessions. They would never allow strangers pore through their scripts and uncover their secrets..."
His voice trailed of at the end and his tone grew soft. It struck him that his words had inadvertently confirmed Meng Qi's inference.
"I see. Perhaps, in the former epochs, there was once a different understanding of the Heaven and Earth..." murmured Meng Qi, his voice inflected with mystery and intrigue.
Watching Meng Qi lying on the great rock with the green blade of grass in this mouth, a sudden envy crept into Shangguan Heng's heart. The picture of ease and nonchalance curiosly overwhelmed him, and he staggered backward to collapse under a large tree. Defiantly, he snapped, "Your words are nothing more than delusions. One can barely count the number of reasons the Wang family of River East would want to closely guarded their secrets. There are other families of the aristocracies and important martial sects that have bequeathed their martial knowledge and tradition till today. Their heritage too, has endured since the Ancient age, the Medieval times."
Despite his deep reflection on the enigma that was Heaven and Earth, Meng Qi had not the faintest notion of where to begin. But Shangguan Heng's words sparked something in him. Revealing nothing, he turned to his companion with a smile, "True. The heritage of martial knowledge was not lost with the passage of Time. I trust that the great legends of old would have embodied their teachings about the Dharma and Logos, the martial techniques of the Dharmakaya caliber just not the perception of the Heaven and Earth. Given delicate rumination and study, one might learn the knowledge and philosophy needed to substantiate one's own understanding."
"Grasping and mastering of the laws of Nature will be displayed in devastating and powerful martial techniques that one learns during one's ascent to greatness. This is a realm where one must take the mystics of supernatural invincibility upon oneself. Surely the ancient legacies bore the teachings and philosophy of the Heavenly Primogenitor's creation of the Heaven and the Earth so that the Primogenitor's teachings that have existed since Creation endure to this day?"
"Heh. The remnants of the past are but fragments of Dharmakaya techniques. The same can be said of techniques of the Enlightened. Hardly sufficient provisions to meditate on, right?" Shangguan Heng sneered smugly.
Meng Qi stretched lazily and spat the grass from his mouth. He continued wearily, "Well, enlightenment is not the only goal, right? Studying different legacies and institutions of the ancient legends may yield an insight to understand the order and nature of Heaven and Earth."
A thorough comprehension would combine elements pertaining to one's course of study and learning. His current skill and level of perception would have left him confounded and disoriented by the sheer vastness and the complexity.
"Legacies of different ancient legends or techniques of the Dharmakaya..." Shangguan Heng muttered, wondering if Meng Qi had sunk into another of his many delusions once more.
The smile on Meng Qi's face did not slip. A moment of silence hovered amongst them both, then Meng Qi rose wearily, patting his robes clean. The powers of the Eight Nine Mysteries conjuration, the Heavenly Golden Scripture spell, the Divine Nine-Annihilation technique, and the inheritance of the Buddha's Palm technique he had at his fingertips. He was hardly lacking any subject of meditation.
The stars of the dark night were glimmering radiantly as Meng Qi stood, his gaze far away. Shangguan Heng eyed Meng Qi suspiciously. "You are setting off again?"
"Something has come to me. I want to head for the nearest city as fast as I can," Meng Qi answered. Whisking his sleeves as he glided forward as if borne by the wind, and he was off.
His jaunty manner in which he spoke and took flight once again gave Shangguan Heng another rush of begrudging envy.
Dawn came, pale and clear. Meng Qi emerged from amongst the shadowy overcast of the mountain paths and walked through the gates of the nearest city. Determinedly, he headed straight towards the nearest bookstore.
"Shangguan," he asked his loathsome companion, "it has occurred to me that I have been in North Zhou Dynasty for quite some time. But why were you the sole contestant to challenge my skills?" Meng Qi's strides did not falter even as he talked.
Shangguan Heng had kept to his word. He had persistently followed in Meng Qi's wake, a mere paces behind Meng Qi now. Sourly he answered, "You defeated me with one single stroke. There would not be so many experts left who are confident to challenge you. It will be some time before others appear."
Shangguan Heng's prowess would have placed him just behind Cao Er, the Without Embroiling Earth Immortal in the Ranking List of Young Masters. His crushing defeat at Meng Qi's hands in a single stroke had scared off almost every aspiring contestants, even those who might have been marginally stronger than Shangguan Heng. Meng Qi's astounding coup de grace had elicited fear amongst the warriors of North Zhou Dynasty.
"I know," Meng Qi answered, "But what of the masters who covet my skills and Precious Weapons?" He strolled casually through the streets with his hands behind his back, his eyes darting around as he looked for a bookstore.
Shangguan Heng could not help but feel irked that he had become a simple footman for Meng Qi. Exasperated, he said, "You might have been a dishonorably expelled disciple of the Shaolin, but you have maintained close dealings with prominent martial sects and various members of the aristocracy. Despite the many encounters with death, you have endured as the second-best warrior in the Ranking List of Young Masters . One might wonder if there are strong invisible hands behind your ascent to greatness and fame; or perhaps you are a prodigy,blessed with ungodly talents and flair in the martial techniques. Your reputation precedes you so that none dare incur the wrath of the former and dispute the latter."
"Seasoned elders of the Exterior would customarily have had their own Precious Weapons forged long ago," Shangguan Heng continued, "Only fresh fighters whose footprints have barely been imprinted past the threshold of the Exterior would harbor such naive inclinations. Yet how many would have thought of this? Options and opportunities abound everywhere despite the peril that lurks."
Without the motive of incensed hatred or alluring gain, none would relish antagonizing a person who might be capable of amazing feats; one who has been ordained with both powerful invincibility and tremendous fortune.
Meng Qi grinned at his companion's remark, ending the conversation without a further word. He knew as well, that his unpredictable trail through the wilderness had deterred many budding challengers from seeking him out. The primary reason for his frivolous wanderings was to elude his pursuers from the Myths and the foul folk who harbored greivous intentions towards him.
He left the street and slipped into an alleyway. There, he found a bookstore where he purchased a good many Buddhist and Taoist scriptures and sutras after browsing extensively through the shelves.
"What in the world has possessed you?" asked Shangguan Heng incredulously.
Su Meng, the Killing Blade, was contemplating a change of heart and becoming a Taoist or a monk?
Without so much as a word, Meng Qi paid for the books. Past the doors of the bookstore, he found a corner where he sat and began to leaf through the pages of the books he bought. He would have been mistaken for a beggar if it were not for his clothing and impressive bearing.
The reference of the unbroken heritage from the long past in his debate with Shangguan Heng had inspired him. Knowledge and understanding of the Heaven and Earth was contained not only in the martial knowledge that has ancestral roots of old but also in the Buddhist sutras and Taoist scriptures. By getting rid of frivolous gossip, he would fully comprehend the Buddhist's and Taoist's outlook on the matter.
His mind whirred as the pages flew by. There Meng Qi sat, unmoving, for two days completely oblivious to the people and events that happened around him. The sudden transformation befuddled Shangguan Heng. "Has he gone completely mad and delusional?" he asked himself.
"Not to mention the countless throng of mythical aspects of the Buddhist lore; the Sun-Moon Division, the Six Heavens of Desires and the Brahmā worlds form the small Lokadhātu. One thousand small Lokadhātus added with the Ābhāsvara worlds form the small Chiliocosm. One thousand small Chiliocosms added with the Subhkrtsna worlds form the Dichiliocosm. One thousand Dichiliocosms, with the Brhatphala worlds and the Four Formless Spaces, constitute a Trichiliocosm. Three thousand Trichiliocosms create a Buddhist Realm, where Buddha is present. All forms of Buddha are but various different facets of Gautama, the Shakyamuni Buddha..." Meng Qi mumbled incoherently, without tearing his attention off the pages.
"Planets and stars gather to form a star system, and star systems gather to form galaxies, and the multitude of galaxies are collectively referred to as galaxy groups where they are dwarfed by the vast universe. In the early beginning, the universe was but a tiny speck. Indescribable, without an origin and without its end. These descriptions seem familiar..."
The similarities of the former were most recognizable to Meng Qi. It was systemic classification based on the accumulation of collective units. But the description of the Buddha and his present understanding of the primordial origin would require deeper thought.
"Still, discrepancies between the descriptions exist between the Buddhist and the Taoist accounts of events. There was the account of the primordial beginning, the reasonable doubt of the Buddha's irreverence to the Cause of All Karma, the creation of life, and the Buddhist nature that resides in all life – the sign of the Buddha..."
In the tumult of thoughts that cluttered his mind, a line from his memory surfaced:
"Watch not the boundless shifts in vain; Eternal immortality shall be yours to gain; Trust with no doubt that all are trivial; The wisdom of Buddha to accept the immaterial."
It was the final line in the Volume of the Enlightenment Stage of the Eight Nine Mysteries discipline. He had failed to comprehend the meaning of the words then. But the words made perfect sense to him now. The lines contained two messages, two separate teachings that would eventually manifest into two different techniques of the discipline, the Immortal Golden Body and the Golden Body of Bodhi.
Under the premise of the two distinctly divergent routes of understanding of one's self and the nature of Heaven and Earth, there would surely be more definite differences.
"The Hidden Latch indeed!"
Meng Qi has grasped a shred of insight during his training for Divine Nine Annihilation and the Five Thunder Bombardment disciplines. But, the lack of further knowledge had impeded any further deliberation, but also, the very nature of the vast world he lived in.
The discovery of greater wisdom brought joy and comfort to his heart. He abruptly broke out in laughter, dropping the book he held in his hands, oblivious of the judging eyes of the passersby and Shangguan Heng that bore down, seeing not just beggar, but an insane lunatic as well.
"You have finished?" Shangguan Heng asked, the edge of his lips twitching, "What have you discovered?"
For two days he had guarded Meng Qi from afar, perching in a quiet corner where he had meditated and regaled in passersby's curiosity of Meng Qi's beggar-like demeanor.
Meng Qi grinned delightedly as he replied, "Considerable insight. But I have another pressing matter to attend to. One that takes precedence over the truth of the Heaven and Earth."
"And what may it be?" asked Shangguan Heng curiously.
"My stomach. I am famished. I am already salivating hungrily at the prospect of good food," Meng Qi revealed happily. He rose from his seat and drifted unconcernedly to a restaurant, seeking food.
A clear expression of displeasure and distaste appeared on Shangguan Heng's face. In a low voice, he muttered,
"I know of a mystic. No, rather a demented maniac, who lives to ponder about the truth of the Heaven and Earth. But most dangerous and precarious is the site of his dwelling. Do you dare to come with me?"


I care not of my past and neither of my future.
Conquering all heroes and foes while looking with disdain at the horrors of the Samsara, I yearn only for a life of thrilling wonders!
History will repeat itself after many ages as the menace of the Great Calamity rises once more.
Which will rise with triumph in the face of adversity; the Golden Form of the Great Buddha or the invincible Heavenly Taoist Form?
Which will seize all glory amidst all struggles; The Buddha's Palms or the  Seven Strokes of Heaven's Interception?
From the sanctum of the Shaolin Temple, Meng Qi's adventures and struggles through the Samsara begin as we follow his climb to claim the title of "the Unrivaled and the Invincible One"!


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