The question hung in the air like a dense mist, causing a moment of introspection. Dong Rui mulled over the complexities it presented. Some would claim the ultimate goal was longevity, others would seek power. Yet others might pursue revenge or protection for their loved ones. But, Dong Rui’s lips curled into a sneer as she dismissed these notions. Why should I care about their goals?
"The ultimate goal should be power and dominating everything," she voiced her thoughts aloud with a tone dripping with conviction. "Power grants the means to seek longevity, respect, and protection."
Liang, standing beside her, nodded inwardly in agreement. Indeed, power is paramount. The strong are righteous; the weak are sinners.
"That’s a fair answer," the woman nodded in approval, then shifted her gaze towards Liang. "What about you?"
"Me?" Liang’s lips curled into a sneer, his eyes reflecting a cold ruthlessness. "That’s a personal question; I have no obligation to answer it."
Oh? Dong Rui’s eyes flickered in astonishment. Does Liang not want the law crystal anymore?
The woman’s eyes narrowed slightly, her contemplative expression returning. After a moment’s thought, she nodded. "I can understand that. Shall we change the question?"
Liang shook his head, a calculating glint in his eyes. "How about I ask you one?"
The woman raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback but intrigued. "Ask me? What do you want to ask?"
Liang began to walk slowly toward the woman, his gaze never leaving hers. "Was it funny?"
Puzzlement flashed across her eyes, and for the first time, her serene facade cracked. "What do you mean?" she asked nervously, taking several steps back.
In the blink of an eye, Liang vanished. Both Dong Rui and the woman exclaimed in surprise, their eyes darting around to locate him. A second later, he appeared beside the throne, his presence imposing and undeniable.
The woman’s breath hitched as she saw him standing there, his aura radiating an intent that sent shivers down her spine.
"You!" The woman’s face darkened; she hadn’t expected this turn of events.
"Do you think I am easy to fool?" Liang chuckled, a silver sword materializing in his hand.
"Weren’t your cultivation powers sealed?" The woman took a deep breath, trying to steady her nerves.
Liang gave her a cold, piercing look before swinging his sword towards her.
"Young friend, please stop," a dignified yet gentle voice suddenly echoed through the chamber, causing Liang to halt immediately.
Seeing this, the woman let out a sigh of relief, though anger now filled her eyes. Liang snorted before seating himself on the throne. Instantly, the scene around them changed drastically, and they found themselves on a stage suspended in the sky. From this vantage point, they could see the entire maze, including the other participants.
"Brother Liang, what just happened?" Dong Rui asked, taking a deep breath and struggling to comprehend the rapid series of events.
Liang was about to respond when his eyes suddenly widened. At the center of the maze, two women appeared. One of them took out a special gray queen chess piece and placed it at the center of a slightly elevated stone platform. Instantly, both women disappeared.
"It appears that someone beat us to it," Liang said calmly.
"Wait," another voice interjected. It was the woman who had been in the chamber with them. "You have passed the final round. You are free to choose any participant to challenge."
Liang shook his head. "There’s no need for that. We are going to the Origin Square directly." He then looked at Dong Rui. "Surely, you aren’t interested in the third reward, right?"
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Dong Rui shook her head slowly, a distant look in her eyes. "It’s better to aim for the second."
The woman nodded and waved her hand, and instantly, the stage they were on began to move toward the center of the maze. Within seconds, the surroundings blurred and shifted, and they found themselves deep within the maze.
Liang and Dong Rui exchanged a glance before stepping off the stage.
"Wait," the woman suddenly spoke, her voice slicing through the stillness with icy precision. "I won’t forget that."
Liang cast her a fleeting glance, his eyes betraying a flicker of annoyance, before he turned away, his expression hardening into indifference.
As they disembarked, the stage alongside the enigmatic woman faded into thin air, leaving no trace of their fleeting presence.
"Can you finally explain?" Dong Rui’s voice was fraught with impatience, unable to wait any longer for answers.
Liang rolled his eyes, feeling the weight of her incessant questions. "Do I have to?" He let out a long sigh before continuing, "The law crystal isn’t what you think."
"How so?" Dong Rui frowned slightly, her brows furrowing in confusion. Up until now, she still retained all the comprehension she had acquired.
Liang paused, considering just how much to reveal. Feeling slightly generous, he decided to help her out, if only to free himself from her relentless queries. "In your point of view, what is the essence?"
Dong Rui remained silent for a while, contemplating the question deeply. Finally, she spoke, her tone thoughtful. "It’s the comprehension over the path."
Liang nodded, a small smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "What if you comprehend fragments of an essence from another path?"
Dong Rui’s eyes suddenly widened with realization. "You mean that…"
"Indeed," Liang affirmed, his voice gaining an edge of seriousness. "These law crystals contain the essence of different paths. While they’re not without benefits, they won’t improve your own essence or allow you to comprehend a new one."
"They’re useless," Dong Rui said gloomily, her shoulders sagging under the weight of disappointment.
Liang’s eyes flickered. There was another thing he hadn’t told her about. Those crystals were indeed useless in most people’s hands but…
Dong Rui’s abrupt voice interrupted his thoughts. "But how did you find out that fast?"
"I read a lot," Liang said plainly, his tone devoid of emotion, before he turned and headed towards the stone platform.
Dong Rui watched him go, her mind churning with thoughts and doubts. She smiled bitterly, feeling a sting of inadequacy. With a resigned sigh, she took out her white queen piece and placed it on the stone platform, the clink echoing softly in the vast space.