Chapter 1870: Death’s Disgust
Wang Wei exhaled deeply, refocusing his mind and letting go of all his negative emotions. His eyes cleared, burning brighter with the light of wisdom and the enhanced desire to achieve his ultimate goal of freedom. His Dao Heart was polished, reinforcing his foundation for the upcoming sanctification. Turning to face the Erudite Duchess, Wang Wei asked. "Any chance you detected where the Heaven Cardinal is heading?"
The duchess shook her head, "He ran so fast that I didn’t even expect it. Plus, all my attention was focused on the underworld."
"What about what he’s up to?"
"Sorry."
Wang Wei frowned, "You mentioned the Highest Firmament. Does this world have one?"
"Yes. It’s where we first encountered Suiji and interrupted her cultivation retreat," The Erudite Duchess replied before suddenly remembering something," You think that’s his objective?"
"This timeline is sealed, and there are limited places that he could use to hide or be of interest to him," Wang Wei nodded. "The Hall of Records would be the thing he most desires, but that’s not available. Grand Dao did not summon him to the Prime Source, which leaves the remaining six Grand Constructs and the Highest Firmament."
"Now you put it that way, his target might indeed be the firmament, most likely this timeline’s branch of Grand Dao," the Erudite Duchess remarked. "But, what’s his objective?"
"All beings — even the cardinals — have desire. What do you think someone like him wants most in life?"
"Power and freedom," the duchess immediately replied. For most ignorant cultivators, the Cardinals are powerful and respected beings — even taboos. But those who know the inside story understand that these six individuals are nothing but Grand Dao’s well-trained guard dogs. While they had the strength of powerhouses, they lacked the freedom and dignity of one.
So, while most people will rush at the chance of becoming a cardinal — after all, becoming a Saint was not easy, let alone a Tribunal Lord — but after a long period at that position, most people will become disheartened. With all the challenging missions, having to always act subservient, and the constant derision from other cultivators, it’s hard not to want to escape.
Wang Wei suddenly chuckled," First, the Fate Cardinal revolted, and now, the Heaven Cardinal follows. Grand Dao should really take some lessons on how to manage its subordinates."
"The Fate Cardinal revolted?"
Wang Wei smiled, but did not elaborate any further.
"So, the rumors about a secret selection of a cardinal were true," the Erudite Duchess murmured. Her eyes suddenly lit up, "Can you tell me more?"
"Let’s stay focused, shall we?"
"Oh, yes. Do you think I should keep an eye on the Highest Firmament? Maybe even interrupt the Heaven Cardinal?"
"As much as I would love to make these cardinals suffer, we need to focus on our task," Wang Wei insisted. Now was not the time to allow his petty grudges to get in the way. "As long as our plan succeeds, we have a high chance of surviving the chaos."
As much as Wang Wei didn’t like or want to rely on others for his safety, in the current situation, he had no choice. Without powerful allies, his chances of surviving this ordeal are slim. Although he has prepared in case the Erudite Duchess betrays him, the cost of using any alternative plan other than hers is astronomical, and their chances of success are too low.
"Priorities — I understand," the duchess nodded. The two talked for a few more minutes, settling the minor details. Then, with a flicker of her hands, the duchess summoned and put on a black cloak — which was another second-step True Saint Artifact — before disappearing from the room.
Wang Wei watched the spot disappear for a few seconds before proceeding with their plan. A talisman flew from the tips of his fingers and flew into the void, bringing with it a summon/invitation. Ten minutes later, the void tore apart, and a beautiful woman walked out from the portal.
"I’m glad you’re alive," Wang Wei smiled.
"And so am I," Xu Shi sighed. Her life has not been easy in the past few years. If not for Wang Wei’s help, she would have died in that stupid trial, just like her avatar. And even surviving that ordeal, she was almost left behind. If not for Siwangji’s reminder to return to base as soon as possible, she might have missed the return window when the Trinity Venerable teleported everybody back to the base.
"It’s always good to be alive," Wang Wei nodded. "But, what took you so long?" She only needed a few seconds to receive and activate the talisman to teleport here.
"I was under surveillance."
Wang Wei frowned, "By whom?"
"I don’t know who is behind it, but more than one Saint has been keeping eyes on me ever since I talked to you before the expedition’s departure."
"Does someone want to harm you because of our relationship?"
"It could be because of you, but it may also be because of Fan’er or my teacher," Xu Shi replied with a wry smile. Once again, her life was dictated by the man in it, and Xu Shi could only blame her accursed fate.
"I’m sorry."
"You have nothing to apologize for; this is just my fate."
"It’s only your fate because you accept it," Wang Wei expressed.
"And what do you expect me to do? Break off with my husband? Cut off the relationship with my master? Or shun one of the few people who have treated me with some level of sincerity?"
"You need to be more selfish — live for yourself more," Wang Wei replied. "Try to forge your own unique destiny — a destiny in which when someone is surveilling you, it’s not because of anyone else, but because you are the main character. A destiny strong enough that it is not affected by any outside influence."
"My own unique destiny," Xu Shi muttered. Her husband was deeply connected to the Chaos Demon God, while her teacher had the Destiny of the New Age and the Destiny of the Literary Way. As for Wang Wei? Well, he’s the most unique of them all.
"But what about me?" Xu Shi thought. Suddenly, all her childhood memories flashed through her mind, and, without realizing it, Xu Shi closed her eyes and sat in the lotus position. A few seconds afterward, a white light shot from her body, condensing into a woman dressed in all black.
"Thank you."
"Why are you thanking me?"
"That poor child deserves better," Siwangji sighed. "I’ve tried talking to her, but it seems these words meant more coming from you."
"No need to thank me. Xu Shi is one of the few non-family members that I consider a friend," Wang Wei calmly stated. His relationship with the members of his generation is complicated. They are competitors, meaning they would not hesitate to kill and scheme against each other, given the situation. But, underneath that fierce rivalry, there exists a hidden appreciation for another.
This appreciation formed the basis of Wang Wei’s acquaintance with these people, and among them, Xu Shi is the one he appreciates most. Maybe because she’s the one who can bend and stretch the best among her peers, or maybe because they had spent a lot of time together in the lower dimension, regardless, she’s the only one he considers a friend.
"You should understand why I wanted to talk to you," Wang Wei began.
"The world is in chaos, especially the Six Paths Samsara, which was probably your work. And you probably want my help to deal with those disgusting death worshippers," Siwangji calmly explained. "But, I don’t want to get involved."
"Why not?" Wang Wei asked, his frown deepened. For a moment, he thought this woman wanted to bargain with him; he thought she wanted to ask a high price for her help.
"I found the entire situation disturbing and distasteful," Siwangji explained. "Whether it’s how Mother used an entire timeline to scheme against you and Brother Pangu; whether it was your actions to summon a taboo, resulting in the entire timeline being wiped out; whether it’s those death worshippers’ actions — it’s all disgusting."
Siwangji’s face was calm, with a hidden coldness and indifference laced with immense disgust, "Death is supposed to be a beautiful but peaceful thing. While most sentient creatures fear its grasp, death is a natural process of life — a milestone that everybody must eventually experience.
"But, all of you have corrupted such a beautiful thing and weaponized it. You took something sacred and treated it as a means of terror and savagery. You rob others of an essential aspect of their life. The disgust I have for you, Mother, and the Death Worshippers is beyond what words can describe."
Wang Wei groaned softly while massaging his temple, "I don’t have the time, nor do I feel the need to explain my actions to you. Are you going to help or not?"
Siwangji glanced at him, "On account of your help to Xu Shi, I’ll give you an opportunity. So, convince me — give me a reason to help you."
"I’ll give you two."
