Absolute Destiny Game

Xiao Jie listened, and his heart moved momentarily. For thousands of years, Immortals have not appeared in the Mortal World, which has always been a mystery with no one knowing the reason. Could it now finally be figured out by him?

Is there some taboo that makes Immortals unwilling to linger in the Mortal World?

"Why is this? Is there some kind of taboo?"

"Hahaha, taboo? Naturally not. We Immortals do not need to concern ourselves with the gaze of ordinary ants." The Immortal laughed loudly.

Beside him, Shen Jizi spoke calmly, "There is no taboo, but now the signs of the end times have appeared. Lingering too long in the Mortal World easily attracts karma, adding troubles. Of course, if something really happens, you need not fear, for we are here to support you."

Xiao Jie was greatly shocked—Shen Jizi also mentioned "the coming end of days"? Combined with what Lin Xuance just said, could this world truly be on the brink of destruction? So these Immortals hide here in seclusion for leisure?

But he quickly changed his mind: it's just a game, isn't world destruction typical? Otherwise, what are players saving? In games he's played before, hasn't every one included the revival of Demon Kings, the descent of Evil Gods, world danger? Such backgrounds are common. In other games, world destruction is often a plot gimmick, and players ultimately save the world. But in this "overly realistic" world, players only have one life; if a truly world-ending big demon appears, then…

He wanted to ask more about the root of this "end of times," but Shen Jizi already laughed while raising his cup, diverting the topic, while the Immortal beside him kept urging him to drink. Xiao Jie had no choice but to lift his cup and engage.

This Immortal Brew was extraordinary indeed; after a few sips, he felt pure Spiritual Energy melt within him, bringing comfort and refreshment throughout his whole body.

Xiao Jie had already transcended his mortal shell, and his body was built with pure Spiritual Energy. If it were ordinary food, it would have no effect, merely passing through his body.

Yet after just one sip, Spiritual Energy quickly filled his body, comparable to the efforts he used to painstakingly gather hundreds of points of Spiritual Energy in the past. Looking at the Jade Plate of rare delicacies on the table, exotic fruits and dishes, every one of them was Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures filled with Spiritual Energy, observed through Qi Observation Skill, each brimming with energy.

Xiao Jie immediately set aside his thoughts about information gathering, deciding to fill his stomach and enjoy himself first. Initially, he was a bit reserved, savoring slowly in small bites, but he quickly realized these Immortals paid no heed to worldly etiquette, indifferent to status, with no constraints on eating and drinking, so he too let loose and began to feast heartily.

The Immortal's body had its own universe, with Spiritual Energy circulating incessantly, restoring itself after consumption, yet directly absorbing external pure Spiritual Energy was always a pleasure. After indulging, he finally felt the long-lost satisfaction of being "full and content."

Xiao Jie thought that after the feast he could talk about the main matters, but unexpectedly, after the Immortals were full, they listened to celestial music, watched exquisite dances, and began a new round of idle chatter and leisure talk, showing no intention of ending the revelry.

Those who needed to drink continued drinking, those making poems continued composing, and there were three or two gathered, discussing mysteries and doctrines.

Even more so, some were inspired by drinking to casually manifest a bed of clouds and jade couches, lying down and sleeping; or called upon cloud mists to play chess, summoned spirit cranes to dance, or even used Divine Skills to transform landscapes into miniatures, effortlessly depicting nature's wonders within square inches, finding joy within it.

Later, one of the Immortals took the lead, and all Immortals sang together, indulging in carousing, with enchanting notes echoing around.

Xiao Jie was speechless for a moment; could these Immortals be planning to revel until the end of time?

Shen Jizi seemed to notice his thoughts, transmitting a message, "Sui Feng, do you have something you'd like to ask?"

"Indeed, I have some questions I'd like to inquire from the Daoist, but given the situation, it seems rather inconvenient."

"No matter, come with me."

The two men quietly left their seats and entered a tranquil secluded room next to the hall, isolating themselves completely from the commotion outside.

"What questions do you have, Daoist? Speak, there's no harm in asking. I will tell you what I know."

"Why is everyone… like this?" Xiao Jie thought carefully about his wording, "It seems too… casual."

"Hehe, you mean to say 'thoughtless and waiting for death,' right? No need to be subtle." Shen Jizi walked to the window, looking at the sea of clouds rolling outside, "We are, after all, individuals who inhabit this isolated world, those who choose to stay out of its affairs." He turned back, "Do you know why we reside here in the 'Mountain and Sea Painting Realm'?"

"Could it be because Gu Yun State is in trouble and no longer suitable to live in?" Xiao Jie, upon arriving, indeed witnessed several frightening corruptive scenes.

"That's right." Shen Jizi nodded, his tone solemn, "Eight thousand years ago, the Outer Heaven Demon invaded our world, and I led the Guang Gang of Immortals in a bloody battle for centuries. Although we eventually defeated their main forces, many Immortals fell; the foundation of the Immortal Realm was damaged, the rivers and mountains contaminated and eroded by Demonic Qi, leaving a barren landscape."

"Five thousand years ago, the barrier between The Peaceful Realms and the human world cracked, Ghost Gate opened, ghosts ran rampant. We remnant Immortals intervened again, but due to the great losses, were unable to completely eradicate the root of the Netherworld plague, only managing to seal cracks, plug holes, barely reversing the collapse, with a heavy price for saving the world."

"Three thousand years ago, a Demon Star fell, its sinister energy contaminated the earth and disrupted the minds of men and beasts. Since then, the Demon Race became violent and bloodthirsty, while the Human Clan also became plagued by Heart Demons, with treacherous beings emerging endlessly. Though we joined forces to shatter the Demon Star, the evil desires that infiltrated the bloodlines and marrow of all beings could not be cleansed."

"However, this is not the end." Shen Jizi sighed, "Based on our calculations, future calamities will only become more intense. With the strength of the remaining Immortals, it's no longer possible to protect this world indefinitely. This realm… will eventually face total collapse. So, why bother struggle laboriously? Why not find this pure land to live in leisure until the end arrives."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Jie finally understood why these Immortals were so peculiar. The feeling of indulgence and lassitude, after seeing through the final end and realizing the futility of resistance, was almost palpable.

"You are new to the Immortal Rank, presumably have not yet developed such a demoralized thought." Shen Jizi looked at him, his eyes cold but also understanding, "Only because you have not yet experienced the wear and despair from thousands of years of erosion. You must know, even the most tenacious spirit, facing a predestined defeat, experiencing thousands upon thousands of years of futile struggle and the repeated collapse of hope, will ultimately grow disheartened and abandon the cause."

"I don't intend to convince you otherwise. Keeping courage and hope is indeed a good thing. Seeing promising new members such as yourself gratifies me. You may do what you wish. Just remember, if you ever feel weary, tired, or disheartened, you can always return here. All Dao friends are here, the Door of Leisure, always open for you.

We gather here, waiting for the day when the universe collapses."

"Thank you, Daoist, for enlightening me." Xiao Jie respectfully cupped his hands, "Should that day truly come, I will come to reunite. As for now… I still have many unfinished affairs, and I'm afraid I cannot stay long. Moreover, there's indeed one thing I wish to request."

"Speak without reservation."

"I wish to study Immortal Magic. Having recently entered the Immortal Realm, my use of immortal power is still limited. Does this place have suitable Magic Skills for new Immortals to study?"

"Certainly." Shen Jizi smiled, "Magic Skills are simply the application of Five Elements Power, Yin Yang Principle, and nature's spiritual energy. They never stray from their roots. Once you comprehend their rules, Immortal Techniques and Demon Techniques, Divine Power and Ghost Curse, can be connected all the same. The Immortal body is close to the Dao, making controlling Heaven and Earth Primordial Qi twice as effective with half the effort. The Scripture Pavilion holds many Immortal Technique Daoist Collection left by Elder Gu Yun, feel free to visit and study."

Xiao Jie rejoiced at hearing this. It was like entering a treasure trove!

"As for other matters… you can discuss with Dangmo Real Man, Martial Arts Immortal, and Miao Fa Yuanjun."

"Oh? Where might these three Dao friends be now?"

"No need to seek them out, they will come to find you—" Shen Jizi glanced at the entry of the side hall, with a tone of serene foresight, "Look, here they come now."

Indeed, three Immortals arrived together, Lin Xuance, Martial Arts Immortal, and a Female Immortal with a mysterious aura wearing a Star Moon Daoist Robe. Seeing Shen Jizi, they paused slightly but did not stop.

Upon reaching them, the three bowed their heads together. Shen Jizi returned the gesture and said, "You can chat leisurely while I return to have a few more drinks." With that, he turned and gracefully departed.

"Sui Feng Daoist, we've been looking for you." Lin Xuance spoke first, his expression solemn.

"What do the three Daoists seek me for?"

The three exchanged glances, and eventually, Lin Xuance stepped forward, his gaze intense as he looked at Xiao Jie, solemnly saying, "Sui Feng Daoist, would you be interested in joining our 'Heaven Repair Alliance,' to undertake the grand task of saving this endangered world, bringing the heavens back from toppling?"