Demon Immortal



Just as Duncan was fighting with the group of young talents from various sects, a flying boat was approaching the Dragon Scale continent from the Central Continent.

Xing Siukong stood in the front and watched the passing scenery below with a thoughtful look on his face. It had been several years since he returned to his homeland. In these years, a lot of things have changed. 

Among them, the most important thing was his desire to inherit the throne of the Star Empire. He once dreamt of inheriting the Star Empire from his father. Making it flourish and subdue every power in the surroundings to reign supreme. 

Now, his thoughts were no longer on the imperial throne. 

Once upon a time, imperial power looked majestic and absolute in his eyes. As the first prince, he had enjoyed the power and status that came with being the imperial clan of an empire. To say the least, he liked wielding such power.

Then, his master had come across him and had offered to take him in as his disciple. While he was initially reluctant to give away the power he had enjoyed so far, his father had persuaded him to accept the offer and become his master's disciple.

Looking back, Sing Xiukong had long realized that imperial power wasn't the most powerful thing in this world. He was also certain that his father had seen through that as well unlike his youngest brother, who still yearned to inherit the throne. 

It was because of this that his father had persuaded him to become his master's disciple. At that time, Xing Siukong didn't even know his master's cultivation level or status in the cultivation world. He accepted just because his father asked him to accept.

Now, he was glad he had accepted the offer at that time.

His mindset had been changed a lot after his discipleship began. After learning about his master's status in the cultivation world and his level, he couldn't help but thank heavens that he hadn't been blind and rejected such an offer. 

In the end, under his master's tutelage, he had grown to become one of the great talents of the younger generation in this world. Very few across the five continents in this world could stand toe to toe with him at his level. 

"Kong-er, you look to be in deep thought," his master's words made Xing Siukong turn around.

"It has been a while since I came back to my homeland, master. My mind is occupied with how far I have grown since I stepped out of Dragon Scale Continent," Xing Siukong replied respectfully.

"Retrospection is important for a cultivator. Only when we know who we are can we break through to higher realms with ease. Only those who know themselves can stand a chance at attaining dao," Xing Siukong's master said amicably and smiled.

Xing Siukong dutifully listened.

"Have you ever wondered why I never allowed you to step into the Spirit Severance stage? After all, you have already reached the peak of the Nascent Soul realm for several years now," Xing Siukong's master asked looking at him.

"I have sometimes wondered master. But, I know that there must be a reason for it," Xing Siukong replied truthfully.

"If you had told me that you hadn't thought about it, I would have known that you lied. After all, all those people whom you trampled upon in the early days are already catching up to you. It is in human nature to seek progress. However, a smart person will know when to progress and when to stay still."

"What do you know about the world we live in, Kong-er?"

"The world we live in is a middle thousand world, master. It contains five continents and is one of the few middle thousand worlds that doesn't have a small world under its command."

"So, you have been curious about it as well, huh? Well, I think it is time for me to tell you some secrets about this world," Xing Siukong's master let out a soft breath and looked ahead into the clouds.

"The middle thousand worlds are collectively known as Middle Heavens in the cultivation world. Unlike a small world or a plane, the heavenly laws in the middle thousand worlds are relatively complete. That's why Ascendant Beings are able to roam in this world."

"The universe we live in is divided into several levels depending upon the level of heavenly laws present in them. I am sure you know about this by now. The universe we live in doesn't have just one or two worlds in it. There are countless worlds at various levels and innumerable planar worlds in it. There are also dead worlds, stars, and the void that encompasses everything in it."

"The lowest level of a world that could be sustained inside the universe is called the planar world. A planar world doesn't even have a fully formed heavenly law governing them. A world like that can at most house Foundational Cultivators among them. A Transformational Expert will automatically be rejected from these worlds."

"Then, there is the small world. Here the highest realm of cultivation that the world could sustain is the Nascent Soul realm. The realm you are in now. If you go to a small world now, you can be the king of that world. But, you will never be able to progress further by staying in such a world. Do you know why?"

"The heavenly laws in a small world are relatively incomplete, master. For a Nascent Soul cultivator to become an Ascendant Being, he must grasp the power of laws," Xing Siukong answered promptly.

"You are right, and you are also wrong. It is not just about the understanding of laws. The amount of spirit qi a world could sustain is also a factor in it. In a small world, once a cultivator enters the Nascent Soul realm, their cultivation speed will be drastically reduced." 

"Even if they have an outstanding understanding of laws, they will never progress faster. Because the spirit qi in that world will be lacking for him to practice," Xing Siukong's master patted him on the shoulder and looked at him seriously. "The world will never allow one person to monopolize everything. The heavenly dao of the world is a consciousness that is inclusive of everything. It will never allow one entity to monopolize its resources."

"You must understand this point very clearly. If you don't, you will always be ignorant of the rules that govern this world or any other world. The Heavenly Dao is not kind or righteous. It is something that is impartial to all."

"But master, then what about merits and sins? If the Heavenly Dao is inclusive of everyone, why does it punish evil cultivators while they try to break through?"

Xing Siukong's master didn't answer him immediately. He smiled at Xing Siukong and nodded appreciatively.

"Good, you are able to see the crux of the issue quickly. There are reasons and explanations for everything. It will be your journey to figure it out. I can only show you the door by asking you the proper questions. It is your journey to explore and find your answers."

Xing Siukong stood there dazed a little, unable to form a reply. Seeing his state, his master chuckled. 

"Have you ever wondered why even the most benevolent master doesn't give all the answers to his disciples? After all, it will be easier to transmit all their understanding and knowledge directly into their disciples' minds. They certainly have the power to accomplish that. So, why do they ask questions and point out the direction of the answers?"

Xing Siukong shook his head.

"It is simple. Everyone is different. The same event can always be interpreted in multiple ways. How a person perceives something and what he understands from it is all related to their own mind. As masters, we can only direct you to ask the right questions."

"What you understand and figure out will always be different from us. Imparting wisdom directly will even become a hindrance to a disciple's cultivation. That's why most masters avoid it," Xing Siukong's master smiled and shook his head. 

"I understand, master," Xing Siukong said respectfully.

His master looked at him scrutinizingly and laughed loudly.

"No, you don't. But, you will one day."

Xing Siukong could only sheepishly nod seeing that his master has seen through him.

"The Grand Event that will happen in seven years is a very important turning point in your cultivation. To obtain the greatest benefit from it, you will need to be in the Nascent Soul realm. Do not be hasty. Don't be discouraged by your peers walking past you. Don't be frustrated with those who you looked down upon catching up to you. Be patient, and concentrate on polishing your cultivation to the utmost. Your master has your best interests at heart."

Xing Siukong didn't know how to reply. Was he frustrated and angry that those he had left behind were catching up to him? Yes. Was he indignant that a few of his peers were striding past him? Absolutely yes. 

But, his master had always had the best interests towards him. The reason that he had become a veritable powerhouse right now was due to his master's tutelage. So, he could only grit his teeth and endure.

Now, his master had broken this topic. He wanted to ask the reason behind his master's order. But, looking at his master's face, it was clear that it wouldn't be revealed to him yet. So, he could only sullenly nod.

"Ah, little kid, I can see that you are dissatisfied with the lack of information. But, I dare not violate this. Even for me, the consequences will be disastrous. So, be patient. Haven't you noticed that all your true competitors have not broken through to the next level just like you?"

Xing Siukong had indeed noticed it. That was one of the things that had kept him from becoming completely frustrated.

"If I know those old coots well, then they would have advised their disciples just like I did to you. Everything will be revealed in time. Be patient. Now, what we need to focus on is the Heavenly Demon Sect and their actions recently. Something tells me that things aren't as simple as they seem."

"What do you mean master?"

"This matter travels back to the founder of the Heavenly Demon Sect. To tell you the truth, he wasn't someone who was born in this world. His background isn't simple at all. He came to this world with a particular mission from the Upper Heavens!"

"What!!!?"

"You are confused why the Upper Heavens would be interested in our world eh?" Xing Siukong's master shot a sideways look at him. "Our world might not have a small world under it. But, we are one of the most important Middle Heaven worlds in the universe. This relates to… eh!"

Xing Siukong's master stopped speaking suddenly and squinted into the distance. Soon, his face became serious and he watched the sky in front of him with a wary expression on his face.

*****

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