I don't know how long I stayed like that. The death I so despaired wouldn't come. Gnashing my teeth at Hades, I could do nothing but bemoan my predicament and curse my own foolishness. I wallowed in self-deprecation for who knows how long.

The isolation of my environment didn't do much for my mental condition either. If it wasn't for my [Zen] skill my mind would have surely broken at the prolonged emptiness. What [Zen] didn't do was protect me from my own emotions. I was stuck in a state of depression and self-loathing.

With my dulled senses, I could barely feel myself suddenly being pulled through the void of emptiness before coming across a slight rift. The space distortion rippled and I didn't even have time to think as I was sucked into it.

A meadow greeted me after I adjusted my senses. Birds were chirping and the sun shone down, making me feel a gentle warmth. Occasionally a slight breeze would cause the plants to shimmer like the sea. I remembered that I didn't have a physical body but somehow I did now. Smiling at the sensation of feeling my own limbs, I began slowly walking and eventually came across a tree.

I could immediately tell this was easily the largest tree I had ever seen. It was an immense ash tree that stood over the world. The branches extended into the heavens and honey-colored dew slid off its leaves in torrents. As I marveled at the sheer size of the tree, I looked closer and noticed I wasn't alone.

A lone old man was sitting with his back against the trunk. By his side, was a small serpent that lovingly rested on his lap. The old man's long white beard sparkled with the occasional rays of sunshine that penetrated the thick canopy of leaves ahead. Without a word, the old man looked up at me and smiled. In a deep voice, radiating power and wisdom, he spoke.

"I've expected you."

This old man was definitely a god. My divine senses were telling me that much. I also felt the irresistible urge to kneel. This was no ordinary god! I was attempting to appraise him as he only raised his eyebrows.

Chuckling slightly, he gently lifted the serpent off his lap. My concentration was broken as I saw the serpent growing at an impossible rate. It became so long it could easily stretch around the tree's trunk with ease. Opening its mouth, I could see teeth that were the size of mountains as it let out a breath of frosty air. Its beady eyes narrowed at me as it looked toward the old man. It almost felt as if it was asking 'Can I eat him?'

I could only stand petrified at the giant beast as the old man began to laugh. Turning to me, he spoke again.

"You must be quite foolish or brave to remain standing before your Creator."

I quickly knelt in reverence. I could feel mirth in his voice, but I had a feeling that I would be devoured should I not show any respect. Seeing this, the man let out a mighty roar in laughter and beckoned for me to raise my head.

"There's no reason to feel so guarded! After all, if I wanted you dead we wouldn't be talking right now."

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I shivered. I knew from the power he radiated that it was no bluff. If he really wanted to kill me, I would be dead before even getting the chance to plea for mercy.

"Now, this is no place for a conversation between gentlemen. We need a change in scenery!"

At his words, the tree and snake suddenly disappeared and I found myself sitting on an elegant chair inside a large gazebo. Surrounding us were rows of carefully maintained flowers and bushes. On the ground was a basket full of pruned branches and a large pair of gardening shears.

Looking in front of me, I saw an exquisite wooden table with a cup of liquid that had slight steam rising from it.

I grabbed the cup and brought it to my lips. As I took a drink, he looked at me expectantly.

My eyes widened as I tasted it. The drink was warm but also bitter. Meeting this man had made me forget what happened before. Overwhelmed by his aura, I could only think of the present. But this drink reminded me of my selfishness and depression. Not only had I given up, I had shown such a pathetic and humiliating display. Instead of just moping like a bitch, I should have focused on what really mattered and done whatever I could to escape or at the least strengthen myself.

The old man's eyes sparkled as he saw a look of realization come across my face.

"So, how was it? I've spent two millennium perfecting my brew."

I had broken free of my depression. For the first time since meeting Hades, I felt determined. I grinned and spoke for the first time in his presence.

"Very good, sir. I feel a lot better now."

"Now, my brew isn't what I wanted to talk to you about."

I nod.

"Yes sir, I assumed as much. I also had several questions if you didn't mind."

"Go on. You may go first since we have all the time in the universe."

Taking a deep breath, I look him in the eyes and ask.

"Please tell me how to become stronger."

Laughing lightly, he shakes his head.

"That's a question I should've expected from someone with your soul. And here I thought you would have asked something like 'Are you God?' or 'Am I dead?'"

"Those are among my other questions, but this one's the most important one for me."

"It's a good thing I came prepared! Don't worry, you'll be able to personally train very soon with an extremely capable teacher. As for your other questions, I can read your soul so there's no need to ask them. Yes, I am God. No, you're not dead. No time has passed in your world, as far as we're concerned, you're still lying on the floor of Hades' throne room. No, I'm not doing this out of obligation or with any strings attached. I just want to help you because you reminded me of someone I greatly miss. Or we can chalk it off to that thing you called 'plot armor' back in your old world."

Okay. It's kind of freaky knowing this guy just pulled my questions directly from my soul, but I frown at his last words. He suddenly became solemn and a dark look passed his eyes.

The look quickly passed and he visibly cheered up.

"That settles all the questions I could read! Hey! You can come out now!"

He gestures at someone beyond my eyesight and I hear a sigh.

"Haaiz. What'd ya call this old monkey for now. Like I said, it'll take ya another millennium to beat me at mahjong."

I can't see the speaker, but the old man only chuckles while pointing at me.

"While I wouldn't mind another bout, I would appreciate it if you took the time to train this young man."

"Tch. I'm guessing you ain't letting me say no so I might as well at least see him."

The voice's speaker finally comes into sight and I look at him in surprise.

With a frown on his face, a rough-looking monkey wearing a monk's yellow clothes and shorts made of the skin of a tiger appears. A long needle-shaped object is tucked behind his ear.

A delighted look on his face, the old man turns back to me and proudly announces the newcomer.

"This will be your teacher! The Monkey King of the East, Sun Wukong!"