Titan From The Old Change

Heian Ciemnosc looked at the thing behind him, ignoring the one before him, turning around and frowning at the overly large kid. He lifted his right arm and pointed at the kid, “What the hell were you doing touching me? Now, get out of here before I decide to devour your petty existence.”

“…?” The kid ghost was left aghast as it looked at Heian Ciemnosc. When it wanted to open its maws and bite Heian Ciemnosc’s face, Dark Energy exploded on its face from Heian Ciemnosc’s right-handed fingers snapping at its face. Then, the kid fell to the ground with its bum as the thing behind Heian Ciemnosc continued aimlessly staring.

“Piss off, I said,” Heian Ciemnosc looked down at the kid and repeated. His countenance wasn’t the same as before as he looked at the kid, who finally realized. Just then, the kid seemed to receive some kind of message as its face eased. It stood up with its slouched shoulders, hung head, and walked away under Heian Ciemnosc’s sight.

Heian Ciemnosc didn’t need to look backwards to know the other ghost was also gone. He crossed his arms before his chest as his surroundings became colored. Light returned to the place, and like painting coming down the walls like water down a window, the previous scenery returned. Tree interior and a warm, illuminated chamber several hundred meters large without a specific shape welcomed Heian Ciemnosc.

“It’s time you treat me as a guest. Get out and present yourself!” Said Heian Ciemnosc with his arms still crossed. A smooth sound of something gargantuan and heavy moving through the soft dirt and sand beneath Heian Ciemnosc’s feet sounded from behind him.

Turning around, he watched a tree face ‘sliding’ towards him in a simulated walking fashion. Heian Ciemnosc’s darkest eyes narrowed slightly, becoming lazy instead of surprised or annoyed. After all, how many Ents has he seen since he started exploring other Kingdoms?

This tree face was the most alive he had ever seen, and it wore a worried, apologetic, oldish expression as it neared Heian Ciemnosc. Heian Ciemnosc wasn’t lighthearted with it and berated as soon as the fella came closer, “Many of your cousins didn’t even bother hiding from me. Let alone testing. Now, you not only didn’t prepare gifts, but you’ve made my skin bleed.”

“I’m sorry, Father… I wasn’t sure, I…” The tree opened its lips. They cracked as they moved, thin and ancient as its eyes remained closed, or infinitely narrowed. Heian Ciemnosc flung his right palm forth, stopping the tree from continuing, and said in a calm manner. “Enough. If I wanted something from you, I wouldn’t have come. Your people reappeared and evolved thanks to Her. Otherwise, you would’ve still been tree people and not the wise, nearly infinite Ents of today.”

“Yes, yes Father…” The old, imposing tree face nodded, causing a lot of dust to fall from the ceiling. Its tone a little lighter than necessary. Heian Ciemnosc nodded and kept his arms crossed before tilting his head to the right. “Well, what is your problem?”

“Father, I was initially failing becoming a Spirit, when I decided…” The tree face commenced, but Heian Ciemnosc was already facepalming his forehead with eyebrows arched upwards. The tree face hesitated before meekly and fearfully continuing, “Then, I remembered I could attempt becoming a… ghost… instead. I rapidly imploded my body, keeping my nucleus and sap close to my roots. I wanted to try it again after I had gained enough nature’s will to change my fate.”

“… Alright… From whom did those stupid teachings come?” Heian Ciemnosc silently looked up at the tree face and spoke a word before stopping. Then, his arms relaxed as he softly questioned. The tree face felt as if the determination he lacked to recognize his error was granted to it. It meekly whispered, as if not wanting to be heard. “The… Great Sage… taught the Green Juice Galaxy back then to all Ents in the Galaxy… As a gift for remaining strong…”

“Nice, so you married a young beauty. Prepared her and trained her as a sex addict, and then placed her in a lonely room with a great bed for hundreds of years, waiting for the first person to come in to jump at them.” Heian Ciemnosc ruthlessly spoke without breaking eye contact with the tree face.

The tree face would’ve been pale if it had skin and blood, but now, only its face cracked. However, just like its lips, the cracks weren’t permanent, although they did seem harmful and fearsome, albeit not real.

“Huu… haa.” Heian Ciemnosc slightly shook his head and crossed his arms again. He walked to the tree face before placing his left palm on its bark, below the right corner of its mouth. “You were so idiotic. Is becoming a Spirit something anyone can discern will fail or succeed? That bastardly child wasn’t even a Lord, but you ate his words like a dog licking its master’s toes?”

“No, shut it. You’ve spoken enough,” Heian Ciemnosc shook his head while looking up, stopping the tree face from throwing a mini-tantrum. He looked up at one of its eyes and said, “If you could tell whether you’ll fail becoming a Spirit or not, would everyone who chose to go through that path have either died or succeeded?”

“It doesn’t matter now. You’ve done what it’s done. Your cousins haven’t gone through such an event yet, you were the best among them, now you will be the one to warn them. I have no time nor responsibility for all of your stupidity.” Heian Ciemnosc said, letting go of the tree as he calmly stared up.

“What… should I do…?” The tree face asked, arching its tree face body forwards as its nose and philtrum sunk inwards. Heian Ciemnosc tilted his head to the right, letting it hang a little, and said, “Let it go. You’ve failed. That’s that. Die now. Then, when you can try again, live and never die. With this, you’ll show the others what happened to you. It’s time.”

“…” The tree face’s narrowed-closed eyes stared at Heian Ciemnosc for a minute before its lips closed and opened as if it continuously gulped saliva. Then, it spoke in a slightly tired, enlightened tone, “I see now.”

… A few minutes later, Heian Ciemnosc flew out of the ground and soared into the sky, intending to return to the Small City. However, when he came out, he witnessed the sight of the couple from before bathing in golden flames, coming off from the previously brown-honeyed seeds of the pink bonsai tree. It was burning in red and golden flames now, which spread to the couple.

However, they weren’t harmed. Instead, it seemed as if whatever happened to the tree benefited them, as their blood was enhanced and became intricate. A wisp of nature blessed their blood.

***

3 weeks later. It had been a month and 3 weeks since Heian Ciemnosc appeared near the Kuro Kingdom space territory.

Now, he was back there again. After taking a large vessel, Heian Ciemnosc spent his day silently meditating. He simply closed his eyes and sat cross-legged in his seat. Ignoring the lonely granny and a group of youngsters coming out of their Kingdom homes to have fun.

Returning to the Kuro Kingdom, Heian Ciemnosc was stared at by the many maids walking by their masters’ sides. Those with male masters seemed more tranquil to stare at him and blush, with some even pulling their masters’ sleeves before pointing at the pale, handsome fella with Second Step cultivation base. Heian Ciemnosc refused who knew how many offers, leaving many maids saddened.

The festivities were still ongoing. But this time, everyone was allowed between the Cherry Spirit Floas. Heian Ciemnosc walked among the crowd, watching them carefully and solemnly grab their leaves under the Snow Foxes’ vigilance by each tree. Finally, he arrived at the clearing from before, where more than 2 people were seated around a table.

The situation seemed tense. Furthermore, it seemed like the 2 newcomers didn’t arrive long ago, but a day or 2 before Heian Ciemnosc presented himself. When he walked in, Xue Moli was the first to look at him. This action was followed by the young man of the 2 newcomers, sitting on Lamidas Toreon’s right, at the side Heian Ciemnosc sat around before, and with a Snow Fox beauty on his right.

“Black monster, it seems you’ve returned. What are the results?” Xue Moli directly asked. As an existence, her Spirit Sense could be considered on par with Heian Ciemnosc’s. Hence, since Heian Ciemnosc returned but the Palpitating Memory Middle Kingdom hasn’t shown signs of becoming a Spirit, she wanted answers.

Her attitude seemed bothered and was more indifferent than before. The situation today clearly made her like this. Heian Ciemnosc walked forth as the Snow Fox young beauty looked up, too. Her eyes widened before she exchanged a glance with the young man sitting on her left.

These 2 were also existences. How could they not know who flew behind them before the pink bonsai tree suddenly burnt up in flames? However, being in the situation that they were, they remained seated and quiet. But their reactions didn’t go unnoticed.

“It was fine,” Heian Ciemnosc casually said. He walked to the table, stood on Xue Moli’s right, at the center of the table’s empty side, and took his dark coat off. He slightly nodded at the 2 youngest existences before facing the Celestial. “I did what could be done. There was no more Spirit. Only a ghost. I had it go away. From now on, the Palpitating Memory Kingdom won’t be haunted by it and can continue progressing. It might even turn into a Supreme Kingdom in 100,000 years.”

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“… While such knowledge is alarmingly… good. I meant to ask; why is there no more Spirit fluctuations?” Xue Moli’s face was surprised, but she still showed dissatisfaction and questioned with a light frown. Lamidas Toreon suddenly laughed and stood up for a moment, warmly laughing, “Hahaha. The boy just made your Dynasty a favor. Let him finish first.”

“…” Heian Ciemnosc’s left eyebrow arched upwards as he felt the bulky man’s left hand tap his back to encourage him. It didn’t carry more than 250,000 kg of bodily strength, and had no other power source behind it. Xue Moli’s eyes stared at Lamidas, but he calmly sat back down on his chair like nothing happened.

“…” Xue Moli stared at Heian Ciemnosc, equally gesturing him to go on. Heian Ciemnosc enjoyed her beautiful countenance for a few seconds before tilting his head to the left and calmly saying, “The Great Sage didn’t just hole himself up and waited for his sudden death. Has he ever given teachings to Universes? I’m afraid his words carried more value than true, at that time…”

Heian Ciemnosc began showing his expertise in Kingdoms and truths of the world as he amazed all 4 existences as a mere God. Even Xue Moli, who was the most knowledgeable here while Lamidas Toreon would be the strongest, kept her eyes wide open and stared at Heian Ciemnosc, seeing her late teacher’s image in him.

Lamidas Toreon constantly stared at her, becoming more speechless as she didn’t part her eyes from the overly pale, impossible handsome young man. Was this the desire for fresher blood? Either way, he was also engrossed in Heian Ciemnosc’s words as the latter spent 10 minutes speaking, deciphering the Great Sage’s actions which not even they could have dealt with before, even when joining hands.

“Heheh.” As soon as Heian Ciemnosc finished, a quietness remained for 2 seconds before Xue Moli broke it. Her chuckling sounded like bells, and she even bent her back a little as her eyes sweetly narrowed. Then, she grabbed Heian Ciemnosc’s left wrist with her index, middle fingers, and thumb before saying with a wide smile. “Now that I think about it, the knowledge of Kingdoms and Spirits is lesser to anything else.”

“Even though, according to legend, they were only second to the Elements.” Xue Moli looked at the others and her gaze landed on Lamidas Toreon a couple of seconds before staring at the young couple. “Is there something you’d like to ask?”

“Mister black monster,” the young man stood up and bowed slightly at Heian Ciemnosc, showing quite the etiquette for an existence like himself. Straightening his back under the young women’s loving and delicate gaze, he spoke in a solid, stable, confident tone. “My name is Lingmin Toreon. I’d like to ask you if you were in the Palpitating Memory Middle Kingdom? I and Xue’er were there, we-”

“Lamidas!” Xue Moli interrupted. Lamidas looked at her and showcased a helpless expression. Xue Moli hardened her expression and tone as she elevated her voice and slightly leaned over her chair. “Is this again? I’ve had enough with you allowing this sort of relationship! You keep trying to tell me to relax when both our organizations can be put to play here?!”

“Or unite,” Lamidas gently said. The notion baffled Xue Moli, who had nothing to reply with. Lingmin stared at Xue Moli and directly spoke without caring about Heian Ciemnosc’s presence. “Mother, the situation isn’t the same as before. Please, take a look. It is black monster’s aid that helped us discover this… fortune chance. Please!”

“I’ve had enough,” Xue Moli looked at her children with overly widened eyes. She said in a quiet tone, albeit scarier than before. “As existences, you may not have troubles preparing to propagate ‘like this’. But you’re not just any lucky cultivator who transcended to exist! Learn your place and cease-”

“I think what they’re saying is true,” Heian Ciemnosc suddenly interrupted. Everyone lifted at least an eyebrow. Xue Moli immediately turned her head to him, waiting. Heian Ciemnosc continued grabbing his dark coast with his right hand before taking a seat. “As you know, my nature reading is pretty unique. I can confirm there’s a difference in their blood.”

“With this difference, they won’t need any preparations. They can give birth to children with their full talent, not losing their family origins or something only civilians worry about.” Heian Ciemnosc casually said, gesturing to the young couple.

Finally, Xue Moli seemed to regain serenity. She stared blankly at Heian Ciemnosc as her mind fell pensive. After several minutes, a light yet overly long sigh escaped her lips, “Siiigh~… I suppose… it can also mean our Dynasty and Clan can form a connection to ally… We are near the other in the Universal Lands, there’s nothing better…”

“Mother,” the young beauty stood up after hemming her dress from behind. She bowed towards Heian Ciemnosc and softly spoke, “Mister black monster, I am Xue Toreon. If this convinces my mother, it will convince the world. I thank you. Not only because of your accidental gift back in the beautiful Palpitating Memory Kingdom, but today, in convincing my mother.”

“Hmph,” Xue Moli suddenly snorted softly. Her arms were crossed before her eyes drifted to Lamidas, who was already staring at her for who knew how long.

“No problem,” Heian Ciemnosc casually nodded and politely smiled, pressing his lips together. He lifted a cup from his Covert Space bag and placed his dark coat behind his chair. Next, the table became peaceful and relaxing. The family chatted a bit as Heian Ciemnosc wasn’t sent away, as if they were trying to incorporate him into their small family, soon to become 2 Universal Land big.

Xue Toreon looked at Heian Ciemnosc at times, smiling and lifting her glass. Lingmin also occasionally gestured towards him. Heian Ciemnosc lifted his cup or nodded back. Sometimes, Lamidas chatted him up, warmly and friendly, completely opposite of the war-addicted, ready to fight to the death at any time-attitude he had.

“… I think it’s time you both leave,” Xue Moli said after a couple of hours went by. Xue Toreon stood up and complained, feeling more at ease after her relationship was nearly fully accepted. “Mother! Don’t try doing something to young brother here. He’s made us owe him, okay?”

“Sigh. Don’t worry about your mother, Xue’er,” Lamidas sighed and heavily said, for whatever reason. Lingmin smiled and placed his hand on Xue Toreon’s lower back, “Come on. They have important things to do… We also do, don’t you think?”

As Xue Moli rolled her eyes, Xue Toreon half-pouted her lips, stared at her future husband, and blushed until her creamy silvery-white skin became red all over her head, neck, and collarbone. Then, the couple left, with Xue Toreon becoming swoon over Lingmin.

Not even a few seconds after they walked away, Xue Moli and Lamidas stood up. She placed a Covert Space bag on the table before her seat, while Lamidas walked several meters behind him first. Xue Moli joined Lamidas, standing 10 meters behind him, nearly outside the clearing.

“Although I would’ve preferred a Spirit Kingdom, I am contented to know that no more ghosts will haunt the progress of my Kingdoms. All your promised rewards are there, mister black monster.” Xue Moli said. Heian Ciemnosc said nothing, stood up, and placed his right hand on the Covert Space bag immediately.

“…” The 2 behind him were astounded.

Heian Ciemnosc paused when he touched the Covert Space bag with a slightly awkward position as his right arm stretched over the table. At this time, Xue Moli spoke with a soft, short sigh, “Sigh. Black monster, you really resemble the Great Sage’s stories. Not only are you formidable in every aspect. Even your luck is overly over-precedent.”

“Had our children not been there, due to this fellow’s foolish thinking, I could have studied your body. The birth of another… Bloodline, as you’ve put it. It’s something I- we, don’t wish to lose on. It might seem unfair to you, but in the future, you will understand. After all, you and they have made our minds change. We cannot ruefully defy nature’s balance.”

“I was planning to steal your seed and experiment with every remaining piece of your body before you favored us. But now, teaching you the benefits of belonging to an Existential Sixth Step organization will convince you. Later, you will create your own and fight beside us. Isn’t that favorable towards you, too? When we discover the method to restore your fertility, you won’t be lonely in the world anymore.”

“Your lovers and the Crimsonbreaking Faction will be protected by us. You won’t need to worry. There’s no more need to run away like this. You’ve granted us favor, and we’ll return it in the future. But now, we must know about your innate Divine Art… It’s been… too long since the last time one appeared.” Xue Moli concluded.

Lamidas let her do the talking. When she finished, they waited for a few moments, but only silence replied to them. When they were at last going to remind Heian Ciemnosc where he was, his situation, and that he couldn’t be a coward now, Heian Ciemnosc turned around.

He moved swiftly, but his movements weren’t what made their eyes grow astonished. Heian Ciemnosc’s behavior was casual as he turned around and sat on the edge of the table, on his chair’s left. He played with the Covert Space bag in his hands, tossing it over. It had over 100 Godly corpses, more than that milestone, and much more than the promised amount.

“Ask away,” Heian Ciemnosc’s quiet voice echoed. Xue Moli and Lamidas didn’t know why they suddenly felt a little ashamed, but Xue Moli questioned as Lamidas Toreon crossed his arms. Xue Moli lifted her chin to begin speaking. Her eyes slightly narrowed, and her voice trembled a bit at the start. “What is your cultivation base, it’s details? Why can we not discern it completely?”

“Almighty Dark God. Not your usual Godhood Step. I do not have any level to go through, I’m already at the peak. Oh, I only need time to breakthrough, not Stones, natural treasures, or… these.” Heian Ciemnosc gestured at the Covert Space bag in his hands at the end with his darkest eyes.

Xue Moli was about to start again, when Heian Ciemnosc interrupted her before she could even speak up. However, his word’s contents made them forgive this one offense. His quiet voice echoed, “Indeed. It’s been a while since the last innate Divine Art that any of you discovered. The last you, the world, discovered, was chased everywhere until it disappeared. And along with it, your most precious gadget. Time.”

“Ah, I see that mister black monster is likewise well-endowed in the old tales of the world.” Xue Moli thinly smiled and narrowed her eyes. Heian Ciemnosc nodded and let the Covert Space bag flatly land on his left palm before storing it in his Covert Space bags. His voice became calm, “Yes. Which is why it’s a surprise you’re trying to shortcut after all these Changes.”

“…” - “…” Xue Moli and Lamidas fell silent as she lightly hugged his left arm with her hands and wrists. Heian Ciemnosc then lifted his head and looked at them directly with his darkest eyes. “It’s strange you didn’t set the array formations yourselves. You must use too many unnecessary ingredients when you do them yourself, which is every one of them. Otherwise, I might’ve been helpless. I’m fortunate. If not…”

Heian Ciemnosc delicately tilted his head to the right and softly whispered, “I wouldn’t have been able to do this…”

“!!!” The duo’s eyes widened to their fullest. Before they could sense darkness become everywhere in the Existence, they were engulfed by it and blinded for a moment, shocking them to their utter core!

Bowwbooumb.

…