Even though his hands were burning with pain, Jack had bit his lips and suppressed it. However, drops of sweats were forming all over his face as his spiritual energies seemed to have been drained by a significant amount.
When he mentally recuperated, he quickly assumed that his current condition had something to do with the bizarre cube in front of him.
As for the cube, electric currents danced around it with an intensifying rate, soon forming a minor storm of lightning.
Swooop~
Vertical lights projected themselves from the cube, creating a transparent matrix with a blueish hue.
After a couple of breaths, a small white-shaded object appeared rising from within the formation. The object grew in size, hovering in the air for a moment before landing gracefully next to the cube as if it was made of quills.
The electric currents of the cube died out shortly after.
Jack’s heart had paused, but then it began increasing its rhythm as he noticed that the mysterious object was slithering through the dust and was probably sentient. However, he could not precisely tell what type of creature it was as its entire body was covered with white hair from top to bottom.
“Heavens’ grace? Thou shall not abandon me yet?”
After some effort, the creature barely managed to turn on itself, revealing an old man lying on the pile of dust. He seemed struggling for strength as he affixed his hollowed eyes on Jack.
Besides his long hair that covered his entire body, the man’s skin was as white as the moon, as if there was not a single blood drop left inside him. His skeleton body was as thin as it could possibly get, his deep and hoarse breath creeping through the entire room.
No matter from which angle Jack glanced, it was evident that this man was on the verge of dying. Jack was actually surprised that someone in that condition would still be alive, let alone have the necessary strength to utter any words.
“I don’t know if you are my saviour or my tormentor. But I know that whatever you decide, your decision shall leave a permanent mark on the entire cultivating world.”
The mysterious being coughed out black blood as soon as he finished, and it seemed like his physic had actually taken a turn for the worse.
“My connection with the heavenly dice has weakened; not much time is left before my remaining powers disperse. Young man, if you can help me survive, I will pledge myself as your protector for the next one thousand years.”
The man paused again amidst heavy coughing and droplets of bloods, eyeing Jack for a reply like a dying tiger.
The attentive Jack was curious regarding the origins of this mysterious man and the cube, and it was apparent that the two were connected with each other. He also wondered who exactly this old man was and what caused him to end up in such a precarious state.
“Old man, this young junior is but an ignorant cultivator who has just started his road of cultivation. I fear someone as useless as me will not be able to assist.”
“I know your limitations, but they are enough. This body of mine is withering away, and there is no salvaging it. The only option is for me to possess a new body.”
Jack immediately took three steps in reverse and prepared to run.
“Hold it! It’s a taboo technique intended to work only on normal beasts— Hey! Why still running? Don’t you believe me?! I swear an oath to the heavens that I will not hurt my saviour!”
Jack smiled wryly while he unconsciously drew himself closer to the staircase. “Quite the sincere words old man, but you know, I have trust issues…”
“Ah! But I am one of the three heavenly pillars! Anyone can vouch for the worthiness of my oaths! I have failed a lot of people, disappointed myself a lot of times, but when it concerns my word, I can proudly yell from the tallest mountain that I have always upheld it! Otherwise, my name will not be Lantian Liang anymore!”
Jack stopped his tracks. “Heavenly Pillars?”
“Hah? You’ve never heard of the three heavenly pillars? Is that even possible? Have my reputation been buried with the dust as well?” A hint of deep sadness accompanied his voice, enough to make Jack feel a bit of pity towards him. “Ah, the cruel flow of time… I could feel it, yet couldn’t quantify it!”
Jack itched the back of his head. “Well, to be honest, I am not someone from around these parts, so I am unfamiliar with certain terminologies.”
“Doesn’t matter, it doesn’t matter.” The old man seemed relieved that Jack had stopped his tracks
“That day, I’ve suffered a catastrophic blow and should have died, but heavens' grace didn’t allow it. I’ve been lingering inside this cube since then. Only thanks to you activating the cube that I made it out.
“Listen, kid. Do you know how many great experts had to bow in shame and master the courage to ask this being for a few pointers, just for this old one to reject them over and over again? Can you imagine how much the great clans coveted the talent of this old man, just for me to not give them any face?
“If those monsters were to hear that I am now willing to offer my protection of one thousand years to some random cultivator, they would surely meet up and start banging their heads with each other!
“Listen. I know you’re young and all and I don’t know anything about your past, but you shouldn’t shy away from taking important decisions! Great rewards always come from great risks! As long as you gain something from the transaction, you shouldn’t be worrying too much!”
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
Jack sighed. He didn’t know if he was going crazy or if he would end up regretting his decision, but he decided to trust this old man. He walked towards him and placed his hand over the old man’s forehead, as per the latter’s instructions.
The old man instantly absorbed some QI from Jack’s body, then he focused on maximum concentration as he pressed his lips in random directions.
“Hmm…let’s see… that one isn’t good… hmm, that will not do either…”
Several breaths had passed just like this until the old man’s expression began to turn darker. “This is bad. All the creatures here are demonic beasts that have unlocked their cultivations. Why I can’t find a powerless creature? Kid, where exactly is this place?”
Jack looked weirdly. “I don’t know where we are. All I know is that this place is called the Azure Fiery Realm and I was sent here by my sect for training—”
“Damn it! This must be a man-made realm! That’s why I cannot sense the scents of weak creatures!”
An idea seemed to flash inside the old man’s mind. “Quick, roll the heavenly dice for me!”
Jack looked dumbfoundedly at the old man.
“Roll the dice, what are you waiting for? Time is of the essence!”
Jack followed the instructions and rolled the cube, then patiently waited for it to come to a halt. When the old man noticed the outcome, his face turned solemn and spat out more blood.
“Not good… please roll the dice again.”
Jack repeated the process. This time, Jack actually bothered to count the number of rolls and confirmed that the count was indeed fifty, then turned to face the old man with a puzzled expression.
“Are the heavens really showing mercy to me… or is this a cruel joke?” The old man seemed like he wanted to cry, but lacked the strength to do so.
“Roll it again.”
“Old man, are you going to be fine?” Jack could actually notice that the man’s condition was getting worse with each roll.
“No… I will not be fine…,” the old man had no point in hiding the truth. “If I die… please make sure to bury my remains… with dignity…”
Jack let out a sigh, then rolled the dice again.
However, when the dice stopped, it was the old man who smiled for the first time. “Quick! Lend me your hand!”
As soon as Jack placed his hand on the man’s forehead, his vision changed. When he regained clarity, he seemed like he had turned into a bird, looking down on a cover of clouds!
“Whatever happens, don’t remove your hand! Now find a suitable animal.”
Jack could feel significant changes happening in his eyes as his vision suddenly gained the ability to zoom in and out. As soon as his vision pierced through the clouds, a deep tremor ran through his entire body.
That’s because standing below him was the entire Sky Water Sect!
As Jack’s vision descended towards the lands, he could now clearly see the faces of other cultivators, as if he was standing there and chatting with them! Not only that, but he also gained the ability to see through walls and spy on the conversations of others…
From his perspective, he was like an omnipotent god, able to spy on anyone and everything!
Such an ability was genuinely shocking!
Jack seemed to have forgotten about his mission for a moment but was quickly reminded via a mental message from the old man. He immediately began surveying the several zones of the sect, but it appeared that the entire sect was devoid of any beast or animal. He couldn’t even find the birds from his memory.
Well, he did come across some ugly insects here and there. However, he felt that it would be a peculiarity if the old man ended up inhabiting one of those bodies, and would only consider such an option as a last resort.
It was then that a ludicrous thought surfaced inside his mind.
His entire body trembled with excitement as he quickly zoomed out from his current location and instead headed towards the southern district. He passed over a never-ending amount of markets until finally locking his gaze on a particular remote temple.
Jack’s pulse was racing as he searched every corner of the area with utmost precision as if he didn’t want to leave even a rock uninspected. Like a predator waiting in the shadows, ready to strike the fatal blow at the first opportunity.
After a span of a few breaths, and much to his relief, Jack finally had a glimpse of his target’s shadow. However, what caught Jack’s attention was something else entirely.
A young goddess sat on a wooden bench.
A fairy amongst fairies, a heavenly beauty that was capable of making both the moon and the sun to lose their glows, for the mountains to change their colours and the rivers to change their course. A type of beauty that would make any man, woman, beast, any existence to stare at her with either great admiration or widespread jealousy.
Her skin was the scale of flawlessness, the curves of her body crafted to utmost perfection as if one hundred gods had invested years in sculpturing them. Her celestial hair extended down to her waist, more sparkling than the rays of lights that descended onto it.
Jack wasn’t the type to fawn over a woman. In fact, even though he had carnal desires like everyone else, he was very good at controlling them. Before today, he actually believed that few women in this world would be able to stun him, and even thought that no such woman existed.
However, the woman before him left him in a haze for many, many breaths…
“Focus… creature… not… her chest…”
It was only after he heard the last words of a dying old man that Jack was able to snap out of his trance. He regained his composure while feeling a bit apologetic, then locked his sight over the creature.
From this close, Jack could finally hear an angelic voice that softened his bones and made his ears go limp.
“My darling. You’ve been so tense lately, is something bothering you? Has this big sister of yours disappointed you lately?” The young maiden docilely said as it caressed the furry creature sitting on her laps.
The creature seemed to relax when it heard these soothing words, comfortably burying its head between the two towering cushions, its cheeks also turning a bit rosy.
“If you wish to come along, Big Sis is going to pay a visit to the lake of memories tomorrow. You can go play in the forest in the meantime. I know you love playing in the forest. What you think?”
The Ancient Divinity seemed to shiver for a moment as it remembered about a particular fruit, but then waved its tail happily while burying its head even deeper, seemingly enjoying the wonderful sensation.
The creature let out a soft moan before its half-shut eyes instantly opened wider than oranges, suddenly perceiving that a terrible danger was about to descend. Its fur spiked, struggling to escape the grip of the young maiden.
“My darling? What’s wrong—” This impulsive agitation had alerted the young woman, but before she could even finish speaking, the creature had vanished from her eyes and instead replaced by some flying fur. She innocently blinked her eyes, much to her dumbfoundedness.
Meanwhile, Jack’s vision returned back to normal, and much to his surprise, he noticed that the Ancient Divinity was now standing next to him with shivering eyes. Its tail enlarged to three metres and was ready to counterattack, but paused when it felt a terrifying presence.
The eyes of the old man were now flashing with red beams of lights, no longer dull but radiating hope. Then with a loud voice, seemingly regaining his previous strength, proclaimed:
“Forbidden Taboo of the Spiritual Blood Scripture. Secret level art: Soul Possession!”
A mighty roar boomed as a spirit began emerging from the old man’s body, then rushed like a vulture towards the helpless creature.
The Ancient Divinity let out a miserable shriek as it glanced hatefully towards Jack for one last time, then was swallowed whole by the descending spirit.
Miserable cries deafened Jack’s ears as he watched the poor creature twist and crawl like a snake, as if it was being possessed by a demon. The scene lasted for several breaths, but Jack never withdrew his attention, completely ignoring the glittering lights that now surrounded his body.
Once the situation returned to normal, the creature stood up on its feet again as if nothing had happened. It actually took its time to leisurely clean the dust from its face.
Afterwards, it creepily turned its gaze towards Jack, a slight grin visible on its face.