Xie Meng's eyes widened in surprise at Eli Shan's declaration.

Reincarnation? Doesn't it mean that he was going to die?

Initially, she brushed it off as a jest. Yet, the intensity in his gaze spoke volumes, conveying resolve and determination beyond mere words.

Eli Shan sensed her silent skepticism and patiently explained the depth of his decision.

"So that's what you mean. You will reincarnate into another world," Xie Meng murmured, a pensive tone coloring her voice. Then she met with his unwavering gaze once again, which conveyed a message that her words couldn't sway him from his decision, no matter how hard she tried.

Resigned to his choice, she stepped forward, her slender hand reaching to touch Eli Shan's cheek. Her resolve shimmered in her eyes as she spoke, "Then I will join you in reincarnation."

Eli Shan's brows knitted together in confusion. "Huh?" The word tumbled out of his mouth, heavy with disbelief. He felt the urge to reject her, to protect her from the unknown that lay ahead. But when he met her gaze, filled with unwavering resolve, he faltered. It was as if her determination had cast a spell over him, leaving him powerless to deny her plea.

After pondering her request for a moment, Eli Shan let out a weary sigh. "I'll talk to the senior first," he conceded. "I need to make sure that the same conditions will apply to you in your next life and that there are no hidden dangers. If there's even a hint of trouble, I won't let you go through with it."

Xie Meng's smile was serene as she nodded in agreement.

With solemn reverence, Eli Shan cast his gaze skyward, seeking guidance from the enigmatic senior. Then suddenly, a ripple of energy surged through the air, crackling with otherworldly power, as he invoked his authority to bridge the gap between worlds. In the blink of an eye, the fabric of reality shifted and twisted, transporting him from the familiar confines of his surroundings to the ethereal expanse of darkness where the mysterious figure resided.

"I apologize for the interruption, senior," Eli Shan bowed his head respectfully.

The mysterious man remained silent, acknowledging Eli Shan's presence with a simple nod.

"Sensing the reluctance of the mysterious man for prolonged conversation, Eli Shan straightened himself and spoke, his voice steady. 'Senior, I've decided to reincarnate, to delve deeper into the understanding of this universe.'"

Observing Eli Shan's determination, the mysterious man offered a nod of approval. "That's commendable."

"But there's someone who wishes to accompany me," Eli Shan continued. "Is it possible?"

The mysterious man pondered for a moment before responding, "If it's just one person, then with your current authority over the universe, you can indeed reincarnate with her. However, with your current strength, you won't be able to pinpoint her location once reincarnated."

When Eli Shan heard it, he hesitated.

The mysterious man seemed to think of something and added, "However, if this person is truly significant to you, someone who wants to live and reincarnate with you, then... by using the last remnants of my power, I can ensure that she will reincarnate into the highest authority family of her universe."

Eli Shan's gratitude overflowed as he bowed deeply. "Thank you so much, senior. You are the best!"

A sense of fulfillment washed over the mysterious man as he regarded Eli Shan with a smile of contentment.

Eager for more clarity, Eli Shan pressed on, his mind racing with considerations. "But, senior, before I embark on this journey, I must first meet with my parents and inform them of my intentions. I can't leave them in the dark; they'll be worried if I disappear without a word for too long."

The mysterious man's smile widened as he continued to enlighten Eli Shan. "You need not worry about informing your parents. You're acquainted with the law of time, aren't you?"

Eli Shan nodded earnestly. "Yes, I have some understanding of it."

"Good," the mysterious man replied. "Then I trust you understand that time is not constant. An object in motion experiences time at a different rate compared to a stationary object."

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Eli Shan nodded in agreement. "Yes, I'm familiar with that concept. If someone were to travel through space at high speeds and then return, he would have aged less than those who remained on the planet."

"Exactly!" the mysterious man exclaimed. "Now, let me elaborate. The world you inhabit is a small universe. It lacks the mass, strength, and gravitational power of larger ones. While there are indeed more potent and vast universes out there, yours resides within one of them."

Eli Shan's eyes widened in astonishment upon hearing this revelation, though he struggled to grasp the concept of the "small world."

Just as Eli Shan was about to ask, the mysterious man interrupted, "Right now, you don't have to understand everything. What's important is knowing that your soul universe is billions of times stronger than the universe you live in, and relatively static compared to the outside world. By using the strength of this universe, the laws of time, and its static nature, you can spend many years here while only a few months pass outside. However, the passage of time will depend on how well you understand the laws of time."

Eli Shan nodded in understanding, though a lingering sense of confusion and shock persisted within him. Was his universe truly stronger than the one he had been living in until now? And what did the term "small universe" mean? Additionally, what about those wider and stronger universes? Did they also have cultivators, and if so, how strong were they?

He had a lot of questions in his mind, but he knew he wouldn't be able to find the answers until he become stronger.

"Then I would like to reincarnate right now, senior," Eli Shan declared, his resolve unwavering.

The mysterious man simply nodded in response, his enigmatic demeanor unwavering.

Eli Shan waved his hand, summoning Xie Meng into the blank domain.

Startled by her sudden appearance in this unfamiliar place, Xie Meng's eyes darted around before settling on the cloaked figure. A sense of familiarity washed over her as she discerned the features hidden within the darkness, reminding her of Eli Shan, engulfed in shadow during his battle against the chief guard in the central plain

Eli Shan gently took Xie Meng's hand, drawing her attention away from her thoughts as he began to explain their conversation with the mysterious man.

"Though, I would still advise against it, given the potential dangers," Eli Shan expressed, his concern evident in his tone.

Determination etched every cell of Xie Meng's face as she shook her head, her eyes ablaze with resolve. "I refuse to exist in a world devoid of your presence," she declared, her voice trembling with a mixture of defiance and vulnerability. "Moreover, I have faith that you will find me, no matter where the winds of fate may carry my soul in its next life."

A bitter smile tugged at the corners of Eli Shan's lips as he shook his head in resignation. "It seems there's no use in trying to persuade you now." Then, suddenly, his expression shifted to one of confidence as he took a step toward Xie Meng. "But don't worry, little Meng. I will undoubtedly find you, no matter how many borders and universes stand between us."

Xie Meng's smile radiated warmth as she nodded. "I believe in you, husband."

After his last failed attempt to persuade her, he turned his attention back to the mysterious man, a plea in his eyes. "Senior, please remember your promise."

The mysterious man nodded nonchalantly.

"We are ready to reincarnate, senior," Eli Shan declared with determination.

"Very well," the mysterious man responded. With a sweeping motion of his hand, the vast expanse of the universe seemed to condense into a singular point, enveloping Eli Shan and Xie Meng within its darkness.

Just before the darkness consumed him entirely, Eli Shan smiled tenderly at Xie Meng. "Be safe, and don't forget about me," he murmured softly.

In a moment of unbridled emotion, Xie Meng leaned in, her lips meeting his in a passionate kiss. "I will wait for you, my dear husband, even if it takes thousands of years, or I reach the end of my life," she vowed, her words laced with unwavering devotion.

Before Eli Shan could respond, the darkness swept over him, engulfing him in its depths as the scenery shifted around him.

The atmosphere around Eli Shan transformed into an eerie stillness, so profound that it felt as though time itself held its breath. Every sound was swallowed by the vast emptiness, leaving only the haunting echo of a single drop of water as it descended, its impact reverberating through the silence like a solemn bell tolling in a forgotten church.

"What is this place?" Eli Shan's voice echoed with bewilderment as he surveyed his surroundings. His eyes widened in disbelief as he looked downward, spotting a colossal dark sphere suspended in the void before him.

"Don't tell me this thing is..."

He trailed off, his voice barely above a whisper as realization dawned.

"My... universe?"

The sphere didn't seem particularly large from Eli Shan's perspective, yet the aura emanating from it sent shivers down his spine. However, despite the chill, there was an inexplicable sense of familiarity, as though the very essence of this power had been awaiting his arrival, yearning for him to wield it! This power whispered to Eli Shan, urging him to rise and command all with its might! This was his universe, his realm to rule. He was the god here!

Even though Eli Shan felt the pressure due to his own limitations, he couldn't shake the sensation of something extraordinary. It was as if the universe itself was rejoicing, celebrating his long-awaited arrival!

Sensing this, Eli Shan smiled faintly and closed his eyes, surrendering himself to the universe and its potent energy. Slowly, the darkness enveloped him in its comforting embrace, and soon, he was swallowed whole by its depths.

Within the infinity of darkness, Eli Shan experienced an indescribable warmth, reminiscent of being cradled in his mother's womb. However, as he attempted to move, he encountered an unexpected resistance, as though the space around him was constricted, suffocating his movements.

Wait...

With a sudden realization, he called upon his spiritual consciousness, his disbelief mounting with each passing moment.

"Huh...? What...? I am truly inside my mother's womb?"