Lush hills awaited beyond the source of the creek. Within these hills were verdant trees, creating a place devoid of human presence. Yet, remnants of broken bricks and tiles can still be seen.
However, these ruins have been completely overgrown by wild gra.s.ses and trees, turning a once desolate area into a vibrant, thriving forest. Few connections could be seen between its current and past appearance.
Nevertheless, the birds were singing without disrupting the serenity.
"This feels great." Li Xian raised both hands and appreciated the refres.h.i.+ng atmosphere.
"What does?" Li Qiye smiled.
"A world without cultivators." Li Xian answered.
"Yes, but it is impossible. Dao essences and powers will always be shouldered, whether it be men or beasts. Since men are faster to reach wisdom, men will be the first to obtain these fortunes." Li Qiye said.
"That is true, the essences and dao will always be shoulder. Looks like I was naive in my fantasy." Li Xian said.
"When one grows truly strong, would they still remember the mortal world? An insect would think that a dragon is unnecessary, but when you become a dragon, how would you view it? Just one stomp is enough to destroy everything, how insignificant and ephemeral." Li Qiye continued.
"Hmm..." Li Xian pondered in silence.
He was only an ordinary cultivator - a master in the eyes of mortals but nothing in the cultivation world.
If he could reach the apex one day and become an emperor, would he still have the same thoughts?
"It depends on the individual’s original aspiration as well." Li Qiye said: "If it’s for the self, then everything will change as you grow stronger. Only you can answer this question."
"As I grow stronger..." Li Xian mused.
He had never thought about this matter due to his limited potential. Would his mindset change after becoming an emperor or desolate G.o.d?
"Take your time, perhaps one day, you will know what you want." Li Qiye smiled and tapped his shoulder.
Li Xian nodded solemnly.
"This is the dao source of Luminous Creek, the very core of the dao lineage." Li Qiye changed the topic.
"Right beneath us?" Li Xian couldn’t help but ask.
"Yes, other places were obliterated but not here." Li Qiye said.
"So some theories are correct..." Li Xian murmured.
Li Qiye turned his attention to the source spring. It was formed by many rocks with water gus.h.i.+ng out. It could be due to the pa.s.sage of time, but the acc.u.mulated rocks had hardened into a color resembling volcanic ashes.
"Not a creek." Li Qiye remarked.
"Oh? Then what is it?" Li Xian became curious.
"A spring of insatiable desire serving as an endless source of motivation." Li Qiye elaborated.
"Buzz." He harnessed primordial light on his fingertip, shooting it into the spring.
Li Xian didn’t notice anything special but Li Qiye could tell that the spring was as vast as a bottomless ocean.
It sank like a needle and took a while before reaching the bottom. Something activated and a light erupted.
Countless beams intertwined and covered the seabed. The process resembled the opening of an eye.
"Buzz." The primordial light returned, seemingly sentient. It soared for him like a young bird returning to its nest.
Li Qiye grasped it and focused on a particular golden glow.
"Pop!" It immediately ignited upon contact.
"What is this?!" The unaware Li Xian became alarmed after the ignition.
Next, more golden beams gushed out of the spring and soared toward Li Qiye as if he were a magnet. He became engulfed in fire.
"Fellow Daoist!" Li Xian immediately rushed over to help him, only to be caught on fire as well.
"Radiance Mantra!" He formed a mudra and chanted. Unfortunately, this couldn’t extinguish the flames.
"Buzz." Li Qiye waved and dispelled the flames: "Stand behind me, I want to see this desire."
Li Xian didn’t have time to think and immediately obeyed.
Li Qiye continued to absorbing process, drawing more golden beams out of the spring.
"Buzz." Endless light rushed out of the bottom, capable of filling any world. The only thing it couldn’t fill was someone’s desire.
"Zzz." The blade wanted to consume Li Qiye, starting from within his body before spreading outward.