The person who was once dignified was now being chased like a dog, with nothing in his mind except the fear of death.
Niu Chang, who had finally found something fun to do, was slightly happy, even though his mood was still low due to his ongoing efforts to comprehend new skills and techniques.
'The speed at which Da Jiu escaped from me was really fast. With that kind of speed, he could easily do whatever he wanted and escape from anyone who was below his level. Is this where his confidence comes from?'
Although he couldn't clearly see his surroundings and solely followed the direction of the karmic bond between himself and Da Jiu, Niu Chang was still able to tell that they were actually flying above the sea.
With their speed, even a few minutes were enough for them to reach the deeper sea area.
Even after he increased his speed, Niu Chang still needed more than four hours to actually close the gap between them.
The sky was black, with no light from the sun above. The seemingly endless black clouds covered the heavens, while the dark blue sea water covered the earth.
The deep sea area was completely different from what Niu Chang expected. He thought that since it was called the endless sea, it would be much sunnier.
As he slowed down his speed, because his target was no longer moving at high speed, he instead was waiting for his arrival.
Less than five minutes later, he completely stopped using his improved movement skill, flying above the roaring seawaves beneath his feet.
The thick smell of salt water filled his nostrils.
The wind was harsh, enough to blow an adult man without any problem.
From the corner of his vision, he could see one or two maelstroms rampaging, showing a cataclysmic level of disaster.
He shifted his gaze only to find the old man with a tattered daoist robe and a battered body watching him with a hateful gaze.
Niu Chang just shrugged it off and asked, "How is it? Have you accepted your death at my hands?"
Even after trying his best, Da Jiu finally accepted the cruel truth that he was unable to shake Niu Chang from his tail.
With Niu Chang's ever-growing speed, it was just a matter of time before he reached him. So, he made up his mind.
Da Jiu remained silent as his heated gaze shifted from Niu Chang. "Do me a favor," he said.
His voice no longer carried that otherworldly tone, as if he were a deity in the mortal realm, but he didn't show submission either.
Niu Chang slightly narrowed his eyes and responded, "Is that how you ask someone for something?"
"Did your parents never teach you how to behave properly?" Da Jiu's heart stung at Niu Chang's words, but he could only swallow his anger. 'If not for your strangeness, I wouldn't even be talking with you!'
Recalling the horror of being beaten to a state of near-death in less than a fraction of a second, the proud saintly heart he had chosen to compromise.
"How do you want me to act?" Da Jiu asked, not bothering to hide his displeasure.
Niu Chang shook his head. "Do you even need me to teach you? If you don't even know this basic courtesy, then I don't see anything worthwhile from you for continuing to live."
"For someone who doesn't even know how to treat others with respect, what is their worth in this world except for bringing suffering to others?"
"Have you ever shown kindness that was actually driven by compassion, or was it always self-serving?"
"Do you even understand the true nature of humans at the most basic level?"
As Niu Chang continued to speak about humility and kindness, Da Jiu's face grew darker.
"I admit I was wrong," he gritted his teeth and continued. "I shouldn't have been blinded by my greed for something I don't possess. Can you give me a second chance to reform my life?"
Niu Chang chose to remain silent.
He floated there with no intention of answering, nor did he make any small actions. He was like a scarecrow on duty, meant to scare away crows.
One minute passed, followed by another ten minutes.
Da Jiu's mind was in shambles as he waited for a response. But the more time that passed, the closer he was pushed to the brink of insanity.
The firm mentality he possessed as a saint was unable to prevent him from progressing into the abyss.
One hour passed, and his heated gaze was replaced by a doubtful one.
There was still no change in the person he despised the most.
Another two hours went by, and he could feel small worms wriggling beneath his skin, causing an itchy sensation all over his body.
In the next thirty minutes, his eyelids began twitching uncontrollably from time to time.
From then on, there were no new changes in his physical appearance.
However, in the following five hours, his reasoning and sanity were depleted, much like a plant not watered for over a hundred years.
It had withered completely, leaving only its shadow on the annals of history.
From Niu Chang's perspective, as he continued to gaze deep into Da Jiu's eyes, he saw something entirely different.
He saw someone who couldn't overcome the fear of death, someone who couldn't embrace the true value of life, and clung to the delusion of power they held.
It was a marvelous sight, and even someone with a transcendent mind like him began to learn new lessons from this sight alone.
In the end, Da Jiu could no longer endure the endless torture of silence.
"Why did you wait so long to kill me if that's what you wanted?" His voice lacked emotion, and his gaze was hollow and empty, yet retained a basic level of intelligence.
There was nothing to gain from waiting any longer, so Niu Chang answered, "I did intend to kill you initially, but I no longer do."
Initially, Niu Chang indeed wanted to kill him. However, as he assessed his current power in comparison to Da Jiu's, he arrived at a conclusion: he could kill Da Jiu.
But that would be a great waste, as he desired information.
He wanted to know everything about the continent where he resided: the levels of cultivation, the hidden power lurking in the shadows, the formidable individuals who used the world as their chessboard. He desired knowledge of all this.
However, he couldn't. With his present strength, he couldn't imprison Da Jiu and was left with the only option of killing him.
It was a big waste.
After watching a compelling movie depicting the downfall of someone who once treated other humans as mere insects due to his pride, a profound sense of joy overwhelmed him that was hard to get.
"Say only what you truly mean, don't beat around the bush," Da Jiu advised.
"I can release you, but only if you answer my questions," Niu Chang stated.
Although Da Jiu frowned momentarily, he didn't take much time to respond. "How can I trust your words?"
"You can't," Niu Chang replied flatly.
"Hahaha," Da Jiu burst into laughter, though there was no genuine enjoyment. His laughter was laced with blatant sarcasm aimed at the enemy before him.
"Then why should I answer?" Da Jiu questioned.
"That's for you to decide whether you believe in me or not. Ultimately, I don't see much difference in your choices. Do you think surviving this ordeal will lead you to offer me something? All I perceive is that I've rid the world of trash masquerading in human skin."
"Very well," Da Jiu didn't trust Niu Chang's words, but he also couldn't discern a significant distinction in his options.
Niu Chang had the capability to end Da Jiu's life, if he so desired.
Niu Chang also possessed the capacity to set Da Jiu free, if he wished.
The true quandary was, 'What are this freak's intentions?'
Da Jiu contemplated this question extensively, enough for the sun to take a brief respite before returning to its prior position.
Yet, Niu Chang remained composed and refrained from interrupting his contemplation.
The deep sea seemed contrary to the norms of the continent, with the sky in this place perpetually draped in black clouds that swirled ceaselessly without any source of light.
The fierce wind waged ceaseless battles against the roaring sea waves, as if it were an ordinary occurrence.
Fortunately, Niu Chang's second brain enabled him to keep track of the passage of time.
"Okay, I will answer your question," Da Jiu finally said, having made up his mind after a full day of contemplation.
"That's better," Niu Chang nodded, his previous low mood now lifted. He completed his previous task and simultaneously achieved his desired outcome, naturally resulting in an elevated mood.
"What would you like to know?" Da Jiu inquired.
"Everything," Niu Chang replied with a smile.