Ye Xiaotian's eyes snapped open, his chest heaving as he gasped for air. His back was drenched in sweat, and his face flushed red. Droplets of sweat clung to his brows, trickling down to his jaw. He sat up slowly, his mind reeling from the vivid dream he had just experienced. His gaze darted around, taking in the familiar surroundings of his master's spirit world. A sigh of relief escaped his lips.
"Oh, so it was just a dream," he murmured, wiping the sweat from his face.
But the relief was short-lived. The scenes from his dream his expulsion from the Celestial Phoenix Sect, his wife's cold demeanor, and his humiliation remained fresh in his mind. His chest tightened, and a dull ache resonated in his heart. Despite the pain, he clenched his fists and took a deep breath to steady himself.
"I will find out why you did this to me, Bing Meiren. I swear I will." His voice trembled with determination.
As he stood, a voice echoed from the edge of the pool. "Oh, you're awake."
Ye Xiaotian turned to see Ren Shuang standing by the side of the glowing green pool, his calm gaze fixed on his disciple. Ren Shuang's appearance was both regal and imposing. His long, flowing hair was a deep black, streaked with hints of silver. His robes, dark as night, were adorned with intricate golden patterns that shimmered in the dim light. His eyes, deep and knowing, seemed to hold countless stories of battles fought and victories won. Despite his commanding presence, there was an air of calm wisdom about him, a sense of serenity that belied the immense power he possessed.
Without a word, Ye Xiaotian stepped out of the pool and quickly dressed. As he moved, he noticed a newfound strength coursing through his body. His muscles felt denser, his senses sharper, and his movements more fluid.
Curious, he focused his mind and conducted a soul search of his body. His eyes widened in amazement as he discovered the transformation.
"This body… it's at least a thousand times stronger than my old one," he whispered.
When his focus shifted to his dantian, he was stunned. There, a golden spirit root shimmered with radiant light. Upon the spirit root lay a foundation that seemed indestructible vast, dense, and far more powerful than anything he had ever seen.
"How is this possible?" he thought. "Even with all the resources of the Celestial Phoenix Sect, my foundation was only ten times stronger than the average genius. But this… this is a hundred times more powerful than my old self."
As if reading his thoughts, Ren Shuang's voice cut through the silence. "The so-called geniuses of the mortal world are nothing compared to the geniuses of my world. Even the poorest genius from my realm could have easily defeated you back then."
Ye Xiaotian's brows furrowed. "Then why am I so strong now?"
Ren Shuang chuckled. "Because you are in my body. How can a body that once split the heavens and shook the earth be weak? I have created a foundation for you that even the top geniuses from my world would envy. With your current strength, you're already as powerful as an elementary Core Formation Realm expert in this world."
Ye Xiaotian's heart raced with excitement, but confusion lingered as Ren Shuang's tone shifted.
"However," Ren Shuang continued, "it depends on your soul. Right now, your soul can only sustain this body for a short time."
Ye Xiaotian's excitement faded as he asked, "What do you mean by 'short time'?"
Just as the words left his lips, an overwhelming exhaustion gripped him. It felt as if a mountain had been placed on his shoulders, crushing his spirit. His vision blurred, and he collapsed to the ground, leaving a deep dent in the earth beneath him.
Ren Shuang watched his disciple fall, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "Good," he murmured. "This body will push him to his limits."
After some time, Ye Xiaotian's eyelids fluttered open. He sat up slowly, rubbing his aching head. The exhaustion still lingered, weighing heavily on his soul. He looked up at his master, confusion etched on his face.
Ren Shuang met his gaze calmly. "Did you really think your puny soul could sustain my body? Experts at my level can split the heavens and destroy the earth with a single punch. Our bodies are far from ordinary."
Ye Xiaotian listened intently, absorbing every word.
"Currently, with your soul's strength," Ren Shuang continued, "you can only maintain my body for about one minute. After that, you will faint. If you want to fully control my body, you must strengthen your soul."
Ye Xiaotian clenched his fists. "How can I do that?"
Ren Shuang's gaze softened. "It will take years of cultivation to reach the level required to control my body. But I can aid you."
Ye Xiaotian's eyes brightened with hope. "How, Master?"
Ren Shuang spoke with a leisurely tone. "I will transfer my remaining soul power to you."
Ye Xiaotian's expression shifted to one of concern. "But Master, what will happen to you if you give me your remaining soul power?"
Ren Shuang smiled faintly. "Foolish disciple, my time is already running out. Even if I don't give you my soul power, I will fade away in a few years. Rather than die slowly, I would rather ensure that you become powerful and carry out my will."
Ye Xiaotian's heart ached. Despite the short time they had known each other, he felt a deep bond with his master. Tears welled up in his eyes, and he began to cry silently.
Ren Shuang chuckled softly. "Why are you crying, fool? Are you a girl?" He ruffled Ye Xiaotian's hair playfully.
"Master, I don't want to do this. There must be another way," Ye Xiaotian said, his voice trembling with emotion.
Ren Shuang's smile faded, replaced by a serious expression. After a moment of silence, he stepped forward and gently placed a hand on Ye Xiaotian's neck.
"Forgive me, little fool," he whispered. "If I don't do this, how will you become powerful enough to take my revenge?"
Ye Xiaotian's world darkened as he fainted, his master's voice lingering in his mind.
Ren Shuang laid Ye Xiaotian gently on the ground and began chanting a mantra. Golden rays of light emanated from his body, flowing into Ye Xiaotian like streams of molten energy. As the transfer continued, Ren Shuang's form grew fainter.
Time passed. Ye Xiaotian's eyelids fluttered, and he slowly opened his eyes to the sight of a clear blue sky. His mind raced as he sat up, scanning the area.
"Master?" he called out, his voice echoing in the empty valley. There was no response.
Just then, a familiar voice echoed in his mind:
"My foolish disciple, don't worry about me. Just be happy and grow stronger. You have a long journey ahead. Remember, the mortal world is only the beginning. There are realms far beyond this one worlds filled with beauty and danger. If you wish to leave this world, you must reach the Energy Mastery Realm and ascend to the Divine Realm."
Ye Xiaotian's heart ached at the sound of his master's voice.
"Normal cultivators focus on spiritual energy," Ren Shuang continued, "but you must cultivate soul power. Only by strengthening your soul can you unlock the full potential of the cultivation I've stored within you. Keep the black stone safe; it holds many secrets. It is not just a gateway to my spirit world but a key to unlocking powers beyond your imagination. With it, you can access ancient knowledge, hide from powerful enemies, and traverse between realms when the time comes."
The voice grew softer, filled with warmth.
"And remember that egg you saw? It is a treasure of the heavens. Feed it your blood once a month for eleven months. Its already been Nine thousand and Ninty Nine years, its time for it to hatch, When it hatches, you will be rewarded with something beyond your imagination."
The voice paused briefly before continuing.
"Do not rush to break through to the Divine Vessel Realm, do it after that egg hatches. Strengthen your mind and soul first. And, if possible, forgive that girl. Goodbye, my foolish disciple. Be careful."
Tears streamed down Ye Xiaotian's face as the message ended. "Thank you, Master. Thank you for everything."