Chapter 1368: Chapter 1369: The Crystal Old Man
Inside the grand hall was a purple crystal, sealed within which was an old man. This old man was none other than the diminutive elder buried deep beneath the Western Continent. Yet, his uncanny resemblance to Xiao Lao Di was undeniable, as if tightly bound together by myriad connections; otherwise, it would be impossible for them to look so identical.
“This took me blood, sweat, and tears to bring out. This lookalike freak is absolutely the owner of the Grand Tomb.”
Xiao Lao Di spoke slowly. This purple crystal was something he had excavated from the Grand Tomb. When he moved it, the entire underground city trembled, and all the mechanisms and traps somehow seemed to step aside to make way for this crystalline elder.
“But what use does the senior see in bringing him out? Much has occurred in the Central Origin Realm over these past days. Have you heard any of it?”
Li Xiaobai glanced at the crystalline elder, his interest lackluster. If this old man could be revived, perhaps he might prove to be a formidable force. But presently, sealed within the crystal, he was of little utility. Xiao Lao Di had wasted time moving him and nearly missed a critical moment in the survival crisis of the Central Origin Realm.
“Of course, I know. The Immortal Gods Realm is launching an invasion. I wouldn’t have gone to such lengths to bring him out otherwise.”
“This lookalike freak’s very existence is bizarre and absolutely shares an extraordinary connection with the Immortal Gods Realm.”
Xiao Lao Di spoke slowly, “Don’t believe me? Take a look.”
As soon as the words fell, celestial light began to surge around his entire body. Layers of elusive, incomprehensible energy abruptly intensified on his form. This scene was not unfamiliar to Li Xiaobai—it resembled the moment when that old beggar’s power surged from within, a force surpassing Xiao Lao Di’s original level by far. After a single breath, it ebbed away like a receding tide.
“Senior, you… What is this?”
“You can absorb the power of this crystalline elder, just as the old beggar can wield your power!”
Li Xiaobai instinctively widened his eyes, staring at the elder within the crystal. The man remained calm, utterly unresponsive.
“Indeed. The power within this lookalike freak resonates with mine. We can borrow strength from each other. However, since his consciousness is sealed, his power is ripe for my taking. Conversely, while he cannot actively utilize my cultivation level, I could transfer my entire strength to him!”
“And precisely because of this resonance, I’ve glimpsed a fragment of the Immortal Gods Realms’ true form through his power. This man is undoubtedly from the Immortal Gods Realm, and deep within his body lies an unimaginably horrifying force.”
Xiao Lao Di nodded as he spoke. His and the crystalline elder’s powers were interconnected and transferable. However, giving his entire strength to the elder was something he dared not attempt. Standing at the pinnacle of Saint Realm cultivation, surrendering such power might bring unexpected risks—perhaps even awakening the crystalline elder outright.
“What did you see? Was there any discovery helpful in confronting the Immortals and Gods?”
Li Xiaobai asked. He realized this elder was not simple. If the power within the crystalline elder could be unlocked, it might provide an edge against the impending descent of true Immortals and Gods.
“Not exactly. I only saw a city—somewhere this lookalike freak must have resided once before. If we could enter the Immortal Gods Realm, I could locate that very place.”
Xiao Lao Di replied.
What he had glimpsed were mere remnants of memories, nothing practical. However, he had also gained awareness of everything occurring within the Central Origin Realm.
“Still, this man’s strength exudes sheer terror. If we can harness it, he may become a valuable ally against the Immortals and Gods.”
Xiao Lao Di patted the crystalline elder, speaking with a hint of amusement. At this critical juncture, who could confidently claim they could stand against the might of the Immortal Gods Realm? It was all an illusion of strength to steady the morale.
“True. Let’s keep him for now. Mere fragments like these are far from enough to counter the Immortals and Gods. Even a Blood Divine Child who has ignited the Three Divine Flames was instantly obliterated in a single move. This alone proves their strength has surpassed the boundaries of this realm entirely, likely crossing multiple cultivation domains! They are not opponents we can presently face.”
Li Xiaobai sighed and spoke slowly. Faced with the colossal hand that obscured the heavens, there were few strategies to employ. The only option might be to traverse the rift and infiltrate the Immortal Gods Realm for an opportunity to develop further strategies.
“Forgive my bluntness, but you might consider agreeing to the demands of the Immortals and Gods. The fragments of memory within this man hint at someone named ‘Chen’—just a glimpse, very faint. However, one thing is certain: it’s a peacock with the power to bewilder hearts. Certainly not an existence you or I can contend with. Just like the Blood Divine Child, feigning compliance temporarily and entering the Immortal Gods Realm to advance your cultivation level might be the superior strategy.”
Xiao Lao Di said this matter-of-factly. In his opinion, survival was paramount. Engaging the Immortal Gods Realm head-on right now was no different from smashing eggs against a boulder. As long as they remained beneath the Saint Realm, they could not hope to stand on equal footing with their opponent.
“Senior, even now, you fail to see that the Immortal Gods Realm seeks not peaceful coexistence but to utterly devour the Central Origin Realm. Whether or not I submit will not change this outcome. They want a scapegoat for their treachery, nothing more. Moreover, selling out the human race’s cultivators of the Central Origin Realm to protect my personal interests—this is not something I, Li Xiaobai, would ever do!”
“I have my principles in this line of work: take the money, not the life.”
Li Xiaobai shook his head. The Immortal Gods Realm had already openly betrayed their alliance with the Blood Divine Child, showing that someone from their side was no longer able to withhold action. Even if he followed the same path as the Blood Divine Child, it would be to no avail. The enemy would continue executing their plans, and he would be nothing but the scapegoat.
“Then there’s nothing that can be done. I, on the other hand, have no attachments. But you—you have family, a Sect, and hundreds of children who have yet to grow up. Can you bear to abandon them all?”
Xiao Lao Di spoke lightly. He himself was unfettered and indifferent.
“It’s not about whether I can let go. As Sect Master, I carry the faith of all beings in the Central Origin Realm. I cannot falter. The higher I stand, the colder it gets. To be invincible is to be lonely.”
Li Xiaobai shook his head and sighed.
For a moment, Xiao Lao Di was speechless. This brat hadn’t changed a bit—still posturing as always.
*Knock, knock, knock!*
There was a knock on the door outside the hall. Xiao Lao Di hurriedly pocketed the purple crystal, lest anyone else see it.
“Brother Li, the Second Elder of Ice Dragon Island is outside, requesting an audience. He seems to have urgent matters to discuss.”
The one speaking was Chen Yuan, his tone filled with respect. He knew the Second Elder of Ice Dragon Island shared an exceptional relationship with Li Xiaobai and specifically came to report it.
“The Second Elder is here?”
“Bring him in quickly!”
…
A quarter-hour later.
Within the grand hall of the Peak Master, the Second Elder of Ice Dragon Island had arrived. His gaze swept over Xiao Lao Di with slight astonishment before he spoke:
“I’ve heard that Sect Master Li of the Eastern Continent has devised a strategy to resist the Immortal Gods Realm. I’ve come to seek your counsel. Should it prove true, I am willing to relocate the Northern Continent next to the Eastern Continent, joining the Sword Sect as one!”