Chapter 610: Born Beyond the Norm

Friend? Not just anyone could be considered her friend.

Without thoroughly investigating the background of the other party, she naturally wouldn't act hastily. After all, those with Ancestral Veins undoubtedly had complex backgrounds.

There was no need to rush. With a turn, the lady departed.

...

Outside the hall, Ye Guan opted not to wander within the Wu Clan. Instead, he went straight to the quarters that the Wu Clan arranged for him. After swiftly erecting a barrier in the room, he entered the Little Pagoda.

As soon as he entered, Mu Yuan materialized before him, appearing poised to speak but then hesitating.

Ye Guan grinned. "Senior, you're concerned about the Wu Clan, aren't you?”

Mu Yuan nodded. "I understand your perspective. Extending kindness and fostering good relations is undoubtedly commendable. However, Young Master, you might be underestimating the darker facets of human nature."

"I know. Human nature tends toward greed. It's a common phenomenon."

"So you're gambling on the greed of the Wu Clan’s Clan Leader?”

Ye Guan shook his head. "This isn't a gamble."

“What is it, then?"

Ye Guan's smile widened. "We need the Wu Clan’s help. It's only natural to offer incentives in return. They don't owe us anything, but it's simply the right thing to do. What they want to do is entirely up to them."

Mu Yuan glanced at Ye Guan. His expression showed conflicting emotions.

Although their cultivations were sealed, Ye Guan and the individuals housed within the little pagoda might still pose a challenge to the Wu Clan. Merged with Ao Qianqian, Ye Guan could fight pretty well even with the seal.

However, as he mentioned, when seeking aid from others, one had to adopt an appropriate demeanor and approach. Resorting to aggression simply because there was a chance the other party would harm them wasn't a justifiable excuse.

With a calm mind, he settled into a cross-legged position.

Throughout his journey, he discovered that the fastest ways to become stronger were combat and mind cultivation.

Battling and pushing himself to the brink allowed him to transcend his limits and reach new heights. Cultivating his mind, on the other hand, was like sharpening a blade. It was a perpetual process of introspection—an examination of his own heart, understanding it, and ultimately mastering it.

Combat cultivated the body.

Cultivating his mind cultivated the soul.

Both were indispensable.

…

The True Universe.

Somewhere in the north, amid endless snowfields, Ye Qing—a young man in black robes—strolled leisurely.

The icy wind howled, but the youth pressed on, undeterred.

Under the nurturing of the Guanxuan Universe, he had ascended to the Great Destiny Sovereign Realm, making him the most exceptional genius after Ye Guan, Ye An, and Ao Qianqian.

The Guanxuan Universe spared no effort in cultivating the talents from Ye Guan's generation, providing top-notch resources and mentorship. As a result, Ye Qing and his peers' progress was nothing short of staggering.

The True Universe also dedicated itself to helping the younger generation.

Thanks to the collaboration between the two universes, they had entered a phase of rapid advancement.

For the citizens of both universes, this era was unparalleled.

Whether in the True Universe or the Guanxuan Universe, talents emerged ceaselessly like bamboo shoots after spring rain.

Now, the Time River served as the training ground for both universes. While they coexisted peacefully, competition between them persisted. Under the two universes' guidance, it had transformed into a healthy rivalry.

The talents' current goal was the Time River, the Old Era, and Ye Guan.

Indeed, their target was now Ye Guan, the most talented individual in the True Universe and Guanxuan Universe. Many young talents idolized him.

Ye Qing,'s objective was also Ye Guan. It had always been him.

Soon, he stopped and gazed up at a distant snow-capped mountain. At its summit, an ancient temple loomed faintly.

Ye Qing grinned. "We're here, Master."

"Head up," a voice in his head ordered.

With a nod, he ascended.

Along the way, the voice spoke again. "I've heard that Ye Guan has entered the Old Era and has already become an Imperial Sovereign."

Ye Qing nodded knowingly. "I'm aware."

The voice hesitated, seemingly wanting to convey more.

Ye Qing chuckled. "Master, are you implying that I shouldn't target Ye Guan?"

"He's too exceptional, and he's being supported by so many elites in the dark. If you make him your sole focus, you may find yourself endlessly chasing after an unattainable goal, risking your own mental state."

"Master, if neither Ye Guan nor I had any guidance, and we were free to develop ourselves, who do you think would emerge stronger?"

After a moment of silence, the voice replied, "What do you think?"

"During our time in the Ye Clan, neither of us had any guidance, yet he was appointed as heir. I never contested it, and I genuinely respected him for it because he truly outshone me. When you started guiding me Master, I believed I could surpass him. Initially, I felt a twinge of guilt, thinking it was unfair to him. Little did I know, he was the son of the Sword Master..."

He shook his head, smiling ruefully.

"And then?" the voice softly asked.

Ye Qing brushed off the snow on his robes and chuckled. "Later, when I saw Ye Guan inherit the Guanxuan Universe and venture farther and farther, I felt genuinely happy for him."

The voice fell silent.

"Are you worried that I would be jealous of Brother Ye, Master?"

"That thought has crossed my mind."

"I have no reason to be envious of him."

"Why do you say that?"

Ye Qing glanced at the ancient temple. "Ye Guan is the son of the Sword Master. While his status has undoubtedly aided him, does it not also serve as shackles? The weight of the entire universe's future rests upon him. Can you imagine the pressure he must endure?"

"Fair point."

"Moreover, with your guidance, Master, I've already started from a position far beyond the ordinary. I'm content with that. One must learn to be content. Constant comparison with others will only lead to self-inflicted torment."

"Well said," the voice chimed approvingly.

After brushing off the snow from his chest, Ye Qing added, "Once this trial concludes, I plan to go to the Time River, catch up with Ye Guan, and challenge him again. Everyone needs a goal, don't they?"

The voice chuckled. "I'm curious to see just how far that young lad has progressed."

As Ye Qing laughed, a flurry of snowflakes rushed into his throat, causing him to cough.

Before long, he found himself at the entrance of the ancient temple. A lantern hung above, undisturbed by the howling winds and swirling snow.

Ye Qing lightly knocked on the temple door, but there was no response.

He knocked again.

Creak!

The ancient door creaked open, revealing an old man.

He gazed at Ye Qing in silence.

Ye Qing extended his palm, revealing a jade pendant. "A senior sent me here."

Upon seeing the jade pendant, the old man's expression shifted. He promptly opened the door wider and said, "Please, come in."

Ye Qing nodded and stepped into the temple. The first thing he saw was a small yet meticulously maintained courtyard with green stones lining the ground. A monk was sweeping its field.

Upon spotting Ye Qing, the monk offered a slight bow.

Ye Qing returned the gesture.

Guided by the old monk, he entered a grand hall with a clay Buddha statue inside.

The old monk bowed slightly before turning to Ye Qing.

After a brief pause, Ye Qing said, "I'm not here to join the temple."

Nevertheless, the old monk handed him a set of monk robes. "Put these on."

Ye Qing complied without protest.

"Follow me," the old monk instructed.

He then turned and led Ye Qing to the back door of the temple. As the door swung open, they were met with the biting wind and swirling snow. The wind was as sharp as knives.

Gazing down, Ye Qing noticed heavy footprints on the ground. Bewildered, he looked at the old monk for guidance.

However, the old monk simply said, "Continue onward."

After a brief hesitation, Ye Qing asked, "Master, is this a saint?"

The old monk nodded.

"Which one?"

The old monk shook his head. "There is no more need for words."

Nodding in understanding, Ye Qing refrained from prodding further. However, when he stepped out of the temple gate, he suddenly froze in place.

All his cultivation had been sealed!

Ye Qing turned to the old monk, who nodded.

"Go on," the old monk said.

After a brief silence, Ye Guan nodded and began following the fading footprints into the distance, swiftly disappearing into the swirling snow and wind.

Once Ye Qing was out of sight, the old monk returned to the temple, closing the door behind him.

Outside the temple gate, the Great Daoist Brush Master and the Boundless Master emerged.

Watching Ye Qing's vanishing silhouette, the Boundless Master softly remarked, "Your first choice was this youngster, not Ye Guan, was it not?"

The Great Daoist Brush Master gazed into the distance, offering no reply.

With furrowed brows, the Boundless Master turned to the Great Daoist Brush Master. "If your target was this lad and not Ye Guan, then why did you..."

The Great Daoist Brush Master calmly responded, "Ye Guan has never been under my control."

The Boundless Master was taken aback.

The Great Daoist Brush Master continued, "Since he was born, he had never been limited by the confines of the Dao. The Great Dao never had the authority or the courage to control him... Born outside the Dao from the outset. Impressive, isn't it?"

After a moment of reflection, the Boundless Master replied, "Incredibly so."