Chapter 2481: The Human Path’s Power Insignia

The Mermaid Queen and the Peacock Princess looked at Zu An in surprise, curious to know why he'd suddenly asked such a question. The Dragon Kings had said that Shennong existed a very long time ago. Could someone live for so long?

Some time passed before the person in the cave replied, “You’re overestimating me. How can I be that person?”

Sensing the other party’s deference toward Shennong, Zu An continued probing, “Are you Shennong’s successor, or his descendant, or the Flame Emperor of the current generation?”

In the legends, the Flame Emperor and the Yellow Emperor had combined their forces, which was why it was said that all humans were ‘descendants of the Flame and Yellow’. Shennong was the first Flame Emperor, though the term 'Flame Emperor' referred to more than just him.

The person in the cave was taken aback. “You know quite a bit. Yes, I am related to Shennong, but I’m not the current generation’s Flame Emperor.”

Zu An had expected that answer. “May I know where the current generation’s Flame Emperor is? Why doesn’t he lead humankind to fend against the invading monsters?”

He had no idea what had happened to the Flame Emperor in this world, but he'd previously encountered Yu the Great. The latter was extremely powerful, and he was the original wielder of the Rune Weapon Chart. The Flame Emperor was at least of the same standing as Yu the Great in the legends, and he should have been able to curb the monsters.

Zu An harbored many doubts in his mind. He had stumbled upon the remnants of different dynasties in the Cultivation World, and these dynasties had all wielded incredible powers, unlike the mundane dynasties in his previous world.

But where did those incredible powerhouses go? It would only take one of them to suppress the monsters. While this Cultivation World from several thousand years back is much stronger than it is in the future, it's still no match for the Monster World.

The person in the cave replied, “It’s all fated.”

Zu An was speechless. He expected to hear more, but that was all.

All his talk about fate makes him sound like a con artist.

Knowing there was no point in persisting with this topic, he decided to ask about another, more pressing concern. “I've heard the Firecloud Cave is proficient in medicine. May I ask if there is a way to save someone afflicted with the innate Cruel Poison Constitution?”

The man in the cave was surprised by that question. “I thought the Cruel Poison Constitution was just a thing of legend. That constitution grants one high affinity toward all kinds of poisons, but if it acts up, it can only be suppressed by a more potent poison. That poison can be used in combat, but it only worsens the condition. It’s only a matter of time before the poison becomes insuppressible and destroys the host and the world along with it.”

The Peacock Princess looked at Zu An with worried eyes.

Why is big brother suddenly asking about that? Does he have the Cruel Poison Constitution?

The Mermaid Queen knew the truth.

Is his little sister’s illness that terrifying? No wonder he hasn’t found a cure for her to date.

The person in the cave continued, “I do know a way to resolve the Cruel Poison Constitution, however. With certain cultivation techniques and rare materials, you can condense the poison into an inner core and achieve a balance. It won’t solve the problem at its root, but it can at least spare the host from an untimely death.”

Zu An found those words weirdly familiar.

“The stronger the cultivation technique used, the stronger the condensed poison core will be. You’ll have to look for a cultivation technique that complements the Cruel Poison Constitution by yourself. It’ll depend on the luck of both you and the host of the Cruel Poison Constitution.

“I am, however, familiar with the rare materials required—Defying Spirit Tears, a Brilliant Pinflower, and an Aurora Poison Dragon’s inner core. Since you are here to treat the poisoned Ocean races, I presume you already have the Aurora Poison Dragon’s inner core,” the man in the cave said.

Zu An was baffled. For a moment there, he wondered if the person in the cave was Salamay. However, he knew that was impossible.

How did Salamay learn about this method?

It was unlikely for Salamay to have been to the enigmatic Firecloud Cave, and there was no reason for her to have sought a solution to the Cruel Poison Constitution. If so, there could only be one explanation. This world’s Salamay had to have learned about it from him, the Mermaid Queen, or the Peacock Princess.

After some thought, he thought it was more likely for Salamay to have heard about it from him. He was reminded of what Mi Li had previously told him about spacetime.

Is this considered closing the loop too?

For a moment there, he even wondered about the eternal paradox—did the chicken or the egg come first?

He quickly reined in his thoughts and continued asking, “Do you know where I can find Defying Spirit Tears and a Brilliant Pinflower?”

“You can find Brilliant Pinflowers in this world, but finding such rare materials is highly luck-dependent. If it’s not fated, it won’t make a difference even if I provide you with a location. Conversely, if it’s fated, you'll find it even if I don’t say a word,” the man in the cave replied.

Zu An was speechless. Salamay had also previously mentioned that this world could have Brilliant Pinflowers, so he'd thought he could gather more information from this fellow.

“As for Defying Spirit Tears...” The man in the cave suddenly paused as if he was contemplating something. “They don’t exist in the world right now, but you might have a chance to obtain them in the future.”

Zu An was confused.

He tried asking for more details, but the man in the cave gave cryptic replies, such as, “The time isn’t ripe yet. You’ll know when the time comes.”

Ugh, there’s nothing more frustrating than riddlers! I don’t even know what Defying Spirit Tears are, let alone how to obtain them!

Just then, four pills flew out from the cave. “Place these four pills in each of the four seas. They will dissolve in water and neutralize the poison from the plague formation.”

The Mermaid Queen quickly stowed away the four pills. “Elder, thank you for your medicine. The Ocean races will remember this favor.”

“It’s all decided by fate,” the man in the cave replied calmly.

The trio had long gotten used to this answer.

“Our fate is up. Water Boy, send them out.”

The boy nodded. He walked over and gestured for them to leave with him.

Zu An suddenly remembered another matter and asked, “One last question. I heard Shennong was the first Human Emperor. May I know where the Human Path’s power insignia is currently?”

The boy was annoyed. “You don’t know your manners. My master is asking you to leave. You shouldn’t be asking any more questions.”

A chuckle echoed from the cave.

Zu An frowned. He sensed a deeper intent to the laugh, but he couldn’t tell what it was about.

“Why are you searching for the Human Path’s power insignia?” the man in the cave asked.

Zu An breathed a sigh of relief.

Since he’s entertaining my question, there should be a chance.

Thus, he told the man in the cave about the Six Paths of Reincarnation. He reckoned that considering his stature, the latter would know something about it. However, he withheld key information concerning Houtu as a precaution.

“Completing the Six Paths of Reincarnation would be a huge merit, but it won’t be easy,” the man in the cave said.

“I still have to give it a try. If I collect the power insignias one at a time, there will come a day when all six power insignias are gathered.” Zu An didn’t reveal that he already had some of the power insignias, because the other party was simply too mysterious.

“That’s a good mindset.” The man in the cave expressed his approval. “All right. You can find the Human Path’s power insignia with the Fiend races.”

𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

“The Fiend races?” Zu An was perplexed.

Why is the Human Path’s power insignia not with the humans, but with the Fiend races?

Sensing his doubt, the man in the cave laughed. “Why do you think the Fiend races don’t belong to the Human Path? This world itself is the Human Path. Since the Fiend races are the rulers of this world, it should go without saying that the Human Path’s power insignia is in their hands.”