Chapter 339: Old Friend

In the training room at the Dragon Fist Sect, Li Pin held the Purgatory Stone, quietly feeling its power permeate his body.

He sensed the changes it induced within him. These changes went deeper than the cellular level but fell well short of the atomic scale, not even reaching the molecular level.

Li Pin opened his eyes. "It alters... the genes."

He couldn't yet tap into the power at the genetic level. However, as his mental spirit steadily increased, his manipulation at the cellular level became more precise. Consequently, he could faintly sense the presence of the genetic level.

"The energy within the Purgatory Stone modifies life at the genetic level. However, we can't control this modification accurately. Each attempt results in mutations, transforming individuals into grotesque monstrosities."

At that moment, a realization struck Li Pin. He carefully sensed the Purgatory Stone's permeation and transformation once more.

As he did so, he saw a trace of astral energy flowing into him.

However, compared to the astral energy's involvement with Atomic Will and its ability to alter the human body at the atomic level into a completely different species, the power of the Purgatory Stone was too crude and chaotic.

It was like the epitome of a poor imitation.

No! Not even! The two weren't on the same level at all!

Genes, located in the cell nucleus, were a part of matter. In contrast, the smallest unit of matter was the molecule, composed of atoms. This distinction alone highlighted their differences.

Yet, no matter how vast the disparity between the genetic power of the Purgatory Stone and the Atomic Will within starlight, both exceeded the boundaries of human capabilities.

Now that the Purgatory Stone had appeared, it could point to a terrifying possibility.

"Is there another being, lesser than the Astral Gods, yet still formidable and grand... lurking in the shadows and stirring up chaos?" Li Pin murmured.

Who could it be? A powerful ferocious beast? Some legendary demonic creature?

No, that can't be it. The genetic power and Atomic Will of ferocious beasts and demonic creatures weren't in the same category.

This was something entirely new.

Li Pin stared at the Purgatory Stone, the item that had drawn humanity's attention only ten years ago. He had a vague premonition that its emergence would bring a crisis upon humanity—and perhaps the entire world—on par with that of the ferocious beasts and demonic creatures.

Li Pin began to ponder.

Unfortunately, my spiritual perception is still insufficient. Even with the aid of legendary astral equipment, I can only manipulate cells more effectively, generating more electrical currents and forming a stronger Celestial Magnetic Field.

If I could take another step forward and modify my genes, restructuring them toward the innate divine beasts or mythical beings that control lightning, both my power's upper limits and the explosive force of my Celestial Magnetic Field would increase significantly.

He had a hunch that when he eventually became a Supreme Martial God and wanted to take that next step into the Celestial Breaker phase—touching the realm of Supreme Experts who commanded Gaia's Celestial Force Field—he'd first need to undergo a genetic transformation.

Without it, the fragile human body could never match the power of celestial bodies.

"

Hmm?

"

While sensing the subtle changes, something caught his attention. He looked sharply in a particular direction, his eyes flashing with electricity.

After a moment of careful observation, a look of surprise appeared on Li Pin's face. Then, as though recalling something, he fell into further silence.

Half a minute passed before Li Pin smiled and left the training room.

As he did so, the feeling became more distinct.

He waved to Xing Ying, who was waiting outside, signaling her to withdraw. Then, he made his way to the study.

He picked up a teapot, took out two cups, and poured himself a drink, placing the other cup on the guest seat. Smiling, he said, "Since you're here, come on in. No need to be so reserved."

Ten seconds passed before a figure silently appeared at the entrance to the study.

This person wore a heavy robe, completely shrouding his figure. As he entered and removed the robe, his face became visible—one that Li Pin was familiar with. A face that belonged to a Top-Tier Astral Cultivator who had been half a guide on his path to becoming a Martial God.

No, he should now be a Master Astral Cultivator.

The man who had appeared was Taibai's Jiang Province Guardian Hall's Warden—Xiang Tianxing.

Li Pin calmly gestured toward the guest seat. "Have a seat."

Xiang Tianxing continued to study Li Pin, his expression filled with mixed emotions.

Li Pin remained silent, quietly brewing another pot of tea.

After a long silence, Xiang Tianxing let out a deep breath and sat down in front of the tea table. "I just... wasn't sure."

His eyes remained fixed on Li Pin. "Although the feeling you give off is still so unique, so distinct that anyone who knows you could recognize you after a short interaction it's still... hard to believe.... After all, the Legends and the Supreme Experts have repeatedly confirmed that you are dead."

"Legends and the so-called Supreme Experts are not infallible. They've been wrong more than once," Li Pin replied.

He was clearly referring to Fu Qingtian's claim back then—that no Astral Cultivator could gather enough qi and blood to form a Lifeform Force Field without achieving the Starlight Body.

"But you didn't believe them either, did you?" Li Pin smiled. "Otherwise, you wouldn't have found me so quickly."

"Because I always believed," Xiang Tianxing stared at Li Pin and declared solemnly, "that you wouldn't die."

He added with emphasis, "Someone destined to shine in an era like you couldn't have just died so quietly and unnoticed."

Unnoticed? Dying under the watchful eyes of countless Masters, Legends, and Supreme experts across the globe, all whilst dragging down a Legendary Mage to perish together—is that what you call unnoticed?

Li Pin smiled. "

Heh

, you really do have a lot of faith in me. But in this world, who can truly live forever, undying and eternal?"

Xiang Tianxing ignored the latter part of his words. However, those former words... were as good as admitting his identity.

Even though Xiang Tianxing had already been nearly certain of Li Pin's identity after his earlier observations, he still couldn't help but tremble slightly at Li Pin's own confirmation.

"Good! Good! Good!" Xiang Tianxing repeated in excitement.

His face was wreathed in joy.

Li Pin smiled warmly, sharing the joy of reuniting with an old friend. At this moment, there was no need for many words. Simply sitting there, sipping tea, and chatting was enough.

However, both Li Pin and Xiang Tianxing were not the type to be overly emotional. That moment of heartfelt joy soon settled.

"What happened to you?" wondered Xiang Tianxing, looking at Li Pin's unfamiliar face.

If it weren't for Li Pin's unmistakable personal style, it would be nearly impossible for anyone to recognize him.

"Nothing much," answered Li Pin, smiling. He took a sip of his tea. "Just wanted to try a different life."

A different life?

Xiang Tianxing knew what had led to this change in Li Pin's thinking.

Tianyuan—or rather, the higher-ups in Tianyuan—had disappointed him. He grew tired of staying there and left without a second thought.

Xiang Tianxing understood that this was Li Pin's true nature—he was free-spirited and refused to be bound by anyone or anything. With his talent, wisdom, and ability, he could shine and thrive anywhere, be it Tianyuan, Solar Radiance, Great Shang, or even this war-torn desolate land that is Great Moon.

Him founding the Dragonfist Sect and gradually shaping it into a martial arts sanctuary—even attracting the attention of the Martial God Hall of Great Shang—was the clearest proof of that.

Thinking about this, Xiang Tianxing smiled. "How's it going?"

"Boring," Li Pin said casually. "I still prefer the feeling of being tempered in blood and fire."

Xiang Tianxing couldn't help but laugh. "You might as well say you want to see rivers of blood."

At that moment, Xiang Tianxing felt as though he had returned to the days when he and Li Pin would sit and chat idly.

"They're two entirely different concepts, not to be confused," Li Pin remarked, glancing at Xiang Tianxing. "I see you're a Master Astral Cultivator now?"

"Yeah." Xiang Tianxing nodded. "It's because I became a Master Astral Cultivator that I led a team to Great Shang for the International Exhibition. That's how I heard about your exploits."

"What a pity," Li Pin commented.

Xiang Tianxing knew what Li Pin meant by "pity."

He had persisted for so long, even after the Martial God path was carved out, yet he had ultimately chosen to merge his will with the Atomic Will.

"There's no going back." Xiang Tianxing took a sip of tea, feeling an indescribable bitterness. "From the moment we embarked on the path of Astral Cultivation, there was no turning back."

Li Pin was momentarily stunned, but with his sharp mind, he quickly grasped the key point. "Is it the Atomic Will?"

Xiang Tianxing nodded, his expression complicated. "Astral Cultivators are the favored sons and daughters of this world—or rather, of the starry sky under the Astral God's radiance. No matter what you do, the Atomic Will will assist you."

"Does it mislead you, give you false insights?" Li Pin asked.

"No, it's not wrong. It's correct. The only difference is... the Atomic Will provides the insights for you," Xiang Tianxing explained. "With its help, the insights come so easily that you don't even notice. You think it's your own talent, but it just pulls you deeper and deeper, and you can't escape."

He chuckled bitterly. "It's like playing a game where you've experienced the thrill of spending money. Then, more money is handed to you, urging you to splurge. Can you really resist?"

"Can't you tell the difference?"

"You can't. Once you become an Astral Cultivator, your will merges with the Atomic Will. There's no distinction between the two. Your insights are yours, but they're also the atom's. What the Atomic Will helps you realize feels like your own understanding. How could you possibly separate them?"

He shook his head. "From the moment you bath beneath the starlight, the line between them disappears."