Chapter 649: Emotions Cannot Compare To The Dao (2)

Eldritch Deity Zhu Jiu, Eldritch Deity Hou Lu, and Eldritch Deity Hou Tu were instantly taken aback.

Recruited by a super powerhouse from beyond the realm?

Had anyone else made such a claim, the three Eldritch Deities might have doubted it. But coming from the Snake Ancestor, they accepted it without question.

At last, they understood why Wu Yuan had been so eager to meet with the Snake Ancestor.

"Zhu Jiu, take this Mirror of Creation," the Snake Ancestor said, its wings stirring the air as it gestured. "Once you’ve claimed ownership, it should allow you entry into the Creation Divine Hall."

With a soft hum, the Mirror of Creation floated before Eldritch Deity Zhu Jiu.

"Thank you, Snake Ancestor," Zhu Jiu said, bowing his head in gratitude.

"Additionally, these immortal slips contain the knowledge Eldritch Deity Hou Feng gleaned from the Creation Divine Hall. You may peruse them," the Snake Ancestor continued, indicating the dozens of immortal slips hovering nearby.

The three Eldritch Deities swiftly scanned the contents. Soon, their expressions were filled with astonishment.

The information was incredibly detailed, covering the eldritch mage lineage's cultivation methods, qi refining techniques, body refining practices, pill refining, talismans, equipment forging, ethercrystal weapons, and more.

There were even basic ether arts, Yuan Soul secret arts, mana body cultivation methods, and countless other subjects... truly comprehensive.

"This..." Eldritch Deity Hou Tu inhaled sharply, his gaze burning with intensity as he looked at Wu Yuan. "Eldritch Deity Hou Feng... your actions, these teachings... they could save our eldritch race billions of years of effort."

"Such precious knowledge."

"Incredibly powerful. The concepts are beyond imagination."

"Far superior to any teachings I've created."

"With these methodologies, our Huanggu eldritch race will produce powerful experts several times faster. All of us will see a significant rise in strength," Eldritch Deity Zhu Jiu and Eldritch Deity Hou Lu marveled.

Eldritch Deity Zhu Jiu, in particular, was far from ordinary in terms of individual power. Many of the current cultivation methods, secret arts, and even ether arts within the eldritch race were created by him.

But many secret arts and teachings required generations of powerful cultivators to gradually perfect and complete. Only then could they form the foundation of a truly formidable force.

"I will be departing," Wu Yuan said with a faint smile. "Consider this my final contribution to the eldritch race before I leave.

I hope the Eldritch Deities won't resent me for abandoning the eldritch race," Wu Yuan added, his tone light.

"Nonsense," Eldritch Deity Zhu Jiu replied frankly. "The path of the Great Dao is arduous, yet supreme. Longevity and insight are what we truly seek." He sighed wistfully. "If only I had such an opportunity. Were I invited to venture beyond, I would agree without hesitation."

"Indeed. The realms beyond are vast and unfathomable," Eldritch Deity Hou Tu nodded in agreement. "Eldritch Deity Hou Feng, you are the most extraordinary genius our Huanggu eldritch race has ever produced. Strive to make a name for yourself out there as well."

Wu Yuan inclined his head slightly.

The Dao! Supreme and unrivaled. Without unyielding courage, the resolve to abandon everything, and the madness to press forward even in the face of countless challenges... one would never reach the end of the long path of cultivation.

These Eldritch Deities had all experienced countless hardships to attain their current strength. They understood all too well the preciousness of such an opportunity.

Moreover, Wu Yuan had personally slain Imperial Majesty Da Yan and left behind numerous priceless teachings. He had more than fulfilled his obligations to the eldritch race.

How could the Eldritch Deities dare ask for more?

...

After bidding farewell to the Snake Ancestor and the Eldritch Deities, Wu Yuan departed from the underground world and arrived at the newly restored Cloudhill Hall.

Cloudhill and Cloud Capital had left a significant impact on Wu Yuan during his youth. That was why he had named his residence in the Archeldritch tribe ‘Cloudhill Hall’.

The original Cloudhill Hall had been destroyed in the previous battle with the Earth Archeldritch Tribe, and was now rebuilt.

A figure in crimson robes stood by the lakeside, on a grassy shore.

The setting sun painted the rippling water with golden light, as a gentle breeze stirred her garments, creating a scene of breathtaking beauty.

Wu Yuan alighted softly, his voice calm. "Hou Tong."

"Hou Feng, I've received word from Grandfather. He says you're about to leave Huanggu..." Hou Tong turned, the wind playing with her hair as she faced him.

Her eyes betrayed little sorrow.

"Yes," Wu Yuan nodded.

Hou Tong fell silent.

"I was wrong," Wu Yuan said softly, shaking his head. "I thought I had more time, but I never imagined this day would come so soon..."

This was something Wu Yuan truly didn’t expect. In his original plans, he thought he would spend at least a few hundred years here – enough time to accomplish many things.

"Hou Feng, would you be willing to stay... for me?" Hou Tong suddenly asked.

Now it was Wu Yuan's turn to fall silent.

After a long moment, Hou Tong spoke again. "I understand. The pursuit of the Dao is your true calling.

Hou Feng, you've done nothing wrong. I was simply too naive, setting myself up for disappointment," Hou Tong said, shaking her head gently. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she continued softly, "I always believed that if I stayed by your side, eventually I would sway your heart, and make you willing to stay."

At first, she had merely been drawn to Wu Yuan's unique personality among the Eldritch Generals, as well as his unparalleled talent. But at that point, it couldn't be called deep, true love.

Later, during the centuries they wandered the world, especially those decades spent adopting various identities to experience mortal life, she truly fell for Wu Yuan, heart and soul.

She had always believed that no matter how talented Wu Yuan was, he would ultimately become an Eldritch Deity. And as long as she worked hard, she too could become a High Eldritch.

But now? Wu Yuan was about to leave Huanggu entirely.

"Hou Feng, I ask you only this: did you truly develop feelings for me, or did you merely pity me?" Hou Tong's eyes locked onto Wu Yuan's, asking the question that weighed heaviest on her heart.

Wu Yuan's mind was calm as he met her gaze.

After a long silence, he spoke. "In my heart, love cannot compare to the Dao.”

Hou Tong remained silent for a moment, then suddenly smiled. "I understand now... Hou Feng, what I yearned for most was a bond like that of High Eldritch Hou Qiong and his wife – partners willing to sacrifice everything for each other, to risk life and death, to give their all.

But you're different. If you had a partner and they were in danger, perhaps you would fight to the death for them.

If your partner was reviled by all under heaven, perhaps you would sweep aside all opposition for their sake.

But the one thing you could never do is set aside your pursuit of the pinnacle for the sake of a partner. It's not that the Dao cannot compare to love, but that love falls short of the Dao." Hou Tong shook her head gently.

"What you seek is the Great Dao. What you desire most is the supreme, unrivaled Dao. Love would be but a ripple on the surface of your cultivation journey, unable to shake your Dao Heart.

All this time, I've been deluding myself. I'm sorry for intruding on your path these past centuries." Tears glimmered in Hou Tong's eyes, but she no longer hesitated.

With a swish of her robes, she took to the air.

Wu Yuan stood at the lake's edge, watching the crimson figure until it vanished in the distance.

I am trying to sever my karmic ties, and Hou Tong is doing the same, is she not?

Wu Yuan mused silently.

Had he developed feelings for Hou Tong? Yes, he had.

Perhaps it was the centuries of companionship, or perhaps it was during their many experiences living as mortals in disguise, but somehow this seemingly carefree yet inwardly stubborn girl in red had unknowingly found her way into Wu Yuan's heart.

However, as Hou Tong had said, if she were in peril, Wu Yuan would spare no effort to save her.

But this thread of emotion could not hinder Wu Yuan's path of cultivation. When faced with the chance to stand at the very pinnacle, Wu Yuan's choice was clear – to depart without hesitation. There would be little wavering.

He remembered the Creation Emissary's warning: the longer he delayed, the more difficult the test would become.

It's for the best.

Wu Yuan thought, his mind now tranquil. Better for her to cut the threads of emotion herself than for me to sever them.

These faint strands of not-quite-deep emotion had already been trimmed away.

Whoosh! Whoosh!

Two figures appeared in the distance – Eldritch Deity Hou Tu and Eldritch Deity Zhu Jiu. They gazed at Wu Yuan.

"My apologies, Eldritch Deity Hou Tu," Wu Yuan said.

Hou Tong was the granddaughter of Eldritch Deity Hou Tu.

"I should be the one apologizing," Eldritch Deity Hou Lu replied, shaking his head. "Hou Tong was too mischievous and caused trouble for you, Eldritch Deity Hou Feng."

Wu Yuan remained silent, then with a wave of his hand, a stream of light descended before Eldritch Deity Hou Tu.

"This is a gift I've left for Hou Tong," Wu Yuan explained, his voice soft. "However, here's no need to say it's from me. Since we've severed our karmic ties, there's no reason to add to her burdens.”

"Understood," Eldritch Deity Hou Tu nodded, accepting without protest.

Wu Yuan gave a slight nod to Eldritch Deity Zhu Jiu.

In an instant, Wu Yuan transformed into a streak of light, soaring towards the heavens and vanishing swiftly into the horizon.

Eldritch Deity Hou Tu and Eldritch Deity Zhu Jiu remained standing where they were, the air heavy with unspoken thoughts.

"Are you feeling sorry for your granddaughter?" Eldritch Deity Zhu Jiu teased, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "You've lost quite the exceptional grandson-in-law."

"I warned her long ago, but she wouldn't listen," Eldritch Deity Hou Tu sighed, shaking his head. "Such a monstrous prodigy, who recognized his own nature so early... Even if he felt emotions, how could he be constrained by them?"

He paused. "It's for the best. This trial will greatly increase her chances of becoming a High Eldritch."

Eldritch Deity Zhu Jiu nodded, his expression thoughtful.

"It’s normal for mortals to be trapped by emotions and the desire to procreate," Eldritch Deity Zhu Jiu mused, a faint smile playing on his lips. "Their lifespans are brief and their power limited.

With such short lives and a world full of suffering - poverty, old age, illness... They lack the power to solve these myriad hardships. Thus, they seek someone to confide in, to understand them, to find a kind of happiness. This is the origin of emotion.

Their brief lifespans make them cherish family ties all the more as they age, unable to persist long in the world. They naturally pin all their hopes on their descendants, wishing for those who carry their bloodline to experience the wonders of the world in their stead.

But truly great beings can solve all difficulties themselves, enjoy countless pleasures, and achieve longevity... What we call emotion and desire are mere trifles to them," Zhu Jiu smiled, his eyes gleaming. "Only the Dao remains.

The eternal, immutable Dao.

The profundities of the workings of heaven and earth... This is the ultimate pursuit, the yearning of us seekers of the Dao," Eldritch Deity Zhu Jiu's eyes shone with a glimmer of longing.

He understood Wu Yuan's actions perfectly. He, too, walked the same path.

"The Dao isn’t heartless, yet only the Dao is eternal," Eldritch Deity Hou Tu sighed, a wistful smile on his face. "I wonder if Eldritch Deity Hou Feng can truly grasp the Great Dao."

"Who can say?" Eldritch Deity Zhu Jiu replied, his voice trailing off into contemplative silence.

...

Whoosh!

Having severed all karmic ties and stilled his emotions, Wu Yuan journeyed onward. After several days, he once again reached Heavenly Pillar Mountain, encountering no obstacles.

The eldritch race's army had withdrawn, and the remaining powerhouses of the immortal race dared not approach.

He returned to the lake outside the Creation Divine Hall.

Wu Yuan suddenly halted.

Once I leave, I may never see this place again.

Wu Yuan realized, a bittersweet understanding dawning in his heart.

But such is the path of cultivation. There will always be partings and farewells.

Few companions remain until the journey's end. Life is full of wonders at every turn.

A true Dao companion... is one who can walk alongside you on the path of seeking the Dao.

Whoosh!

Wu Yuan flew across the water's surface, soon entering the Creation Divine Hall once more, vanishing without a trace.

In truth, he had already left the Huanggu world far behind. Perhaps he would return someday; but more likely, he would never be able to come back.

...

Silently, Wu Yuan reappeared in that grand hall.

Only the black-robed elderly man remained at the far end of the hall, as if he had been waiting since Wu Yuan's departure.

"Emissary," Wu Yuan said, bowing slightly.

"You've returned so quickly? Are you prepared to face the test?" the black-robed elderly man asked with a smile.

"Yes," Wu Yuan nodded solemnly.