Chapter 1172

Chapter 1172: The few steps of cultivation, the great terror in the dark

In fact, when Gu Changge revealed the Fateful Immortal Boat, Xiao Ruoyin had already guessed his intention.

The Fateful Immortal Boat was a pre-existing object, not forged later. Initially, she had resonated with the elusive River of Destiny, using her Fateless Physique to make it recognize her as its master.

After the collapse of the Immortal Palace, her reincarnation caused the Fateful Immortal Boat to follow her into the new life. Its spirit also acquired a physical form, leading to the birth of Jiang Chen later on.

However, over the years, the Fateful Immortal Boat remained in Gu Changge’s hands, and Xiao Ruoyin never considered asking him to return it.

Is Your Majesty here to inquire about the Fateful Immortal Boat this time?

Xiao Ruoyin speculated, her gaze focused on the ship. Though it appeared to be made of bronze, it was a rare immortal gold called Good Fortune Gold. This material had the extraordinary ability to carry one’s fate, enabling it to traverse the river of time without acc.u.mulating karma or facing heavenly punishment.

However, this substance was exceedingly rare, and many cultivators might spend their entire lives without ever hearing about Fortune Gold, let alone finding it.

Xiao Ruoyin had found information on this material during her time as the High Priestess of the Immortal Palace. Even for her, locating a piece of Fortune Gold again would be as challenging as reaching the heavens.

Gu Changge glanced at Xiao Ruoyin and said, “Indeed, it’s related to the Fateful Immortal Boat, but now I’m more interested in understanding the extent of your control over the path of destiny.”

His gaze fell on the ancient-looking compa.s.s behind Xiao Ruoyin as he spoke. Though simple in appearance, upon closer inspection, one could discern thousands of strands of material converging like starlight, creating an unusual sight.

Ordinary people wouldn’t notice, but having comprehended the path of Destiny, Gu Changge understood that these were the so-called threads of fate.

Everything was bound by the lines of cause and effect in this world. Even he, because of cause and effect, had been exposed by Xiao Ruoyin regarding his past life.

It was not easy to transcend cause and effect and break free from the constraints of the five elements. ”

Regarding control over the path of Destiny?” Xiao Ruoyin felt surprised. Why would Gu Changge suddenly show interest in this?

With her Fateless Physique, she naturally possessed a strong sensing ability for destiny and causality. Therefore, when she delved into studying these aspects, it was like a fish in water—straightforward.

Over the years, after recovering the memories of her past life as the High Priestess of Destiny, Xiao Ruoyin had been attempting to restore her past-life achievements. One of the most notable aspects was her comprehension and control over the path of Destiny.

Earlier, she had been making calculations, specifically regarding the future changes in the Divine Kingdom. In the vast expanse of the universe, the mighty adept in divine arts could discern a person’s past and present with just a glance.

They could even perceive the countless changes and evolutions over endless ages. In this world, there were no secrets beyond their reach. However, peering into the mysterious and unfathomable realm beyond time’s end, glimpsing the other sh.o.r.e instantly, was unimaginable.

Nevertheless, given Xiao Ruoyin’s current strength, she was far from reaching this level; it was an unrealistic fantasy.

Gu Changge nodded, “Recently, I’ve developed a keen interest in the path of Destiny. I thought you should have profound knowledge in this area.”

He wasn’t lying. Coming here to seek Xiao Ruoyin was indeed prompted by the expectation that she possessed significant insights into the path of Destiny.

“I see.” Xiao Ruoyin realized, then continued, “Although I have delved deep into this path, my cultivation is still far from Yours, Your Majesty. Even if I can glimpse a bit of Destiny, its impact on Your Majesty might be limited.”

Now that Gu Changge’s cultivation was inscrutable and had transcended the realm of immortality, Xiao Ruoyin considered it a rare phenomenon throughout the ages. Even those supremely skilled in the path of Destiny couldn’t foresee his future and the course of his destiny.

Xiao Ruoyin naturally wouldn’t casually probe Gu Changge’s fate; it wasn’t just a matter of failing to see—there was a significant risk of backlash.

Gu Changge knew Xiao Ruoyin would respond this way, so he brought out the Fateful Immortal Boat. He intended for her to use the ship to explore the path of Destiny.

“With the Fateful Immortal Boat in hand, given your current cultivation, you should be able to glimpse the fate of the Divine Kingdom. Will you give it a try?” he asked slowly.

After a moment of silence, Xiao Ruoyin spoke frankly. She dared not conceal anything in front of Gu Changge, “The chances are not great.”

“It doesn’t matter. If there’s any danger, you can retreat at any time. I’ll bear any backlash for you,” Gu Changge rea.s.sured.

His cultivation had reached a level where even whimsical ideas had reasons behind them. Just like what he was about to do now.

In Gu Changge’s view, this step was crucial for deducing and comparing the paths he had taken so far. At this stage, summarizing the paths he had traversed, roughly speaking, they could be divided into four steps.

When the first three steps reached their end, it would signify reaching the other sh.o.r.e of immortality, the realm of immortals.

And this fourth step, as he delved into the study and comprehension of the path of Destiny, resonated with him. Beyond the Immortal realm, one must dispel the clouds of uncertainty, reflect upon oneself, and achieve the Dao fruit. This was the state where causality doesn’t touch, transcending time and s.p.a.ce.

Then, mastering the three thousand great Dao-building experts, immortal with a single thought, annihilating countless universes with a single intention.

Beyond self-Dao, past, present, future—all are one, free and immortal. With a single hand, obliterate the heavens, a timeless cosmos, effortlessly severing all, comprehending all, immortal in emptiness, enduring in concept.

All these are subsequent paths; as the mist disperses, everything becomes clear. However, Gu Changge still needs to deduce and verify based on Destiny.

I understand.

Xiao Ruoyin knew she had no choice. She immediately took over the Fateful Immortal Boat, and after countless ages, this item returned to her hands, emitting a faint, trembling sound.

Following that, layers of mysterious ripples spread in this place, and it seemed as if divine and enchanting melodies resonated throughout the heavens and earth. Even the threads of causality were converging towards this place.

Draped in a sacrificial robe, Xiao Ruoyin looked saintly and immortal, enveloped in a boundless radiance of immortality.

A vague and blurry mist appeared before her, with glimpses of divine radiance from the Divine Kingdom and the evolving realms of various heavens. There was worship, and grand world sounds everywhere. However, behind all this, an icy silence loomed, with a fog sweeping in, obscuring everything.

In Gu Changge’s gaze, numerous terrifying scenes unfolded. At this moment, he seemed to be at the end of an endless void, observing the evolution of the heavens and the earth.

Chaos separated, and even shadows of light appeared, overseeing everything at the end of the river of time, watching the changes in mountains and rivers, alternating epochs.

The path of Destiny is truly mysterious…

Seeing that Xiao Ruoyin was about to collapse, her face turning bloodless and showing signs of fatigue, Gu Changge’s expression had returned to calmness.

He waved his robe, and thunderous roars echoed at the end of the sky. However, it quickly dissipated without a ripple. The overwhelming and suffocating terror vanished into thin air.

You’ve worked hard.

He caught the faltering Xiao Ruoyin, looking at her pale face, and said, “You nearly suffered backlash. When you were deducing the destiny of the Divine Kingdom, you seemed to be suddenly enveloped in a terrifying aura. Your whole body was cold. Perhaps I expelled that terrifying aura in the end.”

She suspected that in the end, Gu Changge made a move to drive away that great terror.

But what exactly was it?