"Destiny? Reincarnation?"
Qi Pingâs eyes suddenly sharpened when he heard the words of the little Immortal Tiger.
Indeed, it was just as he speculated; when he saw that unusual vitality behind Old Man Zhou, he already had some idea of this outcome.
Now, the only uncertainty was whether his Druid legacy, and his encounter with Old Man Zhou, were interrelated, perhaps even linking to his transmigration.
Qi Ping used to believe that after crossing over, the distance between him and his homeland was incredibly vast. But now, it seemed that if there was someone behind his legacy, then that homeland might just reside within a certain passage in the Sea of Chaos, though he couldnât find it now.
It wasnât that Qi Ping was particularly attached to his homeland. After all, in his previous life, he was just another among countless common folk, passing time with a few hobbies like gaming and travelingâa life not worth mentioning compared to his current identity, status, and achievements.
With centuries having passed, those he knew were long gone, returning to dust. So, his attachment to his past lifeâs hometown was negligible, though there were certainly some special feelings.
But what truly mattered to Qi Ping was if that homeland was indeed in one of the passages within the Sea of Chaos, this world might be even more vast than he imagined. Perhaps this immense Immortal Cultivation Realm that encompassed countless continents and worlds might only be a particularly brilliant part of it.
Thinking of this, Qi Pingâs interest in exploring this world grew even stronger.
Of course, Qi Pingâs main focus was still on Old Man Zhou, as he was the closest person to him in this world, and more importantly, his guide.
"Yes, boss. I saw countless figures behind Old Man Zhou, their auras identical to Old Man Zhouâs. There were peasants, generals, emperors... and some figures I couldnât discern. Just one glance made it unbearable. If not for your shelter, boss, I might have died instantly..."
The little Immortal Tiger spoke with lingering fear, its face reflecting the fright from the scene.
"Youâve worked hard!" Qi Ping patted the little Immortal Tigerâs head.
If it werenât for his Beast Guardian Envoy identity allowing him to resurrect his animal companion, he wouldnât have risked letting the little Immortal Tiger gauge such a significant causal entity.
"Itâs fine; anyway, you can revive me! Hehe..." The little Immortal Tiger chuckled with a carefree demeanor.
"That resurrection ability is best left unused if possible, as it comes with a cost."
"By the way, boss, aside from these, I saw an extraordinarily peculiar line of destiny connecting Old Man Zhou and you, but..."
"But what?"
"This line of destiny is about to break!"
"What?"
Qi Pingâs brows furrowed immediately.
So, this was the reason for Old Man Zhouâs inexplicable loss of vitality and the birth of death aura?
"Did you see anything else?" Qi Ping pressed further.
"No more, boss. My ability canât see any further!"
The plump little tiger in front of Qi Ping shook its head, feeling particularly helpless.
"Youâve done a great job!"
...
Having obtained the answers he sought, Qi Ping did not hesitate. His main body stepped out of the cave dwelling of the Seven-Colored Ancestral Vein, and in an unnoticeable moment to others, he instantaneously merged with his spirit body.
"So, wasnât I right? Hehe!"
Old Man Zhou chuckled, not displaying any sign of regret on his face.
Seeing Qi Pingâs expression, he knew Qi Ping had perceived the death aura on him.
"Your life is almost slipping away, and you can still laugh?" Qi Ping said sternly.
"Why wouldnât I laugh? I was destined to die anyway. Ever since you extended my life in the Cloud Mist Mountain Range, Iâve been living on borrowed time, witnessing the sight of the entire Star Sea Continent..."
Following this, Old Man Zhou added:
"And I also witnessed a feat that overturned past and presentâbecoming the eternal Emperor of the Nine Star Sea Realms and Star Sea Academy... the one who accomplished it was someone I picked up!"
"Having witnessed all this, I feel itâs enough. Extending my life further wouldnât mean much. This is just right!"
Old Man Zhou spoke lightly, his voice full of open-mindedness.
In his view, the length of life wasnât of importance; he felt that the life he experienced was already exciting enough.
Having a longer life would just lead to... boredom!
He wasnât someone interested in cultivation and the pursuit of long life.
Most importantly, Qi Ping had grown into such a mighty individual, a force capable of shouldering the lives of billions, so powerful that even if he exerted all his might, he couldnât compete.
And this revered Emperor, admired by all beings, was someone he personally guided!
His greatest comfort was having witnessed all the splendor of the Star Sea Continent.
But his proudest achievement was leading Qi Ping up the mountain and setting him on the path of cultivation; otherwise, how would the Star Sea Continent be as prosperous today? In this regard, Old Man Zhou was undeniably instrumental!
The one regret he harbored was being unable to learn any news of the apprentice who departed, his first disciple. Before that disciple left, he was very filial, but for some reason, he never returned, vanishing into the vast Star Sea.
Yet, not knowing is also fine; life is filled with regrets and farewells, and imperfection is also a part of life.