Chapter 2563: 257: The Highest

Capítulo 2563: Chapter 257: The Highest

Void Demon Realm.

The blood-red domain pulsated like a beating heart, slightly throbbing, absorbing the external Chaos Origin Substance. This vast substance was nourishing the nascent domain.

At this moment, two figures silently appeared before the domain.

One was dressed in a green robe, with a serene and indifferent demeanor; the other had very ordinary features.

It was Wang Ba and Xiahou Demon.

Xiahou Demon stood beside Wang Ba, neither humble nor arrogant, providing a brief overview of the Void Demon Realm:

“The cultivation methods passed down through generations in the Void Demon Realm are symbiotic with the domain’s rules, and are the most suited Dharma for this realm. They can use the void to disguise reality, deceiving the heavens. Thus, although our Void Demon Realm appeared to crumble under the surprise attack of the Supreme True Buddha, we preserved the domain’s origin. Once the conditions are ripe, it can reverse its decay and evolve this domain anew.”

Wang Ba looked at the domain, nodded slightly, and immediately asked without delay, “Where is Shen Fu? Where is he now?”

Upon hearing this, Xiahou Demon showed no surprise and immediately looked ahead into the domain, calling out loudly:

“Shen Fu, come out.”

In the next instant, a figure swiftly emerged from the blood-red domain.

The former white monk robe had been replaced with a blue-gray one, neither monk nor mundane, with a handsome countenance now tinged with a few traces of simplicity and indifference.

Flying out from within the domain and upon seeing Wang Ba, a hint of joy appeared in his eyes, but he first saluted Xiahou Demon.

Xiahou Demon waved his hand with a smile, first looking at Wang Ba:

“Taoist Friend Taiyi, I have matters to attend to, so I won’t linger.”

Then he looked at Shen Fu and advised:

“You should have a good conversation with Taoist Friend Taiyi, after all, you two haven’t had the opportunity for a proper chat over the years.”

Wang Ba nodded slightly, indifferent to his departure, Shen Fu agreed, and Xiahou Demon silently disappeared.

Noticing Xiahou Demon had left, Shen Fu finally let his guard down, eagerly landing before Wang Ba, gazing at the familiar figure, shedding all defenses displayed before others, revealing joyful emotions in his eyes:

“Senior Brother!”

Approaching, he paused slightly, his face calm but his heart surged, and he couldn’t help but bow before Wang Ba.

In that instant, he seemed to return to many years ago, when he was still a Qi Refining Junior Cultivator. Each time he returned from an adventure, he would greet this brotherly figure as one would a father.

Back then, every step seemed daunting and challenging. Now, in hindsight, those were the most warm moments in life.

This moment was just like that past moment.

And despite encountering countless challenges and enduring innumerable life-and-death experiences, his heart weary from all, to still have the chance to see the one he respected most was life’s greatest fortune.

Wang Ba’s stern expression melted like ice and snow, surveying the other, sensing the pure yet untainted Demonic Qi in his aura, feeling balanced and tranquil, nodding with satisfaction.

Reminded of the other’s arduous survival between the Supreme True Buddha and Xiahou Demon, the dangers and horrors along the way, a pang of pity arose, thousands of words welled up within, but only a few words came forth:

“You’ve had a tough time these years.”

“Senior Brother’s path was the hardest of all.”

Shen Fu slightly shook his head, speaking sincerely.

Hearing this, Wang Ba didn’t feign humility, couldn’t help but survey Shen Fu once more, then nodded approvingly:

“In great danger and opportunity, being caught between the Supreme True Buddha and Xiahou Demon was perilous, yet you gained support from both sides, advancing far beyond ordinary cultivators. It seems you have already forged your own path.”

“However, Xiahou Demon of the Void Demon Realm ultimately has impure thoughts. I am still uneasy about you staying here. Are you willing to return? If you wish, Xiahou Demon won’t dare oppose.”

He made no grand promises or boastful claims, but his calm tone concealed immense confidence.

Shen Fu never doubted Wang Ba’s capabilities, yet after pondering a moment, his face showed a trace of hesitation, finally shaking his head:

“Should you need me, I will give my utmost effort. I understand your goodwill, Senior Brother, but I fear I may disappoint you.”

Wang Ba frowned slightly upon hearing this:

“Do you fear Xiahou Demon’s obstruction? Or is there some unavoidable hardship? Let me have a look!”

He reached out towards Shen Fu, who allowed Wang Ba to examine his Primordial Spirit, and soon saw Wang Ba retract his hand in puzzlement:

“Strange, your mind hasn’t been altered…”

Hearing this, Shen Fu didn’t conceal anything before Wang Ba, shaking his head and saying:

“It’s not the teacher’s fault.”

“I know when he initially took me as a disciple, it was with the intention of grooming me into the future Buddha Lord, thereby intercepting the future fortune of the Supreme True Buddha, taking over by stealth.”

“But ultimately, he chose to prioritize the inheritance of the Void Demon Realm.”

“It shows that as a demon, it’s his cultivation method that’s demonic, not his character.”

“Moreover, he saved me, taught me the Dharma, and provided opportunities—this is karma.”

He paused, his gaze slightly dazed, as if recalling something else, and said:

“In the past, when I was in Little Cang World, though I was in the Demon Sect, I didn’t truly want to follow its ways. However, my actions were never wholly righteous, hence my indecision and hesitation. In essence, I didn’t favor this demonic method, but witnessing the so-called Buddha and demon over the years, I’ve realized the differences aren’t due to cultivation methods.”

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