Chapter 411: The Strongest Being

"What do you seek in this life?" Zhang Shi asked curiously, looking at Gu An.

Having reincarnated countless times, Zhang Shi pursued varied lives in each cycle, yet it left him adrift. He had been a savior, a revered immortal of faith, a world-destroying demon, and even a simple mortal. The repetition of lives brought him confusion, prompting him to awaken memories of his original self in search of purpose.

Gu An replied calmly, "Tend to flowers, grow some herbs, spend my days chatting with friends and disciples, playing chess. If I could live like this forever, I would be content."

Zhang Shi, taken aback, asked, "Then what do you aim for in cultivation?"

Gu An tilted his head slightly, as if puzzled by the question, and responded, "Isn't cultivation meant to let one enjoy the life they desire? I already have it. Why would I strive further for cultivation? My practice isn't for power—it's to live longer and savor more of this life."

Zhang Shi’s expression subtly shifted as he pondered Gu An's words.

Life versus cultivation—which matters more?

Zhang Shi knew how arduous immortality was to attain. Many lived thousands of years, yet most of that time was spent relentlessly cultivating, leaving little space for joy. Often, their happiness might not even match that of an ordinary mortal.

Gu An’s philosophy sparked a new perspective in Zhang Shi’s mind.

Reincarnation need not solely be about seeking greatness. It could also be about experiencing life in its infinite forms.

Zhang Shi gazed at Gu An anew, sensing an otherworldly aura about him—an elegance even Free Immortals lacked. This demeanor, coupled with the profound insight Gu An had shared, elevated Gu An’s image in Zhang Shi’s heart.

"How do you find enjoyment in life, then?" Zhang Shi inquired, a deeper curiosity reflected in his tone.

Gu An spoke freely, describing his days of leisure and simplicity.

He narrated tales of daily life with an ease that captured attention. Even the playful bickering between the Bull Demon King and the White Spirit Mouse brought laughter to Zhang Shi, who hadn’t expected such mundane anecdotes to feel so meaningful.

As they conversed, Gu An silently probed Zhang Shi’s karma. The deeper their exchange, the clearer Gu An’s ability to trace Zhang Shi’s past became. Gu An’s mind glimpsed fragments of Zhang Shi’s memories—vivid, striking images of his previous lives.

What Gu An didn’t know was that Zhang Shi was also observing him.

Time passed.

When Gu An paused, Zhang Shi remarked with emotion, "There’s meaning in the ordinary. No—existence itself holds meaning. Cultivation aims for the natural order, yet shouldn’t one immerse themselves in the world they seek to understand?"

Gu An seized the opportunity to inquire, "Since you’re aware of my past life, does that mean you have one as well?"

After all, both were Nascent Soul cultivators. Zhang Shi nodded. "Yes, I do."

At a neighboring table, a male cultivator rolled his eyes and exchanged amused glances with his companion. The two began to eavesdrop more blatantly.

Gu An pressed further, "Why do we reincarnate? Based on what you’ve said, we should be very powerful. Was it because we were injured?"

Zhang Shi shook his head. "Quite the opposite. Reincarnation is a trial—what we call the Cycle of Reincarnation. It’s meant to refine our Dao. Once perfected, one can transcend the Nine Heavens of Immortal Dao and step into the true path of cultivation."

Unconcerned about others overhearing, Zhang Shi continued in a normal tone, "The Cycle of Reincarnation has no set limit. I’ve encountered someone before who was far beyond the Immortal Dao yet still undergoing this trial."

As he spoke, a figure emerged in Zhang Shi’s mind, his eyes flickering with complex emotions.

Gu An leaned forward, intrigued. Could cultivators even in the Dao Fruit Realm continue to face the Cycle of Reincarnation?

Zhang Shi explained further, "To be honest, the adversary I’m hunting is also exploiting the Cycle of Reincarnation to obscure his identity. He’s likely investigating the Sword Master of the Dao."

The mention of the Sword Master caused a stir among the surrounding cultivators.

“Are they serious? Such arrogance!” one muttered.

“Who do they think they are, speaking of the Sword Master so casually?” sneered another.

“What a joke! Do they actually believe they’ve reached the Ninth Heaven of Immortal Dao?”

“Hahaha, utterly delusional!”

The rising chatter became harder to ignore. Gu An sighed and suggested, "Shall we find another place to talk?"

Zhang Shi agreed. Gu An settled the bill before leading Zhang Shi out of the bustling inn, though the mocking laughter lingered in the air.

As they walked through the crowded streets, they resumed their conversation about the Cycle of Reincarnation. Gu An’s curiosity about this mysterious trial only deepened, while Zhang Shi seemed more than willing to share his insights.

“The rules of the Cycle of Reincarnation are unpredictable. Sometimes, one is sent to the past, other times to the future, or even to other grand heavens. But one thing remains constant: no matter where, the reincarnated never encounter their original selves. A mysterious law governs cultivators within the Cycle of Reincarnation…” Zhang Shi spoke with a hint of reminiscence in his tone.

Gu An couldn’t help but ask, “What happens if a reincarnator meets another within the trial?”

“That depends on the individuals. Even if there’s conflict, it won’t disrupt the Cycle of Reincarnation. Personally, I prefer to communicate, just like we’re doing now. It’s unfortunate you haven’t awakened the memories of your original self yet—otherwise, we could delve into even deeper discussions.”

Zhang Shi smiled faintly before continuing, “The Cycle of Reincarnation is like this sea of people. It appears chaotic but has its own order. There’s a starting point and an endpoint. Even when paths cross, everyone ultimately heads toward their own destination.”

“Do you still retain memories of your past life?” Gu An pressed further.

“Of course. My current self is my original consciousness, only without the ability to draw upon my original power.”

Hearing Zhang Shi’s words, Gu An feigned bravery and asked, “Then can I ask about your—”

“No,” Zhang Shi interrupted immediately. “That would bring you immense trouble.”

Immense trouble?

Gu An chuckled inwardly. What could be so terrifying? Could he possibly be from the Sacred Court?

Even if he was, Gu An wasn’t the least bit afraid.

“During your journey through the Cycle of Reincarnation, have you encountered anyone particularly memorable? I mean, others undergoing the same trial.” Gu An shifted the topic, curious about Zhang Shi’s response.

To his surprise, Zhang Shi seemed unbothered by revealing so much. It wasn’t that Zhang Shi was naive—he exuded confidence, unafraid that sharing this knowledge might cause him harm.

“Indeed, I have. Both in the past and in the future. Let me tell you about one individual from each.” Zhang Shi paused, his voice steady as they continued walking, their figures almost lost in the crowded streets.

“In the past, I encountered a being called the Frost Emperor. Born under immense fortune, it was as though the heavens paved the way for him. When I met him, he had already become the strongest in the world. Remarkably, even in the Cycle of Reincarnation, he had reached the Ninth Heaven of Immortal Dao, only a step away from concluding his trial.”

Zhang Shi’s face reflected profound respect as he mentioned the Frost Emperor.

“What do you mean by ‘only a step away’? Did he fail?” Gu An asked.

“That’s correct. He failed. I watched him fall, obliterated by an unfathomably powerful existence. Before his demise, I too was warned by that entity—a pair of eyes capable of observing the entire cosmos.” A trace of fear flickered across Zhang Shi’s face.

Gu An’s thoughts immediately went to the mysterious giant eye he had seen during his own breakthrough, lurking deep within the universe. Could it be the same entity?

He thought of the Heavenly Spirit God who had destroyed Ji. That eye could very well belong to the Heavenly Spirit God.

As of now, the Heavenly Spirit God was undoubtedly the most powerful being Gu An had ever encountered, guarding the universe's edge with unparalleled might.

“In subsequent cycles of reincarnation, I never saw that powerful entity again. Perhaps it’s because my reincarnated self wasn’t strong enough. However, in the future, I met another reincarnator—someone even more extraordinary. What made him so remarkable was his ability to traverse the River of Time while still within the Cycle of Reincarnation.”

“He came from a far-distant future. We weren’t from the same era, yet we met by chance. His spirit was unlike anything I had ever encountered. It wasn’t about cultivation level—it was an unyielding will, a tenacity that seemed impossible to break.”

Zhang Shi’s eyes gleamed with admiration as he spoke, while Gu An’s expression turned slightly peculiar.

Could it be Ji?

Gu An pondered for a moment, uncertain if Ji and Zhang Shi had ever crossed paths.

“Do you remember his name?” Gu An asked curiously.

Zhang Shi smiled faintly. “He had a single name—Ji. He defeated every supreme cultivator of the Heavenly Spirit God Domain across countless eras. His life was devoted to battle. To my shame, I never fought him. He didn’t even know I existed. I only watched him from a distance as he faced the strongest of the world. Even when the entire world stood against him, he prevailed. That scene will stay with me forever.”

“If there truly exists a strongest being, I believe it would be him. With his abilities and willpower, he could undoubtedly surpass the Ninth Heaven of Immortal Dao and reach an even higher realm.”

So it was Ji!

Gu An couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. Ji was him. To be remembered so vividly by Zhang Shi felt oddly gratifying.

“What about his fate? Do you know what happened to him in the end?” Gu An asked.

“I don’t. After defeating all the world’s strongest cultivators, he shattered the void and embarked on another journey. Judging by the lack of his presence in our era, I suspect his original self is yet to be born. I look forward to meeting him someday and facing him in an honorable duel.”

At this, Zhang Shi clenched his fists, a fiery battle spirit lighting up his otherwise refined demeanor.

Gu An resisted the urge to tell Zhang Shi outright that he wouldn’t stand a chance.

Just then, a voice rang out from ahead. “Speaking of the Cycle of Reincarnation so openly—are you not afraid of its backlash?”

Gu An’s gaze shifted to a monk walking toward them. He had an austere appearance, clad in plain robes, but his sharp eyes were like blades fixed on Zhang Shi.

Zhang Shi’s expression remained calm as he stared back at the monk. “If you’re not afraid, why should I be?”

The two locked eyes, their unspoken challenge crackling in the air. Though neither released their aura, their confrontation drew the attention of passing cultivators.

Leaning slightly toward Zhang Shi, Gu An whispered, “Who is he? Don’t tell me he’s—”

“Yes,” Zhang Shi replied calmly. “He’s the one I’m looking for. He doesn’t belong to the Heavenly Spirit God Domain. He’s from beyond.”

The monk’s voice was steady yet firm. “All are bound by reincarnation. Why divide between inside and outside? Do you truly believe you can stop me within the Cycle of Reincarnation?”

Zhang Shi’s gaze sharpened. “Are you not afraid of the Sword Master of the Dao?”