Absolute Destiny Game
Chapter 570 - 4 Mutual Understanding

Chapter 570: Chapter 4 Mutual Understanding

Xiao Jie was momentarily stunned.

Looking carefully at the features of the Traveling Taoist, he seemed indeed to be the Mad Taoist, only his temperament was entirely different, and he had the air of a Worldly Expert with a mystical and curious demeanor.

As for the name... he had also seen these Avatars give themselves names before, just like Feng Yilang he met in Xuanxu Palace, who had changed his own name after Awakening his self-awareness.

The same principle probably applied here.

Feng Buqi, such an intriguing name, implying ’the gentleman is not a tool’...

"Are you really... the Mad Taoist?"

"Hahaha, the past me was indeed somewhat mad; it wasn’t too much to call me the Mad Taoist, but now I have understood everything. My mind is much clearer, and I won’t be as mad as in the past. It’s better to discard the name of the Mad Taoist; young brother, you might as well call me Taoist Buqi.

Speaking of which, I must thank you for your Immortal Brew. After drinking your Immortal Brew that day, my mind suddenly cleared, and I remembered many past events. I finally freed myself from the darkness and avoided a huge disaster."

Xiao Jie thought to himself, damn it, didn’t I know that Immortal Drunk indeed has its effects?

"And you used to complain that my brew was too weak."

"Hehe, please forgive me, young brother. At that time, my mind had just cleared. I had no power to protect myself and didn’t know if there were dangers around, so I could only pretend to be confused."

Xiao Jie could understand that, "So now that you’ve come to your senses, do you also know that you are..."

Xiao Jie started to say something but stopped, yet Feng Buqi didn’t mind, "An Avatar? Of course, I know. That’s why I came to this Northern Land—but this is not the place to talk. Young brother, why don’t we drink and chat to catch up?"

With that, he gestured an invitation with his hand. Xiao Jie, also quite interested, wanted to see what sort of marvels this Avatar could conjure up, so he followed.

A monk and a Taoist also wanted to follow, but Feng Buqi suddenly swept his sleeve, and their feet seemed stuck to the ground, unable to move forward.

"Old Taoist, what kind of trick is this... mmmmph!"

With another wave of his hand, the monk and the Taoist’s mouths were also sealed shut, unable to utter half a word.

Xiao Jie watched in amazement; what Spell is this? An immobilization technique? A Silence Technique? And to instantaneously cast it, pretty impressive.

He didn’t ask further, just followed Feng Buqi.

As the two gradually walked away, the monk and the Taoist could finally speak.

The monk touched his mouth, shocked, "Bulls’ nose, who is that divine being? His Daoist Skills are much deeper than yours."

"It’s not Daoist Skills, it’s Immortal Law!" The Taoist said solemnly, "We’ve encountered a Worldly Expert. Since the expert does not wish for us to follow, it’s best we don’t impose."

"What about the matter with Wang Xie?"

"We’ll secretly continue the search."

After a brief discussion, the two hurried off.

——————

Following Feng Buqi, Xiao Jie thought he would be brought to a tavern or something. Instead, after meandering around, somehow they left the city and came before a barren hill. The hill was overgrown with dead grass covered in snow, and amid the grass was a pavilion. To the right of the pavilion, there grew a plum tree, standing out in all its delicate beauty against the vast snowy plains.

In the pavilion, there was a stone table, two stone stools, a pot of fine wine, and two green stone cups, exuding a serene and Immortal charm.

"Young brother, now that no one’s disturbing us, let’s have a few drinks. I owe you a favor for drinking your Immortal Brew the other day, and now it’s time to taste the fine wine I’ve brewed."

Xiao Jie didn’t stand on ceremony, "Then I shall follow the host’s lead."

The two sat down on the stone stools, and Feng Buqi poured the wine into both stone cups. Xiao Jie clicked on the cup with his mouse, watching his character down the drink in one gulp when suddenly a system prompt popped up.

[System Prompt: You have drunk the [Spiritual Spring Immortal Brew], your Mana maximum permanently increased by 100 points.]

Holy crap, what a treasure. Just what I needed, Xiao Jie was just worrying about his Mana Bar being too short.

"Thank you, Taoist Buqi."

"Hehe, it’s just a trinket, it doesn’t count for much."

Xiao Jie thought to himself, if it doesn’t count for much, then why not pour me another cup, but seeing Feng Buqi’s unchanged expression, he knew it was probably a one-time reward.

"Taoist Buqi, so what’s the deal with you? Who is the original being behind you, and why create so many Avatars? I’m very curious."

Xiao Jie had always been very curious about this sideline, all mysterious. He felt that it contained some incredible information.

It might even be related to the game’s main storyline. The Evil Man is probably not the final link; there must be a Worldly Expert behind it, and since even the Avatar is so powerful, the original being behind it must be significant.

Feng Buqi, however, sighed, "I’m not very clear either, after all, I’m just an Avatar’s Avatar. Although I have Awakened some fragments of memory, they are not complete. Besides Cultivation of Daoist Skills during these days, I’ve been meditating intensely, trying to figure something out, but unfortunately, except for some sporadic memories, I have achieved nothing."

"Oh? Then what kind of memories has Taoist Buqi obtained? Why not share and let me hear? They say two heads are better than one, I might be able to give you some suggestions."

Feng Buqi didn’t refuse, with a reminiscent look on his face, he said, "In those past memories, I saw the immortal mountains amidst the Clouds, the Immortal Palace atop those mountains.

The immortal mountain was towering, reaching into the Clouds, with the sea of clouds endless, cranes soaring, and Wan Ling showing reverence.

That Immortal Palace was accompanied by the sun and the moon, with Immortal Sound flickering about, and countless Immortals residing within.

I also saw a tall tower, connecting heaven and earth, not knowing where it leads to.

I even saw a Black Dragon, coiling around me, saying something to me, but I couldn’t grasp the true meaning..."

Xiao Jie was engrossed in listening, thinking it over, but still clueless.

"Is Feng’s original being an Immortal?"

"It must be."

"Is that Immortal Palace in Gu Yun State? Or in Penglai State?"

Feng Buqi shook his head, "I don’t know what Gu Yun and Penglai look like, so naturally, I cannot judge."

"What is the purpose of having so many Avatars then?"

""

"I do not know about that, but there must be some profound meaning behind it. I am but an avatar of an avatar, with fragmented memories. Even after awakening, I still only understand in part. However, I think that perhaps Wang Xie might know more."

"Are you here to find Wang Xie?" Xiao Jie suddenly understood; Wang Xie was one of the Evil Men, but it seemed that he might have also successfully awakened his own personality.

That’s why he decided to assist Long Wushang, aiming to unify the Nine States.

This was mentioned during the conversation between Master Xiao Yue, Master Mingyue, the Great Wilderness Hermit, and others back in Canglin State.

Feng Buqi nodded, "Correct, perhaps he knows who the original being truly is. I have been ignorant for my whole life, wandering aimlessly across the world for who knows how long, not knowing how many Mad Taoists like myself have died and dissipated. If I cannot resolve these doubts in my heart, how can I find peace?

That’s why I made this journey to Beiming State. When passing by here, the old Taoist had an impulse, divined a little, and foresaw an old friend’s visit. Hence, I waited here for three days, and as expected, you came.

Having talked with you today, it’s like settling a cause and effect for me. With no more attachments, I should be ready to set off."

Xiao Jie thought to himself that this Mad Taoist’s prophetic ability was quite impressive, predicting his arrival three days in advance—three days ago, he didn’t even know where he himself would go.

But thinking back to the divination he did for himself in the past, which turned out to be very accurate, it wasn’t too far-fetched that he had foreseen his return.

"Speaking of which, I should thank you for the divination you did for me last time. It really came true."

"Hehe, if it proved true, then what is the difference whether it is divined or not? So, there is no need to thank me.

In fact, the art of divination is not absolutely accurate. The fates of people are like a complex web, intricate and ever-changing. I merely picked out the most likely pathway from the many you could have taken, but if you insist on not following that path, the divination can be voided. It all depends on what your heart desires."

Xiao Jie thought to himself that it seemed it wasn’t as foolproof as he had thought.

That’s still pretty impressive, though, "Brother Feng, can you divinate for me once more?"

"What would the young brother like to divine?"

Xiao Jie opened his mouth, intending to ask if he could succeed in his revenge, but after hesitating for a moment, he didn’t ask. Both Liu Qiang and he are from the real world, and so is Han Luo; it wouldn’t make sense to ask the old Taoist to divine such matters.

Or perhaps even worse—what if it actually predicted something...

After thinking it over: "Just divine whether my path to becoming an Immortal will be smooth."

Feng Buqi nodded, began calculating with his fingers, and closed his eyes in contemplation. After a while, his expression became solemn.

"I have seen your past and future and have gained some insight. I have a divination verse for you, listen well!"

Xiao Jie listened intently.

And heard Feng Buqi chant—

Seeking the Dao with heart so bold,

Demon Spirits, other sorts, block ascension untold.

Forcing your way up risks life not old,

Nine deaths, one life—what gallant story to be told.

Xiao Jie’s heart sank in an instant, freaking out; this divination verse wasn’t right.

"Old Taoist, you previously said ’although by different paths, the outcome is the same’; why has it now become ’nine deaths, one life—for what reason be so’?"

"Times have changed since then; the path of destiny is ever shifting, how can it remain constant? Perhaps it is some actions of yours that have altered your fate."

Xiao Jie thought, could this be because of the Demon Refiner?

"Can you calculate again? Is there a remedy?"

"Alright, I will divine once more for you." Feng Buqi closed his eyes again and began to calculate, quickly coming up with a result.

"Listen well."

Seeking Immortality with a heart of iron sure,

Blocked by Demon Spirits, how to endure?

A single misstep on the Ascension trail,

Will turn all obsessions into inner demons, to no avail.

"This...," Xiao Jie was chilled to the bone; this was even worse than before, "Divine again, again! I refuse to believe that the road to Immortality could truly be blocked."

Feng Buqi sighed helplessly but continued to calculate.

"Listen well—"

Just to ascend and reach the clouds above,

Wreathed by demon power, life hardly moves.

Only the Immortal’s guidance might offer a shove,

Nine deaths, one life—a slim chance of love.

This... this hasn’t improved one bit, has it? Nine deaths, one life—a ten percent chance of success?

Why the hell is cultivating to become an Immortal so damn hard.

"Divine again!"

Feng Buqi shook his head and smiled bitterly: "It can’t be done; three divinations a day is the limit. To push further could invite disaster.

Young brother, heed my advice: the path to becoming an Immortal is elusive and traceless, and even if one becomes an Immortal, they have their woes. It might be better to live as the greatest among mortals, ruling the world for decades; such a life is not in vain. Why be bound to the path of Immortal Cultivation.

That’s all I have to say. I was here just to meet you, and now that I have, I must go my own way and meet Wang Xie."

Suddenly, Xiao Jie said: "You advise me to let go, but why are you so persistent yourself? Even if you find out who your original self is, what then? Wouldn’t it be better to live leisurely and enjoy life? Though I may not know divination, I do understand human nature somewhat. That Wang Xie doesn’t seem to be a good person to me; seeking him out could be dangerous to your life."

Feng Buqi just smiled, "We are but mirrors of each other."

Standing up, he bowed with cupped hands, and turned to walk down the barren hillside. His steps looked leisurely, but they were fast in disguise; in just two to three steps, he had vanished into the snowscape.