The Purple Light enveloping the Red Entity felt weightless, as if what rested in his hand was a beam of light—indiscernible and untouchable. Only a faint stirring from deep within his soul confirmed to Bu that this was indeed real.
Bu dared not act rashly; it felt as though his right hand, holding the Red Entity, was paralyzed. His focus sharpened as he gazed at his palm, eager to discern the miraculous effects of this External Avatar.
“Crimson Lotus Type: Curiosities Effect: ??? Description: Transformed by the Crimson Lotus, turning into a demon, refining its spirit and forging its body, achieving the supreme Avatar.”
“Can’t discern any effects?” Bu Qing frowned, his eyes fixed on the object in hand, lost in thought.
The purple light flickered like a campfire, dancing without wind. The Red Entity, quietly meditating with closed eyes within it, resembled an infant, but its features were indistinct, and no trace of breath escaped.
This External Avatar was too enigmatic for Bu to comprehend in such a short time. He redirected his gaze toward Lange, knowing there were still matters to discuss, so he remained silent and waited patiently.
Lange appeared distant, seemingly lost in memories. He spoke slowly, “Over one hundred ninety years ago, when I first entered High-Level, I was sixty-seven years old—truly in my prime.”
Bu was taken aback by this first statement; over one hundred eighty years? Sixty-seven and still in his prime? Such an ancient being's world was beyond the comprehension of someone who had only lived twenty years.
“That year marked the opening of the Void Temple. All nations and factions across the Fran Continent, even the two super empires, were poised for action. They dispatched numerous talented young elites to form countless teams entering the Void Temple, seeking divine relics and legacies.”
“Void Temple? Divine relics?” Bu's gaze flickered as his heart raced, silently listening for more.
“Bloody competition, terrifying temples—dozens of teams composed of thousands clashed. Inside the temple were countless traps, puppets, and magical beasts; slaughter was nearly omnipresent. A lone individual could hardly survive unless they possessed overwhelming strength. In this grand upheaval sweeping across the entire Fran Continent, human greed was magnified infinitely.”
Lange spoke with a tremor in his voice, completely immersed in recollection. It seemed that even now, recalling that journey to the Void Temple over a century ago felt like an unforgettable nightmare.
Bu could imagine how terrifying that journey to the Void Temple must have been for Lange. Even with Lange's strength at High-Level back then, he still spoke of it with fear. If Bu were to enter with his current strength, he would likely perish before even crossing the threshold.
“Though I had just stepped into High-Level, I was considered a top-tier powerhouse. I received an invitation from a mid-level dynasty’s Major Forces to join their team exploring the Void Temple, and I was even granted the position of deputy captain. Ah, reminiscing about that journey to the Void Temple, let’s not dwell on it now; what I mainly want to discuss with you is that matter of great fortune.”
“Could it be that great fortune you mentioned lies within the Void Temple?” Bu's eyes widened as he suddenly felt deceived.
Lange cleared his throat several times; feeling flustered under Bu's gaze, he chuckled awkwardly as he emerged from his reverie. “Actually... it’s not too deep or dangerous inside the Void Temple.”
“No way,” Bu shook his head decisively.
"Not doing it?? How can you not do it? What you're doing is immoral; aren't you just leaving me in the lurch?" Lange was so angry that he was puffing and glaring, his words becoming somewhat incoherent.
"According to what you just said, how could a place like the Void Temple be something I can casually step into with my level of strength? I might not even make it there before dying along the way. Do you really think I would foolishly take on a task that offers benefits but risks my life?"
Bu flicked his fingers and blew lightly on them, adopting a posture that suggested he was clever and shouldn't be treated as a fool.
Lange suddenly felt a sense of helplessness. For someone who was so infuriatingly cautious, he had exhausted his patience over the past hundred years.
"I have already given you all the Spirit Mist Tea and even provided you with an External Avatar that would tempt legendary saints. What more do you want? With so many benefits and the rare opportunity for great fortune waiting for you, are you still not satisfied?"
Lange's chest heaved violently as if he were about to explode with anger. If Bu weren't the only special individual he had managed to find after much effort, and if Bu wasn't already considered a preparatory student of the Holy Light Academy, he would have slapped this infuriating person to death. No one had dared to offend him like this in all these years.
"I understand there are benefits, but I will absolutely not engage in something that risks my life," Bu said firmly, shaking his head resolutely as he placed the Red Entity enveloped in Purple Light on the table without a hint of reluctance.
"You..." Lange was furious. He felt his authority had been challenged, but looking at Bu's unwavering expression, he gradually calmed down and frowned, saying, "Your concerns are not without merit, but please let me finish speaking before you refuse outright. You know life is important; I care about your survival just as much. After all, whether or not I can fulfill my conditions depends on your being alive. Throughout this process, I care more about your life than anyone else."
Bu remained silent, raising an eyebrow and waiting for him to continue.
"The Void Temple opens once every hundred years, allowing only those under a hundred years old to enter. It has been ninety-eight years since the last opening; in two years, the next opening will occur.
You have two years to prepare. During this time, you must find ways to enhance your strength, and I will provide as much assistance as possible.
With an External Avatar like this divine object, once you refine your second avatar, your training speed will exceed others by more than double, and your actual combat power will soar. Even if you can't reach High-Level within two years, achieving Intermediate Level 5 is still within reach.
As long as you can attain Intermediate Level 5 strength, I will grant you numerous treasures for protection. If you approach the Void Temple with caution, you can ensure your safety.
Moreover, the area I want you to go to within the Void Temple is not considered overly dangerous; it is only restricted due to its formation requiring individuals with special physiques to enter. Additionally, these individuals must possess an External Avatar as a guide to gain entry, which is why it has remained intact for ten thousand years.
If you can enter that place, you will be completely safe. Even if there are some challenges inside, your special physique and the presence of the External Avatar will ensure your life is not at risk. Furthermore, once you pass the trials there, all the fortune will belong solely to you—the divine treasures and legacies left behind by deities will also be yours.
This is a rare opportunity akin to leaping over the dragon gate; without risk, countless people would compete fiercely for it even if it meant facing certain death. Fellow, after all I've said, are you still unmoved?"
In the Fran Continent, where strength reigns supreme, if one wishes to reach the pinnacle and stand proudly in the skies without courage or determination to take risks—who can achieve eternal fame? His words lingered in the room until they were scattered by the wind. By the end of his speech, Lange's expression had returned to calmness; he had said what needed to be said. If Bu still couldn't accept it after this, it would only prove that he had misjudged him.
Bu Shuang furrowed his brows, lost in thought. Should he agree or not? Given his usual temperament, it would be foolish to turn down a benefit; he would definitely agree. However, if that benefit came with endless risks, he would have to hesitate and weigh the options.
The Void Temple, with the word "God" attached to it, highlighted its extraordinary nature. The fierce competition and bloodshed among countless forces swept across the entire Fran Continent, bringing about great fortune. The risks involved were self-evident, and it was only natural for Bu to proceed with caution. Moreover, when it came to Lange's words, Bu only trusted them partially.
While Lange wouldn't wish for his death before achieving his goals, he would certainly downplay the risks to persuade Bu to comply with his demands. The content of Lange's speech was highly provocative; an immature mind might easily be swayed.
"I can agree to go to the Void Temple in two years to seek that fortune, but Elder, what benefits can you offer me? If it's just a simple promise that I will reach Intermediate Level 5 in two years, I could break through on my own within a year. What I want is a solid foundation; if my Acupoints are not fully opened, I won't recklessly push for a breakthrough."
Despite some exaggerations in Lange's words, Bu decided to play the fool this time.
He urgently needed to enhance his strength, but the slow process of energy cultivation was holding him back. He hadn't forgotten about the Ultimate Mission in Three Years waiting for him; failure in this mission would lead to his complete annihilation.
The goal of the Ultimate Mission was to reach the transcendent Level 9 Holy Dragon. At his current cultivation speed, it would take him not three years but even ten years to achieve transcendence unless he abandoned energy cultivation altogether and directly used the Data Upgrade System to gain Experience points for a breakthrough. However, doing so would be akin to killing the goose that lays the golden eggs; he would become useless among his peers.
With so many concerns and such immense pressure, Bu had no reason not to choose a shortcut that would allow him to enhance his strength more quickly. Even if it seemed foolish and came with great risks, he could no longer afford to hesitate or overthink.
If he refused Lange's offer, his chances of dying during the Ultimate Mission three years later were as high as ninety percent. Agreeing to Lange and going to the Void Temple might give him a thirty percent chance of dying, but if successful, the Ultimate Mission in Three Years might no longer be a daunting challenge.
Comment 0 Comment Count