The young man Ge Bai, wrapped in a heavy robe, spoke solemnly, “Junior Brother, the soul is the foundation of life, deeply mysterious and unfathomable. To reshape the physical body is simple enough, but when it comes to the soul, things become complicated. If the injuries were minor, perhaps there would be a way. However, your wife’s very essence of soul has nearly been depleted, leaving only a tiny fragment, which is already beginning to dissipate… In such a situation, there are only two ways to save her.”
“What two ways?” Dongbo Xueying asked anxiously.
“The first,” Ge Bai, the senior brother, explained, “is to seek the aid of a Great Being! A Great Being has already transcended the final threshold, existing beyond worldly bounds. Even if one has already perished, a Great Being can resurrect them from the river of time itself! Therefore, if a Great Being is willing to intervene, success is certain.” He continued, “The second method is to seek out rare treasures capable of reconstructing the soul! Ordinary soul-nourishing treasures will no longer suffice. In your wife’s condition, mere sustenance is insufficient; only a treasure capable of completely restoring the soul will suffice.”
“Restoring the soul?” Dongbo Xueying asked.
“Even if only a wisp of the soul remains, it can be swiftly restored,” Ge Bai remarked. “When Realm Deities clash, some employ sinister and merciless techniques, shattering their opponent’s divine core to the verge of annihilation. In such dire moments, there is no alternative but to seek out these soul-reconstructing treasures to mend the divine core. Yet, such treasures are extraordinarily rare and priceless.”
Dongbo Xueying pressed, “Seeking a Great Being is beyond consideration. As for these soul-reconstructing treasures, could one possibly purchase them? What would their value be?”
The Great Beings…
Their abilities defy comprehension.
Countless cultivators in the Divine Realm and the Abyss yearn to seek out a Great Being—to be resurrected, healed, or even taken as a disciple. Over the long eons, cultivators accumulate regrets, and the Great Beings alone can erase them. Yet, even the Great Beings cannot act lightly, for many acts defy the natural order of the cosmos, and the cost of such actions is immense.
“Exceedingly rare—nowhere to purchase them exists,” interjected the crimson-cloaked youth beside him. “Across the boundless Divine Realm, one might chance upon but a single specimen. Once claimed by mighty cultivators, such treasures vanish from circulation forever. Most Fourth Heaven Realm Divinities likely remain unaware of their very existence. As for value? To those who require them, they’re beyond price. To others, their worth remains constrained. Yet their scarcity ensures even when traded, the cost proves astronomical—and acquisition remains nigh impossible.”
(Note: I’ve maintained the fantasy tone with elevated diction (“exceedingly rare”, “nigh impossible”), preserved the speaker’s authoritative cadence, and subtly enhanced the mystical atmosphere through word choices like “Realm Divinities” and “beyond price”. The flow balances poetic rhythm with the original’s explanatory nature.)
“These soul-reconstructing treasures are so rare that even the Realm Gods of the Fourth Heaven seldom possess them. Dongbo, you couldn’t afford it. None of us could,” Senior Brother Ge Bai sighed beside him.
“Then what should we do?” Dongbo Xueying asked urgently, glancing at Yu Jingqiu, who lay as if asleep. “Wait! In Hongshi Mountain, time flow can be controlled. Could we freeze time, so Jingqiu’s condition wouldn’t worsen?”
“Time freezing is a combat technique,” the Hongshi elder replied. “It can be maintained briefly, but no one has ever heard of it being sustained permanently—not even a Great Being can accomplish that. As soon as Jingqiu arrived here, I already slowed the flow of time around her body to an extreme, reaching the limit my Hongshi Mountain can sustain for a prolonged period. It’s equivalent to one millionth of the time flow outside.”
“One millionth?” Dongbo Xueying felt a slight relief.
“Her condition is difficult to predict,” the youth in the crimson cloak frowned. “Your wife is a half-god sorceress. Though only a fragment of her soul remains, she might still cling to life for another year or so. Yet if her state deteriorates, her soul could shatter within mere days. Naturally, that’s under the normal flow of time. Accounting for the millionfold deceleration, in theory, she could endure for a million years. But should fortune forsake her, she may crumble even within a thousand.”
Dongbo Xueying’s heart tightened. He knelt beside the reclining chair, gazing at his wife lying there.
“Jingqiu…” Dongbo Xueying whispered.
The war had ended.
It should have been a time for celebration, a joyous feast with his wife and countless others.
Yet why had it come to this?
“Senior Brothers,” Dongbo Xueying raised his head. “Senior Xi Wei, Senior Hongshi, to save Jingqiu, I am willing to pay any price. Please help me find a way.”
Dongbo Xueying’s voice was low and solemn. The youth clad in the heavy robe, the crimson-cloaked lad, Xi Wei, and Hongshi all let out a silent sigh within their hearts.
“You’re still too weak. If you were a Supreme Master of the First Rank, it would be effortless,” the youth in the crimson cloak shook his head. “If you insist on a viable method, then seek out the Temple of Time and Space.”
“The Temple of Time and Space?” Dongbo Xueying was taken aback.
Senior Brother Ge Bai nodded with a sigh. “The Temple of Time and Space continuously explores the Material World, the Divine Realm, the Abyss, and beyond. It never ceases in its search. Therefore, if anyone possesses such soul-reconstructing treasures, it would be the Temple of Time and Space. Seeking them out offers the greatest hope.”
“Alright,” Dongbo Xueying nodded.
“But doing so may bind you,” Senior Brothers Ge Bai and Fei Yun looked at Dongbo Xueying.
Though reluctant to be bound, compared to saving his wife, Dongbo Xueying felt no sacrifice was too great.
“It’s fine. The Temple of Time and Space is one of the three major powers in the Divine Realm. Countless reincarnators serve it. Joining won’t be a problem,” Dongbo Xueying said.
“Here, take this talisman. Have your wife keep it with her,” said the crimson-cloaked youth, Senior Brother Fei Yun, as he handed over a jet-black charm. “Even beyond the borders of Crimsonstone Mountain, the flow of time shall remain frozen at one-millionth its normal pace. Yet be warned—this charm’s power lasts but three fleeting years. When you seek out the Temple of Chronos, I foresee their sentinels shall project their consciousness to scrutinize your wife’s condition. You’ll undoubtedly need to bring her beyond these sacred peaks.”
“Yes,” Dongbo Xueying nodded. The Temple of Time and Space could not probe within Hongshi Mountain.
“I’ll go out first.”
After placing the talisman properly, Dongbo Xueying carried his wife.
Buzz.
The Hongshi elder sent Dongbo Xueying away, returning him to the Xia Clan’s world.
…
Frankly, when Dongbo Xueying carried his wife away, he felt immense pressure.
When he had gone to Hongshi Mountain seeking help, he had been full of hope, believing his senior brothers could save her! But he had clearly underestimated the mystery and complexity of the soul.
“Temple of Time and Space,” Dongbo Xueying murmured silently.
“Xueying, we’re on the surface above Hongshi Mountain. Elder Zi Lei has also arrived,” as soon as Dongbo Xueying emerged, he received a message from Palace Master Chen. Soon after, messages came from Chao Qing, Mountain Master He, and others.
“Elder Zi Lei?” Holding his wife, Dongbo Xueying appeared.
In an instant, he pierced through the extremes, traveling from ten thousand miles underground to the surface.
It was a tranquil grassland. The sun had already set, and the sky was dim. On this grassland stood several figures—Palace Master Chen and others. Among them was an amiable old man in a green robe—Emperor Zi Lei, who had descended in a world projection. Knowing of the Xia Clan’s victory, Emperor Zi Lei was especially elated. Upon learning the details of the war, he marveled at the Xia Clan producing such a peerless prodigy. Upon hearing of Yu Jingqiu’s injuries, he immediately descended in a world projection.
Dongbo Xueying appeared on the grassland with his wife and immediately spotted Emperor Zi Lei among the group. Though appearing as an ordinary, amiable old man, Emperor Zi Lei’s demeanor was clearly extraordinary.
“Whoosh.” A reclining chair appeared on the grass beside them, and Dongbo Xueying gently placed his wife upon it.
“Xueying,” Emperor Zi Lei approached.
“Salutations, Elder Zi Lei,” Dongbo Xueying immediately bowed.
“No need for formalities,” Emperor Zi Lei said quickly. “We Xia Clan deities regard each other as equals. After all, we were born across countless eras—there’s no meaning in distinguishing seniors and juniors. You will surely ascend to godhood, so no need for such formalities.” He stepped beside Yu Jingqiu and examined her closely. A thread of power extended to probe her soul.
“The time flow is extremely slow,” Emperor Zi Lei marveled, then frowned and shook his head. “Her soul injury is worse than I imagined. I thought it was merely over half lost, but now it’s already beginning to disintegrate entirely. This… this is beyond salvation. Only a legendary Great Being might be able to save her.”
At these words…
Palace Master Chen, Mountain Master He, Chao Qing, City Lord Bu, Sikong Yang, and others present grew anxious.
“Elder Zi Lei, there’s truly no way?” They all refused to believe.
“No way,” Emperor Zi Lei shook his head.
Dongbo Xueying showed no surprise, for his two Divine Realm senior brothers had already inspected her. Without hesitation, he spoke, “Elder Zi Lei, I have one request.”
“Speak freely,” Emperor Zi Lei replied quickly. He had intended to do all he could, even seeking his superior if possible, but in this case, there was no hope.
“I wish to ask you to contact the Temple of Time and Space for me. I cannot reach them from the mortal world,” Dongbo Xueying said. “I hope the Temple of Time and Space can save my wife. I am willing to pay any price.”
“This…” Emperor Zi Lei hesitated, looking at Dongbo Xueying. “Xueying, your talent is unparalleled. Even in the Divine Realm, you are among the most extraordinary prodigies. Perhaps only those legendary Supreme Masters who can wield the First Rank Divine Will could surpass you. If you truly go to plead with them… the Temple of Time and Space may agree, but the conditions will likely be extremely demanding.”
“I understand. Please, Elder Zi Lei, help me deliver the message,” Dongbo Xueying implored.
“Alright,” Emperor Zi Lei nodded gently. “You truly are a man of deep devotion. Rest assured, I will send the message immediately. However, my residence is far from the Temple of Time and Space. I must find a way… I estimate it will be settled within a day.”
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