After finishing his conversation with the Godly Manager, Zui Tian left the Celestial Tavern with a heavy heart and a mind full of memories. The streets of Dragon City were still bustling with life, but his focus was elsewhere. As he walked, the world around him seemed to blur and fade, the noise of the city dimming into a soft hum as something far more profound called out to him.
It was a familiar sensation—a gentle yet undeniable tug at his consciousness, a summons that he had felt only a handful of times in his long existence. This time, the call was more insistent, more urgent, and it pulled him toward a place beyond the reach of most immortals, a place where the very essence of the Dao could be touched.
The Heavenly Halls, an ethereal and infinite abode that floated above the Infinite Immortal Cosmos, was where the most profound seekers of truth gathered—the 72 Sages, each a master of their own path, and at the center of them all, the Dao Ancestor, the most revered of them all. Together, they sought the mysteries of the heavens, delving into the secrets of existence and the will of the cosmos.
With a mere thought, Zui Tian allowed himself to be drawn into the call, his form dissolving into the very fabric of space. The bustling streets of Dragon City vanished in an instant, replaced by the serene, boundless expanse of the Heavenly Halls. Here, the concept of time was fluid, and the very air thrummed with the energies of the Dao.
The Heavenly Halls were as awe-inspiring as ever. Suspended in the infinite void, they were a vast, radiant structure that seemed to extend forever in every direction. The light here was soft, golden, and omnipresent, casting no shadows but illuminating everything with a gentle glow. At the heart of the Halls were 73 lotus platforms, each one occupied by a being of immense power and wisdom.
The 72 Sages sat on their platforms in deep meditation, their forms serene and still as they contemplated the Dao. Each Sage was a master of a different aspect of the Dao, their insights vast and profound, their minds ever reaching for the next layer of truth. Despite their varying paths, they were united in their pursuit of understanding, each contributing a piece to the grand mosaic of the cosmos.
At the center of this assembly sat the Dao Ancestor, a figure of indescribable age and wisdom, his presence so powerful that it seemed to blend with the very fabric of the Heavenly Halls. The Dao Ancestor was the first and greatest of the Sages, the one who had guided them on their paths and who had come closest to touching the true essence of the Dao.
Zui Tian materialized at the edge of the circle, his form taking shape from the surrounding light. He felt the immense power of the place, the deep serenity that permeated every corner, and he couldn’t help but feel a sense of respect for the beings who resided here. Though their power was but a fraction of his own, their dedication and their pursuit of the Dao were admirable. They sought with their whole being, while he carried within him the knowledge they yearned for.
As he stepped closer, the Sages stirred from their meditations, each turning their gaze toward him. There was no hostility in their eyes, only curiosity and respect. They knew who he was, knew the power that lay dormant within him, and they understood that his presence here was significant.
The Dao Ancestor’s eyes opened, and he smiled warmly at Zui Tian, his expression one of genuine pleasure. “Zui Tian, it has been too long,” the Ancestor said, his voice carrying the weight of centuries yet as light as a breeze. “What brings you to the Heavenly Halls today?”
Zui Tian returned the smile, inclining his head slightly in a gesture of respect. “Dao Ancestor, old friend, the cosmos has become noisy again,” he replied, his tone light but his words carrying an underlying seriousness. “The Devourer of Nihility stirs, and the cycle of chaos and order threatens to tip once more.”
The Dao Ancestor’s expression remained calm, but there was a flicker of concern in his ancient eyes. “Indeed, the signs are all around us. The balance of the Dao is delicate, and any disruption could have far-reaching consequences. What do you plan to do?”
Zui Tian shrugged, his gaze drifting to the endless expanse beyond the platforms. “I’m not sure yet. I’ve spent so long trying to avoid these cycles, trying to live quietly among the mortals, but it seems I can’t escape my nature.” He paused, then looked back at the Dao Ancestor with a wry smile. “Do you still refuse my offer to teach you the Heavens’ secrets? I could save you centuries of meditation.”
The Dao Ancestor chuckled softly, shaking his head. “You know my answer, Zui Tian. The pursuit of the Dao is a journey, one that cannot be rushed. The joy is in the chase, in the slow unraveling of mysteries. To reach the end without the journey would be hollow.”
Zui Tian nodded, having expected this response. He had offered the Dao Ancestor knowledge that could elevate him and his disciples to unimaginable heights, but the Ancestor had always declined, content with the path he had chosen. To the Sages, the journey toward the Dao was as sacred as the Dao itself.
“I admire your resolve,” Zui Tian said sincerely. “But sometimes I wonder if you’ll ever reach the end of your path.”
The Dao Ancestor’s smile broadened, and his eyes sparkled with a wisdom that transcended the ages. “The Dao has no end, my friend. It is infinite, just as the cosmos is infinite. We may spend eternity seeking it, but that is the true nature of existence. Each step forward reveals new mysteries, new truths, and that is what makes the journey worthwhile.”
Zui Tian pondered these words, feeling the truth in them. For beings like him, who had touched the deepest secrets of the universe, the idea of an endless journey was both comforting and daunting. He had the power to end it all, to know all there was to know, but what then? What would be left for him after that?
“You’re right, as always,” Zui Tian finally admitted. “But sometimes, the weight of eternity is a heavy burden to bear.”
The Dao Ancestor’s expression softened, and he reached out to place a hand on Zui Tian’s shoulder. “That is why we have each other, Zui Tian. Even in the vastness of the cosmos, we are not alone. We each carry our burdens, but together, we can share the load.”
The words were simple, but they carried a deep comfort. Zui Tian felt a sense of peace settle over him, easing the tension he had carried since returning to the Immortal Realms. The Dao Ancestor’s presence was a reminder that even in his loneliness, he was never truly alone.
The other Sages watched the exchange in silence, their eyes reflecting their own thoughts on the matter. They had chosen their paths, dedicating themselves to the pursuit of the Dao under the guidance of the Ancestor. Each of them knew that the road was long and the journey endless, but they also knew that they were part of something greater—a grand tapestry that wove together the fates of all who sought the truth.
Zui Tian looked around at the Sages, feeling a renewed respect for them. They were not as powerful as he was, but their determination, their resolve, and their unwavering faith in their path were remarkable. They did not seek shortcuts or easy answers; they sought the purest understanding of the Dao, no matter how long it took.
With a deep breath, Zui Tian straightened, his decision made. “Thank you, Dao Ancestor, for reminding me of what matters,” he said, his voice filled with newfound determination. “I’ll do what I must to protect the balance of the cosmos. But I won’t forget the importance of the journey.”
The Dao Ancestor nodded, his expression one of approval. “Go with the Dao, Zui Tian. And remember, whenever you need guidance, the Heavenly Halls will always be open to you.”
Zui Tian smiled, feeling a sense of closure. He had found the peace he needed, the clarity to move forward. With a final nod to the Dao Ancestor and the Sages, he allowed his form to dissolve once more, the light of the Heavenly Halls fading as he returned to the Immortal Realms.
As he materialized once again in Dragon City, the noise and bustle of the city greeted him, a stark contrast to the serene stillness of the Heavenly Halls. But this time, Zui Tian felt different—more grounded, more at peace with the path ahead.
He had a purpose now, a renewed sense of duty. The Devourer of Nihility was awakening, and the balance of the cosmos was at stake. But Zui Tian knew that he was not alone in this fight. The Dao Ancestor and his 72 Disciples were with him in spirit, their eternal search for the Dao a reminder that even in the face of chaos, there was always something worth striving for.
With a determined step, Zui Tian began to walk through the city, his mind focused on the tasks ahead. The journey would be long, and the challenges many, but he was ready. The Heavens’ secrets were but a fingernail of his power, but now he understood that it was not the secrets that mattered—it was the journey, the chase, and the connections he made along the way.
And so, Zui Tian moved forward, ready to face whatever the cosmos had in store for him.