Journey of the Fate Destroying Emperor novel Chapter 1638

Chapter 1638: Maitreya’s Hope

’I’m not convinced,’ Wang Wei countered. ’We know that Inner World cultivation systems take the most resources. Unless you’re saying the process of reaching the third step will have these Dao Path cultivators owe so much karma that they have to repay it.’

’But that’s assuming True Transcendents are bound by karma, which goes completely against what we think of their existence,’ Wu Hong added.

’Exactly.’

’You’re thinking about the final result instead of the process,’ Maitreya explained. ’They have to repay it while cultivating a higher realm. By the time they transcend, they will have balanced out all the resources they’ve consumed, and Grand Dao won’t lose much and can even benefit from the Feedback.’

’That makes sense,’ Wang Wei nodded, finally seeing her point of view. ’While I can see your point of view, I still believe in what I said. While Grand Dao may not have emotions, it’s still a lifeform with an instinct for self-preservation. If necessary, I do not doubt for a second she would not treat the Dao Path cultivators as a life-saving meal.’

’You make a fair point,’ Maitreya sighed deeply. Sometimes, the cannibalistic nature of the universe weighs heavily on her mind. Maitreya often wonders when all life can escape this sea of suffering?

’If that’s true, then this system of resource management would probably be for every path, not just the Dao,’ Wu Hong commented, trying to change the topic as she sensed her old friend’s dejected mood.

’Most likely.’

’That doesn’t look fun,’ Wang Wei uttered.

’Many people are looking forward to the upcoming Transcendent Age, but it will probably not be as beautiful as they think,’ Maitreya revealed.

’I don’t like the implication of these words,’ Wang Wei stated.

’Don’t think too much about it. At least, no matter how bad it is, it won’t be as bad as the old times.’

’What do you mean?’

’You don’t know? Well, I guess you wouldn’t. Before the Ultimate Taboo, all the Saints were under watch and scrutiny by the Cardinals or Grand Dao herself. All their moves and actions were monitored, and if they were out of line, someone would come to warn them.’

’I was just thinking about this not long ago,’ Wang Wei said. ’Is that why they were so quiet?’

’Basically.’

’Is that why they love to use people as pawns?’ Wu Hong asked.

’That’s one of the reasons,’ Maitreya nodded. These people needed vessels and or pawns to do their bidding while under observation. ’The other is that they need talented people to test out their transcendent path. After all, most people do not get a second attempt, and if your path is wrong, the outcome might be even worse.’

A lot of things are clicking together,’ Wang Wei uttered. ’Do you know what these Saints were doing during the Ultimate Taboo?’

’Unfortunately, no,’ Maitreya shook her head. ’I tried to investigate, and all I can say is that I quickly learned how bad an idea that was. My educated guess is that whatever they did brought them more freedom.’

’Do you know whether the Ultimate Taboo was a one-man plan or a coordinated one?’ Wang Wei asked.

’If you’re asking if the Trinity Venerable planned everything alone, I do not think so. I think he had support from many others.’

’Including the Erudite Duchess?’ Wu Hong asked.

’I tried not to interact with these Old Saints,’ Maitreya said. ’But as one of the most powerful Tribunal Saints in the world, I reckoned she was involved in some way.’

’Is the Trinity Venerable also in the second step?’

’Yes.’

Wang Wei sighed. Things were not looking good for Qiyuan and his ancestors. Not that he was any better since the Fate Cardinal was also in that realm.

’No need to worry. I’m confident you and Qiyuan will rise above your destined fate.’

’Thanks for the good word,’ Wang Wei smiled wryly.

’He previously asked me a question that I want to hear an answer from you,’ Wu Hong suddenly said. ’Who is your puppet master?’

’Do you have to put it in such a harsh way?’

’I’m just paraphrasing him.’

’Don’t just throw me under like that.’

Wu Hong ignored him and waited for an answer.

Maitreya thought about it briefly. ’I have an unbreakable karma debt to Gautama.’

’As in, The [Buddha]?’

’Easy solution. We have two versions. One for the future, and one for the present to give us an immediate edge in battle,’ Wang Wei added. He still remembered what Wu Hong said about it being impossible to use that construct to fight people of higher steps. However, if he had accessed to two Critical Hit Paths, the conversation would suddenly be completely different.

’You are all operating under the assumption that it can be built,’ Maitreya said, trying to ground them.

’Where there is a will, there is a way,’ Wang Wei said.

’A good philosophy to live by, but let’s still manage our expectations.’

’We understand,’ Wang Wei nodded.

’Do you have any clues on how to make up for the missing layers?’ Wu Hong asked.

’Sadly, nothing so far,’ Maitreya sighed deeply.

’Don’t push yourself too hard. I’m sure there is a way.’

’I know. Well, any more ideas?’

’No.’

’Alright. I’m glad we had such a productive conversation,’ Maitreya said. ’And I must sincerely thank you.’

’For what?’ Wang Wei asked.

’You’ve given me hope I can return to a 12 foundation pillar,’ Maitreya said. She has experienced the hardship of rebuilding her foundation in the Saint Realm. And before this conversation. Maitreya had almost accepted the fact that nine pillars might be her limit. But with these ideas, there may be hope for her yet.

’I’m glad I can help.’

’This is for you,’ Maitreya said, handing him access to a dimension with a green crystal.

’What’s this?’

’It’s a thing I refined. It will allow you to experience a 100 times acceleration. Although it’s a one-time use item, with it, you should be able to become an A-Class Primal and more before the catastrophe,’ Maitreya explained. ’I know this isn’t much in comparison to what you’ve given me, but I can’t interfere too much in your growth, as that risks deviating you from your destined future. Do know that if you ever need it, I’ll not hesitate to rush to your rescue — even if great danger is involved.’

’I understand, and I will keep your words in mind,’ Wang Wei nodded.