Consuming Earths, Devouring Skies

Just when Yan Zaizen intended to blurt out a question those this dirty old man hauling him towards the unknown like a baby chick, Han Genji spoke. "To have a Nascent Soul Form, and at the Advanced Stage no less at your age is interesting."

Yan Zaizen was surprised by his words once more and further confused. Nascent Soul Form? Advanced Stage? He simply was unfamiliar with soul cultivation besides the most rudimentary-level of knowledge; thus, these words were no different than another language to him. He didn’t know where Nascent Soul Form was at or what Advanced Stage meant. For example, Qi Cultivation had 4 stages(Initial, Mid, Late, and Peak) but the Immortal Herculean Method had 4 levels of success(Initial, Minor, Major, and Perfection). As for soul cultivation? Lord knows what Advanced Stage meant.

Han Genji turned his sunken eyes towards Yan Zaizen, only to witness his distinct confusion. He furrowed his brows in contemplation. "It seems you don’t know anything about cultivating the soul. Haha, how interesting. Many would love having your level of soul cultivation, but you don’t even understand its significance." He was obviously amused at Yan Zaizen’s ignorance which left Yan Zaizen frowning in dissatisfaction but continued, "Soul Cultivation is divided into five levels and three stages. Nascent, Aurora, Astral, Divine, and Immortal are the five levels. Initial, Advanced, and Perfection are the three stages."

Immortal? Does that mean one has an immortal soul?! Yan Zaizen’s thoughts spurred at his words. If he cultivated both the Immortal Herculean Method to perfection and reached the Immortal Soul Level...would he have an immortal body & soul?! Can immortality be achieved like this? One can imagine why his mind was filled with these thoughts - who wouldn’t want immortality?

Looking at Yan Zaizen’s odd expressions caused Han Genji to loudly laugh. "Soul Cultivation is divided into three aspects: Soul Form, Soul Flame, and Spiritual Sense." Taking a pause to gather his thoughts while ensuring Yan Zaizen was listening, he continued, "Soul Form is the body of your soul and determines its structure, characteristics, and status of your soul while protecting your Soul Flame from external forces. Soul Flame is the flame of your soul and all its energy is emitted or drawn from it, and all the essence of you, memories, feelings, and whatnot are stored here. If damaged or destroyed, well goodnight. Spiritual Sense is one’s awareness of the world outside of the confines of one’s five normal senses, directly connected to them and transmits to the brain."

Hearing all this, his understanding of his soul strength and characteristics he explored earlier made a lot more sense. But he couldn’t help but feel grievances when he learned that soul form determines the structure and characteristics of one’s soul. Wouldn’t that mean his soul was a weak thin squiggly line. He pouted.

Wait.

He just realized he hadn’t felt an ounce of pain since his neck was seized by this dirty old man, otherwise, how could he be so leisurely at the moment? His bones were shattered. He understood not feeling it at the moment due to shock and adrenaline, but now he was absolutely calm. "My body?"

Han Genji couldn’t help but laugh even louder than before. "Don’t worry, I can’t let you die just yet."

Hearing those words, Yan Zaizen calmed down a little. It seems that Han Genji was doing something to his body where he wouldn’t feel the excruciating pain from his broken state. He was slightly thankful, but then realized the latter part of his words - just yet.

He sighed in resignation.

When your life and death no longer belongs to you, it truly makes one depressed.

Recognizing the situation going this direction, he decided to look at this dirty old man with resolve. "Please make my death painless," He begged. It’s not that he wanted to die, but he just didn’t want to suffer a painful death - quick and painless greatly preferred.

"Hahahaha! Kill you? Are you even worthy?" Han Genji laughed with utter disdain as his request. It was as if killing a little Qi Revolving Cultivator personally would taint his status as a powerful cultivator.

Yan Zaizen’s eyes lite up in response. He originally hoped that Han Genji would spare his poor little life due to his strength and status, but this confused him further. If he wasn’t going to kill him later, then why did he snatch him and even removed the pain he should be experiencing? "Then, what do you want?" Cautiously asking, he observed the dirty old man’s expression only to find out he simply smiled and continued laughing.

Does this dirty old man ever stop smiling? It wasn’t like it made him look anything but creepy.

"Simple. You’ll be my Ninth Disciple."

What?

Why?

"Why?" He blurted out subconsciously.

Han Genji stopped smiling and looked at him with a sharp gaze that sent shivers down his spine. Then, once again, a sinister smile lifted on his lips, "Because I desire it. Unless...you have objections?"

No. No. No.

Objections?

Do you mean death wish?

Sir, I have none of that, and I want none of it.

Yan Zaizen shook his head vigorously in response.

"Good! Good! Hahaha!" This dirty old man had more faces than an Asura.