Chapter 4428: The West Pole Supreme
While Xingquan spoke, his previously cool gaze changed in a subtle but noticeable way.
Perhaps he truly did feel that deep, belonging connection to the West Pole Pure Land Lin Moyu, not being a true West Pole native, naturally felt none of it.
Yet, Lin Moyu did find himself intrigued by Xingquan's declaration that the Pure Land was the origin of the entire West Pole.
In Little Tree's era, chaos was already divided into four poles and three domains, and the Pure Land existed even then.
If the Pure Land really was the origin, both Little Tree and Chaos Child would surely have mentioned it unless something major changed after their time.
Lin Moyu asked, "I wonder if the origin story you speak of is the same one I know?"
Xingquan managed a faint smile. "You're correct, Daoist Lin there are many versions of the origin tale, each with differences, but all essentially similar."
Lin Moyu sipped the tea thoughtfully. "This tea truly is excellent, Daoist Xing has good taste. If you don't mind, could you say a bit more about this origin story?"
Xingquan replied, "Why not? It's said that chaos once endured a catastrophic war, so fierce that the entire realm nearly shattered; our own West Pole was left riddled with wounds.
"At that time, a powerful being dwelled in the Pure Land called the Divine Water Beast, lord of the Pure Land. Unfortunately, he perished in that cataclysm, using his final strength to awaken the Pure Land's full power. He forcibly mended the West Pole, restoring order and life.
"That's how our stable, mighty West Pole came to be; thus, we say the Pure Land is the origin of our region.
"That's the story I was told. Is it the same as yours?"
Lin Moyu said, "How coincidental it's nearly identical to what I've heard."
Xingquan smiled, "That's worthy of a toast!"
Lin Moyu replied, "Your words sound less like tea than wine."
"If there's wine in the heart, tea is as good as wine," said Xingquan.
"Well said! That's worth a toast," Lin Moyu lifted his tea, and they both drank as if to wine.
Xingquan set down his cup and went on: "I suspect you're aiming to enter the Pure Land's inner or even central layers, Daoist Lin. Don't bother to deny it I'm sure of it. My eyes are keen: you're no average cultivator, you'll get in just fine. But you must be wary within the center.
He spoke firmly, not giving Lin Moyu a chance to object so Lin Moyu simply said nothing, as explanations would just make things worse.
Xingquan continued: "There is Chaos Divine Water in the center, and some of it is sentient. If you encounter living Chaos Divine Water, best avoid it.
"Furthermore, it's said there remains the obsession of the Divine Water Beast be very careful if you encounter it.
"Lastly, there's said to be a special area in the Pure Land's center, one even Supremes can't enter. Many have tried, none succeeded; you may look, but don't force your way in."
These tips surprised Lin Moyu. "Daoist Xing, have you been to the Pure Land center?"
Xingquan shook his head, "Just rumors I've heard shouldn't be false, though."
He clearly didn't want to elaborate, and Lin Moyu respected that raising his cup in thanks, regardless of whether the advice would prove useful.
The two chatted for half a day, Xingquan mostly doing the talking more tales of the West Pole, often phrased as legends he'd "heard elsewhere."
But much of what he described matched what Lin Moyu knew so Lin Moyu listened in thoughtful silence.
Xingquan finally chuckled, "Excuse me for rambling; I rarely talk, but once I start I can't seem to stop."
Lin Moyu shook his head, "Not at all your tales broadened my knowledge. I'm deeply grateful."
Suddenly, a radiant glow erupted from the Pure Land's depths, blossoming into luminous bridges across the sky exceptionally beautiful.
Xingquan said, "The Rainbow Bridges have appeared; the inner layer is open. Daoist Lin, you should go now it will save you much trouble."
Normally, entering the inner layer from the outer required crossing a barren zone, scarred by ancient war.
These scars had evolved into monsters that could not be killed, always harassing and frequently confusing travelers.
Getting lost there for centuries was common.
At intervals, the Pure Land would emit radiance, forming Rainbow Bridges: at these times, one could enter the inner layer directly and bypass the wastelands.
Peng had mentioned such Rainbow Bridges before Lin Moyu hadn't expected to encounter them just six years after arrival, but it was a lucky stroke.
"Will you not go as well?" asked Lin Moyu.
Xingquan shook his head, "I'm here with family juniors to train, not to enter the inner layer. Go quickly, Daoist Lin, may your journey be fruitful."
Lin Moyu didn't stand on ceremony he bowed and headed straight for the Rainbow Bridge.
Xingquan remained, taking tea and seeing Lin Moyu off.
Only when Lin Moyu vanished from sight did Xingquan's lips curl in a faint smile and his tone grow deeper: "I've said what I should. I hope you succeed. These plans have run for uncountable ages who knows the outcome?"
His voice faded, his eyes grew vacant for ten seconds, then clarity returned.
"What… what just happened?
I was clearly cultivating at home why am I here?
It feels as if I slept and awoke in a different place…
This tea…"
Xingquan was baffled he had no idea how he got here, nor why he was boiling tea.
He'd been in closed cultivation at home, drifted off to sleep, and awoke in this spot.
Strange as it was, a cold sense overtook him he analyzed with a Chaos Great Completion's mind and quickly surmised:
Someone terrifying must have controlled him, soundlessly.
But who could wield such power?
The more Xingquan pondered, the more frightened he grew and dared not think further.
…
As Lin Moyu headed to the Rainbow Bridge, Little Tree suddenly said, "Master, that man wasn't simple."
"Definitely not simple," Lin Moyu agreed he had sensed it halfway through their chat.
What Xingquan shared wasn't the knowledge of an ordinary Chaos Great Completion cultivator those 'legends' were actually true events.
Lin Moyu whispered, "He probably wasn't himself, and in the West Pole, there's only one who could control a Chaos Great Completion like that."
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