The atmosphere between Ren and Richard was becoming more and more intense. The atmosphere was so heavy now that Richard felt like it was getting hard to breath. Ren stared at Richard for a short while this descendant of his was quite the curious one, Ren also noticed that the other party was nervous so Ren could not help but sigh before answering.
"If I win?... If I win I guess the best case scenario will be that all of humanity becomes truly free from the ORIGIN. All of us will no longer be bound to things like destiny. On the other hand, the worst thing that could happen if I kill the ORIGIN is that we cease to exist alongside everything the ORIGIN has ever created."
When Richard heard Ren's answer he could not help but clench his fist even tighter than before. No matter if Ren losses or wins a lot of bad things will happen, except for that miracle that they can become free of destiny. Except for that single miracle, all other scenarios lead to either extinction or near extinction.
"Do you really need to fight this battle, isn't there any other way?"
"There's no choice, even if you don't do anything every God from the powerful Ancient Gods to the weakest Demi-Gods will eventually turn crazy since they're all spiritually connected to the ORIGIN. The stronger ones will be able to resist longer, but the weaker ones have no chance at all. This isn't a battle of right or wrong it's a battle for survival."
"..."
Richard became quiet as his thoughts became messier and messier. As one of the prominent descendants of the Strongest Mortal Soul, he was indeed someone who loved battle but this kind of battle was not something he wished for.
"Can I at least inform my clansmen?"
"It seems like you are misunderstanding something here. First off, I'm pretty sure that your clansmen already know what's going on. Second, I never told you to do anything I just gave you my opinion you can do whatever you want. If you want to tell others about what's to come and convince them to fight alongside you then go ahead, just don't expect me to lead anyone or to cooperate with you guys. I will do things my way and so should you."
"I see, thank you, Ancestor."
Richard bowed his head in front of Ren. When the people watching from the side saw this scene they couldn't understand what was happening, a peak Golden Core genius was bowing his head to the mortal. Even though they already know that Ren wasn't normal, it was still surprising to see. Usually, geniuses like Richard has high pride and arrogance, bowing to anybody was already a sign of deep respect.
"I will do what I must do. I might not be as strong as you but I'm sure that I can at least do something."
Seeing the look on Richard's face change from hesitation to that of someone with the resolve to die made Ren smile, he also started to remember the faces of the heroes he has fought over the years. Despite the obvious difference in strength those heroes never gave up and fought until the end. One of those heroes said something that Ren dismissed before but now he understood a little.
"The hymn of mankind is the hymn of courage," Ren whispered to himself as he chuckled. "Then show me what you can accomplish."
"YES!"
After talking for a bit more Ren and Richard continued eating. The waiters and the guests watching them were truly surprised now. The food that Ren and Richard had eaten was much more than what the restaurant could sell in a week.
The sheer amount of food they have eaten was surprising, but even more so was the fact that they were able to eat so much food with spiritual essence without overloading. That would mean their spiritual cores were able to store that much spiritual essence making them way above most people. Some of the people who planned to mess with Ren because of jealousy or just wanting to rob him stopped their foolish thoughts.
...
Ren who was continuing devouring the food in front of him felt that the speed of his growth had actually doubled which was truly shocking, as his progress was already outrageous. He decided to eat here every day from now on or find some way to cook similar food for himself.
'The food they're sending is becoming less and less, that means my meal time is nearly over. It's been a long time since I ate so much good food, now if only I can find some opponents to fight.'
Ren looked at Richard for a second and then shook his head. He had just fought Richard and the other guy seems to be distracted by the things Ren told the other party, so he won't be a good sparring partner. Ren then started to think if he should provoke the people in the restaurant to fight him.
'No, doing something like that is completely idiotic and scum-like. Still, I really want to have a good fight after eating such a fine meal.'
Ren then started to think of who he can ask to fight when he suddenly heard people outside talking in a rather loud voice. When he heard the conversation happening outside Ren licked his lips and showed a vicious smile.
'How lucky, it seems an opponent is about to come to me willingly.'
...
Outside the restaurant, one of the staff was talking to an arrogant young man who was being accompanied by two Nascent Soul Realm cultivators. This young man was from one of the more powerful clans in the region, it was a clan that could match some of the stronger sects.
"What do you mean someone is sitting in my favorite spot and even ate most of the food?! Does that mean you're not willing to serve me, the young master of the Xiang clan, Xiang Rong?"
Despite Xiang Rong shouting at him the manager of the restaurant showed a kind smile. The Xiang Clan might be a big deal to others, but if it wants to do anything to the restaurant and its staff they need to think again as the restaurant owner was a powerful individual. Still, it was also strong enough that the restaurant owner won't provoke it.
"Of course, we can still serve you young master Xiang Rong. It's just that you need to seat somewhere else, and you need to pick something else to eat aside from your usual meal since we no longer have enough ingredients to make it."
Xiang Rong gnashed his teeth in anger.
"Fine, can I at least speak to the person who took over my favorite spot? Surely you won't stop me from asking the person to give up the seat."
"If Sir Xiang is able to convince the other party then of course."
Xiang Rong scoffed as he entered the restaurant and spotted Richard and Ren. The first thing Xiang Rong noticed was Richard who was at the peak of the Golden Core Realm. He quickly assumed that Richard was a genius of some powerful clan, but Xiang Rong wasn't afraid as his own clan was powerful as well. Then he took a glance at Ren.
'Hmph, eating with one of his servants how low class.' Xiang Rong sneered as he approached the table of the two.