Chapter 473: A Stranger From Beyond!

Chapter 473: A Stranger From Beyond!

"So, according to you, the original temperament of those incarnations of transcending calamity mirrors that of the Primordial Immortal Ancestor. Despite her icy demeanor, at her core, she isn't much different from those two girls," Blue Star mused.

"So you think so too?" Yun Xiao said, a hint of relief softening the lines of his face, as he found himself pondering the complexity of life itself.

"Still, that's just speculation... Life is a complex weave, so intricate that not even you can be sure whether the person you were at twelve and the person you are now are truly the same," Blue Star said.

"You're right." Yun Xiao nodded. He took the stone in his hand and held it under the candlelight, watching it flicker and dance. "That's why I choose to believe that this stone is not a separate soul but a memory imbued with emotion."

Blue Star broke the silence again. "There's a strong chance you're right. But have you noticed? Faced with the same event, they made different choices... Chen Xi clung more to her mission, while Lian Xi placed you on the same pedestal as her mission."

"The first occurrence happened at different times. My encounter with Chen Xi was more straightforward; we were still strangers then. Lian Xi now has memories of both reality and dreams," Yun Xiao explained.

Blue Star's response came with a meaningful smile. "That's a sound explanation. Then it's time to turn those dream memories into real ones."

Yun Xiao's grin was wistful. "I'd like that, but we're at an impasse. She doesn't want to harm me, so I must wait until my strength surpasses hers again."

"Wow, you're really something!" Red Moon exclaimed, having listened quietly until now.

"What do you mean?" Yun Xiao asked, puzzled.

"Just think about it. With your idea, countless incarnations of transcending calamity, in their dreams, encounter you again and again. It's as if you have an endless supply of beautiful twins, each one new, offering endless first times. This must be that old witch's retribution!" Red Moon marveled.

Yun Xiao, momentarily stunned, smacked the little black creature on the head. "That's a twisted way of thinking!"

"I'm just laying out the possibilities. You're the one making plans!" Red Moon chuckled.

"Why hit me?" Blue Star protested, rubbing his head.

The trio, a man and two beasts, descended into a playful bickering.

Clutching the stone, Yun Xiao spoke solemnly, "Lil Xi, the answers I seek... They're within this, aren't they?"

The stone's light twinkled, offering no reply.

After a moment, Yun Xiao's expression darkened, and he turned to Blue Star with a grave question. "If the Three Immortals were to die, resolving the crisis of the Heavenly Decay spreading across the myriad world, and her mission were complete, will she choose to end her own life again?"

Blue Star ceased his playful scuffle with Red Moon, adopting a tone of grave sincerity. "From the outset, you should have understood that every incarnation of transcending calamity is ephemeral. Regardless of victory or defeat, death is her destined path."

"No!" Yun Xiao protested fiercely.

"It's not for you to decide. The prerogative belongs to the Primordial Mother of the Dao, who relieves the myriad sufferings," Blue Star intoned.

Yun Xiao fell silent.

"Cherish the time with her, for who knows where the next incarnation will be found?" Blue Star sighed.

"I understand," Yun Xiao murmured, his head bowed, weighed down by a heavy heart.

"Does this light also contain the power of a Celestial Sourcecore?" Yun Xiao felt it immediately upon drawing near—a force distinct from the sun and moon of the Primordial Ruins.

He accelerated once more, rushing toward the light. Finally, just as the point was about to extinguish, he caught up to it.

"A coffin?" At first glance from afar, Yun Xiao was stunned.

Upon closer inspection, he realized it was not a coffin but a gigantic platinum sword, about ten feet long!

Yet, it was neither a treasure nor a weapon.

"Is this a divine vessel shaped like a sword?"

Divine vessels were commonly used by cultivators for long-distance travel across the heavens and earth.

Yun Xiao was certain this was a divine vessel because inside the sword, a man lay resting. The man was shrouded in darkness, discernible only as male.

Even through the barrier of the sword-shaped divine vessel, Yun Xiao could feel the exalted power of the Immortal Dao radiating from him.

But this was not what shocked Yun Xiao the most.

The core power of the sword-shaped divine vessel was a mini Celestial Sourcecore!

It was platinum in color, about a foot in diameter, suspended above the man's head like an infinitely massive golden fireball.

Though only a foot across, Yun Xiao knew the power it contained could affect dozens of worlds.

"A divine vessel powered by a Celestial Sourcecore? Who could have crafted this?"

With curiosity, Yun Xiao searched the vessel for clues.

Soon, he found several inscriptions.

"Skyruler Sword Vessel?"

This had to be the name of the sword-shaped divine vessel.

Before Yun Xiao could react, Blue Star urgently said, "Hurry! This man is gravely injured, and the vessel is damaged. The formation of the Celestial Sourcecore within is fracturing, and it's about to explode. Open the vessel and save him!"

Looking closely, Yun Xiao saw the normally spherical Celestial Sourcecore violently trembling, its surface runes cracking, releasing terrifying power.

"How do I open it?" Yun Xiao asked, frowning.

"From the outside, only a sword strike might work! Try it!" Blue Star exclaimed.

"Alright!" Yun Xiao cast one last glance at the man, whose face was hidden in the shadows, teeming with insects...