Chapter 358 Just over two thousand years and already weary of life?
William turned around, slowly extended his hand, and took the Steel Needle hanging in the air to examine it.
A poisoned needle?
He couldn't help but laugh.
Back in the day, he studied various medicines with the clear goal of exploring the mysteries of medicine in this world. As a result, it turned out that he not only enhanced his own medical knowledge but also organized various treatment methods, later being revered as the father of medicine, Hippocrates.
And now, someone thought this little poison could harm him? That was rather laughable.
Astraeus approached William, his voice trembling slightly as he called out, "Master... it really is you."
William looked at Astraeus, unable to recall who he was.
Having lived for so long, with numerous periods of slumber, William had forgotten some unnecessary memories, so it was natural he couldn't remember everyone.
"You don't remember me? I am Lucius," Astraeus said excitedly, looking at William. He truly hoped William would remember him,it was William's casual guidance that had led to his achievements. Seeing William again stirred profound emotions in Astraeus.
Lucius?
William's memory of Lucius was vast, but he couldn't recall Astraeus.
Perhaps it was because the name Lucius was too common.
"I don't remember," William shook his head and didn't deny his identity further, instead asking, "Do you need something?"
"Nothing! Nothing at all! Just seeing you again is enough for this lifetime," Astraeus's eyes flashed with a hint of disappointment, but he quickly composed himself. What did it matter if William didn't remember him? Wasn't it enough just to see him again?
William first glanced at Bradley's corpse. Bradley was dead, and the wisp of energy enveloping him had dissipated. This energy was probably divided among the "Chosen Ones."
"That man was killed by you," William said, looking at Astraeus with a smile.
Astraeus, solemn in his demeanor, replied, "He dared to offend you, his death is well deserved!"
William didn't respond, his smile unchanged.
Astraeus, having lived for over two thousand years, immediately understood William's intention: "This man was killed by me!"
He realized that William didn't want to reveal his strength in front of everyone. The death of Bradley needed to be communicated to Garen and others.
Just a notification.
If dissatisfied, Astraeus could cause trouble for the Emerald Lion Guild again, and Garen would be helpless to stop him.
From the incident with Bradley, William also realized that even if the "Chosen Ones" didn't die by his hand, the energy attached to them would still dissipate and be divided among the surviving ones.
This process resembled a "last man standing" or "survival of the fittest" scenario, where the "Chosen Ones" were competitors in an elimination game, with the final survivor gathering everyone's power.
How strong could such a resurrection method be?
William could have dissipated the energy of the dead "Chosen Ones."
Though possible, there was no need.
William, having nothing better to do, found it entertaining to have someone to play this game with.
If the opponent was too weak, it wouldn't be fun.
"You seem to have not much time left in your life," William observed Astraeus.
Even for Quasi-Deity level powerhouses, the lifespan of the physical body is limited.
In mythology and philosophy, life is perceived as composed of a sacred flame or light of life granted at the creation of the world. This force is infused into every living being at birth, forming the basis and energy of their life. For beings like Astraeus, they have strengthened their life flame through years of accumulation and continuous cultivation, extending their lifespan and enhancing their abilities.
Yet, even so, the flame of life will eventually burn out.
After over two thousand years of consumption, Astraeus's life flame was nearing its end, indicating that his time was almost up. This is a mysterious and cruel cosmic law, one that even powerful Quasi-Deities cannot escape.
Astraeus appeared nonchalant, saying, "Having lived for so many years, I've lived enough, and I'd like to see the Divine Realm."
His current strength allowed him to abandon his physical form and enter the Divine Realm in a soul state, but he still had some unfulfilled wishes, hence his reluctance to leave.
William nodded slightly, pondering the concept of living for many years. n--o-(V)/e(-L()b-.I-/n
Just over two thousand years and already weary of life? Compared to the pursuit of eternity and truth, it still seemed insignificant.
William himself, despite having experienced countless ages and changes, now cherished life and the meaning of existence more than ever. He realized that every moment was filled with infinite possibilities and new discoveries.
Now, William didn't want to die.
After all, since he couldn't die, being alive allowed him to witness more new and wonderful things.
As for entering the Divine Realm in a soul state...
William was even less interested in that.
The so-called Divine Realm was, at most, just another dimension.
And those who created that dimension were all people William had once effortlessly defeated. Why would he venture into it?
To cause trouble?
"You help me kill a few people," William said, not wanting to bother himself. He casually took out a pill emitting a faint blue light and said, "Kill five people for me, and this Spirit Essence Pill is yours. Eating it will strengthen your soul, greatly aiding in the reconstruction of your physical body after entering the Divine Realm in a soul state."
William might not have been to the Divine Realm, but he knew that the first thing to do upon entering the Divine Realm with one's soul was to reconstruct the physical body using the soul.
If the soul wasn't strong enough, entering the Divine Realm would be tantamount to seeking death.
By having Astraeus kill for him in exchange for this pill, there was no issue of breaking the Law of Cause and Effect.
Astraeus's eyes were fixed on the Spirit Essence Pill in William's hand, and he couldn't help but swallow.
He had thought there was nothing left in this world that could arouse his desire, but the Spirit Essence Pill in William's hand did just that.
In his eyes, this Spirit Essence Pill was undoubtedly a top-tier divine medicine.
A kind of supreme divine medicine that was unheard of and unseen before.
After consuming it, he could attain a higher level of strength at any time, his soul could enter the Divine Realm more stably, and moreover, his strength would likely not diminish after entering the Divine Realm!
"Thank you, Master!" Astraeus knelt on one knee, saying, "I am willing to serve you."
William waved his hand dismissively: "This is just a transaction. You don't need to thank me."
After speaking, he flicked the Spirit Essence Pill, and it hovered in front of Astraeus.
Astraeus reached out to catch the pill, somewhat excitedly asking, "Whom do you want me to kill?"
William thought for a moment and said, "Connor from the Void Vanguard Guild, Dominic from the Celestial Sentinels Guild, Elliot from the Echoes of Eternity Guild..."
He listed five names in total, causing Astraeus's brow to gradually furrow, "Are these five the hidden powerhouses of their Guilds? I've never heard of them."
William explained, "Apart from Elliot, who is a high-level Soulmancer, the others are of mid-level Soulmancer standard."
"Ah?!" Astraeus was completely stunned. Such a valuable divine medicine just to kill a high-level Soulmancer and a few mid-level Soulmancers?
If it were to kill a few Demi-God level powerhouses, that would make more sense, but these people ,wouldn't they be easy to eliminate?
"Don't ask so much. Just kill them if I say so!" William said and turned to continue his leisurely stroll, "And don't come looking for me after this."
"Understood, as per your command!" Astraeus responded and slowly stood up, still bending at the waist to respectfully see William off until William disappeared from his sight, then he straightened up and left.