Han Li and Li Shuanwei spoke till the walkie-talkie form became nearly transparent. They spoke about the random things. The simple comprehension Han Li had of what the world was and what a human's life was.
Nihilism is the belief that nothing in the world has a real existence and that life is meaningless. Li Shuanwei embodied this in his very being; he was somewhat similar to Han Li himself, just that he lacked the drive or desire to achieve meaning in the meaningless.
He believed a life that was temporary was worthless, and Han Li believed so, too, but more than that, he believed that achieving immortality would change that.
Li Shuanwei also thought similarly, but when Han Li curiously asked why he didn't actively seek such a thing while being so talented, he only had one answer.
"I don't believe the lack of meaning is bad, for me... it is more beautiful this way. Do beautiful things need to have a meaning for them to be beautiful?" LI Shuanwei was much calmer now, and Han Li's walkie-talkie was also contemplative. "Life would last till it lasted, and then I'd die and be forgotten.
I myself won't move forward but if I am forced to do that in order to avoid being killed, I'd do it. I would try to do my best in everything, but then when the time comes, I'll die."
Han Li nodded. No wonder he was going full-on hard battle in the Trials. Their conversation had also been immensely enlightening to him. Li Shuanwei also thought the same.
After all, Han Li had given him a way to avoid the eyes of other Transcendents. It was by visiting a certain town, if he went there, no Transcendents would attack him or come in search of him because only Power Birth Stage or below cultivators could survive there. It was a unique mystical spot in the Seven Continents.
The place was still unpopular and hidden but in two more years, it would become a tourist spot. There was no unique benefit to be had from there either. Han Li had decided to help him for one reason, and that was to use him.
Why?
Such people were threats while being just as useful. What if he found more ways to strengthen himself? Han Li could have it for himself.
The only worry would be Li Shuanwei becoming as strong as Transcendents but Han Li doubted it was possible. Beasts needed a Transcendence Orb to become Beast Emperors; that should be the same for Human Vital Weapons, as far as he'd understood. They had spoken intensively about that system, after all.
Of course, he would have preferred such a threat to die but might as well ignore and see the benefits since killing was not a choice now.
***
Far from the Southern Lust City, in an underwater cavern, Han Li opened his eyes. They shone like dark red rubies, and his eyes were calm. He silently noted the details of the conversation, mulling over it again and again.
"The three paths of cultivation..." He couldn't help but think of the implication.
Beast Cores made one's body stronger, and now he knew how to gain one. He just required a very specific Life Dao Resource. But his body was already strong as he trained in the art of Demonic Transformations.
What would the Beast Cores do?
He couldn't help but be eager to get his next Life Dao Resource. Then there was the whole Vital Weapon thing... His Life Sword was in a makeshift cloth sheath on the side, along with his sleeping mother.
He then looked up to see Hua Yu looking at him curiously. He was lying on the woman's lap, but she didn't seem to mind particularly. "Why did you suddenly fall unconscious? Don't tell me, was that thing you cooked using many Magical Resources really a Transcendent Resource? Won't you die if you eat it?"
Han Li sat up. "Let's move till my mother wakes up, towards the Bone Clan. We should be able to get out of the underground cavern by the end of the night. It's a long flight."
Furrowing her brows in dissatisfaction, Hua Yu snorted. Han Li slung the Life Sword on his back and gently took his mother in a princess carry.
They had dived into the water to enter the underground cavern, but they were not even wet; Hua Yu's soul sense had protected them. She really had been a bunch helpful.
"Let's go, Hua Yu," he said.
They then floated up and moved through the air towards their goal.
Han Li held his unconscious mother close to his chest. No matter what, Li Shuanwei would have to die. For one thing, he was a threat. For another, Han Li didn't like the fact that his mother was hurt. In addition to that, Han Li also wanted the fruit tree in his hand.
"But for now... Yang Wei, I hope you have what I need."