There had been many people who became ‘travelers’ of the ‘great worlds’, all in search of the ‘Profound Truth’. Countless others used terms different from it, but for Kiana, it was as such.
Immortal cultivation showed the path towards eternal life. The Dao Integration Realm possesses virtually infinite lifespan. They would not die of old age and would continue existing so long as their ‘concept’ remained.
As for a Tribulation Transcendence Supreme, time was even less of a problem. They are timeless by nature, capable of watching countless worlds rise and fall. Hence, Kiana discovered the ‘Profound Truth’, something she had found at the end of it all—
A golden orb.
It held the concept of infinity, manifested as a part of him. The moment her eyes glimpsed upon a “part” of its nature, she perished.
‘Infinite… such a cruel thing.’
Boundless sorrow filled her heart. It contained her anger towards its ‘nature’, as well as her affection, sympathy, and helplessness for him. As much as she would have wanted to tear it all, she could not. Words could not fully express her emotions, leaving them inside her heart to rot.
In the end, the future Kiana was but a mere probability. A ‘choice’ branched out from countless others. It was only her prowess as a Supreme that set her apart from others. Moreover, she had also reached the Pseudo True Immortal Realm. Without it, she wouldn’t have survived that glimpse, nor would she be able to recall a single thing. The existence of the future ‘Kiana’ would cease to exist, disappearing amongst countless other ‘possibilities’.
Yet it is exactly because of this nature that she was given a second chance. The cruel truth she carried became the strongest weapon to obliterate that future.
‘Just like before…’
A flicker of silver light passed by her star-like eyes. Kiana herself did not notice that change, remaining oblivious to it. She was staring at the two holding hands, already taking more than a minute.
Fortunately, Shi Tian’s eyes opened soon enough. He let go of Vita’s soft hand, briefly meeting her eyes.
‘She hasn’t noticed her at all.’
The future Vita remained in hiding as Aha. The most plausible way he could think of was the future Vita’s ascension to Aha’s position. She had become the Aeon of Elation, and as such, she was no different than one.
As for the traces of Finality inside her, it had long been cleared out too.
‘Kiana was the only one who didn’t do so. She might be restricted by something…’
He kept these thoughts to himself and regained his focus.
“That settles everything…”
*****
Too many things happened in a short span. Had I entered seclusion, I would have missed them all. But then, it is impossible for it to happen, because every time it does, I find myself at the center of it. My Tao Heart had long severed the web of karma, but I chose to retain the ones truly important to me. It is this choice that gave me my troubles.
I won’t regret this choice.
After leaving Leylah’s exaggeratedly large castle, we headed back to Earth. It has been a long time since we hung out there.
“It’s better than I expected.”
“Isn’t it? You have my aunt to thank for it.”
It is currently 2595. Almost six hundred years had passed since the Moon Battle. The arrival of immortal cultivation served to reason that humanity’s technology would increase, and in turn, the world would become ‘futuristic’ too.
That wasn’t the case. There aren’t any brutal minimalist infrastructures. Everything was reminiscent of 2017, except that highly-advanced cars, cultivations flying on swords in organized manners, high-tech looking skyscrapers, and such existed.
As Kiana stated, it all came from Theresa, or rather, her teachings. Humanity ought to keep a trace of itself instead of ruthlessly abandoning everything for advancement. The ‘modern era’ represented humanity’s willingness to melt cultures down the pot, integrating them as one.
I found it similar to that of 2017 purely because of the hodgepodge of architecture around this city—Shenzhou City.
“Ah, this made me remember.”
I felt the cuffs of my sleeves being pulled by her fingers. It prompted me to look at her, meeting Kiana’s inquisitive gaze.
“How far did you go with my aunt?”
“...It’s not too far.”
“What’s ‘too far’?”
I did not have the intention to hide it from her, but I cannot think of better ways to explain it. So I gave up.
“We kissed while she was drunk.”
“Tongues too?”
“...Yes.”
I felt guilty with every passing answer I gave. I could only blame myself for it. My experiences aren’t sufficient in handling something like a ‘harem’.
“Then… go for it.”
“Ah..?”
“Us three… remember how we talk with each other?”
Hearing Kiana’s question brought up her dilemma. She is a ‘clone’ of Bianka and the Herrscher of the Void. The relationship between her, Siegfried, and Theresa became awkward. Fortunately, it changed when Bianka came into discussion. She did not push on that matter, instead accepting Kiana. That was how the Kaslana Family Matter was resolved.
“Aunt longs for someone who could take care of her.”
“...I see. I should have thought of it long ago…” I paused, pursing my lips, before continuing, “That becoming a leader is a heavy burden.”
I, myself, did not want to become a leader. I left that responsibility to others, at most proposing some development directions of Earth. Perhaps it is common for “middle-aged” bachelor women to seek someone who could give them affection and comfort. It just so happens that I ticked off every single condition Theresa has—from the resonance of our spirit roots and Tao Bodies down to how things have developed between us.
“The last time I saw her, I felt like her state was wrong.” Kiana spoke, her voice filled with a hint of worry. “It’s not just her. Bronya too.”
“Bronya? She…”
I forcefully halted my words. Nobody is safe from doubts, not even those with an eighth-level Tao Heart. If nothing, it proves that those doubts are far stronger than anyone expects them to be.
“I’ll talk to them later. As for the surprise you are talking about…”
She placed her pointy finger on my lips.
“Surprises won’t be surprising if I told you in advance.” She paused, momentarily deliberating, before she continued speaking, “All I can tell you is that I have everyone’s consent.”
That sounds a lot more intimidating...
*****
A/N: It's been a long time since the golden orb presented itself. It is about time to reveal its origins bit-by-bit.