65: Chapter 65: Thoughts on Life and Destruction

Water droplets dripped down his hair, creating a small damp patch beneath his feet. The purple-black halo surrounding him did not dissipate in the slightest; instead, as he retracted his Soul Power, it gradually settled, transforming into a subtle sheen that hid beneath his skin.

The World-Destroying Black Lotus above his head spun gently once, its petals folding inward layer by layer, before finally turning into a stream of light that submerged into his body and vanished.

"Lu Jing!"

Qian Renxue and Wang Donger stood up almost simultaneously and walked forward quickly.

The purple beam of light that had pierced the heavens earlier was too shocking. Seeing Lu Jing standing before them safe and sound, their suspended hearts finally settled, though their eyes still held deep curiosity and inquiry.

"What exactly happened just now?"

Qian Renxue asked first, her beautiful eyes fixed tightly on him as she inquired, "That beam of light... was it a Divinity inheritance?"

Wang Donger also nodded quickly, her gaze full of anticipation.

That power was too terrifying; apart from a Divinity inheritance, she really could not imagine anything else possessing such might.

Lu Jing wiped the water droplets from his face, raised his eyebrows in surprise at her words, and asked, "How did you know?"

"Does that even need asking?"

Xiao Wu poked her head out from behind Wang Donger, hands on her hips, and made a face at him, saying, "The commotion just now was so huge! The thunder sounded like a pot exploding, and the purple lightning lit up the sky. Even a fool could tell something was wrong, okay!"

Lu Jing was amused by her, shook his head helplessly, and then nodded seriously, "That is right, it was indeed a Divinity inheritance."

"It really is!"

Bright light instantly burst forth in Qian Renxue's eyes, and her voice even carried a hint of excitement as she asked, "Then whose God Position did you inherit? What about your strength and status?"

As an inheritor of the Angel God, she had an understanding of the Divinity system far beyond that of ordinary people, and naturally, she knew that the power of different God Positions varied vastly.

Wang Donger also held her breath, staring intently at Lu Jing; even Porcupinefish Douluo could not help but move closer.

For any Spirit Master, Divinities were legendary existences. To hear someone discuss the details of an inheritance in person was even more shocking than seeing a hundred-thousand-year Spirit Beast with one's own eyes.

Meeting everyone's gaze, Lu Jing spoke in a calm tone that nonetheless carried an unmistakable air of authority, "It is the God of Destruction."

"God of Destruction?"

Qian Renxue and Wang Donger were stunned simultaneously, looking at each other, both seeing confusion in the other's eyes.

This title was too unfamiliar to them; it was neither a legendary Divinity who governed elements nor a God Position famous for combat. It was completely outside their scope of knowledge.

"Who is the God of Destruction?"

Wang Donger could not help but ask further, "Compared to the Angel God and the Sea God, which one is more powerful?"

She had once seen records of the Sea God in the ancient books of the Clear Sky Sect, knowing that he was a powerful Divinity who controlled the ocean, while the Angel God was the supreme existence inherited by the Spirit Hall. These two were already mythical existences in the mortal realm.

Lu Jing smiled, his tone carrying a sense of certainty, "In terms of hierarchy, the God of Destruction is far higher than the Angel God or the Sea God. Like the Asura God, he is one of the five Great God Kings of the Divine Realm, a being who truly governs the laws of the Divine Realm."

"Five, five Great God Kings?!"

Porcupinefish Douluo gasped, stepping back half a step in shock, his stout body trembling slightly.

He had lived for more than half his life, and the most powerful legend he had ever heard was the Limit Douluo. He had only dared to imagine Divinities in his dreams, but now to hear that someone had inherited the position of a "God King" completely overturned all his perceptions of power.

Wang Donger's expression also instantly became complex.

She knew better than anyone that the root of Spirit Hall's future destruction lay in the Asura God Position inherited by Tang San—that was a terrifying power capable of suppressing the Angel God and the Rakshasa God.

But now, what Lu Jing had inherited was actually the God Rank of Destruction, which was on the same level as the Asura God...

What did this mean? It meant that if they truly reached that point in the future, Spirit Hall would no longer be the side passively taking a beating.

The God of Destruction against the Asura God, plus the Angel God and other potentially existing Divinities—let alone losing, perhaps even a draw would be an extravagant hope.

But how should she position herself? On one side was the Clear Sky Sect that raised her, and on the other was the partner she had once fought alongside... Wang Donger's hand hanging by her side quietly clenched, her fingertips turning white, her heart in a chaotic mess.

Completely different from her was Qian Renxue.

When she heard the words "five Great God Kings," Qian Renxue's pupils first shrank, and then an irrepressible surge of ecstasy welled up from the bottom of her heart, instantly spreading throughout her entire body.

She could not even help but clench her fists, her fingertips turning slightly red from the force, and her golden eyes flashing with excited light.

Although the Angel God was powerful, she was ultimately no match for the Asura God.

But the God of Destruction was different; that was an existence standing at the very pinnacle of the Divine Realm's pyramid!

With such a God King presiding, let alone changing the fate of Spirit Hall, even overturning the existing structure of the continent would likely not be difficult.

More importantly, Lu Jing was on their side. If they could truly ascend to the Divine Realm in the future, with the connection of the God of Destruction, her Angel God Position would also be able to secure a firm footing in the Divine Realm... Countless thoughts churned in Qian Renxue's mind, making her almost unable to suppress the smile at the corners of her mouth.

"That is great..." she murmured softly, the excitement in her tone impossible to hide.

Seeing their different expressions, Lu Jing said no more and pointed to a relatively open clearing not far away, reminding them, "The terrain here is flat, and the flow of Soul Power is relatively stable. You can absorb the Immortal Plants here."

He paused and added, "Relax when absorbing, and follow the method I just taught you—guide the medicinal power to flow along your meridians. Do not force it if you encounter blockages; use your consciousness to guide it slowly. If you feel an imbalance of energy within your body, think of the principle of yin and yang harmony in the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, and let your Soul Power flow naturally like a spring."

Qian Renxue and Wang Donger looked at each other, both seeing determination in the other's eyes.

The shock of Lu Jing triggering the Divinity inheritance just now had not yet dissipated, and now there was no hesitation at all.

Qian Renxue placed the jade box containing the golden Immortal Plant in her palm, her fingertips brushing over the herb's leaves. Feeling that sacred aura which was of the same origin as her Angel Spirit, she took a deep breath and said, "I understand."

Wang Donger also gripped the Immortal Plant in her hand tightly. The luster on the petals flowed in her palm, and the gentle energy slowly seeped into her body through her fingertips, calming her previously somewhat chaotic state of mind. "I am ready too."

Porcupinefish Douluo quickly stepped forward and set up a barrier of Soul Power around them, saying in a deep voice, "Young Master, Miss Donger, absorb with peace of mind. I will keep watch here and ensure that no Spirit Beast disturbs you."

Xiao Wu sat obediently outside the barrier, resting her chin in her small hands, looking at the two curiously with eyes full of anticipation.

When it was her turn later, would Lu Jing give her an Immortal Plant too?

Lu Jing nodded, retreated to the edge of the barrier, and scanned the two of them. Confirming that they were both sitting cross-legged, he said, "Begin."

Qian Renxue acted first.

She took the golden Immortal Plant out of the jade box. As soon as it left the box, it released an even richer aura of light, as if golden flames were burning around it.

Without any hesitation, she put the Immortal Plant into her mouth.

The Immortal Plant melted upon entering her mouth, instantly turning into a massive stream of golden energy that surged down her throat into her body. Wherever it passed, her meridians seemed to be plated with a layer of golden light.

"Ugh..." Qian Renxue let out a soft groan, quickly concentrating and calming her mind, and following the method Lu Jing had described, mobilized the Angel Soul Power within her to envelop that golden energy.

At first, the energy was somewhat unruly, rushing and wandering through her meridians, attempting to break free from its restraints. But as she continuously guided it with her consciousness and subtly drew upon the principle of balance from the Ice and Fire Yin Yang Well, the energy gradually became docile. Like a golden stream, it flowed slowly along her meridians, continuously nourishing her Soul Power core.

A phantom of the Seraphim gradually appeared on her forehead, the golden feathers on its wings becoming increasingly brilliant. The spirit rings around her body also began to rotate slowly, absorbing the energy of the Immortal Plant and emitting an increasingly powerful aura.

On the other side, Wang Donger was not to be outdone.

She brought the Immortal Plant close to her nose and took a light sniff; a sweet, fresh fragrance flooded her nasal cavity, instantly refreshing her Spirit.

Immediately, she placed the Immortal Plant into her mouth. An energy a hundred times gentler than whale glue instantly spread out, transforming into multicolored streams of light that merged into her limbs and bones.

This energy was extremely compatible with her Radiant Goddess Butterfly Spirit. As soon as it entered her body, the phantom of butterfly wings appeared behind her back. Multicolored light patterns swirled across the butterfly wings, reflecting and enhancing the energy of the Immortal Plant.

Wang Donger closed her eyes, feeling the energy constantly spreading within her. Her nerves, previously tense due to the stance issue, completely relaxed. She allowed the energy to widen her meridians and temper her Soul Power, while her Spirit itself seemed to become more agile, the luster on the butterfly wings growing increasingly brilliant.

Time slipped away bit by bit. The interplay of light and shadow in the Sunset Forest moved slowly through the trees, from early morning to noon, and then to dusk.

Porcupinefish Douluo remained on guard outside the barrier, his gaze sweeping vigilantly around, not daring to slacken for even a moment, fearing that someone like Dugu Bo might suddenly appear, just as before.

Xiao Wu, on the other hand, was counting the fallen leaves on the ground, occasionally looking up at the two people inside the barrier.

Lu Jing was not idle either.

He kept an eye on their condition while circulating his Soul Power to consolidate the Divine Power of Destruction he had just acquired.

The aura of the World-Destroying Black Lotus flowed slowly within him, faintly echoing the power of the laws between heaven and earth, giving him a deeper understanding of the inheritance of the God of Destruction.

It was not until the setting sun dyed the sky a golden red that the light surrounding Qian Renxue and Wang Donger gradually receded.

Qian Renxue slowly opened her eyes, stars seemingly swirling within her purple pupils. She waved her hand, and the phantom of the Seraphim behind her unfurled, nearly twice as large as before. Golden flames burned fiercely on the wings, exuding an awe-inspiring, sacred pressure.

She could clearly feel that her Soul Power had not only broken through the bottleneck but had also become incredibly pure; there was no longer the slightest bit of stagnation when it circulated, and it flowed much more smoothly.

"It worked." Qian Renxue clenched her fist, feeling the surging Soul Power within her, and a confident smile appeared on her lips.

Wang Donger also opened her eyes at the same time.

Her eyes were brighter than before, and the phantom of the Radiant Goddess Butterfly behind her fluttered once, causing multicolored powder to drift down and transform into ribbons of light in the air.

She stood up gently and stretched her limbs, feeling filled with strength. Her Soul Power circulated as smoothly as flowing water, and she could even feel a closer connection between her Spirit and the light energy of heaven and earth.

"This Immortal Plant... is too miraculous!" Wang Donger couldn't help but exclaim, her voice full of joy.

Porcupinefish Douluo withdrew the Soul Power barrier. Watching the surging auras on the two, he couldn't help but stroke his beard and laugh: "Congratulations, Young Mistress, congratulations Miss Donger, your strength has improved once again!"

Lu Jing walked forward, looked at the light in their eyes, and nodded with satisfaction: "It seems the effect is good. Now that your Soul Power has just had a breakthrough, we should take advantage of this momentum to find a few suitable Spirit Beasts in the Sunset Forest and attach spirit rings to stabilize your cultivation."

Qian Renxue nodded in agreement, and Wang Donger did not refuse, because they indeed needed to attach spirit rings now.

Just as they stepped into the dense forest, at the center of the Divine Realm, a palace cast entirely from obsidian stood quietly.

The walls of the palace were carved with twisted runes, emitting a faint aura of destruction; it was the residence of one of the five Great God Kings—the God of Destruction, the Palace of Destruction.

Deep within the palace, a tall figure stood before the window, overlooking the cloud-shrouded land of the Divine Realm below.

He wore a dark purple robe, his face cold and stern, with faint purple currents of air swirling around him; it was the God of Destruction.

When Lu Jing triggered the inheritance earlier, he had watched from afar through the rift between the Divine Realm and the mortal world, and a trace of satisfaction still lingered in his eyes.

"Creak—"

The heavy doors of the palace were pushed open slowly, and a green figure stepped in quietly.

The newcomer wore a verdant green dress embroidered with scattered flowers, as if she had draped the vitality of the entire Divine Realm upon herself.

Her face was stunningly beautiful, and her brows carried a gentle smile; it was the Goddess of Life, who was closest to the God of Destruction.

Hearing footsteps, the God of Destruction turned around, his cold face instantly softening a little, his tone carrying a trace of imperceptible warmth: "Little Green, why have you come?"

The Goddess of Life walked up to him, her gaze sweeping over his face, and she smiled lightly: "I just felt an energy fluctuation from this side in the Forest of Life, so I came to take a look. But you..."

Her tone shifted, and a trace of curiosity flashed in her eyes, "You have held the God Rank of Destruction for so many years, and I've never heard of you wanting to pass on your God Position. Why the sudden change of heart?"

The inheritance of God Positions in the Divine Realm has always been cautious, especially the positions of the five Great God Kings, which concern the balance of laws across the entire Divine Realm. A slight carelessness could trigger turmoil.

The God of Destruction was naturally aloof and never spoke of inheritance matters. With the sudden news of an anomaly in the God Position today, it was no wonder the Goddess of Life had come specifically to ask.

The God of Destruction thought of the aura of the World-Destroying Black Lotus inside Lu Jing, and the corner of his mouth curled into a rare arc: "That youth is not bad; his Spirit attribute is extremely compatible with my God Position. More importantly, he has a ruthlessness about him; he understands destruction, yet faintly reveals a potential for creation. He is a good seedling."

He had held the laws of destruction for too long and knew deeply that "destruction" was not the end, but the beginning of rebirth—just as new vegetation grows after a forest is burned down, or new mineral deposits can be conceived after the earth cracks.

And that black lotus inside Lu Jing happened to possess both the qualities of destruction and gestation; this was precisely the key that he valued.

The Goddess of Life nodded thoughtfully upon hearing this: "To be favored by you, he must indeed be extraordinary."

She had accompanied the God of Destruction for countless years and naturally knew how picky his judgment was.

The God of Destruction looked at her and suddenly proposed: "Since that is the case, why don't you also consider passing down your God Position? You have guarded the God Position of Life for so many years; it is time to find a successor."

The Goddess of Life smiled helplessly and shook her head: "How could it be that easy? The laws of life emphasize going with the flow; one needs to find someone who is compassionate and can see through the cycle of life and death, but such a person is too rare. Over these many years, I have seen thousands, if not tens of thousands, of geniuses, yet I have never encountered a suitable one."

She was in charge of the laws of life and had grown accustomed to the birth, aging, illness, and death of the mortal world. She knew deeply that the word "life," while seemingly gentle, was actually heavy.

If the successor's temperament is unstable, at best the God Position would collapse, and at worst, it could trigger life disturbances in the mortal world; the consequences would be unimaginable.

The God of Destruction frowned and suddenly thought of an idea: "How about... you pass your God Position to that kid too?"

Seeing the confusion on the Goddess of Life's face, he hurriedly explained: "Think about it, destruction is new creation. If he can bear my God Rank of Destruction, it shows he also has his own understanding of rebirth. Furthermore, although his World-Destroying Black Lotus is named for destruction, it can absorb the Ice and Fire energy to nourish itself; this in itself carries the resilience of life. Perhaps... he can also bear your God Position of Life."

These words were not without reason.

Destruction and life seem to be opposites, but in reality, they complement each other—without destruction, life would stagnate.

Without life, destruction is merely hollow devastation.

The two are inherently two sides of the same coin of heaven and earth's laws. If one person could bear both, it might not be a new possibility.

The Goddess of Life did not immediately refute or agree upon hearing this, but a trace of contemplation flashed in her eyes.

She gently brushed the hair by her ear and smiled: "This matter cannot be rushed; let's wait and see."

She looked up towards the direction of the mortal world, as if she could see through the heavy barriers to that youth who had just triggered the inheritance of destruction.

"The days ahead are long. If there really is no more suitable candidate, it won't be too late to consider him then."

The God of Destruction knew her nature was always cautious, so he did not urge her, merely nodding: "Very well, in any case, the inheritance of a God Position is not something that happens overnight. But that kid... is worth looking forward to."