Star Odyssey

Chapter 2583: Responsibility

Despite the chaos that seemed to exist in the power in his chest, Lu Yin was confident in its strength. After all, it had already proven capable of overpowering and dominating multiple types of energy, including Divine Martial Armor. It was a culmination of myriad energies that had been combined into a single system, which made it incomparably strong. He had been hoping to hear some words of approval from Mister Mu, not just a comment of "chaotic." Lu Yin wished to find his own path with Mister Mu's guidance.

Mister Mu looked at Lu Yin. "All things in existence follow a specific order: matter, energy, laws, opportunities, disasters, and so on. By tracing any one of these back, it is possible to find their origin. Even the most chaotic powers follow this order as well. Your power, even with the chaos that fills it, possesses infinite possibilities and encompasses everything."

Lu Yin eagerly asked, "Are you saying that this disciple can continue cultivating this power?"

Mister Mu answered with approval, "Continue. I’m curious to see just how far you can go. Your path is unlike any other’s."

"Unlike any other’s?" Lu Yin felt puzzled by this. He thought back to what Mister Mu had said in the past and then asked, "Master, you just said that all things in existence follow a specific order. Am I understanding correctly that you are referring to sequence particles?"

Mister Mu was taken aback. "Sequence particles?"

Lu Yin explained what he had learned about sequence particles from Zi Jing. After listening, Mister Mu was quite impressed. "There truly are no limits to human creativity. They've managed to analyze the essence of the power that regulates a universe. You are correct, the sequence particles that you’ve described are indeed the source of a Progenitor’s power."

Of course, this was also the conclusion that Lu Yin had reached after hearing Zi Jing’s explanation. If humans could influence sequence particles, then it would essentially give them the power to influence a specific universe, which was no different from transforming a universe.

"As you have proceeded along your path of cultivation, you have repeatedly encountered powers beyond your own level. When you were a Hunter, you fought against Enlighters. As an Enlighter, you fought Envoys. Now, you are an Envoy and are facing off against Semi-Progenitors and even standing up to Progenitors. You have gained experience and insight that far exceed your strength. I originally believed that, even if you could borrow a Progenitor's strength, you would not be able to understand it. Instead, you have done just that by using this interesting method. I cannot say for certain if this is a good or a bad thing for you," Mister Mu commented with a sigh.

Lu Yin asked, "If the Transcendent Universe can truly master sequence particles, will they be able to mass-produce Progenitors?"

Mister Mu responded with a question of his own, "What does this question mean to you?"

Lu Yin admitted what he had been thinking. "If that is possible, I would like to master this method."

Mister Mu clasped his hands behind his back as he replied, "I won't interfere with their research, and it might indeed be possible. There are times when people fail to truly understand the power that they possess, and that can even be true for Progenitors."

A flash of insight struck Lu Yin, and he blurted, "Is that the line that separates powerful Progenitors from the rest?”

Mister Mu revealed a rare smile. "You're growing more insightful."

Lu Yin responded modestly, "That’s only because of your excellent guidance."

Mister Mu shook his head. "I haven't provided you with very much guidance. I only came to visit you this time to fulfill my duty as a teacher, but the power system that you’ve developed has transformed far beyond my expectations. There is only one in this megaverse who can guide you on your current path. You will need to figure things out for yourself."

Lu Yin felt quite troubled. "I need to figure it out on my own? That's going to be extremely difficult."

"You can do it," Mister Mu reassured Lu Yin, "The tea from the Roots of Intelligence that you drank before offered you a decent boost, but the further you progress, the less useful such things will be for your comprehension. There are certain realms that are unreachable, and that is true even for Hui Wen. You are currently in the Sixverse Association, so it’s possible that the Great Sovereign's tea ceremony will suit you better."

Lu Yin was surprised. "You know about the Great Sovereign's tea ceremonies?"

"Why wouldn’t I?" Mister Mu countered.

Lu Yin blinked. "Why have you never mentioned the Sixverse Association before?"

Mister Mu explained, "It didn’t matter if I mentioned it or not before. Without some very unexpected development, there would have been no reason for you to know anything about it, given your cultivation level. The Sixverse Association does not actively interfere with the Origin Universe, and thus the Origin Universe has no need to concern itself with the Sixverse Association. They both work to resist the Aeternus but are completely independent of each other."

Suddenly, Lu Yin asked, "Do you know about my Lu family being banished?"

Mister Mu nodded. "I do."

"Then-" Lu Yin wanted to ask why his master had not said anything, but he quickly remembered what Mister Mu had just said. If Mister Mu had not felt that it was the right time to mention the Sixverse Association to Lu Yin, then how could he have brought up the Lu family’s exile?

Mister Mu set his hand on top of Lu Yin's head in a rare gesture of affection. No matter how old Lu Yin became or how powerful he grew to be, Mister Mu would always see the young man who was trying to become his disciple.

Whenever Lu Yin faced an insurmountable crisis, his first thought was always of Mister Mu. While the man was not Lu Yin's father, Mister Mu meant even more to Lu Yin.

"It must be tiring, having to bear the burden of the Lu family on your own," Mister Mu said with a sigh.

Lu Yin's fingers clenched into tight fists. "I'm not tired!"

Mister Mu lowered his hand and then gently waved it. A colorful light carved a path into the distance. Lu Yin watched as people walked along the path. Some were laughing, others were crying. Some struggled for life, while others became lost in decadence. "Humans are complex creatures that are filled with various emotions and desires. Relationships between them can foster love or breed hatred. You don’t need to hide such things. If you feel love, express it. If you possess hate, vent it. This is the meaning of being human—it is to be a living, breathing person. If you wish to seek revenge, I won't stop you, but you must remember to never lose your sense of self."

The colorful pathway seemingly stretched on endlessly, and as Lu Yin looked down, he saw that it led to a statue of himself. The statue stood on Earth, and he could see countless people worshiping the statue and looking at it with reverence. The fanaticism in their eyes was almost enough to melt his heart.

These people truly respected and worshiped him.

As he looked, he could see that such events were not only playing out on Earth, as his statues had been erected on multiple planets. They acted like points of light that stabbed through an entire region.

"My child, when you grow up, you must serve the Dao Monarch and protect our part of the universe."

"Go, cultivate and join the Heavens Sect to serve and protect the Dao Monarch."

"Our family is only able to continue cultivating because of the Dao Monarch's grace. From this day forward, our family's first ancestral rule is loyalty to the Dao Monarch and to always fight for the Dao Monarch."

...

Numerous voices echoed in Lu Yin's ears. He could hear the fervent shouts and see the passion in their eyes. The sight ignited a fire within him.

He had long known that he was revered in the Fifth Mainland, but he had never before felt so deeply touched by it.

Countless people looked up to him, worshiped him, and swore to protect him. It was a promise of care, a pledge to protect the Dao Monarch with their lives.

"No matter how you choose to seek revenge, never lose your responsibility to humanity. These people are your responsibility." Mister Mu pulled his hand back, and the colorful path disappeared. Lu Yin found himself once again surrounded by the familiar gray color of a frozen universe.

Lu Yin took a deep breath and bowed deeply to Mister Mu. "I understand, Master. I won’t let you down."

Mister Mu responded with a small smile, "I cannot guide your path onwards, but I will do my best to protect and support you. You can attend the Great Sovereign's tea party, as the Great Sovereign will not harm you."

Lu Yin’s head snapped back up. He could hear the confidence in his master’s calm voice. What Lu Yin had just heard would be considered sacrilege to anyone from the Sixverse Association, and there was no one in the Origin Universe who would dare to utter such a thing. Mister Mu’s aura of complete dominance left Lu Yin’s eyes wide with awe.

"I understand," Lu Yin responded excitedly. "Master, does this mean that you are no longer going to the Immemorial Citadel?"

The gray suddenly disappeared, and Mister Mu's figure grew blurry. "When you ascend to the Progenitor realm, I will reveal the truth of reality to you."

Then, Mister Mu vanished.

"Master, wait! I have more questions!" Lu Yin shouted, but everything had already returned to normal. The gray had disappeared, and with it, Mister Mu.

Disappointment filled Lu Yin. He still had so many questions, about the Immemorial Citadel, the flame that had nearly incinerated the Books of Destiny, how to save Ming Yan, reopening Burial Garden, True God Wei Yi, and more. Such matters could only be answered by someone at Mister Mu's level, but the man had not given Lu Yin any opportunity to ask any additional questions.

Was it really like Mister Mu had said? Did Lu Yin need to first become a Progenitor to obtain the answers that he sought?

At that moment, Lu Yin understood even more than ever just how lucky he was to have Mister Mu as his master. He realized that what he had seen as incredible opportunities were perfectly mundane events in Mister Mu's eyes. Lu Yin had also come to understand, as the gap between him and Unseen Light had grown, why Unseen Light had not been qualified to accept Mister Mu as a master. From the very beginning, Lu Yin’s path of cultivation had started at a peerlessly high level that was superior to even what the Lu family could offer to their descendants.

Lu Yin let out a long breath as he dismissed such thoughts. Mister Mu had answered his most pressing question, and he had also promised that the Great Sovereign would not personally act against Lu Yin, which was a massive relief. With the assurance that the Great Sovereign would not go after him, Lu Yin became fearless. He did not fear anyone else in the Sixverse Association, not the Three Sovereigns and Nine Sages, or even the Three Realms Six Daos of the ancient Heavens Sect era. At worst, he would avoid a direct confrontation with such powerhouses. His greatest concern had been the Great Sovereign for some time.

With Mister Mu’s guarantee that the Great Sovereign would not act himself, it suggested that Lu Yin might even stand a chance against the Three Sovereigns and Nine Sages.

Such speculation caused Lu Yin to be less apprehensive of the Cyclic Universe. It was even possible that visiting that universe was not a terrible idea after all.

Right as Lu Yin was settling his reservations regarding the Cyclic Universe, Shi Jiao arrived.

Lu Yin's eyes lit up, as this time, he had no intention of rejecting the Stone Gate’s invitation.

However, it seemed as though fate was toying with Lu Yin. Shi Jiao was not visiting to give him an invitation, but rather to inform him that someone else had assumed the seat of Sage Stone.

"Someone has already become the new Sage Stone?" Lu Yin exclaimed in shock.

Shi Jiao's expression was grave, and her eyes were filled with open sorrow. "Stone Sage died in battle. The positions of the Three Sovereigns and Nine Sages cannot remain empty, so the Great Sovereign bestowed the seat to another."

Lu Yin was speechless. He had been ready to accept the Stone Gate's invitation, but in an ironic twist, they no longer needed him. What was going on?

Shi Jiao seemed quite apologetic. "Xuan Qi, while the seat of Sage Stone has been filled, you are still welcome to join our Stone Gate. I can assure you, we will find you the best possible master, or even recommend you to another peak powerhouse. With your talent, you are guaranteed to find a master among the Three Sovereigns and Nine Sages."

"There’s no need to blame yourself, Senior," Lu Yin replied, "I simply wish to know of the circumstances around Sage Stone's demise. He was a hero of humanity, and should this junior be fortunate enough to one day become a peak powerhouse, I will make sure to seek revenge for Sage Stone."

As Shi Jiao stared at Lu Yin, a new respect filled her eyes. Losing the opportunity to inherit Sage Stone’s seat was an unbearable setback, and Shi Jiao had expected to be met with fury when Xuan Qi learned of what had happened. Surprisingly, he was more concerned about what had happened to Sage Stone than the missed opportunity.

This was not a common response, not even within the Stone Gate. Xuan Qi's demonstration of maturity surpassed that of many other people.

"I am coming to understand why Xu Xiangyin holds you in such high regard," Shi Jiao admitted, "When you initially claimed to refuse to join my Stone Gate because of a desire to repay Xu Xiangyin's favor, I was skeptical. I was certain that you had other motives in mind, but now, I believe that you were indeed being sincere. Xuan Qi, it is my Stone Gate's loss to not have you inherit the seat of Sage Stone."