Chapter 1638: Maitreya’s Hope

’I’m not convinced,’ Wang Wei countered. ’We know that Inner World cultivation systems take the most resources. Unless you’re saying the process of reaching the third step will have these Dao Path cultivators owe so much karma that they have to repay it.’

’But that’s assuming True Transcendents are bound by karma, which goes completely against what we think of their existence,’ Wu Hong added.

’Exactly.’

’You’re thinking about the final result instead of the process,’ Maitreya explained. ’They have to repay it while cultivating a higher realm. By the time they transcend, they will have balanced out all the resources they’ve consumed, and Grand Dao won’t lose much and can even benefit from the Feedback.’

’That makes sense,’ Wang Wei nodded, finally seeing her point of view. ’While I can see your point of view, I still believe in what I said. While Grand Dao may not have emotions, it’s still a lifeform with an instinct for self-preservation. If necessary, I do not doubt for a second she would not treat the Dao Path cultivators as a life-saving meal.’

’You make a fair point,’ Maitreya sighed deeply. Sometimes, the cannibalistic nature of the universe weighs heavily on her mind. Maitreya often wonders when all life can escape this sea of suffering?

’If that’s true, then this system of resource management would probably be for every path, not just the Dao,’ Wu Hong commented, trying to change the topic as she sensed her old friend’s dejected mood.

’Most likely.’

’That doesn’t look fun,’ Wang Wei uttered.

’Many people are looking forward to the upcoming Transcendent Age, but it will probably not be as beautiful as they think,’ Maitreya revealed.

’I don’t like the implication of these words,’ Wang Wei stated.

’Don’t think too much about it. At least, no matter how bad it is, it won’t be as bad as the old times.’

’What do you mean?’

’You don’t know? Well, I guess you wouldn’t. Before the Ultimate Taboo, all the Saints were under watch and scrutiny by the Cardinals or Grand Dao herself. All their moves and actions were monitored, and if they were out of line, someone would come to warn them.’

’I was just thinking about this not long ago,’ Wang Wei said. ’Is that why they were so quiet?’

’Basically.’

’Is that why they love to use people as pawns?’ Wu Hong asked.

’That’s one of the reasons,’ Maitreya nodded. These people needed vessels and or pawns to do their bidding while under observation. ’The other is that they need talented people to test out their transcendent path. After all, most people do not get a second attempt, and if your path is wrong, the outcome might be even worse.’

A lot of things are clicking together,’ Wang Wei uttered. ’Do you know what these Saints were doing during the Ultimate Taboo?’

’Unfortunately, no,’ Maitreya shook her head. ’I tried to investigate, and all I can say is that I quickly learned how bad an idea that was. My educated guess is that whatever they did brought them more freedom.’

’Do you know whether the Ultimate Taboo was a one-man plan or a coordinated one?’ Wang Wei asked.

’If you’re asking if the Trinity Venerable planned everything alone, I do not think so. I think he had support from many others.’

’Including the Erudite Duchess?’ Wu Hong asked.

’I tried not to interact with these Old Saints,’ Maitreya said. ’But as one of the most powerful Tribunal Saints in the world, I reckoned she was involved in some way.’

’Is the Trinity Venerable also in the second step?’

’Yes.’

Wang Wei sighed. Things were not looking good for Qiyuan and his ancestors. Not that he was any better since the Fate Cardinal was also in that realm.

’No need to worry. I’m confident you and Qiyuan will rise above your destined fate.’

’Thanks for the good word,’ Wang Wei smiled wryly.

’He previously asked me a question that I want to hear an answer from you,’ Wu Hong suddenly said. ’Who is your puppet master?’

’Do you have to put it in such a harsh way?’

’I’m just paraphrasing him.’

’Don’t just throw me under like that.’

Wu Hong ignored him and waited for an answer.

Maitreya thought about it briefly. ’I have an unbreakable karma debt to Gautama.’

’As in, The [Buddha]?’

’Yes. After sanctifying, I noticed a powerful oath woven into the very essence of Buddhism itself,’ Maitreya explained. ’Anyone who calls themselves a monk or has any connection to Buddhism’s luck will have to one day fulfill the oath.’

’Which is?’

’Don’t know. All I’m certain of is when I meet the requirements, the oath will be activated and I will be called to action.’

Wu Hong and Wang Wei resisted the urge to glance at each other. They had guessed what that oath was. Gautama either wishes to find a way to exist outside the Prehistoric World without Grand Dao punishing him, or he also wants to escape the Chaos Universe like Hongjun and everybody else.

’Wait, I’m an Honorary Buddha. Am I also bound by this oath?’ Wang Wei asked.

’No, you’re fine. You’re never considered yourself a monk or genuinely practice our way.’

’That’s reassuring,’ Wang Wei sighed in relief. ’While you’re here, I have another idea to run to you.’

’Oh?’

’How feasible is it to also turn the Grandmist Wheel, or even better, the Sea of Consciousness, into my own personal Critical Hit Path?’

’...The way your mind operates is truly a work of art,’ Maitreya praised.

’You’re making me blush.’

As if she would believe these words.

’I don’t think I can give you a satisfactory answer,’ Maitreya said. ’I only did the Paragon Taboo Battle Realm, meaning I only have access to one layer. I’m actively trying to find a means to make up for the other two, so my understanding of the Critical Hit Path is subpar at best.

’However, from my limited understanding, your idea is something that is beneficial in the long term, but not the short term.’

’Please, explain.’

’From my understanding, the Critical Hit Path is a higher version of the Power of Heaven and Earth that cultivators used in the Mortal Stage, but for the entire Chaos Universe. In other words, when you use it, you are borrowing strength from every world, every dimension, every life, and every timeline.

’So, for your version to be of any use, you’ll have to wait until you’re a Grand Dao Saint and can create your version of the Chaos Universe.’

’Could we use it to resonate with Grand Dao’s Critical Hit Path? That way we can use our own and her version?’ Wu Hong suggested.

’Theoretically, yes, but you also risk it being influenced or secretly corrupted through the process of synchronizing with Grand Dao’s version, which defies the purpose of it being independent.’

’Easy solution. We have two versions. One for the future, and one for the present to give us an immediate edge in battle,’ Wang Wei added. He still remembered what Wu Hong said about it being impossible to use that construct to fight people of higher steps. However, if he had accessed to two Critical Hit Paths, the conversation would suddenly be completely different.

’You are all operating under the assumption that it can be built,’ Maitreya said, trying to ground them.

’Where there is a will, there is a way,’ Wang Wei said.

’A good philosophy to live by, but let’s still manage our expectations.’

’We understand,’ Wang Wei nodded.

’Do you have any clues on how to make up for the missing layers?’ Wu Hong asked.

’Sadly, nothing so far,’ Maitreya sighed deeply.

’Don’t push yourself too hard. I’m sure there is a way.’

’I know. Well, any more ideas?’

’No.’

’Alright. I’m glad we had such a productive conversation,’ Maitreya said. ’And I must sincerely thank you.’

’For what?’ Wang Wei asked.

’You’ve given me hope I can return to a 12 foundation pillar,’ Maitreya said. She has experienced the hardship of rebuilding her foundation in the Saint Realm. And before this conversation. Maitreya had almost accepted the fact that nine pillars might be her limit. But with these ideas, there may be hope for her yet.

’I’m glad I can help.’

’This is for you,’ Maitreya said, handing him access to a dimension with a green crystal.

’What’s this?’

’It’s a thing I refined. It will allow you to experience a 100 times acceleration. Although it’s a one-time use item, with it, you should be able to become an A-Class Primal and more before the catastrophe,’ Maitreya explained. ’I know this isn’t much in comparison to what you’ve given me, but I can’t interfere too much in your growth, as that risks deviating you from your destined future. Do know that if you ever need it, I’ll not hesitate to rush to your rescue — even if great danger is involved.’

’I understand, and I will keep your words in mind,’ Wang Wei nodded.

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