PtM 18 - Chapter 16: Jade Memory

2 chapters this week. Enjoy!

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Tribulation lightning poured through the opening in the cathedral ceiling, raining bits of charred root wood onto cavern’s barren floor. Now that the Monkey King was free and his opponents were taken care of, only Cha Ming and the Tree of Good and Evil’s beating wooden heart remained.

An immortal axe was embedded in the beating heart. Lightning continued to strike it, but now that Sun Wukong had remade it, it was no longer fearful of the tribulation and drank in its potent energies with no fear. As for the Tree of Good and Evil, it could only passively accept the lightning’s punishment; it did not have the power to destroy the axe, and neither did it have the ability to dispel the tribulation.

The pontiffs that had been protecting the tree couldn’t help it either, because the Monkey King had shown up, and he was angry. Loud whacking sounds could be heard through the crack in the cathedral ceiling, along with angry and indignant wails belonging to two of the most powerful beings in Mendin.

Cha Ming placed his hand on the beating wooden heart and reassured the tree. “It’s not that you’re weak, or even that you picked the wrong goddesses,” he said to the tree. “Your timing and luck are just terrible.” Energy into the tree from his inner world and infiltrated the tree’s bark, roots, and branches.

He directly invaded the tree’s core region, spreading out his will through the realm of Good and Evil like a brushfire. He destroyed whatever strands of good and evil will he found in the process, further lowering his opponent’s resistances.

The Tree of Good and Evil was weakened from the tribulation, but it wasn’t helpless. A powerful will spread out from the tree’s core and began to contest Cha Ming’s growing influence. The tree itself became a battleground, and thanks to its home field advantage, the Tree of Good and Evil became the clear winner in this exchange.

Cha Ming had one advantage going for him: the tribulation lightning. The Tree of Good and Evil was weak to tribulation energy and had no choice but to divert over nine tenths of its will and energy to defending against it. So while Cha Ming was weaker than the tree, he was able to slowly gain control over the Realm of Good and Evil’s planar core.

Eventually, the tree could no longer tolerate this. It initiated contact with Cha Ming for the first time. Why do you try so hard, insignificant mortal? the Tree of Good and Evil rumbled. You don’t really think you can win this, do you?

I won’t know unless I try, Cha Ming replied. Worse comes to worse, I’ll ask Master for help. There’s no way you’ll be able to resist in your current state.

The tree retaliated by sending a wave of will crashing into Cha Ming’s. Due to their shared control over the realm’s Dao Origins, it was impossible for Cha Ming to avoid taking damage. A large amount of Clearmist evaporated form Cha Ming’s inner world, forcing him to overtax his inner world to produce more.

Cha Ming did not completely lose the exchange. By lashing out in anger, the tree had temporarily lost control. Cha Ming had taken advantage of this moment to send a strand of will deep into the Tree of Good and Evil’s core, greatly increasing his authority over the realm and reducing the tree’s by an equivalent amount.

It’s not very nice to take what doesn’t belong to you,a kinder, softer voice said. The Tree of Good and Evil was a strange life form that had split personalities. Do you have any idea how many rankers will lose lives if the connection isn’t restored? Do you have any idea how many will give up hope and languish in despair as a result?

These words gave Cha Ming pause. It was a reasonable argument, but one he quickly refuted. There’s no conflict, Tree of Good and Evil. Since taking over the Realm of Good and Evil compromises the safety of Mendin’s residents, I’ll find another way to safeguard them.

Cha Ming felt relief from the tree, but also frustration. In normal times, the tree would be far from helpless. It had only gone dormant to preserve energy for its evolution, and had been forced awake by waves of tribulation lightning.

The dual assault gave it no choice but to retreat into its core region. It yielded most of the Realm of Good and evil to Cha Ming. Cha Ming gained access to the world’s Dao Origins and immediately began copying these powerful runes and incorporating them into Jade Moon Garden.

Unfortunately, there were limits to growing Jade Moon Garden. The incomplete demiplane did not have a core, and the Flower of Memory, powerful as it was, needed time to make it.

The Tree of Good and Evil was well-attuned to human emotion and noticed Cha Ming’s frustration. I told you it was futile, said the tree. We are one with the planar core. To gain control of it, you will need to destroy us, but doing so will destroy the core that you greatly need.

What’s worse, the tribulation lightning is damaging us. It’s only a matter of time before both us and the core are destroyed. So give up, pathetic mortal. Take away that wretched blade and we will not pursue this matter further.

You’re not in a position to be threaten me, Cha Ming replied. You can’t do anything to me until the tribulation is over. And by then, you’ll be nothing but a chunk of charred wood. The tree tried to lash out in anger, but a large bolt of lightning snuck through its defences and directly struck its wooden heart. Veins of black lightning poison appeared on the once-pristine wood and began damaging the realm’s Dao Origins.

There’s one big difference between the two of us, Cha Ming continued. You can’t separate yourself from this realm and abandon it, but I can. If you submit, I’ll accept your surrender. But I’m not against obtaining vengeance for everything you’ve done either.

… Fine, said the tree. We yield. We yield!

Cha Ming snorted. I don’t trust you. Either show me some sincerity, or I’ll let you take a few more rounds of lightning. I’ll feel much safer trying to consume your core when all that’s left of you as a charred chunk of root wood.

Cha Ming spoke big, but he was equally frustrated. It wasn’t just the tree that was taking damage from the tribulation lighting, but Cha Ming as well. Moreover, the tree had a spiteful nature. It would rather detonate its core rather than see Cha Ming claim it.

He racked his mind for answers but was unable to find one. Fortunately, the Flower of Memory inside his inner world had an idea. It sent a stream of images to him suggesting an alternative course of action.

Cha Ming assessed the plan and determined that it was feasible. But isn’t it risky? he asked Memory. Memory confirmed this, but explained that given the situation, they had few alternatives. All right. Let’s do it your way. He decisively pulled back his will from the Realm of Good and Evil and pulled his Dao Essence back into his body.

Have you finally decided to admit defeat? said the Tree of Good and Evil in a taunting voice. You mortals are all the same, never seeing the folly in your foolish ways until the end.

Now that he didn’t have to actively resist the tribulation lightning, Cha Ming was quite relaxed. He stood on the beating wooden core with hands crossed behind his back. “You’re overthinking things. I just didn’t want to suffer the backlash from the lightning. Isn’t it better if you one-sidedly take a beating?”

“You!” said the tree.

“Isn’t this what you wanted?” said Cha Ming. “I retreated from your core, and gave you back the Realm of Good an evil. Things are now back to the status quo.

Except for the axe embedded in my flesh, and the tribulation lightning raining down on my broken trunk, said the tree. But if this is my fate, so be it. Either way, you can forget about obtaining my precious core.

“I’m not opposed to watching you die,” said Cha Ming.

…. But you want my core, said the tree.

“Indeed I do,”  said Cha Ming. “And I also know that you want to live. Would you be interested in hearing an alternative proposal?”

I’m listening, said the Tree after a moment of silence.

Cha Ming took out an object from the Clear Sky World. It was a large, crystalline lotus as big as the beating wooden heart. Each of the petals reflected a dim and lifeless memory.

The appearance of the flower provoked a strong reaction from the Tree of Good and Evil. That flower! It… it can’t be!

“It’s exactly what you think it is,” Cha Ming said sadly. “I found this fragment of Memory in a pocket realm in Verdane. Unfortunately, the fragment of Memory proved too powerful and chose to die rather than surrender to me.

“Luckily, I was able to destroy Memory’s will and take away this lifeless husk before the pocket realm collapsed. I read somewhere that it would be very useless in cultivating the wood element. Perhaps it would be useful to a plant-based life form like yourself?”

The tree let off fluctuations of greed and doubt. The flower of Memory was a powerful existence, and someone of Cha Ming’s calibre shouldn’t be able to hurt it. “Don’t get me wrong – it wasn’t easy for me to obtain this flower. One could say that I capitalized on Memory’s nature, which seeks to remember everything and never forget a single moment.”

More silence followed, interrupted only by peals of lightning striking down on the wooden heart and the occasional burst of energy from Sun Wukong. All right, the Tree said finally. What do you propose?

“I propose that you change allegiance,” Cha Ming said to the tree. “Serve me. Become a deity in my new and growing world.”

A deity under your command? rumbled tree. A laughable idea.

Cha Ming was not surprised by the tree’s attitude. He summoned a projection of his inner world, complete with the Flamewing Demiplane and the Claw-Vice Demiplane. Two regalia constellations floated around these worlds, along with three bright moons.

Impossible, said the tree. Your inner world can’t possibly be this large.

Cha Ming shrugged. “Why else do you think I was after this pocket realm? It’s extremely stable and would make a wonderful addition to my inner world.” He could sense that the tree was still hesitant. “Is it because of the brand left by the two goddesses? I have a powerful soul flames in my possession that can take care of that, so there’s no need to worry.”

Unfortunately, breaking the seal is impossible, the Tree of Good and Evil finally spoke. It reached out to the flower Cha Ming had taken out, but Cha Ming whisked it back into the Clear Sky World before it it could touch it. That flower, however, give us an opportunity. Give it to me, and I will cooperate with you to break the goddesses seal and join your pantheon.

Cha Ming eyed the tree suspiciously. “I thought you said breaking the seal was impossible.”

Like I said, the fragment of Memory provides us with an opportunity, said the tree. You would not know this with your pitifully short human memory, but Memory was one of the strongest Primordials in ancient times.

At one point Memory was shattered by Yama. Many flowers of memory were born from these fragments, but some of the smaller fragments actually became other plant life forms. It could be argued that all plants are actually descendants of Memory.

“I see what you’re saying,” said Cha Ming. “Since Memory is your ancestor, this fragment might be able to catalyze your evolution. This will weaken your connection to the two goddesses, which will buy us time to wipe out their seals.”

That is correct, the tree replied. Evolution might not allow me to break through the limits of this plane, but it would transform me on a fundamental level. I would then take advantage of the change in my essence to separate the will brands binding me to the twin goddesses, which will allow you to directly attack the divinity in their seals. I would then be free to accept another contract, one that is not so… one sided.

Cha Ming licked his lips. “That’s a workable plan, but how can I trust that you’ll keep your word?”

Evil laughter sounded from the Root Prison’s walls. Don’t you have the greatest assurance? That weapon is attracting a tribulation, and it will not stop until it is destroyed or the weapon complete its evolution. If I refuse you, I’ll be as good as dead.

Moreover, isn’t that the legendary Monkey King fighting the two pontiffs above my corpse? My inherited memories run deep, and I would never dream of upsetting that malignant star.

Cha Ming still doubted the tree, as it was in its nature to be both honest and deceitful. It would shelter millions because it was the right thing to do, only to reap their lives to fuel its growth a minute later.

“Fine,” Cha Ming said, taking out the flower. “It’s a deal. But my will flames alone won’t be powerful enough, so you’ll need to assist me in destroying their seals.”

I will naturally exert myself to see this done, said the tree.

“Absorbing this flower won’t be possible in a short time,” Cha Ming continued. “I will help you absorbit through external means.”

I will thank you in advance, said the tree. It reached out to the dead flower and inspected it thoroughly before bringing it back to its wooden heart. Lightning continued to rain down on the heart, but the tree used the flower of memory’s discarded husk to supplement its vitality, then used the lightning to temper its inner energy and catalyze its evolution.

“Don’t be alarmed. Don’t resist,” Cha Ming said. “Rest assured that I won’t try to harm you – I’ve invested much in our success.” He summoned a cauldron of starlight from the Clear Sky World. The cauldron was semi-permeable and was therefore able to ignore the lightning striking through its surface while still containing heat, matter, and will.

He then summoned Heartforge Spirit Flames into the cauldron and spurred the stars lining its surface into motion. “Immortal Art: Star Void Spirit Refining Technique!” Cha Ming intoned. The cauldron roared to life and the flower and the tree began to show signs of initial fusion.

Several minutes passed in this fashion. Memory’s petals melted, one after another, infusing the Tree of Good and Evil with not only the memories they contained, but the flower’s purest, primordial essence. The Tree of Good and Evil was cautious by nature, however. Before absorbing any of the flower’s essence, it made sure to purify it with tribulation lightning.

Eventually, the tree was satisfied with the state of the petals and sped up the absorption process. The essence inside these petals is a little lacking, the Tree of Good and Evil informed Cha Ming. But it should be enough to complete my evolution.

Now brace yourself. I will be ejecting the two brands shortly. Please contain them, and we’ll refine them together. This was the most dangerous part of their plan by far. Cha Ming prepared himself as the Tree of Good and Evil absorbed memory’s fragment its heart. The heart began to turn translucent as it incorporated increasing amounts of flower petal essence into its core.

Prepare yourself! said the tree. Two brands shot out from the core. They tried to take root once again, but were rebuffed by the tree.

“Ninesky, help me suppress these two brands,” Cha Ming said. The misty sprite shot out from the Clear Sky World and transformed into nine seals that captured the two clumps of will before throwing them towards an incoming bolt of incoming lightning.

Two explosions rocked the Realm of Good and Evil as the brands, unable to defend themselves against the tribulation lightning, chose to self-detonate. A fifth of the Tree of Good and Evil’s trunk shattered, and the combatants above were sent flying away from the point of impact.

“You dare tamper with our goddesses’ things!?” an angry voice shouted. Two powerful beings charged towards Cha Ming but were stopped by a web of golden energy.

“Hey, get back up there, or I’ll do much than give you a beating,” came Sun Wukong’s voice.

“We’ll see how long you can remain arrogant!” shouted Pontiff Rice. Yet she was helpless against the web, and was quickly pulled back into the Realm of Good and Evil’s airspace, where she and her counterpart continued to receive a one-sided beating.

“The wills have been taken care of,” said Cha Ming. “It looks like I overestimated the two goddesses. They couldn’t even stand a small dose of tribulation lighting.” The tree shivered when it heard his words but continued to frantically absorb Memory’s essence.

I’m impressed that you could resolve this problem so thoroughly, Clear Sky, said the tree in a kindly voice. It seems my faith in you wasn’t misplaced.

“The next step involves merging your will and core with my inner world,” Cha Ming said to the tree.

Relax. There is no rush, the Tree of Good and Evil said. The damage to my core is all superficial, and I’ve been redirecting most of the lightning poison to pieces of wood I’ll later shed and replace.

Cha Ming’s eyes narrowed. “Are you reneging on our agreement?”

How could I possibly renege when you have a knife lodged in my heart? said the tree. It’s just that now isn’t the best time to merge. It would be best if we waited until I complete my evolution.

“… fine,” Cha Ming said. “I’ll trust you. But just this once. If you don’t follow through with your end of the bargain, I will end you.”

No need to be mean about it, the tree replied. Trust me! Everything will go as planned. It redoubled its efforts, and soon, over half of the heart had crystallized and incorporated Memory’s essence.

The Tree of Good and Evil had not been exaggerating about its shared roots with Memory. Their essence was extremely compatible, and by the time a fifth of the tree’s burnt and broken trunk was smashed apart by the lightning’s punishment, the wooden heart was nine tenths transformed.

We’re almost there, said the tree, sensing Cha Ming’s nervousness. Just a minute longer. I’ll need to remove the axe to complete my transformation. I will do so in ten seconds. Ten… nine… eight… Cha Ming’s eyes drooped as the tree’s soothing voice counted down the seconds. Blissful, pain-free memories relaxed his mind and body. This tree was truly wondrous. Taking it into his garden was the right decision.

It was then that Ninesky activated their contingency plan and washed through Cha Ming’s spiritual sea with Heartforge Spirit Flames, eliminating a strand of the Tree of Good and Evil’s will that had infiltrated him since the beginning. “I knew you would betray me in the end,” Cha Ming said as he opened his eyes..

You never intended to play fair, the tree retorted. But that’s only normal. You’re a treacherous human, after all. It sent a pulse of wild energy blasting at Cha Ming. Now that it had completed its evolution, it was many times stronger. It spat the axe blade out of its core and sent it flying outside of the Realm of Good and evil, taking the tribulation clouds with it.

Cha Ming was unconcerned about the axe. It was bound to him by blood and had been reforged by his master. He was also unconcerned about the Tree of Good and Evil, which had already fallen for his ploy.

Waves of energy battered Cha Ming and attempted to expel him from the Realm of Good and Evil. Now that its evolution was completed, the tree could access its full strength. It was several times more powerful than Cha Ming in its weakened state. Now that its transformation was complete, Cha Ming didn’t stand a chance in a direct confrontation.

Despite this fact, Cha Ming held his ground. Foolish mortal, trusting trees thinking that they’re pure and will honor their words, said the Tree of Good and Evil. You thought yourself safe because of the Monkey’s interference but should have thought twice about relying on him. Did you think a powerful being like Sun Wukong could exist in this realm without limits? It won’t be long now before he is forced out. I, on the other hand, shall remain!

Vines shot out of the ground and pierced through Cha Ming’s regalia. They invaded his inner world and began extracting his precious Clearmist.

What’s this? The Tree exclaimed. Dao essence!? Even the Monkey King didn’t have Dao essence. I don’t know how you got your hand on such a precious resource, but it’s wasted on a wretch like you.

Cha Ming could only watch on helplessly as the tree extracted his life force to nurture itself. It first expelled the lightning poison in its core, then proceeded to fix the Dao Origins that the tribulation lighting had damaged.

Sun Wukong had clearly not expected such a development. He tried to force his way into the realm, but discovered that a the tree had erected a barrier without his knowledge. “If you dare touch a hair on his head, I’ll destroy you and your entire lineage!” the Monkey King shouted.

But the tree ignored him and continued healing its wounds. Cha Ming did nothing to stop this, and waited until its wounds were completely healed before injecting something into his Dao Energy. A being on the Tree of Good and Evil’s level might be able to recognize Dao Essence, but there’s no way it could detect what he’d injected.

What is this strength? said the tree as it absorbed the energy. What a great tonic! What a great thing! Its crystalline heart became increasingly clear, and even began to grow petals. Inside each petal was a perfectly captured memory, which would not be forgotten as long as the tree, or rather, the flower endured.

Wait. What’s happening? What… what have you done to me?! The Tree of Good and Evil finally realized something was amiss. Why are there petals? There should be no petals. Unless… you tricked me!

The vines embedded in Cha Ming’s regalia retracted themselves. The Tree of Good and evil tried to force out the foreign essence, but it was too late – it had already been invaded by Memory’s essence, which Cha Ming had separated from its body and hidden away in his inner world.

Memory quickly took control over the tree’s heart and asserted its authority over the Realm of Good and Evil. It was able to accomplish everything quickly because it and the tree were extremely compatible. In a sense, the Tree of Good and Evil could be considered a minor clone that had gone rogue. Memory was just taking back what belonged to it.

“It’s time to finish this up,” Cha Ming said to Memory. “Return to the Clear Sky World, and I’ll take things from here.” The crystalline flower shot into Cha Ming’s body and appeared inside Jade Moon Garden, where Cha Ming had placed his Modular Life core.

With the Realm of Good and Evil under his control, it was a simple matter for Cha Ming to spread out his Crumbling Canvas and absorb the realm, piece by piece. He sent them directly to Jade Moon Garden for Memory to incorporate.

Cha Ming’s crumbling canvas could already perfectly deconstruct matter and energy. As for the Modular Life core, it granted Memory control over grafting and amputation, which could be used to take apart life forms and plunder their life energy.

A web of laws quickly spread out from the core as Cha Ming’s absorbed the demiplane’s massive energy stores. Thanks to the ample demiplane materials Cha Ming had plundered across Mendin, it wasn’t long before Cha Ming completed his third law, the Modular Life Canvas.

The completion of Cha Ming’s third law set off a chain reaction. His two complete demiplanes broke past their limits and absorbed the demiplane materials Cha Ming had stockpiled for them. They began to expand from the center outwards and grew until they resembled small planets orbiting around the Clearmist pool at the center of the Clear Sky World.

Cha Ming had made ample preparations this time around by collecting pocket realms across all of Mendin. He was therefore able to avoid an energy deficient state and complete the evolution of his inner world in minutes.

Cha Ming then took things a step further. He took out a clear sphere and threw it at the growing demiplane centered around Memory. The likeness of crystal-jade crown appeared around the demiplane. The lower planes in Cha Ming’s inner world began to shift, and it wouldn’t be long before he gained his third regalia piece, along with an evolved divine ability.

Hours passed in this fashion, and thanks to Sun Wukong’s assistance, Cha Ming was able to fully digest his gains without interruption. He was somewhat anxious as Memory shaped Jade Moon Garden, but soon relaxed when he saw Memory deliberately preserving parts of Jade Moon Garden that were dear to him.

It was the same for the Garden of Memory. The flower was very sensitive to maintaining and preserving things that were emotionally important. But it was separate entity form Jade Moon Garden, and so insisted on a name change.

“I understand,” Cha Ming said to the flower. “As the core of this new world, you should get to decide its name. From now on, this world will be called the Jade Memory Demiplane. As for this new divine ability of mine… we’ll see how it turns out before naming it.”

Cha Ming’s breakthrough allowed him to completely transform himself. Not only did his inner world grow and consolidate, it was now much more stable than before. World Phoenix Rising took advantage of the influx of energy to repair any damages to his foundation, including his activation of Triune Soul Burn and the cracks on the Sky Propping Pillar.

Cha Ming was now several times stronger than before. His body, laws, and spirit had broken through to the middle of law stitching, shell marking, and transcendent soul realms. If you added on the three regalia pieces, only top powerhouses on the Inkwell Plane would be able to defeat him.

“It’s about time we end this,” Cha Ming muttered. He raised his hand and summoned a mass of flames and starlight. The flames swept through what remained of the Realm of Good and Evil, eliminating all competing wills and incorporating them into his inner world.

He took in the soil, the water, and the tree fragments that had been feeding the Tree of Good and Evil, then proceeded to take apart the immortal shield as well. As for its inhabitants, he kept them in a separate part of the Clear Sky World for later processing.

Only Cha Ming and Sun Wukong were left floating in the void along with a spherical prison. The two pontiffs had fled, leaving Undine, Salamani, and the two vice-pontiffs his prisoners.

“I’ve lost my touch,” Sun Wukong muttered, tossing the prison sphere over to Cha Ming. “The two pontiffs managed to take advantage of the disturbance you caused and escaped with their lives. Though…” he let out a dark chuckle. “They won’t be in any shape to cause much trouble for the next decade or so.”

Cha Ming inspected the prison sphere. Salamani and the two vice-pontiffs were listless and resigned to their fate. Only Undine retained some awareness. She sat cross-legged within the prison with eyes staring through the wall, directly at Cha Ming.

“What are you going to do with them?” Sun Wukong asked Cha Ming. He shrank his staff down to the size of a toothpick and began picking his teeth with it, as he often did. “They’re not bad, value-wise. Ransoming them is out of the question, but you could sell them – either as slaves or as raw materials.”

“I don’t do slavery,” Cha Ming said firmly. “But they need to pay a price for what they did to you.” He exerted force on the prison sphere and squeezed the two horrified vice-pontiffs to death. Only Undine and Salamani were left. “As for those two… they’re talented. I could kill them, but it would be too much of a waste. Especially if things are as bad as I think they are. Can you tell me about the deal you made with the goddesses?”

Sun Wukong shrugged. “The Inkwell Plane can be considered a saint-level demiplane. It’s much more powerful than run-of-the-mill transcendent demiplanes. It’s a juicy piece of land even for a pair of junior immortal empresses.  With a little work, they could evolve it and add it to their Divine Realm.

“Normally I wouldn’t bat an eye at what they’re doing, but this world isn’t in the best of shapes. It’s collapsing on itself, and I don’t know why. That shouldn’t be happening, given how strong the will at the core of the world is.

“I tried poking around but couldn’t figure out the cause. And since I didn’t want the plane collapsing before you ascended, I decided to lend the goddesses a hand. I let them absorb a small amount of divinity so that the tree could try taking over the Inkwell Plane.

“It seems I spoiled your plans,” Cha Ming said. “Sorry.”

“Don’t be!” Sun Wukong said. “You’re much stronger than I imagined and would probably survive the plane’s collapse. So I don’t really care what happens to it. According to what my teacher sent me, you need to absorb demiplanes and demiplane fragments to grow, along with primal chaos energy. It’s why he gave you that ship. It’s also why you’ll eventually need to head out into the void to further your cultivation.”

Cha Ming had mixed feelings about this but knew it to be the truth. “Is there any way to stop this plane from collapsing?”

“I have no idea,” said Sun Wukong. “But if you’re determined to solve the problem, you’ll need to investigate what’s going on with the world’s will. The Inkwell Clan and Paper Tiger Clan seem to be involved. Oh, and the Inky Sea Sect. I couldn’t find it when I casually sniffed about, but I’m sure they exist.”

“I heard you’re leaving soon,” Cha Ming said.

The Monkey King shot him a sad smile. “You’ve grown, Cha Ming. I’m proud of you. I’m proud of what you’ve accomplished.”

“Do you really have to leave?” asked Cha Ming.

“There are rules in this world that can be bent, but never broken,” said Sun Wukong. “I know it’s a sudden parting, but you need to be strong. The brush is a heavy burden to carry, and even I was never qualified to wield it.”

“You weren’t?” Cha Ming asked, surprised.

“Do I look like a qualified individual?” said Sun Wukong. “I obviously stole the brush. From the previous Painter. It caused a huge stink, which is why I was sealed inside the brush in the first place.”

“No one ever told me,” Cha Ming said. “Not even Elder Zhong.”

“He probably thought you’d deny it or something,” Sun Wukong said. “And there’s no way he wouldn’t know. That miser knows almost everything.” He sighed and looked out into the void. A presence was approaching them, one not unlike the tribulation clouds that had been attacking the immortal axe. Except these ones were many hundreds of times stronger, and seemed to possess the power to vanquish immortals and slay gods.

“Is that your cue to go?” Cha Ming asked. “I’d been hoping for a little more time.”

“We don’t always get what we want,” said Sun Wukong. He then tossed something at Cha Ming. “Here. Your axe is safe. You’ve got a scythe and a shield from those shield guards, but they’re contaminated with the wills of two goddesses that hate your guts. Be careful with them.”

The tribulation clouds crept nearer, and Sun Wukong’s aura suddenly rose uncontrollably. Spatial fissures began to appear around him, forcing Cha Ming backward.

“Yeah, I know!” Sun Wukong shouted at the storm. “Give me three – no, two minutes. Two measly minutes. That won’t kill anyone, will it?” The presence seemed to consider his words, then reluctantly backed away.

“You seem in good control of your power,” Cha Ming said. “I never sensed any leaking out before. Why won’t the will of the world let you stay longer?”

“I don’t have the best track record,” said Sun Wukong. “So the universe won’t be cutting me any slack anytime soon.”

“Where should I find you once I ascend?” Cha Ming asked.

“For starters, you’ll probably hear tons of news about me,” Sun Wukong said. “What can I say, I’m a huge troublemaker. It’s so bad that you shouldn’t admit I’m your teacher under any circumstance. And you definitely shouldn’t try finding me until you become an immortal king. At that point, you can find Patriarch Heartforge, and he’ll find me.

“Now stop talking and sit down. We don’t have a lot of time remaining.” Cha Ming did as he was told, and the Monkey King sat down behind him and placed a palm on his back. A current of divine, spiritual, and law energy poured into him in equal portions.

His inner world greedily absorbed that energy and began to grow at a frantic pace. Now that he’d broken through, each of his demiplanes had increased in quality; each landmass had grown several times larger by directly absorbing Clearmist to build upon themselves.

The Flamewing, Claw-Vice, and Jade Memory Demiplanes grew rapidly with Sun Wukong’s help. They tripled in size, and only stopped when they reached a bottleneck. In terms of energy density, they were roughly a third as dense as the Chasewind Plane.

“There. I stabilized your foundations and brought you to the peak of your current realm,” Sun Wukong said. “It’s not ideal, but the thing you’re lacking most is time. Remember that you’re strong enough to lord it over most cultivators here, but you’re still not strong enough to really fight it out with saints. You’re lacking something, and that something is a big deal.”

“The next step in your cultivation is going to be complicated. There are a few alternative pathways that you can try. Seventy-Two Transformations and Thirty-Six Heavenly Transformations can give you a will direct your divine and soul paths, but you’re deficient in your law path.

“As your teacher, I’m allowed to pass you an immortal cultivation art. The Chaotic Defiance Sutra I practice is well suited to you.”

“Teacher…” Cha Ming said, but Sun Wukong cut him off.

“There is no time,” said the Monkey King. “Ascend to the immortal dimensions and come find me in the Heartforge Realm. By then, I’m sure you’ll have plenty of stories to tell.” Sensing the urgency in his tone, Cha Ming could only obey. “Now listen closely:

“The sages say the Dao made one, and one made two.

“Two made three and three made many.

“But Isay the sages are foolish.

“Yin and Yang made five, and these five are infinite.

“The sages say that the further one goes, the less one knows.

“A mountain is not a mountain, and a lake is not a lake.

“But I say the sages are clueless.

“They seek the Dao in falling leaves when a forest lies before them.

“The sages say that one should seek the Dao in all actions.

“Those who comprehend the Dao in the morning will die content in the evening.

“But Isay the sages are worthless.

“I do not understand the Dao, but that is because I have yet to create it.”

The Monkey King’s words rang through Cha Ming’s mind like thousands of echoing bells. They were powerful words. Defiant words. And they provoke a mighty reaction in the Clearmist laws that Cha Ming cultivated.

Yet Cha Ming was oblivious to this development, for he was lost in a world of his own creation. Five colors danced in his mind, painting infinite worlds and infinite combinations.