Chapter 408: I Want It All
The ancient sacred domain of the Ōtsutsuki Clan hid the greatest secret of their countless millennia.
If one could find the treasure left behind by their ancestral forebears buried there, they could soar to the heavens—gain unimaginable power.
Becoming a god was not beyond possibility.
However, although Ōtsutsuki Shoushi belonged to the Celestial faction and knew of this secret—knew exactly where that place was—he could not go there.
Because that place lay deep within the domain of the Proud faction.
If he dared to intrude, once discovered, he would be torn to pieces, not even a corpse left behind.
Thus, at this very moment, Ōtsutsuki Shoushi chose to bring out this secret to make a deal with Uchiha Dali.
After hearing his explanation, Uchiha Dali could not tell whether it was true or false.
However, he had to admit—he was tempted.
"Heh, your offer… how should I put this?"
"If everything you said is true, then don't I have reason to suspect that you're deliberately luring me into the Proud faction's territory?"
"Are you hoping I'll make a move against them—or that they'll make a move against me?"
Uchiha Dali looked at him with a half-smile.
His expression was relaxed, his tone casual, as if he were merely joking.
Yet, surprisingly, Ōtsutsuki Shoushi did not hide his true motive. Instead, he answered, "Heh, both."
"So, it seems you're quite tempted, aren't you? What do you think of our deal?"
"If you're still wondering why I'd turn against my own people, the reason is simple—I've had enough of being ruled by the Ōtsutsuki King."
"Before, I didn't have enough power to resist that fate. But now, it's different."
"You've seen it yourself—I've fused the power of nine elites into one. I'm terrifyingly strong now!"
"Though still slightly weaker than you, compared to the other Ōtsutsuki elites, I'm their god!"
"I may still be unable to defeat the Ōtsutsuki King, but I can protect myself. If I wish to escape, they'll never find me."
"Once you help me deal with the one rushing here, and I absorb his energy, I'll become even stronger."
"Then I'll finally have the power to break with the Celestial faction completely—and the strength to challenge the Proud faction."
"I'll become my own god!"
Ōtsutsuki Shoushi's eyes burned with fanatic conviction.
His explanation wasn't flawless, but it was at least self-consistent.
After hearing him out, Uchiha Dali fell silent.
Before him lay two choices.
He could seize Ōtsutsuki Shoushi's power—and at the same time, eliminate the one currently rushing over to attack him.
The combined energy of those two enemies, given their strength, would be enough to guarantee that Uchiha Dali could evolve to an even higher realm.
Perhaps even reach godhood itself.
Or—he could forsake this benefit already within reach, place his trust in Ōtsutsuki Shoushi, and pursue the so-called sacred domain treasure—something that might not even exist.
That choice came with enormous risk.
Of course, if it was real, the fortune and growth he might obtain were equally incalculable.
The second choice was one of both risk and opportunity.
Now it was Uchiha Dali's turn to decide.
What should he choose?
He stared silently at Ōtsutsuki Shoushi, deep in thought.
Seeing that Uchiha Dali was still hesitating, Ōtsutsuki Shoushi began to grow impatient.
He reminded him, "That guy's almost here."
"At most three minutes left."
"If you still can't decide by then, our deal will be off—because it'll be meaningless."
The moment his words fell, Uchiha Dali nodded.
"Alright then. I've decided."
"Oh? Finally agreed, have you? Heh…"
"Then let's wish for a pleasant cooperation. As long as you help me defeat that man and give me his power, I'll tell you everything about the ancient sacred domain."
He looked at Uchiha Dali expectantly.
His gaze clearly said he wanted Uchiha Dali to release him.
However, Uchiha Dali suddenly gave a playful smile.
"You seem to have misunderstood me."
"Hmm?"
"What I meant by 'decided'—is that I'll be taking your power. And your friend's."
Uchiha Dali said it with a faint, mocking smile.
Hearing that, Ōtsutsuki Shoushi's expression froze.
He stared in disbelief, unable to comprehend what kind of move this was.
"Nothing strange about it. People have two sides, don't they?"
"If you get another life, I hope you'll be a true superior being then."
With that, he shot toward his target—
Not to immediately absorb Shoushi's power, but to read the man's memories.
Since Shoushi had mentioned the ancient Ōtsutsuki sacred domain, how could Uchiha Dali possibly let such a valuable lead slip away?
Right now, he wanted it all.
He wanted Ōtsutsuki Shoushi's power.
He wanted his companion's power.
And he wanted the secret of the ancient sacred domain.
Winners take all—that was how it worked.
Still, Ōtsutsuki Shoushi was a formidable being. The memory seals in his mind were incredibly strong and complex.
Even for Uchiha Dali, it took considerable effort to extract the complete information from his mind.
Through this method, Uchiha Dali not only learned all of Ōtsutsuki Shoushi's abilities but also obtained everything in his mind—about the Ōtsutsuki Clan, about himself, and about the secrets of the Celestial faction.
Uchiha Dali finally released him.
Ōtsutsuki Shoushi nearly exploded in fury.
But he knew the outcome was set. No matter how he raged, he would only look more like a pathetic clown.
Since he had lost completely, what was there left to say?
"I underestimated you, Uchiha Dali," he said quietly.
"Mm. Better late than never. At least you can die with your eyes closed."
"And thank you for the secrets you've given me."
"If I ascend to godhood, I'll be sure to remember my gratitude."
With that, Uchiha Dali no longer paid him any attention. Raising his hand, he unleashed a powerful sealing technique that completely bound his target.
Then, lifting his gaze, he looked past Ōtsutsuki Shoushi—into the distant void.
There, deep in the vast and dark cosmic expanse, a red light flared.
The pursuer from the Ōtsutsuki Clan's Celestial faction had finally arrived.