Xianzhou is not a monolithic entity. They follow the Aeon of Hunt, Lan, but it does not mean they only follow Lan. Some of their master diviners, for instance, met with the Aeon of Erudition. They received the Key of Wisdom and were able to enter THEIR temple. One such person received something akin to a "third eye" known as 'Omniscia', capable of acting as a built-in jade abacus for complex calculations.
However, this does not mean that 'wisdom' is beyond the Path of Hunt. Out of Xianzhou's Arbiter-Generals, Lan granted THEIR eye to Yuque's General. It is capable of seeing through pre-destined fate.
She is none other than the woman sitting across from me.
"Straw dog… This description is as apt as it could be. I believe the Sage who thought of it would do no less within Xianzhou's Starfleet."
Yao Guang let out her initial remarks before continuing:
"Heaven is unforgiving, that I can attest to. But it is also relieving to know that it does not favor one from another. Everyone is struggling on the same starting line… except the one that was left behind."
"It seems you are also interested in your previous reading too. You are greedy, I must say."
Curiosity seems to be the universal driving force of the elegant women I have met until now. I cannot seem to prevent myself from entertaining them, though not without playing around a bit.
"The Yijing (lit. Philosophy of Changes) detail changes found in all forms. A very advanced technique of divination, one that I believe hasn't been exposed to the rest of the world. By all forms, it pertains to everything. You, me… and the entire universe."
The golden orb spits out the best cultivation techniques there ever was in existence. Yijing is known to be a 'Book of Changes' in my previous world's mythological history. Little did anyone know, it truly happened. The so-called 'Prehistoric Era' existed in reality. Anyone that is not familiar with it only needs to know one thing.
Cultivation duration in that world spans eons.
Yijing is a 'philosophy' derived from Chaos. That was the origin of the book that I and Wendy kept using in our divinations.
"This does not mean that everything is perfect. The Dao dictates that fifty must be made, yet Heaven only desires forty-nine. The one that was left behind… is an imperfection capable of flipping everything from the ground-up."
"An intentional bug."
"...That is an accurate term for it."
I looked at the Arbiter-General for another second. I died in my previous world right after Amphoreus was finished. The farthest I reached was the Penacony Quest back in 3.8. I never saw the contents beyond that, hence it is my first time truly meeting with this eccentric Master Diviner.
She's a bit like Senti and Vita combined.
"...So you believe that fate can be changed."
"Why wouldn't it be so? It is the essence of immortal cultivation. If heaven decrees an ending one does not like, then it is up to us to change it. I know you will find it idealistic, but it is what it is."
After grasping her rhythm, speaking with her became more natural.
"Before we resume our talks, I shall introduce myself first."
Wearing Grandpa Su's signature mysterious smile, I spoke:
"I am the one known as the Dao Ancestor, Shi Tian."
*****
Yao Guang clicked her tongue in amusement. She gave away a knowing smile. Her face wore the expression of 'I knew it'. After all, her eyes revealed it all. Beneath that ethereal charm lay lethality completely untold of. Even their Marshal Hua could not compare to the threat Shi Tian posed.
So long as he willed it, he could obliterate all of Xianzhou's fleet. His will extends throughout the entire universe, unaffected by the past, present, and future. Shi Tian's existence brings forth chaos, spurning creation and destruction. He is on-par with Aeons. Facing such a person, she held the 'it is what it is' attitude. Schemes and apprehension means nothing against absolute power.
'Dao Ancestor… it sure sounds grander than any other titles…'
Pushing these thoughts at the back of her mind, Yao Guang went to the main point.
"You came here because of the secrets I touched upon. I want to know… what happens next."
Hearing her implications of being 'ready' to be 'silenced', Shi Tian almost could not hold back his laughter.
"There's no need to worry. I am not some twisted being who would slowly torture others."
"..."
Though she did not speak, her face was only short of saying "Really???"
"Forget about it. I can be twisted to some extent." He paused before continuing, "What do you prefer first? To enter the Six Paths of Reincarnation and experience all the trials within? Or for all the Xianzhou Fleet to be sent to the edge of the universe, devoured by Voracity?"
"...Are there any better options? The less twisted ones, I suppose."
At this point, Yao Guang felt like he was merely fooling around with her. Yet she was forced to play along with it. Who made Shi Tian far stronger than her?
"We can talk about it later. The reason I came here is for one thing… Immortal Cultivation."
"..!"
She could not help but straighten her back over the chair.
"I will grant you the opportunity to become an immortal cultivator. At the same time, I shall hand over a copy of Yijing to you."
'He's willing to give away these many things…'
Knowing the principle of 'free being the most expensive', Yao Guang prepared herself for any demands of his.
"In exchange… hm, how about being my confidante?"
"Alright."
"..."
She felt his speechlessness oozing out of his eyes. She faintly tugged at the upper hand she gained over this 'battle of teasing'... one she wanted to win.
"You know I am joking." He said.
"I am not."
Once again, Shi Tian was at a loss for words. Seeing the demure and elegant woman opposite him acting flirtatious made a huge contrast over his first impression. Scratch being a mix of Senti and Vita.
Yao Guang is Senti, Vita, AND Elysia combined!
'Why do I keep losing these teasing battles..?'