Library of Heaven’s Path 2: Eternal Destiny

Vol 2 Ch 76: Eternal Destiny (Part 2)

The ancient and ever-present Kunlun Holy Mountain drifted through the void, traversing the river of time and space, its precise location unknown to all, its origins shrouded in mystery.

At its summit stood the Destiny Observation Platform.

This place was reserved for only the most elite figures of the Source World, individuals so powerful that even Eight-Star or Nine-Star Destiny Masters were unqualified to approach. However, at this moment, the platform was devoid of any figures, an empty expanse.

From this vantage point, one could see the rivers of destiny cascading diagonally across the heavens, emerging from and vanishing into the void, with no beginning or end.

These rivers varied in size. Some were vast, spanning universes, stretching across time, and glowing like dazzling galaxies. Others were small, no longer than a few meters, resembling slowly crawling caterpillars.

The smaller rivers constantly emerged and dissipated amidst the turbulence, while others were born out of thin air, striving to flourish. Yet, most would fade into obscurity before achieving brilliance.

Destinies like Han Xiao's "Balanced Fate" or Li Yue’an's "Betrayed Fate" fell into this category. These fates were comprehended due to personal temperament or unique opportunities but would dissipate upon the individual's death.

The larger rivers, however, were a different story. Eight immense rivers hung in the deepest parts of the heavens, supporting the fabric of existence like celestial pillars. Heaven's Fate Energy roiled within them, emanating a power that inspired awe and reverence.

Ordinary Destiny Masters, whether in the first or second stage or even the third or fourth, capable of Knowing Fate and Establishing Fate, would be obliterated into dust if they dared to approach.

These eight grand destinies had dominated the ages, transcending time and space, eternally suppressing all resistance. They were: Source, Power, Influence, Wealth, Reputation, Physique, Spirit, and Fortune.

• Source: The essence of martial arts, the precursor of the Destiny Hall. Wherever martial practice reached, this fate thrived, empowering all who pursued cultivation. It was the most potent path of fate in the Source World.
• Power: The essence of authority, fueled by empires, kingdoms, officials, and sects.
• Influence: The embodiment of dominance and momentum, controlled by the four ancient clans.
• Wealth: Representing financial power, embodied by the Heaven's Vault Pavilion, the issuer of Source Coins.
• Reputation: Governed by the eight Holy Lands.
• Physique: The domain of physical strength.
• Spirit: Pertaining to the divine soul.
• Fortune: Symbolizing luck and providence.

These fates intertwined with the most influential powers of the Source World. A being might survive without authority or momentum, but lacking wealth, physique, spirit, reputation, or fortune was tantamount to death.

Thus, the eight destinies enveloped all life, impossible to escape or resist.

These eight were classified as First-Grade Destinies, also known as Eternal Destinies, existing in the First Heaven Domain. Their mere comprehension elevated one to the apex of the Source World, admired by all.

Beneath them were Second-Grade Destinies, such as the Statistical Fate of Wanchang Sect, the Forging Fate of the Forging Sect, the Karma Fate of the Buddhist Sect, and the Natural Fate of the Daoist Sect. Twenty-four in total, these Second-Grade Destinies represented the strongest heritages of the Source World.

Below these were Third-Grade Destinies, numbering ninety-nine, including the Fox Charm Fate of Green Hill Mountain and the Painting Path Fate of the Painting Sect.

Further down were Fourth-Grade and Fifth-Grade Destinies, and so on, with the lowest at the Ninth Grade. For example, the Mo Dao was currently a Seventh-Grade Destiny. Even if Mo Baiye advanced, it might only reach the Sixth Grade, a significant limit.

Destinies were inherently competitive. To ascend in grade, one had to extinguish another destiny, a contest known as "Striving for Destiny." Destroying a smaller destiny like "Betrayed Fate" was as simple as killing its practitioner, but contesting a high-grade destiny meant clashing with entire forces, an almost insurmountable challenge. ᚱ

However, there was an enigma: the number of First-Grade Destinies seemed incomplete. Theoretically, there should be nine rather than the current eight. Likewise, the Second-Grade Destinies should number twenty-seven, not twenty-four. Third-Grade Destinies should total 108 rather than ninety-nine.

Birthing a new destiny to fill these gaps was exponentially harder than extinguishing an existing one. It required facing the wrath of the heavens and enduring catastrophic trials.

In the Source World’s endless history, countless geniuses had chosen to contest existing destinies rather than create new ones.

"To fight man is possible; to fight the heavens, hopeless."

Amidst the First Heaven Domain, a faint blue thread emerged, resembling a delicate fishing net. Unlike the radiant rivers of other destinies, it was tiny and inconspicuous, hidden among the dazzling stars.

This was the legendary Ninth Eternal Destiny.

Meanwhile, Zhang Xuan immersed himself in a peculiar state. With his long sword, he continuously executed moves, embodying the sentiment of the Pathos of Heaven Sword Technique he had previously comprehended.

"Like a dual-threaded web, woven with countless knots."

"Moved not by leisure, but by filial grief."

"Spring silkworms spin till death; candles burn till their wax is spent!"

"Who says a blade of grass can repay the sunlight?"

"The heavens and earth may fade, but this sorrow endures forever!"

His sword danced, while True Energy roared within him.

Upon arriving in the Source World, Zhang Xuan’s body and strength were fragile. Training with the Pathos of Heaven Technique risked obliteration by Heaven’s Path. He had been forced to return to cultivating Heaven’s Path techniques.

Now, having reached the Ninth Level of the Source Pool Realm and comprehended numerous destinies, Zhang Xuan rediscovered the Pathos of Heaven Technique. As he executed it, his refined Heaven's Path True Energy transformed, weaving into a resilient thread-like flow.

The Library of Heaven's Path trembled as a stream appeared, forming a web-like structure connecting his previously comprehended Mo Dao and Flowing Light destinies.

Accompanied by the emergence of this emotional thread, countless books filled with Heaven's Fate Energy surged forth, pouring their power into the thread. In moments, 500 million units of energy had been consumed, completely depleting the Destiny Disks Zhang Xuan had recently acquired.

Strengthened by this infusion, the thread solidified, exuding an overwhelming aura.

The Mo Dao and Flowing Light destinies, trembling on the sidelines, dared not resist, cowed by the hierarchy of power.

Zhang Xuan, however, remained oblivious, fully engrossed in his training. He channeled all his insights into his swordsmanship, the refined True Energy within his dantian becoming as sharp and flexible as the "flying blades" described in Three-Body Problem.

Unbeknownst to him, the appearance of the Ninth Eternal Destiny had triggered a cosmic calamity. Thunderclouds swirled above, ready to unleash devastating bolts. Zhang Xuan’s current strength, no matter how multiplied, would be utterly annihilated if struck.

Author's Note

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