Chapter 132: The Prisoner

After such a long time, Wang Li increasingly felt that the cultivation method Master Sheng had provided him was flawed. He had always been too embarrassed to ask, but today, with the opportunity finally at hand, he voiced his doubts.

Master Sheng remained silent for a moment before speaking: "Primordial Chaos energy is one of the foundations of the world, and the rules of the world were born from it. This theory is somewhat akin to the Big Bang, but with a difference: in our understanding, the origin of the universe was not a singularity of ultra-high energy. Instead, it was a mass of Primordial Chaos energy that, through constant decay, split into various natural laws. These natural laws decomposed and recombined the energy dissipated during the decay of the Primordial Chaos, constructing the basic space of the universe.

"Within the formed space, some of these natural laws would encounter and mix with Primordial Chaos once again. Through this reaction, the matter we see in the universe emerged. Only after this did the universe possess the conditions and environment necessary for the birth of life.

"During the operation of the universe, there is a very small probability of conversion between inorganic and organic matter. Although the odds are slim, in an infinitely vast universe, even the smallest probability must eventually manifest. Among these rare transformation events, there is a certain chance for life to evolve, and after several, or perhaps hundreds or thousands of aeons, complex life is born."

This time, Wang Li understood what Master Sheng was saying. Having studied for many years, he grasped the basic concepts; at the very least, he was familiar with the theories of the Big Bang and biological evolution. However, he felt that both theories had significant problems.

Take the Big Bang theory: the question of how an ultra-high-density energy body could appear in the first place was a glaring loophole. All the results and speculations provided were based on observations of space and experiments or inferences concerning low-density energy reactions. This was inherently one-sided. Humanity could not even break through the constraints of space itself; theories like curvature engines or wormholes, which might theoretically bypass spatial limits, seemed more like whimsical attempts to exploit loopholes in the laws of space. Even if achieved, they would be severely restricted and would never touch the essence of space. Such a theory, lacking practical possibility, could only guide basic scientific exploration within a limited scope—nothing more.

Evolutionary theory was quite consistent with certain aspects of the cultivation world, yet it differed fundamentally from the path of active sublimation of life levels practiced by cultivators. One was passive, the other active; the superiority of the latter was clear.

However, Master Sheng clearly disagreed with his perspective.

"Evolution is merely a desperate choice forced by adapting to the environment," Master Sheng said. "The evolution of ordinary life comes from changes in the external environment, and the same is true for cultivators."

"How so?" Compared to the knowledge in books, Wang Li was more interested in the wisdom Master Sheng had to offer. Having stood at the highest peak, Master Sheng’s perspective was incomparable to that of ordinary mortals who merely summarized conjectures and deductions. Master Sheng had lived it, making his words far more persuasive.

Master Sheng explained, "The fundamental reason cultivators improve their life levels through practice is to break the limitations of their lifespan. Longevity forces cultivators to improve themselves through constant practice, transforming from mortal flesh and blood into an existence that better conforms to the requirements of the laws. Is this not also a form of passive evolution triggered by the environment?"

"In my view, whether it be mortals, cultivators, or any other intelligent life, all are merely living within a closed framework. Those who meet the requirements can continue to survive—surviving within the constraints of the framework. Life, genes, even energy-based life—none are exceptions. Continuation is the driving force that compels living beings to progress constantly."

"From the perspective of evolution, there is no essential difference between mortals, cultivators, and tiny microorganisms, nor is there any distinction of superiority or inferiority. You look down upon those weak living beings, considering yourself a higher existence than mortals, yet you are the same as them. You live in a cage, a prisoner struggling in vain for a freedom you cannot attain. Well? Do you feel disillusioned?"

Wang Li fell silent. Honestly, Master Sheng’s words were harder to accept than if he had simply called him a fool. A sense of disillusionment filled Wang Li’s heart the moment Master Sheng mentioned the cage. He couldn't help but wonder: what was the point of his desperate cultivation? In the end, he was just a prisoner locked in a cage—what was he even working so hard for?

His drive. The youthful spirit of the boy who once dreamt of wielding a sword to roam the world and defend against evil collapsed in that instant.

Confusion. He sank into profound bewilderment. Who am I? Where am I, and what should I do? After these three existential questions came the emptiness of a life that felt stripped of its meaning. His straight back slumped, gradually becoming hunched. He wanted to cry; his heart was full of bitterness.

"Master Sheng, why tell me this? Why!" Wang Li remained silent for a very long time, questioning Master Sheng like a spurned lover. Without these words, he might still be reveling in the ecstasy of obtaining the *Chaos Body Technique*. "Why did I ask such a stupid question?" After questioning Master Sheng, he fell into deep self-doubt once more.

Master Sheng did not speak, only sighing in his heart. *Poor child. Knowing this early is far better than finding out later. How many brilliant, peerless geniuses have fallen at this hurdle? If you can see through it, you will pass. This trial must be faced by yourself; I cannot help you now...*

A mental shock can shatter a person’s worldview, but the reality of a hollowed-out soul can drain a person’s will. If one resists and survives, they may grasp the sword to question the Dao and explore its ultimate truth. If not, the foundation of their Dao will be destroyed, leaving no possibility for further progress.

Cultivation is inherently an act of defying the heavens; it is impossible for it to always be smooth sailing. This was the greatest test Wang Li had faced since he began his journey. The agony of chewing through golden pills was trivial compared to this, and even the "Heart Demon Tribulation," which cultivators fear most, held no weight against such a test of soul-remodeling.

The Heart Demon Tribulation is, at its core, just a disaster. But what Wang Li faced was the "Tribulation of Rebirth." In this so-called rebirth, everything—from the inside out, from spirit to flesh—would be renewed, thoroughly casting off the original limits and shackles to become a brand-new living being. If the rebirth succeeded, complexity would simplify, leading directly to the path of the Dao. If it failed, the spirit and the body would become chains, locking away Wang Li’s future.

Time passed bit by bit, and changes appeared in Wang Li’s body. Wrinkles formed on his hunched frame; his physical form aged rapidly, revealing his true age. Unknowingly, Wang Li had passed his hundredth year. Decaying skin and hair covered him, and his body, nearing decomposition, became shriveled. Wind, rain, snow, and fog, along with dust, buried him again and again.

Winters passed and springs returned; the sun rose and the moon set; the seas turned into mulberry fields. Time is always ruthless, heartlessly altering the surrounding environment. A small stream appeared in the valley, drying up and then filling again in an endless cycle. A small mound of earth formed where Wang Li sat, covered in wild flowers, looking like a grave whose age no one could know...