Apocalyptic Era: Starting from picking up a Bishoujo
Chapter 411: The Price of Becoming Stronger 1

Chapter 411: The Price of Becoming Stronger 1

The "slag" became the size of a single head not because the quantity decreased, but because I compressed it into this volume.

Usually, the "slag" and my flames are combined, and only when I need it (though I’ve never actually needed it before) does it separate from the flames. My flames can be compressed into a single point, and the "slag" within them can also be compressed along with the flames.

In fact, even without the flames, I can compress it to this size. Although my superpower is ultimately about manipulating fire, not "slag," I recently discovered another property of the "slag."

The "slag" might be the residual failure generated from my inability to smoothly control the Artifact Refining Power. However, from another perspective, even a failed product might still be considered an "artifact" refined by me. Once I realized this, I gradually found I could directly manipulate the "slag" itself. Though not very agile or quick, I can make real-time adjustments to its shape and size.

The piece of "slag" in front of me, though small in physical terms, feels immense, on the scale of Impermanence, on a spiritual level.

More importantly, this thing is capable of something even the so-called top-level Magic Artifacts cannot do, which is to contain my flames.

With just a bit of thought, it becomes clear that this is something that remains even after my flames, filled with murderous intent, have burned away an enemy’s soul. In other words, it is something I cannot destroy, even when going all out.

Although it’s difficult to use directly as a weapon, as a material for weapon-making, it might hold great potential.

Recently, I handed a small portion of it to Mr. Zhu, asking him to find professionals who might research the uses of "slag." As for the specific results, I still need to wait for further feedback.

At the same time, I also sought advice from Gua Tianshi, hoping to learn ways to further strengthen myself after becoming an Impermanence. Gua Tianshi is the oldest known Impermanence of Luo Mountain, seeing even Gods of the earth as mere passing figures. Consulting him for questions related to Impermanence seems unequivocally correct.

Now, as an Impermanence advocating for Governance Ideology, frequently visiting an Extraordinaryism Impermanence’s residence seems inappropriate, but I don’t care about rumors in this regard. That afternoon, I went directly to visit Gua Tianshi. Recently, he seemed to have no other commitments, making it easy to meet him.

Under the familiar pavilion, Gua Tianshi casually made steaming tea appear on the coffee table. While drinking tea, he listened to my questions.

After a moment, he shared his views.

"The path to becoming a stronger Impermanence, beyond the rare externals, is simply breakthroughs in strength and technique." Gua Tianshi said, "You’ve already exhausted your spiritual potential, meaning pursuing technique is the logical path, and I think that goes without saying.

"On that basis, if you still seek breakthroughs in strength, you shouldn’t think towards the ’possible,’ but the ’impossible.’"

I found this somewhat familiar, then asked, "What do you mean by ’impossible’ direction?"

"Firstly, the birth of every Impermanence is an unreplicable miracle, turning the impossible possible, which you’ve likely heard countless times," Gua Tianshi said.

"Indeed." I nodded.

"So, do you think this applies to you?" Gua Tianshi asked.

Upon hearing this, I thought seriously, then replied, "...It doesn’t apply."

In my process of ascending to Impermanence, there was no stage of turning impossible to possible.

If anything, it would have been odd if I hadn’t become an Impermanence because my soul inherently possesses Impermanence-level power, and the process was less "breakthrough" and more "returning to my rightful position."

Though this path involved stimulation by life-and-death crises externally, even without those crises, if placed in an ordinary environment, I’d eventually liberate the Impermanence-level power, albeit after years of slow progress.

For weak beings wanting to train themselves to contend with beasts, it’s nearly impossible, even with a potential method, requiring unimaginable opportunity and effort; but beasts, born as beasts, merely need good nourishment and letting time pass to grow, with no making the impossible possible about it.

"Most Impermanence, like you, are born qualified to become Impermanence, fundamentally different from those who learn theory and spells arduously to barely grasp power."

Gua Tianshi apparently includes the demon hunters following the Formation, Abiding, Decay, Void System in the category of mortals, continuing unhurriedly: "The notion that Impermanence turns the impossible possible comes from them. They believe becoming an Impermanence is impossible for them, which is true.

"But, even those lacking the qualification have indeed become Impermanence figures in history, and you’ve encountered such a person recently."

"You’re referring to Old Fist God?" I asked.

"Old Fist God, Liu Shuying, and the Zhu family’s ancestor Zhu Yi... None had Impermanence qualification, yet became Impermanence miraculously. Do you know what that implies?" Gua Tianshi said, "Their path can be summed up in one phrase—they broke the shackles of their souls."

Listening up to here, I pretty much understood his implication, while Old Fist God’s words from a week ago echoed in my mind.

—"To transcend your limits, reaching the level enough to kill me, you must first have the resolve to kill yourself."

—"Without the resolve for great sacrifice, true great gains cannot be welcomed."

If Weichi wants the power to oppose Old Fist God, he must first step out to break through his soul’s limits. Limits, in another word, are boundaries. For the soul, it’s both confinement and protection. Breaking limits means destroying the soul to reshape a new existence.

"Things you cannot achieve yourself, must be handed to a newer, better you... Is this what you mean?" I asked.

If a caterpillar desires to become a butterfly, it must first pass through the chrysalis stage. It’s said that within the chrysalis, the caterpillar secretes an enzyme, dissolving itself like being digested into a mushy fluid, transforming into nutrients for a new life, entirely different physiologically and structurally from its past self.

To be reborn and metamorphose into a butterfly, one must have the resolve to embrace death thoroughly.

"For mortals to touch the realm of Gods, at the very least, this level of resolve is necessary. Should you pursue further strength, this psychological preparation is also required." Gua Tianshi spoke.

"Has Old Fist God done anything similar?" I asked.

"I haven’t heard if he has or hasn’t. Based on my experience, he certainly has. But it might’ve happened long ago, perhaps in his youth before entering the abnormal world, maybe more than once. Perhaps this is why he seemed to have advanced unimpeded on the cultivation path to this day," Gua Tianshi pondered, "Though it seems he’s now faced with his own limit, planning to break through it."

"Are you referring to... the fourth door?" I felt incredulous as I asked this question.

The Great Success Rank is the strong who have opened the first door, Impermanence has opened the second. Based on rumors and personal perception, Old Fist God seemingly has opened the third door.

Having already created a dimensional gap between himself and the earth-deemed-God-like Impermanence, reaching a realm beyond my imagination, he intends to create another gap?

"Perhaps." Gua Tianshi surprisingly didn’t deny, "Examples of opening the third door are numerous times rarer than Impermanence, but through history, I’ve seen a few. Among those active today, excluding Old Fist God, there might only be Shan Liangyi, whose rebirth location is unknown.

"And for opening the fourth, I’ve never witnessed it myself. Old Fist God must undergo an utterly unacceptable sacrifice to himself to cross that threshold."

I immediately made associations: "Such as... abandoning his martial arts, or his pursuit of martial arts?"

"Nothing else comes to mind." Gua Tianshi affirmed.

"Wouldn’t that be a defeat of the purpose?" I asked.

For Old Fist God, martial arts are far more crucial than mana. In his perspective, mana was initially the unexpected result of pursuing martial arts. To fulfill his martial arts dream, he repeatedly braved life-threatening perils for the slightest inspiration. One could say he dedicated his life.

Asking him to forsake martial arts and physical pursuits for breakthroughs in mana and soul, having him personally enact this, would overthrow his personality and dignity from their core principles.

"This is also the price you must pay in your future quest for greater power." Gua Tianshi gazed at me.

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