Chapter 128: Caught in a Dilemma

Zhou Yi already holds two Immortal Divine Pills in his hand; in the Zhetian world, this medicine can extend a Great Emperor's lifespan by one lifetime.

The Immortal Divine Pill is said to have formed from the fall of an ancient immortal, containing supreme laws and principles.

Since antiquity, even those who have reached the Great Emperor level have conducted in‑depth studies of the Immortal Divine Pill to grasp the universe's truths.

In the Vast Wilderness World, the innate spiritual root is regarded as one of the strongest spiritual medicines, yet it is hard to determine which surpasses the other when compared with the Immortal Divine Pill.

Soon after, Zhenyuanzi's two disciples arrived bearing three ginseng fruits, placing them before Zhou Yi and the other two.

After careful observation, Zhou Yi found that these ginseng fruits indeed resembled infants as the rumors claimed.

"Given your strengths, consuming this ginseng fruit offers little benefit, but it is a novel experience," Zhenyuanzi said.

"Is this the legendary innate spiritual root? It seems unremarkable. Let me try first," Yu Qiang Ancestor Shaman said, picking up a ginseng fruit and biting it.

"Thank you for your kindness, fellow cultivator," Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman replied politely.

Zhou Yi also took a ginseng fruit to taste; the rich life essence immediately surged into his body.

"The flavor is indeed good, but it is merely a pleasant taste,"

Yu Qiang Ancestor Shaman, after eating, commented with a hint of indifference.

Because the Wu Clan lacks a primordial spirit, for an Ancestor Shaman the ginseng fruit is merely a delicious food with no special effects.

However, Zhou Yi's situation differs; after consuming the ginseng fruit, his understanding of the Great Dao advanced subtly.

Although the progress is modest, for the current Zhou Yi any improvement is extremely valuable. If he can continue to gain such insights, his breakthrough of the Quasi‑Emperor's Ninth Heaven and ascent to the Great Emperor Domain are within reach.

Regrettably, the first consumption yields the most noticeable effect; subsequent intakes help Zhou Yi only marginally.

Through this trial, Zhou Yi realized that the innate spiritual root and the Immortal Divine Pill each have their merits, making it impossible to simply judge which is superior.

"Thank you for your warm hospitality this time," Zhou Yi expressed gratitude to Zhenyuanzi.

"You are too courteous, fellow cultivator," Zhenyuanzi replied.

"Then we should take our leave; in critical moments, please be sure to extend a helping hand," Zhou Yi said.

"On this matter, I will certainly not shirk," Zhenyuanzi responded.

Thereafter, Zhou Yi and his two companions made no further stop, bid farewell to Zhenyuanzi, and left the Wanshou Mountain Wuzhuang Temple.

"I wonder if you could accompany me for a walk?" After leaving the temple, Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman looked at Zhou Yi and softly invited, her face instantly breaking into a bright smile.

【4】 Zhou Yi had not yet spoken when Yu Qiang Ancestor Shaman, excited, asked, "Hou Tu sister, where shall we go this time for a trip?"

【5】 "Yu Qiang, return to the Wu Clan first. I wish to go out alone with fellow cultivator Zhou Yi," Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman suddenly said.

【6】 "Alright."

【7】 A simple 'Alright' clearly conveyed Zhou Yi's attitude.

【8】 With a hint of disappointment, Yu Qiang Ancestor Shaman returned to the Wu Clan, filled with doubt, not understanding why her sister chose to go out alone with a human.

【9】 Could it be that she is no longer Hou Tu sister's beloved younger sister? Is her place truly being taken by Zhou Yi?

【10】 In fact, Zhou Yi and Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman set out together, wandering aimlessly across the Honghuang lands, admiring the scenery of each region.

【11】 Their journey lasted a full fifty years, their footprints spanning from the western to the eastern Sea of Return ruins, and from south to north.

【12】 During the trek, they sometimes walked silently, occasionally showing a faint melancholy; sometimes they voiced sincere awe at nature's wonders; other times they exchanged smiles without words.

【13】 Throughout this journey, Zhou Yi witnessed a lesser‑known side of Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman, one closer to an ordinary person.

【14】 Whether it was her exuberant cheers upon seeing the aurora, her melancholy when flowers withered, or her curious inquiries upon hearing legends from the future, each gave Zhou Yi a completely new understanding of her.

【15】 All along, Zhou Yi's image of Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman was solemn and rational. He never imagined seeing her lower all guards and display such tenderness.

【16】 Since being reborn in this world, Zhou Yi has remained cautious, bearing the Human Race's great mission, and working tirelessly.

【17】 But this time, he decided to temporarily set aside all burdens, no longer worrying about humanity's fate nor calculating the profit and loss of each step.

【18】 Zhou Yi understood in his heart that this might be his last chance to indulge so freely; the next such opportunity, he did not know what year or month it would be.

【19】 During the journey with Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman, the two gradually got to know and understand each other, unknowingly drawing ever closer.

【20】 Sometimes, a single glance, without words, suffices to grasp each other's intent.

【21】 However, even the finest journey must eventually end.

【22】 Unwittingly, they had approached the You Ming Blood Sea. "In the end we are back here; this period was truly enjoyable," Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman said, smiling at Zhou Yi.

【23】 Arriving at the You Ming Blood Sea was no coincidence; although Zhou Yi and Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman's travel seemed aimless, Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman always remembered her mission.

"I feel the same, very happy," Zhou Yi's voice sounded slightly heavy.

Although he had long foreseen this day and knew it was Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman's inescapable destiny, Zhou Yi deeply understood his power to change nothing.

Did he try to persuade Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman not to become the reincarnation? Yet he knew it was her choice, and even though it was filled with helplessness, it was a decision she made based on her own circumstances.

Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman had long seen the Wu Clan's fate; if she chose to become the reincarnation, the Wu Clan would retain a sliver of survival.

Regardless, as one of the Wu Clan's leaders, Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman was willing to sacrifice everything to protect the clan.

If humanity later faces the same choice, Zhou Yi, as the Human Race's sovereign, might also make the same decision.

Moreover, becoming the reincarnation is not only Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman's belief but also the responsibility of a Pangu bloodline heir.

Even without the Wu Clan's predicament, Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman would still choose this path.

Therefore, from the start, Zhou Yi never attempted to persuade her to abandon that decision.

Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman has her own resolve; any persuasion would only trap her in a dilemma.

Whether it was her enthusiastic cheers when seeing the aurora, her sorrowful demeanor when watching flowers wither, or even her curious inquiries when hearing legends from the future, all gave Zhou Yi a completely new understanding of her.

He beforehand disclosed to Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman omens about the Wu Clan's future and some information on the Six Realms of Reincarnation, all as part of preparing for the future.

Moreover, with Zhenyuanzi and others' involvement, when Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman decides to become the reincarnation, the scene will gather fourteen Quasi Saint‑level strongmen, including twelve Ancestor Shamans, Zhenyuanzi, and Zhou Yi.

Such power can shake the entire Vast Wilderness World; even the supreme Saint would regard it with great importance.

Zhou Yi understood in his heart that this might be the last time he allowed himself such indulgence. If such an opportunity arose again, he did not know what year or month it would be.

During the journey with Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman, the two gradually came to know and understand each other, and without realizing it, the distance between them grew ever closer.

Sometimes, a mere exchange of glances, without many words, was enough to comprehend each other's feelings.

However, no matter how wonderful the journey, it will eventually come to an end.

Unbeknownst to them, they had already approached the You Ming Blood Sea. 'In the end we have returned here; this time has truly been joyful.' Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman looked at Zhou Yi and said with a smile.

Arriving at the You Ming Blood Sea was no coincidence; although Zhou Yi and Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman's travels seemed aimless, Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman always remembered her mission.

'Me too, I'm happy.' Zhou Yi's voice sounded somewhat heavy.

Although he had long anticipated this day's arrival and knew it was an unavoidable fate for Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman, Zhou Yi deeply understood that he was powerless to change anything.

Should he persuade Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman not to become the incarnation of reincarnation? But he knew it was her choice; even though it was filled with helplessness, it was a decision she made based on her own circumstances.

Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman had long perceived the fate of the Wu Clan; if she chose to become the incarnation of reincarnation, the Wu Clan would still retain a sliver of hope.

Regardless, as one of the leaders of the Wu Clan, to protect the Wu Clan, Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman was willing to sacrifice everything.

If humanity were to face a similar choice in the future, Zhou Yi, as the sovereign of humanity, might also make the same decision.

Moreover, becoming the incarnation of reincarnation was not only Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman's faith, but also the duty of being an inheritor of Pangu's bloodline.

Even without the Wu Clan's predicament, Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman would still choose this path.

Therefore, from the very beginning, Zhou Yi never tried to persuade her to abandon this decision.

Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman had her own convictions; any persuasion would only plunge her into a dilemma.

But this does not mean Zhou Yi was idle.

He had earlier revealed to Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman omens concerning the future of the Wu Clan, as well as some information about the Six Realms of Reincarnation, all part of preparations for the future.

Furthermore, with the participation of Zhenyuanzi and others, when Hou Tu Ancestor Shaman decided to become the incarnation of reincarnation, the gathering would include twelve ancestor shamans, Zhenyuanzi, and Zhou Yi, making fourteen Quasi Saint-level powerhouses.

Such power would be enough to shake the entire Vast Wilderness World; even the supreme Saints would pay great heed to it.