Divinity

Broken Memories

Deep underground, Bia Xiao stood transfixed, staring at the floating Zeng Zue, whose larva form radiated an eerie yet majestic glow. A complex array of emotions danced across his face as countless scenarios flickered through his mind—thoughts of gods, a vast unknown world slowly unfolding before his very eyes.

Despite having absorbed his father’s teachings, this was the first time Bia Xiao faced a situation so monumental. The man-made larva floated effortlessly in mid-air, a celestial seizing core spinning gracefully in Zeng Zue’s hand.

“To be frank, I’m lost,” Bia Xiao admitted, his voice steady but tinged with uncertainty. “I don’t truly understand much of what you just mentioned about bloodlines, gods, and all that. I’ve been taught many things, but not of the concepts you speak. I’m not even aware of gods, much less a fiend god.”

He locked eyes with Zeng Zue, baring his soul. He didn’t want to shoulder a burden beyond his capacity. Although grateful for the assistance that allowed him to break through to the meridian opening realm—pushing his overall power to two meridian openings—he recognized that matters concerning gods and demons, super forces, and grand plans were far beyond his understanding and ability.

“There is no pressure in accepting my power; it is merely a blessing bestowed upon you,” Zeng Zue responded, his voice resonating with a divine timbre. “In you flows the blood of the last god to have ever existed. Whether you choose the path of mortals or gods is your decision. But if you choose the path of gods, I ask of you one thing: find the last heaven and take revenge for the last god. Farewell, young man. Be strong; look to the core for knowledge and understanding, for it is your guide to the peak of this universe.”

As Zeng Zue waved his hand, the celestial seizing core shot into Bia Xiao's chest in a flash. The speed of the action left Bia Xiao no time to react. An excruciating pain surged through him, as if he had been struck by a mountain. His bones fractured, and his meridians burned black, sending shockwaves of agony coursing through his body. Bia Xiao desperately tried to succumb to unconsciousness, but no matter how hard he fought against the pain, his consciousness clung to him as if it had a will of its own.

Zeng Zue’s larva form began to dissolve into thin air, but just before vanishing, the remaining essence coalesced into a spear. The spear was jet black, adorned with intricate carvings of dragons, phoenixes, and mythical creatures etched into its surface.

With a thunderous boom, the spear struck the ground, causing the earth to quake and sending rocks and debris flying in every direction. Bia Xiao let out a scream, writhing on the ground with a contorted expression. The pain he endured was a true nightmare.

Though his will was strong for a boy of fourteen, the agony he felt was nearly unbearable. Most people his age would have either passed out from such torment or been driven mad by it. In typical circumstances, this level of suffering could destroy a cultivator's soul. However, Bia Xiao was supported by the very laws of the universe. As his meridians shattered and his flesh burned, his body was simultaneously being reforged, a transformation into something mystical and extraordinary.

If a high-level expert, perhaps even someone at the Nascent realm, were present, they would have sensed the mystical runes forming within Bia Xiao’s body. These runes, deep crimson in color, fused with his blood cells and organs, particularly congregating in his heart. On the right side of his chest, the celestial seizing core slowly integrated with his being.

“Haaa…”

Bia Xiao gasped, feeling as if demons were tormenting him, their ethereal forms feasting on his flesh.

“Haaaa…”

Within his mind, vivid images erupted—of a man standing amidst the stars, wielding a spear with the ferocity of a tempest, battling against the universe itself. With each swing, entire galaxies shattered, leaving trails of fire and destruction in their wake. Billions of warriors surged around him, unleashing their magical abilities against him. It was one man against a billion—a battle that raged on for days and nights, countless in number.

Explosions resonated through the cosmos as stars disintegrated, entire worlds torn asunder, painting the galaxy a deep crimson as the lone warrior fought on. He did not eat, rest, or falter, battling with unwavering determination.

Yet, even a warrior of such caliber sustained injuries, for one against billions was an unequal match. Surrounding him were giants, dark elves, dwarves, demons, angels, and races that Bia Xiao could hardly comprehend. These images were not merely figments of imagination; they were the memories of Zeng Zue.

Suddenly, the images shifted, revealing a baby born amidst a tempest of lightning and thunder. The infant cried out, lost in the wild until a humble couple, poorly clad yet filled with warmth, discovered him during a rainstorm. Astonishingly, no beasts dared to approach the baby, a phenomenon that puzzled the couple.

As the child grew, his strength became evident, far beyond that of his peers. While other children practiced martial arts, he found himself at odds with the elements—fire, wind, earth, water, thunder, and wood all resisted his command.

Despite his formidable physique and unmatched strength within the tribe, he was ridiculed for his inability to wield elemental powers. During the tribe's youth competition, he consistently placed last, overshadowed by others with extraordinary abilities.

As he matured, the boy began to realize that within him resided a peculiar core—a heart of sorts—remolding his body into something unique. By sheer chance, he discovered this core, as he had no way to connect with the heavens or awaken his spiritual sense; he could only sense it through the physical.

At the age of twenty, he stood beside a massive river, its waters a deep blue, mirroring the sky's splendor. As he gazed into the depths, the core within him radiated a brilliant blue light, illuminating the river's surface. This light seemed to seize the essence of heaven and earth, granting him insights into the nature of water, its applications, and the benefits and drawbacks of wielding water-based powers. It was as though the core had unlocked a latent potential within him, allowing him to command the very forces of nature.