On the mountaintop.
Gu Qingshan folded his arms and pondered for a moment. "You're not wrong. I've realized by now that I am that Sequence, Chaos's true form, the ultimate art of all living beings."
"But you've developed consciousness. You've become a living being," Du Gufeng said.
"Yes," Gu Qingshan admitted.
"Gu Qingshan, I don't know how you see this final battle, but I've always believed that no one should sacrifice another person's life in the name of so-called salvation," Du Gufeng said.
Gu Qingshan thought for a moment, then sighed. "On this, it seems we agree."
"Good. You've always kept the calm you need, no matter the circumstances." Du Gufeng stepped back, turning into a phantom once more before flying back to the Giant Corpse.
The Giant Corpse's voice buzzed. "Then... Gu Qingshan, are you going to kill me?"
Gu Qingshan shook his head. "If I killed you, I'd die too. That would be foolish. But I exist because this is what all living beings wish for..."
A bewildered look crossed his face.
The Giant Corpse asked, "Why can't we end things this way? You're alive, and I've escaped my confinement. Isn't that good?"
Gu Qingshan looked around.
The Apostles, the Six Saints of Samsara, and every living being on the land—
Even if they were illusory, they were illusions brought into being. Perhaps one day, they would become living beings like him.
Who could say?
After all, he himself was proof that anything was possible.
"Of course I want to live. If you stop going after all living beings, I'd even be willing to become your true friend." Gu Qingshan spoke.
The Giant Corpse let out a hearty laugh. "No problem, Gu Qingshan. We've fought side by side for so long. I'd gladly keep being your friend instead