A Warning from Eternity

By this point, the conversation was gradually drawing to a close.

Xiang Qian hurriedly asked the most important question. "What do you want to gain from me? Or rather, what would a complete Soul Universe bring you?"

"A promise. An opportunity." Eternity's voice was profound, candid, and calm, just like Its projection, which had been formed from the world's most dazzling light and deepest darkness.

Xiang Qian spread his hands. "I don't understand."

"You do not need to understand. When your universe reaches completion, I will come to you and seek a promise from you." Eternity's projection slowly began to fade, and Its voice gradually drifted away. "Before then, you must be careful. Death will not give up easily. It, or those it commands, will come for you."

"If this is a conflict between you and it, can't you stop it?"

"I have already stopped many—those from other dimensions and other timelines. If not, your life would likely be far more unsettled, and far more eventful, than it is now. But those who come next are people even I cannot stop. They have long remained under Death's gaze."

Seeing Eternity's projection fade until it was nearly indistinguishable, Xiang Qian still refused to give up. "What promise do you want? Why not tell me in advance, so I can have more time to prepare?"

"That is not something the current you can know..." Eternity's voice was almost too faint to hear, yet Xiang Qian heard every word clearly. "It is an agreement between gods..."

Eternity departed, and the Soul Realm returned to stillness.

Xiang Qian's spirit weakened further. His exchange with Eternity had consumed what little energy he had left. Mirroring its owner's dejection, the entire Soul Realm became unusually somber and quiet.

After a long while, Xiang Qian suddenly gave