"The reincarnation fragments in this wine put tremendous strain on the soul."
"Last night, I could barely stay conscious. But if I force a deeper retracing, with the Netherworld's rules suppressing me, my soul could very well become lost in the river of time and space and never awaken again."
Li Xiang's tone was thoroughly rational. "Senior, since you saw through my disguise at a glance, you must also know my current circumstances. I don't have spare lives to gamble with."
Hearing Li Xiang's calm analysis, Old Ghost Ape was not disappointed. Instead, he nodded approvingly.
"Cautious, rational, and unwilling to let a moment's obsession cloud your judgment. Very good."
Old Ghost Ape took a longan-sized Bodhi Seed from his sleeve, radiating a gentle golden glow.
"This is a remnant fruit shed by the Bodhi Tree beneath which he attained enlightenment and became a Buddha."
Old Ghost Ape placed the Bodhi Seed beside the wine bowl, his voice low.
"Hold it in your mouth."
"With this Bodhi Seed protecting your spiritual core and Sea of Consciousness, even the impact of the reincarnation law cannot erase the memory coordinates of your present life."
"It will let you enter and leave this dream freely."
Looking at the Bodhi Seed on the table, then at the bowl of dark red wine.
Li Xiang knew he no longer had any reason to refuse.
This was an opportunity, a supreme opportunity that could unravel the mystery of his origins and might even determine his future.
"Thank you for the wine, Senior!"
Li Xiang hesitated no longer. He picked up the Bodhi Seed, which shone with gentle Buddhist light, and tucked it beneath his tongue.
A cool, crystalline clarity, carrying a Zen serenity that seemed capable of washing away every worldly trouble, surged straight into his