Myriad Laws Peak, a small cottage.
The lamplight suddenly flickered.
The two figures' shadows on the window paper wavered between light and dark.
Yao Wudi looked at Wang Ba, his expression slightly somber.
Wang Ba met Yao Wudi's gaze without speaking, merely watching him quietly.
The atmosphere quietly grew heavy.
Suddenly, Yao Wudi burst into laughter.
"Good! Just what I'd expect of the disciple I chose! Smart enough!"
"Since you've guessed, I won't hide it from you. The West Sea Kingdom isn't too far from here, but with the Three Continents invading, this will most likely be a protracted struggle. I haven't much lifespan left, and fighting repeatedly these past two years has depleted some of it too... If I can't break through to Spirit Transformation before my time runs out, I probably won't be coming back."
At those words, Wang Ba's heart sank.
He had vaguely sensed something, but hadn't expected Yao Wudi's situation to be even more troublesome than he had imagined.
"Then when you fought at Yan-Qiao Pass before, Master, that also..."
Yao Wudi had never been one to conceal things. He answered indifferently, "I've extended my lifespan too much. The laws of heaven and earth have long since ceased to tolerate me. Once I expend too much, some damage naturally follows."
Wang Ba fell briefly silent, then suddenly said:
"This disciple once learned some palm-divination techniques. Master, could you let me take a look?"
"Palm divination?"
Yao Wudi looked slightly surprised, but then casually raised his hand and held it out before Wang Ba.
Wang Ba gently supported Yao Wudi's palm, hard as gold and jade, and examined it carefully.
"Well?"
Yao Wudi asked casually.
Wang Ba frowned slightly.
Only fifty-seven years of lifespan left?
Aloud, however, he replied, "Heaven watches over the fortunate, Master. Though