Chapter 134: Unspoken Understanding

It seemed that the reasoning was too absurd for Murong Yun to accept, and after listening for a while, he couldn’t help but voice his doubts.

“Miss Xiao Kong, is there really such a bizarre technique in this world? How does one go about plundering something so ethereal as ‘existence’? If it’s just a name, we’ve had cases of people changing names after birth; how do we determine that?”

In response, the Cat Daughter maintained her calm expression.

“Firstly, the magic to plunder ‘existence’ is merely hypothetical; those who possess such abilities disdain to develop it, while the beings that require it find it hard to reach that realm, hence no complete system truly exists.”

“I’ve mentioned before, right? The existence of ordinary people is far too weak, and the power represented by their true names is quite limited. If it’s just a change without widespread recognition, it is indeed possible.”

“But in reality, most of what you think of as renaming is merely the individuals deceiving themselves, modifying only a layer of code outside of their true name. It’s not like someone can casually transform their very essence just because they feel like it.”

As if to provide an example, Miss Xiao Kong pondered for a moment.

“In the human countries of the Ancient Spirit Realm, they probably provide citizens with identity records and the like, right? Do you think those registered identity facts in the hands of officials can just be changed by civilians at will?”

“Th-that’s true.”

Nodding, the Cat Daughter continued.

“As for how one could plunder another’s ‘existence,’ let me give you an example you’re aware of: the chaotic beast Taotie possesses the power to devour the ‘existence’ of living beings, but that is merely a manifestation of its devouring ability and cannot be replicated by others, thus it lacks universality.”

“The power of ‘existence’ is, in a way, one of the components of the internal cycle of the world.”

“When a living being dies, its existence gradually fades away over time, returning to the earth. Though this process is relatively lengthy, aside from those particularly famous powerful beings, ordinary people are forgotten quickly; I’m sure you all understand that.”

“But once devoured by the Taotie, everything about that being becomes the food of the chaotic beast, and while the former grows even stronger, the vast majority of traces of the latter will completely vanish from the world.”

“There were many powerful spirit beasts in the history of the Ancient Spirit Realm, but almost none have any record left today because most have bravely sacrificed themselves in battles against the Taotie…”

As she seemingly remembered something heavy from the past, Miss Xiao Kong paused for a moment, collected herself, and finally summarized.

“In short, ‘existence’ is a profound realm that only true powerful beings can touch. It involves mysteries far more complex than mere energy, and someone with limited experience like you… well, explaining more would be pointless, so let’s leave it at that.”

Nodding in agreement, Murong Yun quickly bowed respectfully to the Cat Daughter, who looked much younger than him.

“Ah, I see. I’ve learned a lot today, thank you for your guidance.”

The Priestess, who had been listening to Miss Xiao Kong’s explanation, pondered aloud.

“Hmm… Since ‘existence’ can theoretically be plundered, is there a way to graft one’s existence onto another person? Just like I mentioned before, achieving a replacement identity that even others cannot see through?”

Before Miss Xiao Kong could respond, the previously silent Silver-haired Girl suddenly spoke up.

“Is that Black Scale Army leader an imposter?”

“Eh…?”

Vilyric appeared surprised.

Without even hearing the exchange in the tent, she could assert such a statement with near certainty based on a few words and observations. Even if she might have gained some hints from the ‘Heaven’s Secret’, that was impressive.

As expected of Hen.

Realizing she had been seen through, the Priestess had no intention of hiding and simply described what she had just peeked at and overheard, causing everyone except Miss Hen to show varying expressions.

“Well then, Miss Vilyric, where did the real Cheng Dujiang go?”

“How would I know? But if they’ve taken even their ‘existence’, they’re probably long gone.”

Understanding the severity of the situation, Murong Yun’s expression grew serious.

“This is truly hard to guard against… If someone uses this method to infiltrate and assassinate, or even replace high-ranking officials or lords, wouldn’t the world descend into chaos?”

“It’s not that simple,” Miss Xiao Kong corrected him again.

“As Vilyric said, while the techniques for grafting and replacing identities indeed exist, it’s mostly applicable to ordinary people.”

“An individual’s ‘existence’ becomes increasingly difficult to finely adjust the more widely known it is. It’s like trying to sneak into a publicly accessible library versus a national archive to modify data; the difficulty is on entirely different levels.”

“Simply devouring is one thing, but trying to twist or reshape it is utterly impossible. The world’s natural laws won’t let certain individuals run amok.”

Murong Yun fell silent, slightly nodding, as he seemed unable to accept such bizarre events beyond imagination. On the other hand, Miss Hen appeared unusually calm, seeming even more accepting of the Priestess’s description than some.

“Vilyric, aren’t you going to expose the other party?”

In response to Hen’s inquiry, the Black-haired Girl merely smiled and shook her head.

“Why rush? That’s just a minor character; whether they live or die is of no consequence. But if we do that, it would be like alarming the serpent in the grass. How would we continue to follow the clues after that?”

The Silver-haired Girl raised an eyebrow.

“You plan to personally enter that tomb to investigate.”

“Hehe~ That’s bound to be quite interesting, isn’t it? Moreover, I have a hunch that this suddenly appearing tomb… probably hides some exceptionally thrilling secrets.”

…

“Entering the tomb? Swallow, isn’t that a bit too reckless? We currently know nothing of the information behind this place, nor do we have any preparation. What if something goes wrong inside…”

In response to Shangguan Hong’s doubts, the Black-haired girl with a braid merely shook her head.

“Senior Brother, I know you’re concerned for everyone’s safety, but one must seek opportunities through danger. We, the disciples of the Divine Spirit Sect, are not delicate flowers in a greenhouse. If we remain overly cautious and timid, why would we bother going to the Endless Ruins Sea? We might as well just fool around with petty evil demons in the wilderness like ordinary people.”

“I can sense a profound aura seeping out from this tomb. It is indeed dangerous, but… it also conceals a key opportunity that’s very important for all of us. I believe it’s worth the risk.”

The azure-haired, dual-eyed young man frowned slightly.

“Have you already ‘calculated’?”

“… You could say that.”

Shangguan Hong slapped his thigh.

“Good, you have courage! Senior Brother supports you!”

“Let’s go, we’ll return and discuss a solid infiltration plan with everyone!”

   

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