The Man’s Decree

Mickey listened quietly to the tales of the celestial realm. He had lost count of how many times he had heard these stories.

It was clear that Divinus deeply missed the celestial realm. He yearned to return, but sadly, he was never able to.

“Master, I’ve always been curious,” Mickey asked. “Is the body you’re in now one you’ve taken over, or is it your original one?”

Divinus glanced at Mickey, a faint smile on his lips. “After all these years of cultivating under my guidance, do you think this physical body is mine?” he responded.

“Yes,” Mickey replied. “I feel as though you’re trapped in the Ethereal Realm, your strength diminishing, and you can’t return to the celestial realm.”

Hearing Mickey’s words, Divinus let out a soft sigh and gazed into the pitch-black night sky. “Somehow, I got caught up in the Celestial Battle. Even now, I can’t figure out why. Years ago, a powerful force sealed off the Ethereal Realm, trapping us all on the battlefield. Those who died, died; those who were injured, stayed injured.

After all these years, our powers from the celestial realm have likely dwindled significantly. The celestial energy here is extremely scarce and not conducive to our cultivation. I know some have tried to break through the Heaven and Earth Array of the Ethereal Realm, seeking alternative ways to return to the celestial realm.

They’ve attempted to tear through the void to other realms, but it’s incredibly difficult. Each realm has its own natural laws and unique seals, almost as if it were divine punishment for the Celestial Battle. Despite years of studying the Heaven and Earth Array, I’ve made no progress, and my strength continues to wane.

I realize now that breaking through the Heaven and Earth Array on my own to return to the celestial realm is nearly impossible. Even though you’re a genius, you unfortunately lack the necessary talent. This crucial task simply can’t fall on your shoulders.”

As Divinus recounted his past, he seemed to have aged significantly all at once.

“Master, you always talk about talent. What exactly is this talent you speak of? Does Jared possess it?” Mickey asked, clearly puzzled.

Divinus shook his head and said, “Whether or not he has talent is still uncertain. I’m just taking a gamble at this point. In the Ethereal Realm, where array craft is incredibly scarce, Jared managed to forcefully break free from the Blood Cage, proving he’s no ordinary individual. Talent is innate; it’s not something that can be compensated for with effort alone. How long did it take you to master the art of divine markings to the point where you could inscribe them without needing to look?”

“I’ve been rather slow, it took me almost ten years,” Mickey admitted with an awkward expression.

“But Jared, in less than three days, he could now inscribe divine markings. That’s what you call talent. It’s not that you didn’t try hard enough, but even the greatest efforts pale in comparison to talent,” Divinus explained.

Listening to the words of Divine, realization dawned on Mickey.Copyright Nôv/el/Dra/ma.Org.

“Master, you’ve been battling Hellion for so long, what exactly does he want to gain from you?” Mickey asked, puzzled.

Ever since he started following Divinus, he frequently noticed that Hellion’s men were constantly causing trouble for Divinus.

“Hahaha, that old geezer is still trying to compete with me over you all. Back when I took you under my wing, Hellion saw your potential and constantly tried to snatch you away. Now, it’s the same with Jared. Hellion’s men have been keeping a close watch for days. I’m sure they already know I’ve taken on another extraordinarily talented disciple. I’m determined to get under that old geezer’s skin. He’s been at odds with me since our days in the celestial realm, and he’s been competing with me all the way to the Ethereal Realm. He just can’t resist challenging me, no matter where we are.” Divinus burst into hearty laughter.

It was evident that the relationship between Divinus and Hellion wasn’t one of deep-seated hatred or resentment. Instead, it seemed more like two old men engaging in a friendly competition and rivalry.