Library of Heaven’s Path 2: Eternal Destiny

Vol 2 ch 13: Decision

“Could it be… because he is a Destiny Master, with a unique fate?”

For a moment, Yu Longqing seemed to have understood something important, but then shook his head, “No, that’s not right. If I remember correctly, this Lord Ling follows the fate teachings of Master Mo from the Zouyi Dynasty, which means his fate isn’t unique!”

While each person has only one fate, not every Destiny Master has to fight to the death. Only those who share the same fate and are in direct competition are driven to such extremes.

For instance, those who cultivate the Emotionless Sword Path must defeat every practitioner of the same path to reach the pinnacle and achieve transcendence. Similarly, a blacksmithing path requires eliminating anyone else on that path to achieve a true breakthrough.

This singularity of fate drives even disciples of the same sect—and sometimes even master and disciple—to become enemies.

There was once a powerful figure who achieved supreme strength by killing his parents, his wife and children, and even his own disciples—eliminating every tie he had.

Of course, this only occurs at higher levels, generally above the Seven-Star Fate Striving Realm. For ordinary Destiny Masters, however, it’s possible to cultivate together; at most, progress might be a little slower.

For instance, Ling Buyang cultivates the Machete Fate, possessing unparalleled talent with that weapon, and his master is Mo Baiye, the founder of the Machete Sect in the Zouyi Dynasty.

Mo Baiye is only a master at the Three-Star Knowing Fate Realm, still far from Fate Striving. Therefore, this Machete Fate does not need to be unique but instead benefits from expanding its influence, which is advantageous for Mo Baiye as the fate’s originator.

As long as they don’t reach the Fate Striving Realm, all disciples and followers remain safe.

Currently, Zhang Xuan, although his specific fate is unknown, is undoubtedly unrelated to the Machete Fate. In other words, he isn’t in competition with Ling Buyang, so why encircle and kill him?

“It’s not a fate competition but… a Chaotic Fate Practitioner!” Liao Shiquan said gravely.

“A Chaotic Fate Practitioner?” Yu Longqing frowned.

Even as the City Lord, he hadn’t heard of this term.

“It is said to be a person capable of disrupting fate, someone the Destiny Hall cannot tolerate. I’m not entirely sure of the specifics, but I do know that Lord Ling has already ordered the Liu Family to encircle Zhang Xuan... and even issued an order to kill him if necessary!”

Yu Longqing was taken aback.

Such an order was terrifying. Zhang Xuan’s talent was impressive, and his progress rapid, but facing an entire family and a Destiny Master, he stood no chance.

What to do?

Seeing his concerns, Liao Shiquan continued, “City Lord, Miss Xiaoyu is Zhang Xuan’s student. If he truly is a Chaotic Fate Practitioner, I fear she will be implicated… and even you might not escape unscathed!”

Although he was appointed City Lord by the Hanyuan Dynasty, Destiny Masters stand above all in this world. If they offended the Destiny Hall, not only would the dynasty not protect them, but they might even punish him as a warning to others.

“What do you suggest?”

Yu Longqing looked at him.

Liao Shiquan’s eyes glinted, “Two options: First, dispatch troops from the City Lord’s Mansion to support Lord Ling, assisting in capturing Zhang Xuan as a show of loyalty. That way, if Miss Xiaoyu does get involved, we’ll have the leverage to request leniency from Lord Ling. After all, ignorance absolves us; if we act out of good faith, any mistakes are understandable.”

“And the second?”

“Act as before. Pretend to know nothing, quietly inform Miss Xiaoyu to sever all ties with Zhang Xuan. In that case, even if something happens to him, she won’t be implicated, and if any trouble arises, we’ll have room to maneuver.”

“Is there no third option?” Yu Longqing fell silent.

Knowing his lord’s strong sense of loyalty, Liao Shiquan quickly added, “My lord, remember that Destiny Masters represent the Destiny Hall... aiding Zhang Xuan would lead to disastrous consequences. You mustn’t lose sight of that! The most important thing now is protecting Miss Xiaoyu.”

“I understand!”

Yu Longqing nodded, his gaze sharp. “Gather the experts of the City Lord’s Mansion and send them to the Liu Family. Tell them the City Lord’s Mansion will support Lord Ling’s decisions unconditionally.”

“Yes!” Liao Shiquan sighed in relief, with a hint of confusion. “And you, City Lord?”

“I’ll find Xiaoyu and bring her home first. Otherwise, if we end up taking action against her teacher, she might resist, causing more conflict,” Yu Longqing said.

Relieved that his lord had made a wise decision in a critical moment, Liao Shiquan nodded, “I’ll get on it immediately!”

After he left, Yu Longqing exhaled deeply, changed into night clothes, and leaped swiftly toward White Rock Academy. Before long, he reached his daughter’s residence.

“Father, why are you here?”

Yu Xiaoyu stood up, surprised to see him enter.

“You… have reached the middle stage of the Body Tempering Realm?” Seeing her unrestrained aura, vast and powerful, Yu Longqing was astonished.

Two days ago, he’d heard the news of her achieving the peak of the Energy Storing Realm in a famous battle. He had thought she would spend the next couple of days consolidating her cultivation, but not only had she broken through, she had advanced to the fourth level of the Source Pool Realm—mid-Body Tempering Realm!

This strength was likely stronger than even some senior students like Chen Hao.

“When Teacher learned I reached the peak of the Energy Storing Realm, he specifically created a Body Tempering Realm cultivation method suited to my physique, allowing me to advance quickly.”

Yu Xiaoyu explained, her eyes full of admiration and respect as she mentioned her teacher.

The techniques her teacher passed down allowed her to advance not only rapidly but also with no side effects. The more she practiced, the more she felt his profound wisdom.

“There’s a situation. I’d like to hear your thoughts…”

Yu Longqing looked at her, recounting what Adviser Liao had explained.

“…That’s the situation. You’re grown now, capable of making your own decisions. Whatever choice you make, I’ll support you, no matter the cost.”

Finishing, Yu Longqing looked at her seriously.

Whatever decision she made, he would support her and do his best to deal with the consequences. This was both his love and respect for her.

“I…”

Yu Xiaoyu’s face turned pale.

On one side was her revered Teacher Zhang, on the other, the Destiny Hall… what was she to choose?

After a long time, Yu Xiaoyu clenched her teeth and let out a breath, “Father, you once told me that people should remember kindness and act with principles. If they don’t, life loses all meaning…”

“Exactly. The difference between humans and animals is our adherence to values and principles. If we abandon those, we’re no better than animals.”

Yu Longqing nodded.

“In that case!”

Yu Xiaoyu’s eyes grew resolute. “I choose to stand with Teacher Zhang. If he’s captured or killed, I will defend him, plead for him, and avenge him, even if it puts me in danger!”

“As expected of my daughter…”

Seeing her make this choice, Yu Longqing nodded approvingly.

If she had chosen the other path Liao Shiquan suggested, he would have supported her, though he would have felt some disappointment.

One can sacrifice things for oneself, for others, or for gain, but never one’s humanity.

“Father… you agree with my choice?”

Yu Xiaoyu was surprised.

“Of course!”

Yu Longqing nodded. “If a student won’t protect their teacher, who has helped them, what meaning does life hold?”

“Thank you, Father…”

Yu Xiaoyu’s eyes reddened. “I just… I’m afraid of dragging you down.”

Yu Longqing smiled, “You’re my daughter. How could you drag me down? Truthfully, not everything the Destiny Hall does is correct. Over the years, they’ve committed their share of atrocities as well.”

“Father…” Yu Xiaoyu fell into his arms.

“Enough tears now. Prepare yourself… I’ll go notify Teacher Zhang and advise him to leave White Roc City. If he doesn’t, there might be a battle, and he’ll need all his strength and focus.”

Gently pushing her away, Yu Longqing looked at her with affection.

“Alright.”

Yu Xiaoyu nodded.

With her decision settled, Yu Longqing quickly left, making his way to the dean’s office.

He now wanted to know what choice Dean Lu would make in this situation.

“I… will naturally send someone to assist Lord Ling and carry out all his orders!” Dean Lu Mingrong said. “White Rock Academy is already deeply indebted to the Destiny Hall, so we will comply with any command they issue without hesitation.”

Yu Longqing nodded, making no further comment.

Each person had their own path; it was not his place to intervene.

“In that case, I will also make preparations. Zhang Xuan must not be allowed to escape…” Yu Longqing cupped his fists.

Dean Lu nodded in agreement.

After the City Lord left, Dean Lu turned to the Wu Yunzhou Vice-Principal, “What do you think?”

Vice-Principal Wu Yunzhou replied, “Could there be some misunderstanding between Lord Ling and Teacher Zhang? Should we try to explain?”

Dean Lu shook his head, “You haven’t met Ling Buyang before. I’ve known him for years. He’s infatuated with power, stubborn, and unwilling to listen. If I go now to explain, it won’t help; it might even implicate the academy…”

“Then what do we do?” Wu Yunzhou was concerned.

“It’s simple. Starting today, I resign as dean. You’ll take over. Then, with all the elders, you’ll go to Lord Ling, express your support for his decisions, while I… go find Teacher Zhang and advise him to leave White Roc City!”

“Ask him to leave?” Wu Yunzhou was taken aback.

“Yes.”

Dean Lu nodded, his eyes gleaming. “If he leaves White Roc City, Ling Buyang won’t find him. No matter what happens, it won’t affect White Rock Academy. This way, I’ll have repaid him for helping me achieve a breakthrough. And if things fall apart, I’ll bear the consequences alone—it won’t involve the academy.”

Author's Note