Chapter 2590: Void Pass
Xu Xiangyin's question caused Lu Yin's expression to subtly shift. He had not expected Xu Wuwei to harbor such animosity against him. From the moment Lu Yin had started cultivating, he had come across both mentors and enemies, but rarely had he encountered strangers who disliked him with such intensity. Xu Wuwei had actually sealed off Lu Yin’s path into the Voidforce Universe.
"Sigh, while Senior is a forgiving person, he also does not easily change his mind once he’s made a decision. Let me try to persuade him. Even if he won’t accept you as his disciple, he might at least allow you to join the Voidforce Universe," Xu Xiangyin's expression grew solemn as he spoke, "Xuan Qi, do you understand the consequences if the news leaks that Xu Wuwei has refused to admit you into the Voidforce Universe?"
Lu Yin could certainly imagine what would happen. Not only would he be prevented from joining the Voidforce Universe, but even worse, all the other members of the Sixverse Association would also close their doors to him. The impact of Xu Wuwei's refusal would be tremendous. Simply put, even if Xuan Qi perfectly mastered the Harmonious Heavens Technique and revealed an unprecedented level of talent, it would not be enough to change anything. As soon as word spread, the Cyclic Universe would also close its doors to him. No one would be willing to accept a person rejected by Xu Wuwei, not even the Transcendent Universe.
Even He Ran would reconsider things after learning about Xu Wuwei's decision.
Of course, He Ran would also moderate her reaction because of Zi Jing, though there was no doubt that her attitude would change.
Xu Wuwei's decision would determine how far Lu Yin could rise in the Sixverse Association as Xuan Qi, and that had a tremendous impact on his future plans.
After thinking of this, he could not resist asking, "Senior, why didn't you tell me that you had invited Senior Xu Wuwei before he arrived?"
Xu Xiangyin greatly regretted that decision. "If I had known how things would turn out, I would have never invited Senior Xu Wuwei to meet you. Any of his peers would have been acceptable instead. Just what is going on with you?"
Lu Yin took a moment to think before confessing, "This junior is actually working together with Lady Bai Qian."
After a moment’s confusion, Xu Xiangyin quickly understood. "I see. No wonder Senior reacted so strongly to you. Given He Ran's attitude towards you, the fact that you are working with Bai Qian means that you must have been Bai Qian's pawn from the start."
Lu Yin gave a sheepish smile. "That's a bit harsh. What we have is simply a collaboration."
Xu Xiangyin showed a bitter expression. "You should have told me about your situation earlier. Senior Xu Wuwei detests such things. Of all the members of the Sixverse Association, our Voidforce Universe is the most united. We have never gotten involved in such matters, and we have no intentions of ever doing so. Do you have any thoughts of trying to use my Voidforce Universe to aid Bai Qian?"
Lu Yin denied nothing, which was essentially an admission.
Xu Xiangyin's expression grew conflicted. "Then, what about your admiration for the Voidforce Universe?"
Lu Yin answered sincerely, "That’s real. On that matter, I have never deceived you, Senior. My relationships with Bai Qian and He Ran go no further than the Transcendent Universe. After I join the Voidforce Universe, I only ever intended to use my own influence to help Bai Qian. This junior won’t deny my intentions, but I would never implicate the Voidforce Universe.”
"On top of that, given the existence of both Senior Xu Wuwei and Lord Xu himself, there’s no way this junior would ever be able to sway the Voidforce Universe."
Xu Xiangyin nodded, as this was by no means inaccurate. "Regardless, Senior Xu Wuwei now has a very poor impression of you. Also, I have no confidence that I can convince him to forgive you. Given this situation," The man looked at Lu Yin with resignation plainly on his face as he said, "You should join the Arboreal Realm. They will not treat you poorly."
Lu Yin looked confused. "Hasn't the Arboreal Realm already given up on me?"
Xu Xiangyin grew serious. "Xuan Qi, are you sure that the innate gift you obtained from the Arboreal Sanctuary is actually enhanced speed?"
Lu Yin replied, "I was very certain about that at first, but later, I started to question that. Then, I discovered-"
Xu Xiangyin cut him off, "Whatever innate gift you’ve obtained doesn’t matter. While Senior Xu Wuwei was speaking with you, I was fighting with that bastard Mu Sanye. He went straight to the Transcendent Universe to ask that you be given to the Arboreal Realm without even speaking to me beforehand."
"Mu Sanye?" Lu Yin was puzzled by this.
Xu Xiangyin cursed, "Just thinking about that bastard's face makes me angry! He sneaked off to the Transcendent Universe to speak with He Ran, hoping to convince the Transcendent Universe to send you straight into the Arboreal Realm’s arms. He had no intention of notifying me or my Voidforce Universe at all! If He Ran hadn’t been reluctant to make trouble, you would have already joined the Arboreal Realm."
Despite his anger, Xu Xiangyin also felt completely helpless. "After we fought, I told him that Senior Xu Wuwei was already meeting with you, and it was only then that he backed down. Given these recent developments, you should join the Arboreal Realm. Their attitude towards you has changed dramatically, so it’s possible that they’ve recently confirmed something."
Lu Yin frowned. "Senior, isn't there some other way for me to still join the Voidforce Universe? This junior only wishes to join the Voidforce Universe."
Before meeting Xu Wuwei, Lu Yin had fully intended to instigate a tug-of-war between several different universes over this Xuan Qi identity in a bid to avoid meeting Xu Wuwei. However, after Xu Wuwei learned that Xuan Qi was hiding his own secrets, Lu Yin had realized that it would be better for him to join the Voidforce Universe to avoid any further complications. It was possible that he would find himself in a position that left him unable to explain himself after being exposed by other universes.
Xu Wuwei was clearly a reclusive expert who avoided political affairs and internal conflicts. This was why the man had been disgusted by Xuan Qi. If any other peak powerhouse from the various universes had discovered that Xuan Qi was hiding his strength, they could have had a very different reaction. They might have even traveled to the Transcendent Universe and conducted an investigation into Xuan Qi, which could even lead to them learning of Lu Yin’s true identity. The more people who knew who he was, the easier it would be for He Ran to learn the truth as well.
Lu Yin had not been lying when he had said that he wanted to work together with Bai Qian to deal with He Ran.
Given the complications of the current situation, joining the Voidforce Universe seemed to be his best path forward.
Xu Xiangyin comforted the youth, "Given your talent, whether you join the Arboreal Realm or the Cyclic Universe, your future will not be any worse than if you had joined my Voidforce Universe. It’s not necessary for you to join my universe."
Lu Yin remained insistent, "But I still admire the Voidforce Universe the most! In my eyes, the other civilizations are greatly inferior to the Voidforce Universe. Even if I were offered a Sage’s seat, I wouldn't want it. I only wish to join the Voidforce Universe."
Xu Xiangyin sighed. "I am truly convinced that you have no thoughts of using my Voidforce Universe to help Bai Qian work against He Ran. Given Mu Sanye's attitude towards you, you could easily use the Arboreal Realm to help Bai Qian. There’s no reason for you to win the support of my Voidforce Universe to achieve those goals. Moreover, because of Senior Xu Wuwei, you will never be able to utilize the power of the Voidforce Universe. Despite this situation, the fact that you still insist on joining my Voidforce Universe shows that you are truly sincere. What a pity, what a pity."
"Senior, is there really no other way?" Lu Yin asked again.
Xu Xiangyin thought for a long time before answering, "Given Senior Xuwei's status in our Voidforce Universe, he has already sealed your path to joining it. However, there is another path that no one can block, not even Lord Xu himself."
The old man hesitated for a moment and stared intently at Lu Yin. "That path is to cross the Void Pass."
"Cross the Void Pass?" Lu Yin felt genuinely puzzled, as he had never heard of this before.
Xu Xiangyin solemnly explained, "The Void Pass is an unusual place in my Voidforce Universe. It is as old as Lord Xu himself, and it is rumored to have some connection to Wu Tian. Anyone who crosses the Void Pass is unconditionally allowed to join the Voidforce Universe, and they may even choose any pinnacle powerhouse as their master—not even Lord Xu himself can refuse."
Lu Yin was shocked. "Why is that?"
Xu Xiangyin replied, "This is something that has been set in place since ancient times. No one knows why these rules were established, and there is no mention of it in any of our historical records. Even so, these rules have existed throughout the entire history of my Voidforce Universe."
"How many people have successfully crossed the Void Pass?" Lu Yin asked.
Xu Xiangyin met Lu Yin's gaze and raised a single finger.
"One?" The answer startled Lu Yin. Throughout all of the countless years that the Voidforce Universe had existed, only one person had ever succeeded in this challenge? That was completely unbelievable. The Voidforce Universe was not a weak universe, and had even raised up a significant number of Progenitor-level experts. Was it possible that not even Progenitors could cross the Void Pass?
Xu Xiangyin chuckled. "No, not even one."
Lu Yin's pupils constricted. "How is that possible?"
"I honestly find it impossible myself, but that's the truth. Throughout history, despite the numerous prodigies who have been born, even the most powerful experts, such as Senior Xu Wuwei, have failed to cross the Void Pass. Even if they tried to do so right now, they would not be able to succeed. That is how the Void Pass is, which is why it is such a legendary place in my Voidforce Universe," Xu Xiangyin explained.
Lu Yin subconsciously muttered, "Could it be a hoax?"
"Nonsense!" Xu Xiangyin glared at Lu Yin. "Lord Xu himself has verified that everything is true, and it is all written down in our historical records. How could it be a hoax? During one of the Great Sovereign's tea ceremonies, Lord Xu personally promised that if anyone from the Cyclic Universe crosses the Void Pass, they will receive the exact same reward. Despite the countless ages that have gone by, and even after several attempts by the Three Sovereigns and Nine Sages, not one person has ever succeeded. This is why I did not even consider it as an option at first."
Lu Yin sighed helplessly. "If not even the Three Sovereigns and Nine Sages were able to succeed, then how could I hope to do so with my meager cultivation?"
"Anyone can challenge the Void Pass, regardless of their cultivation. This is a promise made by Lord Xu himself. This has drawn countless young people to challenge the Void Pass in an attempt to prove themselves. To successfully complete the challenge would mean becoming Lord Xu’s disciple, which is an opportunity no different from ascending to the heavens with a single leap. Such a status is no lower than that of a peak powerhouse. That is something that no one could hope to resist," Xu Xiangyin continued his explanation.
Lu Yin felt quite intrigued. "Have you ever challenged it, Senior?"
Xu Xiangyin's face twitched. "This old man has no need for that."
Lu Yin pursed his lips, already convinced that Xu Xiangyin had indeed challenged the Void Pass, only to also fail. "This junior has decided to challenge the Void Pass then."
"Then there's no time to waste. Let's go now," Xu Xiangyin replied. Despite offering Xuan Qi the opportunity to challenge the Void Pass, the old man had no thoughts whatsoever that the youth could succeed.
The Void Pass was just a challenge, which meant that there was no need for any sort of preparation. After the challenge was attempted, they would simply return to the academy.
Just as they were about to travel to the Voidforce Universe, Mu Sanye appeared. "Xu Xiangyin, what ended up happening?"
Lu Yin looked at Mu Sanye, only to see that there was an even more fervent glint to the man’s eyes than Lu Yin had seen in the past when the man had been interested in Xuan Qi.
Xu Xiangyin replied, "Senior Xu Wuwei has suggested that we take him to the Voidforce Universe for further tests."
This was Xu Xiangyin’s last chance to fight for Xuan Qi to be admitted to his universe. While the old man had already decided to give up on Xuan Qi and allow the Arboreal Realm to have the youth, Xu Xiangyin was still reluctant to give up that easily.
Mu Sanye warily asked, "Tests? Everyone knows what Xuan Qi has already accomplished. If Senior Xu Wuwei intended to accept him as his disciple, he would have already done so."
Xu Xiangyin responded in a mocking fashion, "How bold, Mu San. Do you actually dare to question Senior Xu Wuwei?"
Mu Sanye snorted. "Where is Senior Xu Wuwei now?"
"He has already returned, obviously."
"Then wait for a bit. Since Xuan Qi is not Xu Wuwei's disciple yet, my Arboreal Realm still has a chance."
Xu Xiangyin was stunned. “Mu San, have you lost your mind? Xuan Qi is in the process of being selected as Xu Wuwei's disciple!"
Mu Sanye lifted his head high. "Senior Mu Ke wishes to meet Xuan Qi."
Xu Xiangyin's eyes went wide in shock. Mu Ke was an incredibly powerful person from the Arboreal Realm. In fact, his status was equal to Xu Wuwei’s in the Voidforce Universe. "Senior Mu Ke is coming?"
Lu Yin's heart sank. This would not do at all. Just meeting with Xu Wuwei had already complicated things terribly. What would happen if Mu Ke arrived as well?
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