Chapter 960 - 896: The Artifact Spirit’s Values

"The second option is that I help awaken the rule completely, but this rule will have something that holds you back."

The wise man looked at Han Yu and slowly spoke.

Another holdback?

How does this sound so much like the Glazed Bottle’s quirks?

Han Yu instantly thought of the bottle’s rules, would it also come with side effects?

At that time, when I slash someone, I end up hurting half myself?

This scene is eerie and incredibly eye-searing just to imagine.

"I just mentioned that your ability is given by the Heavenly Dao. Heaven desires to take what it first gives, this is the core essence of your rule, so I asked you to think it over carefully."

The wise man didn’t know about Han Yu’s strange train of thought and continued explaining.

"Then tell me, how does taking and giving work?"

The more Han Yu listened, the more off it felt, an eerie sense reminiscent of West River Pill flooded over.

"Seems like you guessed it."

The wise man looked at Han Yu’s expression and spoke with a sly smile.

So... a complete version of the West River Slash can’t avoid involving the West River Pill, can it?

Han Yu’s face turned utterly dark, now he roughly understood how troublesome it was.

"So you’re saying that every slash I make, I must lose something, right?"

This thing, if it had been a complete rule from the start, he’d estimate he would have evaporated from the world by now.

There’s just not that much to give away.

When things have escalated to the point of slashing people, yet gifts are to be given too, how can this battle continue?

Han Yu nearly didn’t have to think, he wouldn’t change it, not even if beaten to death.

The West River Slash is quite good as it is, he doesn’t need to gain benefits from plundering, as long as he can strip away other’s abilities it’s enough.

His methods are plentiful enough already, actually having no need for more.

Furthermore, if he’s already reached the point of slashing them, they’re presumably weaker than him, and he isn’t interested in the weak’s possessions.

The wise man probably knew Han Yu’s thoughts too, so the next moment, he directly caught Han Yu off guard.

"You may not desire plundered items, but what if a single slash’s effect is a hundred times what it is now?"

WTF!

A hundred times!

Han Yu hesitated, if it were really like that, he would have to consider it.

The West River Slash is alright for dealing with low-quality targets, but when faced with entities like Di Liuxin, it’s not sufficient. Firstly, the power is too low and barely useful. Secondly, it’s too easy for the opponent to dodge.

If the power of West River Slash enhanced a hundred times, then it would indeed be a killing move.

Imagining holding a slash capable of making the Four Extremes Hall wail, the scene does indeed sound beautiful.

However...

"What do I have to lose when I slash?"

Han Yu was immensely conflicted; wouldn’t it ask for his Divine Techniques or his Sea of Consciousness’s strength?

Hopefully, he won’t end up giving away all his methods after a few slashes, effectively sending himself back to the West River.

"That’s not it, it’s not that outrageous."

The wise man’s words made Han Yu slightly relieved, which was somewhat acceptable.

"What specifically do I need to sacrifice?"

Han Yu curiously continued to ask.

The wise man faced immediate difficulty on this matter; the reason being simple, it’s not his rule, he’s not in charge.

He knew the essence of the rule, but not how to judge its taking and giving.

Meaning, truly knowing what to sacrifice depends on the

"Maybe it depends on how the rule’s owner defines taking and giving."

This lifted Han Yu’s spirits; as he is the owner, isn’t he the one to decide how to take and give?

If slashing someone meant giving them an Earth and Wood Pill as consolation, that’s not impossible, whether they consume it is not his concern.

"Then I..."

Han Yu was just a bit delighted when the wise man mercilessly interrupted him, shaking his head.

"Your situation is quite unique, while you are the best at using West River Slash, you’re not the owner, but that little one is."

Artifact Spirit?

It is the owner.

"Then what are we discussing for? The rule isn’t mine, what good is it for me to agree?"

Han Yu felt helpless, realizing the discussion was all for naught.

"That’s why I said the situation is special, the rule isn’t yours but you carry the burden, whether you or the little one uses it, it’s on you to handle."

The wise man’s expression was quite peculiar; causing such a special circumstance definitely had connections to the Heavenly Dao.

How did the Heavenly Dao not behave normally, going cryptic to this extent?

"Can we bring in the Artifact Spirit, let me discuss with it."

Han Yu was still hesitant to decide recklessly, knowing there’s no turning back.

If it’s too troublesome, the West River Slash might never be used again, awakening would be pointless, better to maintain the status quo.

Hence, the Artifact Spirit’s judgment standard is crucial, how it determines balance between plunder and giving is very important to him.

After some thought, the wise man didn’t refuse, instead slowly reached out a hand, causing ripples in the void.

Meanwhile, a group of people watched Han Yu lying on the deck wide-eyed.

The Artifact Spirit, annoyed and amused, ran to Han Yu’s head, helping him "close his eyes," to avoid being too creepy.

It had gotten used to Han Yu’s sudden "dying" occurrences; every time Han Yu ventured forth, seemingly he didn’t lose out.

But the others were startled, not having seen Han Yu die so abruptly.

No breath, even the heartbeat wasn’t sensed, thoroughly cold.

If the Artifact Spirit hadn’t explained a few words, Central Continent would probably be in an uproar.

But just as it finished explaining, the wise man’s voice appeared on the deck.

"You come in too."

After he spoke, without waiting for the Artifact Spirit to react, a force emerged from a spot atop Han Yu’s head, pulling the Artifact Spirit inward.

Only upon arriving in the Soul Realm did the Artifact Spirit, belatedly, start yelling.

Having shouted a few times, it soon froze, glancing at Han Yu, then at the old man in front of it, and finally around the surroundings.

It panicked and flew to Han Yu’s head, recognizing the layout here all too well, Han Yu had mentioned it numerous times, indeed this was the Soul Realm.

"Why did you drag me here! I’m not dead yet!"

It’s the first time the Artifact Spirit met the wise man, though it heard too much about him from Han Yu, and showed some caution watching him.

This old ghost is no good bird, quite sinister.

This was its first impression of the wise man.

Han Yu was amused, lifting the Artifact Spirit off his head, and briefly explaining the situation.

"I asked him to bring you in, I didn’t know what to choose."

Once Han Yu talked about West River Slash, the Artifact Spirit became quite serious, particularly when hearing Han Yu’s question, spoke indifferently.

"Just awaken it! Choose the second option."

Fearing the other might not understand, Han Yu tried to explain the meaning again.

But the Artifact Spirit interrupted him, turning its head to the wise man’s direction.

"What did he tell you?"

Han Yu rubbed his nose, repeating the phrase "Heaven desires to take what it first gives."

"Yes, he wasn’t lying, choose the second option then."

The Artifact Spirit nodded and laughed.

"You damn thing, you wouldn’t feel pressure if you didn’t carry the burden, right?"

Han Yu’s face darkened instantly.

The Artifact Spirit looked at him with a peculiar expression, then gave him a flick on the forehead, saying, "Don’t listen to his nonsense, that phrase means, if I snatch someone’s stuff and leave a kernel, that’s kindness, not leaving is duty."