168 - We Agreed On Experiencing Life, So Why Did You Immortals Become Real?

Chapter 168: Chaos in the Western Territory Amidst a momentary lapse of consciousness, Xiao Mo found himself standing in front of a dilapidated courtyard. Scanning his surroundings, he realized he was in a village—a deserted village with many of its houses collapsed and bearing scorch marks, as if ravaged by war. Glancing at his small hands, Xiao Mo sought out a water jar to reflect his appearance. He looked the same as in his previous lives, with no differences. Judging by his appearance, he seemed around ten years old. As he surveyed his surroundings, the voice and text from the Book of a Hundred Lives echoed in his mind: [You have entered the fourth life in the Book of a Hundred Lives.] [Background: You were born in a small village in the Western Territory. Though parentless, you managed to grow up on the collective kindness of the village. One day, however, war reached your village, and every villager was killed. You alone survived by chance, having gone to the river to catch fish. In this cannibalistic world of the Western Territory, killing and being killed is commonplace. For many, surviving itself is a luxury. After your village was burned, not knowing where to go, you wandered aimlessly. Fortunately, you encountered several boys of similar age on the road. You joined them, becoming known as the "Little Five" due to your youngest age. As a group, you survived by stealing and begging, gathering wild vegetables from the mountains and catching fish from the river. Though never full, you avoided starvation. Eventually, you found shelter in another war-torn village.] [Soon, you will meet a girl a year younger than you, also a refugee. She possesses extraordinary perception, capable of sensing others' emotions and even discerning their innermost thoughts. This girl is incredibly gifted, destined to potentially achieve the exalted state of a Sage Buddha. Task One: Help this girl on her path to becoming a Buddha. The higher her attainment, the greater your reward, with the ultimate prize if she reaches the Buddha's realm. Note: The girl can perceive the thoughts of all but you.] [The Western Territory is tumultuous, with numerous Buddhist sects and rampant demonic factions. Only the strong survive here, and only the strongest can control their fate. Task Two: Cultivate your strength. The higher you ascend, the richer your rewards, culminating when you become the strongest in the Western Territory. Task Three: Consolidate the demonic sects into a single, immense faction. Rewards come each time you conquer another sect, with the ultimate reward for unifying all demonic sects.] [Time Limit: The tasks will conclude upon the end of this life. Proceed with caution.] As the Book of a Hundred Lives withdrew its presence from his mind, Xiao Mo found himself lost in thought. Three tasks this time, each seemingly daunting. Moreover, the Western Territory was a chaotic place where only the strong thrived, and starting out without the security of a meal was like an opening on hellish difficulty. "Anyway, thinking too much is futile. I'll take one step at a time, and wait for the girl to arrive," Xiao Mo mused. Curiosity piqued about this mentioned girl, he wondered what kind of person could potentially attain such enlightenment. "Little Five! Little Five!" Xiao Mo's reflections were interrupted by the voices of several children calling out. Turning, he recognized them as his "older brothers," according to the memories given by the Book. Just as it described, these were the companions he had met along the path of refuge, settling temporarily in this village, often venturing to Luo Feng City for small scams and sometimes feigning disability for alms. Among them, the oldest was Zheng Shanhang, fifteen, the group’s leader, decisive and honorable, commanding respect. Lou Tai, fourteen, was meticulous and quick-witted, often evoking pity during beggary with his delicate looks. At thirteen, Tang Kuang possessed immense strength, akin to an adult, and readily followed Zheng Shanhang's lead. Qian Zhenhao, twelve, timid but knowledgeable in medicine taught by his deceased father, adored money and hesitated frequently. "What’s made you so happy, Big Brother?" Xiao Mo inquired. "Do you remember Fang Yuanwai in Luo Feng City?" Lou Tai asked on Zheng Shanhang's behalf. "I do," Xiao Mo nodded, "but why bring up Fang Yuanwai?" Fang Yuanwai, a renowned miserly merchant laden with wealth, was notorious for his penchant for brothels, extravagantly spending on courtesans despite a domineering wife back home, whose influential family was the cornerstone of his success. Hence, his brothel visits were stealthy affairs, like the time he was caught keeping a mistress, sparking a lengthy domestic row. Consequently, he received a monthly allowance tightly controlled by his wife. "Hehe," Tang Kuang chimed in, "Fang Yuanwai, that miser, his sole indulgence is brothels. If deprived, it’s life or death for him. Recently, he’s been hoarding money!" "And here's the twist!" Zheng Shanhang enthusiastically slapped his thigh. "Today, when the second brother was collecting bird eggs north of the city, he saw Fang Yuanwai in disguise, sneaking into a courtyard. Little did he know, our second brother discovered Fang Yuanwai's stash! "We’re heading to Luo Feng City soon! "This time, we brothers are bound to strike it rich!"