Evil Hides in Plain Sight!

Su Xiaobai scowled, a fire igniting in his eyes. "They can do anything? And I would just sit and watch?"

The old man Ning laughed, a sound as eerie and ancient as his wrinkled face. "What other choice do you have? Someone strong has imprisoned you, so what can you do? Your only choices are to seek help from someone stronger or become strong yourself!"

"This world does not acknowledge weakness; the weak are merely cannon fodder."

"But fret not, evil does not discriminate like the heavens; it punishes everyone equally!"

"Suffering is the only truth in this world!"

"Whether strong or weak, suffering is unavoidable."

"The way of evil is the only way!"

"Whether it's a calf or a beautiful maiden, in the eyes of others, the maiden's suffering may seem more significant. But to evil, it's all the same—it punishes both equally!"

Su Xiaobai felt a chill run down his spine as Old Man Ning's words resonated deeply within him, each syllable laced with a profound and twisted wisdom.

The old man's philosophy was a clear contrast to the lofty ideals of righteousness and virtue that Su Xiaobai had been taught.

Here was a raw, unfiltered truth—one that did not shy away from the harsh realities of existence.

"In the grand scheme of the Dao, suffering is the thread that binds us all," Old Man Ning continued, his voice almost ethereal, "The heavens are capricious, bestowing favor and misfortune without reason. But evil? Evil is impartial. It sees the essence of all beings and metes out its judgment without bias."

Su Xiaobai's mind churned with conflicting emotions.

He had always strived to rise above the chaos, to find a path of peace and balance.

Yet, here was an elder who spoke of embracing the very chaos he sought to escape.

"The way of evil is not about wanton destruction or malice for its own sake," Old Man Ning explained, his tone firm, "It is about understanding the true nature of the world, accepting the inevitability of suffering, and using that knowledge to forge your path. It is the way of survival, of transcending the limitations imposed upon you by fate."

"Embrace the suffering, young man," Old Man Ning said, his gaze piercing through the shadows of the cave. "Let it fuel your resolve. Only then can you hope to rise above and carve your destiny from the stone of this unforgiving world."

With newfound determination blazing in his heart, Su Xiaobai nodded, ready to face the trials that lay ahead.

The path of cultivation was indeed harsh and cruel!

Long Lifen was merely the beginning; even more stronger enemies awaited him!

Chaos was meant to be embraced, not avoided.

Bam!

Fueled by this resolve, Su Xiaobai struck the steel rods with ferocity, ignoring the searing pain in his scorched hands, which healed almost instantly.

As he watched his hands mend themselves, a flood of knowledge from Zeus's legacy surged through his mind: 'Immortal Vitality...'

A triumphant smile spread across his face. Zeus's legacy continued to surprise and empower him.

He felt qi flowing through his pores into his veins, signaling that his cultivation was no longer stagnant!

As long as he escaped this prison, he could begin to cultivate in earnest!

Though he could only sense fifty-four of his one hundred eight meridians, the rest seemed to slumber, awaiting his command to awaken.

The Celestial Thunder Veins granted him the power to cultivate, whereas the Profound Yin Veins, which had once dominated his body, had hindered him.

Now, with the Celestial Thunder Veins occupying half of his body, he could freely absorb profound qi.

He had also acquired multiple techniques.

His confidence soared, and he felt as if even heavenly thunder could not obstruct his path.

Bam!

Bam!

Bam!

"Inhale... Inhale..."

After an hour of relentlessly attacking the steel rods laced with heavenly lightning, Su Xiaobai was drenched in sweat.

Thud!

He collapsed against the wall, breathing heavily, trying to recover his strength and heal his bleeding knuckles.

His veins felt as though they would burst from the strain, but fortunately, his inherited immortal vitality accelerated his healing process, drawing on the ambient energy of heaven and earth around him.

Su Xiaobai's body glowed faintly as it absorbed the qi, each breath bringing him closer to his goal.

He knew the path ahead was fraught with danger, but with each strike, he carved his destiny from the stone of this unforgiving world.

Seeing the youth striking the steel rods with determination, Old Man Ning walked forward and seized Su Xiaobai's hand, startling him.

"Huh?"

Su Xiaobai turned to find Old Man Ning standing before him, an inscrutable expression on his weathered face.

Bewildered, Su Xiaobai wondered why the old man was grabbing his hand.

Then, without warning, Old Man Ning produced a small steel container with his other hand.

Steam rose from the opening, causing Su Xiaobai to narrow his eyes.

Whatever was inside was definitely boiling hot.

And then, without warning—

Splash!

The old man poured the scalding water over Su Xiaobai's hand.

"Wh!?"

Su Xiaobai was stunned by the old man's actions and yanked his hand back in panic. "Old Man Ning, have you lost your sanity!?" he shouted, his voice echoing in the cave.

Old Man Ning laughed wickedly. "Keke... Remember, young man, I told you suffering is unavoidable, not the pain!"

Without waiting for Su Xiaobai's response, the old man returned to scribbling on the walls, his focus unshakable.

Su Xiaobai sat there, a complex expression on his face, the sting of the hot water still fresh in his mind.

He had always suspected that the old man's intentions were not entirely pure.

Now, he truly understood the meaning of "Evil hides in plain sight..."

This old man was the perfect embodiment of that phrase.

With the lesson painfully learned, Su Xiaobai refrained from provoking the heavenly lightning again, needlessly.

_____

Few Hours Later!

Peng...

Outside the prison cell, the sound of a soft censer clinking against the stony floor echoed through the dim corridor.

Whisp...

A delicate fragrance of sandalwood and jasmine wafted through the air, emanating from the intricately carved silver incense burner.