Cultivation Way

On the Desolation Peak, the wind howled like a banshee, whipping around two figures perched on the highest point. One was a wizened old man radiating an aura that crackled with power, the other a youthful figure with an air of unconcern."Ba Xing," the old man rasped, his voice like dry leaves rustling.

"What brings you to this desolate prison? You seem far too vibrant for such a gloomy place."Ba Xing, his face as handsome as a sculpted god, chuckled. "Many things, Master. Perhaps indulging in a forbidden fruit crafted by the Celestial Emperor himself.

"The old man's eyes widened, his surprise momentarily breaking his imposing demeanor. "The... the Celestial Emperor's fruit? You..." He sputtered, speechless for the first time in millennia. Ba Xing merely smiled.

"More surprised you're still kicking after that, Master Korvus."Korvus boomed with laughter. "Oh, I can only imagine the Celestial Emperor's face! Pure comedy, lad! I like you already. What say you, Ba Xing, fancy a change of scenery?

"The ancient aura around Korvus vanished, replaced by a mischievous twinkle in his eye.Ba Xing eyed the old man's wizened face, a roadmap of wrinkles. Despite his ghostly pallor, Korvus's eyes held the wisdom of ages, sparkling like distant stars."

What's the point?" Ba Xing sighed. "Escape would only fan the flames of the Celestial Emperor's wrath. Better to sit here and let my soul fade than face his endless pursuit.""What if I said you could leave and forget the Celestial Emperor entirely?"

Korvus's grin widened, a hint of something deeper flickering in his gaze. Ba Xing raised an eyebrow. "Leave? Then what? Resume my hedonistic ways for another eon? Seek revenge on those who wronged me?""That," Korvus chuckled, "is entirely up to you."Ba Xing reached for the sky, a gesture that spoke of yearning for freedom. "Perhaps... if I ever choose to leave, I..." He trailed off, a wry smile playing on his lips.

"No, better to while away the centuries here."Korvus roared with laughter. "Youngster, you can't hide your desires from this old coot forever! Even in this desolate purgatory, can an immortal like yourself truly die of old age? Hehehe... Regardless of your choice, your wish shall be granted!

"With a wave of his hand, Korvus transformed the desolate night into a vibrant day, leaving the peak's denizens bewildered.

"Who... who are you?" Ba Xing gaped, his eyes wide.Korvus winked. "Just a bored old man. Now, before I send you off, a token of appreciation for the entertainment...""Appreciation? What do you mean?" Ba Xing stammered.

A blinding white light engulfed Ba Xing before he could question Korvus further.The white light gave way to a searing pain in Ba Xing's chest. He gasped, finding himself staring into the face of a smirking young man on a raised platform. A bloody sword protruded from Ba Xing's chest.

"Damn," the young man muttered. "Missed the heart by a hair."

A surge of murderous rage welled up within Ba Xing. Ignoring the agony, he unleashed a torrent of power that sent the young man and the surrounding crowd reeling.The young man, Ma Jin, crumpled unconscious, the sword clattering to the ground.Silence descended upon the platform.

Ba Xing ripped the sword free, his mind a whirlwind.Memories flooded back - memories of a different life, of immense power. He wasn't this weak disciple, this Ba Xing. He was...A booming voice shattered his thoughts. "Enough! What's the meaning of this?!"An imposing figure, Elder Milo, materialized on the platform, his gaze flickering between Ba Xing and the unconscious Ma Jin."Who authorized this duel?" Elder Milo demanded.

"Dismissed! Both of you! Before I involve the Disciplinary Committee!"The crowd scurried away, leaving Ba Xing and Ma Jin alone. Ba Xing, overwhelmed by the jumbled memories, decided to retreat and sort things out later. He turned to leave, but Elder Milo stopped him."Your name?" the Elder boomed."Ba Xing," he replied, his voice laced with the echoes of a forgotten power.

Elder Milo grunted and strode off, carrying the unconscious Ma Jin. Ba Xing, his mind a labyrinth of newfound memories, retreated to his quarters, the weight of his past and the uncertainty of his future heavy upon him.