2 " Library, Choices, The wait" - updated
As Aurelius explored the celestial library, he was surrounded by a vast array of ancient books, each filled with deep wisdom about life after death.
The shelves were lined with tomes that held secrets and teachings about the mysteries of the afterlife.
In this immense collection, one particular book caught his attention - "Chronicles of Transcendent Rebirth." This book was known to be a comprehensive guide on the process of reincarnation.
When he first opened the book, Aurelius realized that the text was in an unfamiliar language, one that he couldn't understand.
It was written in the language of the underworld, a complex script beyond his comprehension.
However, the token given to him by the library's guardian, who had anticipated such a challenge, suddenly glowed with light.
As it shone, the words on the page miraculously transformed from the enigmatic underworld script into English, a language Aurelius could understand.
The guide detailed various aspects of the reincarnation process.
It explained the system that governed reincarnation, the step-by-step process of how reincarnation occurs, and specifically, how selective reincarnation works.
It also discussed the merits needed for selective reincarnation and provided guidance on how to manage one's merits to ensure a favourable reincarnation.
The book covered a wide range of topics, offering a comprehensive overview of the subject.
Aurelius's innate eidetic memory was a significant advantage in this situation.
His ability to remember information quickly and his exceptional comprehension skills helped him absorb and understand the complex knowledge contained in the book.
With these abilities, he was able to delve deeply into the teachings, gaining a thorough understanding of reincarnation and how he might navigate his own path through this process.
Armed with this newfound knowledge, Aurelius felt more prepared to make an informed decision about his reincarnation.
The celestial library had provided him with valuable insights, equipping him with the understanding needed to make a choice that would shape his future journey.
After spending time with the "Chronicles of Transcendent Rebirth," Aurelius glanced at the time and date, realizing, "It's already been one day; I have six more days before my scheduled reincarnation."
He then noticed something peculiar about his physical state. Looking down at his stomach, he thought, "Oddly enough, I don't feel hungry. I suppose this is normal when you're in a soul form."
With a newfound curiosity, Aurelius continued to explore the celestial library, searching for other books that might broaden his understanding.
His attention was soon captured by a book titled "The Ascendant Codex of Underworld Hierarchy."
This book discussed the structure of the underworld system in the universe. According to the book, he was currently in the lowest branch of the underworld.
It explained that when the pocket universe collapses, this branch will also vanish.
The underworld was divided into three main branches, each corresponding to one of the three realms in the universe.
The book revealed that during the birth of the pocket universe, the underworld used to have 99 levels.
However, as the primordial age ended and various eras with different systems passed, the number of underworld levels decreased.
Now, in the current era of the pocket universe, inhabited only by ordinary mortals, there are just nine levels, known as the Nine Levels of Hell.
Aurelius noted that more detailed information about the other branches wasn't available in this book.
He surmised that to access such advanced knowledge, he would need to ascend to the higher levels of the library.
After gaining a thorough understanding of the underworld's structure, Aurelius's curiosity led him to explore information about the universe itself.
He was keen to understand the cosmic framework and its origins. After searching for a while, he found a book titled "The Genesis of the Universe."
This book was surprisingly thin, providing a concise overview of the universe's history. Interestingly, the name of the universe had been deliberately omitted from the text.
The book described how, in ancient times, the universe was a singular entity, not divided into different realms.
However, it hinted at a significant event, not detailed in the book, which was responsible for the division of the universe into three distinct realms.
These three realms were identified as the Spiritual Realm, the Divine Realm, and the Primordial Realm.
Each of these realms had its unique characteristics and significance within the cosmic order.
The book explained that the universe was a place of immense potential, where beings could pursue the path of cultivation.
Through this process, it was possible for individuals to achieve immortality, transcending their mortal boundaries.
This concept of cultivation and the journey towards immortality was a central theme in the cosmic narrative.
After discovering that the universe offered paths to pursue immortality, Aurelius became deeply intrigued.
This newfound interest led him to search for books on the subject of cultivation.
One such book he found was "Ethereal Cultivation Chronicles," which provided an overview of the mortal realms of cultivation.
However, he noted that it only contained information pertaining to the mortal realm, with further knowledge requiring access to higher levels of the library.
The "Ethereal Cultivation Chronicles" described the mortal realm of cultivation as being divided into nine sub-realms, each representing a step on the path to immortality.
This framework intrigued Aurelius, prompting him to seek out more information.
He then came across another book titled "Foundations of Realms." Similar to the first book, it primarily focused on the mortal realm of cultivation but offered some differing insights.
This book suggested that after the division of the universe into different realms, the true peak of mortal cultivation became obscured.
It proposed the existence of a tenth realm within the mortal cultivation, achievable through what was referred to as tri-cultivation - the simultaneous cultivation of the body, Qi, and soul.
This concept was particularly fascinating to Aurelius.
"Foundations of Realms" went into detail about the process required to reach each of the ten realms.
It outlined the specific practices and stages necessary for achieving perfection in mortal cultivation.
For Aurelius, this book was a treasure trove of information, providing a more nuanced understanding of the cultivation process and its potential to unlock new levels of power and understanding.
As he absorbed this information, Aurelius became more invested in the concept of cultivation.
The idea of refining one's body, Qi, and soul to reach higher states of being resonated with him.
He realized that cultivation was not just a method to achieve immortality but also a journey of self-improvement and understanding of the universe's deeper truths.
Motivated by this new knowledge, Aurelius continued his exploration of the celestial library, eager to uncover more secrets about the universe and the paths to immortality it offered.
As Aurelius delved deeper into the wealth of knowledge in the celestial library, his enthusiasm for learning about the universe and the various paths to immortality only grew.
He encountered a multitude of books, each revealing different aspects of the cosmos and the mystical arts practiced within it.
One significant book he came across was titled "Herblore." This extensive volume detailed all the known herbs in the mortal universe.
It provided comprehensive information about each herb, including their characteristics, unique properties, and the differences between them.
Although the book was vast and rich in detail, Aurelius realised he didn't have enough time to read it thoroughly.
So, he skimmed through it to gain a basic understanding of herblore before moving on.
Next, he found a book on "Alchemy." This book went beyond just the creation of pills that aid in cultivation.
It described alchemy as a profound Dao, or path, that could assist in reaching the pinnacle of one's abilities.
Alchemy was not just about concocting pills; it was a comprehensive discipline that could aid in breaking limitations, enhancing combat abilities, and more.
The versatility and depth of alchemy fascinated Aurelius.
During his time in the celestial library, Aurelius found a particularly interesting book called "Formation."
This book was all about how to use the natural laws of the universe in different ways.
It explained techniques for things like fighting, causing confusion, creating barriers, and breaking free from various kinds of limits.
The book showed that understanding and using these universal rules could lead to greater knowledge and power, much like the practice of alchemy.
The "Formation" book made it clear that the universe operated on a set of rules, and by learning these rules, one could use them to their advantage.
This could mean manipulating energy for combat, creating illusions to confuse opponents, or setting up protective barriers.
It even covered how to break free from things that might be holding you back, whether they were physical restraints or more abstract limitations.
Aurelius also found other fascinating books in the library. One of these was about "Blacksmithing."
This book wasn't just about hammering metal into shapes; it talked about using special tools to create and destroy things on a cosmic scale.
It described how blacksmiths in the universe could make powerful weapons or artifacts that could have significant effects on the world around them.
The book detailed techniques for forging items that could harness or even alter cosmic energies.
Another book he explored was titled "Taming."
This book covered the art of mastering and controlling various beings and forces within the universe.
It wasn't just about taming animals; it was about understanding and gaining control over different kinds of entities, some of which were incredibly powerful or mystical.
This book showed how one could negotiate, control, or even befriend these entities, which could be anything from spirits to creatures of cosmic significance.
As Aurelius immersed himself in these fascinating subjects, he lost track of time.
Before he knew it, the moment had arrived for him to make his choice in the reincarnation process.
His exploration of the celestial library had not only expanded his knowledge but also his perspective on the universe and the myriad paths one could take to explore its mysteries.
With this newfound understanding, Aurelius was better prepared to make an informed decision about his reincarnation, choosing a path that resonated with his interests and the insights he had gained.
The moment Aurelius had been preparing for was finally at hand.
The same guard who had initially escorted him through the underworld now approached him once more.
Aurelius offered a greeting, to which the guard solemnly replied, "The time has come for us to go to the reincarnation hall."
Aurelius, mentally ready for this pivotal step, responded, "I am prepared. I have spent much time in contemplation and learning."
The guard nodded and placed a reassuring hand on Aurelius's shoulder. In an instant, they were whisked away on their journey to the reincarnation hall.
Their journey was a breathtaking experience.
They moved through stunning vistas that seemed to stretch across the very fabric of the cosmos.
Each view was more awe-inspiring than the last, like scenes from a dream or a tale of fantasy.
The landscapes they passed were alive with celestial colors, shifting and blending in ways that defied earthly logic.
They saw towers crafted from crystals that caught the light, scattering rainbows across the ethereal terrain.
The plants they passed were unlike any terrestrial flora.
They glowed softly, casting a serene light over their surroundings.
These radiant plants added an element of tranquility and beauty to the journey, their luminescence painting the path in an otherworldly glow.
Aurelius was captivated by the diversity of these celestial plants.
Each one seemed to hold its unique secret or power.
He also saw rivers that flowed not with water, but with a substance like liquid light, pulsing with the very life force of the universe.
Above, in the skies, celestial creatures glided gracefully.
These beings, with wings that sparkled like the night sky, moved with a purpose and elegance that was mesmerising.
Watching them, Aurelius felt an overwhelming sense of peace and connection with the universe.
It was as if these creatures were guardians of the celestial realm, embodying the spirit of the cosmos.
After an hour of traveling at an incredible speed, Aurelius and the guard arrived at the reincarnation hall.
The hall's exterior was awe-inspiring, showcasing the artistry of celestial design.
It was decorated with complex symbols and paintings that seemed to capture the essence of the cosmos, each mural telling a story of life, death, and rebirth.
As they entered the hall, Aurelius was immediately struck by the sight of a grand, rotating disc in the center of the room - the reincarnation disc.
Hovering above the disc was a brilliant white light, which appeared to split the very fabric of the cosmos, revealing a mesmerizing array of colors at its core.
This was the reincarnation disc Aurelius had read about in the library.
It was a powerful cosmic device that played a crucial role in determining the fate of souls.
When a soul was placed upon the disc, it would spin rapidly, and the process of selecting the specifics of their next life would begin.
The dazzling array of colors above the disc would then coalesce into a single hue, indicating the race or form that the soul would take in its next incarnation.
The beauty and simplicity of the process, coupled with its ancient cosmic origins, left Aurelius in awe.
The mechanism seemed to operate beyond the bounds of time, an eternal dance of destiny.
In one part of the room stood a large, complex machine that resembled a control center.
This, Aurelius realized, was the operational heart of the reincarnation process, a place where the intricate workings of cosmic energies were managed and directed.
The guard led Aurelius towards the minister of reincarnation, who was responsible for overseeing this sacred process.
The guard informed the minister that Aurelius had been granted the exceptional privilege of choosing his own path of reincarnation.
The minister, tasked with overseeing the reincarnation process, looked closely at Aurelius and asked, "Are you familiar with how reincarnation works?"
Aurelius, feeling prepared from his time spent in the library, replied with confidence, "Yes, I understand the process. To undergo advanced reincarnation, I'll need to use my positive merit points, which I am ready to do."
Satisfied with Aurelius's response, the minister guided them to a special room equipped with a large interactive screen.
Here, Aurelius would make his significant decision about his reincarnation.
Standing before the screen, Aurelius was presented with a wide array of choices.
The options included beings from various realms and species, some of which were the stuff of legends and folklore.
There were humans, demons, fairies, devils, primordials, celestials, gods, and many more.
While the prospect of choosing a powerful or exotic race like primordial was tempting, Aurelius reflected deeply on his learnings from the library. After careful consideration, he chose to be reincarnated as a human.
His choice wasn't just influenced by his past life as a human.
Aurelius understood that choosing the human race required fewer merit points than other races.
This realisation led him to prioritise selecting a better talent or ability over a more powerful race.
It was a strategic decision, balancing the cost of merit points with the potential benefits of his next life.
In the pivotal environment of the reincarnation hall, Aurelius stood at the crossroads of his future life.
The interactive screen before him was the gateway to his new existence.
With a decisive touch, he selected "Human" from the myriad of options.
Immediately after his selection, a new panel emerged on the screen, asking him to choose the realm of his birth.
The options were the Spiritual, Divine, and Primordial realms.
Each choice came with its own set of implications and required a different amount of merits for entry.
Aurelius, recalling a crucial piece of information from a book he had read in the library, chose the Spiritual realm.
The book had mentioned that to achieve the highest level of cultivation and supremacy, one must start their journey in the Spiritual realm.
Although the book didn't specify the reasons, Aurelius trusted this guidance.
After selecting the Spiritual realm, the screen prompted him with the next choice: the type of family he would be born into.
The options ranged from the most prestigious to the more common: Hidden King families, Ancient families, Mortal Emperor families, Mortal King families, Lord families, Noble families, and Commoner families.
Reflecting on his goal to walk the path of supremacy and the need for ample resources to support this journey, Aurelius chose to be born into one of the Hidden King families, the highest tier available.
He understood that a family of such stature would provide him with the resources and environment conducive to pursuing the highest levels of cultivation.
Following this decision, the screen presented him with another subsection: to be born into the main family or a branch family.
Aurelius opted for the main family, recognizing the additional benefits and opportunities that this choice would afford him in his quest for supremacy.
Each selection Aurelius made was a strategic step towards shaping a life that would offer him the best chance of achieving his ambitions in the realm of cultivation.
With his choices now made, Aurelius awaited the next phase of his journey, ready to embark on a new life path armed with the wisdom and experiences of his past and the knowledge he had gathered in the celestial library.
As Aurelius delved deeper into the process of shaping his future existence, the screen before him transformed, revealing a new set of options that would define his cultivation journey.
He was now at a crucial juncture, where he would choose the talents that could either elevate him to great heights or become his downfall in a world governed by the unforgiving rule of survival, where only the strongest or the most talented thrive.
The screen listed various types of talents: Evolving Talent, Chaos Talent, Primordial Talent, Celestial Talent, God Talent, Spiritual Talent, and Mortal Talent.
Each of these talents offered different paths and potentials in the harsh world of cultivation, where the untalented often faded into obscurity or became mere stepping stones for the more gifted.
Among these, Evolving Talent stood out as the most coveted.
It was known for its ability to transcend the limitations and boundaries set by the universe, offering unparalleled growth potential.
After careful consideration, Aurelius chose the Evolving Talent.
He recognized it as a high-risk, high-reward option—while it offered immense potential, failing to develop it at each realm could turn it into a weakness.
Following this pivotal choice, the screen continued to present Aurelius with a series of intricate questions.
He was asked to select his body talent, soul talent, and other factors like luck and providence.
Each selection was made with thoughtful consideration, aligning with his ambitions and the knowledge he had acquired about the cultivation world.
Finally, the screen posed a critical question: whether to retain his memories in his next life.
Understanding the advantage that memories of his past life could provide, Aurelius chose "Yes."
He navigated through these decisions intuitively, selecting options that he believed would support his future goals in the harsh world of cultivation.
As he made his last choice, the screen went blank, displaying only a fast-rotating loading icon.
Time seemed to stretch indefinitely as Aurelius awaited the finalization of his choices.
After what felt like an eternity, the screen lit up again, presenting the outcome of his selections.
Aurelius was informed that his reincarnation would occur in 1.5 million years—a staggering duration that underscored the magnitude of his choices.
After receiving his reincarnation verdict, Aurelius noticed a significant decrease in the golden merits surrounding his soul.
Approximately three-quarters of his accumulated merits had vanished, a direct result of the choices he had made for his next life.
Exiting the room, Aurelius informed the guard about the verdict.
The guard, in turn, relayed this information to the King of Hell.
The King, upon receiving the message, mused aloud, "Ah, he chose to be born in the spiritual realm. The effort to subtly place that book in the library was worthwhile."
He then instructed the guards to take Aurelius to the registration department.
With a stay of 1.5 million years ahead, Aurelius needed to be registered as a resident of the underworld.
Aurelius accepted this next step with a nod, thinking to himself, "Becoming a resident is a good starting point. With 1.5 million years ahead of me, I'll have plenty of time to plan my next moves."
The registration office was an impressive building, its grandeur and intricate designs marking its importance in the underworld.
As Aurelius entered, he was struck by the bustling activity inside.
The hall was alive with demons and devils, all converging to register their identities and embark on various missions.
He observed that this mission hall was a key location in the underworld, where beings could undertake tasks to earn merits, crucial for climbing the underworld hierarchy.
In this hall, Aurelius saw demons and devils interacting with officials, each eagerly submitting requests and receiving missions.
The air was filled with a symphony of voices, a mix of languages and conversations, each being on their own unique path within the cosmic order.
Aurelius was fascinated by this celestial choreography, where the pursuit of merits shaped the destinies of beings in the underworld.
Accompanied by the guard, he made his way to the manager's chamber, where he underwent the ritual of merit extraction.
This process was conducted with cosmic precision, as the manager expertly harnessed Aurelius's merits, a testament to the bureaucratic processes of the afterlife.
After the extraction, Aurelius was issued an identity card.
This card was created through a meticulous process that captured the essence of his soul.
It was not just an identification but a testament to the intricate administrative workings of the underworld.
The card granted Aurelius several privileges, including access to underworld currency, accommodations, specific library floors, periodic access to the soul pool, and a status equivalent to a local denizen.
It was a key to unlocking myriad benefits and opportunities in the underworld.
Holding this card, Aurelius felt the potential for numerous adventures ahead.
His status in the underworld was dynamic, offering him a chance to elevate his position through completing missions.
With the registration process complete, the guard departed, having fulfilled his duty.
Aurelius, now accompanied by an assistant appointed by the manager, began a guided tour of his new environment.
The assistant, knowledgeable about the underworld, explained the significance of various landmarks and the history of the realm.
Aurelius was captivated by the ethereal architecture, where every element was shaped by cosmic energies.
The assistant also explained the underworld's hierarchy and the distinct planes, each with its own laws and diverse inhabitants.
As they moved through the underworld, Aurelius was introduced to the mission hall.
Here, demons and devils registered for missions that, upon completion, earned them merits to elevate their status.
This system, blending cosmic order with individual effort, presented Aurelius with a range of opportunities and challenges.
He realized that his journey in the underworld was not just a waiting period but an opportunity to engage in the celestial narrative, shaping his fate and understanding the intricate balance of the cosmic realm.
