Chapter Fifty-Nine: The Deal

"Who exactly are you? What do you do, and why are you hiding within this celestial artifact?"

Although Chu Han believed the object to be a celestial artifact, he remained unconvinced about Jade’s identity. If she could conceal herself within such an artifact, her power must be formidable—perhaps she was even an immortal. If Jade approached him with the intention of seizing his body, that would be disastrous. He had read myths where immortals, facing their demise, would possess the bodies of mortals to prolong their own lives. Even if that was just mythology, he couldn't afford to be careless—since celestial artifacts existed, immortals must exist too, and perhaps body possession was possible as well.

"So many questions," Jade replied with a sigh, "I hardly know which one to answer first. But I haven't deceived you. Knowing my true identity would do you no good right now, and I have no idea how long I've been dead. When I died, this artifact was by my side, so my soul was able to hide within it.

"Moreover, you needn't worry—what you fear, body possession, is impossible. And I am no immortal. At best, before my death, my strength reached half a step into the Heavenly Sovereign realm. As for this artifact, it was merely something I acquired by chance."

Jade seemed resigned, explaining herself slowly. Chu Han nodded to himself in secret. The Thunder Sovereign was also a half-step Heavenly Sovereign, and it appeared he recognized this jade pendant. If Jade was the pendant’s former owner, it was not impossible she’d reached that level of power.

The two fell silent, the air thick with awkwardness.

"Your name is Chu Han, isn’t it?" Jade spoke up first. "I’ve waited so long for my soul to awaken. Though you’re weak now, your potential is good and your foundation solid. Why don’t we make a deal? What do you say?"

There was something in her tone—she seemed to sense Chu Han’s cultivation level and perhaps even read his thoughts. Maybe it was the pendant’s influence.

But Chu Han was not interested in her proposal. As a half-step Heavenly Sovereign, even if only a wisp of soul remained, he couldn’t be sure Jade was powerless. If she harbored any ill intent, his life would be forfeit.

"Don’t be so hasty to refuse. In my current soul state, I truly have no power. Think about it: if I meant to harm you, I would have acted the moment I awoke, rather than wasting time with conversation."

Jade seemed to read his thoughts once again. Chu Han nodded inwardly; she was right.

"Very well, then. What sort of deal are you proposing?"

"I'll help you grow stronger. Though I possess no power now, this celestial jade pendant can be lent to you, and with my experience, you’ll avoid many pitfalls on the path of cultivation. In return, when you become powerful enough, I want you to help resurrect me."

Jade laid out her terms. Chu Han drew a sharp breath—he hadn’t expected her goal to be resurrection. In his two lifetimes, he’d never heard of anyone being brought back after death. But the certainty in her voice left little doubt.

"Rest assured," Jade continued, "since I’m asking for your help to resurrect me, I naturally have a way. But your strength is insufficient; you’ll likely need to reach the Heavenly Sovereign realm to succeed. Still, I have time—I can afford to wait."

Chu Han himself had reached half-step Heavenly Sovereign, and at the very end, before his death, he’d even broken through to the full realm. Yet he hadn’t known resurrection was possible. There was much about the cultivation path he still did not understand.

But Jade’s obsession with resurrection puzzled him—was it simply an unwillingness to die? He doubted it; he had heard seething hatred in her voice, a hatred no less profound than his own toward the Ten Heavenly Sovereigns, a hatred that came from the very soul.

"You’re right," Jade said, as though reading his thoughts. "The reason I wish to return is for vengeance. Since I can survive in this state, it means fate has not abandoned me. I will have my revenge and make those who harmed me pay a terrible price."

Chu Han’s suspicions were confirmed; Jade’s desire for resurrection was driven by overwhelming hatred. With that realization, his worries eased. If she had her own singular purpose, she was unlikely to threaten him. After all, he too had lived on, fueled by hatred and the need for vengeance—and so he understood her motives well.

"Very well, I accept your terms," Chu Han agreed with a nod. Hearing Jade’s words, he realized there was still much he did not know about cultivation, and having an expert like her as a guide could only be beneficial.

At his affirmation, Jade let out a gleeful cheer—nothing like a half-step Heavenly Sovereign, but more like an exuberant child, leaving Chu Han somewhat exasperated.

"For now," Jade said, her spirits high, "you need to compete in the Eastern Wasteland Youth Tournament. You’re at the peak of the Celestial Palace realm, just a step from the Dao Palace. But to avoid damaging your foundation, you must obtain the One-Energy Primordial Pill, which means you have to win the championship.

"As for my identity, don’t dwell on it. I have my reasons for not telling you now—when the time comes, I’ll let you know."

After celebrating, Jade immediately began to lay out a path for Chu Han. He nodded in agreement. As for the tournament title, he was confident victory was within reach.

He had already inquired with the innkeeper about the tournament’s requirements: participants must be under thirty years old and at least at the Other Shore realm. Among his peers, Chu Han was certain he had no rivals; his raw strength had reached one hundred and twenty thousand jin at its peak, far surpassing the usual candidates from the Dao Palace’s third or fourth courts.

Since the tournament would begin the next day, Chu Han set out to register. Jade, meanwhile, entered a deep sleep. From her explanation, if she did not sleep, the artifact would continually draw upon her soul, eventually dissipating her entirely. Thus, she would usually sleep to restore her soul and only awaken when necessary.

It didn’t bother Chu Han—if anything, he was glad for the peace. Jade was a spirited woman; her sleeping meant less distraction for him.

Chu Han left the inn and, having found the registration site, made his way there. Most contestants had already signed up, so the place was nearly deserted.

After completing his registration, he was about to return when a familiar voice called out from behind him: "Brother Chu, you really made it out alive!"

He turned to see a figure rush into his arms, sobbing—the scent was unmistakable. It was Leng Ye.

The fragrance from her made Chu Han feel awkward, given the busy street and all the onlookers; their embrace was certainly ambiguous.

"Um, let’s talk after you get up," he whispered, gently pushing her away. Leng Ye seemed to realize this herself and quickly stepped back, while several people behind her came forward, eyeing Chu Han with open suspicion.

"So this is the man you said saved your life, Senior Sister? He looks pretty ordinary to me."