Btth: Tie Xiao Xun'er at the beginning and get ten times feedback

Chapter 683: The Curse

The black clad girl softly uttered her name, Mandala, leaving Xiao Ze surprised yet not entirely unprepared.

Initially, Xiao Ze had speculated that individuals with such a unique appearance might not be uncommon in the vast Great Thousand World. While their numbers could potentially be in the millions, those whose power exuded such intense pressure, enough to make him feel threatened, were far fewer.

Only Earth Sovereigns or Heaven Sovereigns, those at the pinnacle of strength, could evoke such a sense of overwhelming danger. In the Great Thousand World, such figures were undeniably rulers in their own right. On weaker continents, they could command vast territories, ruling over billions.

Despite the seeming abundance of Earth and Heaven Sovereigns in later stages of The Great Ruler, the reality was starkly different. Among the countless living beings in the Great Thousand World, the odds of such powerhouses emerging were astronomically low.

"Senior Mandala, may I now know what assistance you require? If it is within my abilities, I will give my all to help," Xiao Ze said earnestly.

Mandala nodded slightly, her tone soft.

"I can sense that you may possess the power to aid me, though whether it will truly work remains uncertain."

As she spoke, her calm expression briefly contorted with pain. It was fleeting, yet sharp enough to draw Xiao Ze's attention.

"Senior Mandala?" he asked, concerned.

Mandala hesitated, her golden eyes reflecting doubt. Though they had not known each other long, Xiao Ze's earlier actions had shown sincerity. Still, trust was hard to come by, even for someone of her stature.

Seeing her reluctance, Xiao Ze's tone grew solemn.

"Senior Mandala, I, Xiao Ze, am not one to repay kindness with betrayal. From the moment you guided and protected me in this unfamiliar world, I owed you a debt. Regardless of your motives, your aid has been invaluable."

"I understand it may be difficult to trust someone you've only recently met. But I swear upon the path I pursue I harbor no other intentions but to repay your kindness."

Mandala's golden eyes flickered, as if she were weighing his words. Finally, she gave a small nod.

"Do not resist. I will take you to my cultivation grounds."

Before Xiao Ze could respond, Mandala's small frame blurred, appearing before him in an instant. Placing her delicate hand on his shoulder, she enveloped them in a glow of spiritual energy. The two figures shot off into the distance.

Great Luo Heavenly Domain

In mere moments, the spiritual light bypassed numerous guards and barriers, reaching a secluded hall deep within the domain. The light dissolved, revealing Mandala's petite form and Xiao Ze's tall, white robed figure.

Mandala landed gracefully on a throne at the center of the hall, her golden gaze fixed on Xiao Ze.

As she observed him, a flicker of emotion passed through her otherwise serene demeanor. For countless years, Mandala had been afflicted by a curse so agonizing that even her incredible strength offered no solace. She spent most of her time in deep slumber, awakening only when necessary.

Yet recently, a faint sense of opportunity had stirred her from her rest. Following the trace, she had discovered Xiao Ze. The unique energy within him seemed capable of suppressing her curse.

"My curse is one that brings unending torment, a fate worse than death," Mandala said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"It causes constant, unbearable agony. Even a Nine Rank Sovereign would be driven to madness, their soul scattering under such relentless suffering."

Hearing this, Xiao Ze's expression turned grave. A curse that could torment someone of that caliber was unimaginable.

In the Great Thousand World, Xiao Ze's strength now comparable to an Eight Rank Sovereign was impressive but lacked the might of those who wield Sovereign Celestial Bodies or sacred artifacts.

Even so, his potential, rooted in the Origin Tree, promised exponential growth. Once its energy fully assimilated into spiritual power, he believed he could rival or surpass Nine Rank Sovereigns.

Mandala's curse, however, was an entirely different matter.

As Mandala explained her condition further, Xiao Ze began to grasp the gravity of the situation. After a moment of contemplation, he extended his hand, summoning a golden flame that flickered with radiant, multicolored light.

"This is the Origin Heavenly Flame, one of my most potent abilities," Xiao Ze said.

"Could this be the power you sensed, Senior Mandala?"

Before arriving in the Great Thousand World, Xiao Ze had fully unleashed the Origin Heavenly Flame in a desperate bid to survive the spatial storm. It was plausible that residual traces of this flame had drawn Mandala to him.

Mandala's golden eyes widened, the sight of the flame leaving her visibly shaken.

"A divine flame…" she murmured.

She stepped closer, staring intently at the Origin Heavenly Flame. Even at a distance, its aura exuded unparalleled might, as though it could incinerate the very heavens.

"To think someone from a lower plane possesses such a powerful flame. If this flame is truly under your control, then you may be able to help me."

She paused, a faint smirk tugging at her lips.

"At least my investment of a million drops of Supreme Spiritual Liquid wasn't wasted."

Xiao Ze blinked in surprise. A million drops? He had sensed the immense energy she provided during his spiritual assimilation, but to hear the exact amount left him stunned.

Supreme Spiritual Liquid was a rare and coveted resource, with a single drop taking a First Rank Sovereign a month to refine. Yet Mandala had poured a fortune into aiding him.

"You truly spared no expense, Senior," Xiao Ze remarked, his tone tinged with admiration.

Mandala chuckled lightly.

"Of course. But I didn't expect much from someone who ascended from a lower plane."

Her comment gave Xiao Ze pause. Though she had helped him, her words carried a subtle condescension. Was this how the Great Thousand World viewed ascendants?

Still, he remained composed. If the Origin Heavenly Flame could alleviate Mandala's suffering, it was an opportunity to repay his debt.

"Senior Mandala, please tell me how I can help. I will do my utmost to fulfill your request."

Thank you for the support, friends. If you want to read more chapters in advance, go to my Patreon.

Read 20 Chapters In Advance: patreon.com/johanssen10.