CHAPTER 225: POSSESSION AND REASON

At the garden’s center stood a man in black robes, his back facing Yu Xuan. The robe itself was unlike anything Yu Xuan had ever seen — its fabric rippled like liquid night, and constellations were woven into it, each star shifting and breathing as if alive.

The man’s presence alone distorted the space around him; he didn’t radiate power, yet the world seemed to bend to his existence.

Yu Xuan stopped a few steps away, every instinct screaming that this person was not ordinary.

The man spoke, his voice deep and calm, carrying a strange familiarity.

"You’ve arrived sooner than expected."

Yu Xuan stiffened. That voice...

The man slowly turned around.

And Yu Xuan froze completely, his breath catching in his throat.

It was himself or rather, a version of himself. Older.

His gaze carried warmth, unfathomable wisdom, power — and detachment. The same face, yet not the same man.

Yu Xuan’s heart pounded. For the first time in a long while, he couldn’t form words.

The older version of him, his expression unreadable — looked straight into Yu Xuan’s eyes and said quietly,

"Welcome, me, welcome Yu Xuan... to your own true soul."

***

Yu Xuan and the older version of himself sat face to face across a small round table and between them were two bowls of ice cream.

The surreal serenity of the place, the glowing lotus ocean beneath the night sky and the strangely beautiful flowers — made the scene even stranger.

One would think two versions of the same person meeting would spark destruction... not dessert.

Yu Xuan took a spoonful, tasting it slowly.

"Mhm... you know, for a soul illusion, this ice cream is really good."

The older version of him, calm and mature, smiled faintly, eating a spoonful as well.

"So," Yu Xuan said casually,

"what’s the story behind this space?"

His older self looked at him, gaze serene.

"Do you remember the time we were reincarnated?"

Yu Xuan frowned, tapping the spoon on the bowl.

"Not much. I just vaguely remember some goddess and a headache."

The older version chuckled softly.

"Hmm, that’s true. Before our reincarnation, a lot happened, things your current state of mind couldn’t digest."

Yu Xuan raised an eyebrow.

"Oh, you mean the time we killed that Devouring Demon? Or when that woman from the Fallen Heavens tried to mess with our soul?"

The older version’s eyes flickered with amusement.

"Yes. Some pests actually dared to infiltrate our mind and soul. The least of their punishment should’ve been death. A pity the woman escaped."

Yu Xuan leaned back.

"So what now? You planning to pull the usual trope and say, ’I’m your hidden alter ego who wants to take over your body?’"

The older Yu Xuan nodded calmly.

"Precisely that."

"...What?!" Yu Xuan nearly dropped his spoon.

"Relax." The older one waved a hand.

"You and I are the same entity. I’m the personality that endured isolation before our reincarnation. In time, we’ll merge — or rather, become the True Self."

Yu Xuan blinked, dumbfounded.

"So basically, you’re like an alter ego of mine... but with more work experience?"

The older version sighed.

"That’s one way to phrase it."

He leaned forward, tapping the table lightly.

"You must have noticed your [Soul Strength] always being at maximum — 100 out of 100, even at your current realm. That’s because of our reincarnation. Do you also remember our [Affinity] with the soul?"

Yu Xuan’s eyes widened slightly. "EX grade..."

"Exactly," said the older one. "EX represents something far beyond your comprehension, now. The same applies to your physique and spiritual roots. Only the bloodline hasn’t caught up yet... but it will evolve, in time."

He paused, studying Yu Xuan with a thoughtful gaze.

"By the way, Lingluo’s master said the right thing the ’you now’ is being too passive."

Yu Xuan groaned.

"Don’t tell me you want me to jump into every random fight that comes my way. I’d rather not do that, thanks for your opinion."

"You misunderstand." The older one leaned back, his expression calm but sharp.

"I know exactly how that mind of ours works. I’m not forcing you. But there will come a time when you’ll need to decide — whether to be a piece on the board... or to overthrow the board itself, because this is a Cultivation World."

His voice deepened, carrying quiet authority.

"Choose carefully, Yu Xuan. Because if someone important to us dies due to your hesitation... I will take drastic action. And remember, whatever you feel, I feel too."

A crack echoed. Yu Xuan’s power flared unconsciously — his right eye blazing with blinding white light, his left sinking into abyssal black. The table shattered under his hand.

"PIECE? ME?!" His voice was distorted, almost otherworldly.

The older Yu Xuan only smiled faintly.

’As expected of me.’

"You still can’t wield the true power of your physique. Such potential, wasted..."

He waved his hand lazily, and Yu Xuan’s raging energy instantly stilled.

"You’re nasty," Yu Xuan muttered, slumping back in his chair.

"No," the older one replied evenly.

Yu Xuan exhaled and rubbed his temples.

"Fine, Old Yu. But why now? Why try to possess the body at this exact moment and not before?"

"I can’t answer that," said the older one, his tone flat.

"Think of it as... a restriction. This timing offers an opportunity for power. That’s all you need to know."

Yu Xuan sighed again, half exhausted, half amused.

"Alright. Then what happens to me?"

"You’ll feel everything I experience," the older one said.

"Just as I’ve felt everything you’ve lived."

He raised a hand, and a white throne-like chair appeared beside the table. He motioned toward it. "Sit."

Yu Xuan frowned but sat down anyway.

The older one smirked.

"You never even questioned whether I might have evil intentions to take over your body."

Yu Xuan snorted.

"You’re me. If I can’t trust me, who else can I trust? Now stop being dramatic and finish fast."

The older Yu Xuan chuckled — a low, genuine laugh.

"Still the same brat."

He reached out, placing a hand on Yu Xuan’s shoulder. His body began to dissolve into motes of white and black light, flowing into Yu Xuan’s chest like smoke.

The last thing Yu Xuan heard before his consciousness faded was a whisper — calm, resolute, and energetic.

"Don’t forget, Young Yu. We are one."