The instant I heard this voice, my expression turned serious.
Although we had communicated and exchanged information through other means before, this direct, face-to-face conversation was the first time since we contended for the Tree of Life.
"Long time no see, Vishi!" I said slowly.
I had previously expected our reunion to be filled with hostility, perhaps even erupting into a fight at the slightest provocation.
However, as we actually met, the situation didn't seem as dire as I'd imagined.
We greeted each other calmly, like old friends meeting after a long absence, even though we both harbored an absolute intent to kill each other.
Yet, in that moment, neither of us revealed it.
"I never expected you to grow to this extent..." Vishi looked at me from above. "It seems you were well-prepared..."
"All of this was merely an accident for me. The reason I could reach this point is because my luck has been exceptionally good..." I replied, my tone calm.
"Luck?" Vishi glanced at me. "Lu Ziye, do you know? For the Shepherd's Power, for the Tree of Life, we've exhausted generations of strength, collected countless data, and conducted innumerable studies..."
"But you, Lu Ziye, have managed to reach such heights purely by luck..." Vishi slowly exhaled. "You make me... so jealous..."
"Some things are destined..." I said. "Just like the fate between you and me..."
"You're right." Vishi spoke. "I believe that after so much time and with the information I provided, you should understand what the Shepherd's Power is, and what the Tree of Life is, right?"
I desperately wanted to nod at this moment. I could wield the Shepherd's Power, but what was the Tree of Life?
Seeing my expression, Vishi paused for a moment, a wry smile appearing on his face. "Lu Ziye... you truly deserve to die... To achieve this without knowing anything, is this truly heaven favoring you?"
"If you're willing to tell me, I'm all ears..." I said.
"If you can defeat me, then I'll tell you," Vishi waved his hand. "I can only tell you one thing: the Tree of Life is of great importance, and it influences far too many things."
"And then?" I asked.
"The Tree of Life absolutely cannot be divided. Only as a complete whole can it unleash its ultimate power and restore its original glory!" Vishi stated.
"In other words, only one of us can exist between you and me..." I said.
"Exactly!" Vishi exclaimed. "And that's why I'm here..."
"Very well... Setting aside everything else, on this matter, we are in agreement," I said calmly.
"I truly don't want to be your enemy. After all, Richard is dead, and we've both reached a divine realm..." Vishi spoke. "There will only ever be the two of us, and always only the two of us..."
"But what's the point?" I smiled. "Our philosophies differ, our ideas diverge, the responsibilities we bear are different, and the paths we must take in the future are also different..."
"Yes..." Vishi said. "So before that, I wanted to discuss something with you..."
"Hmm?" I looked at Vishi. "Discuss what?"
"Actually, during this time, I've been researching how to maximize the use and effectiveness of the Shepherd's Power and the Tree of Life," Vishi said. "One of my research findings showed me that there might be room for compromise between us."
"Oh?" I smiled.
"Indeed!" Vishi exclaimed. "The Tree of Life, when transplanted into a body, can be removed with proper handling, without fatal consequences. The only downside is that you wouldn't be able to use the Shepherd's Power!"
"And then?" I asked with a smile.
"It's simple. You give me the half of the Tree of Life in your body, and I guarantee that all the future prosperity, all the power, all that I possess, I will share with you. We'll each take half!" Vishi said excitedly. "As for the Shepherd's Power... it doesn't matter. You won't have to fight anymore. With just a word from you, no, just a glance, and there will be an army of thousands ready to fight for you!"
"As for your life... I will find a way to maintain it with all my might. Once my objective is achieved, I might even return the half of the Tree of Life to you, and we'll each take half!" Vishi said with urgency. "What do you say?"
"What do I say?" I glanced at Vishi. "What a... good idea..."
"So you'll listen to me, right?" Vishi asked with a smile. "I know, I know..."
"How about we switch?" I smiled. "You give me your half of the Tree of Life, and I can promise you the same things you promised me. What do you think?"
The smile on Vishi's face froze. He straightened up, his tone returning to normal. "So, it seems there's no room for negotiation between us, is there?"
"I suppose so..." I smiled. "I have things I must do. For me, your so-called prosperity and power are of no need..."
"What is there on this deserted island?" Vishi stared at me, his expression becoming agitated again. "You possess such immense power. In the eyes of ordinary people, you are a god, a super-human, an existence far superior to them! Before you, they are fit only to be dogs!"
"Why wouldn't you want to live such a life?" Vishi looked at me. "Money, women, power – with just a word, you can have anything you want. No one dares to defy you, no one dares to show you any disrespect..."
"You are a god!" Vishi's voice rose. "Lu Ziye, tell me, what... what are you thinking?"
Hearing this, I slowly exhaled. "What am I thinking? That's a very good question..."
"You haven't experienced those scenes, you haven't witnessed the tragedy of the past with your own eyes, so you can never truly empathize..."
"That kind of despair from hell, and..." Jiang Bai spoke, "hatred..."
"You also want revenge, don't you?" Vishi asked. "Tell me, and I can help you! Just tell me your enemy!"
I looked at Vishi, my gaze calm, and uttered two words.
"Heavenly Dao!"