Ethereal World: Vicious Cannon Fodder's Immortality Road

"Isn’t it clear? You are an ancient spirit, steeped in the wisdom of ages," she mused, floating effortlessly in mid-air and gazing down at the ground below her.

The Ancient Tree Spirit remained silent, a storm of emotions simmering beneath its ancient bark.

"Great One, I must ask, why this fury?" Her curiosity was piqued. Although the spirit had no intention to eliminate her, its relentless assaults inflicted a heavy toll.

"Human, you trespassed in my sacred realm, a haven so forbidden that even Shen Anshuang dared not approach. You’ve unwittingly become the recognized lord of this land, thanks to the spiritual guardian of the Land of Paradise. Its recognition is granted to you because your heart and soul overflow with empathy, wisdom, and understanding. This guardian is willing to shift the very land to merge it with your world. Yet, after millions of years of existence in this paradise, why must I uproot myself to dwell in your realm simply because the guardian has chosen you?" The Ancient Tree Spirit’s voice brimmed with frustration, feeling suffocated by the sudden upheaval.

The realization struck her, the spiritual guardian acknowledged her as its lord?

She glanced at her right wrist. The Abyssal Veil Orchid tattoo glowed with a vibrant purple hue, as if awakening to her thoughts.

"That Abyssal Veil Orchid is the spiritual guardian of this land. Have you wondered why, after shattering the past illusion, you found no Abyssal Veil Orchids by the mystic lake? Because they have merged into one, intertwined with your very essence." The Ancient Tree Spirit’s words resonated, filling the space around her.

"Can’t you perceive your newfound strength? You’re now at the mid stage of Golden Immortal! You have absorbed the spiritual energy bestowed by the Abyssal Veil Orchid, a reward for your resilience against darkness despite your tumultuous past." The Ancient Tree Spirit’s lament morphed into a fervent explanation, an attempt to channel its ire into enlightenment.

This girl, its eye had followed her journey. Those past illusions were not mere fabrications; they reflected her reality. A family shattered, a father tormented, a home engulfed in flames, relatives harmed grievously, her life seemed obliterated time and again, as she was separated from her cherished ones repeatedly. Yet, even after reliving the traumas of her past lives, she did not allow hatred to fester within her.

She loathed her own powerlessness to protect those she loved; she resented the inability that let her enemies ravage her family. Yet, she also learned to release that hate, though it was not her enemies she let go of.

Instead, she shifted her focus away from resentment, raising her gaze towards growth and understanding. She dedicated herself to becoming stronger, soaking in wisdom, and anchoring herself in the present, all to fortify her heart and sharpen her mind, ensuring she would not fall prey to the same missteps.

This girl recognized that emotions like hate, sorrow, and discontent were part of her human experience, yet she refused to allow them to dictate her choices or cloud her present.

Even the Abyssal Veil Orchid, the guardian that had previously acknowledged no one, had come to see the vastness, strength, and sagacity of her heart.

Past memories have an undeniable power over everyone. They form deep impressions, often buried but never quite erased, akin to indelible scars.

For many, the past signals vulnerability; it can be shrouded but never fully cast away, enduring as a reminder of both suffering and evolution. Each person’s history resembles an unfinished manuscript, Chapters that might be disregarded but never entirely rewritten or discarded.

For mortals, immortals, and conscious beings alike, touching upon buried memories can evoke profound emotions, influencing their futures.

Those who transcend their past, nurturing wisdom within their hearts, become capable of soaring to greater heights. In contrast, those mired in their histories risk suffering eternal consequences.

"Thank you, Great One, for sharing your wisdom with me," Shenlian Yingyue expressed with deep gratitude, her heart swelling with determination as she absorbed the Ancient Tree Spirit’s words.

With a gentle touch, she caressed her wrist, honoring the Abyssal Veil Orchid, which had granted her newfound strength. Although it had plunged her into painful memories, visions of her father and brother suffering, it had ultimately solidified her resolve to grow stronger, pushing her to confront the dangers ahead with tenacity.

"I’m curious," the Ancient Tree Spirit mused, a hint of skepticism lacing its tone. "How is it that you carry so much sorrow yet harbor no hatred? You have tasted agony and regret, yet there is no animosity within you."

"At this moment," she replied calmly, "I’ve made the choice to keep negative emotions at bay. There will come a time when I can face those who have wronged me and heal the wounds of my past. But right now, I understand that without power, my feelings hold no weight. I refuse to squander my energy on anger or hatred, those emotions belong to the strong who can act. My focus lies on building my strength, so I may one day have the right to voice my grief."

The Ancient Tree Spirit paused, taken aback by her clarity. It recognized the truth in her words, without strength, one remains powerless, unable to confront adversaries or challenge the injustices they endure. Anger and resentment, while natural responses to weakness, ultimately do nothing to rectify the imbalance.

"You have surprised me," the Ancient Tree Spirit admitted. "Your perspective is unusual; it may resonate with some, while others may reject it. Yet I cannot deny the reality of your mindset, a survival strategy in this unforgiving world. The guardian was correct; you have earned the right to be chosen. Only those who can master their emotions have the potential to wield true power." A sigh escaped from the spirit, a blend of acknowledgment and resignation.

"Just a friendly word of advice, you may yet harness the power of the Abyssal Veil Orchid. You can use its power if you understand it."

"Really, Great One? How can I access this power?" she asked, her eyes widening with excitement. This could be the trump card she needed against her foes.

"Humph! That’s for you to discover," the Ancient Tree Spirit snickered. "The guardian may recognize your talent, but that means little to me! You remain but a feeble ant unworthy of negotiating my dominion over the seasons."

Shenlian Yingyue, "..."

"By the way, Great One," she ventured cautiously, "do you still resent being ’forced’ to come here?" Her sincere inquiry took the Ancient Tree Spirit by surprise, and it immediately grumbled, preparing to retaliate once more.

"Boom!!!"