Chapter 478 The Heavenly World
Chapter 478 The Heavenly World
Fekro was taken aback for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure and said, “Very well.”
Jonathan wasted no time and immediately branded Fekro's cerebral domain with his spiritual element. This mark was imprinted deep into Fekro's cerebral domain, so there was no way for him to refine it. In fact, if he even so much as thought about it, Jonathan would be able to detect such intention.
However, Jonathan refrained from imprinting onto Fekro's divine spirit. After all, the divine spirit represented one's spiritual energy, and if Fekro decided to muster his will to self-destruct his own cultivation, Jonathan would not be able to stop it. Moreover, Jonathan's own spiritual element was only an imprint and nothing compared to the might of Fekro's divine spirit.
However, the situation was different if he imprinted it on other parts of Fekro's cerebral domain.
With a smile, Jonathan turned to Fekro and said, “Welcome to our ranks, Mr. Fekro.”
Fekro smiled back, his mind filled with mixed emotions.
Torrence, however, held reservations about Fekro's allegiance. In a private conversation with Jonathan, he expressed his concerns. “When you asked Fekro to choose the path of certain death, he didn't hesitate even for a moment. I fear his unwavering devotion to Theos leaves him indifferent to his own life. That makes our situation perilous!”
Fully aware of the predicament, Jonathan responded, “I understand your concerns. When I proposed using my element imprint to control him, he showed almost no hesitation. A person who genuinely fears death would be terrified of such manipulation, but not Fekro. From this, it's clear that his allegiance to us is not wholehearted.”
Torrence realized that Jonathan shared his observation, and he couldn't help but be surprised. “In that case, it may be safer to eliminate Fekro altogether.”
Jonathan replied, “Give me a little more time, Torrence. If by tomorrow morning I can't convince Fekro to genuinely join us, then I'll personally take care of him.”
Torrence knew Jonathan was a resourceful individual, and upon hearing this, he said, “I trust your judgment on this.” Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.
“Fekro is vital to our cause. Without him, our team becomes vulnerable to exposure,” Jonathan emphasized.
Torrence sighed. “I understand his significance. It's just unfortunate that...”
He chose not to continue, as repeatedly demoralizing Jonathan with such words would serve no purpose.
That night, Jonathan and the others made camp in a secluded spot.
As they settled into their camp, Jonathan's ability to conjure Fireball allowed them to warm themselves inside the tent.
They had ample provisions, which ensured their hunger and thirst would not trouble them.
A steaming bowl of hearty mutton soup brought comfort, despite its inherent gaminess. In the frigid
weather, it was a delicacy worth relishing.
Jonathan, Fekro, and Torrence sat facing each other, sharing a toast and indulging in some wine. Meanwhile, Yeverie, ever the obedient companion, nestled close to Jonathan.
Torrence sensed Jonathan's intent to persuade Fekro at this moment and was intrigued by the methods he would employ to convince such an individual as Fekro. As the flames danced and cast flickering shadows, Yeverie, weary with the day's happenings, felt her exhaustion grow, and her eyelids became heavy with the desire to sleep.
Suddenly, Jonathan broke the silence. “Fekro, our meeting and this shared moment are the workings of fate. I wish to engage in an earnest conversation with you.”
Fekro raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “What do you wish to discuss?”
Jonathan posed a question. “What drives a human being to live? Torrence, let me ask you first: why do you fight for survival?”
Caught off guard, Torrence faltered for a moment before responding, “Well, that's because I'm alive. I can't possibly seek death when I'm alive, can I? I've not pondered extensively on the purpose of my existence, though.”
Turning his gaze to Fekro, Jonathan pressed on. “What about you, Mr. Fekro?”
Fekro's countenance shifted as uncertainty clouded his features. After a brief pause, he replied, “I—”
Jonathan seized the moment to interject, “Allow me to guess. You once lived to serve Theos,
dedicating your life to her cause and putting Supreme Sect's interests above your own. Am I correct?”
Fekro could only nod in agreement, his eyes locked with Jonathan's discerning gaze.
“That's right!” he said without refuting Jonathan.
Jonathan continued, “Hence, you're currently discontented with your predicament. You neither desire death nor wish to betray your former faith by aligning with me. Theos' influence and Supreme Sect's hold on you are unyielding, correct?”
Fekro's expression faltered as a mixture of bitterness and resignation washed over him. “It seems there is nothing I can hide from you.”
Unperturbed, Jonathan pressed on. “Listen to me, Fekro. While I lack faith, I cherish life and fear death. Death is a desolate path to tread, and its ultimate destination is shrouded in mystery. Have you all ever contemplated what lies beyond the veil of mortality?”
Perplexed, Torrence, Fekro, and even Yeverie struggled to grasp what he meant.
“Mr. Fekro, have you considered what awaits us after someone has died?” Jonathan posed another question.
Fekro faltered, uncertain of his response.
However, Jonathan urged him to speak. “You need not hold back! At this juncture, let us be honest with each other. We have arrived at a moment where honesty is paramount. After all, perhaps you're the one closest to death. In our lives, there are many things we can choose and many more we can regret,
but we only live once. Once we die, there's no turning back. So, this topic is worth discussing as none of us have experienced death firsthand!”
Fekro realized that he couldn't play any of his usual tricks to deceive this astute young man before him. He acquiesced, feeling that a straightforward approach might serve him better. “As disciples of Supreme Sect, we are taught not to fear death. Instead, death leads us to the Heavenly World. It's a realm of tranquility and the happiest place in the world. Since death isn't something that we should fear, we naturally look forward to departing for the Heavenly World at the end of our lives.”
Jonathan smiled slightly before remarking, “The Heavenly World?” After a brief pause, he asked, “Well, how do you envision the Heavenly World in your mind? Can you describe it to me with your imagination?”
Fekro explained, “In the Heavenly World, everything is pure and white. It is a place where hearts are pure, peace and love prevail, and everything is free from conflict.”
“Your vision of the Heavenly World is indeed captivating! I cannot refute your imagination, for I lack knowledge of this realm. In that case, where do you envision the Heavenly World to exist?”
Unaccustomed to contemplating such matters as where the Heavenly World should be, Fekro gazed upward, searching for answers in the sky. He said, “Since it is the Heavenly World, then it must be located up above the sky, I suppose.”
Jonathan sighed inwardly, realizing that Fekro's idealistic notion mirrored the beliefs of ignorant mortals. Blinded by deception, they remained oblivious to the numerical concepts and logical reasoning that eluded them.
“Up above the sky? Do you know the name of this land beneath our feet? It is called 'Earth,' a spherical body adrift in the vast expanse of the cosmos. I can assure you that there is no 'above the sky' as you imagine! The void you perceive above the sky is beyond humanity's reach and control.”
Jonathan paused, contemplating his next words carefully. “Fekro, you need not rush to refute me. Allow me to complete my thoughts. Even if I were to lie, I lack the profound knowledge to fabricate the theories of the universe. You should also understand that as we sit inside this tent, we are mere specks of dust in Moranta. Our perception of the universe, which you refer to as an area 'above the sky,' is limited. It's like looking at the sky from the bottom of a well! I can explain cosmology to you and how these theoretical conclusions have been reached.”
Then, Jonathan explained his warrior background to Fekro. After that, he talked about the historical development of the main world, Newton's theory of universal gravity, the theory of evolution, and the theory of relativity.
He only briefly touched on the history of the main world, focusing more on the structure of the Earth, universal gravity, the Earth's position in the universe, evolution, relativity, and three-dimensional and four-dimensional space.
Jonathan knew that only by making Fekro understand the existence of Earth and the physics of the universe could Fekro comprehend that there couldn't possibly be a 'Heavenly World' above the sky.
Fekro's mind was blown as he absorbed Jonathan's words. Even though he knew about the existence of the main world, he also realized that Jonathan couldn't possibly be lying. The numerous theories and profound knowledge presented to him were not something that could be easily fabricated.
These were theories that had propelled the world's development, and each one had been
accomplished by a great scholar. Therefore, those theories weren't something Jonathan could make up.
Not only Fekro but also Torrence found themselves captivated by Jonathan's words.
Finally, Jonathan stated, “I am a man without faith, but I have dreams. My dream is to attain immortality, traverse the vastness of The Void using my primordial spirit, and explore the mysteries of the universe. I also yearn to know if sentient beings exist on other planets.”
Fekro couldn't help but gaze upward, wishing to pierce through the tent's roof with his gaze and behold the void beyond.
He wanted to see if the Heavenly World was truly there!
Jonathan said, “Fekro, you are forty years old and a mature adult. It is time you understand that every event unfolds with cause and effect. For instance, if I were to strike off your arm, it would bleed, cause you pain, and kindle hatred. This is cause and effect. Similarly, when you consume food, it nourishes your body, but eventually, it needs to be expelled after digestion. Without sustenance, you would starve. When people die, their physical bodies decay while their souls depart. Souls rely on the nourishment of the physical body; without it, they wither and dissipate. As someone with a divine spirit, you have experienced astral projection. If you doubt me, try prolonged astral projection without returning to your physical body and experience the sensation for yourself.”
He continued, “Therefore, your belief in going to the Heavenly World after death is utterly preposterous! Firstly, how can the Heavenly World exist above the sky? Can elemental energy even sustain its structures? Challenge Theos and see if she can keep her palace afloat for long. Isn't it foolish to keep it suspended in the air anyway? Why not construct the buildings on the ground? Secondly, the air above
the sky is thin, and the atmospheric pressure is immense. How could humans endure such conditions? Thirdly, if every believer goes to the Heavenly World after death, think of the countless believers who have passed away over the years. How expansive would this Heavenly World need to be?”