Lord of the Universe

Ch.4 - Ling Zhizun

“Rune? What is that?” Wang Chen had, of course, heard of Runes before—but that was in his previous life. Were Runes in this world the same as the ones he knew back then?

“You don’t even know what a Rune is? Has this world’s knowledge of Runes declined so drastically?” Ling Zhizun snorted.

“How would I know? I’m just someone without cultivation who hasn’t even mastered a single technique,” Wang Chen said with a bitter smile. “But… are Runes some kind of ancient symbols engraved onto certain mediums to enhance their power?”

“So you do know something, huh,” Ling Zhizun said. “Yes. Simply put, Runes are special symbols that carry meaning. Runes are the language of the world. Through Runes, one can communicate with the world itself and unleash all kinds of miracles. However, using Runes requires sacrifice. For example, if you draw a Fire Rune, you can sacrifice your Qi, draw upon the power of fire through the world itself, and release it via that Rune.”

“Runes are the language of the world… that sounds extremely interesting,” Wang Chen nodded. “So there’s a Rune inside my body?”

“Yes, exactly. Someone born with a natural Rune within their body is extremely rare. People like that usually possess special abilities, or at the very least have a natural talent for creating Runes. However, as I said before, using Runes requires sacrifice. For those born with Runes in their bodies, the Rune will continuously absorb energy from its host, causing their body to weaken and preventing them from cultivating. But once the Rune has received sufficient sacrifice, it will activate, and that power will be returned to its owner.”

Ling Zhizun had been able to sense the Rune inside Wang Chen’s body earlier. That was why he had called out to him—he was intrigued by this young man.

Yet despite having a Rune within his body, Wang Chen had been regarded as trash by his family. This meant that the family either possessed no knowledge of Runes at all—or perhaps this entire world’s understanding of Rune arts had declined to the point where such things were no longer recognized.

“So that means… I’m actually a heaven-defying genius?” Wang Chen pointed at himself, his face filled with excitement.

“Heh. Don’t jump to conclusions too quickly. Not everyone born with Runes possesses extraordinary talent. It depends on the type and number of Runes. Unfortunately, I can’t examine them right now, so I don’t know how high your talent truly is.”

“At the very least, I know I’m not trash who can’t cultivate,” Wang Chen said, clenching his fist as Qiao Yue’s beautiful face appeared in his mind.

If he gained cultivation, he would take Qiao Yue away from this city and live quietly with her in a village—peaceful and free.

‘But I’m actually quite certain this boy has exceptional talent. I can sense more than one Rune within his body,’ Ling Zhizun laughed inwardly. ‘Who would’ve thought I’d find such talent in a small city like this? Even better—it means I can pass on my inheritance.’

“Very well, Wang Chen. I am a Grand Rune Master. In the past, I was the greatest Rune expert in the world. Unfortunately, due to certain circumstances, I died—but I managed to preserve the remnants of my consciousness within this ring. If you wish to become a great cultivator, then become my disciple.”

Wang Chen fell silent for a moment. He didn’t know who Ling Zhizun truly was, nor whether he was telling the truth. But one thing was certain—he needed him if he wanted to cultivate.

So…

“Wang Chen greets Master!” Wang Chen clasped his hands respectfully after placing the black ring on the table.

“Hahaha! Good, very good. That was an excellent decision. In that case, I’ll give you one piece of advice—”

Ling Zhizun suddenly fell silent, causing Wang Chen to frown in confusion.

“Master? What is it?”

“Wang Chen, you must leave this city as soon as possible.”

Ling Zhizun’s words made Wang Chen knit his brows tightly.

“What’s going on, Master? How am I supposed to flee when I don’t even know what’s happening?”

“I sense something extremely dangerous approaching—a massive beast tide that will destroy this city.”

“Beast tides happen quite often. The Wang Family will surely be able to deal with it.”

“Wang Chen, I know you have many doubts. But for now, go south. This beast tide will come from the north. Stay there at least until the sun sets. If the attack doesn’t happen, you may return.”

Wang Chen fell silent, carefully considering his words. Ling Zhizun sounded extremely serious—there was no hint of joking. If this was true, then staying here would be incredibly dangerous. He had no cultivation and would certainly die. And if he followed Ling Zhizun’s advice, there was no risk at all.

There was no harm in listening.

“Alright. But I’m taking Xiao Yue with me.”