The moment Fang Senyan’s fingertip brushed against the Celestial Bead, he felt an indescribable sensation, as if he were touching human skin rather than an artifact.

Yet, having witnessed too many bizarre occurrences, Fang Senyan had no intention of retreating. His fingertip pressed further, slowly closing around the Celestial Bead.

The bead’s formerly scalding surface had cooled to a temperature akin to human body heat. This gave Fang Senyan an even stranger feeling: that this object possessed an internal pulse and heart, and it was beginning to resonate and synchronize with his own heartbeat and breath.

The sensation was novel and peculiar. As the bead’s resonance reached a certain pitch, this wonderful feeling peaked and stabilized. Fang Senyan felt a momentary illusion of losing control, akin to closing his eyes on a starry night while lying on a lake as smooth as glass, able to distinctly feel every minute tremor around his body.

However, Fang Senyan immediately realized the so-called loss of control was merely an illusion; he instantly perceived that as long as his will permeated outward, his body responded without hesitation to his thoughts.

“Do not move,” a faint voice suddenly drifted close to Fang Senyan’s ear. The faintness did not imply weakness; on the contrary, the voice was calm yet imbued with immense power. It merely sounded distant, separated by the vastness of time and space.

This voice carried an indescribable majesty, as if whatever he uttered was absolute authority! Whatever he spoke was truth!

“Hmm, I truly didn’t expect to find someone whose constitution could barely resonate with mine.”

The calm voice continued. Seemingly knowing Fang Senyan’s thoughts, he explained, “My body possesses a very special constitution. I once traversed the Nightmare Space and successfully emerged. You must have heard of resonance—the phenomenon where two objects with identical vibrational frequencies, when one vibrates, can cause the other to vibrate, even without physical contact.”

“The theory behind our communication stems from this. Because our constitutions are similar, resonance is possible. Then, using the magnetic force contained within the Celestial Bead you hold, amplified by centuries of accumulated will and devotion burning as fuel, this resonance is magnified millions of times, allowing conversation across the barriers of planes. You should notice now that the aura surrounding one of the thirty-six beads composing the Celestial Bead has vanished, correct? This signifies that the accumulated Vows and Karma within it have been exhausted. When the auras of all thirty-six beads disappear, our conversation will conclude.”

Hearing the calm voice, a massive wave of shock surged through Fang Senyan! Someone who had successfully navigated the Nightmare Space!! How unbelievable that was. Yet, judging by the speaker’s tone, he seemed entirely unconcerned, perhaps even dismissive of the notion of lying! Given the limited time, Fang Senyan took the initiative: “Senior, I heard you can make someone the ultimate MT?”

“Haha, the ultimate MT? That’s much easier said than done. Moreover, I must correct you: I cannot create a person. After leaving that space, at best, I am only slightly stronger than an ordinary man. The help I can offer you is only experience—the experience of starting from scratch, fighting through life and death.”

Fang Senyan remained silent for a moment, then abruptly asked, “Please forgive my directness, but I must ask: what is your motivation for doing this?”

The voice on the other end burst into laughter. “You can interpret it as an old, bored man wanting to pass something down. Since the things I possess cannot be borne by those around me, I chose this method. What do you think I could possibly do?”

Fang Senyan remained silent, seemingly accepting the explanation, then spoke sincerely, “I was wrong, Senior. Please, guide me.”

The other voice pondered for a moment, then slowly said, “Judging by your physical condition, you’ve managed quite well; you possess a solid foundation. So, first I must ask you: what is your ambition? Do you wish to be an MT who sweeps across the battlefield, unstoppable and commanding, or an MT capable of tanking every single attack from the most powerful BOSS?”

Clearly, the voice’s response startled Fang Senyan: “Is there a difference between those two, Senior?”

“Of course, and the difference is vast. The essence of an MT is to lure the enemy into pouring more attacks onto oneself, clearing space for teammates to operate. As long as this objective is achieved, the means employed can be utterly extreme, even leading to the development of the Offensive MT.” The mysterious voice explained these arcane details fluently, as if reciting treasured family recipes.

“Offensive MT?” Fang Senyan could hardly believe it. Strictly speaking, Fang Senyan possessed a degree of capability that resembled this unheard-of MT; his burst damage was astonishing, but it certainly wasn't enough to draw the aggression of all enemies.

However, the voice in his mind carried an inherent, unquestionable charisma. Fang Senyan chose to believe him and made his choice: “If I must choose, I will lean toward the battlefield type, as I have already provoked an exceedingly terrifying adversary whose strength is unfathomable.”

“Understood,” the voice stated crisply. “There is no such thing as a free lunch in this world. What you wish to gain is directly proportional to what you must pay. The only thing I can do is set you on the correct path. Are you psychologically prepared?”

Fang Senyan responded seriously: “That is perfectly fair and logical. Please point me to the entrance of that path.”

The voice was direct: “I advise you to take out paper and pen to record what I say next, because a single misplaced word could cost you your life without any reward. Listen closely now: starting immediately, you must travel with utmost speed to Pokhara City in Nepal.”

“There, you will need a guide, as you must follow the route used to climb the Annapurna South Face, reaching a place called Hani Kulik Terrace. This location was likely used as a sky burial site. On the Hani Kulik Terrace, there is a very distinct rock known as Baima Gabu. Its shape resembles a lotus, and its color is markedly different from the surrounding stones.”

At this point, the voice paused, then suddenly became ethereal and mysterious: “The entrance to the path you seek lies just beyond the Baima Gabu. Therefore, you must stand atop the Baima Gabu, face the cliff ahead, and jump bravely. Remember this: only by choosing unconditional faith in me can you attain true power!”

Hearing that final sentence, an involuntary chill ran through Fang Senyan—the icy coldness that symbolized death.

If his memory served him right, Annapurna stood at 8,091 meters, the tenth highest peak in the world. However, it was most famous for its terrifying danger. Its southern flank featured Machapuchare, whose peak split into two, resembling a fish tail, hence the name. Despite its peak being only 6,607 meters, it remained unconquered!

If Fang Senyan recalled correctly, the location of the Baima Gabu was at an altitude of at least six thousand meters! To jump off from such a height????

“Hello? Hello??” Fang Senyan was about to press for clarification, but he realized the resonance within his body had vanished at some point, and the voice had already gradually faded away!

On another plane of existence, in Tibet, China, atop Mount Cho Oyu (meaning ‘Great Master’ in Tibetan), a magnificent complex of buildings sprawled across the snowy mountains. Anyone witnessing such a scene could immediately recognize the surrounding topography: this was the Lama Temple—the ‘Ruin’—where she had obtained that string of prayer beads. But in this parallel world, it was thriving and prosperous.

In the core building of this complex, a window stood open, the brilliant sunlight streaming through it, illuminating the face of a middle-aged Lama in what seemed like an act of adoration. In his hand, he clutched a string of Five-Eyed Celestial Beads identical to the one Fang Senyan held.

A breeze swept by, revealing firm pectoral muscles through the unbuttoned gap of his shirt, adding a touch of wild dominance. His physique appeared even more robust. At this moment, his mixed heritage—Indian and French—was clearly visible in his features. Undeniably, he was a man of mixed race.

The monk stood steadily on the rooftop platform, gazing up at the immensely majestic, winding mountain range. This created an illusion of two colossal peaks facing off—like the grand, serene, and profound Potala Palace looking up at the snow peaks—two equal entities!

A slight, triumphant smile played on his lips: “Undercurrents… they seem to be surging more intensely. While I watch others, those fellows are watching me too, and I can’t rule out them making a move. Very well, I won't believe an inside agent can go this far!”

“Those capable of causing mischief while evading my gaze are likely direct agents of that man, or perhaps even the man himself. Fine. So, if this ‘Sailor’ is an inside agent, no matter how well he conceals himself, his fundamental nature must be suspicious, cautious, and lacking in spirit for adventure or gambling. Therefore, he absolutely wouldn't dare jump! If he jumps, it means he possesses value for future cultivation—at least, it proves his trust in me is deeply rooted. In that case, I ought to grant him some benefit.”