He found it difficult to accept such a turn of events, so he couldn't help but ask again, "How could this happen?"
"Since the Ice Emperor has been reincarnated for so long, why did he awaken precisely now?"
Lan Xiuya replied, "I'm not entirely sure of the specifics, but I can confirm that something significant is about to occur."
"After all these years, the Sacred Dragon has never had a successor, yet just now you inherited it."
"Haven't you ever considered why it had to be you?"
Wu Tian was stunned. He felt that Lan Xiuya's words made sense.
At this moment, both the Sacred Dragon and the Celestial Phoenix had found their successors, and the Ice Emperor was beginning to awaken. It all seemed like preparations were being made.
In a daze, Wu Tian's mind flashed back to scenes he had witnessed before.
The great battle many years ago, the sky and earth darkened, rivers of blood flowed, and the entire world seemed on the verge of annihilation.
Could it be... that such a thing was about to repeat itself?
Seeing Wu Tian fall silent, Lan Xiuya continued, "Don't overthink it. While these matters are crucially linked to you, they are not relevant to your current self."
"You haven't ascended to immortality yet. Once you do, you'll discover that immortals aren't as overwhelmingly powerful as you might imagine."
"In this world, there are many beings that surpass the realm of immortals."
"Therefore, as the Child of Destiny, you must strive harder."
"If you cannot control the energy of the Sacred Dragon, it could spell disaster for this world."
"Come find me after you ascend to immortality. I will have a gift for you then."
"With your talent, I believe that will happen very soon."
Wu Tian felt a chill run down his spine.
Suddenly, the burden on his shoulders felt much heavier.
Although the matters Lan Xiuya spoke of seemed distant, they were destined to be experiences he would have to go through.
But he just wanted to be a simple village doctor!
How had his life changed so drastically in just two years?
He couldn't understand, he truly couldn't understand...
However, despite the immense pressure he felt, Wu Tian had no other choice.
Since this responsibility had fallen upon him, what else could he do but face it? He couldn't be a coward, could he?
He nodded and said, "I understand. I already possess an immortal root, and I will definitely step into the immortal realm as soon as possible."
"You already have an immortal root?"
Lan Xiuya seemed surprised. "As expected of the Child of Destiny, to have obtained the crucial item so quickly."
"It seems the hope placed upon you is indeed trustworthy."
"I will wait for your arrival here. You will surely be pleased with the gift I prepare for you."
Wu Tian nodded again, then looked at Zhou Qian and asked, "According to your estimation, when will Zhou Qian fully awaken?"
Lan Xiuya shook her head. "It's hard to say. She might awaken tomorrow, or she might not awaken for another hundred years."
"This is not something I can decide; it all depends on Lord Ice Emperor himself."
"Is that so," Wu Tian continued, "then after awakening, will Zhou Qian retain her own consciousness, or will it be the Ice Emperor's consciousness?"
Lan Xiuya shook her head again. "I'm sorry, I cannot answer that question either."
"Because this is my first time witnessing the awakening of a reincarnator, and there are no prior cases for me to reference."
"I know what you're worried about, but even if the Ice Emperor's personality awakens in the end, there's nothing we can do about it, is there?"
"Zhou Qian is destined to awaken. All we can do is wait patiently."
"Whatever the outcome, it will be what it will be."
Wu Tian fell silent, but his eyes grew somber, filled with worry.
Given his feelings for Zhou Qian, he certainly didn't want her to be involved in such matters.
But since things had come to this point, there was nothing he could do but accept it.
He just hoped that Zhou Qian wouldn't turn into someone else.
After all, that would mean Zhou Qian no longer existed, and only the Ice Emperor remained.
The more Wu Tian thought about it, the more anxious he became, feeling a slight pang in his heart.
After a moment of silence, he shifted his gaze and walked directly towards the stairs.
Even though he didn't want this to happen, as Lan Xiuya had said, he could only take things one step at a time.
Rather than worrying about answers that might take a long time to obtain, it was better for him to improve his strength as soon as possible.
He walked up the steps, one by one.
His steps had been light on the way up, but now, each step felt heavy.
Upon returning to the ground, Wu Tian did not linger at the Xuanbing Sect and soon descended the mountain.
The next day, he returned to the county town. After briefly explaining the situation to Bai Ruoqi, he went to Zhou Qian's home.
Wu Tian naturally wouldn't tell the truth to Zhou Qian's parents, who were completely unrelated to spiritual cultivators.
He made up a casual excuse to get by.
Zhou Qian's parents trusted his words implicitly and didn't ask many questions.
Afterward, Wu Tian returned to Peach Blossom Village and rested peacefully for two days.
However, this so-called peaceful rest wasn't entirely peaceful.
After all, what had happened at the Xuanbing Sect was too shocking, completely overturning Wu Tian's imagination.
Matters concerning spiritual cultivators were always so complicated.
Every time he thought he knew enough, something new would emerge, making him feel as if he were dreaming.
His mind was consumed with thoughts of improving his strength, but the competition at the Divine Doctor Sect was only three months away.
To reach the immortal level of cultivation in such a short period seemed impossible.
"What should I do now?"
Wu Tian lay on his bed and couldn't help but sigh.
Tossing and turning, Wu Tian's mind felt muddled.
He decisively jumped out of bed, intending to go for a walk and clear his head.
If he kept dwelling on these matters, he felt he would go mad.
It was almost summer, and the weather was at its best.
Wu Tian walked along the village paths, looking around, and his mood indeed improved.
But just then, his phone rang.
He took out his phone and saw it was Wang Yuhe, the granddaughter of the esteemed Doctor Wang. He answered the call.
"Hello, Yuhe, what's wrong?"
On the other end, Wang Yuhe's voice was urgent. She blurted out, "Wu Tian, where are you? My grandfather is in trouble!"