Master of Strange Dao

Yu Ziqing examined Gou Dan, satisfied with his response.

However, he still felt something was off. The Qingping of the past definitely wouldn't have been like this, so is he still Qingping now?

The most fundamental thought patterns have changed, yet he still possesses the memories of the past—so is he still himself?

Of course, these questions may not matter to others, including the current Gou Dan.

Those who know, if they want to kill him, will not hesitate.

Only Yu Ziqing will ponder these things, and he does so solely to perfect his own cultivation.

In the eyes of regular cultivators, there's only the simple composition of the physical body and the Divine Soul.

But for Yu Ziqing, he has dissected many strong Divine Souls.

He has also encountered many former deities.

The physical body is the external manifestation, very important, while the Divine Soul is the internal manifestation.

On a deeper level, there are instinct consciousness, self-awareness, memory, and thought.

Yes, now there's thought as well, which Yu Ziqing believes is also a foundational component, not just enveloped within.

The Gou Dan before him changed from the most fundamental thought.

Even if consciousness remains unchanged, even if memory remains unchanged, he is definitely no longer the Qingping of before.

As for instinct consciousness, it was verified on Ruan Renwang, who long lost self-awareness, already extinguished.

But her instinct consciousness would still prompt her to act on instinct, make certain choices.

For instance, not merging Li Qiu's imprint, being stimulated by words to rescue Yu Ziqing.

Yu Ziqing still hasn't figured out if these key components are parallel or subordinate relationships.

He gradually summarized these in the process of researching his own judgment abilities.

Regarding the score division of judgment, he currently only has a broad categorization, needing a more thorough, more detailed division.

Because the power derived from a sixty-point judgment reaches only the Ninth Tier Peak, which is clearly insufficient given the current situation.

Or rather, not quite enough as a safety choice.

Initially, just triggering judgment would mean those encountered were basically defeated instantly.

Gradually, it evolved into being able to defeat, able to win, just requiring battle.

Later, it turned into the first strike post-judgment, even a full-force strike wouldn't kill, leaving not even any irreparable after-effects, merely some time unconscious.

The few guys picked up from the Mud Sea of the Muddied World were all like that.

Pure strength and realm are no longer sufficient to cause qualitative change.

Even exposing the Memory Armor directly in front of him for casual observation still yielded the same result.

The main reason might be their severe memory loss.

But Yu Ziqing knows there are surely other reasons too.

So he needs to refine further, delve deeper, in search of ways to increase the judgment score.

Qingping's transformation serves as a reminder.

Yu Ziqing speculates that if he previously had information on Qingping that could complete judgment, it might now be impossible to complete judgment.

Of course, this issue can't be verified, perhaps study further later.

However, for now, Yu Ziqing touched the rusty sword in his embrace, confirming one thing.

This is now Gou Dan, not the original Gou Dan.

He had begun watching Gou Dan from when he was a few years old, observing for ten years, knowing all about Gou Dan wetting the bed as a child but not after he turned ten and grew frail.

With him as a target, he could have drawn his sword long ago.

Yet as Qingping's consciousness revived, the judgment result has changed to not drawing the sword.

Previously Yu Ziqing couldn't confirm whether this indeed meant Qingping was the opponent.

Now he roughly understands the person before him is newly born.

Neither the original Qingping nor the original Gou Dan.

Qingping succeeded after all; to call him a genius is warranted.

His transformation faced significantly less risk compared to Yang's path, and was even more thorough.

The probability of discovery is a negligible small chance.

Very much worth referencing.

Yu Ziqing was lost in thought, and Gou Dan did not disturb him, absorbed in the joy of rebirth.

This joy belongs not only to Qingping but also to the original Gou Dan, who possessed instinct consciousness too.

Similarly, the joy belongs to the current Gou Dan.

That purest emotion has reached the point where anyone can feel it.

Yu Ziqing may even sense it more intensely and clearly than others.

"Why did you choose me?"

Yu Ziqing asked without inquiring whether Qingping had intentionally left an opportunity at the brink of death for him to leave an imprint.

"I know the path I choose will definitely have obstacles I cannot overcome, regardless of any preparations, ultimately exceeding my control.

Rather than purely relying on luck to choose a manner of death, it is better to select within controllable bounds.

Even if I die by your hand, as long as I can open my eyes in my current state and witness this scene, I can accept it.

At least my greatest pursuit was not in vain.

I am loyal to my path, and the path is feasible."

Yu Ziqing nodded, unsurprised as he had guessed this earlier.

Gou Dan looked at Yu Ziqing and bowed slightly.

"This bow is to thank you for letting me witness this scene.

Actually, from a very early time, I had noticed you.