Heavenly Opposers

"I see...."

The Centuriarchs spoke as its eyes left Xiao and gazed deeply into the sky, a multitude of emotions and pasts flashed through its eyes as it gazed back at Xiao as it spoke:

"You're right, Gravewalker. Absolute strength is the only truth in this vast, unforgiving cultivation world. From powerful civilizations to unending beasts that ruled the laws, all of them only stood tall because they had the power that spooked all who wished them harm."

The Centuriarchs stopped for a moment before continuing:

"For time immemorial, be it kindness or ruthlessness, good or evil, Yin or Yang, Truth or Lies, it doesn't matter. What matters is if you have the strength, and if you do, then what you say goes. History was always written by the winner; that was ironically the only truth within the past that stayed the same."

As it finished speaking, mind-boggling silence remained in the space. Xiao stood there without any words as he gazed at the being with power that was far beyond his understanding. He didn't ask nor scream for help, for he felt unworthy of it - favors or demands, and requests can only be done by those who are on the same level.

Xiao understood that deeply, hence he remained in silence. Meanwhile, the Centuriarchs sat there in silence, deeply pondering about something. Within its eyes, Xiao's karma, fate lines, and destiny all flashed, puzzling the being. It finally opened its mouth and spoke:

"Gravewalker, show me your past and your present."

Xiao was startled for a moment by this request, but he shrugged his shoulders and opened himself to the being in front of him. By choice, all his secrets were laid bare. He wasn't afraid, as he knew that the person in front of him was long dead. As for how? Well, it was a gut feeling that kept hitting him. The only thing left of the person was the domain he sat on, while the wisp of the past connected to it by sheer will.

While Xiao stayed silent, the being on the throne looked through Xiao, and the more it saw, the more its eyes twinkled. Finally, a sigh left its mouth as it spoke:

"Xiao, my name is Torex Swordzeit."

Xiao stood there in silence as Torex, who refused to use his name, revealed it. Torex gazed deeply at Xiao before removing the cloak from his face, revealing a ridiculously handsome man with blue hair and eyes that would sweep all women off their feet. A deep pride and arrogance brimmed within him, and all that was and wasn't bowed to him in respect.

"Xiao, in truth, I never hoped to pass my domain to anyone. It was the accumulation of blood, sweat, and tears of the past. But seeing how even the heavenly destiny screwed you over, I wish to pass it on to you."

"What do you mean by saying that the heavenly destiny screwed me over?" Xiao asked with narrowed eyes. While the domain interested him, what drew his attention was the part about being screwed over. Torex chuckled as he spoke:

"You should know about the barriers of Karma and fate. Hence, I can't say much, but you should know that the 'gifts,' rebirth, and power that you are receiving are not something without a cost. The heavens have a use for you, hence they uplifted you. But once you lose your value, everything would come crashing down."

"What should I do?" Xiao asked with narrowed eyes. He wasn't able to hear the name of the one toying with his fate, and he didn't ask for more information, as he knew that he wasn't going to receive it.

"Simply become an 'Irregular' that breaks the bonds of Fate and Karma, willing it to your desires. Though you seem to be partially one," Torex replied.

Xiao's mind churned with several ideas, feeling as if he was gasping for something that was far yet close at the same time. His mind raced for a few more seconds before he spoke again:

"Are there any 'Irregulars' before, and what do you mean I am partially one?"

Xiao asked carefully, not knowing if it would hit upon the laws of causality. Torex nodded as he spoke:

"You aren't the first to be dealt with in such a fashion, Xiao. There have been many before you. Heroes are chosen at the end and beginning of Chaos, but the number that was able to wield fate and causality can be counted on one hand."

"In your first life, everything you should have had was stripped away. I could see that a certain being was hiding his presence while protecting you. With the memories of the future, you have already started to change fate in an unprecedented manner, making you already a partial Irregular."

Xiao's thoughts became much more serious when he heard this. The cultivation world has a huge... huge history that one wouldn't even be able to count, and for only such a small number to exist means that it's extremely hard to accomplish. Even then, he felt more curious about the person who played him to death and the one giving him a chance to redo it all. But the most important question boiled down to why?

Xiao wasn't all that affected by this idea of fate, karma, and all. He was still Xiao, and that hadn't changed. Why should he start throwing tantrums and screaming about something that has happened? It won't change a thing. Torex didn't wait for Xiao to digest it all as he spoke:

"Oh! Also, don't speak of this outside. The only reason I was even able to say this much to you was that you are currently in my domain, which transcends between the known, unknown, and death, making the presence of %$#@ weak."

After saying so, he peered into Xiao with a thoughtful look. Seeing this, Xiao asked:

"What?"

"Nothing, it would seem that you shouldn't have been able to meet me. Even with this bloodline of yours, the chances were too slim. 'They' would never let you meet someone like me who has already peered into some of the secrets of the world. This encounter was one out of pure cosmic misplacement or..."

"Or?"

"Nothing."

Torex shook his head, causing Xiao to look at him suspiciously. But he didn't force it, as Torex had already said much that was enlightening. He now knew that somebody was playing with his fate, and he didn't like it one bit.

"So, boy, take my domain, my greatest creation, and bring forth chaos," Torex spoke with a handsome smile that would fool the devil. But Xiao didn't fall for it and questioned:

"What's in it for you? What do you gain? ... No, what should I do for this power?"

Xiao didn't believe for one second that Torex was doing this out of goodwill. No one would give away his most prized power like this - alive, dead, or surviving consciousness. Torex agreed with a nod:

"You're right; this is not free. As for what I want? Hehehe... it will happen whether I give this power or not. But I would surely tremble with pleasure at the thought that my power would cause harm to those bitches."

Xiao calmly nodded his head, though he didn't fully believe it. For now, he could only accept. What else could he do? Moreover, he didn't show it, but he was trembling with excitement at getting this domain. He was sure that this would make him a nightmare to all his enemies.