Two figures were floating in the pitch-black place. The only source of light in this place was the glowing golden wheel with a Yin-Yang symbol floating behind one of the figures.
One of these two figures was a young man of mixed Asian and American blood in his twenties. His naked body was translucent and hazy because he was just a soul without a physical body.
The other figure was an elder with long white hair. His robes were in tatters as if he had just finished a fight.
"I am sorry, child. It seems that during my fight against a Malevolent Entity, our clash accidentally killed you. Your abnormal death got you kicked out of your universe. We are currently in the void between universes in the vast multiverse," the old man regretfully informed the young man.
"I see," the young man responded calmly. He didn't freak out nor did he display other over-the-top reactions.
He knew that the old man hadn't told him a lie. He remembered that he was on his way home from his workplace when a flash of light suddenly robbed him of his sight and consciousness. After that, he found himself in this place.
After pondering for a while, the young man spoke up, "So, will you reincarnate me to another world?"
The old man shook his head, "Why do you want to be reincarnated in another world? I can resurrect you in your world so that you can continue your life as if nothing has happened, you know."
"Please send me to another world," the young man insisted.
The old man contemplated for a moment. "Are you sure?" he asked the young man.
"Yes." The young man nodded firmly.
"Alright, since you are insisting on being reincarnated in another world, I will grant your request. Moreover, I will give you a boon so that you can live in another world" the old man said.
"I grant you immortality—so long as even one person remembers you, you shall never truly perish."
Immortality.
Was this not the ultimate dream of all cultivators?
The young man felt excited after hearing the old man's words.
His plan was to get reincarnated as a Xianxia protagonist with a strong Plo—ahem, with a strong Fate.
He's a fan of Xianxia stories. Sue him.
If he was reborn as one of those Xianxia protagonists with strong fates, he would let Fate carry him while trying to avoid the pitfalls. He was certain that he could reach the apex of that universe.
"Anyway, let's start with your destination. Do you have any preference about your destination? There are countless worlds in the vast multiverse. Anything you imagine, even the most outrageous imagination, probably exists somewhere there," the old man said.
The young man returned to his senses and nodded. Then, he contemplated for a moment before talking.
"Alright, I want to reincarnate as the main character of a cultivation world that is both vast and as the protagonist of that world and get his memories without being affected by his feelings."
He knew that he would indirectly kill original Hero, but he didn't care. If he gets an opportunity that forces him to sacrifice a stranger, he will always prioritize his own future over the lives of strangers.
He wouldn't lose the flicker of his sleep if a stranger died next to him. He only cares about himself and those closest to him.
He's not a saint. He is a selfish man who wants to have a fulfilling life.
His life has taught him that he must take chances without hesitation. His life was full of ups and downs.
He grew up with loving and supportive parents, but they unexpectedly died in a car crash when he was in the second semester of college.
Following that, he dived into the harsh reality unprepared. He worked as a laborer in a warehouse to support his life.
It was a harsh, demanding, and unfulfilling life. At least, the hookers he rented occasionally and the internet made his life more bearable.
His reason to get reincarnated in the world of Xianxia was that he'd like to binge-read the novels and was a avid fan of those.
His main priority was to have a fun, satisfying life. Not fixing the problem in that universe.
He wanted to get a harem!
The old man waved his horsetail whisk and sent a stream of light from his horsetail whisk towards the young man's forehead.
Just as his soul was dissipating, "Thank you for granting my selfish requests." the young man lowered his head in gratitude.
"Don't be too polite. In the first place, your death is my mistake. Anyway, I will send you to your destination."
"Okay. I'm ready."
A light suddenly covered the young man. Then, the light brought the young man somewhere, leaving a trail of light like a comet.
Left alone, the old man watched the young man until the light disappeared.
A moment later, the old man also disappeared.
Stillness returned to this small part of the vast void of Multiverse.