Xia Tian, accompanied by Charlotte and Ceilia, finally returned to their grand manor. With a sense of urgency, both Charlotte and Ceilia were swiftly transported to "The Forbidden Gardens," one of the elusive realms encircling his estate.

Amidst the enchanting ambiance of the gardens, they reunited with Isabelle, their excitement fueling their determination for the journey ahead.

Meanwhile, Xia Tian embarked on a solitary path, leading him directly to the hidden sanctum of the Buddha. The transition was swift and seamless, as if he were a wisp of wind passing through an open window.

Upon materializing beside the trio, their reactions were a medley of surprise, awe, and intrigue, each expression telling a different story.

Clad in a black, sleek robe adorned with crimson stripes, Xia Tian bore an ethereal air that set him apart.

As his presence juxtaposed against the chains that restrained the captive Buddha, the stark contrast was emblematic of the struggles that lay ahead.

Buddha, a figure of serene wisdom and tranquility, stood at the heart of the chamber, ensnared by chains that wrapped around his form like tendrils of shadow. These chains, as thick as a man's wrist, were not ordinary bindings. They pulsed with an eerie energy, shimmering with a faint bluish glow that hinted at their mystical origin.

Buddha's attire was a masterpiece of spiritual elegance, draped in robes that seemed to transcend time itself. The fabric, a delicate blend of iridescent silk and ethereal gossamer, flowed around him like a river of moonlight. The colors of his robes were a gentle symphony of pale blues and silvery whites, reminiscent of a tranquil sky just before dawn.

Intricate patterns adorned the fabric, depicting scenes of nature's harmony – blooming lotus flowers, graceful swaying trees, and serene meditating figures. Each stitch and brushstroke carried a deeper meaning, reflecting the wisdom of ages and the interconnectedness of all existence.

The folds of Buddha's robes fell in graceful cascades, pooling around his feet with a grace that seemed to mirror his inner tranquility. Despite the chains that bound him, his posture remained upright and dignified, a symbol of unwavering resilience in the face of adversity.

His aura exuded a sense of peace and enlightenment, drawing the gaze of all those present. Even amidst the enchanting control of Irene and Selene's chains, Buddha's presence radiated a quiet strength that resonated beyond the physical realm.

As Xia Tian observed the scene, he couldn't help but raise his brows by the profound presence of Buddha's appearance, a testament to the unity of body, mind, and soul. 

"Tia—!"

Concealing his surprise, he raised his hand to halt Irene's words, turning squarely to face Buddha. A subtle smile graced his lips.

"Enjoying this, aren't you, baldy?" Xia Tian jeered.

To his chagrin, Buddha remained largely unfazed by the taunt. Normally, Xia Tian would've clicked his tongue in annoyance, but he already understood that conventional tactics wouldn't sway this formidable adversary.
With no expectations, he shielded his emotions from disappointment. Serenely, he motioned for Selene and Irene to undo Buddha's bindings.

Simultaneously, they released the restraints, poised to intervene if a conflict erupted.

As the bindings fell away, Buddha stretched his arms wide. "At last, our paths intersect... The new God of Balance," he intoned calmly, though Xia Tian's knuckles itched with the desire to strike him.

The final words remained unspoken, their resonance only within Xia Tian's ears. A perplexed furrow creased Selene's and Irene's brows – they detected no shift in energy. How, then, were these two communicating?

"I have no interest in engaging with men. So, make it snappy and state your purpose. If you're here for nothing, it's best you scram away from this place," Xia Tian's voice held a weight of seriousness before he let out a sigh, adding, "The presence of another man has sullied this space. It might just need a cleansing with holy water."

With a quick nod, Selene affirmed her understanding. However, Irene's attention was caught by the unusual reaction of Buddha. Instead of anger, he moved towards the wide-open window, his hands elegantly interlocked behind his back, as he peered into the world outside.

Breaking the silence, Buddha's words flowed, "My time of one year here is already at its end. During my stay, I've been unable to ignore the perplexing nature of this world..."

"Perplexing!?" Irene and Selene exchanged incredulous glances, their thoughts perfectly synchronized.

Without interruption, Buddha continued his contemplation, "In your realm, survival often depends on one individual taking another's life. Is this what you deem as balance? None of it resonates with my understanding. Why fashion a reality like this? Does such an existence even bear significance?"

Xia Tian's eyes narrowed as he posed a question, "Do you happen to possess a superior alternative, then?"

A pause hung in the air before the Buddha's lips parted, revealing a faint smile that danced at the corners of his mouth.

With a slow, almost imperceptible shake of his head, he spoke, "I lack such a thing. Every one of us clings to our own versions of reality, but yours, without a doubt, stands as the oddest. Of course, the genesis of this cosmos wasn't seeded by your mind," he dropped a hint, prompting Xia Tian's brows to twitch in response.I think you should take a look at

The intricate equilibrium that governed this universe wasn't a construct birthed from Xia Tian's imagination; rather, it was conceived by the original god of balance.

"Why not attempt to shape something unique yourself? Perhaps you could fare better." In the end, the Buddha unveiled his true intentions. He wished for Xia Tian to exit his current universe, to explore and experiment further.

Much to the Buddha's astonishment, Xia Tian erupted into laughter. "Absolutely, my next destination shall be your dominion. Oh, the splendid inferno I'll fashion there, a masterpiece eclipsing this realm's feeble flames. Now, vanish before my patience does," Xia Tian proclaimed, a grin playing upon his lips.

The Buddha seemed momentarily flustered, his voice a mere breath, "Do you mean our pact?" His hands ascended, emanating an ethereal white luminescence that coalesced into the delicate form of a lotus. With a graceful ascent, the lotus took flight from his palms, hurtling directly toward Xia Tian.

The Buddha continued, "Keep this. You can visit whenever you wish. It might aid you in reconsidering your decision."

As the key to the Buddha's universe found its place within Xia Tian's possession, a concealed chuckle reverberated through his thoughts, plotting the myriad ways he could unravel the threads of order within the dominion of this bald cosmic custodian.

Unable to contain her astonishment any longer, Selene burst forth, her voice tinged with disbelief, "You struck a deal with him?!" Her gaze at the Buddha was a mixture of shock and incredulity.

Irene's expression was equally complex. She regarded the Buddha with a sort of rueful respect, musing inwardly, 'He actually dared to make an agreement with him? Quite the brave soul.' Her initial perception of the Buddha as a mere fool had evolved into an admiration for his foolishness.

Arching an eyebrow, the Buddha's voice held a note of curiosity, "What is amiss with forging an accord with him?" His question hung in the air, yet both Irene and Selene refrained from answering directly.

Instead, they shared a synchronized shake of their heads, their actions conveying the shared wisdom of avoiding dealings with Xia Tian. 

According to their combined experience — Even if the Heaven is falling, don't make deal with Xia Tian!!

Turning their attention back to their father, who was sporting an uncharacteristic grin, a shiver of unease trickled down their spines.

They exchanged glances, their young minds awash with confusion.

Who was this audacious bald figure, and why were the adults conversing in such cryptic terms?

The gravity in Xia Tian's demeanor was an infrequent sight, but their training had engrained in them the prudence of not prying into matters that shouldn't be unraveled prematurely.

They knew to wait until Xia Tian saw fit to reveal the truths himself.

A faint glimmer danced in the Buddha's narrowed eyes, a subtle yet discernible tension settling over his features.

The strange looks he received from the two young women had always baffled him.

But without dwelling on it, he took a single step forward, and in an instant, his form dissolved into nothingness, vanishing through the open window.

A delicate cascade of rose petals marked his exit, gently caressing the ground as if to bid farewell to reality.

Yet, simultaneously, those very petals met a fiery end at the hands of Xia Tian's mental command. They were obliterated in a blaze that swiftly consumed their existence, leaving no trace behind.

As the petals vanished, Irene turned to the others, curiosity evident in her voice, "Who was he?" Her gaze lingered on the empty window, her thoughts musing on the recent encounter.

Meanwhile, Selene wore an smile, her gaze fixated on the outside world. She seemed more contemplative, absorbing the implications of the Buddha's words.

'One person killing another to survive?... Like humans eating beasts and animals after killing them? A cat eating a mouse? A bigger beast eating a smaller one?... All to survive?' The concept echoed in Selene's mind, subtly shifting her perspective.?ℯ

Although she knew she might not fully grasp the meaning behind the words, the encounter had triggered new realizations within her.

Only Xia Tian truly understood the depth of the Buddha's message, and he allowed this experience to serve as a catalyst for Selene's growth. With a wry shake of his head in response to Irene's inquiry, he offered a simple explanation, "Just a bald man."

"Mhm" With a satisfied nod, Irene seemed to accept the explanation, her interest thought still remained intact.