On the night before the Gracious Sword Sect entourage reached their destination, Silver Mist City, they had encountered a small incident.
For everyone, except Xiao Ming, that incident was just a weird thing that they couldn't explain.
But for Xiao Ming, however, it was the most shocking encounter in his life.
Even more shocking than the time he received the Token Of Fate.
This encounter was with his future self.
A mysterious man had called him in the forest, away from the dazed entourage.
And when the mysterious man had revealed his identity, Xiao Ming was stumped.
When Xiao Ming felt that this man was trying to fool him, the man revealed Xiao Ming's biggest secret to him.
Token Of Fate.
"How do you know about Token Of Fate!?" Xiao Ming had asked.
The Future Xiao Ming simply shrugged, "I know a lot of things, like how much you love Yuan Shuchun, how you're always conflicted with your deeds, and how everything's in your life is a mess."
Xiao Ming frowned when he heard his words, "You say you're from the future⊠then tell me, did I get what I wanted the most?"
"Power?" Future Xiao Ming smiled, "You got a lot of it. But you didn't have anyone to share your glories with. Well, you had a few close brothers, but you never had someone close enough on whose lap you can put your head and have a peaceful sleep."
Xiao Ming asked, "What are you trying to say?"
The Future Xiao Ming simply smiled, "Well, just consider that I am blabbering nonsense. However, what I am about to say next is very, very important."
Xiao Ming paid full attention to the words of his future counterpart.
The future self took a deep breath and began, "Xiao Ming, the things I am going to tell you, is very important and closely related to your fate. So, no matter what happens, don't forget a single moment of what you hear today."
"Now, right now, you're heading towards Silver Mist City, right?"
Seeing Xiao Ming nod his head, he continued, "Well, I will tell you what will actually happen in this mission."
"Once you enter the city, you will be brought to a tavern arranged by the Zheng Clan, which is one of the top three clans in that city. And then, Jun Xie and Kai Yang, the two people in your entourage, will go on a scout mission while you and Yuan Shuchun will plan the assassination."
"Now, before I continue, remember Kai Yang. This guy is important."
Xiao Ming nodded.
"Now, you guys will find out that someone has arranged a whole array system throughout the city, and it is most likely the Heavenly Oracle Sect - as pointed out by Jun Xie."
"Soon, the time for assassination will arrive. The Third Princess of Wu Clan, Wu Qingwu, will come out of the Ao Ba clan in the evening. And as soon as she steps out, your assassination mission will begin."
Xiao Ming kept on listening to his future counterpart's words.
The Future Xiao Ming was explaining everything in detail; however, he hadn't witnessed the future in his older form, but rather during his younger days when he was actually part of this mission, he was only able to tell the future only from Xiao Ming's perspective.
After explaining about the assassination, he finally came to a major part.
"The mysterious man will reveal that Kai Yang is actually the Crown Prince Ye Tian Yun from the Middle Heavens."
"And this Crown Prince is actually here for you - to kill you and take your Token Of Fate."
"What!?" Xiao Ming was shocked, "How does he know about this Token!?"
Future Xiao Ming shrugged, "It's a complicated matter and hard to explain. You will know about it one day. But keep to the story."
"Now, because the Core Formation Guard had beaten you up, you would be in a very weak condition. Like a semi-comatose state. You will know what is going on around you, but you won't be able to react."
"The mysterious man will save you and kill Crown Prince Ye Tian Yun. And once you're free from the mysterious man's grasp, you will go after Yuan Shuchun."
"Aren't you after the Arcane Arts Book she possesses? Well, this will be the best time."
"But, Yuan Shuchun won't easily give it to you. Instead, she will be ready to fight till the end."
"In the end, you will get the book, and Yuan Shuchun will be heavily injured."
"That moment will end any chance of you both getting back together, but for some reason, you will choose to spare her. And both of you will go on different paths."
"Have you listened carefully, Xiao Ming?"Â
Xiao Ming nodded.
"Good," The Future Xiao Ming made a serious expression and said, "Now, comes the most important thing you need to keep in mind."
"I have told you about the future, but you must NOT interfere in anything. You will have to let it play as it is supposed to go. Don't act or do anything that may alter it."
"Hm? Why?" Xiao Ming asked.
"Because you will die if you change anything. And you will be the most beneficial one out of all this if everything goes as it is supposed to be."
Xiao Ming nodded and asked, "What if things change even though I didn't interfere at all?"
The Future Xiao Ming smiled at him, "If something like this does happenâŠ"
"If the future deviates even a little bit, give up your Token Of Fate, or else you will die."
"What!?" Xiao Ming was shocked, "Do you even know what you're saying!?"
The Future Xiao Ming nodded his head, "I know very well. And you have to believe me - give up on the Token Of Fate! And give it to Yuan Shuchun!"
"Hm?" Xiao Ming was confused, "But why?"
"If you don't, Crown Prince Ye Tian Yun will kill you."