Eternal Thief

Ace was astounded when he read the details of the new upgrade, especially the part about the Astral Stele of Mortal Sky Heaven being fully assimilated with Moira.

Although he knew about the Astral Stele, he was under the impression that it was completely assimilated in the temple, and the benefit was Moira being unrestrained in Mortal Sky Heaven and under some special circumstances.

However, he never gets to see that before, but now, the system has revealed that Moira can help guide him between the chaotic space and locate while leading him to the Mortal Sky Ascension Temple.

“What does this mean? Could it be that I can now go back to Mortal Sky Heaven whenever I want to, or is it just the temple?” Ace questioned the system with anticipation.

But to his surprise, the system didn’t speak, and he frowned. However, this matter was not such a big deal to him since he wasn’t suicidal enough to want to go back to the temple where Heaven’s Will and Heavenly Emperor were probably waiting for him.

He was done with the Mortal Sky Heaven, and there was nothing there to back for. Even if he had some reason in the future, he could find out what this was all about, and the system probably didn’t tell him because of this reason as well.

Ace’s focus then shifted towards the new ability and the 30% completion scheme, and he grimaced since every material needed for this upgrade was foreign to him except for the Knowledge of the Astral Stele of Mortal Ascension Heaven and TP.

‘Well, at least now I know that a Mortal Ascension Temple is also present here or that the Astral Stele may be elsewhere. But the chances of that are extremely slim… well, I’ll find out when the time comes. For now, I should probably consider these four materials Transcendent Grade…’

Ace then didn’t waste time and communicated with Moira, “How are you feeling?”

“Excellent, sir! The evolution was successful, and I’ve unlocked a new ability. All thanks to you, sir.” Moira reported with ecstasy.

But Ace was slightly surprised because Moira’s voice was now more mature. Previously, she sounded like a child, but now her voice was deeper and crisp, very pleasing. This means that with the completion of the ETFC, Moira will continue to grow and become more powerful!

“Alright, tell me about this new ability…” Ace asked with anticipation since he was looking forward to this the most.

Moira promptly replied without hesitation, “The new ability I’ve unlocked is called the Fate Path Shifter. This ability can temporarily alter your fate path.”

Ace blinked, bewildered, as he asked, “Alter my fate path? What does this mean?”

“Fate Path refers to the unique course or trajectory of events that a person’s life is destined to follow, influenced by their choices, circumstances, and the overarching laws of fate. It is essentially the ‘invisible thread’ connecting key moments, opportunities, and challenges that shape someone’s journey. You can even say everything is predestined.

“Moreover, Fate Path is a very profound concept; it represents the natural flow of events, including inevitable encounters, opportunities, or disasters that someone is ‘meant’ to experience.

“While the Fate Path is a predetermined structure, it can still be influenced by external forces, powerful treasures, or personal breakthroughs—especially in a higher cultivation realm where fate became as malleable for those with enough strength or tools.

“Thus, a Fate Path incorporates karmic principles—actions taken in the past may directly or indirectly affect the current or future course of the path. These are the most mystical laws of our universe, and it’s virtually impossible to change them without being killed by the universe!

“But the Fate Path Shifter ability allows you to alter the Fate Path with the Eternal Thief Fate Compass. However, it would mean temporarily reshaping the trajectory of fate.

“Like changing a destined fatal event into a less dangerous or survivable outcome. If Sir Ace is fated to encounter a powerful enemy at an inopportune time, the Fate Path Shifter might delay or weaken that event, giving Sir the upper hand or time to prepare.

“It would also improve the odds of beneficial outcomes by subtly shifting fate’s direction. For instance, turning a slim chance of finding a treasure or a desirable outcome into a guaranteed success or encountering an ally when most needed.”

Ace was shocked when he heard this profound explanation about the Fate Path Shifter’s ability.

Although he still did not completely get it, he got the gist of it. All in all, this ability will allow him to avoid fatal encounters or increase the chance of beneficial outcomes.

If viewed from a thief’s perspective, the Fate Path Shifter will enable him to escape dangerous situations, dodge attacks, or walk into situations where treasures and opportunities lie.

Furthermore, from Moira’s words, it was clear that changing the Fate Path was no easy method, and it was only possible because of the ETFC!

Ace quickly asked, “How should I activate this ability, and how will it work? I mean, would I know if it’s active or not?”

Moira explained, “Just like the Live Fate Map, to activate Fate Path Shifter, you need only focus on the activation symbol on the compass and pour your Primordial Spirit Qi into it. It can’t be activated without the Primordial Qi.

“Once it’s activated, the Live Fate Map will undergo a profound change, and instead of fate points, it’ll show Fate Paths and only your fate path. Fate Path has four colors: Red, Golden, White, and Black.

“The Red Fate Path led to dangerous outcomes, and if you’re on the Red Fate Path, it means your outcome will end up in a perilous situation.

“The Golden Fate Path leads to fortune, and if you’re on it, then you don’t need to worry about anything.

“The White Pate Path leads to neither danger nor fortune; it’s a neutral path, and it could indicate that you will neither succeed nor fail in your venture. The outcome can be anything!

“Finally, the Black Fate Path is the path of death; this means the outcome will result in your end, and this path has to be avoided at all costs.

“Once your fate path is determined, the Fate Path Shifter will temporarily Shift your Fate Path into a less dangerous one, like if you’re on a Black Fate Path, it’ll become Red. Red will turn white, and white will turn Golden, while Golden will become even easier.

“As for exact duration, it all depends on your prowess, and from the level of your Qi consumption, you can also determine the gravity of the Fate Path. Lastly, the Fate Map will also show you alternative fate paths with the same colors, and if you follow the map’s fate path direction, you’ll be able to avoid or alter your fate path for good.

Moira’s tone turned grave and solemn, “However, please remember that the greater the fate path’s predestined outcome, the greater the difficulty to alter it, and the Primordial Qi consumption will also be equally great.

“If the Fate Path is extremely grand, then you might end up suffering backlash like losing your lifespan or regression of your cultivation base while trying to change it. So, I implore you to use this ability very carefully!”