Chapter 596 - 549: Gu Nie’s Ability

Shi Ming already knew a little about "cosmic strings."

Different civilizations had varying names for the concept of a "string," but the fundamental definition was largely the same. In the Endless Ocean, for instance, some physicists theorized that strings were the most basic units composing the universe’s matter. The "superstring theory" born from this idea was a hypothesis that made certain physics problems self-consistent.

Shi Ming wasn’t one for academic research.

But he was excellent at leveraging the achievements of others, including known research from various other high-level civilizations.

"It’s already developed intelligence?"

"Even if it has intelligence, it’s still fundamentally a skill’s origin. It’s like a piece of meat surrounded by a pack of wolves. You’re telling me those old geezers who’ve lived for hundreds of thousands of years don’t have any ideas about it?"

The corner of Amonev’s mouth twitched.

’Old geezers who’ve lived for hundreds of thousands of years?’

She knew Shi Ming wasn’t referring to her. Because she often remained in a state of concealment, Amonev experienced very little internal drain. She was young in both body and mind, and her natural appearance was that of a being at its biological peak. From any angle, the term "old geezer" had nothing to do with her.

She ignored the term.

"Once a Nirvana Origin develops intelligence, it’s considered a special, high-level life form. It’s very difficult to merge with it unless you can overwhelm it with a dimensional-level advantage. And ’String’ is even more unique. It can use its own power to vibrate cosmic strings, reverting from its Origin form back to its most basic state. This means even if you pay a great price to merge with it, the intelligent ’String’ can separate itself again without any loss. All your efforts would be for nothing."

"I see."

Shi Ming now had a general understanding.

’It is indeed difficult to deal with... but not impossible. As long as it has intelligence and can be communicated with, anything is possible. Just look at Ah Jian and the Colorful Insect. They were so rebellious and untamable at first. Now, one loyally guards the great fortune outside the First Civilization Cosmic Country, while the other works tirelessly in Shi Ming’s Sea of Spirit, letting him exploit it as he pleases.’

This was what he called "persuading people with reason."

...

...

...

Despite Amonev’s current knowledge and experience, she was still completely in the dark about some of the numbered Nirvana skills, such as numbers 19, 21, 26, and so on.

This was normal.

The Star Sea was simply too vast.

Even with their infinite lifespans, limitless time, and unbroken legacies, these pseudo-gods couldn’t possibly travel to every region and learn every secret. In their entire lives, they would personally visit less than one ten-thousandth of one percent of all places. Moreover, the universe contained all sorts of special Secret Realms that could only be entered through specific means. Places like the Cave of the Stars were not uncommon.

Shi Ming once again heard the very familiar name: ’Desire’.

"The Nirvana Origin numbered 27 is named ’Desire’."

"It belongs to the leader of the Desire Demon Race in the Twelfth Cosmic Country. Because the manifestation of ’Desire’ is, to some extent, very similar to the power of Luxury and Lust Heaven, one of the Four Ancient Blights, the Sovereign of the Twelfth Cosmic Country is deeply wary of it. For that reason, and a few others that cannot be spoken of, he mobilized Law Enforcers to frantically exterminate this race. Although it has been confirmed by multiple parties that ’Desire’ is an Origin that arose naturally within the Star Sea and is not an external power, the conflict between the two sides is deep-rooted and irreconcilable."

’No wonder that Bai Yimo is so bent on revenge.’

...

Amonev’s explanations were far less detailed than the information from the Eye of Destiny, but they were still quite precious.

During this time, Shi Ming’s Eye of Destiny showed no abnormalities. Although it couldn’t discern lies, it had evolved from the Eye of Intelligence and was extremely sensitive to information. If Amonev’s narrative had any inaccuracies, it would have proactively prompted him at the crucial points.

Starting from ’Zero’,

and ending with ’Borer’.

Amonev concluded her answer to Shi Ming’s fourth question. From beginning to end, she never once mentioned anything about the ’Concealment’ she herself possessed, as if the skill was truly hidden among all the sequences, with no presence whatsoever.

Shi Ming didn’t press the issue.

Her identity and abilities were closely tied to ’Concealment’. Her not mentioning it was, in fact, the most normal thing she could do.

Besides, he had already used his Eye of Destiny to obtain detailed information on ’Concealment’, number 15, a long time ago. Even if Amonev didn’t say anything, he already knew.

"Do you have any other questions?"

Amonev paused for a moment before asking again. She felt that she had probably spoken more today than she had in the entire previous cosmic epoch (100 years).

"One last question."

Amonev had a premonition. ’This kid is finally going to bring up the Heart of Chaos.’

’Yes.’

’No living being could be uninterested in it.’

’Unless they’re a fool.’

...

...

...

"You just mentioned that the ability of ’Desire’ is similar to that of Luxury and Lust Heaven, one of the Four Ancient Blights. I’m very curious about this. What are the respective powers of the Four Ancient Blights?"

Shi Ming stared at Amonev.

He posed his final question.

"You are a new god who once lived in the same era as the gods of old. You must have had contact with those Ancient Blights, so you should have some understanding of their abilities."

???

’Was my hint not obvious enough?’

Amonev suddenly felt the girlish temper she’d kept dormant for over a hundred thousand years being reawakened...

’Fine~’

’You saved me from Bertutan’s and Herakrode’s attack today, so I’m answering all your questions. That doesn’t mean I’m a chatterbox... If you miss this chance, even if you beg and plead for information about the Heart of Chaos in the future, whether I tell you or not will depend on my mood.’

She adjusted her emotions.

"The Four Ancient Blights each specialize in a different domain."

"Slaughter Heaven is the symbol of slaughter and violence. Its form is primarily that of a skeleton stained red with blood, though it sometimes transforms into other elements related to slaughter. Wherever it goes, war and death follow in its wake."

"Evil Thought Heaven is the symbol of filth and malevolence. Its form is mainly a twisted mass of black ooze, accumulating a malice that surpasses cosmic understanding. Anyone who attempts to purify it will most likely be corrupted without even realizing it."

"Luxury and Lust Heaven is the symbol of desire and pleasure. Its appearance is completely different in the eyes of different beings, but without exception, it always takes on a form of utter perfection and extreme temptation, making one want to completely surrender both body and soul to enter its paradise of ecstasy."

"Sinful Heaven is the symbol of sin and suffering. Its form is primarily that of a withered old man with thorns growing from his body. Wherever it treads, abundance vanishes, joy ceases, suffering arrives, and sin spreads."

...

Shi Ming nodded.

"If Luxury and Lust Heaven and Sinful Heaven were to collide, what kind of scene would that create?"

——————

PS:

Went to the hospital for a check-up. Have the flu. Rested for a day and am feeling much better. Will resume normal updates tomorrow...