Chapter 78: John Awakens

Chapter 78: Chapter 78: John Awakens

Shen Yun could understand where Wei Er—or rather, the entire upper echelon—got their sense of crisis.

It was highly likely that the existence of infinite worlds was equivalent to humanity suddenly trespassing into the endless starry sky, only to discover countless civilizations that were ready to make contact at any moment. Furthermore, the interval between their discovery of the first Otherworld and the arrival of Vierlia and her people from the second Otherworld was far too short. Compared to the thousands of years of peace in the past and the recent resurgence of Spiritual Qi, there was every reason to believe that some specific factor was making the Bronze Hall more active and easier to discover.

"No matter what the future holds, striving to strengthen ourselves is the right path," Shen Yun finally said, shaking his head. His expression wasn’t overly serious. He had one particular strength: he never worried excessively about unpredictable things. Life was already fraught with all kinds of crises anyway.

"I think so too. However, the burden on your shoulders is much heavier," Wei Er sighed, feeling as though he was holding him back.

"All I can say is, I’ll do my best," Shen Yun chuckled.

In a sense, the existence of pressure was beneficial to him, and even to the entire world. External crises could spare the collective from internal strife.

"Let’s talk about the second matter." Wei Er didn’t dwell on the previous topic. He organized his words and spoke seriously. "Right now, in World One, we have fully taken over the Azure Emperor’s fiefdom and people. A series of measures to increase the population are gradually unfolding. At the same time, further development is limited by the transport capacity of the Teleportation Array. The special mineral known as the Sky-Splitting Crystal from the second Otherworld can be considered an absolute godsend."

Shen Yun felt a little unaccustomed to the sudden seriousness. It felt as if high-ranking government officials were formally discussing state affairs. Well, in reality, it was pretty much the same.

"Haven’t you already signed a corresponding trade agreement with Vierlia?" Shen Yun asked.

"It seems she hasn’t told you the details of the second Otherworld yet." Wei Er shook his head helplessly. "This is exactly what I wanted to discuss. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call that world’s current state a ’Warring States Period.’ All peripheral relations are based solely on the whims of the monarchs. In such an environment, resource trade is very difficult to carry out because even the Sky-Splitting Crystal veins within the borders of the Violet Kingdom are strictly controlled by the Holy Hall."

"Is it that miserable?" Shen Yun recalled Vierlia’s uneasy expression from before. Wait, if that was the case... "Doesn’t that mean that as soon as they become wealthy, it will inevitably provoke a war?"

"It’s just that brutal." Wei Er spread his hands. "But it’s not just barbaric plundering. In such an Extraordinary World, the strong represent martial might. Therefore, theoretically, as long as you officially become the Prince of the Violet Kingdom, they will have the right to reclaim important resources. Even the surrounding weaker kingdoms will take the initiative to submit and merge with them. There wouldn’t be any need for a war at all."

"No wonder she was so persistent..." Shen Yun smiled bitterly.

This wasn’t much different from the first Otherworld. As long as he displayed the strength of a top-tier Grandmaster, people would offer him land, resources, and population. However, for an Extraordinary World where individual power was overwhelmingly strong, it was a normal evolution of their societal system.

"Anyway, we might not be able to provide much assistance this time." Wei Er had mainly come to say this. "The cultural environment of the second Otherworld is much more complex. Coupled with the backdrop of the Demon King’s revival and our scattered efforts in World One..."

"It’s fine," Shen Yun waved his hand, patting the leather suitcase in front of him. "These things have already helped me a lot. Leave Vierlia’s situation to me."

He estimated that in another ten days or a fortnight, he would be able to use Enlightenment on a tank. He was bound to make a trip there anyway.

"After all, this can be considered your family affair, Your Highness the Prince," Wei Er couldn’t help but tease.

"Cut it out." Shen Yun rolled his eyes. "Is there anything else? If so, spit it out."

"Next is the matter concerning Earth." When Wei Er brought this up, a smile piled onto his face again. "Western Society was thoroughly spooked this time. Did you know they found Ludwig’s experiment site? It was simply inhumane. Black Magic has completely become public enemy number one. However, after John woke up last night..."

"Wait—" Shen Yun suddenly interrupted him. "You said John woke up?"

"Yeah, it happened last night." Wei Er looked at him strangely. "Haven’t you been paying attention to the news?"

Shen Yun’s face flushed. Last night, he had been far too comfortable to pay attention to the news. Besides, Little Nine hadn’t told him either.

"Ahem, please continue. What happened after he woke up?"

"He said a very classic line: ’The effect of Black Magic is to make good people better, and bad people worse,’" Wei Er replied.

"...It is indeed classic," Shen Yun said, a bit speechless.

Wasn’t that the exact effect of the Captain America serum from the movies? This John truly was a die-hard Captain America fan. However, it seemed true that practicing Dark Power amplified one’s desires. Shen Yun had realized earlier that the heart of justice was also a type of desire. If John wasn’t a bad person to begin with, combined with the implanted Paladin’s soul seed and the blessing of Black Magic—with all three factors working together—they might truly be able to create a selflessly devoted Saint.

Wei Er continued, "After that, John also decided to hand over all the legacies he obtained to us, leaving us to strictly screen the learners. I wanted to ask for your opinion on this."

Shen Yun pondered for a moment and nodded. "If you’re asking me, I think it’s feasible. I imagine not many people in our country would be willing to learn it, but it has many pursuers in the West. Most importantly—desire cannot be suppressed; it can only be guided and controlled."

"Well said!" Wei Er slapped his thigh. "I thought the exact same thing. Hehe, when the time comes, we’ll add a Paladin major and a Mage major. If they want to learn Magic, they’ll still have to come to us. It’s quite amusing just thinking about it."

"It’s more than just amusing," Shen Yun shook his head.

It could also reduce confrontation and strengthen control. Over time, Huaxia’s status as a Cultivation Sacred Land would become unshakable. Moreover, when it came down to it, whether it was cultivation or Magic, there was essentially no difference. It was merely a variance in terminology and form of manifestation.

"Alright, that’s all I had to say." Wei Er stood up.

"Oh, I won’t see you out," Shen Yun waved his hand dismissively.

Wei Er’s mouth twitched. He had been wondering if Shen Yun would invite him to stay for dinner. However, he was pressed for time anyway, so he turned and left, silently closing the door behind him.

Shen Yun sat on the sofa, digesting the contents of their conversation. Finally, he chuckled and stood up.

"Little Nine, Vierlia will be coming over in two days. You won’t have many chances left to cook."

"No, no! The kitchen belongs to Little Nine!" Little Nine cried out, shaking her twintails vigorously.