All Things Are Contracts

Zhanyue didn’t rush to find Gong Xiaoyu. He knew this seclusion might take quite some time. During this period, there were some things he needed to handle properly.

“Everything is fine on my end, don’t worry,” Baizhi’s letter arrived on time in the divine ability space. They communicated frequently, and various pills had already filled the space. Since the seclusion would likely take some time, he naturally needed to inform Baizhi first to avoid her being unable to contact him.

Returning to his courtyard, Zhanyue found a beautiful woman already waiting. She was looking up at the “moon” in the sky with a complex expression.

“What are you thinking about?” Zhanyue stood beside the Holy Maiden. He was half a head taller than MuMu Lixi, and the two standing together looked like a divine couple, extraordinarily graceful.

MuMu Lixi turned to look at Zhanyue, her eyes somewhat resentful. “Back then, when you said you wanted to take me as a disciple for someone, you meant the Goddess, didn’t you?”

Zhanyue nodded. At this point, there was no need to hide it. “The god-level cultivation technique and battle skills were all her instructions for me to pass on to you.”

“Sigh,” Holy Maiden Lixi sighed, “The Goddess’s kindness to me is as heavy as a mountain, yet I have no chance to thank her in person.”

“There will be opportunities in the future. Sister is only temporarily confined to the sky, she will surely return one day,” Zhanyue also looked at the bright moon on the horizon. The moon illuminated the nine provinces, but could no longer protect him alone.

“Sister? You actually call the Goddess ‘sister’?” MuMu Lixi’s eyes widened. The Illumination Goddess was her faith and idol.

Zhanyue nodded, “Is it strange? She asked me to call her that.”

“Pfft,” MuMu Lixi smiled slightly, “The Goddess really is an interesting person.”

“Indeed. Sometimes, I feel she’s more like a person, and sometimes more like a deity. However, I’d prefer her to live in the world more like a human. Unfortunately, we’re not competent enough. After so many years, we still need her to step in and solve crises,” Zhanyue sighed.

“If Thunder Lord and the others heard you say this, it might be a bit hurtful,” MuMu Lixi said. But it was indeed the truth. After so many years, humanity’s greatest reliance was still the Illumination Goddess. “The Goddess has extraordinary talent and profound realm. It’s not easy for later generations to surpass her. To share the Goddess’s burden, this task might ultimately fall on your shoulders.”

Zhanyue pouted. “You’re all expecting too much of me, it’s a lot of pressure. Look at the protagonists in those novels and stories. They’re usually underestimated, playing weak while actually strong, developing in secret, and then suddenly shocking everyone. Unlike me, the Nightmares have already targeted me, and you’re all putting me on a pedestal. I’m not even a Profound Being yet.”

MuMu Lixi was stunned, then revealed a slight smile. She boldly took Zhanyue’s hand, her pretty face flushed, and said softly, “I’ll share the burden with you too.”

Zhanyue held that nervous little hand tightly, feeling the pressure in his heart truly lighten. The Illumination Goddess had said MuMu Lixi’s talent was no less than hers. If both of them in the human race could grow smoothly, humanity’s future would be bright.

Elsewhere in the building, Nangong Weilai hugged a bag of snacks, eating while watching the two from afar. “These two are so sentimental. Hmph, this young lady won’t lose to you either.” The little girl was full of ambition. In terms of talent, she was no less gifted.

The next day, Zhanyue walked out of the Academy gates. With the Alchemist, Thunder Lord, and Sword Lord all in the academy town, it was now the safest place in the world. Before secluding himself for breakthrough, he wanted to see one more person.

It was still that dilapidated little courtyard, unaffected even by the recent chaos in the academy town. As soon as Zhanyue pushed open the door, the old man came running.

“You’ve finally come to see this old man,” Bai Bole said with a smile.

“What? Has your research made progress?” Zhanyue asked curiously.

Bai Bole shook his head, “It’s still the same. Whatever I research, this old man loses interest halfway through. I’m now researching another topic – the mutual conversion between illumination stones and spirit stones.”

Zhanyue felt a headache coming on. What on earth was this old man researching? Illumination stones absorbed sunlight power, while spirit stones’ energy came from earth vein spirit energy. They weren’t from the same source. Wanting to convert them mutually, wasn’t that a fool’s dream? It would be strange if he could research anything with his mortal body.

“Well, Young Master Zhan, I have quite a few illumination stones, but spirit stones… spirit stones are hard to come by. I hope you can sponsor some,” Bai Bole pleaded.

“I knew nothing good would come from finding you,” Zhanyue sighed helplessly. Due to preparations to reactivate formations, spirit stones had long been banned from circulation in the market, all requisitioned by the state. It was very difficult for ordinary people to find spirit stones. But for Zhanyue, it wasn’t a difficult matter. He still had some spirit stones on him.

“Take these,” Zhanyue handed a few low-quality spirit stones to the old man. He didn’t know why he was indulging this unreliable old man. He just subconsciously felt he should help him.

Seeing the spirit stones, the old man’s eyes lit up, and he thanked Zhanyue profusely. “Thank you, young master, thank you. I will definitely…”

“Don’t ‘definitely’ anything. How’s your research on that ancient active armor going?” Zhanyue said, exasperated.

“Although I abandoned it halfway, it wasn’t entirely fruitless. Young master, come with me,” the old man once again led Zhanyue to his basement.

“Look at this,” the old man took out a pitch-black bottle and handed it to Zhanyue.

“What is this?” Zhanyue asked, looking at the bottle where nothing could be seen clearly.

“These are microorganisms taken from that mysterious armor. The reason those active armors are so special is because of these microorganisms on their surface. Watch this.” The old man used something like a brush, dipped it in the bottle, then took a piece of metal and brushed it on the metal surface.

Soon after, that smooth and hard metal softened like beast hide. Zhanyue pressed a finger on the metal, feeling it completely soft, his strength fully absorbed.

“I call this thing ‘active microbes’. They can grow on the surface of any metal. Metal covered by them becomes as soft as beast hide, while simultaneously retaining the hardness of metal and the toughness of beast hide. It has a very strong absorption effect against all force impacts. If it could be widely used, it could create an incredibly powerful army. Unfortunately, these little things reproduce extremely slowly. But don’t underestimate them. They’re not afraid of water, fire, or electricity, with extraordinarily tenacious vitality. Young Master Zhan, do you have any precious armor? I can modify it for you, surely making it reborn!” Bai Bole explained.

Zhanyue naturally had precious armor, but these active microbes were discoveries from ancient ruins. Were they really reliable? Wouldn’t they ruin his Silver Moon Divine Armor? Zhanyue pondered for a while, then gritted his teeth, “Never mind, fortune favors the bold. Let’s give it a try.”

Then, a majestic silver armor appeared before Bai Bole, making the old man’s eyes shine. “Only such a handsome armor is worthy of someone like Young Master Zhan.” The old man had learned to flatter.

“Stop talking and quickly fix it up for me,” Zhanyue said helplessly. Money really did talk.

Bai Bole nodded, “Don’t worry. Your divine armor combined with these ancient active microbes will surely reach a new level, helping you to slay in all directions.”

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