Chapter 155: New Era and New Authority

The importance of Source Essence to Gods needs no elaboration.

Before meeting Yu Sheng’an, Afnora was merely a Goddess of Music with little presence.

Her followers numbered less than a million, and Source Essence collection was exceedingly slow. Even with hundreds of years of accumulation, the quantity remained limited.

Yu Sheng’an demanded “twelve billion,” which was nearly all her savings.

How could Afnora agree to this?

How could she dare to?

If she gave it away, she would lose her greatest deterrent!

If Yu Sheng’an betrayed her, she wouldn’t have much room for retaliation.

“Why do you need Source Essence?” Afnora asked.

“To deduce some things. The Underworld God is advancing strongly. If he forms the ‘first impression’ in users’ minds, it would be hard for the Internet to reclaim the market, possibly becoming low-tier! Besides, the Fifth Calamity is too vast. If the Underworld God attacks Quever at all costs, we have no chance. The Internet without territory would be rootless.”

Yu Sheng’an spoke with a grave tone, eyes filled with concern.

The existence of the Fourth Calamity is built on a secure rear base.

Once the territory is lost, the Fourth Calamity, even the Fifth Calamity, becomes a joke.

Additionally, the Fourth Calamity’s power was limited at first, only useful for passive defense and behind-enemy-lines harassment, essentially cannon fodder.

It wasn’t until Yu Sheng’an offered the baits of ‘wealth’ and ‘Source Essence’ that it exploded with astonishing combat power, attracting countless high-level magicians.

If the territory is lost, Internet Bank is out of the question. The wealth Fourth Calamity plundered can’t be effectively monetized, reducing its player attraction significantly.

If he monopolizes the market, it doesn’t matter much.

But now, with the rise of the Dark Web, it’s a disadvantage.

So the territory must not be lost!

Afnora observed Yu Sheng’an, his previous excitement gone, and felt a sudden jolt.

She knew that this was Yu Sheng’an’s genuine emotion.

“Do we still have a chance?”

“Yes.”

Yu Sheng’an nodded firmly, eyes resolute.

Seeing Afnora’s conflicted gaze, Yu Sheng’an sighed slightly, preparing to offer a bargaining chip he had planned.

Unexpectedly, Afnora suddenly extended her slender hand.

Yu Sheng’an hesitated briefly but still reached out to grasp it.

As his large hand closed on her small one, the space between them distorted suddenly, and Source Essence flowed from Afnora to Yu Sheng’an.

Yu Sheng’an was stunned.

“You said hearts are exchanged for hearts. I believe in you.”

Afnora’s eyes shone brightly as she looked at Yu Sheng’an, appearing to glow.

Yu Sheng’an gawked at Afnora’s trusting gaze, then couldn’t help but grin.

Finally, the twisted space gradually calmed down.

Afnora was about to withdraw her hand.

Unexpectedly, Yu Sheng’an tightened his grip by three points.

“You…” Afnora exclaimed.

“I will take you somewhere.”

As Yu Sheng’an spoke, a soft glow from a teleportation array underfoot spread up his arm, enveloping Afnora, finally merging them as one.

In a flash, they disappeared.

The vision twisted and stretched.

When everything returned to calm, Afnora hadn’t even had time to observe the surroundings before her eyes widened in shock, breath taken away! She distinctly felt the magic elements in the air were zero.

This was an environment almost exclusive to alchemy labs, making her fearful!

For the past hundreds of years wielding the Divine Spark of Music, her greatest deterrent wasn’t the Divine Spark but the eternal lifespan of an Archmage.

Magic was her strongest reliance.

Thus, how could she not panic in such an anti-magic environment?

Even though she was just a Divine Projection, there was still a connection to her main body. If special authority traced her back, it would be utterly dangerous!

“Don’t be afraid. This is the prime plane I told you about—Velia.”

As Afnora panicked, her small hand tightened as Yu Sheng’an sensed her tension and squeezed her hand.

“Velia?” Afnora was stunned.

She looked around and found herself in a townhouse window, the traffic bustling outside.

Further away, she could see a Floating Airship hovering in the city center.

Beyond, chimneys spewed dense black smoke.

This scenery, unlike most planes in the multiverse, left Afnora dumbfounded.

When she came to her senses and looked at Yu Sheng’an, she found he was looking at her, or perhaps he had been watching her all along.

“Didn’t you say you’re still embarking here? Could it be you’ve taken it over?” Afnora asked, feigning calm, her neck turning slightly red.

“I wish. You must have felt it; this place is unique,” Yu Sheng’an replied.

“Could you tell me the details?”

“No problem. I’ll take you out, and we’ll chat as we go.”

Yu Sheng’an held onto Afnora’s hand, leading her out of the townhouse.

Once outside, Afnora distinctly felt a faint energy wrap around her, twisting her outfit to make her look like a local.

“Let’s buy you some clothes first. Your outfit is too conspicuous.”

“Alright, I’ll listen to you.”

Yu Sheng’an then took Afnora into a steam car.

“Mr. Akide, where to?”

The driver slightly turned his head, eyes filled with zeal, showing no doubts about why a woman suddenly appeared from Akide’s villa.

Because he was Mr. Akide.

Even if his villa turned into a Moulin Rouge, he wouldn’t be surprised.

“Mesler Tailor Shop!”

“Alright, Mr. Akide.”

The steam car started.

Afnora curiously observed the metal creation, looking out the window, much like a cat in a strange environment.

“Where would you like to start understanding?” Yu Sheng’an asked.

“Hmm, tell me about this plane’s characteristics first!”

“Sure!”

Yu Sheng’an nodded, detailing all his observations and information.

The steam car moved slowly through the city.

On the street, pedestrians hurried, and newsboys energetically sold newspapers.

From the eye-catching headlines, it’s clear the Infir Empire is becoming more unstable.

The Infir Empire had economic issues, or else reform thoughts wouldn’t emerge.

Now, with Akide’s idea bursting out, the Infir Empire is even more chaotic!

The rebellion once just a spark turned into an organized, large-scale movement, shaking the Empire to its core.

Under the guidance of Akide’s ideas, all Empire contradictions point to the royal family.

This not only aligns with the working class but also pierces the core of capital. The ‘Strike and Raise Movement’ has spread nationwide! At this juncture, the Infir Empire clashes with the neighboring Falai Dynasty.

Gunfire erupts, with small-scale conflicts set to escalate into full-fledged war.

“A full-fledged war? Did you do that?”

Afnora looked at Yu Sheng’an, now wearing an irudree dress from Mesler Tailor. The wide collar, slender belt, and knee-length skirt made Afnora appear as a guest from Blue Star.

The two had left the steam car and were strolling along Puen City’s seaside.

“No, it’s the Infir Empire royal family’s idea.”

“Royal family’s idea? Why? The country is already in chaos. Shouldn’t they first suppress the rebellion? Why open a new front?” Afnora asked, surprised.

“That’s why I said it’s different from the multiverse. If this happened in the Kewell Empire, a few high-level magicians could suppress all anti-Empire groups. But not here. You forgot, the air here suppresses magic, so they’ve developed steam civilization and Flesh Magic.

“Even though there’s still a significant gap in individual power, one person can’t suppress a city or a nation, making it difficult for the Empire to quell domestic chaos.”

“Currently, for the Infir Empire, it’s not just workers opposing them, but also new industrial aristocrats controlling the workers. They aspire for the status and respect of the old aristocracy. Clearly, the pie is limited. The Empire and old aristocracy won’t share it with industrial aristocrats.”

“Previously, industrial aristocrats had enough to live well and exploit workers, so although dissatisfied, they wouldn’t rebel. But now it’s different. I came, amplifying their desires and grievances, giving them the power to shake the Empire’s foundation, making this conflict inevitable.”

Afnora blinked and asked, “Then why is the Infir Empire still going to war?”

“It’s simple: divert domestic issues. They attempt to hide class conflict with patriotism. Once workers’ attention shifts, the timid industrial aristocrats relying on workers’ strength will naturally fall back, not daring to oppose the Empire. Everything will return to normal.”

Yu Sheng’an spoke eloquently.

Afnora observed Yu Sheng’an with admiration in her eyes.

“What do you plan to do?”

“Let them do their thing; if they want war, let them have it. We have teachers; diverting our attention won’t be easy!” Yu Sheng’an retorted dismissively.

In fact, Yu Sheng’an was pleased to see the Infir Empire play these tricks.

As they diverted workers’ attention, their power was equally distracted.

His people could seize this opportunity to capture the Infir capital, liberating Infir by force!

Once the fact was established, the Four Primordial Gods, however reluctant, would have to accept it grudgingly.

Who made this world hidden in the universe’s forest?

Initially, Yu Sheng’an wanted to accelerate Infir Empire’s liberation, but now, after Afnora’s gift, he’s in no hurry.

Speeding up has its advantages;

But so does proceeding gradually.

Yu Sheng’an seeks not only territory but a stable, long-lasting resource-contributing land.

Not a fragmented, chaotic, war-torn Empire.

Sending Afnora off and agreeing not to sneak over until the Infir Empire was resolved, Yu Sheng’an’s consciousness returned to his body.

Yu Sheng’an’s Shrine’s Ancient Castle was already being swallowed by sea-bottom sand.

The castle lay empty.

Loxia was sent to the Kewell Empire to recruit talent and form a public opinion group.

Even Dillon Adam, napping at his feet, returned with the golden dragon Ulysses to Dragon Island.

Now only Yu Sheng’an’s body remained in the castle.

Yu Sheng’an looked at the empty castle, sighed lightly, then burned Source Essence to analyze the Contract’s soul-related authority using his virtual Prophecy Divine Spark.

In a moment, a huge amount of Source Essence was consumed.

Yu Sheng’an’s heart ached intensely.

Fortunately, the information flooding his mind eased the pain.

Yu Sheng’an closed his eyes, carefully comprehending the information.

After a while, he opened his eyes, feeling both joy and anger.

The Contract Divine Spark indeed involved some soul authority, but it was incomplete.

In summary, Yu Sheng’an extracted two abilities.

—’Establish’ and ‘Curse’.

“Establish” is the authority means of linking contract parties through contract strength, involving soul’s nonlocal action.

This ability allowed Yu Sheng’an to mimic the Dark Web’s soul display functionality.

In theory, divine spark authority is unique, so it shouldn’t exist since the Underworld God occupied it?

Yu Sheng’an couldn’t explain this through mystical knowledge.

Scientifically, it might be occupying different signal bands!

This could also be why the Underworld God could utilize soul nonlocal action.

“Curse” is a direct means through which contract strength constrains the soul.

It’s complex, including muting, restricting, depriving, penalizing, etc.

It’s immensely powerful but very limited!

Because it must be directly applied to the soul to be effective.

Meaning, it can’t work if blocked by flesh.

The Contract Divine Spark having ‘Curse’ ability is inherently ‘introverted’.

For instance, this power can only be applied after contracting parties sign the contract.

Thus, even if Yu Sheng’an analyzed it, switching it from ‘passive skill’ to ‘active skill’, it was still ‘innate deficient’.

“Damn this useless skill! Who doesn’t cloak their soul? Even skeleton warriors have a bony frame! Is it only to deal with ghosts?”

Yu Sheng’an swore angrily.

He had high hopes for the Contract’s soul authority!

But the result? Such a crippled ability!

He initially intended to use soul authority to invade the Underworld, seize territory, and rescue Zhao.

Now, with only these two authorities, invading the Underworld?

Dreaming!

But, on the other hand, it’s fortunate the ‘Curse’ authority was held by the Contract Spark. If the Underworld God had it with his relatively complete soul authority, it would be over!

His Divine Projection capture alone would be terrifying.

Yu Sheng’an sighed, barely suppressing his emotions, and opened the Internet’s backend, starting comprehensive framework modifications.

It must be said, it’s also fortunate that this is divine spark authority, mastery is instinct.

If this was a tech-side internet attempting large framework changes?

That’s suicidal!

One day later, Yu Sheng’an finished adjusting the Internet framework.

As he prepared to confirm and update the Internet, he reconsidered, opting for further interface optimization.

Even if the Underworld God would likely copy this interface, he would at least be half a beat slower. This delay might help him capture more users.

“Ding dong!”

A phantom sound rang in his six senses.

Yu Sheng’an frowned.

It wasn’t a message from the Internet but from the Dark Web.

Specifically, the ghost alias he controlled received a message.

Since he shared that ghost’s six senses, the message reached his ears.

Yu Sheng’an slightly checked via the ghost; it was a message from Lingeda, whom he knew in the ‘Underworld God Followers’.

—which was the same guy whose nickname was ‘Godzilla’.

“Bro, how much soul power have you accumulated? I have enough energy to teleport to the replica world. The ‘follower’ update offers new benefits, allowing each player to bring an extra person. If you haven’t gathered the energy, I’ll take you!”

Godzilla’s slightly proud voice came through.

Clearly, he was pleased with his efficiency!

Yu Sheng’an’s old face turned dark upon hearing this.

“Damn your eighteenth generation ancestors, you dreadful Underworld God, what’s this rubbish benefit? Clearly, it’s to expand the invasion force!”

Grumbling, Yu Sheng’an suddenly clapped his thigh.

He knew how to deal with the Fifth Calamity.