chapter 189 - Ah? The Wives I Abandoned Turned Out to Be Real

For reasons unknown, Su Mo found himself wandering the streets of the slave alley where he grew up in the simulation, accompanied by Yu Luonang and He Linger. In the simulation, after having become the Merchant King, he refrained from seeking out his father due to fears of his slave origins being discovered. Now that he had returned, Su Mo felt a strong desire to see if Su Yin was still around. If he was, Su Mo could help him shed his slave status. As Su Mo, Yu Luonang, and He Linger walked through the slave alley, the people around them were filled with fear because of their appearance as priests. The terror stemmed from the priests' ability to randomly select slaves as sacrificial offerings. In fact, they could even choose nobles for sacrifice. Throughout the land of Da Shang, only the Merchant King held more power than the priests. Observing the frightened expressions directed at them, He Linger was somewhat taken aback. "Master, why... why do these people look at us with such fear, like mice before a cat?" "No, it's even more terrifying than mice before a cat; they don't even dare to meet our eyes." "Their life energy seems weakened, too." As a demon, He Linger was acutely sensitive to life forces. She perceived that walking along the street with her master and Yu Luonang felt like a cold splash of water struck everyone, dimming their life energy as if about to sputter out like a flickering candle in the wind. Seeing this, Su Mo explained patiently. Now that He Linger was also part of his life, he felt more compassionate. "Little Linger, there's something you need to understand." "In Da Shang, as a priest, one's status is extremely exalted." "Second only to the Merchant King." "Not even nobles dare to show insolence to priests." "Because if a priest takes interest in a noble, that noble must obediently offer his life as a sacrifice." "And strangely enough, they would consider it an honor." "For, in this way, they could transcend into immortal spirits, undying and eternal." He Linger was in disbelief. "How can such a barbaric and bloodthirsty practice exist?" Yu Luonang interjected. "I have visited Da Shang before, and what he says is true." "Da Shang has been like this for countless years." He Linger remained outraged. "Isn't there anyone who wants to change such a situation and system?" "No wonder Da Shang is so impoverished. This very capital isn't even on par with a moderately developed town in the celestial realm." "I can't fathom what kind of catastrophic fate awaits such a nation." Hearing He Linger's comments, Su Mo's heart stirred. He recalled how Da Shang's fate had been absorbed by the Candle Nine Yin, making it the first of many dynasties to face annihilation. Now that he had arrived in Da Shang, it meant a high chance of confronting Candle Nine Yin directly. He vividly remembered the fate hint; Candle Nine Yin was always observing him. Even to this day, it still observed. He wondered if there was any connection between him and Candle Nine Yin. Considering he had only one simulation left, a strong urge to use it now clenched at his heart. Suddenly, the sound of hammering reached their ears. Unbeknownst to them, the three had arrived at Su Yin's forge. Upon seeing the priests halt there, everyone looked anxious yet secretly relieved. Anxious that Su Yin might be chosen as a sacrifice. Relieved not to have been chosen themselves, able to cling to life for a bit longer. Just then, the pounding from the forge ceased. Aged and worn, Su Yin emerged from within. His skin was weathered and tattered from years of copper forging, his hair singed and patchy. Seeing Su Mo, Su Yin paused, then a look of relief washed over his face. He began to humor himself. "After all these years, someone's finally taken an interest in me." "Sir, how do you plan to offer me?" Though Su Mo felt no personal sentiment towards Su Yin, he had witnessed the genuine fatherly love Su Yin had shown to the simulation's version of himself. "Are you Su Yin?" "Indeed, I am." Su Yin's expression was steady, prepared to face whatever fate awaited him. Seeing Su Yin's lack of fear, Su Mo decided not to emotionally torment him and spoke gently. "Su Yin, you possess the potential to become a priest." "I've come today specifically to awaken that potential in you." What? Su Yin could hardly believe his ears. But he understood someone of Su Mo’s standing wouldn't jest lightly. "Priest, are you serious?" Nodding, Su Mo affirmed. "Of course. I have no reason to deceive you." "First, let me cure your old wounds." As he spoke, Su Mo produced an elixir from his realm. A gift from Meng Hongshang, it didn't greatly affect cultivators but for ordinary humans, it could cleanse and rejuvenate, adding twenty years to one’s life. "Here, take this." Unfamiliar with the fragrant pill in Su Mo's hand, Su Yin nonetheless swallowed it without hesitation. Before long, Su Yin felt a profound transformation unfolding within his body. In what seemed mere moments, his aged complexion rejuvenated to youthful vigour, even restoring his failing eyesight. It was as if time had turned back two decades, to when he was a young man. Witnessing this remarkable change, the onlookers couldn't believe their eyes. "My word, Su Yin truly looks younger." "I recall Su Yin's youth, he looked just like this, perhaps even more handsome." "Indeed, even more handsome." "Fortune truly smiles on Su Yin; chosen by the priest, he's no longer a mere slave." "Truly, he has ascended to a privileged place." Hearing this, Su Yin felt a surge of exhilaration. Could it be that from now on, he'd truly soar to new heights? Seeing the joy on Su Yin's face, Su Mo too felt a wave of emotion, having fulfilled a regret from the simulation. "Come, Su Yin, let me impart to you a spell." "Remember to practice diligently." Saying this, Su Mo tapped his finger upon Su Yin's forehead. Instantly, knowledge of spiritual summoning techniques flowed into Su Yin's mind, conveyed through radiant energy. Part of it encompassed insights from Su Mo's own practices. Though unable to promise riches, Su Mo had provided a ladder for Su Yin to ascend. Su Mo departed thereafter. With his newfound mastery of spells, no one could again claim Su Yin as a slave. Being skilled in priestly magic meant others seeking to maintain hierarchical purity would go to great lengths to protect him. Therefore, barring invasion by troops of Western Qi, Su Yin was not in immediate danger. As for Western Qi, Su Mo scoffed. With memory intact, Daji's cunning would prevent such disasters from occurring. Yet, Su Mo remained unsure whether Candle Nine Yin had yet approached Daji. If Daji allied with Candle Nine Yin, what recourse would he have? Candle Nine Yin, being a deity of creation, was beyond formidable. Overpowering it seemed an impossibility, even Guanyin might not withstand it. With apprehension mounting, Su Mo's resolve to perform a final simulation swelled. Ultimately, he decided to complete one last simulation before pursuing Daji. Turning then to Yu Luonang and He Linger, Su Mo spoke. “Guard me for a while; I have something important to do.” "Yes, Master." Su Mo brought Yu Luonang and He Linger to the rooftop of Bi Gan's residence. Given that this incarnation of Bi Gan hadn't been slain by Daji, the roof was spacious. After setting up an array to mask his presence, Su Mo had He Linger reveal her true form and, holding Yu Luonang, initiated a simulation. Although Yu Luonang wasn't sure of Su Mo’s intentions, she refrained from disturbing him, dedicatedly attending to his needs as he worked with focus. Resting in the soft feathers of He Linger, Su Mo felt as though he lay upon the world’s finest mattress. With Yu Luonang massaging him attentively, Su Mo was nearly lost in the bliss, reluctant to leave such comfort. Eventually, Su Mo opened his "Fate Life" system. He watched the chaotic scene unfold, preparing to commence his simulation. Immediately, prompts appeared before him. "Would you like to start the simulation?" "Begin!" "Randomizing birth location." "This time, your simulation begins at the Sea of Shadow." The Sea of Shadow! Su Mo's eyes widened with surprise. Could this truly be the legendary Sea of Shadow from the creation myths? Legends told that Candle Nine Yin hovered here, and it was from this very sea that Fuxi and Nuwa emerged. Could it be... Was he to take on the role of Fuxi this time? As Su Mo mused over these possibilities, another prompt appeared. "Randomizing fate character." "This time, your fated character is named 'Nuwa.'" Nuwa! This confirmed Su Mo's hunch even more. His role might indeed be Fuxi! Su Mo felt a surge of excitement. Nuwa herself—paired with Fuxi, they defeated Candle Nine Yin, the divine spirit of creation. He couldn't help but wonder about Nuwa’s beauty… Perhaps it matched that of Chang'e. In Su Mo's mind, Chang'e embodied perfection, her beauty beyond reproach. As Su Mo indulged in these thoughts, another prompt emerged. "Randomizing identity." "This time, your identity is the Heart of Darkness from the Sea of Shadow." Heart of Darkness? Su Mo was baffled. Heart of Darkness? What was this? There were no records of it in the creation myths. Could it be a buried truth of historical mythology? Curiosity piqued, another prompt soon appeared. "Randomizing talent." "This time, your talent is 'Darkness.'" "Darkness (Tierless Talent): You are darkness itself, possessing all abilities related to darkness." Darkness itself? Su Mo's eyes narrowed. What could this mean? At that moment, another prompt appeared. "Would you like to play on autopilot for this simulation?" Su Mo's expression darkened. Even in the final simulation, there was an option to autopilot. He promptly chose to decline. "Simulation commencing..." Suddenly, a profound darkness enveloped Su Mo, immersing him entirely. Everything around him turned black, save for a dim glow from behind his head. ... "You are born amidst darkness, devoid of consciousness, oblivious to your surroundings or any sense of direction." "Time passes, and eventually, you become aware of having a body." In the scene, all that lay before Su Mo remained in darkness. "Upon gaining a body, the first thing you do is wander around." "During your explorations, you encounter numerous objects: scythes, hammers, folding fans, knives, spears, pagodas, cauldrons, and more. Owing to your immense strength, these objects disintegrate upon contact." "When destroyed, these objects release energy that reinforces your body, granting you corresponding abilities." "Yet, compared to your innate power, these object-derived abilities are insignificant, mere fireflies before the sun, unworthy of your use." "Deeming them burdensome, you eventually cease your search for more objects in the dark." "As more time elapses, you sense a vast, compelling force pulling at your body." "Facing this force, you choose?" "Option 1: Resist the force and escape its reach." "Option 2: Pretend to struggle before allowing the force to pull you in." "Option 3: Allow the force to guide you, seeking its source." Presented with these choices, Su Mo pondered deeply. He knew not what endings these options foretold. Being the last simulation, he had to choose wisely. Failing to alter destiny through this talent would be a grave disappointment. Instinctively, any living being would struggle violently, fleeing beyond the force’s grasp. Rather than follow instincts, Su Mo decided to chart a different course by selecting the third option, to willingly follow the force. Resolved, Su Mo chose the third option. "Guided by the force, a voice within urges you to submit to its pull." "You comply, propelled swiftly by the force until, at last, you glimpse a light amidst the darkness." "Emerging from the abyss, you behold an immense dragon." "Instantly, you discern its identity." "Candle Nine Yin." "With satisfaction, Candle Nine Yin places you upon its brow, transforming you into its third eye." "Only then do you realize, prior to you, two other orbs of different colors but identical form had already become this dragon’s eyes!" (End of Chapter)