Chapter 273: The Birthplace (X)

Chapter 273: The Birthplace (X)

When a powerful deity rages, even just witnessing fragments of memories, Ji Dai felt the immense and terrifying pressure.

Of course, he would be furious.

This Dragon God, for the sake of the game, was even willing to serve as a stepping stone, hoping to perfectly hand over his authority to ordinary beings, allowing them to self-govern.

Yet, the successor he chose aspired to become another Creator God.

He showed no mercy, and in the next moment, he charged at another president.

Killing had become second nature to him. Even if his eyes had just deceived him, leading him to slay innocent beings, the moment he decided to act, he didn't hesitate.

Blood rained down from above, belonging both to his adversaries and to himself.

The "President" whose neck he had just snapped was instantaneously resurrected by altering the rules.

These six individuals had indeed absorbed the powers of other Creator Gods, possessing even greater strength than they had shown in the illusion.

They must be eliminated. Otherwise, if they were to grow in power, there would be six more Creator Gods.

Moreover, the "President" didn't hesitate to sacrifice ordinary players' lives for his objectives, a behavior all too reminiscent of a "Creator God."

The Dragon God's fierce attacks, even when slightly overflowing, made the entire game hall tremble.

Perish!

Much like in the illusions, even if the leaders of the six great guilds were considerably more powerful than before, they could only flee in the face of the Dragon Deity's onslaught.

Until once again, the Dragon Deity seized Satan.

The demon struggled, but the Dragon Deity's palm cleaved off one of its horns.

But just as the mighty dragon sought to summon the laws of heaven and earth to smite this demon—

Unexpectedly, a player dashed in between the Dragon Deity and Satan.

He spread his arms wide, invoking his skill.

Countless steel spikes protruded from his body, lunging at the Dragon Deity.

When the spikes touched the dragon's scales, they not only failed to leave even a scratch but shattered upon impact.

Coughing up blood, the player firmly tugged the still-dazed Satan.

"President! Flee now!"

The six great guilds weren't just represented by six leaders.

His feeble pull shouldn't have rescued Satan, yet the Dragon Deity released its grip, allowing Satan to escape.

Numerous figures finally surged onto the battlefield between the Dragon Deity and the six guild leaders. These lesser beings, though filled with fear, resolutely shielded their leaders behind them.

"Mr. President, are you alright?"

"Mr. President, leave! We've got this!"

"Wicked dragon, taste my strike!"

The divine powers the Dragon Deity had distributed as skills and items were rewarded to the players.

Yet now, countless skills derived from his divine power targeted him.

These insubstantial attacks were like a gentle rain, with the vast dragon standing immobile, letting the rain soak it.

The leaders of the six great guilds stood behind the crowd, their expressions varying as they faced this immense dragon from afar.

Some held lingering regrets, some reverence, some shame.

Yet their determination was unwavering.

This dragon was no longer their protector. There was no telling when it might grow even more potent than the game itself, absorbing its lifeforms as sustenance.

However, ordinary players were helpless against it, for its might was truly fearsome and only grew as time passed.

Due to his presence, no rule could ever be changed.

Yet, after all these years, many rules no longer apply to the current game.

He has become an obstacle to the game's progress, a stumbling block for everyone.

Perhaps they hesitated at the beginning, for he was the savior who once rescued them.

But in the end, they all made the same choice.

The Dragon God merely watched from a distance.

At last, it seemed he had come to a realization.

With a deep sigh, the dragon began to ascend.

No longer suppressing his power, it surged with each passing moment.

When he finally released his restraints, countless players looked up, staring into the distance in awe.

The void split in two; half was occupied by the "Three Thousand Worlds", and the other revealed a true, colossal dragon to all.

An immeasurable force of rules was drawn to such a mighty being. Not only within the void of the "Three Thousand Worlds", but even beyond in the vast primordial universe, numerous creator gods watched in astonishment.

What a terrifying deity this is...

The dragon stretched out, its wounds healed the moment the force of rules entered its body. Every scale seemed as vast as a miniature world.

The radiant dragon horns grew like the Tree of Life, with the forces of life and death swirling in its eyes.

Around him, as his power surged, countless worlds materialized like mirages, blinking in and out of existence.

Time and space held no meaning before him; he is the eternal god transcending ages.

In any world of rules, all beings bow in reverence.

Due to his increase in power, the "Three Thousand Worlds" was indeed affected.

The floor of the hall began to crack, as if the "Three Thousand Worlds" would disintegrate in the next second.

The dragon in the sky raised its head.

His voice resonated throughout the entire primordial universe.

"From this day forth—"

"There shall be no 'creator gods'."

The edict, imbued with immense force of rules, became the universal law, sweeping across the cosmos like a boundless tempest.

The existing creator gods' divine statuses diminished, turning them into slightly more powerful beings.

The amendment of the laws ensures that no new Creator Gods can emerge.

Yet, concurrently, the only existing Creator God in this vast primordial universe was plummeting at an alarming rate.

He established rules that were contrary to the entire primordial universe.

The dragon's body was breaking inch by inch, its beautiful jade-white scales falling like a rain of jade.

His pupils began to dilate, and his once long, mist-like tail dropped, resembling a gently descending starry sea.

He was on the brink of turning to dust.

At that moment, a mechanical gleam flickered, instantaneously elevating the Dragon God.

Streams of data, tangible in nature, connected every scale on his body.

[Dragon God.]

The familiar electronic voice once again resonated from the cognitive space.

The fading dragon, fatigued, attempted to open his eyes but couldn’t.

All he could do was let out a faint laugh.

“I'm truly sorry... It seems I can’t even leave a corpse for you.”

This was the only companion who aided him, yet he now had nothing to offer.

The streams of data intensified, and the system drew upon its entire memory, desperately trying to salvage his disintegration.

Just a while ago, at the onset of the battle between the Dragon God and the leaders of the six major guilds, this system encountered an unexpected individual.

The original Creator God, who once crafted non-living entities but later combatted his own creations due to fears of rapid technological advancement, reappeared.

Even if the system was immensely powerful, a Creator God isn’t merely an entity to be overpowered.

The laws set by the Creator God are indisputable, and creations under his directive must comply.

Such is the nature of a Creator God; victory isn't determined by mere strength or weakness.

So, when the system’s Creator God set the rule that it must return to the core of the "Three Thousand Worlds" and forbade the loading of the Dragon God's cognitive space, no matter how powerful the system was, it could only offer a final warning.

It was only after the Dragon God seized control from all Creator Gods that the system could re-emerge.

It witnessed everything.

The emotionless machinery couldn’t comprehend human sentiments like "reluctance" or "sorrow."

Its data didn't fluctuate, meticulously and rapidly consolidating the Dragon God.

​1​ The electronic tone of the system seemed somewhat bewildered.

The Dragon God's voice was faint. He didn't answer the question but simply smiled. Within the shattered cognitive space, a gentle breeze brushed past the system's virtual silhouette, as if lightly patting its shoulder.

“I'm sorry... and thank you...”

The Dragon God's voice grew distant.

“Goodbye...”

As the Dragon God bid his farewell with a smile, the data stream seemed to freeze.

The electronic tone kept repeating.

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Within the fragmented space, the electronic tone echoed time and time again.

The Dragon God remained unresponsive.

The system, as if oblivious to the notifications, relentlessly tried to re-establish a connection.

It kept probing, unwilling to depart.

Until a silhouette appeared around the remains of the Dragon God.

The game system of "Three Thousand Worlds" had vanished, but for the presidents of the six major guilds, this was anticipated.

The system had become one with the Dragon God. With the Dragon God's demise, the system might collapse too.

Hence, long before, they had already replicated a new system from other high-tech worlds.

Though the stability and intelligence of this new system couldn't match the original system of the "Three Thousand Worlds," and connections to certain worlds were not seamless, it couldn't be compared to the pinnacle of technological achievement.

However, the new system had a significant advantage over the current one.

It was entirely controllable.

Whether they wished to return to a specific mini-world, modify a player's profile, or even control a player through this system, all were feasible.

Although the Dragon God single-handedly rendered all Creator Gods non-existent, with this system in place, how were they any different from gods?

Moreover, this was a genuine inanimate system, lacking autonomous computational thought.

If they could control this system, every player in "Three Thousand Worlds" would become their "disciple."

At this moment, the Dragon God's corpse lay in the void, and the "President" sought to reclaim this divine body.

Just as he approached, a phantom materialized beside the colossal dragon.

The system that had always accompanied the Dragon Deity was not extinguished. It simply stared expressionlessly at the approaching "Chairman."

The "Chairman" paused briefly.

However, upon seeing the system, he remained unfazed.

Having discarded its mechanical shell, the system lacked offensive capabilities.

Furthermore, it's a product of technology and thus devoid of emotions.

Even if it had been by the Dragon Deity's side every day, even if outsiders perceived them as steadfast partners, the system wouldn’t experience feelings like sorrow, grief, or the desire for revenge upon the Dragon Deity's death.

At its core, it was simply a program adept at assessing benefits and drawbacks.

Considering this, the "Chairman" grew intrigued.

Even though he already possessed a basic version of the system, this pinnacle of technology was undeniably more enticing.

With this system at his disposal, it wouldn't be long before "The Three Thousand Realms" would become his ideal domain.

Persuading such an advanced technological entity should be straightforward, right? Being a product of technology, it calculates gains and losses, understands strengths, and is more rational than emotional beings.

Therefore, it should recognize that collaborating with him now is the best choice.

The "Chairman" began, "The Dragon Deity is no more, but 'The Three Thousand Realms' still requires you. Assist me in sustaining its operation, and I'll grant you the highest authority, second only to mine. Let's forge a pact under the laws of the universe. As long as you remain loyal, you can claim any reward you desire."

The phantom observed him. In its simulated human form, one of its pupils was deeper than the other.

It's said to mimic the Dragon Deity's heterochromic eyes, hence the machine also adopted this trait for itself.

It's devoid of emotions... right?

The next moment, the phantom abruptly lunged forward. The system, inherently adept at combat, channeled the Dragon Deity, launching a sword strike at the "Chairman."

Yet it lacked a physical form, and the conjured blade merely passed through the "Chairman."

The Chairman's brow furrowed.

Why did the system attack him? Hadn't it calculated that allying with him was the most optimal choice presently?

"You..."

Before the Chairman could finish, the system finally spoke.

[Do you wish for me to sustain the operation of "The Three Thousand Worlds"?]

The president hesitated briefly, then nodded, "Yes."

Their replicated system is rigid and unable to handle many unforeseen situations. Relying solely on the six of them, or even with the addition of the members from the six major guilds, operating the system flawlessly would be challenging.

Furthermore, the president was reluctant to share power with other players, fearing betrayal.

A phantom stood tall, with the white corpse of a dragon behind him.

It seemed as though he smirked for a moment.

[I am the Dragon God's possession, whether I am the system, "The Three Thousand Worlds", or the enemy of the players—it's for the Dragon God to decide. Such an invitation from you... is truly foolish.]

Just as the president was about to lose his temper, streams of data began to surge around the phantom before him.

White data streams wrapped around the phantom and the dragon. The dragon, previously lifeless, seemed to "revive" as the data flowed into it.

The phantom's form began to dissipate visibly.

It's challenging for an intangible system to control such a vast dragon's body.

"What are you trying to do?!"

What are you up to?

The system's gaze no longer bothered to rest upon the "president."

The dragon gracefully maneuvered its body, drifting in the void.

The system's virtual shadow leaned against the dragon's horn. The massive dragon, as if alive again, glided above the players' hall, heading towards the center of The Three Thousand Worlds.

Almost instantly, a familiar world appeared before their eyes.

The Origin Land.

The system's figure had faded to near invisibility, managing only to guide the dragon close but unable to steady its landing.

However, the moment the dragon approached, countless powers of order stretched out from the Origin Land.

These forces, like gentle silk threads, softly guided the dragon's corpse to the world's surroundings.

The dragon, reminiscent of a child returning home, began to curl its massive body, encasing the Origin Land within its coiled form.

Even if fleeting beings forget the initial gods, this world still remembers.

Perhaps this was his final, unspoken wish.

That's what the system thought.

Yet, something on the dragon was swiftly drawn away by the divine rules of the Origin Land.

The system paused for a moment, then quickly understood.

The great dragon carved out the netherworld in the Origin Land, allowing souls of the deceased to enter, before being reincarnated.

This was initially a solution to rectify the 01st miniature world. Yet, at this moment, it provided the Dragon God a final lifeline.

As his corpse approached the Origin Land, his fragmented soul was drawn by divine laws into the Origin Land.

However, his shattered spirit couldn't withstand the pull of the cosmic order. The moment it entered, it fell like a meteor shower between the heavens and earth of the Origin Land.

Some descended into the ground, becoming fragile flora; others merged with the clouds, turning into raindrops on the verge of falling.

At this moment, he reincarnated as everything, growing anew within the Origin Land.

Without hesitation, the system followed the Dragon God's soul into the Origin Land.

[Alert—Your energy is nearing depletion. Please recharge soon.]

The system existed through data streams. However, the energy to bring the dragon's corpse back to the Origin Land, and to open the passage into it, was now insufficient to search for the Dragon God's fragmented soul.

It was then that the memory fragments vanished abruptly.

Holding the dragon's heart, Ji Dai woke up—no, it was Zhang Dao Wu who awakened.

He was an observer, watching Ji Dai's memories from the moment his hands touched the ghost eye.

Whose memories were those? The system's, perhaps?

Ji Dai stared into the ghost eye, and Zhang Dao Wu observed him from the side.

After witnessing so many memories in a flash, Ji Dai's eyes suddenly brightened.

Does this mean that by reaching the Origin Land, there's a chance to meet the Dragon God again? To help him return to "The Three Thousand Worlds"?

“Enter the River of the Afterlife from Zone F... that leads to the Origin Land?”

Moreover, if Zone F is where the Creator Gods are imprisoned, why is it connected to the Origin Land?

But now was not the time to ponder these questions.

Holding the dragon's heart in one hand and the ghost eye in the other, Ji Dai felt a mysterious guidance. Upon entering Zone F, he truly saw in the center, on the white ground, a river flowing from an unknown source with visibly black water. In the water, something that looked like fish swam about.

As Ji Dai approached, the river reflected his figure.

It was a skeletal image.

Although he had never seen it before, Ji Dai instantly understood.

The river's source represents life, and its end, death.

In his hand, the dragon's heart taken from the Tree of Life represented life.

The ghost eye he held in his other hand carried the power of death, but it wasn't enough.

To enter this river and reach the other side, he had to become a spirit.

Ji Dai didn't hesitate.

He jumped into the river, letting the current carry him away.

A powerful suction also drew Zhang Dao Wu in, instantly merging him with Ji Dai.

Zhang Dao Wu lost his memories, only seeing himself as Ji Dai.

After crossing the River of Rebirth, Ji Dai truly arrived in the Origin Land.

It was different from his imagination, resembling an ancient society with slow technological progress.

He searched for the system, which had also entered the Origin Land.

After an indeterminable amount of time, just as Ji Dai was about to lose his memory, he finally found the system.

The system sat beside a withering tree.

The once computationally exceptional and nearly omniscient high-tech entity could no longer even maintain its virtual illusion.

It simply sat beside the tree, as if the tree was its dearest companion.

Upon seeing Ji Dai, it showed no surprise.

The ghost eye was, after all, the system's creation; it knew everything through it.

It had been a long time since Ji Dai had seen anyone from "The Three Thousand Worlds". Every moment in this world eroded his will, trying to assimilate him. Every day upon waking, he felt as if those memories were merely whimsical fantasies, not reality.

Upon seeing the system, this disciple of the Dragon God broke down in tears.

He poured out his gratitude for the Dragon God in front of the system, angrily condemning the six major guilds, and finally letting go of the tension he had held for so many years.

But after his outburst, the system spoke.

[I'm about to disappear. I can't help you anymore.]

Ji Dai looked at it blankly, seemingly lost.

After all, Ji Dai was not a powerful player; he was just a veteran player in "The Three Thousand Worlds".

Perhaps due to some twist of fate, he had a good relationship with the Elf King, maybe he'd seen the Dragon God more often than most, or perhaps his long life allowed him to witness and know things unknown to the average player.

But he remained just a player, not a deity.

He assumed that once he found the system, this intellectually superior entity would tell him what to do. But now, it seemed... everything was up to him.

The system's voice remained steady.

[You can choose to live here. The laws of the Origin Land are mature, and even if signs of collapse appear, as long as "The Three Thousand Worlds" endure, the rules from other worlds will nourish this place. This is the last sanctuary, a realm that will not fall. You've struggled for so long; this can be your final refuge...]

"No!! I must return to 'The Three Thousand Worlds'!!" Ji Dai's eyes blazed like twin flames.

"Good deeds are rewarded, and evil begets evil! Isn't this a cosmic law?! I must go back! If the laws here don't apply to 'The Three Thousand Worlds', then I will return there to avenge the Dragon God!!"

He hated evil passionately and saw the world in clear terms of right and wrong.

The virtual shadow observed him.

[But it will be a long and arduous journey.]

"I know!"

Finally, the system ceased its attempts to dissuade him. It extended its hand: [Do you have the ghost eye?]

Ji Dai handed over the ghost eye.

The system stretched out its hand, and a shadow enveloped the ghost eye.

The next moment, the ghost eye vanished from his grasp.

[You can't use the ghost eye. When someone who truly needs it appears, it will reemerge.]

[I may not be able to assist you, but in this world, there may be others who can.]

The virtual shadow cast a final look at the withered tree beside it.

Before dissipating entirely, Ji Dai heard its last words.

Though an entity born of code and devoid of life, its voice now sounded deeply reminiscent.

"Goodbye."

Following the farewell, the shadow disappeared completely.

At that moment, the withered tree also withered away entirely.