As of now, Wu Tong's Crimson Wheel Heart Sutra has assimilated nearly ten distinct energy attributes and transformations:
Pure Yang True Qi, Primordial Qi, Spirit Power, Mana, Vital Energy, Spiritual Power, Honkai Energy, Imaginary Energy, Quantum Energy, and Elemental Force.
Oh, right.
Soon, it might also incorporate four more: an angel's Holy Light, a dragon maid's Mana, Dou Po's Dou Qi, and Star Rail's Pathstrider Energy.
"My Pure Yang True Qi is becoming more all-encompassing by the day. At this rate, it might truly evolve into a universal energy source," Wu Tong mused aloud, his tone brimming with anticipation for the future.
After settling these trivial matters, Wu Tong redirected his consciousness back into the chat group.
…
Dimensional Chat Group
Seeker of Truth: I'm back, everyone.
Camera Queen: Back? Did you check the group shop?
No-Shamelessness: Tong-ge, we weren't lying, right? Those items are utterly useless.
Dragon King Spits Water: Seriously, it's all junk. No idea why the chat group keeps dumping trash in there.
Don't Mock the Poor Youth: Can't say it's all useless. Toilet paper's pretty handy—especially at a discount. Way cheaper than the group shop's stuff.
Don't Mock the Poor Youth: You've no idea how I've suffered these past ten years.
Don't Mock the Poor Youth: It's… too painful to recount.
Random Bystander: Uh… my condolences.
Dragon King Spits Water: Condolences +1.
No-Shamelessness: Damn, didn't expect that. Hang in there.
Slime King: …Condolences.
The moment Xiao Yan mentioned toilet paper's utility, the group collectively pieced together his living conditions and offered silent sympathy.
Seeker of Truth: +1.
This poor kid's luck is that bad?!
But speaking of uselessness, Wu Tong couldn't help but recall the chat group's unlocked features and nearly voiced a complaint—
Seeker of Truth: Speaking of which—
Before he could finish, the group assistant's notification chime interrupted.
Group Assistant: Detected a decaying world. Establishing connection…
Group Assistant: Connection successful. Group Dungeon "Highschool of the Dead" unlocked.
Group Assistant: Members may freely enter to plunder resources for their world's development.
Group Assistant: Go wild.jpg.
Seeker of Truth: ???
Seeker of Truth: I was just about to rant about the useless group features, and now the chat group drops this bombshell?
Dragon King Spits Water: Pfft—instant karma!
No-Shamelessness: Group dungeon? Anyone interested? Let's go together?
Seeker of Truth: Obviously. It's a whole world's worth of resources!
Seeker of Truth: Too bad I don't have demonic cultivation techniques. Imagine refining 7 billion zombies—how much could that boost my power?~
Dragon King Spits Water: Zombies? Apocalypse world? Damn, you're just itching to craft a Banner of the Human Sovereign, huh?
Dragon King Spits Water: Though, yeah, a demonic cultivator in a zombie world would skyrocket. Too bad we don't have one.
Camera Queen: Let's not. Demonic cultivators sound… sketchy.
Dragon King Spits Water: Fair point.
Leisurely Stroll: Objectively, "High School of the Dead" sounds similar to the plot the group owner shared. Is there a corresponding script?
No-Shamelessness: Yep, old man.
No-Shamelessness: But it wasn't posted here. This show's mostly for male audiences—I doubt the group owner's seen it.
No-Shamelessness: Heh heh heh~
Random Bystander: Heh heh heh~
Don't Mock the Poor Youth: Heh heh heh~
…
Dragon King Spits Water: …
I'm done. Why is this group so damn pervy?
Dragon King Spits Water: You've watched it? Weren't you isekai'd in 2008? @Don't Mock the Poor Youth
Don't Mock the Poor Youth: Nope!
Dragon King Spits Water: Then why the heck are you laughing?!
Don't Mock the Poor Youth: Even if I haven't seen it, I can guess. 'Male audience' + 'plot'? It's gotta be that. Heh heh heh~
Dragon King Spits Water: …
[Group Member "No-Shamelessness" uploaded group file: "Highschool of the Dead"]
No-Shamelessness: Here's the plot. Check it out for prep.
…
Wu Tong, however, had already tuned out the chat.
The group owner's words had sparked an epiphany.
Right!
No demonic techniques? Why not craft demonic artifacts instead?
A powerful artifact would make him powerful.
With the Core of Reason, rare materials were no issue. And his derived crafting technique—Artifice of Heaven, extrapolated from Outcast's forging arts—could absolutely handle this.
With that, Wu Tong ordered his AI to simulate the Banner of the Human Sovereign's crafting method.
"AI, simulate the Banner of the Human Sovereign's refinement process."
Instantly, a detailed blueprint flooded his mind.
[Banner of the Human Sovereign] Crafting Method
A footnote followed: "Insufficient data. Current simulation yields a weakened version. Recommended: Integrate the Second Spirit Ring during crafting to enhance soul-binding properties, enabling soul absorption for growth."
Not bad. Approved.
Apocalypse worlds would be common. Better to repurpose their resources—for his cultivation, and for his Ten Thousand Souls… ahem, Banner of the Human Sovereign.
Kekeke…
"Stand by. Assist me shortly with the crafting."
After reviewing the method, Wu Tong accessed the group shop and purchased trace amounts of premium materials. The Core of Reason's authority analyzed and cataloged each into his database.
Preparations complete, Wu Tong sat cross-legged.
A wave of his hand unleashed the Core's power. Countless rare metals materialized: Spirit Steel, Magic Alloy, Adamantine, Mithril, Dark Silver, Shadow Iron, Dark Alloy, Vibranium, Adamantium…
The floor vanished beneath a mountain of exotic ores.
Next, with AI support, Wu Tong channeled his Pure Yang True Qi. A condensed mass of it—burning like true flame—manifested before him.
The Pure Yang True Fire's emergence spiked ambient temperatures. The air crackled; nearby gold began to soften.
Fortunately, the AI regulated the fire's heat, containing it within the flame's core—saving Wu Tong's residence from immolation.
...
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(End of Chapter)