Chapter 708: Becoming a God (2)
The Challenge to Rebuild
"I cannot understand your feelings for the Celestial Court, but I can feel your great reluctance to let it go. If that's the case, why not make an effort?"
"The Soul Crystal has already restored your consciousness. In a while, your divine power and true spirit will also return. You have, effectively, a second chance at life. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
"If even you, the Princess of the Celestial Court, give up, how can you expect anyone else to bear this responsibility?"
Cold Moon frowned, seemingly deep in thought.
Luke didn't speak again. He had said everything he needed to say. Whether she agreed depended on her own will.
After a long time, Cold Moon finally looked up and asked with a trace of uncertainty,
"Can I really succeed?"
Luke said indifferently, "When I was eleven, I formed the Young Masters' Gang with a few brothers. Three years later, the Young Masters' Gang unified the West Coast of the United States, becoming the underground boss. At seventeen, I came to Metropolis alone and started a social networking company called ShowMe. Five years later, ShowMe became the world's number one internet company, and I became the richest man in the world."
"Man proposes, God disposes. If you do nothing, you get nothing."
Cold Moon was profoundly shaken. She couldn't help but look at Luke again. She didn't know much about this man with the terrifying green fire; her newly formed soul had no memory of him, only an instinctive sense of familiarity. She never expected him to say such words.
"Think it over carefully. If you have an idea, talk to me, and I'll help arrange the next steps. If not, then so be it."
Luke turned and left. The sea of fire automatically parted. After his figure disappeared, the passage closed again.
Cold Moon sat cross-legged in the crystal, carefully contemplating his words.
"Rebuild the Celestial Court. Is that truly possible?"
Luke's Reawakening
Luke had absolutely no interest in helping her rebuild any damned Celestial Court. All he wanted was the method to take that final step toward godhood. Even if it was a trap, he was fearless.
So what if it was a First Generation God? At best, they were a cosmic-level warrior. As long as they hadn't reached a multi-dimensional level, Luke was confident he could fight them.
He wasn't afraid of a living God; why would he fear a corpse?
The journey to the Underworld gave Luke a clearer understanding of the soul realm. This was his world; he was the God here. A single thought brought tides, the rotation of the sun and moon, wind, rain, thunder, mountains, forests, flowers, insects, and beasts. He could have anything he wanted; everything was within his mind.
Unfortunately, this was all illusory, originating from his thoughts—a world of nothingness existing outside the universe.
The Soul Crystal was at the very center of this world.
It, too, was an ephemeral thing, without physical form, and only those with powerful souls could touch it.
During this time, Luke had been absorbing the crystal's energy to strengthen himself. His soul had been boosted to the limit of the limit. He was just one step away from crossing over into a new world.
Alas, he couldn't find the entry point. It was like a virgin trying to enter a bedroom for the first time, constantly hovering at the door, unable to step inside.
This situation was genuinely frustrating, which was why he resurrected Cold Moon. As the Princess of the Celestial Court, she must know the secret to achieving godhood.
"This is the only way."
Luke shook his head slightly. His soul had reached its peak and could not be further enhanced. All he could do now was wait while searching for other avenues.
The seven major pantheons must have some relevant records.
A Warm Reunion and a New Lead
His consciousness returned. Luke woke from his slumber and immediately saw Diana. She was spaced out, not having noticed her lover's change.
Luke didn't speak, simply enjoying the sight of her.
A person might not have a beautiful face, but they must possess a unique temperament. Temperament isn't created overnight; it represents a person's experience, cognition, way of thinking, and inner cultivation. Reading can cultivate temperament, as can exercise or dancing. But those are superficial. True temperament must be tempered by the accumulation of years and the washing of storms. Just like Diana, she was always so charming.
"A girl sits beside her lover, yet she is lost in thought. I wonder what confusion has made her so distracted."
Diana's body stiffened. When she saw Luke, she couldn't help but cover her mouth.
"You... you... Luke, you're finally awake!"
Luke laughed heartily, pushed open the pod door, and pulled Diana into his arms, whispering in her ear,
"I've been dreaming of you."
Diana's cheeks instantly flushed. But recalling Linda and the others, she quickly broke free.
"No, you can't. They could come back at any moment."
"Alright!"
Luke didn't press her. Rubbing his stomach, he smiled. "Make me a meal. My stomach feels completely empty, like I haven't eaten in a year."
"It's only been a little over a month, not a year."
Diana smiled widely. With Luke awake, the clouds in her heart dissipated, and her entire demeanor brightened.
"What would you like to eat?"
"Some rice porridge and a vegetarian dish. My stomach can't handle anything else right now."
"Okay! I'll make it right now. It won't take long."
Diana turned and walked toward the kitchen. Luke stretched his arms and walked to the window. Opening it, the warm breeze, carrying the scent of flowers, rushed in. It was a fiercely sunny summer day.
Compared to the Underworld, Earth was truly wonderful.
"Ava!"
"Congratulations, Young Master. You are finally awake. During this time, one hundred and seventy-five people called you. Would you like me to display the list?"
"We can deal with that later. What's going on with Diana? Is she in trouble?"
"It's Barbara Minerva."
A stream of information appeared on his retina, detailing the entire sequence of events.
The wheel of history rolled forward, eventually returning to its original track. He wasn't too concerned about the killings, but he was interested in Barbara's transformation.
"Can you confirm she is now the Cheetah Goddess?"
"The state of her soul is uncertain, but her body has changed significantly. Testing shows her strength and speed are nearly on par with Princess Diana. Her technique and experience are slightly lacking."
"Based on her power level, the current Barbara is equivalent to a God."
"Where is she?"
"The Justice League's underground prison. Princess Diana has been using psychological suggestion to prevent the fusion of Barbara and the Cheetah Goddess. The effect is quite good."
"Do you need me to pull up the surveillance footage?"
"No, I'll go see her myself."
The Cheetah Goddess, Urzkartaga, from the African sorcery pantheon.
Luke was struggling to find a breakthrough, and now she had delivered herself right to his doorstep. Perhaps he could find the method for a mortal to become a God from her.
The thought excited him immensely; he was practically bursting with anticipation.
The food was ready quickly: two simple, delicious, and easily digestible dishes with porridge.
Luke didn't eat much, stopping when he was about three-quarters full. He put down his chopsticks and, along with Diana, headed to the Justice League's underground base.
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