The statement, coming from the Puppet Master, naturally held little credibility, but the System's voice promptly chimed in.
"Ren Yuanhao, what he's saying is very likely true. And I need to correct you, it's not just Elemental Ability Nuclei, but Primal Elemental Ability Nuclei. The bamboo slip testament you have now is missing its final piece. However, after extensive data analysis, the System believes this testament very well might contain the Fire Element Primal!"
"Primal? How is that possible? Didn't you say even you weren't sure if such a thing existed?"
"Indeed, I did say that. But just because I don't know or am uncertain about something, doesn't mean it absolutely doesn't exist!"
Ren Yuanhao suppressed his impatience and asked again, "You're not joking, right? The power of something like that is unimaginable. If such a thing truly exists, wouldn't that mean humans could enter the Divine Realm?"
The System took a moment to calm its own circuits before replying, "You can understand it that way. However, didn't I tell you that human potential is far from fully unlocked? The unutilized portion is what we call God's Forbidden Zone. Abilities are like pieces of a puzzle that unlock these forbidden zones. The more abilities you devour, the more of the forbidden zones you open. The final battle, in essence, will be a confrontation akin to that between gods."
The System paused for a moment, then continued, "Furthermore, because everyone follows different paths, theoretically, the one who devours the most abilities should be the one closest to the Divine Realm. However, with the five Primal Elements, this theory of consumption can be completely discarded. Controlling any one of the five great elements already means stepping into the Divine Realm!"
Ren Yuanhao slowly said, "So that's why you told me to collect this bamboo slip testament at all costs?"
The System chided him with a hint of exasperation, "What else could I do? You insist on following a path of benevolence and chivalry, not adhering to the normal way of ability users. Trying to reform others with a heart of compassion, when will you ever reach that Divine Realm? Without that power, how can you compete with Jiang Cheng who continuously devours abilities? For your sake, this young lady has been worrying herself sick."
For some inexplicable reason, Ren Yuanhao suddenly felt a genuine sense of moved emotion.
"Hey, hey, hey, are you moved to tears?"
"Yes, when can Miss System let me lean on your shoulder?"
"Keep pushing forward, there will be a day."
Ren Yuanhao rarely heard such personal sentiments from the System, as if, one day, she truly could transform from an AI construct into a physical being.
Thinking of this, Ren Yuanhao found himself inexplicably looking forward to it.
"Right, since we've gotten this far today, I might as well tell you some truths about this world."
"The truths of the world? Why does it feel like we're heading towards the finale?"
"No, not the finale. What you understand might only be a small fraction. Do you know, a long time ago, there were many inexplicable mysterious events in the world? For example, the Tunguska explosion and the King's Factory explosion were both caused by the Fire Element Primal. The five domains: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Void, according to the System's calculations, should each have a reigning entity."
"Reigning entity? What does that mean!"
Ren Yuanhao felt his worldview being severely challenged. The world, he felt, was like a vast net about to descend upon him.
"They are, roughly speaking, what you mortals call 'gods'. However, even gods are not immortal. At certain intervals, they must seal their Primal, and only when they find the next reigning entity will they completely vanish. Therefore, the System speculates that both the Tunguska and King's Factory incidents were explosions caused by the sealing of the Fire Element Primal."
Ren Yuanhao thought to himself, 'You're such a good storyteller. With such an imagination, why don't you write a novel?'
Although he thought this, he knew such thoughts would be censored by the System. He carefully organized his words and said, "Miss System, what you're saying is too fantastical. I can't accept it all at once."
"I never expected you to accept it in an instant. I just hope that sometimes you don't view things with ordinary eyes. For instance, in the current situation, I think it's better for you to listen to what this man has to say. After all, it concerns the bamboo slip testament."
The System's voice suddenly seemed to fade into the distance, and Ren Yuanhao returned from his reverie to the present.
The sky was clear and the autumn wind rustled. The Puppet Master's face had somehow moved incredibly close to Ren Yuanhao's nose.
"Damn! Why are you so close to me!"
Ren Yuanhao almost lost control and was about to throw a punch.
The Puppet Master shifted back slightly and then said, "How about it? I see you've got some skills. If you help me wear down his strength, I'll give you this thing."
—Holy cow, fortunately, all you're holding is a fragment, or if you knew that the complete bamboo slip testament mentioned Primal Elemental Ability Nuclei, you wouldn't want to trade with me even if I beat you to death!
Ren Yuanhao knew very well that his plan was to take first place, then enter the S-class core area, create an opportunity to infiltrate the terminal's location, import the virus into the database, and devour it completely. However, if he did that, wouldn't he be unable to obtain the fragment of the bamboo slip testament?
The answer was, of course, no. Everyone had weaknesses. If he could find the Puppet Master's weakness, he would have an opportunity.
Ren Yuanhao indifferently turned over, preparing to rest, and said coldly, "Sorry, I have plenty of money. And as for that thing you're talking about, as long as I can enter the S-zone, I can get as many nuclei born from various Mandala live genes as I want. Do you really think I would care about such an ephemeral thing?"
However, before Ren Yuanhao finished speaking, the Puppet Master laughed wildly, "With you? An ability index of just over 6000? How do you plan to compete with him?"
"Can't you just take your word for it? Get your stuff and leave, don't disturb my sleep. You're already so strong, why not rule unchallenged in the A-class zone?"
Ren Yuanhao knew very well that anyone wanting to enter such a place had their own agenda. For example, that masked man likely wanted to become stronger and realize his potential. As for himself, it was for a mission. Therefore, the Puppet Master must also have his own reason for needing to enter the S-class.
As long as there was desire, there would always be a flaw.
"You don't understand. I must obtain the Emperor's serum!"