Does God truly exist?

Time flowed quickly, and the evolution of the Pangu Continent was like a vast ocean.

Wars and wails, pain and hardship, laughter and tears – old, cliché stories repeatedly unfolded on this ancient land.

However, the Ninth Era saw subtle changes. Far more civilizations left the Safe Zone early, and wars broke out less frequently.

The first technology to spread was "Field Industrialization."

This Idealistic Technology spread throughout every corner of the world over hundreds of years, multiplying infinitely like a virus!

Through countless civilizations' improvements, the concept of "Field" saw significant reductions in manufacturing costs and difficulty, becoming a mandatory course for every civilization!

It not only increased the production rate of extraordinary resources but also further improved the wealth of the major civilizations. When resources weren't too scarce, a reduction in the frequency of wars was a natural consequence.

Following that, "Mythical Industrialization" spread.

The name was too resounding, so after careful consideration, the name disseminated among the vast civilizations was "Bloodline Enhancement Technology," a rather unremarkable name.

Only the simplest "Today Mirror" was disseminated among the technologies, yet it was still highly valued and rapidly spread by the vast civilizations!

The Pangu Continent changed slowly, on a "hundred-year" timescale.

"The Western Continent is still a wasteland, with very few inhabitants."

On this day, the second Elder of the Turtle Civilization stood atop a tall mountain, overlooking the vast land.

They had arrived at the Western Continent.

Due to the abundance of iron elements in the soil, all the mountains, deserts, and the land itself were a rusty red color.

The climate here was volatile, sometimes rising to 50 degrees Celsius, and then suddenly plummeting to minus sixty degrees Celsius.

In this chaotic environment, deserts were everywhere, making life difficult to survive.

The Western Continent was where the Peak Civilization of the Sixth Era, the "Hou Tu Civilization," had grown. Fierce wars had erupted here, and a large amount of Idealistic Radiation remained.

The resonance of this Idealistic Radiation caused Idealistic Rule to become disordered, which in turn affected the climate.

Of course, fortune and misfortune are intertwined; the Idealistic mineral deposits in the Western Continent were richer than in other regions.

Just then, a young Turtle Person scientist's expression changed: "Reporting, Elder, we've detected regular electromagnetic waves. It could be from a civilization... ah, a signal source from the Civilization Trading Market!"

His expression was a bit tense because this was the first civilization they had found on the Western Continent.

[Kapu Civilization, Trading Market, cordially invites your arrival!]

"Since we're here, we'll stay. Let's head in that direction." The second Elder, named Gui Zhe, was skilled in the art of "Divination."

Their group was piloting an old-fashioned Flying Fortress made of reinforced concrete, with a crew of just over two thousand people.

In this strange land, the more dilapidated the Spaceship, the safer it was.

Displaying too high a level of civilization would bring immense risk.

The Flying Fortress slowly advanced at a speed of eighty kilometers per hour.

After flying for two days, they finally reached their destination. The second Gui Zhe couldn't help but widen his eyes and step forward. At the junction of the withered yellow continent and the red ocean, a hazy city stood.

It seemed a decent civilization lived here. Occasionally, Spaceships would ascend and head into the distance.

The ground was shrouded in mist, making it impossible to see what was within.

[Unknown civilization, you are approaching the Kapu Civilization Trading Market! Please state your intentions. Guests will be welcomed with fine wine, and enemies will be met with cannon fire!]

[Your civilization's Spaceship must be parked in the designated area! War is not permitted in this vicinity, or it will be considered an act of hostility!]

It sounded fairly normal.

The Flying Fortress landed slowly. The technical personnel sent out electromagnetic waves to establish contact.

The other party also responded quickly.

Gui Zhe took a deep breath: "Everyone, whether it's a mountain of knives or a sea of fire, we must go and see. You few will accompany me. I will maintain Telepathy at all times."

"Awaken the Old Master; we need powerful reinforcements."

Under the control of several aberrant phenomena described as "Demon," a strange creature was brought out from a sealed room.

It looked like a Turtle, entirely black, with two heads.

One of the heads had no mouth or nose, only an eyeball filled with bloodshot veins. A bizarre and ominous aura permeated the air.

The surrounding young Turtle People held their breath, lowered their heads, and dared not look directly.

The "Old Master" originated from the Second Era, a [Demon] that had been unknown.

It had possessed a "Guai"!

The "Guai's" name was "Guai Xie Wang Zhi Ming," a notorious malevolent entity even in the First Era.

The Turtle Civilization possessed the Ink Sect heritage and had profound foundations, with technological strength hundreds or even thousands of times greater than the Red Bull Alliance. This method of possession using a [Demon] could unleash high-level combat power in a short period.

However, controlling "Gui Xie Wang Zhi Ming" also came at a great cost.

The "Old Master" could only last for a day at most before needing long-term hibernation, essentially making it a one-time combat capability.

The strange entity, with its bloodshot eyeball, existed in a state of wave-particle duality between reality and illusion. It was like a virtual image, yet it could cast a shadow when illuminated by light and could interfere with reality.

Its shadow behind it was like a writhing mosaic, ready to erupt at any moment.

"Is there something... you urgently need to awaken me for?" the Gui asked, its voice hoarse and agitated. "Junior, don't you know my clarity is limited?"

"Old Master, the Ninth Era is vastly different from the past; it is an era full of hope."

"No matter the cost, we must buy ourselves some time. This time, our divination has revealed some aberrant phenomena, and we need your intervention," Gui Zhe said respectfully, then offered a small bottle.

"Acquired Mythical bloodline? You've actually concocted this?" the Gui · Xie Wang Zhi Ming's voice remained somewhat flat. "Alas, it's not of much significance. The First Era had countless Acquired Mythicals; why take a detour?"

Gui Zhe then quietly explained more information.

This Acquired Mythical was different from those in the past; even their Turtle Civilization had benefited from this era's prosperity. He himself was already an Acquired Mythical!

"So that's how it is... letting Acquired Mythicals till the land? Interesting..."

The Gui was silent for a moment, then spoke again, coldly: "Fine, I sense the enemy's presence. It is active on this continent. I will act if necessary."

"But don't push your luck too far, or you'll die!"

The Turtle People trembled, deeply aware that some things were unknowable.

If they were to comprehend them, this supreme, foundational war machine before them would slaughter them in an instant!

Yet, they still had to investigate, dancing on the edge of a blade.

"Old Master, please enter this mirror."

This was an improved version of the Today Mirror, not only capable of enhancing bloodline power but also serving as a spatial item. This mirror, about one square meter in size, could be mounted on powered armor.

The Gui, its body completely black, merged into the Today Mirror...

Thus, with their trump card prepared, the Turtle Civilization's team, in full force, disembarked from their spaceship.

The two teams met.

"We are an expeditionary team from the Dong Gui Civilization, having just left the Safe Zone. We happened to receive your civilization's battery wave, so we came here to investigate," Gui Zhe performed a friendly gesture, utilizing the God's Skill Translator.

"Just left the Safe Zone, huh? A bit late, but not the latest, because you've met us." The diplomats from the Kapu Civilization, also clad in powered armor, spoke with inexplicably captivating voices. "Our Trading Market buys and sells everything. We even have the latest knowledge on Field Industrialization!"

"What... Field Industrialization?" Gui Zhe quickly asked.

"Heh, a young civilization, fortunate to have encountered us," the other party grinned smugly. "The popular technology of the Ninth Era, no one knows which civilization developed it, but it can significantly boost productivity. If you wish to purchase it, we'll sell you the complete technology at a low price!"

All the world bustles for profit; as long as two civilizations don't go to war upon meeting, trade is the best option.

The Turtle People team from the Turtle Civilization feigned interest, probing and indirectly obtaining a lot of information.

Turns out, Field Industrialization had been introduced a hundred years ago, which was utterly unbelievable.

"Furthermore, we also have 'Bloodline Enhancement Technology'! However, this is more difficult, requiring a high level of skill from an Artisan, at least an Artisan Master. Does your civilization possess such capability?"

These individuals spoke volubly, then pressed a button and removed their helmets, revealing their true appearances – somewhat similar to humans, with a single horn on their heads and skin of a faint blue hue.

An inexplicable charm washed over them!

These seasoned Turtle People, upon seeing the other party's appearance, felt a surge of inexplicable goodwill, as if these Kapu people were the greatest benefactors of their lives! Even though their races were different, it evoked boundless affection.

The leading Gui Zhe, the #2 Turtle Person, narrowed his eyes and subtly notified his teammates via telepathy: "Let's take off our helmets too. Everyone, act normally and don't resist this feeling of goodwill."

In fact, there was no need for deliberate effort. The younger Turtle People's gazes gradually became hazy, their Blood Essence surging, finding the others more and more charming. Fortunately, the Turtle Civilization was an egg-laying species, and mating lacked pleasure, so they could barely resist.

"Regrettably, esteemed Kapu Civilization, we... do not have an Artisan Master."

"Then that's truly unfortunate."

The Kapu diplomat, upon seeing the appearance of the Turtle Civilization, smiled. "However, in our city, we have some servants who resemble your kind. They already possess ancient bloodlines meticulously modified by us. If your civilization is willing to purchase them, their offspring might also inherit a trace of bloodline potential."

"Then we shall humbly accept your offer. Please lead the way, let us witness a truly powerful civilization," Gui Zhe showed a look of interest, though his heart sank to the bottom of the sea.

The Kapu Civilization, similar to the "Beautiful Civilization" of the Eighth Era, was engaged in the same dealings – dispersing their own population among other civilizations.

It was just that in the Ninth Era, with the advent of Mythical Industrialization, ancient bloodlines had suddenly become commonplace, making abilities similar to those of the "Beautiful Civilization" in enhancing bloodlines no longer appealing.

As they walked, the magnificent architectural artistry was intoxicating.

It was truly comparable to the masterpiece of a Great Grandmaster.

"The Beautiful Civilization has been resurrected on the Western Continent."

Suddenly, Gui Zhe's heart lurched.

He saw a crystal sculpture standing in the center of the plaza, pierced by a beam of light from an unknown source.

The light shattered, refracted, and reborn within the sculpture, piercing the surrounding darkness with countless tiny holes, casting ever-changing shadows on the walls as if invisible spirits were dancing on them.

Upon seeing this sculpture, even Gui Zhe felt an indescribable sense of immersion, as if a stream of light had enveloped his heart, suppressing his thoughts. He knew clearly that this strange feeling was toxic, yet he couldn't tear himself away.

Immediately, the Tomorrow Mirror within his powered armor emitted a light "click," like lightning striking his mind.

This was a warning from the Old Master.

Gui Zhe broke out in a cold sweat.

He looked at the crystal sculpture again, his heart filled with extreme caution.

Each person's eyes reflected different forms, seeing entirely different things: storms, silence, birth, demise...

And it remained silent, merely receiving light, decomposing light, and recreating light – as if the most secret laws of the universe were solidified in this transparent substance, beautiful enough to inspire awe and fear.

"What is this..." he feigned ignorance.

"This is... a God!" the Kapu proudly introduced. "Everything we currently possess is guided by the God."

"Gods... truly exist?"

"Of course! Only by entering the embrace of [God] can we escape the Era Disaster and enter that eternal kingdom."

"If there are such Gods, why do we still need to develop technology and engage in Field Industrialization?" Gui Zhe suppressed his trembling mind and asked in a low voice, "Can't we just enter the eternal kingdom directly?"

The Kapu diplomat glanced at the old Turtle Person and said speechlessly, "The [God] cannot endlessly satisfy our desires. Most things still need to be accomplished by ourselves."

"Moreover, even to become a servant of [God], one must achieve merit."

"How does one achieve merit?"

Suddenly, the mirror behind him made another sound. This question might have touched upon the boundaries of cognition.

Fortunately, the Kapu Civilization did not provide an answer, perhaps because they themselves couldn't. "Alright, please follow me. I will now introduce you to our Kapu Trading Market's best-selling items and some of the civilizations that have joined."

As they walked, the Turtle People became increasingly alarmed.

They saw many strange statues, more than one. Some exuded a bloody aura, while others shone brightly like crystals under the sun.

When they looked at the statues, the statues seemed to look back at them with smiles...

Those pairs of eyes, looking at them... as if countless dense eyes were staring at them!

The Turtle Civilization ultimately did not choose to wage war...

This was not only due to their Combat Power but also because they feared that an immediate extermination would trigger certain special mechanisms—Concept Abilities were too unique. Their Turtle Civilization was not the Protagonist of this Era. They had lost too many times, and even the [Old Master] had lost too many times.

Therefore, the decision not to wage war was personally made by the [Old Master].

After leaving the Trading Market, everyone cleared their memories, including the highest-ranking Turtle Person, number 2, Gui Zhe.

Only a letter written by Gui Zhe himself remained in the computer.

"They may not have fully awakened... the [Old Master] estimates that even if all the civilizations on the entire West Continent were to ***, it would not be enough to awaken them, because the civilizations on the West Continent are too weak, and their Idealistic Power is limited."

"Furthermore, the emergence of Mythical Industrialization has unexpectedly delayed this spread, as if everything is developing in the predetermined direction."

"However, they do not wish to accelerate the arrival of the Era Disaster... As long as civilization has not developed to a certain extent, they are happy to see it happen..."

"We will remain here to investigate the spread rate long-term. This is very dangerous, but it is also our duty."

(The turtle had surgery, and the cost could buy dozens of new ones, but it's nothing. A few hundred yuan is affordable. I hope it gets better soon and eats vigorously.)

(I rushed to type some words, it's a bit late, please forgive me.)