Chapter 257

However, Ai Yue had to consider the future, because one day they would have a fierce conflict with the Sea of Quantum, and he had to ensure that he had the ability to fight against the Sea of Quantum.

But now it seems that a solution to the Sea of Quantum is about to be found—so is it possible to go a step further on the original basis?

From confronting the Sea of Quantum, to defeating the Sea of Quantum, and then to—dominating, and even transforming, the Sea of Quantum?

Is it even possible to use similar methods to deal with the Imaginary Tree?

Although Ai Yue never mentioned it to anyone, he could be said to deeply loathe this tree sea system—in comparison, even the most ordinary multiverse seemed so kind and approachable.

So he had long dreamed of one day transforming the world into the way he envisioned it, starting from the very foundation.

He originally thought that even with the system's help, it would take an incredibly long time to achieve this goal, but now it seems that the process might be shorter than he expected.

So much so that he now wants to go back and start drafting a plan for the Sea of Quantum.

However, just as Ai Yue was about to leave, he sensed something and looked to his right. He then immediately activated the driver at his waist, allowing the Wuji Armor to cover his body.

Not long after he completed this action, a green figure appeared in front of him as if by teleportation, smiling and greeting him, "Oh my, I was wondering who could cause such a commotion. It turns out to be you, Mr. Ai Yue."

The newcomer had long, gray-green hair and wore a peacock feather-like hair ornament on her ear. She was none other than Vita, whom Ai Yue had been "longing for".

"So it was you,"

Ai Yue, who had been deliberately on guard the moment Vita appeared, relaxed and then asked in a puzzled voice, "Were you also attracted by the commotion just now?"

As he said this, Ai Yue couldn't help but slightly curl the corners of his mouth beneath his armor—he knew very well that Vita might have indeed sensed the commotion earlier, but it wasn't because of that level of ripple that she chased after him.

The reason she was here was entirely because she sensed Ai Yue's presence—just as Ai Yue had used the tampering he made with the peacock tail feather hair ornament to sense the other's approach in advance.

After all, the commotion had long since subsided, and the remaining traces had disappeared. Even if the other party was really tracing the source of the disturbance, they shouldn't have appeared in front of Ai Yue.

In addition to the knowledge that Vita had taught him, Ai Yue was certain that the other party was after him.

Even Vita herself knew that such words could not fool Ai Yue, but she had long developed the habit of speaking in a half-truthful manner, and it was difficult for her to correct this habit even when facing Ai Yue.

Ai Yue's deliberate gestures and words were a response to Vita's behavior, signifying "I've seen through you."

"Oh my, as expected of Mr. Ai Yue. It's only been a short time since we last met, and he has already mastered such methods. I admire him greatly."

After the first round of lukewarm exchanges, Vita's attitude became noticeably more sincere. Her smile faded slightly, but her gaze continued to sweep over Ai Yue: "Moreover, I feel that your aura has changed quite a bit compared to last time."

It's not just changed a lot, it's a complete upheaval!

If Vita hadn't already developed the habit of using a fake smile, she probably would have been unable to resist showing a blank expression when observing Ai Yue.

Due to the strangeness of the Sea of Quantum, Vita often encounters disguised monsters that resemble familiar beings but are completely different in nature. As a result, she has long since developed unique identification methods, and the so-called "aura" is a specific one.

At this moment, the "aura" emanating from Ai Yue, while still vaguely reminiscent of familiar elements, was completely different from before.

If I had to find a single word to describe it, Vita thinks it would be "evolution".

As she carefully sensed the other's aura, Vita even had the feeling that she was being watched by "He".

She instinctively wanted to dismiss it as an illusion, but her female intuition told her that it was highly likely not a false illusion.

How long has it been? Even if the other person has returned to their own world, calculated at ten times the time of the Sea of Quantum, it's only been a few days.

Why were such drastic changes able to occur?

"People always need to grow."

Ai Yue replied nonchalantly, "But Miss Vita, I wonder if that hair clip is still working?"

"This is really good."

Faced with Ai Yue now, Vita decided to change her strategy and become more direct, "So this time, meeting Mr. Ai Yue makes one wonder how you intend to fulfill the favor you mentioned last time?"

It must be said that, at least in terms of interpersonal skills, Vita was definitely the best person Ai Yue had ever met.

Having traveled through various World Bubble and witnessed countless people and things, Vita has gained an experience in reading people that most people could only dream of in ten lifetimes. From her last encounter with Ai Yue, she discovered that he had a very direct personality, so in order to please him, she also chose to speak in the same direct way.

"That depends on you, Miss Vita."

Having become a god, Ai Yue felt much more confident. Faced with Vita's doubts, he once again threw the power of choice back to her, "What kind of reward do you want?"

Of course, the reason why Ai Yue dared to do this without worrying that Vita would ask for an exorbitant price was because he knew exactly what Vita wanted.

The other person's desires were even part of his plan.

"That's quite a bold statement,"

Vita was clearly taken aback by Ai Yue's response and was momentarily stunned. "Does that mean you can grant me anything I want?"

"Of course, but you only get one chance, so you'd better seize it."

Ai Yue smiled and nodded, "Whether you can fulfill your wish depends on whether you are willing to trust me."

Ai Yue had always maintained an ambiguous attitude towards Vita; her existence was not important to him, and she was the kind of person who was dispensable.

If Vita doesn't trust me and fails to seize this opportunity, then Ai Yue wouldn't mind destroying her along with Sa. But if Vita is truly willing to gamble her life and stand on Ai Yue's side, then keeping her alive wouldn't be a big problem.

So, as he said, Vita's fate was now in her own hands.

He was also curious to see how the other party would judge this seemingly unreliable opportunity.

"Of course I'm willing to believe Mr. Ai Yue, after all, you've already shown your sincerity, right?"

Faced with this choice, Vita did not rush to respond. Instead, she made an inviting gesture, "However, this is clearly not a good place to talk. Why don't we go somewhere else together?"

Ai Yue frowned slightly, but finally nodded. "Okay."

He was then led by Vita to a World Bubble.

Compared to the World Bubble Kevin saved before, this place is much more intact. It not only has architectural ruins left by civilization, but also a relatively complete ecological environment, and you can even bask in the sun.

The only drawback is probably that there is no intelligent life to be seen.

But compared to the pitch-black environment of the Sea of Quantum, this place is practically paradise.

"This is a rest area that I personally like; I don't know if you'll like it too,"

Vita led Ai Yue into a building that resembled a bar, and walked confidently behind the bar. "Please have a seat. Would you like something to drink?"

"Just take a look at the recommendations."

Ai Yue sat on a round stool in front of the bar, then casually removed his armor. "I trust your judgment."

Once he got here, there was no point in continuing to hide his appearance. Vita offered him a drink, probably hoping to take this opportunity to see what he looked like, so Ai Yue simply agreed.

Anyway, when you leave here, the other person will either be a teammate or a dead person, so the result is the same.

"Oh my, Mr. Ai Yue is even more handsome than I imagined!"

Vita looked at Ai Yue's expression, paused for a moment, and then smiled and replied, "In that case, please wait a moment."

Ai Yue was right. Vita did intend to take this opportunity to see what he looked like, but not to find out his identity. Instead, she wanted to observe what kind of person he was.

As the saying goes, one's appearance reflects one's heart. Although a person with an evil heart may not necessarily be born ugly, it will be reflected in their mental appearance, which can be seen intuitively by experienced people.

Although Vita has seen countless people, Ai Yue was always wearing armor, which prevented her from fully utilizing her observation skills, and she could never see things clearly.

Only now has she truly "seen" the other person—in every sense of the word.

With Vita's skillful maneuvering, a mixed drink was quickly pushed in front of Ai Yue. Various liquids were mixed in the cup to create a layered and charming sky blue, which would make anyone feel happy just by looking at it.

"I guess this is your favorite color,"

Vita had been observing Ai Yue's expression, and when she saw him unconsciously raise an eyebrow when facing the cocktail, she finally spoke, "Looks like I guessed right?"

"Pretty much, but I'm a very loving person, so it's fine if you add a few more colors."

Ai Yue picked up the cup, examined it for a moment, and then took a small sip. "Mmm..."

Upon tasting, it is as smooth as milk, but the taste can only be described as bland. However, as soon as the liquid flows over the back of the tongue, a bitter taste like strong tea rises up.

However, when the bitterness completely melts in the mouth, the underlying flavor hidden within is truly revealed—a sweetness that is hard to describe in words. It is as clear as a cloudless blue sky, or like a sudden coolness in the sweltering summer. Even Ai Yue, who has almost no appreciation for food, can't help but be a little intoxicated at this moment.

"Its name is 'Hope',"

Vita, who had been observing Ai Yue's changing expressions, spoke softly at this moment, "I think you'll like this, right?"

"Really."

This time, Ai Yue didn't mince words but responded seriously, "The taste is great, and the name is even better. I like it very much."

After saying that, he couldn't help but take another sip, but finally put it aside. "So, have you thought it through?"

"I've thought it through."

Vita flashed a perfect smile. "My wish is to know your true strength."

Ai Yue paused for a moment, then laughed, "That's really... a request very much like yours."

A request that was cunning yet tinged with sincerity, which sounded somewhat absurd, but left himself plenty of room to maneuver.

Clearly, Vita had already sensed Ai Yue's power, so what she wanted to determine was just how far this power could go.

Without knowing Ai Yue's strength, Vita could not guarantee that she would get the maximum benefit no matter what demands she made. However, it was clear that Ai Yue would never reveal his secrets to Vita under these circumstances.

So she chose to use this favor in exchange for accurate information.

With accurate intelligence, the room for maneuver increases significantly; one can freely decide whether to advance or retreat.

As for how to achieve one's goals after using up favors—who says favors can only be owed once?

Even if you manage to do it properly, you can still achieve the same effect by making yourself owe Ai Yue a favor.

As for whether Ai Yue would change his mind and how he would react, Vita had already gotten the answer from him—the reason she wanted to see Ai Yue's appearance was to be absolutely certain.

Ai Yue wasn't unaware of Vita's little schemes, but for him now, these things were no longer important, so he didn't bother to think about them.

Vita's clever response made him sigh, "She truly is the one who corresponds to Su."

Vita simply smiled at Ai Yue's assessment but remained silent.

Ai Yue didn't take it to heart. Since he had agreed, he naturally wouldn't go back on his word. However, he did have to think a little about how to demonstrate his strength to the other party.

However, he quickly came up with a solution.

So Ai Yue gently tapped the bar, the crisp sound creating invisible ripples that spread in all directions.

The entire hall underwent a dramatic transformation with each strike.

The once dilapidated bar has become clean and tidy, and the sparse liquor shelves are once again filled with various drinks. The dilapidated decor reveals its original glamorous appearance, and the deserted tables and chairs are once again surrounded by people.

Vita stared blankly at the scene before her, when she suddenly felt someone bump into her.

She instinctively turned her head and saw a short-haired woman dressed as a bartender standing next to her, holding a silver shaker. With the impact, some liquid in the glass spilled out, drawing a sky-blue arc in the air before splashing onto the bar counter.

The other person had obviously seen Vita as well, and her expression showed a mixture of surprise and excitement, as if wondering why Vita had suddenly emerged from behind the bar.

Vita stared blankly at the other person, her lips slightly parted as if she wanted to say their name, but the sound got stuck in her throat.

However, Vita ultimately failed to utter that name, for it all lasted only a moment before vanishing again, leaving the hall dilapidated once more, with only Ai Yue remaining, as if everything that had just happened was merely an illusion.

Vita lowered her head and looked at the bar counter, which had become mottled again. There was a mark on it that was not there before—a mark left after a splash of azure liquor had dried on the bar counter due to an unexpected incident.

Everything that just happened was real, even the interference I caused was real.

This is a power belonging to the gods, a power that even "He" has never mastered!

Vita took two steps back and closed her eyes; she could only calm herself down by covering her vision.

Ai Yue, seeing the unusually out-of-control state of this wicked woman, did not interfere.

After all, he wasn't feeling well either.

It's important to understand that, in order to avoid causing too much disturbance in the Sea of Quantum due to the power of the Cocoon of Finality, Ai Yue has not yet established a link with the Cocoon of Finality; he is currently using his own power.

The authority of Time within this World Bubble, whose underlying rules are already shattered, is consumed in a way that is even more exaggerated Ai Yue himself imagined.

No wonder this power has always been only wielded by the Herrscher of the End —the energy supply of the Imaginary Singularity is probably insufficient to support the exercise of the power of time, and only the Herrscher of the End of the Cocoon of Finality, who can be directly connected to the Cocoon of the End, can use it at will.

However, Vita was too shocked to notice Ai Yue's abnormality, otherwise it might have affected her assessment of Ai Yue.

A moment later, Vita finally opened her eyes, but this time she didn't even maintain the fake smile on her face and became much calmer.

This performance made this guy, who always seemed aloof, finally seem much more real.

After gathering her thoughts, Vita spoke up, "Mr. Ai Yue, you are aware of our situation, aren't you?"

She emphasized the word "we" because, based on the few words they exchanged during their last encounter, she vaguely sensed that this mysterious man actually knew more about her than she had imagined.

"Well, a poor guy who tried to imitate the perpetrator but ended up losing himself in the process."

Ai Yue simply commented, "And you are just one of His many tentacles."

"You really are..."