"I'm willing."
As that female voice sounded from within the incubation pod, the entire Steel Barrier lit up.
Countless streaks of light raced through the void.
They chased one another, forming interlocking spirals that flowed through the deep-blue, illusory world, as if demonstrating the ultimate code of life.
Gu Qingshan's gaze fell on those spirals, and a voice suddenly rang out in his heart.
—Calling it a voice seemed too shallow.
It was a resonance, a perception, a sharing; a complete openness of thought, a total pouring out and imparting.
A line of Crimson Small Characters flashed into view:
"You have equipped the title: Void God of War."
"Your Title Skill, 'Lord of Mysteries,' is taking effect."
"The mysteries gathered here are imparting their secrets to you."
As Gu Qingshan felt it all, he gradually understood those mysteries.
He reached out—
All the streaks of light froze.
"What are you doing?" the female voice asked.
"What are you doing?" Gu Qingshan shot back.
"I'm passing on the Dream Realm Dragon's other abilities, along with the knowledge and wisdom required of a Saint of the Human Realm," the female voice said.
"Goddess of Justice, don't do this," Gu Qingshan said gravely.
From inside the incubation pod, the female voice asked in confusion, "Don't do what?"
"You're using the mysteries to transfer all your power to me. That will lead to your destruction—why go this far?" Gu Qingshan asked.
"...The Human Path... The Holy Chosen selection was only a façade," the female voice said.
"What do you mean?" Gu Qingshan asked.
"Humanity has suffered too much, so they decided not to trust any selection process. That's why none of the Holy Chosen will become the Saint of the Human Realm this time," the female voice said.
"Then how can someone become the