The answer to everything

Seeing all this, Xiao He believed that any human being would be angry.

The "creator" they speak of has always been here, treating their lives as a game, a movie, and their joys and sorrows as entertainment to while away their endless time.

How could I not be angry?

Xiao He glared angrily at the White Shadow in front of him, crossed his arms, and said, "Start explaining!"

"Hmm... what an arrogant creation." The White Shadow scratched its head, looking troubled. "Oh well, consider it a reward for getting here. What do you want to know? Ask away, and I'll explain it to you in a way you can understand."

"Explain everything to me!" Xiao He said impatiently, "What is this world!?"

"You can think of it as a game called 'Three-Dimensional Reality Online'," White Shadow said after thinking for a moment. "Earth is one of the servers, and I created humans and other creatures on this server. As for the other servers... you haven't discovered them yet, or rather, you don't have a way to get there."

"And what was that White Light?" Xiao He asked bluntly. "Why did the 'White Light' erupt back then? Why did 'Mutant' appear after being affected by the White Light? This must be related to you!"

"Hmph..." White Shadow pondered for a moment, resting his chin on his hand, and said, "White Light, in your words, is a kind of source code."

"You mean 0 and 1?" Xiao He asked, frowning.

"It's a bit more complex than that," White Shadow thought for a moment, "It's closer to languages like 'C' and 'Java', languages used for writing programs. As for why some people can use it while others can't... that involves another concept."

As she spoke, White Shadow pointed at Xiao He: "Authorization. And authority is..." White Shadow thought for a moment, resting her chin on her hand, and replied, "In your words, it's 'soul,' which means your willpower must meet the standard. After ascending to the fourth-dimensional world, the physical body is no longer fixed, but rather the spiritual body takes precedence. We create 'worlds' by using White Light."

"So, to you we really are just a game, is that it!?" Xiao He asked angrily.

"Oh, that's very rude of you." White Shadow seemed somewhat displeased. "If you were the creator, you would understand how I feel. Every character in the book is a product of your own hard work, and you deeply love each and every one of them."

As she spoke, the White Shadow opened her arms to him. "Each of you is my child. I have watched your lives unfold, and it has been more than just a pastime; it has been a source of happiness. If I could, I would wish this world would never end."

"What kind of happiness is this? It's just killing time!" Xiao He said irritably, then thought for a moment and asked, "Wait... but why did I end up here after I self-destructed? But Adam didn't? That guy self-destructed too."

"Aha!" The White Shadow seemed extremely pleased, as if he had been waiting for Xiao He to ask this question from the very beginning. "You've hit the nail on the head! Your arrival here is nothing short of a miracle! Do you even know what a miracle is?"

The White Shadow danced with excitement. "Miracles are the result of countless coincidences! Logically speaking, you shouldn't be able to reach me, but you 'coincidentally' obtained three keys. The first key is the Superpower that allows you to transcend the limitations of your physical body. And the second key is the operating formula of this universe... Do you know what it is?"

"The Cosmic Core Algorithm..." Xiao He murmured to himself.

White Shadow clapped his hands excitedly and said, "Exactly! The Cosmic Core Algorithm is the so-called 'cause and effect,' just like you can immediately know the consequences of an action after you see it. You know the various changes your different choices can bring to the world; in other words, you can see all the futures."

"But that knowledge isn't mine at all," Xiao He said, puzzled.

The White Shadow nodded. "That's right, even though you don't know how to use this 'key,' you still obtained it. And this is the second one. There's a third key..."

As he spoke, the White Shadow raised his hand, and a cube appeared in his palm. "The fundamental structure of this universe."

"Perfect Cube..." Xiao He suddenly realized.

White Shadow nodded in satisfaction. "Exactly! Without this ability, you would have absolutely no chance of breaking through this 'wall'! This cube is actually known as the 'Metatron Cube' in your world. It's a very magical geometric shape. From different angles and in different ways, it can be a plane or a cube, it can be a triangular cube, a regular cube, or a six-pointed star. It has infinite possibilities, representing the four basic elements of this world: earth, air, water, and fire, as well as the element 'ether' that makes up this universe. It's a geometric shape that interprets the universe."

"So this is what Perfect Cube is..." Xiao He murmured, resting his chin on his hand.

"The Perfect Cube you speak of is actually the 'walls of the world'," the White Shadow explained. "The entire universe is a giant Perfect Cube. One layer, facing forward, prevents the laws of the fourth dimension from invading your world; another layer, facing backward, prevents you from stepping out of the third dimension."

"Does that mean that only by triggering all three conditions can one arrive at this place?" Xiao He asked tentatively.

"That's right. Only by unlocking both the Perfect Cube and the Cosmic Core Algorithm could you come here," the White Shadow said with a smile. "And a sufficiently powerful Superpower is merely a basic condition for getting you here."

So that's why Adam self-destructed earlier... Xiao He suddenly realized: So, he also arrived at this place when fighting the AME Influenza, not because he died, but because Ye Wanqing changed his name and gave him a sufficiently high Superpower value?

The White Shadow said with an air of importance, "These are all basic abilities of fourth-dimensional beings. For you, time can only go from the past to the future, while we can freely jump between timelines. Sufficient Superpower value allows you to break free from the constraints of the physical body and exist as a spiritual entity; the Perfect Cube allows you to break through this 'wall' that separates the three-dimensional and four-dimensional worlds; and the 'Cosmic Core Algorithm' allowed you to pass through the passage and finally arrive here."

As she spoke, White Shadow became increasingly excited. "This is a 'miracle' made up of countless coincidences. Every butterfly effect seems unintentional, but it ultimately led you to this place!"

"So, I'm not dead, right?" Xiao He frowned as he stared at the White Shadow in front of him.

"Theoretically speaking, you've ascended to a higher realm, so you're not really dead," the White Shadow said with a smile. "Now, you, like me, possess the ability to create worlds. The method... I think you should know it. Use two layers of Metatron cubes, one positive and one negative, as an outer shell. Set up various laws inside, and then create various elements and creatures according to your own will. Then you can be like me."

"But what if I say I want to go back?" Xiao He asked, glancing behind him.

White Shadow didn't seem surprised, but he still asked with a smile, "Go back? Why? You're already a being from a higher dimension, why do you want to go back to that place?"

"Just like you," Xiao He replied, "I love that world and the people in that world."

"A good answer." White Shadow smiled with satisfaction. "But are you really sure? If you stay, you can create your own world, just like me, and experience everyone's life."

"Then tell me, as you watch their lives unfold, do you feel happier than I am?" Xiao He countered. "You're here, as an observer, yearning for and longing for our lives. Even though you created all of this, do you think you're happier than I am?"

"..." White Shadow remained silent for a moment before replying, "That's a really painful question. Do you know the truth? It's precisely because I don't have that kind of life that I created you and this world. I think I understand what you mean. If I were to write a book, I would definitely want the protagonist to live the life I want but can't have. I would want to be the protagonist, not the author."

"Yes, so I'm going back." Xiao He nodded, glancing at the empty wall behind him. "You just said I've ascended to the Yuan level, which means I have the abilities of a fourth-dimensional being, is that right?"

"You are a special being," the White Shadow replied. "You are a three-dimensional being I created, but at the same time, you have the same authority as me. You are a creator living in your own world, unlike me, an observer. However, you must be careful with your choices, as they will affect not only your world, but also countless parallel worlds."

"I understand." Xiao He nodded. "Therefore, I can control time and space; I am the creator..."

Xiao He took a deep breath and stood before the dimensional barrier.

The White Shadow reminded him, "Um, there's something I haven't told you. The White Light is some remnant of power left in your world when I created it. If you go back now, the remaining 'White Light' might not be enough for you to return here. This is a one-way ticket. Are you sure you've really thought this through?"

"Break... break!" Xiao He reached out and pressed his hand against the fourth-dimensional wall, using the power of the Perfect Cube to dismantle the wall, and then passed through the strange passage again.

Now he knows that this passage is actually a "law" written with "Superpower" and "Cosmic Core Algorithm," much like the rule in World of Warcraft where you can resurrect after dying by running back to your corpse.

The next moment, he returned to the void he had been in before. He continued flying toward Earth, the surrounding scenery magnifying as he flew, until finally he returned to the moment he had "self-destructed."

Because he didn't actually self-destruct, but rather "ascended to a higher realm," time stopped at that moment.

At this moment, Han Xin, standing before him, exclaimed in astonishment, "This... how is this possible!? You should have self-destructed! And then..."

"Then your self-destruction will trigger White Light, and a new wave of Mutant will appear. I can then replace you and become the new savior of this world, becoming 'Yinglong'," Xiao He continued, picking up where Han Xin left off.

For some reason, he now understands everything in this world; it's as if he can travel through time and see everything that will happen in the future.

This feeling... he could understand what the White Shadow standing there watching all of this was thinking.

By taking one step forward, he can see into the future that extends from that step, and then choose the best next step from all those futures. When he can see all of this, life actually loses its meaning.

"How pathetic," Xiao He said, shaking his head as he looked at Han Xin. "All you've done is because you're jealous of what I have, believing I've taken away what was rightfully yours. But you don't understand this simplest truth. It's because you denied needing others that you've ended up all alone. You've pushed everyone away."

"You talk as if you know me so well..." Han Xin said through gritted teeth.

"Of course I understand you," Xiao He said calmly. "Superpower is the manifestation of a person's desires. Look at your Superpower. You crave to make others fear you, but at the same time, you need those who fear you. Your ability is so contradictory that you can't even become a true villain to destroy this world, because you can't kill them, otherwise you would lose your 'offerings'."

"Sigh..." Han Xin's face darkened: the flaw in his Superpower had been discovered.

The biggest contradiction of Han Xin's Superpower lies in the fact that he needs people who fear him to offer him tributes; in other words, he cannot kill those who are afraid. Therefore, what he can do is "kill the chicken to scare the monkey," eliminating a group of exemplary individuals to make others fear him.

This is why he hasn't gone on a killing spree so far. If he were to destroy the world, he himself would become just an ordinary person.

If no one is afraid of him, then Han Xin will be unable to accomplish anything.

The one who first spread all this information was Zhang Yuxin, who was helping him. When she was dealing with external parties on behalf of the Special Response Department, she "accidentally" revealed Han Xin's existence to foreign forces.

These foreign forces were the most timid. They were terrified when they first heard of "Yinglong's" reputation and prepared more than two hundred plans to deal with Yinglong. After that, they heard that the Special Response Department had another Mutant with even more powerful Superpower. In the M Country alone, thousands of people were so frightened that they could not sleep at night. This was also the source of Han Xin's first force.

Unfortunately, even Zhang Yuxin was only superficially close to him; they both treated each other merely as pawns in their games.

Zhang Yuxin never thought Han Xin could win; she just wanted to be the "strongest couple in history" and enjoy that glory.

Han Xin knew that this woman wanted to use him, but he didn't care because after providing him with his initial strength, Zhang Yuxin had lost her usefulness.

"Hmm!?" Han Xin frowned at this moment: his strength had weakened.

"What's wrong?" Xiao He asked with a smile. "Have you discovered that your power has been weakened? Because people are no longer afraid of you? Is it because I've been resurrected? No, it's not."

As he spoke, Xiao He didn't rush to attack. "Just like I said before, you've got the essence of a hero backwards. A hero isn't someone who solves problems, but someone who stands up for others in times of danger."

"Shut up!" Han Xin could no longer contain himself. He waved his right hand, and the space around Xiao He began to distort.

But Xiao He simply raised his hand and gently pressed down, thus calming the distortion of space. "A hero has already completed his mission simply by appearing. Whether he can defeat the enemy is completely irrelevant. Take my current situation with you and me, for example. If I had just self-destructed and died, would you have won? No. After me, a second person would stand up against you, and then a third."

"Shut up!" Han Xin slammed his hands together, and the ground next to Xiao He rose up, sandwiching him between them like a sandwich.

But then a circular space expanded from Xiao He's side, pushing aside the ground around him.

"Will this world be destroyed without 'Yinglong'? No." Xiao He continued, "Even without Yinglong, there's still Candle Dragon, Black Tortoise, and hundreds of Mutant. 'Yinglong' is merely a means to solve problems. Even without Yinglong, ultimately, 'time' will resolve everything."

At this point, Xiao He raised his hand to Han Xin: "So do you understand why your power has weakened? Because as long as there are people standing here, there is still hope. That is what makes a hero. Even if you destroy me, when the next person who opposes you appears, the light of hope will be rekindled, and your power will weaken. As more and more people oppose you, people's fear of you will eventually disappear."

With that, Xiao He said firmly, "Therefore, even if I die, you cannot win. You who do not understand the essence of heroism can never become a hero."

"The strong will naturally survive, and the weak will die because of the survival of the fittest. Therefore, the existence of heroes is completely meaningless. Chaos is the law of this world... I am the one who is right!" Han Xin pointed his hands at Xiao He, and the space around Xiao He began to distort and collapse. Time seemed to stand still, and the world seemed to be disintegrating and collapsing. Lightning crackled wildly.

"There's a place that's perfect for you. You'll understand once you've been there," Xiao He said, clapping his hands.

The twisting around him stopped, and Han Xin's body was surrounded by a circle of white light. Xiao He slowly clenched his fists, and the white light grew brighter and brighter. Finally, a circle of white light burst forth and spread from the scene.

When the White Light dissipated, Han Xin had vanished from the scene.

Meanwhile, on the island...

"Huh?" Zhang Yuxin looked at her missing right arm in astonishment: Where's my arm? How did it disappear?

"That's why I said," a woman with silver-white fur, cat ears and limbs, and silver hair appeared behind her, her sharp claws gleaming silver, "I hate those weak people the most. Not only can they not protect me, but I have to protect them... What a hassle."

"You...!?" Zhang Yuxin stared in astonishment at the catwoman in front of her. "Why!?"

"What? Why?" Catwoman looked at Zhang Yuxin in front of her and raised her paws. "I hate women... meow."

After saying that, the catwoman's figure flashed, her speed so fast that Zhang Yuxin didn't even see clearly before she appeared behind her. A large amount of blood spurted from Zhang Yuxin's body as she screamed in pain.

Zhang Yuxin turned around and pounced on the catwoman with a ferocious expression. But the catwoman was not only agile but also incredibly flexible, easily dodging all of Zhang Yuxin's attacks with bizarre movements.

"Your movements are too slow; in a cat's eyes, it's practically slow motion." The catwoman nimbly dodged Zhang Yuxin's attack while making sarcastic remarks.

"Where did you come from?! Why don't I have any information about you?!" Zhang Yuxin said angrily.

Catwoman ignored her, nimbly leaping and bouncing off the ceiling. Silver light flashed continuously, and then Catwoman landed behind Zhang Yuxin, transforming back into a small silver shaded cat, and ran to the side to lick her paws.

"This... how is this possible? My carefully planned... all of this?" Zhang Yuxin stood there, stunned, seemingly unable to believe the ending. "Just like that? It ended so abruptly? By a stupid cat? Why did this happen?"

"This is what they call 'humans can't outsmart cats,' meow." Tuantuan stretched lazily and said.

"No... I'm not reconciled. Clearly, I'm the woman most suitable for him..." A tear of resentment rolled down Zhang Yuxin's cheek as she reached out her hand to the unconscious Ye Wanqing. "What is it about this woman that's better than me?"

The next moment, her body turned into a pile of minced meat on the ground.

Tuantuan then went to Ye Wanqing's side and started licking her face.

Seeing that Ye Wanqing did not react, it opened its mouth and bit Ye Wanqing's face.

"Ah--!" Ye Wanqing covered her face and sat up abruptly, backing away in terror and looking around.

The kitten, having achieved its goal, strode gracefully up to the cat tree in the living room, yawned, and began to doze off.

Ye Wanqing was somewhat confused. She looked around and then screamed when she saw Zhang Yuxin's mangled body, which frightened Xiao Yun behind her into crying.

"Xiao Yun!" Ye Wanqing quickly went over, picked up Xiao Yun, and looked her over. She immediately breathed a sigh of relief, "Oh, that's great..."

At that moment, Xia Yu rushed in, exclaiming in terror, "Wanqing! Something terrible has happened! That vile woman, the Nine-Tailed Fox..."

After a pause, Xia Yu looked down at Zhang Yuxin's mangled body and asked in surprise, "Wanqing, this... did you do this?"

"I thought you did it!" Ye Wanqing said softly, soothing her daughter in her arms, "Okay, okay, baby, don't cry, Daddy..."

At this point, Ye Wanqing exclaimed in surprise, "Dad!? Old Xiao!"

Ye Wanqing handed Xiao Yun, who was in her arms, to Xia Yu, and then picked up her phone from the side.

But then a flash of light appeared, and the next moment Xiao He appeared before her.

"Old Xiao!" Ye Wanqing exclaimed joyfully, then rushed over to him. Xiao He opened his arms and embraced her tightly. "Thank God! You're alright... I was so worried I wanted to rush back right away!"

"Your body is glowing!" Ye Wanqing frowned as she looked at Xiao He and asked, "Has your name been changed?"

"Yes, but don't worry about that," Xiao He said, gently stroking Ye Wanqing's head. "I won't self-destruct, don't worry."

"What does that mean?" Ye Wanqing looked at him in confusion, but Xiao He simply kissed her deeply.

"Now there's one last thing to do," Xiao He said solemnly, cupping Ye Wanqing's face in his hands, "To create a world where you can be happy, a world where monsters like Han Xin will never appear again."

"But how?" Ye Wanqing opened her beautiful eyes wide and looked at him in confusion.

But Xiao He simply pulled her into his arms, and all the white light in the world began to gather around him...