Ren Daiqi stood at a safe distance, his fist loosely clenched, as if he could retain the warm, soft touch that had lingered in his palm.
This feeling was strange. He knew very well that it wasn't liking or love; it was more like a simple, pure affection from the World Consciousness for the Child of Fortune.
This was the first time he had encountered such a situation. If he hadn't heard Shang Shujue's thoughts and then found other people who could hear them to understand the situation, he would have been in trouble.
He's probably still in a daze. This situation on his hand most likely started about two weeks ago, but it wasn't obvious then. It's only in the last few days that things have started to go smoothly.
"About... half a month ago?"
"...?!"
Upon hearing the answer, Shang Shujue's eyes widened. He didn't immediately know what to say, but he was already internally criticizing it.
Holy crap! This kid cleansed away all the malice that the World Consciousness had lingered in his body in just half a month?!
Wouldn't that mean he could directly cultivate the techniques in my inventory and become the next World Consciousness of this world...?
In that case, I'll have much less work to do. Nuomi, please scan him carefully.
I need to think carefully about where to place such an excellent worker...
Upon hearing this, Ren Daiqi's lips twitched. "..." So, in your heart, the World Consciousness, besides being a useful worker, is actually less important than cats and dogs, right?
When Song Yanqing arrived, Shang Shujue and Ren Daiqi were already sitting on a bench not far away, with a patch of flowers in full bloom behind them, but no one paid them any attention at the moment.
" A-Jue, what's wrong with him?"
Song Yanqing walked up to them, glanced at Ren Daiqi, and then focused his gaze on Shang Shujue, his eyes questioning and filled with worry.
"His situation is complicated right now, but he might become my first assistant. It's hard to say for sure right now, let's find a quieter place first."
As soon as Shang Shujue finished speaking, he stood up from the bench. Ren Daiqi stood up without saying a word, and Song Yanqing was even more at a loss for words.
So the three of them left in silence and went to a quiet corner of the forest where there were fewer people, the lighting was just right, and they were camping.
Nuomi made a deceptive shield for them, giving them the illusion of being on a camping trip.
"He purified himself of the malice left behind by the previous World Consciousness, becoming much purer."
"His body was created by the World Consciousness; it's essentially a vessel for that World Consciousness."
"After the malicious removal, he has absolutely no connection to the original World Consciousness, and this world does indeed need a new World Consciousness to maintain its basic operation..."
Shang Shujue obtained the latest analysis results from Nuomi and then shared them with Ren Daiqi and Song Yanqing.
After he finished speaking, he took out a set of mind-cultivation techniques and five bottles of body-refining and dust-removing Spirit-Purifying Pill from his System Space.
" Ren Daiqi, I have a cultivation manual and five bottles of Spirit-Purifying Pill here. Although the laws of this world forbid humans from cultivating immortality, you are different."
"You can cultivate, and within a small scope, like me, intervene in cause and effect, return karmic debts, and earn Merit Points. Once you have accumulated enough Merit Points, you can become the new World Consciousness of this world and protect everything in this world."
Shang Shujue stared intently at Ren Daiqi, unable to discern anything from his expressionless face, but he didn't care. All he needed to know was this man's will.
So far, apart from that vacationer from another world, no one in this world can truly shake him. Even the World Consciousness can only be his subordinate.
"Of course, you also cannot cross the bottom line of the World Law. As for what World Law rules are..."
"Once you've mastered the cultivation technique to the middle stage, you'll be able to connect with heaven and earth and understand everything. I just don't know if you have the desire, or the perseverance..."
After Shang Shujue finished speaking, he didn't say anything more. He just looked at Ren Daiqi and waited for his decision.
Song Yanqing stood not far away, not participating in their conversation, but he heard everything Shang Shujue said.
Ren Daiqi at the object in Shang Shujue's hand for a long time before looking down at the white mist halo that had condensed in his own palm. He could feel that this was his original power.
He didn't really think much about it when he came here today. He was just a little confused and lost about his special status, so he subconsciously came here based on his World Consciousness and intuition.
When he arrived, he never expected to become Shang Shujue's deputy, or even to protect the world for him in the future. He was actually shocked.
But he didn't show it; he was still hesitant. Should he accept this arrangement? If he accepted, would he still have the freedom he had always wanted? Could he achieve the result Shang Shujue desired? Did he even deserve it?
He thought a lot, and before Shang Shujue could speak again, he clenched his fist, absorbed the primordial light into his body, and took a few steps forward.
"I can, but before I take my things and leave, I have a small request..." Ren Daiqi looked at Shang Shujue, his tone indifferent, but his eyes were bright and piercing.
"What are your requirements?" Shang Shujue raised an eyebrow slightly, seemingly expecting this, so he wasn't surprised by what he said.
Can I hug you?
Ren Daiqi's request was simple, but it surprised Shang Shujue. Before he could answer, Song Yanqing, who had been very polite and not interrupting the conversation, rushed over.
"No! He's my baby, only I can hold him."
Song Yanqing hugged Shang Shujue tightly from behind, staring at Ren Daiqi with fierce and possessive eyes, his words tinged with gritted teeth.
At this moment, Song Yanqing was like a wolf whose territory had been invaded, baring his teeth and fiercely and anxiously warning the intruder. If the intruder dared to take another step forward, he would bite it through and make it back to normal.
" Mr. Shang, the partner you've chosen is too fierce. I'm just making a reasonable request; I don't have any other ulterior motives. Is that not allowed?"
Ren Daiqi didn't necessarily want to hug Shang Shujue; it was just pure instinct. Shang Shujue possessed an overwhelming aura of luck, and the World Consciousness would subconsciously favor him. He was, in a sense, part of the World Consciousness, and he felt the same way.
"Ahem... No, this request is not acceptable. Please choose something else, and I'll consider it."
Shang Shujue hadn't expected Song Yanqing to be so possessive, and he felt a little embarrassed. He coughed twice, squeezed Song Yanqing's little finger reassuringly, and then spoke to Ren Daiqi.
Ren Daiqi knew he would be rejected, but he was still a little sad, only a little. He sighed softly, "Okay."
He paused, then, as if remembering something, suddenly said, "Then I want a potted plant that you planted yourself, anything is fine, is that alright?"