Chapter 25: Fortune
Within the divine domain, clouds and mist flowed. Su Xiao sat cross-legged on a wide crystal seat, holding a dozen potion bottles in his hand. He picked one up and drank it, feeling the damage to his organs ease somewhat.
The Goddess of Fortune beside him watched this scene with a somewhat complex expression. She thought that without the skill of a master alchemist, it would be absolutely impossible to drink a healing potion as if it were a fruit beverage.
Su Xiao was unaware of the Goddess of Fortune's thoughts. For now, he only wanted to recover his state as quickly as possible and open the treasure chests before the fortune boost disappeared.
[Prompt: Main Quest · Third Ring · Choice (Activated).]
[Main Quest: Choice (Third Ring)]
Difficulty Level: Lv.80 ~ Lv.86.
Quest Briefing: You have successfully hunted the 'Deceiver' and the 'Informer.' The subsequent targets you hunt will cause this main quest to enter different branches.
Selectable Targets: The Mysterious One, The Defector.
Quest Time Limit: 8 Natural Days.
Quest Reward: Origin Stone × 3.
Hint: After advancing to the Ninth Rank, the main quest reward for the first world will always be Origin Stones. The specific quantity will be determined comprehensively based on factors such as quest difficulty and quest completion rate.
Quest Penalty: Forcible Execution.
...
The third ring of the main quest was finally activated. Previously, after killing the Nightmare King and completing the second ring of the main quest, although he had received 2 ordinary Origin Stones as a quest reward, the main quest seemed stuck, with no follow-up.
After reviewing the quest content, Su Xiao decided to proceed with the original plan: deal with the Black Rose first, and take his time with the Sand King.
The Sand King was not only the monarch of the Desert Kingdom but also ranked fourth in strength in this world, making him very difficult to deal with.
This battle against the Radiance God made Su Xiao aware of several of his own problems. First, his accumulated strength was still insufficient. Second, his tankiness was lacking. During the life-or-death struggle just now, he was almost one-shot by the Radiance God's combo. If not for the Dark Ember effect of the [Inscription Base · Wrath Statue] triggering, causing his physical defense to skyrocket in a short time, he would have been in danger.
Su Xiao estimated that once his recovery abilities, such as the team skill 'Vitality Awakening' and other healing effects, were suppressed, he could at most withstand 5 to 6 attacks from the Radiance God.
At this stage, improving survivability was quite difficult. His True Stamina attribute's corresponding [Basic Passive · Body Soul] had already been pushed to X, the absolute maximum level. To further increase survivability, he would need to master a new powerful survival-type passive ability.
The problem was that [Basic Passive · Spirit Toughness] and [Basic Passive · Blood Awakening] were still waiting to be nurtured. The even more resource-intensive [Basic Passive · Swift Shadow] hadn't been upgraded even a single level. On top of that, developing three Grandmaster techniques meant he simply couldn't afford to develop a new survival-type ability.
Su Xiao was currently extremely short on Soul Coins. Besides the abilities mentioned above, he hadn't even obtained the [Basic Passive] corresponding to his True Strength attribute yet.
He needed to acquire this soon, not only because the [Basic Passive] corresponding to Strength greatly enhanced his combat power, but also for a more important reason.
There were a total of seven types of [Basic Passive] abilities, corresponding to the attributes of Strength, Agility, Stamina, Intelligence, Charm, Perception, and Soul. Furthermore, after mastering the [Basic Passives], Su Xiao noticed that these skills were categorized into a separate skill category by the mark.
Initially, when he mastered [Basic Passive · Revitalize], corresponding to True Intelligence, this ability sat alone in this independent skill list. Later, when he mastered [Basic Passive · Body Soul] corresponding to Stamina, and [Basic Passive · Spirit Toughness] corresponding to Soul, Su Xiao found that these abilities were arranged side by side.
Among the six Basic Passives Su Xiao currently possessed, after [Basic Passive · Body Soul] reached X, its skill icon turned a unique gold, occasionally flowing with a very faint golden light.
At first, Su Xiao thought this was a unique manifestation of a [Basic Passive] reaching X. However, shortly after mastering the sixth [Basic Passive · Swift Shadow], he discovered this wasn't the case.
The six [Basic Passives] were arranged side by side in the skill list. Among them, [Basic Passive · Body Soul] emitted a golden light. Above its icon, a golden dashed line extended upwards, reaching the very top of this page's list, outlining a very faint skill icon—so faint that its appearance was completely indistinguishable, its outline very blurry.
The meaning of this was already extremely clear. When all seven [Basic Passives] were mastered and each raised to X, these seven X-ranked [Basic Passives] would activate that unknown [Basic Passive] at the very top. Undoubtedly, this ability would be incredibly powerful.
Su Xiao estimated that if he wanted to fight at the level of Sefeiliya and the Fierce Wind King, pass the Iron Trial, have his main attributes all above 320 points, and raise both Blade Grandmaster and Melee Grandmaster to Lv.80, that should be enough.
However, if he wanted to reach the level of the Underworld God, Deer God, or Soul Lord, this final [Basic Passive] was absolutely essential.
As for reaching the level of Tuanzhang or the Supreme Being, he wasn't quite sure yet. That level surpassed Supreme Strong. Even maxing out three Grandmaster abilities might not be enough to reach it. Since the concept of the Void existed, the number of powerhouses at that level could be counted on one hand.
The characteristics of the [Basic Passives] made Su Xiao understand why the [Basic Passive Skill Scroll Chest] in the Honor Shop was sold out every time it refreshed.
Closing the skill list, Su Xiao sensed his injuries. Confirming they were roughly 60% healed, he put away the remaining few bottles of [Vitality Essence] and checked the kill prompt that had just appeared.
[Prompt: You have killed the Radiance God.]
[You have obtained 5290 Soul Coins.]
[You have obtained Golden Skill Point × 1.]
[You have obtained 27.8% World Source.]
[You have obtained Divine Bone × 1 (Origin Rank).]
[You have obtained Origin Rank Chest · Radiance.]
...
Su Xiao was not surprised by such rewards. The Radiance God's strength was evident. The reason he could kill him this time was mainly due to comprehensive preparations.
Throughout the entire battle, although the World Thunder only struck twice, Su Xiao used this opportunity to hit the Radiance God with two Super Blood Smoke Cannons. Furthermore, Kaiser, using his 'man-pot unity' method, suppressed the Radiance God's recovery ability, preventing him from recovering even 1 point of health during the entire fight.
The combination of these factors led to the downfall of the Radiance God, the second-strongest combatant in this world.
A familiar yet unfamiliar fluctuation appeared on Su Xiao's hand. He looked at the ring on his finger and knew that the ability replacement of the [Divine Judgment] ring was complete.
This was the characteristic of the Divine Judgment ring. It would gain a corresponding ability based on the evil god killed. Previously, killing the Sin God granted 'Sin Fire'. This time, the ability gained from killing the Radiance God forcibly replaced 'Sin Fire'.
[Divine Judgment +10]
Quality: Immortal Rank
Equipment Requirement: Has slaughtered an extremely evil deity (greatly exceeds equipment requirement).
Equipment Effect 1: Soul Life (Core · Passive), Each point of the wearer's Soul Strength increases 120 Health Points and 0.4% Neural Reflex Speed.
Health Points Increased: 65000 points (This equipment can increase a maximum of 65000 Health Points).
Neural Reflex Speed Increased: 230% Neural Reflex Speed (This equipment can increase a maximum of 230% Neural Reflex Speed).
Equipment Effect 2: Light Miracle (Passive), Received healing effects +30%. Nullifies healing suppression, restriction, or reduction effects of Ninth Rank or below.
Hint: If the wearer kills a new evil god, the ability gained from killing the deity will forcibly replace this ability.
Equipment Growth: 99.99% (Increased by 63.19%).
Rating: 1500++++ (Immortal Rank equipment rating is 1000~1500 points).
Introduction: Go hunt more evil gods, until...
Price: Unsellable.
...
The new passive of Divine Judgment was very practical, much more so than the previous 'Sin Fire'. Except when dealing with sin collectives, Su Xiao had never triggered 'Sin Fire', to the point where he had almost forgotten about this ability.
Just then, an ominous fluctuation came. This feeling was somewhat familiar to Su Xiao.
An object suddenly appeared, falling from above and crashing down in front of Su Xiao. It was a stone statue. Although not large, it slammed heavily onto the ground, cracking the stone floor.
"Hmm?"
The Goddess of Fortune looked at the fallen [Doom Stone Statue]. She was confused. Her first thought was, wasn't she the deity presiding over fortune? How dare this object of doom appear before her?
Golden rings appeared in the Goddess of Fortune's pupils. Although her greatest hobbies were food and travel, she was a top-tier existence in her field of expertise. The fact that she could even enhance the fortune of a Law Destroyer proved this point.
The appearance of the [Doom Stone Statue] meant that the Ghost Clan Prophet could no longer hold out and had to let this doom object come to Su Xiao. The Prophet had helped hold it off for so long, which was already a significant favor.
As soon as the [Doom Stone Statue] landed, it erupted with its unique spatial fluctuation. As a subordinate of the Soul Crown, it had long ceased to be a derivative of the Soul Crown. A long time ago, it had evolved into an independent existence. Wherever the Soul Crown was, it would also be.
Sensing the presence of the Goddess of Fortune, the [Doom Stone Statue] was about to leave this place. However, a hand moved faster than the Goddess of Fortune, grabbing the [Doom Stone Statue].
This hand was somewhat thin and dry, but after grabbing the [Doom Stone Statue], all spatial fluctuations around it were dispelled. The owner of this hand was Kaiser.
Kaiser, in his 'man-pot unity' state, grabbed the [Doom Stone Statue] with both hands and put it away. During this process, a crisp cracking sound was faintly heard.
Su Xiao just glanced at this and ignored it. With the Goddess of Fortune present, the doom object was nothing to worry about. With Kaiser present, the one who needed to take the risk was the doom object.
Su Xiao took out all five treasure chests he had obtained. The nearby Goddess of Fortune drifted over. Because of a special unprivileged mark from the Void Tree, the Goddess of Fortune could also see the chests.
"I've opened these things too, but I got a bunch of unusable titles."
Hearing this, Su Xiao paused his hand reaching for the chests. He remained silent for a few seconds and didn't pursue the matter. He chose to open the [Ambition Box] dropped by Vice Dean Yesing first.
[You have opened the Ambition Box.]
[You have obtained Ancient Soul Clock (Special Equipment).]
[Ancient Soul Clock]
Origin: Shadow World.
Quality: Special Equipment.
Category: Small Pendulum Clock.
Durability: 30/30 points.
Equipment Effect: Timing (Passive), This soul clock can be used to set a time. When the set time arrives, there is a 50% chance to trigger 'Elven Morning Song', or a 50% chance to trigger 'Ghostly Lullaby'.
Elven Morning Song: The soul clock emits a beautiful song to wake you up, welcoming a new day. For the next 16 hours, your Luck Attribute +2 points, Stamina Recovery Speed +10%, Soul Energy Recovery Speed +10%.
Ghostly Lullaby: You will continue to sleep for 2~5 hours due to the ghost's lullaby. During this continued sleep, your Mental Strength, Sanity Value Cap, and Soul Strength will all be permanently increased.
Hint: This equipment can only be used once per natural day, and it can only be activated normally after the user enters a sleeping state.
Introduction: A new day always brings surprises.
Selling Price: 2700 Soul Coins.
...
A soul clock about 10 centimeters high appeared in Su Xiao's hand. This item was quite interesting. It was like an alarm clock, but not quite. It had a 50% chance of inducing sleep. If one was unlucky, they might sleep until noon.
But calling it useless wasn't right either. The boost from 'Elven Morning Song' was excellent, and 'Ghostly Lullaby' was even better. The only thing that bothered Su Xiao was that it was probability-based. If his fortune returned to its normal level, he might not be able to hear 'Elven Morning Song' and would end up listening to the ghost's lullaby every morning, oversleeping every day.
Putting away the [Ancient Soul Clock], Su Xiao picked up the [Reincarnation Box]. The best result from opening this was obtaining Reincarnation Soul Blood.
[You have opened the Reincarnation Box.]
[You have obtained Reincarnation Soul Blood (Bloodline/Class Trait Item).]
[You have obtained Reincarnation Ring (Inactive, this item can only be activated by a Reincarnator).]
...
[Reincarnation Soul Blood (Bloodline/Class Trait Item): After fusing with this item, there is an 85% chance of becoming a Reincarnator.]
[Warning: After becoming a Reincarnator, your main attributes will never be able to break through the 300-point barrier.]
[Warning: After becoming a Reincarnator, your technique abilities will never be able to reach Lv.80 or above.]
...
Not only did he get the highest-value Reincarnation Blood from the [Reincarnation Box], but he also got the perfectly matching [Reincarnation Ring]. This made Su Xiao feel the fortune brought by 300 points of Luck Attribute.
[You have opened the Origin Rank Gem Box.]
[You have obtained Death Gem (Origin Rank Gem · Unique · Undead System Exclusive · Highly Rare).]
[Death Gem]
Origin: Reincarnation Paradise.
Quality: Origin Rank · Unique · Undead System Exclusive.
Type: Gem (Highly Rare).
Usage Requirement: Undead System Core Passive Ability Lv.75 or above, Willpower 130 points or above.
Holding Effect: To activate this gem, you must obtain its recognition, otherwise, it will control your mind.
Inlay Effect: Undead System summon quantity limit +40%, Elite Rate +25%, all Undead System summons gain +1 basic skill.
Inlay Requirement: This gem can only be inlaid into equipment of Origin Rank or higher, and it will occupy all inlay slots.
Hint: This characteristic has priority.
Rating: 3000++++ points (Origin Rank gem rating is 1500~3000 points).
Introduction: Not everyone is qualified to possess it.
...
Su Xiao looked at the gem in his hand. Although he wasn't particularly knowledgeable about Origin Rank gems, he had heard of the five strongest Origin Rank gems. He just didn't expect to obtain one of them.
Normal Origin Rank gems cost 40,000 to 60,000 Soul Coins. This [Death Gem] was worth at least 450,000 to 500,000 Soul Coins. Its enhancement strength truly exceeded the scope of normal Origin Rank gems.
This item should be sold preferentially to Solomon and the Undead Girl. Presumably, both sides would be willing to pay a high price for it. He could consider pricing it at 470,000 Soul Coins. Whoever could raise this amount of Soul Coins first would buy the gem.
Both Solomon and the Undead Girl had advanced to the Ninth Rank. Given their strength, it was quite possible they could come up with this amount of Soul Coins. The poverty of the Undead System wasn't about being unable to obtain Soul Coins, but about the high expenses of upgrading abilities and purchasing equipment.
There were still two treasure chests left. Su Xiao picked up the chest dropped by the Radiance God and opened it. The next second, a brilliant golden-white light surged forth.
[You have opened the Origin Rank Chest · Radiance.]
[You have obtained Blazing Light Spear (Origin Rank · Divine Weapon).]
[You have obtained Soul Clone (Soul System/Light System · Skill Scroll).]
[You have obtained Radiance Core (Bloodline/Class Trait Item).]
[You have obtained Soul Clone · Light Fall (Soul System/Light System · Skill Scroll).]
...
Not only did he get the Radiance God's weapon, but also his core and two of his abilities.
From these two abilities, one could see a very important reason why the Radiance God lost to Su Xiao. This evil god's abilities were 60% Light System and the remaining 40% Soul System. Then he encountered Su Xiao, whose Soul Strength was nearly 700 points.
Every Light System ability that hit Su Xiao dealt heavy damage. However, after hitting Su Xiao with the 'Soul Clone · Light Fall' ability, the Radiance God began to feel confused.
Although the Radiance God didn't know that his Lv.86 ability had only dealt a 'massive' 200-plus points of Soul Damage to Su Xiao, the fact that Su Xiao didn't even take half a step back after being hit made the Radiance God realize the severity of the situation.
In truth, the Radiance God shouldn't have lost so miserably in this battle. The root cause was that he couldn't use three of his abilities that could be judged as Ultimate-level.
The first Ultimate-level ability was 'Light Rebirth'. After activating this ability, it would restore 500% of the Radiance God's Health over the next 60 seconds. Furthermore, after fully activating this ability, it would enter a second stage, 'Light Resurrection'. In this stage, when the Radiance God died, as long as he wasn't executed, he could resurrect once and quickly recover 50% of his maximum Health.
Unfortunately, this ability was restricted by Kaiser. More precisely, Kaiser, in his 'man-pot unity' state, had been remotely suppressing this ability.
The Radiance God's second Ultimate-level ability was 'Radiance Illumination'. This ability involved flying high into the sky and dealing an extremely high amount of continuous Light System True Damage to enemies within a diameter of over ten kilometers below.
Unfortunately, World Thunder was gathering in the sky of the divine domain. The Radiance God, who flew high into the sky, was struck by lightning.
The Radiance God's third Ultimate-level ability was 'Soul Judgment'. It involved attaching Soul Power to the Blazing Light Spear. The next melee attack could execute an enemy with less than 40% Health and Soul Strength below 600 points.
The result was obvious. After a combo, the Radiance God finally stabbed Su Xiao with 'Soul Judgment'. In response, he received a straight kick.
There was only one treasure chest left, and the duration of the fortune boost was running out. Su Xiao took out the [Abyss Chest]. This was obtained from killing the Indestructible Trait · Abyss Spawn.
Undoubtedly, this was the moment with the highest yield for opening the Abyss Chest. However, there was a problem: would he open another 'Daddy Rank' artifact? He had already opened the 'Soul Crown'. If he opened another one...
After pondering for a few seconds, Su Xiao felt this possibility was extremely slim. Some Ninth Rank powerhouses might never encounter a single 'Daddy Rank' artifact in their entire lives, let alone obtain one. Su Xiao, starting from the Eighth Rank, had successively encountered two: the Abyssal Jar and the Necronomicon.
Later, he opened the 'Soul Crown' from an Abyss Chest, and went to the Soul Library, where three 'Daddy Rank' artifacts were sealed.
According to the little spirit of the Soul Library, Popoli, from ancient times to the present, Original Sin Objects, i.e., 'Daddy Rank' artifacts, as powerful as the Abyssal Jar and the Necronomicon, were actually very rare. The possibility of Su Xiao encountering another one in the future was extremely slim.
The promotion of such artifacts from 'Quasi-Daddy Rank' to 'Daddy Rank' was nearly an insurmountable barrier. Therefore, there were actually quite a few 'Quasi-Daddy Rank' artifacts, but very few 'Daddy Rank' ones.
Su Xiao decided to open this Abyss Chest. Being afraid of opening a 'Daddy Rank' artifact and thus not opening the Abyss Chest would be too much of a loss. If he was lucky, he might even open equipment above Origin Rank. If he opened that kind of equipment, even if he couldn't use it himself, selling it would provide the Soul Coins needed to upgrade his [Basic Passives].
Thinking of this, Su Xiao opened the Abyss Chest. He didn't believe that with his current fortune, he would open a 'Daddy Rank' artifact.
[You have opened the Abyss Chest.]
[You have obtained Nether Bone Ring (Abyss · Original Sin Object).]