Chapter 61: Greed and Blood Shadow
Black light surged from the Abyssal Chest. A chest flash of this intensity meant either a Big Daddy Original Sin Object was being unsealed, or a supreme treasure was being obtained.
[You have obtained: Precipitated Birth Marrow (Abyss Grade Item).]
[Precipitated Birth Marrow]
Origin: Bottom of the Abyss.
Quality: Abyss Grade.
Category: Dangerous Object / Original Sin Trait Item / Highly Rare Secret Treasure / Mutated Source Matter.
Rating: 12000 points (Abyss Grade item rating is 10~6000 points).
Description: The dark source blood of the previous Lord of the Abyss soaked through layers of Abyss barriers, precipitating at the bottom of the Abyss. After prolonged dark condensation and qualitative change, combined with fusion of the source matter/original sin/precipitation/ultimate darkness at the Abyss floor, this object was finally born.
Price: Possession is highly dangerous. Before entering a mission world, this item must be stored in the Exclusive Room.
...
A sealed clay pot appeared in Su Xiao's hand. The pot was the size of a water cup, wrapped in a layer of leathery material resembling kraft paper. Due to long-term erosion, this layer was already tattered, feeling like fine sand to the touch.
As Su Xiao held this sealed container in one hand, he noticed that the [Book of Original Sin] within the team storage space suddenly went into a near-rampage. He took out the [Book of Original Sin]. With a boom, the original sin aura of six characteristics—dark gold, ashen gray, scarlet, golden, ghostly green, and black-red—almost burst out from within.
Since creating the [Book of Original Sin], this was the first time Su Xiao faced a situation where all the Original Sin Objects inside simultaneously tried to break the seal. In the past, the [Collector] would collude with him, but this time, the [Collector] also desperately wanted to rush out and devour the [Precipitated Birth Marrow] in his hand.
Even for Big Daddy-level Original Sin Objects, the [Precipitated Birth Marrow] was an unheard-of supreme treasure, possibly even allowing them to advance further. Theoretically, this was impossible, but the existence of the [Precipitated Birth Marrow] was too miraculous and special, making the impossible possible, which was reasonable.
Su Xiao picked up the [Book of Original Sin] and quickly walked into the Alchemy Laboratory. Bubu Wang, Amu, Baha, and Beini operated the sealing devices from outside. At Su Xiao's command, they locked the Alchemy Laboratory tight. Subsequently, the four of them would control the Soul Resonance System in real-time. This was the ultimate insurance of the Alchemy Laboratory. Once activated, Su Xiao inside the laboratory would suffer a soul-piercing overload plasma strike, snapping him out of any state of erosion or consciousness devouring.
Each time the soul was struck by overload plasma, it permanently reduced Soul Strength by at least 50 to 80 points. Therefore, this ultimate insurance required simultaneous control by Bubu Wang, Amu, Baha, and Beini in the control room next to the laboratory, plus inserting the sheathed Dragon-Slaying Flash into the control panel's lock slot as the activation key.
Inside the Alchemy Laboratory, Su Xiao sat at the workbench. He pulled over a device resembling a metal electrode patch and stuck it to the back of his neck. Closing his eyes, the armrests on both sides of the seat unfolded, each transforming into three mechanical arms. These were developed by Bubu Wang. Both the mechanical arms and the corresponding systems were built by Bubu Wang. The neural interface device used the Bana Dwarf Clan's "Wanderer-T08," recognized throughout the Void as the best neural interface device.
Six mechanical arms extended and moved, adapting for two seconds. Su Xiao's hands hovered over the [Necronomicon], and layers of seals formed, climbed, and wrapped around it. The six mechanical arms fetched various sealing materials and tools needed.
Half an hour later, the situation with the [Book of Original Sin] stabilized somewhat. Su Xiao could confirm that if the [Book of Original Sin] were breached, he would surely die. Therefore, he had never relaxed his vigilance against the Original Sin Objects, even after successfully sealing six Big Daddy-level ones. This was why many holders of Original Sin Objects met tragic ends—they thought that coexisting harmoniously with an Original Sin Object for a time made them its destined owner.
When the Original Sin Object's original sin characteristic erupted and engulfed the holder, the holder would suddenly realize they were just one of many who died from Original Sin Objects, and a very insignificant one at that.
If the [Book of Original Sin] shattered, Su Xiao wouldn't die immediately, as he was still within Reincarnation Paradise. But when his stay time in Reincarnation Paradise ended, that would be his death. Six Big Daddy-level Original Sin Objects—not even Absolute Strength, let alone Supreme, could survive that. Moreover, within the [Book of Original Sin] were the Eternal Night Empress and the World-Eroder. Their hatred for Su Xiao was vivid and intense.
From the current situation, letting the [Collector] devour this [Precipitated Birth Marrow] could immediately resolve the crisis. But this was like drinking poison to quench thirst. As the saying goes, great wealth comes from great risk. This time, the risk was worth taking.
Su Xiao held the sealed container of [Precipitated Birth Marrow] in one hand and grabbed its seal with the other, tearing it open. Almost simultaneously, a barrage of blood-red Reincarnation Paradise warnings appeared, conservatively over thirty. No time to read them. He poured the black liquid from the clay pot onto the [Book of Original Sin]. Yes, he intended to let the [Book of Original Sin] absorb this [Precipitated Birth Marrow].
Boom!
The original sin aura erupted, sending instruments, containers, and catalytic tools in the Alchemy Laboratory flying. The clay pot floated in mid-air, its downward-facing mouth spewing a massive amount of black liquid, its capacity millions of times greater than the container itself. This black liquid surged toward the [Book of Original Sin], which absorbed it like a whale drinking water.
It really wasn't in vain that the [Book of Original Sin] had absorbed so many [Original Sin Cores]. Shortly after returning this time, he had let the [Book of Original Sin] absorb the [Original Sin Core] obtained from Blazing Sun Star.
The [Book of Original Sin] had almost instantly devoured an [Original Sin Core] with its whale-like appetite, which gave Su Xiao the confidence to let it absorb this [Precipitated Birth Marrow].
The clay pot spewed [Precipitated Birth Marrow] for nearly half an hour before emptying. With a snap, it shattered into dust. The [Book of Original Sin] on the workbench had changed significantly. Previously, it had only eight pages, looking somewhat thin. Now, each page was several times thicker than before, and the entire book was more substantial. The pitch-black pages bore raised patterns like biological veins and blood vessels. These raised patterns converged at the center into a vortex shape, with a dark red gem at the very core.
This gem resembled a miniature heart. With each beat, dark red liquid flowed through the surrounding raised patterns.
Unknown to outsiders, the beating frequency of this miniature heart matched Su Xiao's own heartbeat. This meant that once Su Xiao's heart stopped, the [Book of Original Sin] would no longer seal the Big Daddy-level Original Sin Objects, Abyss Descendants, and top-tier World-Destroying clans within.
Sealing these terrifying existences was the duty of the [Book of Original Sin], but it would only fulfill this duty as long as its creator, Shadow of Law Destruction Su Xiao, was still alive.
The crisis was averted. With the current state of the [Book of Original Sin], the Big Daddy-level Original Sin Objects inside couldn't break out, especially with Su Xiao's fortune volume added.
To make a simple analogy: if the [Book of Original Sin] were a piece of equipment, then Su Xiao's fortune volume was the core attribute that enhanced this equipment.
Relying solely on the [Book of Original Sin] itself, it couldn't actually seal six Big Daddy-level Original Sin Objects, one Abyss Descendant, and one World-Destroying clan. But Su Xiao's total luck was: Law Destruction Fortune + Hunter Fortune + Dead Silence White King Fortune + Eternal Light World Supreme Will Fortune + Origin Stone World Pending Chosen Fortune + Original Sin Sealer Fortune.
Yes, the title "Original Sin Sealer" derived from sealing six Big Daddy-level objects also generated a high amount of fortune.
This was why, even though Su Xiao had been hostile to the Platinum Apostle for so long, even tricking him into Eternal Light World, the Platinum Apostle had never attempted to devour Su Xiao's fate. That was no joke; devouring Su Xiao's fate was a plan so dangerous it was absurd.
Su Xiao picked up the [Book of Original Sin]. The texture felt different from before. He ran his hand over the cover. It wasn't rough, more like a mix of wood and biological tissue. He opened the [Book of Original Sin]. The pages, previously as thick as colorful book paper, were now several times thicker but hadn't lost their tough, flexible feel. More importantly, the [Book of Original Sin] had gone from only eight pages to a total of ten.
The sealing power of the [Book of Original Sin] had increased by at least 7 to 8 times. This was just the initial boost. Once it fully absorbed the [Precipitated Birth Marrow] remaining within the book, the sealing strength would increase by at least a dozen times.
With the current sealing power of the [Book of Original Sin] plus Su Xiao's Sealcraft level, even if he forcibly sealed six Big Daddy-level Original Sin Objects, he could barely hold on. But he didn't do that. The seal centered on the [Collector] would continue. In the future, he might even have to seal other Big Daddy-level Original Sin Objects. Although Su Xiao didn't want to encounter such a situation, his fortune volume was right there. If he didn't encounter Big Daddy-level Original Sin Objects, who would?
Lowering the defense level of the Alchemy Laboratory, Su Xiao left and sat on a single sofa. Bubu Wang, Amu, Baha, and Beini didn't seem shaken. Encountering dangerous situations was just part of daily life.
The chest opening yielded good results. Su Xiao took out the [Burning Blood Embers (Absolute Strength Grade Passive Skill Scroll)] he had obtained. He used the skill scroll. Embers and sparks emerged on the scroll, merging into his right arm and torso. An indescribable feeling appeared and vanished in an instant.
[You have mastered: Burning Blood Embers, Lv.1.]
[Burning Blood Embers: Lv.1 (Absolute Strength Grade Passive)]
Skill Effect 1: Blood Qi abilities gain the Burning Blood Embers state. Penetration +2%, Explosive Power +3%.
Skill Effect 2: Each time an attack with Blood Qi Burning Blood Embers hits an enemy, the enemy's maximum health is reduced by 0.15%. Stackable, up to a maximum reduction of 2% of the enemy's maximum health.
Note: This characteristic is not temporary reduction but permanent. Over 99.82% of means cannot heal it. It is a deep, permanent injury.
...
Finally, he had mastered the first "Absolute Strength Grade Passive." More precisely, this was an "Absolute Strength Grade Technique Passive." Without the Blood Spear Grandmaster as the core ability, this Absolute Strength passive wouldn't unleash its full power.
Strength wasn't a concern; the main issue was the upgrade cost. Su Xiao tried to upgrade this ability.
[To upgrade Burning Blood Embers, Lv.1, requires consuming 5000 Soul Coins and 1 Golden Skill Point.]
A bad feeling emerged. Upgrading an "Absolute Strength Grade Technique Passive" required not only a massive amount of Soul Coins but also 1 Golden Skill Point per level. This made him decide not to upgrade the "Absolute Strength Grade Technique Passive" until his existing abilities reached their limit. No wonder most Absolute Strength powerhouses chose not to master "Absolute Strength Grade Passives"; the resource consumption was too high.
However, Su Xiao felt that in the later stages, he would definitely need such abilities. Not to mention anything else, just the ability of "Burning Blood Embers" to suppress the enemy's maximum health was a divine skill.
At the Supreme level, who knew what kind of Abyss System enemies with incredible recovery power they might encounter. Especially those with millions or even higher maximum health, recovering one-fifth of their health per second, fully healing in 5 seconds. If their defense was also formidable, even with Su Xiao's attack power, he might be worn down and killed.
In such situations, the permanent damage to the enemy's maximum health from "Burning Blood Embers" became particularly important.
Su Xiao put away some of the items obtained this time, letting Beini take the rest to the Great Gathering Place to sell. Just as Beini was about to leave, Bubu Wang, lying on the carpet by Su Xiao's feet, let out a "woof-woof," meaning to bring him a cup of honey lemonade on the way back.
"Meow!"
Beini, still angry about the shower gel incident, refused firmly, but in reality, she would definitely bring it.
Su Xiao got up and returned to the Alchemy Laboratory, entering the innermost separate room. He sat on a wooden chair and took out the [Chapter of Greed]. He already had a way to clear this item.
[Chapter of Greed]
Origin: Abyss/Dead Silence City.
Quality: World Grade.
Type: Special Item/Medal Class Equipment.
Usage Effect: Each time a Soul Crystal Core is consumed, one "Soul Manifestation" can be activated.
Soul Manifestations Defeated: 8.
Total Soul Manifestations: 10.
Soul Manifestation Position One: The First Witch Dark Crow (Challenge Successful).
Soul Manifestation Position Two: Day King (Challenge Successful).
Soul Manifestation Position Three: Sun Warrior (Challenge Successful).
Soul Manifestation Position Four: Immortal Xi Wu (Challenge Successful).
Soul Manifestation Position Five: Prayer Office Nun (Challenge Successful).
Soul Manifestation Position Six: Light King (Challenge Successful).
Soul Manifestation Position Seven: Elf Old King (Challenge Successful).
Soul Manifestation Position Eight: Trace King Lu Xiuman (Challenge Successful).
Soul Manifestation Position Nine: God King Os Tobey (Challenge Failed).
Soul Manifestation Position Ten: ???
Selling Price: After activation, cannot be sold until all challenges are completed.
...
When he first obtained this equipment, Su Xiao personally entered as a spiritual body to fight. Later, he discovered that this item had been continuously strengthened by previous holders. Simply put, each successive holder tried to repair the [Chapter of Greed], but instead kept raising its difficulty. By the time it reached Su Xiao's hands, it could no longer be cleared by skill or perseverance alone.
Therefore, Su Xiao developed the Nightmare Blood Shadow as a proxy. This strategy proved feasible, all the way up to God King Os Tobey. The problem was, he couldn't go to the Ancient Battlefield now, so there was no way to obtain a massive amount of Blood Qi.
Whether it was the "Fierce Beast Fei" deep in the Ancient Battlefield or the Sleep Guardian, both were extremely dangerous for Su Xiao now. In the past, his aura wasn't strong enough, so the "Fierce Beast Fei" couldn't sense him at the Ancient Battlefield, and the more perceptive Sleep Guardian would at most drive him away. Now that Su Xiao had reached the pinnacle of Absolute Strength, he was a threat that couldn't be ignored.
Moreover, even if the Nightmare Blood Shadow absorbed a massive amount of Blood Qi, it was unlikely to defeat the "Soul Manifestation Position Ten." He already had a rough guess about what the "Soul Manifestation Position Ten" was.
Therefore, Su Xiao needed a more powerful and effective way to strengthen the Nightmare Blood Shadow. This item was called [Concentrated Abyss Source Matter Crystal (???)].
This item was obtained by Su Xiao from killing the Initial Witch of the Witch Realm. One possibility was that every time a Transcendent Primordial World successfully resisted the Abyss and ascended to transcendence, a [Concentrated Abyss Source Matter Crystal] would form.
From this perspective, it should be a good thing. The problem was, the Initial Witch kept this item with her, sealed inside the moon. Given the Initial Witch's selflessness and care for the Witch Realm, if this were a treasure with endless benefits, how could she bring it into the Moon's Holy Temple used to seal the malignant transformation?
Therefore, this was not a good thing; it might instead trigger a disaster. For this reason, he had suppressed this item at the bottom of the Starry Sky Giant Tree in Eternal Light World. To seal this item, the Insect Race Mother Nest consumed at least 30% more bioenergy each month, with zero benefit.
Su Xiao equipped the [War Lord] title and activated the summon. After a moment, a Worker Scorpion appeared. Black mist rose from its entire body. Its mouthparts opened in a retching motion, spitting out an irregularly shaped black crystal, after which the Worker Scorpion exploded and died.
Using a long-handled clamp with no conductive properties, Su Xiao picked up the [Concentrated Abyss Source Matter Crystal] from the ground. He brought it to a specially made machine, fixed it at the core output node, then fixed the [Chapter of Greed] at the convergence node. Grasping the lever with one hand, he clicked it to start the machine.
Buzz!
A dangerous light, black with a hint of red, bloomed. Just seeing this light made his brow twitch violently. An ominous and palpitation-inducing wave spread throughout the room. More critically, the mental and causal link between Su Xiao and the Nightmare Blood Shadow within the [Chapter of Greed] snapped with a crack.
Before it completely lost control, Su Xiao activated the challenge of the [Chapter of Greed], letting the Nightmare Blood Shadow begin its battle against God King Os Tobey. To be more precise, this thing could now be renamed the "Calamity Blood Shadow."
[Tip: You have defeated Soul Manifestation Position Nine: God King Os Tobey.]
[You have obtained Golden Skill Points x9.]
[You have obtained Brewing Method Improved (Ancient Knowledge).]
...
[Tip: You have defeated Soul Manifestation Position Ten: Nightmare Shadow of Law Destruction.]
[You have obtained Golden Skill Points x10.]
[You have obtained Self Power (Special Item).]
[Self Power]
Origin: Reincarnation Paradise.
Type: Item/Consumable.
Usable Times: 1/1
Usage Effect: After using this item, it will simulate yourself, forming an avatar possessing 100% of your abilities. This avatar has two modes: Control Mode and Automatic Mode. In Control Mode, you control the simulated avatar. In Automatic Mode, the avatar will autonomously attack enemies (the avatar's existence duration depends on the user's True Intelligence attribute).
Note: Because you are a Technique Grandmaster, this avatar cannot fully exert the combat power your Technique Grandmaster status would have.
Note: Due to the characteristics of this simulated avatar, its judgment method differs from clones or normal avatars. If an enemy kills this simulated avatar, they will receive a complete, real notification corresponding to killing you, and will obtain a Scarlet Chest. The items that can be drawn from this Scarlet Chest will be determined by you (must follow the Scarlet Chest's opening mechanism for determination. If the obtainer chooses to draw equipment from this Scarlet Chest, you must submit an item you have previously worn after making your choice).
Description: Sometimes, you have to believe in yourself.
Selling Price: 9850 Soul Coins.
...
Su Xiao didn't care much about the combat characteristics derived from the simulated avatar. Instead, the attached judgment of this item interested him greatly. He had always followed the Human Race + Hunter route. Even in operations, he led with Kaisa.
Enemies like Shenfu knew this. If one day they killed this simulated avatar and received the notification of killing Su Xiao, even an old fox like Shenfu would be completely baffled. Then they would obtain a Scarlet Chest, and from it draw [Soul King's Coronation], an equipment very representative of Su Xiao. Shenfu would have to admit that Su Xiao was truly dead.
As for whether this would mean losing the core equipment [Soul King's Coronation].
[Soul King's Coronation]
Origin: Root Dead Silence City.
Quality: Eternal Grade.
Category: Bracer.
Equipment Requirement: Only Dead Silence White King can wear.
...
This equipment could only be worn by Su Xiao. Once obtained, it couldn't be traded or transferred. Destroy it? Was he crazy? It sealed the "Dead Silence Origin." It couldn't be sold, thrown away, or destroyed. Under these circumstances, if Su Xiao couldn't get this equipment back, he would have wasted his time as a Hunter.
At a critical moment, the [Self Power] item could truly turn the tables. If handled properly, facing the subsequent effects derived from this item, even if Shenfu, the Platinum Apostle, and the Archbishop of the Abyss, these three super old yinbis, put aside their grudges and regrouped, they would be completely confused by the situation.
After successfully clearing the [Chapter of Greed], this top-tier World Grade equipment became tradable. Su Xiao unhesitatingly gave up ownership. This perfectly solved the problem of needing to seal the [Concentrated Abyss Source Matter Crystal (???)], and also avoided the subsequent backlash of the [Chapter of Greed].
The [Chapter of Greed] didn't absorb the [Concentrated Abyss Source Matter Crystal (???)]; it was more like completely devouring it. As for whether it would be eroded by it or successfully digest it, Su Xiao estimated it was likely the former.
However, even if completely eroded, given the characteristics of the [Chapter of Greed], it wouldn't become a disaster-class artifact. It would more likely target individuals.
Following the tradition of every holder of the [Chapter of Greed] enhancing the equipment, Su Xiao also gave it a "little enhancement."
As soon as he gave up ownership of the [Chapter of Greed], the item, already carrying a hint of Abyss aura, suddenly vanished. It seemed it didn't want to coexist with the holder of the [Book of Original Sin].
Now, the situation was that who knew which unlucky bastard... ahem, which lucky person would have the fortune to obtain the [Chapter of Greed] in the future. Surely, that would be a particularly exciting experience.
He now had 19 Golden Skill Points. Considering that future enemies would be stronger, and that the "Perfect Block" ability was really useful, Su Xiao invested all these Golden Skill Points into this ability.
As the upgrade began, Su Xiao restrained his aura. He felt all his protective energy being mobilized, swimming and traveling through the meridians throughout his body. Being able to block an enemy's powerful attack with a single-handed blade wasn't due to brute force, but the temporary body strengthening effect brought by the protective energy derived from his technique abilities.
There was once a battle between a Great Sword Grandmaster and a Giant Warrior that was very representative. The hundreds-of-meter-tall Giant Warrior's attacks were earth-shattering. With a raise of its hand, the earth's veins cracked, and meteorites rained from the sky. The giant dual blades in its hands shattered the ground. But when it struck down at the Technique Grandmaster below, aside from the clanging sound of metal, it could never kill him.
This infuriated the Giant Warrior. Its dual blades chopped like mincing meat. After half a day of this hacking, a sharp silver slash mark passed by. The Giant Warrior's movements abruptly stopped. A blood line appeared on its neck. After a moment's delay, its massive head crashed down.
[Perfect Block has been upgraded to Lv.89.]
[Perfect Block: Lv.89 (Absolute Strength Grade Passive)]
Skill Effect: When you parry with a melee weapon, it will draw upon the "Protective Energy" brought by your technique abilities, making that parry a "Perfect Block." Each level of basic technique ability you possess increases the block correction by 1.36 points. Current block correction: 382 points (if the impact force of the enemy's attack does not exceed your own True Strength by 382 points, the block cannot be broken).
Note: The cooldown of Perfect Block is 2 seconds (already reduced to the minimum cooldown).
Note: After a successful Perfect Block, the shock damage you receive is reduced by 45%.
Note: After a successful Perfect Block, your protective energy becomes highly active, ignoring the burden on the body from the post-block shock, allowing you to immediately use abilities derived from Blade Grandmaster for a counterattack.
Note: Perfect Block cannot completely resist the shock damage and energy damage brought by the enemy's attack, but within the block correction range, your block will definitely not be broken.
...
The strength of Perfect Block far exceeded before. Closing the skill list, Su Xiao checked his communication list. Previously, he had contacted Xiao, arranging to meet at the Wasteland, the location of the Starry Sky Seat.
Going there later was both to meet Xiao and to attend the Starry Sky Feast. This Starry Sky Feast was different from before. It wasn't for exchanging needed items, but because the Saint Seat had recruited a new member. As the holder of Starry Sky Seat Position 5, Su Xiao should naturally go see this new member.
Just then, Su Xiao suddenly felt a palpitation coming from the adjacent room. He left the Alchemy Laboratory and entered the room where the Awakening Stele was located. Previously, he had used one [Revenge Soul] and three [Strong Souls] on the Awakening Stele, which unlocked all Law Destruction System abilities and nearly half of the Law Destruction System General Passives.
Placing one hand on the Awakening Stele, the skill list of the Awakening Stele appeared before him. After scrolling down a few lines, he actually saw the Azure Shadow King ability, or rather, one of the most difficult to master in the Azure Shadow King system. Its characteristic was:
[Azure Shadow King Limit Awakening (Passive): Awaken the Azure Shadow King in the most extreme way. Must ensure the following prerequisites are met:]