Chapter 548: Planting the Seed of the Spirit Source!

The Yin-Yang Qi-Collecting Union Marvel Art

Although its rank is not high, it is one of the most famous techniques of the Union Joy Sect.

A simplified version of this technique circulates on the Spirit Web.

Of course, Zhou Kongming passed down the complete version.

Primarily to prevent low fertility desires after sealing off cloning technology.

And for some cultivators, this is also part of their cultivation…

Cough!

As for why he knows this technique…

He is at the peak of Return to Void; such a common technique, even middle schools teach it—he naturally knows it!

Numerous methods flowed within the depths of Spirit, causing Heng's spiritual light to flicker.

"Relevant information has been logged into the database..." It replied mechanically; only then did its spiritual light stabilize again. "Master, even with the method, without the energy required for cultivation, these newly born humans are afraid they cannot..."

Zhou Kongming knew what It wanted to ask.

It must have sensed his intention to leave, so it sought to confirm once more at this final moment.

"Just as you think, this world will soon become different." Zhou Kongming said directly.

This world will soon become different!

Heng trembled inwardly but immediately knelt down:

"I have overstepped, Master, forgive me!"

"I was going to explain these things to you anyway." Zhou Kongming said coolly.

For Heng, he had already decided its final disposition during this time, so he had no hesitation in revealing some things to It.

"After this, I will not appear. How the newly born Qixing people choose their path will be your responsibility."

Had the world's situation not been so peculiar, he would not have shown himself at all.

After all, Task Two and Task Three are to 'guide' humanity, not to 'lead' humanity.

"Yes! I will spare no effort!"

Zhou Kongming looked down at It:

"The method I taught you is passable; practice it this way for now. If you complete the tasks I assigned well, I will give you an opportunity to advance further."

To make the horse run, you must let it eat.

Moreover, Heng's life and death rested entirely in his hands—he had no worry It would act recklessly.

"Yes!"

"Alright, rise."

"Yes!"

Heng quickly stood up, thought for a moment, then said seriously:

"Master, if you decide to spread the methods on a large scale, I suggest initially using virtual reality technology."

From their time together, It had also discovered that the Master was not a stingy person.

Whatever he said, he would do.

So whether for its own survival or for the chance at advancement the Master mentioned, It had to devote itself fully to considering the development of the newly born Qixing people.

"Virtual reality technology…" Zhou Kongming pondered for a while, then nodded slightly. "That is indeed a good idea."

"Of course, to prevent them from becoming addicted, once this generation of newly born Qixing people matures mentally, virtual reality services will no longer be provided." Heng added.

This is also a lesson from history.

One of the minor reasons for the original Qixing civilization's downfall was virtual reality, and the increasing automation of robots satisfying their physical and psychological needs, causing them to utterly reject true reality.

"You may handle this as you see fit, but for newly born Qixing people who reach Qi Condensation Third Layer, do not revoke their permission to use virtual reality technology."

Among the methods he left behind, the Spirit Absorption Method was purely for laying foundations, gradually drawing in Spirit Qi to improve physical constitution.

After all, the humans of this world were born in an environment completely devoid of Spirit Qi.

After gradually adapting to the returning Spirit Qi environment, they may cultivate the Qi Condensation Scripture; once they reach Qi Condensation Third Layer, they will develop 'Spirit Perception,' a super-weak version of spiritual sense.

The existing virtual reality technology of the Qixing civilization cannot deceive this transcendent sense. Thus, Qi Condensation Third Layer cultivators using virtual reality will experience 'perceptual dislocation.'

If one can distinguish truth from illusion, there is no need to worry about addiction.

Moreover, 'Spirit Perception' is passive; only upon Foundation Establishment, when it fully transforms into 'Spiritual Sense,' can one freely control it.

"Yes!"

Heng did not ask why, only nodded to show it understood.

……

……

In the blink of an eye, another month had passed.

In a vast underground space, within a pure white sterile chamber.

Zhou Kongming, behind glass, watched the newborns wailing in the white space, gradually falling asleep under the robots' soothing.

Each one's body was filled with a vast flow of Spirit Qi, their roots clear and refined.

This was the result of Zhou Kongming's month-long work, using the Spirit Absorption Method to cleanse their roots and improve their physiques.

"One hundred seventeen thousand eight hundred thirty-seven…"

Using genetic information extracted from Kaluafaner's heart, twelve thousand clones were cultivated; initial survival rate was 98.2%, with three more perishing during growth.

The final number of individuals who successfully exited the incubation chambers and grew to maturity: 117,837.

"From now on, you are the seed of the new Qixing civilization." Zhou Kongming whispered.

Once they grow a little older, they may receive the Qi Condensation Method through virtual reality technology and begin cultivation directly.

Then, he turned to look at Heng.

"The rest is up to you."

"Master, rest assured—I shall do my utmost!" Heng said solemnly.

With a slight nod, Zhou Kongming turned back to glance once more at the newborn Qixing humans, then vanished instantly.

Where he had stood, only several jade vials and nine translucent, pale blue, handleless flying swords hung silently.

The blades of the swords were razor-thin, palm-sized, so transparent one could see through them to the other side, like fragile jade.

Yet their piercing sharpness sent a chill through Heng's spirit, bringing a faint sting.

"This sword array I give you; the vials contain Soul-Returning Pills—ten thousand in total, highly effective for spiritual beings. Keep them for yourself."

The moment the voice echoed within his mind, Heng immediately felt a faint yet wondrous connection form between himself and the flying swords before him.

With a thought, the nine swords shrank rapidly, like nine fine needles flashing away, vanishing straight into his brow center.

He raised a hand and summoned the jade vial filled with Soul-Returning Pills into his grasp.

After studying it for a while, he bowed before the empty space.

"Heng thanks the Master!"

……

……

Meanwhile, on the other side of Qixing.

Deep within a dense forest, in a remote corner.

Zhou Kongming's figure suddenly appeared; after confirming no surveillance methods were nearby, he slowly opened his right hand.

A seed—pointed at the top, rounded at the base, glowing with pure white light, its surface threaded with countless golden lines.

Pure spiritual energy radiated around it, refreshing and invigorating.

Spirit Source Seed—a spiritual energy amalgamation capable of permeating cosmic rules and triggering the revival of the Spiritual Tide; burying it within the world would awaken the Spiritual Tide.

After so much time, the first task is finally complete! (End of Chapter)