Chapter 119: Xiao Fengling, You Don

Hearing the Weather Goddess's answer, which essentially confirmed his suspicion, Feng Xue felt a wave of relief.

Yes, he had no evidence proving these devices weren't what he feared—he merely hoped they weren't, which was why he'd conducted this test.

And the purpose of the test was to determine whether this so-called Xiao Fengling was a False God, or some "Armored Saint" ghost from the previous civilization.

Fortunately, she was truly a False God! And one close to a spirit ghost at that!

After all…

"I don't believe a previous civilization AI—even one that has become a god—has the authority or permission to use the relics of previous civilization researchers, let alone that 'Xiao Fengling' is just a weather voice system; it's even debatable whether it qualifies as an AI at all."

"So that's how it is!" The Weather Goddess raised her projected tiny fist and tapped her own head, putting on an adorable, enlightened expression, then nodded and said:

"Yes, in fact, I have only 'dispatch authority' and 'usage rights' over the entire research institute, so I cannot send or lend out any of these items—even the descendants of the researchers inherited their ancestors' legacies, not gifts bestowed by me."

"So does that mean you have the technology to manufacture previous civilization equipment?"

Sara immediately widened her eyes, letting out a cry utterly unlike her usual tone, then seemed to realize something and added:

"Of course—the spear tips of those islanders were also processed by you? But how? Such a tiny research institute…"

"Didn't she already say she could manufacture weather missiles? With previous civilization technology, if such a thing exists, it certainly wouldn't be just the most basic version—so I believe her when she says this place can launch weather satellites!" Feng Xue rolled his eyes, but Xiao Fengling suddenly widened her eyes and let out a shocked—

"Huh?!"

"Holy shit, you can really make them?"

Now Feng Xue was stunned—he'd just been casually bluffing, never expecting this damn weather base could actually launch satellites!

"I can, but I don't have the technology to manufacture satellites!" The Weather Goddess seemed to realize she'd been tricked and immediately pouted to show she wasn't that powerful.

But Feng Xue no longer cared. He fiddled with the terminal, trying for a long time to find the power button, yet still suppressed his embarrassment and said directly:

"Tell me your demands!"

"It's actually simple—I want you to take me out!" The Weather Goddess spoke in a sweet voice, making a request that seemed harmless, but Sara, unfamiliar with deities, noticed Feng Xue's expression had turned uneasy and immediately perked up her ears, trying to gather more data.

"That's anything but simple!" Feng Xue took a deep breath and looked at Xiao Fengling seriously:

"Your base of believers is barely over a thousand people. Even with previous civilization weather equipment supporting you, controlling a small stretch of ocean is already your limit—if you leave this territory, you won't be able to sustain your existence…"

"I'm not asking you to take me whole! Just take my avatar!" Xiao Fengling, sensing opportunity, quickly explained:

"I can manifest myself onto data code—like how I previously possessed the shaman. You carry the device I've possessed outside, and isn't that the same as taking me out?"

As she spoke, Xiao Fengling winked at Feng Xue, glancing meaningfully at his chest. Feng Xue immediately understood she was referring to Mo Ying, and realized this goddess had noticed his intention to conceal her from Sara.

Having been taught by Senior Li, Feng Xue instantly saw through Xiao Fengling's goal—what she wanted now was essentially the same as Jing Sect followers spreading their faith beyond their rivals' territories.

But unlike the strongest False God atop the Jing Sect, Xiao Fengling's power and believers were clearly insufficient, so she could only resort to this smuggling method to scout the outside world.

But if she did that, she couldn't casually preach—so—

"You definitely have a satellite in your possession, don't you?"

"No!" Xiao Fengling answered with unusual decisiveness. Feng Xue immediately said:

"Then forget it. I won't take this commission."

"Wait!" Xiao Fengling quickly called out to Feng Xue, watching him with a peculiar expression:

"It's just a tiny one—only to broadcast signals, like a thin pipe, incapable of even letting me see the outside world! Please help me! This place is so boring—the only ones I can talk to are believers, but casual conversation lowers faith purity, and outsiders all eye the institute's relics; letting them in would only lead to me being dismantled. You're the only outsider in years without ill intent—take me out!"

Feng Xue remained utterly unmoved by Xiao Fengling's pouting, instead studying a box the size of a microwave as if admiring a work of art.

Xiao Fengling turned to Sara. Though gazed upon by a deity, Sara said nothing—though she was merely an AI, Feng Xue's earlier lessons had taught her not to casually speak to deities.

Xiao Fengling wandered pitifully between the two, until finally she burst into tears with a loud "Wah!"

Listening to the goddess's nagging, Feng Xue turned his head, and in her hopeful expression—"You've finally softened?"—he spoke:

"What's this thing? How do you use it?"

"… " Xiao Fengling fell silent, and even her virtual projection vanished for an instant. After about three seconds, she finally said:

"What exactly do you want?"

"It's not what I want—it's that your words are full of loopholes, forcing me to consider how many traps you've laid for me." Feng Xue immediately dodged the "what do you want" topic to avoid forming a contract, then spoke slowly:

"Don't treat me like that dumb dog who knows nothing. I clearly understand the difference between manifestation and avatar. With the resources of this island, splitting off an avatar would be a crippling blow to you. And if you truly possessed a satellite and could manifest onto data, you wouldn't need us to take you out—so beyond this, you must have other demands. Your refusal to reveal them means they carry risk—and I won't bear that risk."

Feng Xue didn't say "unless you do X," because that too could trap him. Seeing Feng Xue's understanding, Xiao Fengling finally sighed theatrically and said:

"Fine. State your terms."

Feng Xue gave her a look, saying nothing. Seeing this, Xiao Fengling finally conceded:

"You clearly understand. I'll be straight: as I said before, I have the ability to launch satellites, but I lack the materials to manufacture satellites or rockets. There are no suitable minerals around this island.

"I can only manufacture equipment I've analyzed, but here, besides rocket and weather satellite blueprints, all that remains are civilian devices—even if there were minerals in the sea, I couldn't extract them.

"So I need to bring back large quantities of raw materials and extensive technological blueprints—at minimum, scans of finished products. But as I said, the islanders lack the knowledge and the ability to sail. I need a partner who can navigate, carry my avatar to interact with external technology, and avoid drawing enemies."

"But couldn't you just use that trick to deceive outsiders into helping you? Isn't it said gods can make contracts…" Sara's question cut off halfway under the death glares from Feng Xue and Xiao Fengling. Seeing this idiot dog had none of the cleverness of its usual canine form, Feng Xue sighed:

"A contract's power requires willpower—uh, divine power—to activate. In other words, even if she tricked someone hostile into promising not to harm her, once they leave this ocean, the contract's power plummets. What could have killed them instantly upon breach here would, outside, barely cause serious injury. Compared to previous civilization relics, I imagine many pirates would gladly pay that price."

Hearing Feng Xue say this, Sara's thoughts were irrelevant—Xiao Fengling now fully understood this man truly understood the secrets of deities, and sighed:

"I've told you everything I can. Now state your terms. Any request not violating my core logic, I will accept!"

Hearing Xiao Fengling's promise, Feng Xue finally smiled, pulling out a jade seal:

"My demand is simple…"

(End of Chapter)