Chapter 348: The Holy Son

Hearing that Christine was about to state her demand, Wu Chang grew tense.

There's no such thing as a free lunch.

The information she gave him was invaluable, so the price he must pay for it must be equally heavy.

He had already accepted the information; regretting it now was too late—he could only hope her demand wouldn't be absurd.

Christine noticed Wu Chang's tension and smiled.

"My request is simple: a little girl I've taken an interest in has run into trouble. Help me resolve her troubles and assist her in her ascension. Then our debt is settled."

Wu Chang asked calmly, "That does sound simple, but how exactly am I supposed to help this person you're talking about?"

Christine waved her hand; the tree she'd used as an example dissolved, reverting to rose petals.

She reached out, plucked a petal, returned it to the rose in her hand, then placed the rose on Wu Chang's chest.

"Wear it. The person you must help will appear in your next instance dungeon."

"By the way, you two are old acquaintances. When you meet, you'll naturally understand everything."

Wu Chang reached out and plucked the rose—before his eyes, a prompt appeared.

"Item Name: Rose Revelation"

"Item Type: Special Consumable"

"Item Description: A player with temporary administrative privileges may, upon entering an instance dungeon, use Rose Revelation to open a special Divine Realm portal and replace the next instance dungeon with a specified one."

"Note: The specified instance dungeon's difficulty must not be lower than the difficulty matched to the user."

From its properties, Rose Revelation functioned similarly to the Fate Cube—both replaced the randomly assigned instance dungeon with a specified one.

But the Fate Cube's power came from temporary administrative privileges; Rose Revelation's came from the Divine Realm.

The item itself wasn't rare, but Christine's display stunned Wu Chang.

No special ritual, no rare materials—she simply plucked a flower and, with a wave, turned it into a special item.

It felt like plucking leaves or petals could strike down enemies.

With such power, the Revelation Sect truly deserved its place among the Three Great Xieshen Sects.

Compared to these veteran evil gods, he and Ailin were as green as raw recruits—even within a large Divine Realm.

Still need to train.

Since he'd agreed to the task and the other party had shown such sincerity, he had an obligation to warn his partner.

"Your Holiness Christine, this rose's connected instance dungeon has difficulty restrictions—it cannot be lower than the difficulty matched to me."

"So if you specify an instance dungeon with too low a difficulty, you may need to pair it with other items."

The difficulty of the instance dungeon he was matched into differed greatly from the treatment of Christine's followers.

For ordinary max-level players, their matched difficulty might only be an A-class projection instance dungeon; any B-class real instance dungeon would satisfy the item's trigger condition.

But for me, unless it's an A-class real instance dungeon on the verge of losing control, it won't meet the requirement.

He knew the Abyss Game Administrators all too well.

Christine said:

"If the instance dungeon's difficulty were too low, I wouldn't have needed to hire you."

"It's a world undergoing ascension—or already begun ascension. It won't bore you."

"Good," Wu Chang exhaled in relief, then immediately sensed something wrong.

What do you mean "won't bore me"? As if I only enjoy high-difficulty instance dungeons.

Who'd want to fight boss battles every day when they could just farm in a pond?

He noticed Rose Revelation's note lacked the dimensional ID markers the Fate Cube had, so he asked:

"Your Holiness Christine, which instance dungeon are you sending me into? Knowing its details beforehand will help me rescue her more effectively."

Christine shook her head.

"I trust your ability. You don't need preparation—just act from your heart."

Wu Chang:?

What's this? You gave such clear intel about the Light Society, but now you're talking in riddles?

Look at Hou Jingchuan—he told me exactly why I had to hunt Lin Jiang, gave me full background, full instance dungeon intel.

But you? Just "I trust your ability."

Wu Chang said, "Even if you trust my ability, more information will help me make better judgments."

"You know—for ordinary people like us, every instance dungeon entry is a deadly challenge. We can't afford to be careless."

He'd made himself perfectly clear, but Christine showed no sign of yielding.

"Your entry into the dimensional realm, in a sense, represents divine revelation—it determines the realm's direction."

"If I give you any information, you'll form preconceptions, take a stance. Your actions will then carry my influence, no longer the realm's own fate."

"More importantly, it would be dull."

Wu Chang rolled his eyes. At a time like this, you care about whether it's fun? No wonder the other two Xieshen Sects dread you and never invite you to their conspiracies.

He wasn't sure if it was his imagination, but despite Christine's enormous, shadow-cloaking hood, his perception told him she was smiling.

She seemed to enjoy seeing him troubled.

"Your Holiness Christine, is your idea of 'fun' just watching me suffer?"

"Of course not—why would you think that?" Christine's tone was cheerful.

"You're barely holding it in."

"No, that's your illusion."

Wu Chang sighed, puzzled. "Your goal is to save her and help her ascend, isn't it?"

Christine chuckled lightly and replied:

"The greatest crisis the person you wish to save faces is confusion—unable to see the future. Your appearance is not only a revelation to this plane, but also a revelation to that little one."

Wu Chang clicked his tongue. The Xieshen Sect was always the Xieshen Sect—always loved to make things mysterious, unlike secular organizations like the Bureau, which were straightforward.

Everyone knows each other's secrets—who doesn't have a godrealm? Why play the mystic in front of him?

But he only complained inwardly—after all, Christine was the client. The client's word was law.

Seeing Christine prepare to leave after posting the question, Wu Chang quickly said:

"Wait—one more question."

"You seem to understand the player population exceptionally well."

He had encountered more than one deity—whether Lyman, the Mother of Desire, or the Great Mother—they all lacked Christine's clarity regarding players.

None were as blunt as Christine in exposing players' identities and revealing the existence of the Abyss Game.

This excessive familiarity even led him to a bold speculation: that Christine's true identity might be a player.

Faced with Wu Chang's sudden question, Christine showed no sign of unease. She replied calmly:

"Because compared to expanding my godrealm and gathering faith, I prefer to devote my energy to interesting things."

"Compared to the beings within the Abyss, your kind—those from outside the Abyss—shine with a unique light in your souls. I enjoy conversing with you, because you always bring me surprises."

Wu Chang narrowed his eyes and probed: "I see. I thought you might have once been a player of the Abyss Game yourself."

Christine smiled and said: "Unfortunately, you guessed the wrong person."

"Keep going, little one. Reach the third layer of the Abyss soon—it will make the Abyss far more interesting."

Watching the altar sink into darkness, Wu Chang wore a thoughtful expression.

Christine had said he guessed the wrong person—not that he guessed wrong.

Could it be that a player of the Abyss Game truly exists in the third layer, posing as a deity?

He shook his head. Regardless of what Christine meant, it had nothing to do with him—for now.

From Christine's behavior, she seemed more like a chaotic neutral mischief-maker. Associating with her was undeniably a symbol of trouble.

He could be certain: if causing him trouble would amuse her, that woman would act without hesitation.

Just as she had bothered Lyman more than once, yet Wu Chang had heard no rumors from either side's followers that the two deities were mortal enemies.

Unfortunately, as things stood, he could not escape Christine—he was drawing closer to her.

After ending his meeting with Christine, Wu Chang left the altar and stepped outside to find Yu Na waiting.

As the Grand Archbishop of the Revelation, Yu Na held the authority to meet the True God—but was not permitted to stay and listen.

This was Christine's protection for her. Not everyone was qualified to know the truth of the Abyss Game.

Just as when Christine first met Wu Chang, she had chosen not to reveal the conspiracy of the Light Society.

If one lacks sufficient strength, knowledge of transcendent secrets becomes not a treasure but a curse.

For instance, when Christine used the fruit tree projection to explain the truth of the Abyss Game to Wu Chang, had Yu Na been present, her inspiration would likely have erupted on the spot.

Yu Na knew the danger well. So when she saw Wu Chang emerge, she asked no probing questions—only one:

"How did it go? Did your communication go smoothly?"

Wu Chang nodded:

"I learned many useful pieces of intelligence from Lord Christine. Thank you for delivering the message."

Yu Na smiled: "After all, we're friends. It's only natural."

The two left the secret underground base beneath the restaurant and entered a private room Yu Na had prepared. Having finally met Wu Chang again, and now on her own turf, she naturally insisted on treating him to a meal.

During the meal, as host, Yu Na personally brewed tea for Wu Chang.

Players of the Abyss Game, thanks to their physical attributes and coordination surpassing ordinary humans, learned things quickly.

Yu Na had only studied tea ceremony in her spare time, yet she had already mastered its essence. Now, as she performed it, her posture was relaxed and elegant—pleasing to the eye.

She placed a cup of tea before Wu Chang and asked:

"In two days, it will be the day of the qualification instance dungeon. You've made the world instance dungeon's intelligence known to everyone—the entire Wasteland Realm is frantic over your information. You won't miss this world instance dungeon, will you?"

Wu Chang took the cup and spoke slowly:

"The world instance dungeon is the core of the Wasteland Realm's—and even reality's—great upheaval, and the greatest opportunity for all players. How could I possibly miss it?"

"You haven't yet ascended to the Rational Realm—surely you'll enter this world instance dungeon as well."

Yu Na said:

"The True God told me that with my current strength, I'm likely to be targeted by other believers and die in the world instance dungeon."

"But I'm not like Yan Xin. Rather than seeking temporary comfort, I'd rather risk everything for a chance."

Wu Chang drank the tea in his cup and said casually:

"A wise choice. For the sake of friendship, if you're truly targeted by the Quietist Sect, find a way to come to me—I've been looking for them."

The Quietist Sect and the Bliss Church have both allied with the Light Society. Their forces in the Wasteland Realm will surely coordinate with the Light Society's arrangements in the Rational Realm.

Eliminating them would disrupt the Light Society's plans, increase the layers of the Sea Giant, help Yu Na, and earn me a favor—all in one stroke.

Yu Na said: "Thank you, but they're not just targeting me—you're their primary target."

Wu Chang asked curiously: "Me?"

He'd been worrying about how to find trouble with the Quietist Church—yet here they were rushing to him. Had Lyman learned his eyes were nearly used up and sent someone to deliver another?

Yu Na: "A few days ago, the Quietist Church's election for the Holy Son concluded. The top candidate won by an overwhelming margin."

"The Holy Son election was supposed to continue until just before the world instance dungeon—but the most promising fourth candidate, Hearing Zhanghuo, and the powerful second candidate, Murphy, both died at your hands—leaving no doubt in the outcome."

Wu Chang asked: "What about the third candidate?"

He remembered correctly—the third candidate was the Secret Rite Master. He hadn't died in the Silent Voyage instance dungeon.

The Secret Rite Master's abilities were formidable, equal to Hearing Zhanghuo and Murphy. He should've been a strong contender.

Yu Na said: "The third candidate recently lost in an instance dungeon to Sword Star. He also failed to secure any gains from a Quietist Church's long-established instance dungeon. Though he survived and left the instance dungeon, he withdrew from the election long ago."

Wu Chang clicked his tongue. "So this newly appointed Saint Son plans to make me his first target?"

When you count it up, the second, third, and fourth Saint Son candidates were all eliminated by his own hands—he was MVP of the Quiet Church's Saint Son selection, and the current Saint Son is just a lucky beneficiary.

Now that the lucky beneficiary has taken power, his first move is to purge the meritorious? That's truly ingratitude.

Yu Na guessed what Wu Chang was thinking and said:

"The current Saint Son of the Quiet Church has no direct conflict with you, but every other faction within the Quiet Church wants you dead."

"Plus, our informant reported that Leyman issued a decree ordering you to be dealt with."

"So during his succession ceremony, the Saint Son announced he would lead the Quiet Church members in hunting you down."

Wu Chang snorted dismissively:

"I hope he didn't just make that promise to boost his popularity."

Yu Na saw Wu Chang wasn't taking it seriously and warned:

"I know you killed Murphy in the Misfortune-Infested instance dungeon. But regardless of the instance dungeon's special rules, Murphy might not have used his full power."

"Even if you killed Murphy at his peak, the First Saint Son's strength is close to Murphy's—don't underestimate him. The Saint Son is not a simple position."

Wu Chang's interest was piqued by Yu Na's words. He asked:

"Tell me more."

Yu Na's expression turned solemn:

"The Saint Sons of all sects are the ones closest to the gods—they can borrow partial divine power, and in emergencies, they can serve as vessels for the gods' descent."

Serve as vessels for the gods' descent.

After hearing this, Wu Chang's face darkened with thought. He asked: "How many eyes does this First Saint Son have?"

Yu Na paused, momentarily lost at Wu Chang's abrupt train of thought. "Probably two?"

Wu Chang nodded. As long as he's not blind.

"You just said the Saint Sons of all sects are the closest to the gods. Does the Revelation also have a Saint Son?"

He remembered meeting a player named Ma Jia during the Silent Passage—his strength was more than enough to qualify as a Saint Son candidate.

Mentioning the Saint Son, Yu Na's expression turned strange. She said:

"The Revelation has no Saint Son. But I once heard Yan Xin mention that the True God Herself doesn't value the boost a Saint Son brings—she apparently gave the Saint Son's position to a native of an instance dungeon realm."

"The Revelation doesn't have a Holy Son, but I heard Yan Xin mention once that the True God doesn't value the boost the Holy Son brings. She seems to have given the Holy Son's position to a native of an instance plane."

Wu Chang's face grew uneasy. Could the person Christine had asked him to help be the Revelation's Saint Son?

The more he thought, the more certain he became—only the Revelation's Saint Son would warrant such elaborate effort from Christine.

He immediately dropped the topic, afraid that if he pressed further, Yu Na might accidentally reveal something secret and invite divine punishment afterward.

Perhaps because Wu Chang and Ai Lin had been too eager recently, clearing all their troubles at once, the following days were unusually peaceful.

Wu Chang and Ai Lin took time to return to the Holy Song Corporation. He saw He Yun, relying on her solid skills and the reputation of being Professor Schulz's student, had firmly established herself and gained preliminary control over the company's operations.

Research on the Divine Mech made further breakthroughs—the customized Divine Mech promised to him would be completed before entering the World instance dungeon.

After several days, the Holy Song Corporation accumulated another batch of Faith Power. Wu Chang suggested performing the Psionic Enhancement Surgery on He Yi.

According to the Omniscient Crystal, the power within the Talent Zone is an innate supernatural talent already residing within humans. Judging by that, his brother-in-law who achieved Sainthood through physical cultivation alone couldn't possibly have weak potential.

But He Yun wasn't in a hurry. She had tested He Yi, and his talent was still just short of the Level Nine Modification threshold.

She planned to further research the Psionic Enhancement Surgery, waiting for a breakthrough that could raise the modification ceiling before letting He Yi attempt it.

Time flew by. Only one day remained until the Qualification instance dungeon opened.

The Administration Bureau members who had gone to Yanjing for training had all returned to their original posts. The previously quiet Wanghai Branch was bustling again.

The Qualification instance dungeon they were about to face was an extremely difficult Real instance dungeon—many would surely remain trapped within it forever, unable to proceed further.

At the Wanghai Branch, Director Gao treated everyone to dinner, booking the best restaurant in Wanghai City for a wild celebration.

The revelry lasted until midnight. As the midnight bell rang, the Administration Bureau members who had decided to challenge the World instance dungeon raised their glasses in farewell to their colleagues and entered the Abyss Game.

The revelry continued until midnight. As the clock struck zero, the members of the Management Bureau who had decided to challenge the World Instance raised their glasses in farewell to the colleagues around them and entered the Abyss Game.

(End of this chapter)