Chapter 743: Battle!

The warrior's self-amputation sent a profound shock through all the players, who were deeply moved.

Gazing at Lord Youshan's retreating back, they felt as if they were witnessing a martyr consumed by flames. Only immense willpower and extraordinary measures could lead to such a monstrous, cruel, and bloody path of self-mutilation—a path taken to forge a future for all sentient beings.

"As the saying goes, there are no sudden miracles in this world," Yuan Qinghua whispered to those beside him, from behind a large gray boulder in a distant valley.

He was filled with emotion, having witnessed the unfolding of a long-standing civilization. He recalled words from the renowned history books of Stone Star, which, though he hadn't seen them firsthand, remained deeply moving:

"Those who create miracles are miracles themselves."

"Every incredible miracle comes at a clear price."

"Across countless parallel universes, the countless failed selves of Zach, their bones and blood strewn across paths of death and defeat, collectively built the gateway to miracles."

"Friends, it's utterly ridiculous to do nothing and silently await some ethereal miracle to descend and favor us," Yuan Qinghua said, gazing into the distance.

"He truly is an expert in miracle research. The only way to create miracles is through relentless effort, grinding, and desperate struggle."

He looked into the distance and said softly, "Brothers, there is only one thing in this world that truly moves the heart: the epic, tear-jerking sagas of mythology—the heroes who roar in myth, the unyielding luminaries who give voice to their own era."

"Brothers, I'm moved. What about you?"

Some around him remained silent.

Others hesitated, saying, "We're still afraid to move right now. Let's wait and see how things unfold."

"But perhaps we really can make a move."

"Let's see what the other major players do!"

Players, after all, are emotional beings. While they might joke around normally, at a moment like this, facing an ancient hero as passionate and principled as Lord Youshan—a figure of immense charisma—it would be a lie to say their hearts remained untouched by his words. Humans are not made of wood and stone. Which player doesn't have a fiery spirit? Who doesn't harbor a hidden, valiant hero complex deep within? Their blood was stirring now.

More practically, some of the oldest players were nearing the end of their lives. Rather than dying of old age, it would be better to truly risk it all, to participate in this once-in-an-era war and open the gateway to divinity. They feared that if they missed this chance, there might truly be no other opportunity before they died of old age; time would not wait.

To clear the Level 80 Class Advancement Dungeon!

A thoroughly exhilarating mythical battle!

To bridge ancient and modern, and tread the path of immortals!

To ignite a final surge, a last moment of glory—what exhilarating words.

Under Lord Youshan's careful orchestration, they had once again located the tracks of the Emperor, who had descended to roam the mortal realm, and he had revealed a new path to potential victory! A historical stage had been set; the critical moment had arrived.

This was the first time they, as players of an online game, would formally participate in the history of a great mythical era, altering its course and carving their names into the annals. Previously, they had lacked this capability, but now, finally, they possessed the confidence and combat power required.

These players also started live streams. "Brothers, type '666' and send us rockets! We welcome all patrons to crowdfund our courage fee. If you donate enough money for our indemnities, we'll livestream our assault on Lord Samsara! Frankly, our Asura Path warriors have also utilized their talents to create a super secret weapon! Do you want to see it?"

Immediately, the live stream chat exploded with activity.

There were so many wealthy patrons; money was never their concern. What they lacked was excitement and passion, wishing they could personally join and lead an earth-shattering battle.

"I'm moved! I'll personally donate a small sum of fifty thousand. Go quickly and help Lord Youshan!"

"Self-immolation, self-mutilation—that's just too cool and awe-inspiring! Alright, I'll save some money; no breakfast for me this month, I'll donate eighty thousand."

"Charge! If they truly fight, it will be a terrifying, bloody conflict. Who knows how many heroes will be buried, their blood spilled, becoming but fleeting ripples in history, sacrificed bravely, turning into ruins of blood and bone. But if we participate, we will not betray the great hopes of these martyrs."

Some companies even quickly contacted the live streamers, offering donations and requesting naming rights, suggesting that a new model for multi-world advertising agencies was already beginning to take shape.

Meanwhile, in the distance, some Great Sages also appeared subtly swayed by the arguments.

"These divine power fruits can be integrated into your bodies..."

Lord Youshan gazed at the floating fruits. "Everyone," he said, "you can integrate one to two fruits, depending on your body's tolerance... All of you here possess heaven-defying combat power, so imagine the profound impact such divine talents could have when manifested through you."

The surrounding Great Sages stared at each fruit with burning intensity. It was unknown how many talented individuals Lord Youshan had secretly collected and suppressed over the years. Each of these fruits was, in essence, a blood-soaked prison, within which countless powerful beings wailed. They were all still alive, suffering in their confinement, and though the fruits emanated endless blood, cruelty, and wails, the immense power contained within them was undeniable.

"You have no time left. Lord Samsara himself just declared that this is our final life; we still haven't achieved transcendence, and we are nearing old age and death." Lord Youshan paused, continuing his persuasive guidance.

Finally, some talented Great Sages made up their minds, their expressions hardening. They had no retreat; Lord Youshan had severed their path, just as he had severed Emperor Yun's path years ago. They had no choice but to stake everything, for once this opportunity passed, the great catastrophe of the talent era would descend, and they might not escape it either. As for the ordinary Great Sages without special talents, they naturally had fewer concerns. While some remained—mostly those already past half their lifespan—a number of younger, powerful individuals chose to quietly depart.

Xu Zhi watched on, his expression remaining perfectly calm. Allowing Lord Youshan to continue his discussions, he turned to Granny Meng, his hands clasped behind his back, and spoke calmly, "Return to the Underworld first. I hold dominion over the deceased, tallying only their deeds from life. I have never actively dictated the life and death of the living. I intervene in the lives of the living for only one reason: if they actively offend Me or move against Me."

Xu Zhi's expression was serene. "And now, I await this very moment, for them to make the first move against Me, so I may observe what this era truly holds."

"Understood, Your Majesty. I shall withdraw."

Granny Meng took a deep breath. She hadn't expected that His Majesty, on an incognito visit with her, would once again encounter a terrible ambush. Unable to offer any help, she could only nod and turn to leave.

At this, Xu Zhi turned back, his face utterly serene, and looked at them. "Are you truly ready? Have you already decided to begin queuing on the Road to the Yellow Springs?"

Undeniably, back then, aside from Emperor Yun, there were very few Great Sages in that era. Now, they had grown stronger, and their numbers had swelled. However, with the passage of time, Xu Zhi himself had grown unimaginably stronger.

Lord Youshan's face remained serene. "Back then, I witnessed Emperor Yun's grand fusion. His core was the Fusion Emperor. Thus, over these past few hundred years, I have taken on various identities—parents, daughters, neighbors, lovers—appearing beside the reincarnated Fusion Emperor to guide his obsession and further his talent, until this very day...."

"Until this very day!"

Lord Youshan's voice grew louder. He extended his hand, revealing a divine power fruit—a Fusion Divine Power Fruit—which then merged into his body. "Everyone, merge with me! Triumph! Triumph over him!"

"Today, we shall rekindle the ancient immortal path!"