’The influence of the Blood Moon is growing stronger.’ Qi Suian’s Blood Moon Shadow had reached stage one once again.
The survivors and zombies, on the other hand, had already reached stage three.
The former were slightly better off. As living humans, they could neutralize the effects by contracting the Profound Virus. This kept the Blood Moon’s influence from affecting their consciousness, letting the Profound Virus act as a scapegoat instead.
But the zombies had no such option. They were already completely infected by the Profound Virus, so they were unable to achieve neutralization.
The reason Qi Suian’s Blood Moon Shadow had reached stage one was that even if he cleansed it, the light of the Blood Moon would just cause it to accumulate again.
This was because, in essence, he was more akin to a zombie.
As a result, he could receive a buff, but his consciousness was affected at the same time.
At stage three of the Blood Moon Shadow, the zombies had completely lost their reason and begun to kill indiscriminately.
Before, they at least only targeted living humans like the survivors. Now, anything that moved—be it fellow zombies or other animals—was fair game.
If it were just simple slaughter, Qi Suian naturally wouldn’t have cared. However, the Blood Moon Shadow also came with a trait called Rapid Evolution.
Amidst the slaughter, the surviving zombies would become stronger and stronger.
By culling the weak like this, a single Poisonous Insect King was guaranteed to emerge in the end.
Qi Suian couldn’t even imagine how terrifying it would be.
’Fortunately, there’s some good news...’ Qi Suian’s gaze fell upon the Tai Sui God. It now had 13 armor points, had successfully completed its twelfth evolution, and had gained an extra module slot.
The good news was that the next evolution would still grant an increase of 1 point. Barring any surprises, burning through all the special zombies would be enough to achieve it.
Qi Suian immediately slotted the Ancient Dian Kingdom Jade Seal into the newly freed module slot.
[SSS-Rank: Seal of the Profound Dominator]
’This feeling...’ Qi Suian suddenly realized that the Tai Sui God was forming an intimate connection with him.
The Seal of the Profound Dominator acted as a bridge, allowing Qi Suian to connect with the Tai Sui God on a deeper level.
If his previous relationship with the Tai Sui God was like that of a man and his equipment, it was now like that of a man and his own organ.
Using it was as natural as moving a limb. He didn’t even need to make a physical gesture; a single thought was enough for the Tai Sui God to act on his will.
’Is this... a second bonding?’
The first bonding had been the AI’s acknowledgement, while this second one was a binding with his own genes and Spirit.
And the medium for this binding was the SSS-rank Seal of the Profound Dominator.
Aside from that, the original effects of the Ancient Dian Kingdom Jade Seal had vanished, much to Qi Suian’s regret.
’It’s not connecting with me directly. Instead, it’s exerting control indirectly through the Profound Virus in my body.’
’It really was a trap. Good thing I upgraded my virus talent to A-rank Virus Control, or I would’ve been screwed.’
If Qi Suian hadn’t managed to make the Profound Virus inside him a part of his own body, he would have lost control of the Tai Sui God the moment he installed the Ancient Dian Kingdom Jade Seal. The Tai Sui God would have been possessed by the Profound Virus instead.
’High-quality items aren’t actually very suitable as modules. Since everything gets upgraded to SSS-rank anyway, ordinary items have fewer hidden traps.’
Qi Suian now understood this principle. His prior caution had earned him valuable experience without him having to learn the hard way.
’There’s absolutely no difference between upgrading an A-rank item to SSS-rank and upgrading an F-rank item to SSS-rank.’
’In that case, for the next module slot, I’ll just use the Profound Virus from my own body.’
Qi Suian had wanted to use it for a long time but never had the opportunity. Now, judging from the Seal of the Profound Dominator module, it was clear the Profound Virus no longer posed any threat to him.
This was especially true since he would be using the Profound Virus that had already become a part of him.
His main reasoning was that once the Profound Virus became an SSS-rank module, it would complement the Seal of the Profound Dominator and produce some kind of qualitative transformation.
Moreover, Qi Suian could leverage this connection to try and further enhance his virus talent.
After all, once forcibly elevated to SSS-rank by the Tai Sui God, it would be the same rank as the ’Source of Profound Darkness: Virus Frenzy’ within his body.
It was bound to have its own unique advantages.
By drawing parallels, he might be able to find the data and inspiration he needed to evolve his talent.
"This feeling is fascinating. It’s almost as if I’ve become the Tai Sui God." Qi Suian flexed his hand. It felt incredible. "AI, what do you think?"
[The connection with you has grown more intimate. You are currently in a semi-integrated state.]
This time, the AI did not respond with a vocal broadcast, but communicated directly within Qi Suian’s mind.
’A mental link?’ Qi Suian’s eyebrow twitched. This was indeed far more convenient.
Both transmission speed and security were vastly improved.
The moment the AI transmitted a report, Qi Suian could now receive the complete description instantaneously.
Previously, it had to speak aloud. Even with the soundproofing of the Expedition-grade Ecological Circulation Device, there was still a risk of the information being leaked.
[Correct. However, the connection is not yet stable. You can attempt to perfect it in the next stage using the Profound Virus or the Source of Profound Darkness.]
[Furthermore, there is a report that requires your attention.]
As the AI spoke, it transmitted a report to Qi Suian about the shadow behind the moon.
Previously, the Tai Sui God had been unable to observe the Mysterious Divine Corpse. However, after installing the Seal of the Profound Dominator, it gained a means of observation.
[Data comparison indicates the moon is in the process of becoming sentient. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, it will become a living entity in twenty-four hours at most.]
[It will be formally birthed in forty-eight hours.]
[Additionally, here is the report concerning the Blood Moon Shadow... ]
The AI systematically fed Qi Suian a large volume of newly acquired data reports.
He had to admit, the synergy between the modules was impressive.
"The trigger? Have you identified it?" Qi Suian asked.
[Your hypothesis was correct. By releasing the consciousnesses of both the Source of Profound Virus and the life-giving Profound God, you triggered the birth of the Blood Moon.]
[Furthermore, you must be cautious. The Destiny you carry may also possess a consciousness of its own.]
Qi Suian’s heart sank, though he was, in fact, somewhat prepared for the AI’s warning.
If even S-rank and SSS-rank items could retain a consciousness, how could his X-rank talent be any different?
[You need not be overly concerned. This may be an excellent opportunity for you to eliminate the consciousness within your Destiny.]
[To a certain extent, your Destiny ensures that fortune and misfortune are intertwined. A crisis as great as the Blood Moon is inevitably accompanied by a tremendous opportunity.]
In this regard, the AI’s understanding was far more thorough than Qi Suian’s.
"That’s true in theory," Qi Suian’s brows tightened, "but who knows if this opportunity is meant for me, or for my Destiny?" If he really had to fight against his own X-rank talent, he wasn’t confident he would win.
He had achieved so much, and ninety percent of it was thanks to luck.
He wouldn’t deny it; after all, there was no point in deceiving himself.