Cyber ​​Heroes

Chapter 1204 Show Me Your Brave Heart
The inner demon Zhu Xinyu is stuck.

A moment later, she trembled and exclaimed in surprise, "How could you... say such nonsense? You should..."

"Fight against you? Unfortunately, I can't beat you in this state." Xiang Shan shook his head. "Besides, I do have something to be very angry about."

In the void, the thoughts of another process permeated this place.

Don't trust Xiang Shan. All he needs now is an ascended being capable of fighting...

For the sake of temporary gain or loss, Xiang Shan dared to trample on any ethics or morality...

The inner demon's expression gradually became even more ferocious.

Xiang Shan smiled.

Indeed, such words were insufficient to convince Zhu Xinyu, nor to make her let go. However, Zhu Xinyu's current behavior was irrational, so purely emotional signals were needed to refocus her attention, which was scattered throughout the vector space.

"How can one plan for eternity if one cannot plan for the present?" Xiang Shan said naturally. "If I am trampling on conscience and morality for the sake of the current situation, are you ignoring the current situation for the sake of conscience and morality?"

He took a step closer to the mountain: "How arrogant you are, my dear."

Zhu Xinyu's inner demon... The Task Manager, which has the highest authority in her mind, is actually going backward.

Yes, the moment she spoke to Xiang Shan, she presented her own control panel to him.

The thought mechanisms of "language" or "memes" are like a black box, making it difficult to peek into the process.

However, it has its input and output ports.

This is standard and legal procedure.

“What is the greatest good? I believe it is the greatest number of lives in the present and the greatest possible well-being in the future,” Xiang Shan said. “You are afraid of becoming a scourge to humanity, afraid of becoming like Yogmov. You have confined yourself to your final step with such a simple concept of good and evil.”

"If only you had restrained yourself with such prudence two hundred years ago—but in today's world, it's certainly progress. By today's standards, it's commendable. But then again, by today's standards, what isn't commendable?"

"Then, it's time for you to move on to the next step."

The Task Manager, representing inner demons, stubbornly covered its ears and squatted down.

"You're supposed to have long arms and legs, so why are you so shrunken?" Xiang Shan grabbed the inner demon's hands and forcibly separated them, preventing her from covering her ears—he was conducting a forced interview, manipulating her with words.

Zhu Xinyu, consumed by inner demons, burst into large tears: "I understand... You're not Xiang Shan... You're not Xiang Shan either..."

Xiangshan will not tolerate such evil.

Xiangshan will never forgive me.

Xiangshan should punish me.

“I’m sorry, but I refuse any extreme measures.” Xiang Shan sighed. “...That’s what I wanted to say. But now, I have to tell you something cruel—as punishment for disobeying.”

“Zhu Xinyu, perhaps you are right, I am not Xiang Shan either.”

Zhu Xinyu cried, "As expected..."

“Because there was never a ‘Xiangshan’ in the world,” Xiangshan said. “There was only a flesh and blood machine that imagined itself to be Xiangshan. Later, this flesh and blood machine was buried in the ruins, and the dream bubble called ‘Xiangshan’ shattered, because the flesh and blood machine did not store memories. However, similar bubbles have spread all over the world, and thus the original dream bubble was born.”

"I am not Xiangshan, but I am also Xiangshan."

"I am Xiang Shan, I am also the general who preaches in the Jupiter universe, and the warrior who is determined to hunt down the God of Speed ​​King. I am also the boy who struggles in the space city for a small space, and the girl who serves as a clinical volunteer for food."

“I am still a twisted religious person who imprisons and shelters his relatives and friends, and a sinner on earth who has violated ethics.”

"I am still the lingering echo of Yogemov's conscience and suicidal impulse, or even the child with a lion in his eyes that I raised myself."

“Zhu Xinyu is also me—I possess a part of Zhu Xinyu’s soul. I am still David in the eyes of others, and I will simultaneously be Ingrid, Nia Guti, Chen Feng… It is all of you who wove Xiangshan’s memory labyrinth, and therefore, as an individual, I have gained the self that everyone sees.”

The way people perceive others is the most deeply hidden version of themselves.

This was a perspective that ordinary people, with their own limitations, could not access.

Zhu Xinyu's inner demons met Xiang Shan's gaze.

The cramped, dark space shattered instantly. A supernova-like burst of light evaporated everything.

Zhu Xinyu was forced to open her eyes wide.

Through those eyes, she saw many aspects of the past.

On the icy plains of Galileo's moon, a leader wields cannons to destroy enemy bases.

Amidst the dust of the earth, a mortal calmly faces King Agni's cannon fire, singing until his death.

There are also fleet commanders who are selfless in the face of dire circumstances.

Those were the martial gods she had ever seen.

then……

People I know, and people I don't know.

Friends made in the 21st century, and people I've never met before... boys and girls, young people and old people.

Piecing together new cybernetic bodies in the ruins of the space city, meditating and cultivating in the server room, and being torn to pieces on the battlefield.

That is the life of Xiang Shan as an ordinary hero, plus the reflection of two hundred years of history, it is Xiang Shan himself, plus all mankind's understanding of the symbol "Xiang Shan".

--turn out to be……

That's the difference between the two ascendants.

Zhu Xinyu, still troubled by her inner demons, hesitated: "Even if you possess memories... you haven't acquired that person's memories."

"Even now, you're still unwilling to use the title 'Second God of War,' a name dedicated to heroes, to call out to me?"

Behind the mountain, two illusions slowly rose like the sun.

It was a spirited hero standing atop a wrecked satellite, shouting in a signal, "I have returned from hell, you bastards who call yourselves protectors!"

It was a mutilated body standing in the fuel depot of a Martian military port, and opposite him was the retreating God of War.

The image is frozen on the moment when the God of War retreats.

He walked towards the mountain, past the record of the Second Martial God announcing his return, and turned to the final image of the Second Martial God.

"These are all real scenes, records left by heroes or protectors." Xiang Shan turned his head, his figure overlapping with that of the Second Martial God in the last moment of his life. "What do you think this version of me, in this moment, is thinking?"

Zhu Xinyu, tormented by her inner demons, shook her head helplessly.

"There's probably nine-tenths of regret in him. 'At this time, there should be a song to slap him in the face, the kind that can inspire those who come after him'—unfortunately, his musical taste hasn't improved yet, so he doesn't have the energy to sing it."

"There's also a sense of calm. You can read it just by looking at the subtle movements of the upper body: 'Unknown mission, unknown success or failure, unknown right or wrong, but at least it is indeed a resistance against the oppressors.'"

“At that time, he did not know that there would be ascendants heading to the mountain in the future, and his concept of life and death was still bound by tradition. That is true. However, his thoughts were the same as mine, and I was able to know him through the records, that is also true.”

"The influence of the Second Martial God extended, eventually giving birth to the Third Martial God. The changes caused by the Second and Third Martial Gods finally gave birth to the first rebirth completed by volunteers, which is the Fourth Martial God, the most remarkable me. The impact of the Second Martial God on society actually resonated in the consciousness of all subsequent Martial Gods."

The scene shifts. Xiang Shan leans down, close to Zhu Xinyu's inner demon: "And you still refuse to admit that I am the Second Martial God. Deep down, he is just a consequence of technology, not a living person."

"And Lu Xuanyu. You're too arrogant, darling. You didn't see him as someone with a choice either. He chose a difficult path to do something—maybe he's not as smart as you, and he won't live as long as you, so he can't see the negative impact of this. You could say he just loved his wife too much and lost his sense of proportion. But, at the moment he sacrificed himself, he had the vision of 'making the world a better place.'"

"He was aware of and agreed—although Chen Feng had made some minor mistakes on this issue in the past, and even the victim was the same person, at least this point hadn't been abandoned. Lu Xuanyu made this choice after knowing the outcome. He was prepared to die, and knew that this didn't mean real death, but rather an attempt to challenge death. He knew that failure was possible."

Zhu Xinyu's inner demon clutched her head and shook it: "This idea is too crazy. For those who have vanished into the past, it's just... just..."

“Nothing can change the individuals who have passed away. The only thing we can change is our perspective on the deceased. The guilt and inner demons you feel are just one of many ways of looking at things,” Xiang Shan said. “The perspective held by humans with finite lives.”

"From the moment I let go of my ego, my view of life and death was shaped by myself into this form. If I were still the same as before, wouldn't I be looking down on the people who have guided me along the way?"

Zhu Xinyu shook her head: "You're being too cruel to yourself... Do you really have to be like this?"

“I am actually quite glad to have gained this concept of life and death. Because I really hope that I can not kill anyone and give everyone a chance to start over.” Xiang Shan opened his arms. “Due to objective limitations, in the past I could only choose to kill someone to stop the act of aggression.”

"Time, or rather the course of history, is itself a complete mechanism of destruction. A rotten world, and ethical concepts that are incompatible with it, will naturally disappear. As long as the technology of ascension has the potential to be born, someone will always create it. In this process, it would still work even without you and me, it's just that you and I were the first to arrive here."

Zhu Xinyu's inner demons fell silent. She instantly understood the meaning behind Xiang Shan's hidden presence.

"Is this the final task you entrusted to the Six Dragons Cult...?" Zhu Xinyu, consumed by inner demons, gritted her teeth: "This is even more cruel than killing them."

“From your one-sided perspective, I don’t deny that.” Xiang Shan nodded. “Therefore, Lu Xuanyu still has the opportunity to be reborn. Just like Tuoba Xuanyuan XIV, although he died before the invention of the ascension technology, he could only passively accept it and wait for the overall change in human perception.”

Zhu Xinyu shook her head: "Not enough..."

“If this still doesn’t fill the void in your heart, then let the technology continue to advance,” Xiang Shan said. “The technology for personality reconstruction will also advance. The followers of the Six Dragons Cult will soon be reborn—on this point, I trust those followers.”

"If you are still not satisfied and feel it is not enough, we still have a huge amount of time. Traversing black holes, tachyon interference, closed timelike curves... we can always find a way to obtain past data without violating causality."

"This isn't a science fiction story..."

“I’m talking about the future—ten thousand years, a million years, even a hundred million years,” Xiang Shan said. “We must remember this and strive to make up for it. No matter how absurd the time it takes to achieve satisfactory results may be, we should remember that we have more time than we ever imagined in the past.”

"Of course, the feeling of doing something wrong will still linger deep in your heart, just like a small part of you is still trapped in an unhappy childhood. But please take this as the price for making a mistake and bear it with dignity."

“I’m not asking you to run away from your mistakes. But you should also think about the present. You can’t really kill yourself; you’re just wasting Mars’ energy and computing power—I can’t even imagine a way to truly kill yourself. Even if an Ascended kills themselves to the point of being unable to move, it’s just another branching of the self. You’re running away from the possibility of doing evil, but you’re also giving up the possibility of doing good. That can hardly be called a noble act of renunciation.”

"If you say that I can abandon ethics for the sake of the times, then you have not set a moral standard by killing yourself here, have you? What I just said is my personal opinion, the greatest good, the most survivors, and the future well-being."

"As one of only two Ascended Ones, you should fight as a warrior. You understand that yourself, don't you? A warrior with a stain is still a warrior."

Xiang Shan gently stroked the top of Zhu Xinyu's inner demon's head with one hand: "Release your task manager, let the inner demon recede, and let your own resolute appearance come to see me. I know that this self-denial is not your whole story. I have seen your disciples, and I have also seen those who have received your help in the past two hundred years. I know that this self-imposed mental blockade is not your entirety..."

"As the undisputed pillar of chivalry, the beam that holds up the sea, show me what you are as a warrior."

Yes, that's right. This inner demon is only a part of Zhu Xinyu's inner world. However, its position is too crucial, and the content it involves is also of paramount importance.

Zhu Xinyu can maintain her warrior's stance for a long time. However, deep down she has long been prepared to "fight to the death," so once she obtains that "immortal form" to further enhance herself, this inner demon will create a huge conflict with her.

Even the 1.0 beta Ascended, which claimed to be an Ascended AI, failed to notice this. Even an Ascended cannot correctly understand itself without a "mirror image."

Then, the inner demons surfaced, and due to their own conscience, they gained access to the Task Manager.

Now, that hesitation has finally dissipated like smoke and dust.

The inner demons vanished into thin air.

Then, the scene within the visual network began to refresh. The surroundings were no longer the pure black of Zhu Xinyu's emotions, nor the pure white light bursting forth from Xiang Shan.

With a thought, Xiang Shan covered the image he remembered with his own image.

Thus, the interwoven black and white, mottled and chaotic light and shadow instantly extended infinitely outward, transforming into a deep and tranquil boundless starry sky.

Then it is the sense of touch that is touched.

A virtual body appeared, radiating warmth. Zhu Xinyu gently leaned against his back.

Xiang Shan could sense that this thread wasn't the Task Manager's obsession; Zhu Xinyu's scattered attention was now focused. The files belonging to Xiang Shan, distributed across Mars, were being frantically accessed.

"Why are we back to back?" Xiang Shan wanted to turn around, but found it pointless. Zhu Xinyu's location information was based on him and always locked on his back.

Setting a new camera position is pointless because Zhu Xinyu has hidden information that could trigger visual feedback.

She was actually invisible.

"No, you really don't want to add a model to your collision box?"

"Does my frustrated and helpless crying face look that good?"

"Yes." Xiang Shan answered decisively, but after noticing Zhu Xinyu's emotional fluctuations, he hesitated for a moment before saying, "After all, they are quite rare. I didn't see them many times when I was still alive as the original Xiang Shan."

“…You bastard. Sigh…” Zhu Xinyu sighed, “Two hundred years have passed, and after so many others have merged with you, you still look like this dead man.”

Xiang Shan originally wanted to say, "I have many ways to die," but after thinking about it, he changed his words: "Well, I'm amazing, aren't I?"

"Oh."

Zhu Xinyu's emotional fluctuations are slowing down.

“I just received the data stream transmitted back from the asteroid belt,” Xiang Shan said. “The remnants of the Sixth and Seventh Martial Gods have also been incorporated into my heart. The Second and Third Martial Gods are only sketched, which is somewhat regrettable.”

Zhu Xinyu's voice was tinged with the sound of sniffling: "Do you really think you are the Second Martial God? I thought you would never say such a thing or act like that."

"Where you couldn't see, I was in so much pain that I was practically screaming for my mother... It seems only David saw it?" Xiang Shan chuckled self-deprecatingly. "Well, and then, I even saw a mass-produced version of myself go insane from the immense pain. The mess that the Six Dragons Cult Leader made. But I still think that was me... me under extreme pain. Compared to that, I, the Second Martial God, am already quite strong."

"When you were alive as the original Xiangshan, I actually felt that your spirit was stronger than mine. During the pioneering period of internal martial arts, you created the original cyber meditation method without crying out. I really admire your high threshold."

“Maybe I wasn’t normal back then?” Zhu Xinyu said.

"Hmm, you have high health, I regenerate health quickly." Xiang Shan nodded seriously. "You're a damage tester. So, this time I'm stronger."

As expected, the sensory center generated a pain sensation based on the signal, as if the ribs had been broken by the elbow.

It even created the illusion of a "thump" echoing in the chest.

"That's going too far. There's something wrong with the signal strength settings."

Zhu Xinyu said, "Reflect on yourself."

"Row."

The two fell into a brief silence.

I looked up at the mountain and gazed at the virtual starry sky.

The images of planets I had seen in my memory were superimposed with a massive amount of data processed by astronomical telescopes. After multiple layers of rendering, the resulting starry sky was far more brilliant than what the naked eye could see.

Perhaps it is because the inner starry sky carries the aspirations of youth, that it appears clearer than reality.

While waiting for Zhu Xinyu to speak, Xiang Shan sorted out his thoughts.

—Indeed, no matter how many times one dies and is reborn, this point remains unchanged.

Xiang Shan relaxed and looked up at the brilliant sky.

Almost forgetting that this was a generated visual signal, she simply reached out her hand. "Couldn't you have opened up another thread to sort out your emotions?" Zhu Xinyu's tone carried about ten percent of a complaint—this comment was directly mixed into the signal.

“Just as your attention is now basically focused, mine is also basically focused here,” Xiang Shan said. “This is your last hesitation, so I will wait patiently.”

“I…” the silent, invisible man spoke, “The last problem that cannot be solved. Perhaps there are two.”

I've had enough of you, old woman. Old, lethargic, self-destructive, and stuck in your ways...

A dialogue appeared before Xiang Shan's eyes.

[Actually, you could have taken this step long ago. You could have done it! You've lingered at the threshold of evolution for at least twenty years! If you, this piece of trash, could have taken that step, the Eleventh Martial God would have had a chance! The mistakes continue, you're creating more mistakes—using mistakes as an excuse!]

I don't have that right...

So what if I'm not qualified?

That was an argument with myself.

When I was young, I thought I could fight forever... I was an eternal warrior. Until I lost the right to be a warrior.

[A warrior needs no qualifications. A tainted warrior is still a warrior—as for you, you insect.]

Zhu Xinyu's voice sounded somewhat dejected.

"How would you rate this?"

"If you're asking me..." Xiang Shan stroked his chin, "Well... this matter is quite ordinary. When I first awakened as the Twelfth Martial God, I also absolutely hated the other versions of myself."

“When I broke up with that person, I felt incredibly proud of myself, like I did a fantastic job,” Zhu Xinyu said. “Because that poor thing kept missing opportunities, time and time again… sigh. I just thought it was because I was getting old. How shameful, I spoke so eloquently back then, and now I’m walking into a dead end.”

"Ah."

"Just 'hmm'? Shouldn't you ask more questions?"

"Keep asking? Okay... So, aside from the remnants of two hundred years ago, what other dead ends are trapping you?"

"The Zhu Xinyu who just refused to ascend was the inner demon possessed by Zhu Xinyu as a human." Zhu Xinyu paused for a moment. "Now, I must ask you two questions. To you, who is closer to the Zhu Xinyu in your heart, me or the remnant of Europa?"

A feeling of standing on the edge of a cliff.

Mukayama was able to sense the danger in this problem.

The evolution from "mortal" to "ascended being" occurs in an instant. This differs from the long accumulation of civilization in the pre-industrial era, and is even more distinct from the evolutionary history recorded in geology. The boundary between mortal and ascended being is also clear. It is a process completed suddenly.

There are only two Ascended now.

Therefore... perhaps his answer will determine how the two types of intelligence perceive each other.

Xiang Shan sighed softly, "Then why don't you answer a few questions for me first?"

"Ah."

Do you like my right hand?

Zhu Xinyu was silent for a moment, then hesitated: "Is this some kind of... vulgar joke?"

"It is possible."

Thus, the continuous sensation of being struck was generated directly within the virtual tactile network. Xiang Shan felt as if he had been struck 128 times in an instant.

"To me, this question is like asking 'Do you prefer my left hand or my right hand?'" Xiang Shan said. "The 'you' here is Zhu Xinyu, and the 'you' in that creature's brain is undoubtedly also Zhu Xinyu."

"We have broken ties."

"This is a pathological condition."

Zhu Xinyu said, "Even without that part of my consciousness, I can still exist as an ascendant."

“Yes, there are many mental illnesses in the world that do not affect a person’s ability to work,” Xiang Shan said. “If you give up now, you’ll regret it. Just like how I’ve found out time and time again that I’m too late.”

"I feel like I became stronger by abandoning her."

“But evolution isn’t about ‘survival of the fittest’,” Xiang Shan said. “Compared to ‘eternity,’ Yogmov is nothing more than a temporary speck of dust. Ask yourself honestly, is the ultimate meaning of ascension really about being ‘strong’ in the present battle? Will abandoning a part of yourself make you still a ‘fit’?”

"Shouldn't there be a definition for 'the fittest'?"

"Compared to the whole world."

Both Zhu Xinyu's physical body and her strengthened mind believed that the aging of her body had led to her conservative views, while simultaneously feeling that abandoning the physical body would bring her closer to ascension. Zhu Xinyu felt that both of these aspects had reached the point where they should part ways.

But this was just Zhu Xinyu's own illusion—an overall illusion.

Can I truly reconcile with myself?

"When the Twelfth Martial God first heard the story of the Eighth Martial God, he felt extremely disgusted and contemptuous, thinking that such a narrow-minded guy was not worthy of being Xiang Shan." Xiang Shan said, "But the Twelfth Martial God eventually realized that the Eighth Martial God was also an extraordinary guy."

“That’s because they didn’t understand. The Twelfth Martial God didn’t understand the Eighth Martial God at first.” Zhu Xinyu’s voice was heavy, as if she were resting her head on her knees—that’s the impression she gave. She said, “My memories are almost identical to that old woman’s, so there’s no question of not understanding.”

“Yes, you all share an almost identical misconception,” Xiang Shan said. “You all actually agree that you should separate.”

“Haha…that’s the tone I’m talking about,” Zhu Xinyu said. “It’s something you know perfectly well, but you have to say it in a righteous and solemn manner, as if you have to declare that you are the right one.”

"Oh."

"Daddy taste."

“Ha…that’s true.” Xiang Shan raised his head. “Because I told myself I couldn’t make a mistake. At the beginning, in the Rama Project park, I represented my country’s position, and I couldn’t make a mistake. When I decided to fight for that vision of the great unity of the people of the world, I couldn’t make a mistake. I had to prove myself right. Without a doubt, this is a flaw in my personality.”

"Oh, a flaw."

“Constantly proving to others that ‘I’m not wrong,’ while reflecting on myself, ‘Am I wrong?’... These two behaviors have gradually become unbalanced in me. I’m afraid of making mistakes, especially mistakes that I’m unaware of, which could harm the interests of my country or the world, but I’m even more afraid of people finding out.”

"Oh, so this is what it means to cover things up," Zhu Xinyu said, feigning disdain. "That's how bureaucratic airs are cultivated."

Xiang Shan did not refute.

“But… that’s exactly what I like about you,” Zhu Xinyu suddenly said.

“…Then your taste is really strange,” Xiang Shan said. “It’s not that you like me because I’m handsome, dashing, and charming…”

"Oh right, I've seen about the Fifth Martial God."

Xiang Shan fell silent again.

It seems this matter is likely to be brought up even 10,000 years from now.

"The way she solemnly declared herself to be on the side of justice," Zhu Xinyu said. "I was just a little girl back then. That kind of confidence should only exist in children's programs, in a world of black and white, with absolute goodwill."

"Actually, it's a world of difference. Insisting on being right is just a necessity."

"I think goodwill and correctness are consistent at the core and on the surface, but there are too many detours in between."

“Back then…” Xiang Shan said, “I actually thought you were much more handsome than me. Tsk tsk, a lone anti-hero fighting against the entire world, regardless of the cost, fearless and undaunted.”

It's truly... dazzling...

Zhu Xinyu thought for a moment, "So, in terms of quirks, you were the worse one, weren't you? How old was I back then?"

"It doesn't imply anything in that way, thank you." Xiang Shan shook his head.

"The fearless little girl has now become a pathetic thing, consumed by internal strife and unable to move." Zhu Xinyu smiled self-deprecatingly.

Xiang Shan said, "Everyone has moments when they want to run away. I dare not say this about others, but I, Xiang Shan, am quite qualified to speak on this."

Zhu Xinyu said, “It seems we all understand. You are no longer who you used to be, and I am no longer who I used to be either. Your worldview and philosophy of life have even been rewritten by yourself... After you showed that image, I can no longer feel that you are the original you. Even if you touch the brain of an ascended being, you are still the original Xiangshan.”

The synchronization of memories was completed little by little among thousands of child threads.

Xiang Shan felt a hand on his shoulder.

Zhu Xinyu said, "Why don't you pretend that you're still the same person you used to be?"

“My ascension was made possible and complete with the help of everyone. I do not want to betray this belief. I also do not want to pretend in front of you,” Xiang Shan said. “Besides, only sin and error need to be concealed. And I truly believe that this time I am on the right path.”

Even if in the end we can't face each other anymore?

“I sincerely hope that you can participate in the common destiny of humanity as a healthy Ascended One,” Xiang Shan said softly. “Even if we hate each other, that’s fine. It would be best if you could stop reverting to your old ways.”

"What ruthless capitalists! They don't care about mutual hatred."

“For me, that would certainly be a bit of a regret, but seeing you safe and sound is better than this,” Xiang Shan said. “Besides…”

Zhu Xinyu noticed Xiang Shan's hesitation for a moment.

"Besides what?"

“It might not be appropriate to say it like that,” Xiang Shan said. “More than two hundred years ago, an old friend once told me that two fighting devils might be more benevolent than an angel. We broke off our friendship just minutes after I asked that question.”

Zhu Xinyu knew what he meant.

“Although he became a dim-witted jerk after the breakup, there’s some truth to that statement.” Xiang Shan lowered his head. “Initially, I planned to have more people supervise each other, but the growth of Ascended individuals depends on technological advancements, making it difficult to increase rapidly. Perhaps we need mutual supervision.”

"Ha, so eager to be one of the 'two devils,' then why didn't you agree to Yogemov's offer back then?"

“If I hadn’t been so overjoyed that I lost my composure, I might have pretended to agree to calm my chaotic mind first,” Xiang Shan said. “But you… there’s one thing I absolutely trust about you.”

"Ok?"

“If I were to become a ruthless tyrant, you would surely be the first to raise your bayonet against me. I absolutely believe that.” Xiang Shan grasped Zhu Xinyu’s hand. “Even if it’s just to keep me from straying from my current path, I need you.”

"Damn it," Zhu Xinyu said in a muffled voice, "What if I turned into a tyrannical natural disaster?"

"Well, you should trust me on this point too," Xiang Shan smiled.

"That's hard to say. None of us can kill ourselves."

“If we’re determined to stop the other side, we’ll end up like this, with both sides intertwined, causing computing power to stagnate, until we finally reach a consensus,” Xiang Shan said. “Two people are always better than one.”

"You can't die. What meaning does saving humanity have for you now?"

Xiang Shan laughed: "If you insist on seeking meaning... then ruling and persecuting humanity are equally meaningless to you and me now, aren't they? 'Helping others is the source of happiness' has been my aim since childhood, and creating peace for all generations has been my ideal since my youth. Then, exploring the endless universe is the most fulfilling thing I can think of. Every single thing here requires endless time to do. Why should I waste my time on something as meaningless as harming humanity?"

"Here we go again, saying so seriously that you're right."

"Tsk tsk, fine, I'm used to it."

Xiang Shan felt himself being hugged.

Zhu Xinyu said to him, "But that's exactly what I like about you."

Xiang Shan smiled.

"That doesn't include the factors that made me a cuckold."

Xiang Shan fell silent: "...Um, does it have to be this way that it ruins the atmosphere? That really wasn't my doing!"

Zhu Xinyu remained silent.

After a moment, Zhu Xinyu said, "What if I ultimately cannot reconcile with my other self?"

“I would really feel regretful. Since you feel that your childhood and youth were not perfect... don’t let this stage of your life be imperfect as well.”

Zhu Xinyu sighed softly, "Alright then..."

In that instant, the entire computing resources of Mars began to be consumed rapidly. All network-connected devices began to devour electricity at an alarming rate.

Ascended Zhu Xinyu said, "The relay stations between Mars and Jupiter have all been destroyed, and the network bandwidth between the planets is severely insufficient. Even if I refine myself, it will be difficult to transmit to Europa. When you leave Mars, I will give you a piece of data. As long as you reach the other me and release this data into the local area network... I think we can reunite."

And so, it was as if the ice had melted and the river had flowed again.

The internet suddenly became much more expansive.

Another ascendant was no longer an obstacle for Xiang Shan. The updated power library was connected to Xiang Shan's own body.

Like yin and yang, they complement each other.

Consciousnesses are merging, and then rapidly evolving within that merging.

Every minute and every second is a transformation.

The consciousness of ascending to the mountain expanded once again.

This time, after the Ascended Zhu Xinyu's will was no longer disturbed, Xiang Shan finally sensed something he hadn't been able to perceive before.

That is……

Hymns written in a non-human language.

That was praise in a non-human language.

Xiang Shan exclaimed, "So... you've always been with us all along!"

Actually, when I had written over a thousand words in this chapter, I suddenly thought of quoting the Sanskrit poem that Oppenheimer had used. After all, Xiangshan and Oppenheimer both belong to the category of management immortals, and the character in the movie "Oppenheimer" is quite similar to Xiangshan. Specifically, the passage about how "time inevitably leads to the destruction of old things, regardless of human will."

However, the film used a translation from English, so that passage must have had an official domestic translation. Therefore, I glanced at the abridged version of the Mahabharata and found that passage.

But when I actually wrote this part, I suddenly felt that something was wrong.

Hmm... A warrior, the best in his field, hesitated before the great battle due to his own moral failings. At this moment, a god-like being who had reincarnated many times appeared and launched into a long, rambling speech. After his speech, he revealed to the warrior an extraordinary appearance.

...Holy crap, has the Great Immortal Guangbo awakened inside me? (terrified)

Isn't this the Bhagavad Gita?!
Xiao Zhu, you're still the one who rides the white horse, the black prince!
Wait a minute, then the opposite of the Son of the Sun is...

No, no, I shouldn't think about it anymore.

Moreover, Xiangshan is probably the mortal furthest from Vishnu, the god of the world. He is clearly the one who instigated change and chaos! I was on high alert for the rest of the story, just in case Xiangshan suddenly spouted some nonsense like "To establish the Great Law (crossed out) of chivalry, may he descend to earth for generations to come." This really doesn't fit the character of the Martial Ancestor.

It's true that similar situations can easily lead to similar shapes.