Chapter 69: Progenitor Incarnation! Li Heng vs. Gaea — — Obliterating the Himalayas!
Himalayas.
Thirty kilometers underground at Kangchenjunga.
Gaea's consciousness core.
The dark green space was like a giant emerald with its internal organs hollowed out — — the ubiquitous Power of the Earth flowed slowly like breathing — — every inch of the rock wall trembled slightly — — like the flesh and blood of a living creature — —
Li Heng stood in front of Gaea — —
Dark golden vertical pupils faced dark green eyes — — the Power of Origins faced the Power of the Earth — —
Two completely different forces collided in the narrow underground space — — the dark golden and dark green lights intertwined with each other like two giant dragons — — the space itself uttered a harsh screech under the crushing force of the two powers — — cracks spread like a spider's web — —
"Return the Progenitor Bloodline to me — — then — — go die — —"
Gaea repeated her condition — — her gentle voice was like a mother coaxing her child to sleep — — but the content was death — —
Li Heng sneered — —
"You want me to return something — — fine — — but you have to answer me a question first — —"
"Speak — —" Gaea's dark green eyes were like two bottomless emeralds — —
"The Tamperer is someone you fostered — — the seven sealing nodes are valves you secretly added three billion years ago — — you laid out your plan three billion years ago — — just to make me walk in front of the God of Origins — — wake him up — — and then you seize the opportunity to devour him — —"
"Am I right or wrong — —"
Gaea did not deny it — — she even nodded slightly — — like a teacher expressing approval to a student who answered a question correctly — —
"Smart — — as expected of the host chosen by the Progenitor Bloodline — —"
"But you only guessed half of it — —" Her dark green long hair floated slowly like a waterfall — — like countless dark green snakes writhing behind her — —
"I do need the God of Origins — — but not'seize the opportunity to devour' — — but rather — — 'fuse' — —"
"He and I — — are inherently one — — I am the physical body of the Earth — — he is the blood of the Earth — — the fusion of the physical body and blood — — is only natural — —"
"After the fusion — — I will become the complete 'God of the Earth' — — no longer Gaea — — no longer the God of Origins — — but a brand new, complete'single god' with a physical body and blood — —"
"By then — — all life on this planet — — will become a part of my body — — humans, Mutants, Asgardians, vampires — — there is no difference — — they are all microorganisms in my cells — —"
"I will be with this planet — — integrated into one — — never to be separated — —"
Her voice became gentler and gentler — — like a lullaby — — but Li Heng heard a layer of cold madness in it — —
"So — — you see — — I am not going to destroy the world— — on the contrary — — I want the world to become me — — isn't this the most perfect protection — —"
"There will never be war in the world again — — there will never be pain again — — because everyone will become a part of me — — thinking stops — — disputes stop — — everything returns to eternal tranquility — —"
"Isn't this wonderful — —"
Li Heng looked at her — — as if looking at a lunatic — —
"Wonderful my ass — —" He cursed these three words — —
"You are the Mother of the Earth — — you have guarded life for three billion years — — and now you say you want to devour all life into your body — — and turn them into microorganisms in your cells — — do you call this protection — —?"
"Do you call making all humanity stop thinking, stop disputes, and become a part of your body wonderful — —?"
"This is not protection — — this is called — — captivity — —"
Gaea's smile disappeared — —
The dark green eyes suddenly became as cold as two emeralds — — the Power of the Earth behind her began to surge like a furious giant beast — — the entire underground space was trembling — —
"You don't understand — —" Her voice was no longer gentle — — like the roar from the depths of the Earth's crust — —
"I have guarded for three billion years — — I watched my children kill each other — — I watched them use the power I bestowed to destroy each other — — I watched the Old Gods fall into demons — — I watched humans use nuclear bombs to aim at their own kind — —"
"Three billion years — — is enough — —"
"I don't want to watch anymore — —"
"The best protection — — is to let them never make mistakes again — — and the only way to let them never make mistakes — — is to let them become a part of me — —"
"You — — cannot stop me — —"
She raised her hand — — the dark green Power of the Earth swept toward Li Heng like a tsunami — —
Not an attack — — but a crushing — —
Like an ant facing the entire Earth — — no technique needed — — only weight — —
SSS-Rank Power of the Earth — — full power burst — —
[Ding!! Detected SSS-Rank divine power attack — — Earth Crushing — — Host's current Progenitor-level combat power is SSS+ — — enough to resist head-on — —!!]
Li Heng did not dodge — —
The dark golden Power of Origins exploded from his body surface — — like a dark golden star ignited within him — — the tsunami of the Power of the Earth collided with the barrier of the Power of Origins — —
Boom — —!!!
The entire Kangchenjunga was trembling — — the avalanche on the surface poured down from the peak like a waterfall — — animals within a radius of one hundred kilometers fled wildly — —
But Li Heng did not move at all — —
In his dark golden vertical pupils burned two suns — —
"Is this it — —?"
Gaea's dark green eyes narrowed slightly — — "The Power of Origins — — truly extraordinary — — but you have only absorbed half of the Progenitor Bloodline — — your limit is only here — —"
"And I — — possess the Power of the Earth accumulated over three billion years — —"
She raised her hand again — — this time not crushing — — but — — extraction — —
Dark green light surged out from the rock walls in all directions — — but not the Power of the Earth — — but rather — —
The Power of Life — —
Plants — — animals — — microorganisms — — the life force of all life forms in the Earth's crust was being crazily extracted by Gaea — — like drinking a beverage with a straw — —
The vegetation of the entire Himalayas withered within three seconds — — in the village at the foot of the mountain — — hundreds of residents fell to their knees at the same time — — pale-faced — — as if half their lives had been sucked away — —
[Ding!! Gaea is executing 'Earth Devouring' — — using the Earth's biosphere as fuel — — to strengthen herself — —!! Current extraction range — — 300 kilometers around the Himalayas — — expected to expand globally — —!!]
"You're crazy — —!!" Li Heng's dark golden vertical pupils suddenly constricted — —
"I said — — I want all life to become a part of me — — this is just advancing a little energy in advance — —" Gaea's dark green eyes were like two crazy emeralds — —
"When I fuse with the God of Origins — — this extracted vitality will return to their bodies — — they will not die — — they will only become more perfect — —"
"But if you stop me — — they will truly die — — because you won't let me fuse — — the Earth will continue to weaken — — and eventually all life will perish — —"
"So — — you choose — —"
"Let me fuse — — sacrifice a period of freedom — — in exchange for eternal peace — —"
"Or — — stop me — — retain temporary freedom — — but destined to head toward destruction — —"
She opened her arms — — the dark green Power of the Earth rotated behind her like a tornado — — vitality was sucked into her body like green fireflies — — her momentum was climbing at a speed visible to the naked eye — —
SSS- — —
SSS — —
SSS+ — —
Still rising — —
[Ding!! Gaea combat power evaluation — — SSS+ — — continuously rising — —!! Warning — — If Gaea completes Earth Devouring · Global stage — — combat power may break through EX-Rank — —!!]
Li Heng gritted his teeth — —
He understood — — Gaea was not negotiating with him — — she was stalling for time — —
From the first word she spoke — — she had been stalling — —
Letting the scale of Earth Devouring expand continuously — — until it exceeded the critical point he could stop — —
"Damn it — —" Li Heng cursed — —
He was never a hero — — he didn't want to save the world— — he just wanted to lie on the sofa and eat the beef brisket made by his wife — —
But now — —
The village at the foot of the Himalayas — — hundreds of innocent people were kneeling on the ground — — their faces as pale as paper — — their lives being sucked away bit by bit — —
He wanted to pretend not to see — — but he couldn't do it — —
Not because he was kind — — but because — —
If Gaea could devour the lives of thousands of people for her own purposes today — — tomorrow she could devour Wanda — — devour Hannah — — devour all his family members — —
So he was not saving the world — —
He was saving his own family — —
"Gaea — —" In Li Heng's dark golden vertical pupils were like two dark golden suns — —
"I gave you a chance — —"
"I originally just wanted to take your daughter home to eat beef brisket — — you were the one who had to make trouble — —"
"Then don't blame me — — for being impolite — —"
Power of Origins — — full power burst — —
[Ding!! Power of Origins · Full power activated — —!! Progenitor Incarnation · Unlocked — —!!]
Dark golden light exploded from Li Heng's body — — not spreading around — — but — — upward — —
Breaking through thirty kilometers of rock strata — — breaking through the crust — — breaking through the mantle — — shooting straight into the sky — —
A dark golden beam of light pierced out from the mountain body of Kangchenjunga — — shooting straight into the clouds like a dark golden giant dragon — —
The light beam dissipated — —
A dark golden incarnation stood at the peak of the Himalayas — —
One thousand meters tall — — like a divine statue forged from dark golden stars — — the face was identical to Li Heng's — — but in the dark golden vertical pupils were like two black holes — — profound — — cold — — containing the power of the original bloodline of three billion years — —
Progenitor Incarnation — — the ultimate form of the Power of Origins — — materializing the inner power into an outer divine body — —
The moment the incarnation stood — — the entire Himalayas trembled — —
Not an earthquake — — but resonance — —
The Earth recognized this power — — three billion years ago — — this power once flowed in every blood vessel of the Earth — — it was the blood of the Earth — — now — — the blood was back — —
Gaea's Earth Devouring stalled at this moment — — the extracted vitality slowed down its flow as if hesitating — — the Earth itself was hesitating — — whether to obey Gaea — — or to obey the Progenitor Bloodline — —
"Impossible — —" For the first time, hesitation appeared in Gaea's dark green eyes — — "You only have half of the Progenitor Bloodline — — you cannot possibly activate the Progenitor Incarnation — —"
"You forgot — —" Li Heng's voice came from the incarnation — — like an ancient bell — —
"The God of Origins said — — I have to chat with him once a month — —"
"Did you think I just went to chat — —?"
"Every time I went — — I was absorbing how to use the Progenitor Bloodline from him — —"
"He has been sleeping for three billion years — — but his memory is complete — — the activation condition for the Progenitor Incarnation — — bloodline purity above 97% — — I am just at 97.3% — —"
"So — — don't fool me with 'half' — — half is enough — —"
The Progenitor Incarnation raised its hand — — dark golden light condensed in its palm — — like a miniature dark golden star — —
"Now — — I will say it again — —"
"Stop Earth Devouring — —"
"Then — —"
The Soul Covenant suddenly transmitted a violent tremor — —
That was Wanda's fear — — and Hannah's scream — —
"Li Heng — —!!" Wanda's voice came through the Soul Covenant — — carrying unprecedented panic — —
"Ares — — he found us — — his blade is on Hannah's neck — —!!"
Li Heng's dark golden vertical pupils suddenly constricted — —
Newlin City — —
Apartment ruins — —
Wanda stood in place—raising both hands—crimson-gold Chaos God-Slaying Power burning in her palms—but she didn't dare move—
Because Ares's battle blade lay horizontally across Hannah's neck—the blade less than a centimeter from her skin—
Hannah's dark gold vertical pupils carried fear—but even more anger—she had just been reborn—her power wasn't fully adapted yet—Ares's blade speed was too fast—
"Don't move—Mutant—" Ares smiled bloodthirstily— "I smell the God-Slaying Power on your body—interesting—are you a traitor to My Lord Gaea—?"
Thor and Hercules stood on either side—blocking all retreats—
"My Lord Gaea is right—" Thor gripped his thunder axe—his blue eyes carrying complex emotions— "He has stolen the bloodline of the Earth—the Earth is weakening—we must stop him—"
"But—killing a human—" Hercules frowned— "Is this really right—"
"Shut up—" Ares impatiently interrupted— "My LordGaea's orders cannot be questioned—kill him—retrieve the ancestor core—the Earth will recover—as for this little vampire—"
His blade pressed down slightly—a shallow blood mark appeared on Hannah's neck—
"Kill one first—let him know the price—"
"How dare you—!!" Golden light burst within Wanda's green eyes like a star—the Chaos God-Slaying Powerexploded around her like a supernova—
But Ares only sneered—the God of War's instincts allowed him to capture the trajectory of Wanda's attack—his blade was faster—
Just at the instant the blade was about to cut into Hannah's throat—
A voice rang out—
It did not come from Newlin City—but from the Soul Covenant—from the Primordial Dharma Form in the Himalayas—crossing a distance of twelve thousand kilometers—straight to Ares's eardrum—
"If you touch a single hair of hers—"
That voice was ice-cold—like the void where the God of Origins had slept for three billion years—like the wind that never dissipated in the dark golden void—
"I will wipe the Himalayas off the map—"
"Along with you—"
Ares's movements froze—not from being awed—but because—
The ground beneath his feet was trembling—
Not the ground of Newlin City—but—the entire planet—
The Primordial Dharma Form stood atop the peak of Kangchenjunga—its thousand-meter dark gold divine body radiating light like the sun—the dark golden Power of Origins spread in all directions from within the Dharma Form like a tsunami—
Not an attack—but—suppression—
The primitive instinct of the Progenitor Bloodline—swallowing all other bloodlines—
Ares, Thor, and Hercules—the divine power on all three of them was simultaneously suppressed by the Power of Origins—as if an invisible giant hand gripped their hearts—in front of the Progenitor Bloodline, the power of Gaeadeep within their bloodlines trembled like a mouse seeing a cat—shivering—unable to move—
"This is—" Thor's blue eyes were filled with disbelief— "The Power of Origins—?! This power—is even older than the Odin-Force—?"
"Impossible—" Ares's expression finally changed—the battle blade moved away from Hannah's neck—he had to take a step back—because the suppression of the Power of Origins made his arm tremble— "How could he possibly possess this kind of power—My Lord Gaea said he only had half of the Progenitor Bloodline—"
"Half is enough—" Li Heng's voice came from the Primordial Dharma Form—like an ancient judgment—
"Because your My Lord Gaea—is also a descendant of my bloodline—"
"The God of Origins is the source of all Old Gods—Gaea's power comes from the Earth—the Earth's blood comes from the God of Origins—every shred of divine power on you—carries the shadow of the Progenitor Bloodline—"
"In front of the Power of Origins—all your power—is food—"
Dark golden light erupted from the surface of the Primordial Dharma Form like a solar storm—
Ares's battle blade made a "clang" sound—a crack split open on it—
The lightning on Thor's thunder axe instantly extinguished—
Hercules's arms were as heavy as if they were filled with lead—
Three SS-Rank and above deities—under the suppression of the Primordial Dharma Form—were like tigers with their teeth pulled out—
[Ding!! Primordial Dharma Form · Bloodline Suppression—in effect—all units with Gaea-type divine power—all stats temporarily decreased by 40%—!!]
"Wanda—Hannah—retreat—"
Li Heng's voice came through the Soul Covenant—gentle—like calling them to dinner at home—
"I'll be right back—let me deal with an old hag first—"
Himalayas—
Gaea looked at the Primordial Dharma Form before her—real fear finally appeared in her dark green eyes—
"You—how dare you—" Her voice was no longer gentle—like the screech of the Earth splitting open— "The Primordial Dharma Form will destroy the entire Himalayas—there are hundreds of millions of people on it—how dare you make a move here—?"
"When you used hundreds of millions of people as fuel—" Li Heng's voice was ice-cold— "Why didn't you ask yourself if you dared—"
"You dare to take their lives as your energy—then I dare to wipe the mountain out right in front of you—"
"But—I am different from you—"
The Primordial Dharma Form slowly raised both hands—its dark golden palms facing upward—as if supporting something—
"Weren't you going to fuse with the God of Origins—didn't you say you are the flesh of the Earth and he is the blood of the Earth—"
"Then I will give you another choice—"
"You stop the Earth's swallowing—let those people go—and then—I will return this half of the Progenitor Bloodlineon my body to you—"
"No need to fuse—no need to swallow—blood returns to the flesh—you will naturally be complete—"
"The God of Origins can continue to sleep—he doesn't need to be awakened—as long as the bloodline returns to the Earth—you can recover your complete power—"
"This has been your goal for three billion years—right—?"
Gaea was stunned—
She hadn't expected—that Li Heng would actively offer to return the Progenitor Bloodline—
"You—you are willing to give up the Power of Origins—?"
"I don't care for it—" Li Heng's voice was like spitting out a piece of waste slag—
"I never wanted this kind of power—I just wanted to lie on the sofa and eat beef brisket—it was one after another of you making trouble—forcing me to this day—"
"The Power of Origins—Ancestor Power—God-Slaying Power—none of them are what I want—"
"What I want—is only for my family to be safe—"
"So—take it—"
"There is only one condition—"
"From now on—stop making trouble—"
In the palm of the Primordial Dharma Form—a dark golden ball of light slowly condensed—like a miniature dark gold sun—that was half of the Progenitor Bloodline inside Li Heng's body—he was stripping it out from his own ancestor core—
[Ding!! Warning—Host is stripping 50% of the Progenitor Bloodline—after stripping is complete—Host's comprehensive combat power will drop from SSS+ to S-Rank—the Primordial Dharma Form will be unable to be activated again—the Power of Origins will be permanently lost—!!]
[Confirm execution—?]
"Confirm—" Li Heng didn't hesitate at all—
The dark golden ball of light floated up from his palm—like a package waiting to be received—
Gaea looked at that ball of light—her dark green eyes trembling like two emeralds—
Three billion years—the thing she had waited three billion years for—was right before her eyes—
As long as she reached out her hand—she could take it back—
Her hand slowly raised—
The moment her fingertips touched the dark gold light ball—
A mad dark green light flashed in her eyes—
"Do you really think—this is enough—?"
She suddenly clenched—the dark gold light ball was gripped in her palm—but at the same time—her other hand probed out like a viper—the dark green Power of the Earth turned into countless vines—stabbing toward Li Heng's ancestor core—
"I don't want half—I want it all—"
"Your ancestor core—your soul—your existence—give them all to me—"
"The God of Origins—I will swallow him as well—"
"I want to become—the only—God—!!"
[Ding!! Gaea activates 'End of the Earth · Return of All Things'—target—complete stripping of the Host's ancestor core—!! Threat Level—EX—!!]
She had never planned to negotiate—
Never planned to only want half—
What she wanted was everything—the God of Origins—the ancestor core—Li Heng's very existence—
Swallow it all—achieve uniqueness—
The dark green vines surged like a tsunami—each one containing SSS+-Rank Power of the Earth—while Li Hengwas stripping the Progenitor Bloodline—the Primordial Dharma Form was rapidly dissipating—
His combat power was plummeting—
SSS+—SSS—SS—S+—
The Primordial Dharma Form S-Rank from a thousand meters to eight hundred meters—five hundred meters—three hundred meters—
The dark golden light was like a candle in the wind—
"Li Heng—!!" Wanda's scream came from the Soul Covenant—
"Father—!!" Hannah's voice carried a crying sob—
Gaea laughed wildly—her dark green long hair like tens of thousands of vipers— "Foolish vampire—did you think sacrificing yourself could solve the problem—? Did you think giving up power could exchange for peace—?"
"Naïve—"
"This world has never operated on sacrifice and compromise—"
"Only power—absolute power—can decide everything—"
"And you—giving up power—gave up everything—"
The dark green vines were about to touch Li Heng's ancestor core—
At this very moment—
Li Heng smiled—
That smile—not despair—not bitterness—but—
Like a gambler who had long anticipated that his opponent would cheat—finally flipping over the cards he had hidden up his sleeve—
"You are right—" His voice was very soft—but every single word was like a dark golden nail hammered into the void—
"Only power—can decide everything—"
"But you forgot one thing—"
"I was never alone—"
He extended his left hand—
Soul Covenant—Wanda—
He extended his right hand—
Ancestor Resonance—Hannah—
Two bloodlines—three souls—at this moment, like three dark golden stars, lined up in a row—
Soul Covenant—Ultimate Form—
Wanda's Chaos God-Slaying Power poured into Li Heng's body through the Soul Covenant—like a crimson-gold supernova—
Hannah's ancestor kin power flowed into the ancestor corethrough the Ancestor Resonance—like a dark golden pulsar—
Three forces fused within Li Heng's body—not simple addition—but—
Metamorphosis—
The Power of Origins resonated with the Chaos God-Slaying Power during the stripping process—like two opposing stars colliding to give birth to a new Universe—
Dark gold—crimson gold—intertwining—fusing—
A brand-new power was born within Li Heng's body—
Not the Power of Origins—not the God-Slaying Power—but—
Primordial God-Slaying—
The instinct of bloodline is swallowing—the essence of god-slaying is destruction—swallowing + destruction =—
Absolute Termination—
[Ding!! Detected unknown power awakening—Progenitor Bloodline × Chaos God-Slaying · Fusion Mutation—!! Naming new ability—Primordial God-Slaying · Absolute Termination—!!]
[Comprehensive combat power evaluation—S → SS → SSS → SSS+ → ——!!]
[Breakthrough SSS+—!!]
[Combat power evaluation—EX-Rank—!!]
The interwoven dark gold and crimson gold light burst from Li Heng's body — like the entire Universe collapsing and being reborn in an instant —
The Origin God-Slaying avatar condensed once again — but it was no longer purely dark gold — instead, it was a dual-colored avatar interwoven with dark gold and crimson gold — resembling a dark gold god of war soaked in blood —
A one-thousand-meter avatar — a two-thousand-meter avatar — three thousand —
Still growing —
The entire Himalayas were under the shadow of this avatar — like toy building blocks —
Gaea's dark green vines, the moment they touched the avatar — like encountering a natural enemy — shattered instantly —
"Impossible—" True fear finally appeared in Gaea's dark green eyes — "You are clearly stripping away the origin bloodline — how could you probably grow stronger—"
"Because my wife is here—" Li Heng's voice was like two stars colliding — the dark gold and crimson gold light surged forth like a tide —
"My daughter is here—"
"My family is here—"
"This is the thing you haven't understood for three billion years—"
"Power is not gained through devouring—"
"It is gained through protection—"
The Origin God-Slaying avatar raised its hand — its palm, interwoven with dark gold and crimson gold, aimed at Gaea —
"You said only absolute power can determine everything—"
"Fine—"
"Then let me show you — what absolute end looks like —"
[Origin God-Slaying · Absolute End — Activate —!!]
A pillar of light interwoven with dark gold and crimson gold shot out from the avatar's palm —
Piercing straight at Gaea —
Penetrating her dark green Power of the Earth — penetrating her dark green armor — penetrating her dark green soul —
Gaea's miserable scream, like the lamentation of the Earth, resounded through the entire Himalayas —
"No — I am the Mother of the Earth — I am the physical body of this planet — if you kill me — the Earth will die — all life will perish — you cannot —"
"I didn't say I was going to kill you—" Li Heng's voice was very calm —
The pillar of light of Absolute End was not destruction — but — stripping —
Stripping away the bloodline belonging to the God of Origins within Gaea — stripping away the ambition she had secretly accumulated for three billion years — stripping away her crazy plan —
Leaving behind only the purest — Mother of the Earth —
That gentle mother who once protected countless lives —
The dark green light peeled off from Gaea's body like stripped snake skin — her mountain-like body was shrinking — her dark green eyes were fading — her madness was dissipating —
Replaced by — a blankness like waking up from a nightmare —
"I—" Gaea collapsed to her knees — her dark green long hair turned into a warm emerald green — like a spring grassland — "What have I done—"
"You had a three-billion-year nightmare—" Li Heng stood before her — the Origin God-Slaying avatar slowly dissipated — he returned to his normal human form — his dark gold slit pupils resembled two exhausted stars —
"Now — the dream is over—"
Gaea knelt on the ground — tears slipped from her emerald green eyes — every tear that fell to the ground turned into a flower —
"I'm sorry—" Her voice was like a whisper from the depths of the Earth — "I — was too lonely — three billion years — without the bloodline of the God of Origins — I grew weaker and weaker — more and more fearful — I was afraid of disappearing — so I—"
"Alright—" Li Heng interrupted her — "Stop crying — whenever you cry, there's an earthquake below—"
"Let me say this again — I can return the origin bloodline to you — but not for you to devour — but to reconnect you with the God of Origins — he will continue to sleep — but with the bloodline flowing back — your power will recover — the Earth will recover — but you must no longer have thoughts of devouring—"
"If you dare to cause trouble again — I'll do Absolute End one more time — next time it won't just be stripping—"
Gaea raised her head — her emerald green eyes looked at Li Heng — like a wrongdoing child looking at a parent —
"You — are you really willing to give it back to me —?"
"I said — I don't care for it—" Li Heng sighed and reached out to rub his temples — "The Origin God-Slaying Power is enough for me to use — the Chaos God-Slaying Powerbelongs to my wife — the Progenitor Bloodline belongs to my daughter — that little bit of Power of Origins of my own — returning it is returning it—"
"Anyway — as long as I can protect them, it's enough—"
He handed the dark golden sphere of light to Gaea — "Take it — get back — be your Mother of the Earth properly — don't make me come out again — every time I come out, I miss an episode of Friends — it's very annoying—"
Gaea took the sphere of light — tears shimmering in her emerald green eyes —
"Thank you—"
Li Heng waved his hand — a dark golden portal tore open before him — on the other side of the door — Newlin City— Wanda — Hannah — beef brisket —
He stepped into the portal —
Behind him — Gaea's voice was like the distant wind —
"Li Heng — you are a good person—"
"I am not—" His voice came from the portal — carrying that iconic, somewhat rogue smile —
"I am just an ordinary vampire who wants to eat beef brisket—"
The portal closed —
The Himalayas returned to silence —
Gaea knelt in the spacious underground — the dark golden sphere of light in her hand slowly merged into her body — the emerald green light spread from her body like spring vines — the Earth was recovering — life was returning — withered vegetation sprouted anew — weak villagers slowly stood up —
Everything — was over —
Meanwhile in Newlin City —
The moment Li Heng stepped out of the portal —
Wanda threw herself into his arms —
Hannah threw herself into his arms —
The two women — one green, one dark gold — had four eyes red from crying —
"You scared me to death—" Wanda punched him in the chest —
"Father, you were too impulsive—" Hannah clutched the corner of his clothes —
"Alright, alright—" Li Heng hugged one with each arm — walking toward the apartment —
"Is the beef brisket still hot—?"
"It's cold—"
"Then heat it up—"
"You just finished an EX-Rank fight — and your first priority is eating beef brisket—?"
"Otherwise what — save the world? — I am not a hero—"
The three entered the apartment —
Ares, Thor, and Hercules had long been suppressed and awed by the bloodline of the Origin God-Slaying — and had quietly retreated at some unknown time —
In the living room — the television was still playing Friends — the tomato-stewed beef brisket on the coffee table was kept warm by Wanda with magic — and was still steaming —
In the corner — the translucent projection of the God of Origins was drooling over that bowl of beef brisket —
"Can I taste a bite—?" he asked pitifully —
"No—" Li Heng, Wanda, and Hannah said in unison —
"..."
Li Heng sat on the sofa — Wanda leaned against his left shoulder — Hannah leaned against his right shoulder — the God of Origins squatted in the corner —
The television was playing season 8 of Friends —
The beef brisket smelled delicious —
Everything returned to the way he was most familiar with —
But Li Heng knew —
The Origin God-Slaying Power slowly flowed within his body — interwoven with dark gold and crimson gold — this was a completely new power — stronger than the Power of Origins — purer than the God-Slaying Power —
He was no longer the bloodline container of the God of Origins — he was an independent sword —
A sword that guarded his family —
The system panel quietly emerged —
[Ding!! Host's current status — Comprehensive combat power: EX-Rank · Origin God-Slaying — Bloodline: ancestor core × Chaos God-Slaying fusion — Special abilities: Absolute End · Soul Covenant · Origin Resonance · Origin Projection · Living Room Wi-Fi —]
[vampire clan status — Total number 2418 — Progenitor family 1 person — Patriarch-tier 3 people — Elder-tier 12 people — Ordinary vampires 2402 people — Clan average combat power B+ — Overall strength rating S-Rank —]
[Global threat assessment — Low — Currently no active threats — Host can relax and slack off with peace of mind —]
[Congratulations host — Achieved hidden achievement: Slacking to the End — Under the premise of not actively saving the world — resolved an EX-Rank global crisis — obtained title: Strongest Slacker King —]
[Title effect: All attributes +50% while at home — all attributes -30% when going out — the lazier, the stronger — the more lying down, the fiercer —]
Li Heng looked at the last one — the corners of his mouth twitched — and then he smiled —
"That's more like it—"
He curled up on the sofa — Wanda on his left shoulder — Hannah on his right shoulder — beef brisket in front of him — the God of Origins in the corner — Friends on television —
Outside the window — New York's night sky was dotted with stars — no dark red pillars of light — no dimensional doors — no aura of the Old Gods —
The snow on Kangchenjunga was re-condensing — the vegetation of the Himalayas was growing back — Gaeahad returned to the place where she slept — the Earth had returned to peace —
Everything — was over —
Was it really over —?
Li Heng picked up a piece of beef brisket and put it into his mouth —
Chewed twice —
Suddenly stopped —
His dark gold slit pupils narrowed slightly — looking out the window —
In the night sky — there was a star — no wait —
That was not a star —
That was a point of light — rapidly growing larger —
Like a shooting star — no — much faster than a shooting star —
That was —
A person —
From space — toward New York — in free fall —
That person was burning with golden flames — resembling a falling sun —
Li Heng's dark gold slit pupils suddenly contracted —
He recognized that golden flame —
Impossible —
Absolutely impossible —
But the perception of the Origin God-Slaying would not lie —
The owner of that golden flame —
Is —
Odin —
No — not Odin —
It is — someone possessing Odin's Power —
A person who shouldn't have existed in this space-time —
That person opened their eyes in the process of falling —
One eye was blue — like ice and snow —
The other eye was covered by a golden rune — resembling a lock —
He saw Li Heng —
A pale smile pulled at the corner of his mouth —
Then —
Crashed into the courtyard of the Brooklyn Villa —
Boom —!!!
The entirety of Brooklyn was trembling —
Li Heng put down his bowl — stood up — his dark gold slit pupils looked toward the huge crater in the courtyard —
The smoke and dust dissipated —
A blonde man knelt at the bottom of the crater — covered in blood — Odin's power flickered unsteadily within his body like a dying candle —
He raised his head — his blue single eye looked at Li Heng—
"I beg you—"
"Save Asgard—"
"He is back—"
"Hela—"
"She is not Hela — she is even more terrifying than Hela — she is—"
The blonde man's voice abruptly stopped — he passed out —
But Li Heng heard that last word —
The word that made his dark gold slit pupils suddenly contract —
"——Chthon——"
Chapter 70 Finale - Slack Off to the End! God-Slaying Power of Origins vs Chthon · Hela — Absolute Termination
Courtyard of Brooklyn Villa.
Giant crater.
Smoke and dust.
A blond man knelt at the bottom of the crater — covered in blood — the Power of Odin flickered erratically like a dying candle —
Li Heng stood at the edge of the crater — his dark golden slit pupils looking down at the fellow who had fallen from space —
The perception of God-Slaying Power of Origins had already confirmed his identity —
Balder — Odin's eldest son — God of Light — the purest existence in the Asgard royal family — had long died in the main timeline — but this Balder came from another timeline — a despairing timeline where Chthon had devoured the entire Nine Realms —
He had traveled through time and space to ask for help —
Li Heng didn't want to care —
"What does it have to do with me —" He turned and walked toward the door — "I'm just a vampire — let the people of Asgard handle Asgard's matters —"
"Li Heng —" Wanda followed behind him — worry in her green eyes — "He said Chthon has returned — Chthon is the author of the darkhold — and of all vampires —"
"I know —" Li Heng interrupted her — "But Chthon is in another dimension — he has nothing to do with us —"
Before the words finished —
The sky split —
Not a metaphor — it literally split —
A dark red crack tore open from the sky above Brooklyn — as if someone had cut reality open with an invisible knife — on the other side of the crack was a dark red void — countless distorted faces screamed in the void — those were the souls devoured by Chthon —
The dimensional crack began to expand —
To the left — devouring the neighboring house —
To the right — devouring the convenience store at the street corner —
Forward —
Toward Brooklyn Villa —
Toward his living room —
Toward his sofa —
Toward that unfinished bowl of tomato-stewed beef brisket on the coffee table —
The edge of the crack was only ten meters away from Brooklyn Villa —
Five meters —
Three meters —
The windows of the living room began to shatter — dark red corrosive energy splashed like acid rain on the window frames — the wood carbonized instantly —
Li Heng stopped his footsteps —
Two dark golden suns suddenly lit up in his dark golden slit pupils —
He looked at the dimensional crack devouring his home — looking at the corroding wood on the window frames — looking at the bowl of beef brisket on the coffee table being eroded by the dark red energy —
Beef brisket —
The beef brisket made by his wife —
The beef brisket he had only eaten two bites of and hadn't finished yet —
Was being eroded by some old bastard who ran over from another dimension —
"You can touch anything —"
Li Heng's voice was like dark golden ice —
"Don't touch my beef brisket —"
God-Slaying Power of Origins — activated at full power —
[Ding!! God-Slaying Power of Origins · Absolute Termination — Activated —!! Comprehensive Combat Power — EX-Rank —!!]
Light intertwined with dark gold and crimson gold burst from Li Heng's body like a supernova — the entire Brooklyn trembled under the deterrence of this power —
He took a step forward — stepping directly into the dimensional crack —
The dark red void was as boundless as the ocean before him — distorted faces screamed in all directions — and in the deepest part of the void —
A figure stood there —
Hela — Goddess of Death — Odin's first child —
But she was not the original Hela —
Her body was covered like armor by dark red Black Magicenergy — her eyes were not Hela's original green — but dark red — like two burning blood beads —
Chthon — God of the Netherworld — the existence best at Black Magic among the Old Gods — expelled to another dimension by Atum three billion years ago — now — he was back —
He possessed Hela — gaining the dual blessing of the Power of Death and the Power of the Old Gods —
Chthon · Hela —
The fusion body of two SSS+-Rank existences — Combat Power —
[Ding!! Detected EX-Rank Threat — Chthon · Hela — Old Gods Black Magic × Asgard Power of Death — Dual Fusion — Combat Power Evaluation — EX-Rank —!!]
"vampire Progenitor —" Chthon's voice came from Hela's mouth — like millions of snakes hissing simultaneously — "There is the scent of the Power of Origins on you — and also — God-Slaying Power — interesting —"
"You are the descendant of Atum — the combination of the God Slayer and the Originator — this power should have belonged to me —"
"The darkhold created your race — vampire is my work — you — are also my work —"
"Come back — become my most perfect creation —"
The dark red Black Magic energy surged like a tsunami — each stream contained the destructive power of EX-Rank — distorted faces shot out like bullets in the Black Magic— each face capable of devouring the soul of an ordinary person —
Li Heng stood in the center of the dimensional crack — the God-Slaying Power of Origins intertwined with dark gold and crimson gold collided in his body like two stars —
"You say vampire is your work —?" He sneered —
"Varna was converted by the darkhold — but you forgot — the darkhold is just a tool — what truly gives vampirebloodline dominance — is not your Black Magic — but the bloodline echo of the God of Origins —"
"Your darkhold only gave an empty shell — the bloodline of origins gave the soul —"
"So — vampire is not your work — it is your theft —"
"You stole the bloodline fragments of the God of Origins — wrapped them up with Black Magic — and dare to say it's your creation —?"
"Shameless —"
The dark red pupils of Chthon · Hela suddenly S-Rank like two blood beads —
"You — a vampire converted from a mere human — dare to treat me like this —?"
"I am an Old God — I am older than your God of Origins — I am more cunning than Gaea — I escaped Atum's devouring three billion years ago — I have lived to this day —"
"You think your shoddy power of God-Slaying Power of Origins can defeat me —?"
"The Power of Origins is bloodline — God-Slaying Poweris destruction — the fusion of the two forces — is just half origins and half god-slaying — an impure hybrid —"
"While I — a pure Old God — pure Black Magic — pure death —"
"Triple purity — vs — your double shoddy —"
"Who wins —?"
The dark red Black Magic and the Power of Death fused in Chthon · Hela's body like a furnace — the destructive power of EX-Rank swept toward Li Heng —
The distorted faces bombarded like cannonballs —
The curse of Black Magic entangled like poisonous snakes —
The Power of Death devoured like a black hole —
Triple attacks — descending simultaneously —
Li Heng didn't dodge —
The God-Slaying Power of Origins Dharma Form condensed behind him — a thousand-meter divine body intertwined with dark gold and crimson gold — like a dark golden war god stained with blood —
The Dharma Form raised its hands — the light of dark gold and crimson gold condensed into a miniature two-color star in the palms —
God-Slaying Power of Origins · Absolute Termination —
But this time — not stripping —
It is — termination —
Absolute termination —
"You say I'm shoddy —" Li Heng's voice was like two stars colliding — "You say origins and god-slaying are impure —"
"But you forgot one thing —"
"The essence of the bloodline of origins — is devouring — devouring all other bloodlines —"
"The essence of God-Slaying Power — is destruction — destroying all sacred existences —"
"Devouring + destruction — is not shoddy — but —"
"A special poison — specially designed to kill Old Godslike you —"
"Didn't you say vampire is your work —?"
"Then let the work — surpass the creator —"
The two-color palms of the God-Slaying Power of Origins Dharma Form — that miniature two-color star suddenly erupted —
A beam of light intertwined with dark gold and crimson gold — straight through Chthon · Hela —
Absolute Termination —
The beam of light pierced through the tsunami of distorted faces — pierced through the snake swarm of Black Magiccurses — pierced through the black hole of the Power of Death —
Like a death penalty knife specially crafted for Old Gods —
Fear appeared in the dark red pupils of Chthon · Hela for the first time —
"No — this is — the power of the God Slayer — but stronger than Atum's God-Slaying Power — how is this possible —"
"Because Atum only has God-Slaying Power —" Li Heng's voice was cold — "And I — am blessed by the bloodline of origins —"
"God-slaying + origins — specifically deals with existences like you who have both Old God bloodline and the Power of Death —"
"Your triple purity — in front of me — is just triple food —"
The beam of Absolute Termination pierced through Chthon· Hela's chest —
The dark red Black Magic armor shattered like broken glass —
Chthon's consciousness within Hela screamed like a scalded snake — beginning to strip away from Hela's body —
"No — I won't be defeated by a vampire — I am an Old God — I am the God of the Netherworld — I am —"
"You are an expired old bastard —" Li Heng interrupted him —
The beam of Absolute Termination increased its power —
Chthon's consciousness was completely stripped from Hela's body — dragged out forcibly from the host's body like a dark red giant snake — twisting — screaming — struggling —
But the God-Slaying Power of Origins burned his soul like a branding iron — God-Slaying Power destroyed his sacred essence — the bloodline of origins devoured his Old God bloodline —
Dual blow — specifically killing Old Gods —
Chthon's soul burned like paper in the beam of Absolute Termination — the dark red light gradually dimmed — the distorted faces gradually calmed down —
The Old God of three billion years — at this moment — headed toward termination —
"I — am unwilling —" Chthon's final hiss was like a dying candle in the wind — "I escaped Atum — escaped the God Slayer — escaped three billion years of —"
"But you didn't escape me —" Li Heng's voice was calm — "Because you didn't calculate one thing —"
"Origins and god-slaying — can fuse —"
"And the fused power — specifically kills old deserters like you who have run for three billion years —"
Chthon's soul completely dissipated — the dark red light turned into nothingness —
Hela's body lost Chthon's possession — the dark red faded — her original emerald green reappeared — but immediately — she collapsed to the ground — losing consciousness —
The dimensional crack began to collapse without Chthon's support — the dark red void S-Rank like a crumpled paper ball — the distorted faces dissipated like released prisoners — returning to their respective resting places —
The crack closed —
The sky over Brooklyn returned to clarity — the stars in the night sky twinkled as if they had never been disturbed —
Li Heng stepped out from the crack — returning to his own courtyard —
The Origins God-Slaying avatar slowly dissipated—he returned to his normal human form—a hint of exhaustion lingered in his dark gold slit pupils—but even more of it was—
Hunger—
He walked towards the door—
Wanda and Hannah stood at the doorway—the two women looked at him—all four eyes red and swollen—
"You—" Wanda began—her voice trembling— "You rushed out again—you said you didn't want to be a hero—"
"I'm not a hero—" Li Heng interrupted her— "I just—didn't want that bowl of beef brisket to get corroded—"
"You—" Wanda laughed in exasperation—giving his chest a punch— "Beef brisket, beef brisket, beef brisket—all you know is beef brisket—"
"Beef brisket is very important—" Li Heng said with a straight face— "The beef brisket you make is more important than my own life—"
Wanda's face flushed red—
Hannah covered her mouth and chuckled quietly to the side—
The three of them walked into the living room—
The window was shattered—the door frame was corroded—there were dark red burn marks on the sofa—
But the bowl of beef brisket on the coffee table—
Was still there—
There was a dark red corrosion trace on the edge of the bowl—but the beef brisket inside the bowl itself—was completely undamaged—because in those few seconds when Li Heng rushed out, Wanda—had used the Chaos God-Slaying Power to add a layer of shield to the bowl—
"You—" Li Heng looked at that bowl of beef brisket—then looked at Wanda— "You put a shield on my beef brisket—?"
"Didn't you say the beef brisket was more important than your life—" Wanda rolled her eyes— "Of course I had to protect it well—"
Li Heng smiled—
It was that kind of heartfelt smile, like the warm winter sun—
He sat down on the sofa—ignoring the burn marks on it—picked up the bowl—picked up a piece of beef brisket and popped it into his mouth—
Chewed a couple of times—
"Delicious—"
"Of course—"
Wanda sat down on his left—leaning against his shoulder—
Hannah sat down on his right—clutching the corner of his clothes—
In the corner—the translucent projection of the God of Origins squatted there—watching all this—in his dark golden slit pupils, it was like two gentle stars—
"Can I have a bite—?" he asked pitifully—
"No—" the three said in unison—
"..."
The God of Origins sighed—and continued to squat in the corner—
In the yard—Balder was still unconscious in the pit—Helawas also unconscious in the pit—the two Asgardians were piled on top of each other—like two forgotten packages—
"What should we do with those two—?" Hannah asked—
"Let Thor come collect them—" Li Heng chewed on the beef brisket— "Asgard's business belongs to Asgard—I'm just a vampire—"
"You just beat up an S-Rank Old God—?" Wanda was speechless— "You call that 'just a vampire'—?"
"I beat him up because he touched my beef brisket—" Li Heng said righteously— "This has nothing to do with being a hero—has nothing to do with identity—purely—protecting food—"
Wanda and Hannah laughed at the same time—
Then—Wanda leaned in tighter—Hannah clutched tighter—
The system panel quietly emerged—
[Ding!! Global threats cleared—Chthon · Ended—Gaea · Returned—The Tamperer · Eliminated—Mephisto Channel · Permanently Cut Off—Dimensional Cracks · All Closed—!!]
[Host's Current Status—Comprehensive Combat Power: EX-Rank · Origins God-Slaying—Special Abilities: Absolute Ending · Soul Covenant · Origin Resonance · Origin Projection · Living Room Wi-Fi—Title: Strongest Slacking King—Title Effect: All attributes +50% at home—The lazier, the stronger—The more you lie down, the fiercer—]
[vampire Clan Status—Total Population: 2418—Progenitor Kindred: 1—Patriarch-Tier: 3—Elder-Tier: 12—Ordinary vampires: 2402—Clan Average Combat Power: B+—Overall Strength Rating: S-Rank—Hannah Newlin · Rebirth Completed—Bloodline Stable—Emotional State Stable—Sole Demand: Eat the beef brisket made by father's wife—]
[Solo Heroine Confirmed—Wanda Maximoff—Soul Covenant · Permanently Solidified—No matter how far apart—Souls never separate—Love Value—MAX—]
[Slacking Index—98.7%—Host has unlocked the hidden achievement "Slacking to the End"—Under the premise of not actively saving the world—Resolved two EX-Rank global crises—Defeated Gaea—Ended Chthon—Saved Asgard—Protected the Earth's biosphere—]
[But the host himself stated—none of these were done proactively—all were passively dragged into it—Core motives are only three—1. Protect wife—2. Protect daughter—3. Protect beef brisket—]
[System Evaluation—This is true slacking—not doing nothing—but—only doing what one wants to do—what one doesn't want to do—even if the sky falls—won't do it—]
[Congratulations to the host—Cleared the game—]
Li Heng looked at that final prompt—the corners of his mouth lifted slightly—
"Cleared the game—?" He gave a sneer— "What kind of clearing is this—I haven't finished eating this bowl of beef brisket yet—"
He picked up the last piece of beef brisket—and put it into his mouth—
Chew—swallow—
Then—put down the bowl—
His left arm hugged Wanda—his right arm hugged Hannah—
There were burn marks on the sofa—the window was shattered—the door frame was corroded—but none of this mattered—
What mattered was—
There were people by his side—
There was food in his bowl—
There was a home in his heart—
The TV was still playing *Friends*—the God of Originswas still squatting in the corner—there were still two unconscious Asgardians in the yard waiting to be collected—
But at this moment—
Li Heng just wanted to close his eyes—
Lean against the sofa—
On his left shoulder was Wanda's warmth—on his right shoulder was Hannah's weight—
Outside the window—New York's night sky was dotted with stars—
There were no dark red pillars of light—no dimensional cracks—no aura of Old Gods—no declaration from Gaea—
The world had quieted down—
Not because a hero saved it—
But because—
A vampire who only wanted to eat beef brisket—was passively dragged into a bunch of messy business—then—used the most slacking way possible—to resolve all that messy business—
He wasn't a hero—
He was just Li Heng—
A slacking vampire Patriarch—
An ordinary man who only wanted to protect his family—
The ultimate Slacking King who went from Progenitor to Origins, from God-Slaying to Origins God-Slaying, lying flat and growing stronger all the way—
He closed his eyes—
Wanda also closed her eyes—
Hannah also closed her eyes—
The God of Origins in the corner watched this scene—in his dark golden slit pupils, it was like two gentle stars—he whispered softly to himself—
"Three billion years—I've finally found a reason worth existing—"
"Not for rule—not for devouring—not to become the only god—"
"Instead—"
"Watching an ordinary person—on a sofa—holding family—finishing a bowl of beef brisket—then—falling asleep peacefully—"
"This is—living—"
He also closed his eyes—the translucent projection slowly dissipated like a dim candlelight—returning to the depths of the Earth's core—continuing his long slumber—but this time—not lonely—
Because he knew—next month—Li Heng would come to see him—
Would chat with him—
Would tell him the plot of *Friends*—
And would—secretly bring a bowl of beef brisket—
It was getting late—
Brooklyn had grown quiet—
The world had grown quiet—
And on the sofa in the Brooklyn Villa living room—
Li Heng had a dream—
In the dream, there were no Old Gods—no dimensional cracks—no Power of Origins—no God-Slaying Power—
Only—
A sofa—a bowl of beef brisket—a woman—a daughter—
And an ordinary day where one never needed to go out—
That was what he had wanted since day one—
Now—
He had finally gotten it—
Not by heroic sacrifice—
Not by tragic battles—
But by—
Slacking—
Pure—thorough—unreserved—slacking—
Only protecting what he wanted to protect—only doing what he wanted to do—everything else—let the worldsolve it itself—
If the world couldn't solve it—then be passively dragged into it—use the minimum effort—fight the most necessary battles—then—go home—eat beef brisket—
This was Li Heng's story—
A story of someone slacking to the extreme, yet becoming the strongest vampire Patriarch—
A story of someone who never wanted to be a hero, yet passively saved the world twice—
A story of someone who only wanted to protect his wife, yet lay flat and grew stronger all the way—
The story had ended—
But Li Heng's days had not—
Tomorrow—he would still curl up on the sofa—
The day after tomorrow—he would still eat the beef brisket made by Wanda—
Next month—he would still go to the Earth's core to keep the God of Origins company and chat—
Days—would just pass like this—
Slacking—to the end—
— —
— —
— —
The system panel flashed one last time—
[Ding!! Final Statistics—]
[Host: Li Heng—Former Human · Reincarnated vampire · Progenitor · Origins God-Slaying · Strongest Slacking King—]
[Solo Heroine: Wanda Maximoff—Chaos God-Slayer · Soul Covenant · Permanently Bound · Love Value MAX—]
[Progenitor Kindred: Hannah Newlin—Rebirth Completed—Bloodline Stable—Sole Demand: Eat beef brisket—]
[Total vampire Population: 2418—Overall Strength S-Rank—]
[God of Origins: Ally · Living Room Wi-Fi · Chat once a month—]
[Gaea: Returned—Asleep—No longer causing trouble—]
[Chthon: Ended—]
[Mephisto: Channel permanently cut off—]
[The Tamperer: Eliminated—]
[Global Threat: Zero—]
[Host's Wish: Sofa + Beef brisket + Wife + Daughter—All achieved—]
[Slacking Index: 98.7%—All-time high—]
[Book Completed—]
[Thanks for Reading—]
[See You Next Time—Remember—]
[Slacking—is the strongest lifestyle—]
The panel dissipated—
As if it had never appeared—
And on the sofa—
Li Heng rolled over—
Hugged Wanda a little tighter—
A barely perceptible arc hung at the corner of his mouth—
The beef brisket in the dream—
Smells so good—
(The End of the Book)