Chapter 582 - 575: Dialogue
TAP TAP TAP!!
The sound of footsteps echoed from deep within the gray mist. Doctor Nightmare’s figure slowly approached, and as the mist dissipated, his true appearance was revealed.
"We meet again, Zhou Yuanjue."
"I never thought you would deliberately draw me out."
A faint smile touched Doctor Nightmare’s lips as he stopped about three or four meters from Zhou Yuanjue. The two stood facing each other.
"Oh? And how would you know it was deliberate? Couldn’t it be that certain thoughts of mine caused my Spirit and will to waver?"
Zhou Yuanjue replied, his expression serene.
"Pondering the existence of life on Earth, exploring the truths of the boundless cosmos, and questioning the seemingly insurmountable limits of humanity—these are indeed the very things that give rise to Heart Demons and fear."
"However, for someone like you, such confusion could never develop into a Heart Demon or a vulnerability. Otherwise, you never could have become this planet’s first pioneer to truly break its natural limitations, nor could you have embarked on the Path of True Self."
Doctor Nightmare said, smiling. Though they were adversaries, their conversation was remarkably calm.
In Doctor Nightmare’s eyes, Zhou Yuanjue, having broken through the natural limitations of his species, had already transcended mortality. He was now worthy of standing before him as an equal.
As for Zhou Yuanjue, he had developed a great interest in the Celestial Demon Ancestors.
’The Path of True Self...’
Zhou Yuanjue’s eyes narrowed at the term. ’Is that what he calls my current state of breakthrough?’
’As expected of a Celestial Demon Ancestor. Their knowledge and experience are truly immense.’
Drawing out a Primordial Ancestor with his Heart Demon was no coincidence. It was entirely by design.
As the first being on Earth to shatter the boundaries of his species, he now stood at a pinnacle of transcendence. The path forward was like a vast, empty void—intangible and impossible to grasp.
How to advance? In which direction? Even a genius like Zhou Yuanjue felt utterly lost.
As things stood, the only beings on Earth he could truly converse with were not his allies, but humanity’s greatest enemies.
The Celestial Demon Ancestors.
As the progenitors of the Celestial Demon lineage, they possessed an incredibly mysterious and unknown past, holding secrets and knowledge from beyond.
They weren’t from Earth. They hailed from some mysterious, distant corner of the cosmos.
Extraterrestrial civilizations had always been a matter of human speculation, but the Celestial Demons... they were likely the first real proof.
No one knew why they came to Earth, or how. The history and origin of their civilization were likely tied to some of the greatest mysteries of the vast cosmos.
The universe was simply too immense. Even a planet as large as Earth was just a drop in the ocean. This vast, unknown expanse concealed far too many secrets.
Life, Will, Miracles...
And the Celestial Demons were the only key on Earth he could use to catch a glimpse of those mysteries.
Glimpsing these secrets might just give him the inspiration he needed.
He had a feeling his path would eventually lead him away from this planet. After all, he now represented the very pinnacle of what Earth could produce.
"Why so surprised? You don’t think you’re the first person in this vast universe to walk this path, do you?"
The smile never left Doctor Nightmare’s lips.
"As expected. You know many secrets—about Earth, and about the starry sky above our heads."
Zhou Yuanjue said after a moment of silence.
"So, you finally realize it?"
"Compared to this boundless universe, this planet, and all the life on it, are utterly insignificant."
"The slightest change could lead to the extinction of the entire human race. In the eyes of the boundless cosmos, human civilization is no more resilient than an ant colony."
"So, what is the point of guarding them?"
"If you’re interested, I could tell you everything I know. You could even stand with us as an equal. After all, in the context of Earth’s life forms, you are qualified to become a ’Primordial Ancestor,’" Doctor Nightmare said, smiling.
"What you’re suggesting would surely come at an unimaginable price," Zhou Yuanjue said.
"No, no, no, don’t you understand? Even this planet is just a trivial price to pay. Besides, we’re not asking for much."
"Let me offer you a piece of intelligence, free of charge, to help you make your decision."
"In the near future, an even greater crisis may befall this planet."
At Doctor Nightmare’s words, Zhou Yuanjue’s eyes narrowed slightly.
’A greater crisis? What is he referring to?’
"Heh. They’re not ’moderates’ like us. They are existences beyond your imagination, beings that even we cannot oppose."
"Truthfully, while we may have done some... excessive things, we had our reasons."
"When we first arrived on Earth, the human civilization of that primitive era was no different to us than a tribe of wild beasts. It’s just like in your own society—you enslave cattle and horses, slaughter chickens and ducks, and keep pigs and sheep in pens."
"To a High-level Civilization, a Low-level Civilization is viewed in exactly the same way. Do you feel guilty for penning up pigs and sheep, or for caging lions and tigers in zoos for your own amusement?"
"But now, thanks to your appearance, Human Society has made its first leap to a higher class of civilization. That is why I am willing to speak with you so candidly, and why I am willing to treat you as an equal."
"Perhaps... we could even discuss the possibility of cooperation," Doctor Nightmare said.
"Cooperation?"
Zhou Yuanjue’s expression remained unchanged.
"And why not? It’s like communication and cooperation between countries. Without equal strength, there can only be invasion and oppression. How could cooperation even be on the table?"
"Since you are worthy, it’s not out of the question."
"We can give you all the knowledge and Data you desire. We can share our race’s understanding and research into higher states of existence. Furthermore, we can provide all Data regarding the coming cataclysm—a disaster that will bring a devastating blow to this planet’s civilization," Doctor Nightmare said.
"And the price?" Zhou Yuanjue asked.
"The Eastern Hemisphere belongs to you. We will be the Sovereigns of the Western Hemisphere. We shall not interfere with each other."
"Originally, we planned to put down roots on Earth, so we fought for every scrap. But now... disaster may be imminent. Three years from now? Five? Or maybe ten? It could even be the next moment."
"To be blunt, this planet is doomed. Its civilization is doomed. You have no way to resist it on your own. Hell, even with our help, it might not be enough. That’s why we have to find a way out. Sticking around to guard this planet is a death sentence," Doctor Nightmare said.