Chapter Fifty-One: The Function of the Mirror of Mountains and Seas

“No, Master, first of all, my energy is insufficient, and there’s no suitable energy source in this universe either. Unless you cultivate yourself into an existence that surpasses the universe itself, you simply can’t provide the energy I require. Moreover, I am not a complete quantum mainframe; I only possess the ability to tame or replicate exotic beasts, as well as the function to optimize the genes of spiritual realm creatures, helping them evolve into their ultimate form. But currently, this does not include humanoid beings, and it all depends on having enough spiritual energy supplied.” The voice from the Mirror of Mountains and Seas drifted through the blank, white space. Clearly, only Wu Ming could hear it, for he noticed the golden nine-headed dragon crouching low on the ground, gazing at him in bewilderment, as if awaiting his next command for quite some time.

“Quantum Brain, can the nine-headed dragon not hear our conversation?” Wu Ming asked curiously.

“Master, you may call me Xiao Pan, for I am but a part of the true quantum mainframe, Pangu! As for the nine-headed dragon, it truly cannot hear our talk. Within the Mirror of Mountains and Seas, your will is the will of this world. Without your permission, no one can know of my existence!”

“All right, Xiao Pan, excellent, truly remarkable—this is my world! Who else can claim to possess a world of their own like I do?” Wu Ming was elated.

“Master, as far as I know, many mighty beings in this world possess their own independent realms, such as the Three Pure Ones, the Four Sovereigns, the Five Heavenly Emperors, the two Western Patriarchs, the Buddha, God…”

“Enough, no need to go on. How can I compare to such supreme beings? They’re legendary, after all.” Wu Ming felt thrilled to have gained a world, even if it was empty. To be master of a world was far more impressive than merely owning a house.

“It’s not exactly an empty world, at least you have a golden giant dragon with nine heads. I wonder how powerful it is?” Wu Ming began to scrutinize the nine-headed dragon, whose heads lowered even further, its jaws and necks pressed flat to the ground in a posture of utter submission.

“My lord, Jiu’er is willing to lay down my life for you. Whatever you need, simply command me!” The nine heads of the golden giant dragon spoke in unison.

“Very good, I am quite satisfied. Continue cultivating here, I’ll be going now. Farewell.” As soon as Wu Ming finished speaking, Xiao Pan helped him exit the world within the Mirror of Mountains and Seas.

“What’s it like inside? Was that a nine-headed serpent?” The others crowded around, seeing Wu Ming’s spirit return to his body, and questioned him eagerly.

“The nine-headed creature inside is now a nine-headed dragon. It was the nine-headed serpent, Jiu Ying, that I had previously captured, and at that time, it was on the verge of evolution when I drew it into the Mirror. Now it has yielded to me completely and has become our formidable new force!” Wu Ming half-truthfully recounted what had happened, omitting any mention of Xiao Pan. After all, an existence of such primordial significance could upend the average person’s worldview. Not everyone could accept such unfathomable revelations as nonchalantly as Wu Ming, who only grew excited when his own interests were involved, such as gaining the world within the Mirror of Mountains and Seas.

“Wow, Brother Wu Ming, you’re amazing! We couldn’t defeat the nine-headed serpent even together before, and now it’s evolved into a nine-headed dragon—almost as powerful as one of our sect’s elders! It must be!” Music exclaimed, grabbing Wu Ming’s hand and shaking it with joy, while her other hand habitually produced a lollipop, which she munched with a crisp crunch.

“So, I can’t eat it now?” Lord Dog covered his face in disappointment.

“You’re just boasting. Who’d eat whom? Do you think you can best the nine-headed serpent? It’s a nine-headed golden dragon now, not in the same league as you. Go look in the mirror,” snapped Director Rex, flipping Lord Dog off.

Suddenly, Lord Dog trotted over to the table leg, lifted a paw, and Wu Ming was instantly filled with dread.

“What are you doing?” Wu Ming cried, his sense of foreboding growing stronger.

“Taking a leak to see myself!” Lord Dog hummed a little tune, peed on the floor, and then stared with fascination at his own reflection in the puddle. “Oh my, I’m so handsome! The most fabulous dog in the world!” He struck what he thought were dashing poses at his reflection.

“I’m going to kill you! How dare you pee in the living room!” Ling Mei, a cleanliness fanatic, was incensed. She cleaned the communal living room five or six times a day; the floor shone, and the sofa and table were always spotless. She could not tolerate untidiness, much less someone desecrating her hard work.

“Never mind, I’ll mop it up.” Xiao Mei quietly fetched the mop, quickly changed the water, and efficiently cleaned the mess, even spraying a floral air freshener to banish the smell.

“Based on the Mirror of Mountains and Seas’ latest function, I’ve confirmed that as long as we absorb non-humanoid exotic beasts from the Dream or Spirit Realms into the Mirror, we can refine enough condensed spiritual energy crystals for our use. Calling them ‘spirit crystals’ is simpler. Here are some extracted from Jiu Ying; as for the Dream Realm, Lord Dog already ate it, so there’s nothing to be done.” Wu Ming tapped the surface of the Mirror; ripples spread across its bronze face, and several marble-sized crystals—red and blue—dropped out, clearly imbued with fire and water attributes.

At the sight of these desperately needed spirit crystals, everyone snatched one up, examining them happily, unable to hide their delight. Then, thinking of the Dream Realm Lord Dog had devoured, they all ground their teeth with frustration—how many attribute-less crystals could have been refined from it!

“How is that my fault? I didn’t know it was useful!” Lord Dog, uncomfortable under their murderous glares, rolled his eyes and slipped out the window to avoid another group beating.

“Who would have thought a single spirit crystal could activate the ‘Eighteen Bronze Men’ I brought from the magical world!” Monk Luokong gazed at the miniature golden figures boxing on the table. Ever since he could no longer use Vajra, he had felt empty and lacking in confidence. The spirit crystals couldn’t power Vajra, but were sufficient for the Eighteen Bronze Men, who were almost like living beings. As he activated them, his entire realm seemed to elevate, and his confidence was restored; he even forgot his worries.

“Amitabha, there’s no need to rush. Now that we know we can obtain spirit energy from the Dream Realm, our next goal is clear. We needn’t hurry; we can take our time capturing more. I have faith!” Monk Luokong picked his teeth with a toothpick, slouching half-reclined on the sofa, looking far more like a scoundrel than a monk.