Chapter 317: Remember My Existence

“In the preliminary preparations, I’ve already set up many bases around the world using the magical puppeteer I created, with assistance from the Lingyin Merchant Association. Although we’re not yet at the level of covering the entire globe, it’s fine. As long as we start spreading from the Holy Empire, it’ll eventually be achievable.”

“I didn’t explain the true principles and conditions of how the Divine Network operates to Losa Cecelia; I only mentioned it as a newly developed convenient ability. Thanks to the trust built from our past adventures together, that girl began to support me vigorously, laying out the nodes of the ‘Divine Network’ throughout the entire nation.”

At this point, the image of Hao Miao Yi Meng paused, his handsome face, filled with artistic flair, showed signs of deep sentiment and reluctance.

“Min Chen, now… the war has reached a critical juncture. The construction of the ‘Divine Network’ is basically taking shape—it’s time for me to act.”

“I’m not sure if this unprecedented, reckless plan will succeed, but if I want to rewrite history on such a scale, the price I must pay will surely be unparalleled. Perhaps, my very existence will be completely erased because of it…”

“But I still have to do it. No matter what, I have to save Mofuman. She’s not only my beloved and my companion, but I also owe her a life. We… all owe her too much.”

“Little Handsome has died, Caicai has died, and Mofuman has already fallen into a long slumber. If her soul fades away, the body of the Xianling Clan will disappear as well. Among us five, only you and I remain.”

Hao Miao Yi Meng forced a smile, seemingly trying to show a carefree demeanor but couldn’t help but rub the corner of his eye, wiping away a trace of moisture.

“I… have never regretted coming to this world with you all. Those decades of adventures turned my originally ordinary life into something brilliant and vivid. You are my best friends, and those splendid memories will always be engraved in my heart.”

“Min Chen, in order to save Mofuman, I’ve made countless mistakes. I’m sorry to those who trusted me, and I deceived Losa Cecelia. Some say I’ve fallen into a madness; I don’t deny it. If you were here right now, you would surely stop me and maybe even beat me up.”

“I’m sorry… really sorry…”

The young man deeply bowed his head to the camera, and after a long moment, he straightened up again.

“Even so, Min Chen, I still want to ask you one thing. You are the chosen one blessed by the world’s will, and ‘rewriting’ might not even work on you.”

“If my existence is erased and the whole world forgets that there was once a person named ‘Hao Miao Yi Meng,’ at the very least… please remember me, remember our past and what once was. Even if it brings sadness or anger, that will be the greatest comfort a selfish person like me can receive. Forgive my stubbornness.”

“Also, if Mofuman can survive, please take good care of her. Don’t tell her the truth; don’t let her blame herself. Everything, everything is my fault. I beg you… thank you.”

“Lastly, let me call you ‘Show-off Brother’ one last time. I hope you won’t be angry; maybe to you, that’s black history, but really… your reliable figure leading us forward was incredibly cool. I, and all of us, truly acknowledge you as our captain.”

“So… goodbye, Show-off Brother, my most precious friend in this life. It’s an honor to have traveled with everyone.”

The man in the image gave a thumbs up, smiling, and then the surroundings fell into darkness.

“Swish.”

The virtual projection ended here.

“Dammit… self-righteous bastard…”

Even though it wasn’t the first time watching this video, Min Chen still clenched his fists tightly, gritting his teeth, as tears streamed down from the corners of his eyes. He even made slight cracking sounds in his knuckles from the force.

Losa Cecelia patted his shoulder and gently embraced the young man in humble clothing, offering silent comfort.

After grasping the full situation, Miss Vilyric also fell into a rare moment of silence.

To be honest, she somewhat understood why Min Chen had previously acted so desperately, putting his life on the line to protect this place. From the recording Hao Miao Yi Meng deliberately left behind, their bond must be deeper than she initially thought.

Not wanting to interrupt the captain of the still guilt-ridden five-person team, the only remaining one, the Priestess turned her gaze to the 0 sitting in the mechanical throne.

“So, what exactly is the current situation with Cheese Mofuman?”

The doll girl’s hollow eyes slightly shifted, seemingly unaffected by the previous footage, and she spoke steadily, without haste.

“‘Father’s’ calculations went awry; the ‘rewriting’ did not transfer the entire faith of the Mukang Church to the Divine Network, resulting in the divine spark’s condensation speed only reaching a mere 65.79%.”

“Although we’ve taken all available countermeasures, we still didn’t complete ‘Father’s’ instructions in the timeframe. On July 12, 1185, at 9 AM, ‘Mother’s’ form completely dissipated. Following the emergency response plan, we transferred the divine spark that was in the process of condensing to the backup vessel — ‘Divine Network final form 0.’”

“I see…”

Miss Vilyric looked up, surveying the 0 with its hair flowing upwards, three-quarters of which was dyed gold, and understood internally.

In other words, this 0 is the true vessel for the unripe Divine Light Attribute, the source that had granted Min Chen the power of divine light before. The difference between her and the other puppets in this place, which seemed as if not designed so yet clearly held emotional fluctuations, might come from this.

Though unintentional, Hao Miao Yi Meng ultimately created true life, a real soul.

Yet compared to his earlier creations from the Puppeteer Clan, 0’s emotions were notably more naive and unfamiliar, unlike the former’s clear definitions, making her appear closer to a babbling infant. This also aligns with Xi Fu Lin’s description of the state upon the birth of a divine spark.

“Hah…”

It seems there are no more doubts.

Everything about the Holy Empire’s past, including all concerning faith-based magic, the situations of the two core personnel, Hao Miao Yi Meng and Cheese Mofuman, and the downfall of the divine spark forged by the ‘Blood of the Cross’ from countless faith over three hundred years, were now all crystal clear.

Locking gazes with the Priestess, 0’s expression remained flat. Still, a hint of curiosity flickered in the depths of her hollow eyes.

“Miss Vilyric, do you wish to take the divine spark left by ‘Mother’? Although ‘Father’ commanded us to protect its safety at all costs, according to battle power index assessments, even if all backup means are utilized, you could forcibly seize it. I do not believe that using force here will be the correct choice.”

Without immediately answering this crucial question, the Priestess simply returned a query.

“If you take it, what will happen?”

“I can’t determine. This is an unprecedented, unrecorded event. However, the Divine Network operates through it. If the divine spark is lost, the faith-based magic enveloping the outside world will completely collapse.”

“I see…”

Miss Vilyric nodded, and a flicker of light seemed to pass through her clear, beautiful eyes.

“To be honest, I’m not particularly good at making decisions, so just like I said before, how the Holy Nation will move forward… let the people of the Holy Nation decide for themselves.”

The glow in her eyes grew brighter as she turned towards the distance, seemingly piercing through everything and the void, linking causality with distant existences, smiling.

【…It’s coming.】

The vast, boundless primordial power enveloped the world, transforming into light and ascending to the sky.

   

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