Chapter 40: Only by Reaching the Summit Can One Aspire to Explore the Moon

The term “bloodline” carries even more mystical significance in the world of Aemera. Not only do the nobles place great importance on it, but anyone associated with strange or extraordinary phenomena is often intricately linked to bloodlines.

Generally speaking, the intelligent races that currently inhabit the Aemera continent, led by humans, consist of three major bloodline branches.

The Pure Land Bloodline: The most numerous intelligent beings bear this bloodline. Marked by the end of the Era of Gods and Demons, those with this bloodline mostly emerged after Aemera was reborn. They have strong constitutions, free from various ailments or hidden dangers, and tend not to undergo unexpected changes, such as suddenly turning into monsters under certain conditions.

The Ancient Bloodline: As the name suggests, it refers to the bloodlines of beings from before the Era of Gods and Demons. When the Divine Lord purified Aemera, he did not carry out genocide; many intelligent races bid farewell to the corrupt old world through purification rituals. These rituals were quite effective, but world purification could not be completed instantly. Some people still suffered from minor corruption due to various reasons. Since the life forces of beings in that era were generally strong, they did not feel discomfort and thus did not undergo further evolution. This is how the Ancient Bloodline came about.

Rare Bloodlines: This is a general term for various miscellaneous bloodlines. The most famous among them fall into three categories: the Corrupted Bloodline, which represents the continuation of the bloodlines of ancient intelligent beings who, for various reasons, never participated in any purification rituals. The main representatives are the three major races—Rosal, Nisar, and Ximian—namely ancient werewolves, vampires, and humans.

The Corrupted Bloodline is unique, but not in a specific way. As part of the three ancient races, they were essentially controlled by ancient demons and were their created slaves. Their lives were incomplete, involving secrets related to soul slabs and other obscure matters. Few people understand these today.

The Spiritual Bloodline: This rare bloodline is quite interesting. It also originates from ancient times but does not belong to Rosal, Nisar, or Ximian. It is said that these beings were ancient ancestors of Aemera who were not fully conquered by ancient demons. Their origins date back to before the Divine Lord first arrived in Aemera. Neo suspects that the Spiritual Sense Organizers, represented by Liz and Gladith, possess this kind of bloodline.

The Heavenly Bloodline: In ancient times, these beings came to Aemera from the world where the Divine Lord was born. Their bloodlines continued in this world. Simon Windwalker, the character Neo will soon portray—a werewolf who died at the claws of a magical boar, commonly known as the “Chosen One”—belongs to this group. Compared to ordinary bloodlines, the Chosen Ones are better suited to mastering powerful and grand techniques passed down from the Divine Lord’s lineage. These techniques are not part of the Holy Light system; otherwise, the Church of Glory would have already sought them out. After all, when it comes to techniques passed down from the Divine Lord’s lineage, the combined collection of all factions still falls short of what the Church possesses.

The typical representatives of the forces of decay are demons. After tens of thousands of years, these forces have broken free from their seals and seek to reanimate themselves by using corpses as hosts. Those with rare bloodlines, known as Corrupt Veins, fit the concept of “corpse” quite well. When the genetic imprints in their bloodlines are unlocked, amplified, and enhanced, it becomes possible to resurrect ancient demonic creatures. Otherwise, those dark beings can only be called monsters.

Nio went berserk, roaring as he tried to intercept the Corrupt Veins whose genetic imprints had already been activated. Yet the patrol officer hesitated at that moment. Besides realizing through Nio and the others’ sudden escape from encirclement and their use of a 4.5-meter-high Slag Puppet that they had long harbored ulterior motives and other plans, another important reason was his doubt about the usefulness of intercepting those Corrupt Veins. “What’s the point of fighting hard to bring them back? In the end, they’ll just become food for monsters!”

“Form a formation! Seal all the gaps!” The officer wasn’t completely selfless either. In just an instant, he thought of a possibility: “If these people take away the important targets that the monsters care about, could they lure the monsters away from the battlefield?”

In contrast, the wolves led by Oleg had fewer concerns. They were already prepared to die in battle. With the enhanced effects brought by their blood energy, they entered a state of frenzied combat, boasting high attack power and rapid recovery. Under Oleg’s leadership, these West Wind Berserkers threw away their weapons and relied solely on their giant claws, glowing with combat energy, to slaughter monsters and carve out a path of blood.

Nio charged wildly through this path, wielding his broadsword with masterful skill. In three charges, he didn’t just eliminate three monsters but three streams of blood, killing over a dozen of them.

Even so, the Corrupt Veins still aimed to reach the edge of the cliff first.

Nio also became desperate. Roaring, he ignored the monsters’ attempts to block him and rushed full force toward the Corrupt Veins, leaping off the cliff almost at the same time. In the final moment, he threw the three activated rune scrolls at Oleg and shouted, “Break through!”

After Nio disappeared from sight, the Slag Puppet began trampling and crushing the ground and nearby monsters like a gorilla. Boom! Boom! The dull sounds caused the ground to shake, and waves of power rippled outward, making people’s flesh tremble. At first, they thought it was just shockwaves, but soon they noticed something strange—any exposed blood around the Slag Puppet condensed like dew on leaves before turning into mist. The bright red blood mist gradually became the puppet’s outer coat, with bizarre, blood-red demonic patterns glowing and piercing through the mist, dazzling the eyes with their violent movements. Even more terrifying was that as the Slag Puppet exerted its power, those nearby felt their blood flow accelerate until it seemed to boil, filling their bodies with a sense of pressure. The monsters closer to the puppet suffered even more—blood droplets seeped from their flesh, evaporated into mist, and were drawn into the blood mist around the puppet, making it seem as though the monsters were spraying blood from every pore, a truly horrifying sight.

“Back, retreat! Stay away from this guy!” the non-commissioned officer shouted loudly, deeply shocked. Such a special attack closely resembled that of the Kales lineage. Yet he wasn’t ignorant of vampires either—he had never heard of such a domineering technique, especially one used by a puppet.

At the same time, Neo had already grabbed the Corpulenter in mid-air. By now, the Corpulenter’s mind was clouded; all its genetic imprints had been activated, causing its body to change uncontrollably. Apart from instinctive reactions, it could hardly be said to still possess any self-awareness.

In that short moment of falling from the cliff’s edge, there were no fewer than 20 attempts to intercept them. As Neo and the Corpulenter plummeted, at least 30 monsters rushed out from the cliff base, screaming wildly as they fell alongside them. They weren’t trying to harm Neo but to save the Corpulenter’s life.

The original plan had seemed quite safe, but Neo pursued them recklessly and seized the Corpulenter in mid-air. What would happen once they reached the cliff base was hard to predict. Those monsters were sent to pull or support the Corpulenter briefly, to slow its descent.

What those monsters didn’t realize was that Neo had already activated his “Life Siphon” power to full capacity. Realizing he couldn’t take the Corpulenter away, he resorted to this extreme measure without hesitation.

Before they even hit the pile of corpses, over a dozen second-evolved monsters swooped in from all directions to snatch it. The scene resembled stars surrounding the moon.

“I won’t give it! Not a bit! It’s mine, all of it!” Neo used every trick at his disposal, preferring to take the brunt of the monsters’ attacks himself rather than let the Corpulenter be seized. Though the monsters were hesitant to attack him directly, and Neo had already used healing spells and Life Waves on himself, he still ended up as a Blood Gourd upon hitting the pile of corpses. Fortunately, his outer flesh had grown thicker to mimic Gusby’s appearance, so it didn’t affect his combat ability.

Breaking through the monsters’ overwhelming pressure was extremely difficult. After crashing into the pile of corpses with the Corpulenter, Neo endured the discomfort of the high fall and dug hard beneath the bodies. This time, he used the Corpulenter as a shield in front of him.

Seeing their prey right before them, the second-evolved monsters engaged in a brief but fierce struggle. In less than 30 seconds, they decided who truly deserved to touch the Corpulenter. But when they rushed forward and pried apart the surrounding corpses, all they found was an empty shell.

Fury! They dug through the corpses. The second-evolved monsters were quite intelligent—they quickly realized the culprit was the guy who had fallen with the Corpulenter. Earlier, that guy’s body had been covered in blood, and he had died shortly after crashing into the pile of corpses. They thought he was already dead, only to find out he had tricked them.

Suddenly, corpses rained down from the cliff’s edge, forcing the second-evolved monsters to scatter. It turned out that Neo had ordered the Melted Slag Puppets to push the corpses, causing the monsters killed earlier on the platform to be pushed off the cliff in piles, along with those trying to climb up. This severely disrupted the monsters’ ability to pinpoint Neo’s location.

Nio took this opportunity to dig and kick his way down through the pile of enemies, then suddenly went still, healing his wounds while absorbing energy from the surrounding monster corpses below. From the perspective of energy plundering, he was the real monster—slow to digest but truly voracious in consumption.
“Tonight is nothing but a dark feast of flesh and blood. Whatever our entire team loses, I’ll recover it many times over in this way.” Ever since Nancy realized a head-on fight was hopeless, Nio had held this belief and started making preparations early. Now, what seemed fierce in execution was actually methodical. The Deathvine had been secretly stealing energy from the monsters’ corpses hours earlier and had already loosened the soil over a considerable area. Nio’s frantic diving through the sea of corpses after landing was aimed at that loosened area. Now, he could restfully heal his wounds while competing with the monsters to see who had the greater appetite.
Though he could see through the essence of events, dealing with piles of corpses and monster remains clearly didn’t make Nio feel comfortable. Besides the displeasure caused by the monsters’ hasty arrival and lack of personal hygiene, there was also grief over those who fought bravely on the platform but had no chance of survival. Being able to see through events and make rational, decisive choices he believed were right was a coldly progressive feat, but it was impossible not to feel some sadness or guilt. Even in games like cards, people want to win and care deeply—let alone in matters involving human lives.
Unacquainted with each other, yet under the same faction due to the monsters, they fought and survived together. The deaths of these people tore open old wounds in Nio’s heart once again. Weak and powerless, he had tried hard and schemed, yet he was still far from being a “savior.” The sense of powerlessness buried deep in his heart pierced him like a sharp steel spike, causing intense pain.
“Nio, you still have a long way to go! Nio, there are precedents of reaching level 15 before age 20—compared to these people, you’re nothing!”
Faith was like a road being built; even if it was smoothed out, repairs and adjustments were still needed. With determination as sails, the drive to ride the waves never ceased. Nio’s current energy absorption rate was negligible compared to sacred artifacts, but for himself, it was another act of surpassing himself. Progress quietly sat beside Nio at such times, unwilling to leave easily.
Hiss! Smooth, snake-like blood-red vines entwined around Nio’s body, weaving tightly into thorny armor—a combination of mutated vines and blood-sucking vines. It was a new combination, still somewhat unrefined, but with Nio’s experimentation and Nancy’s attentive analysis, it was rapidly improving.

Some adorable newborns emerged from the Ring of Boiling Blood—young Bloodthorn creatures. At first glance, they didn’t seem much different from several entangled worms, but they were far more powerful, bloody, terrifying, and dark than most warthorns in existence. Under the joint cultivation of Neo, who aspired to become a life shaman relying primarily on plant-based entities, and the AI Nancy, these Bloodthorns had embarked on a path entirely distinct from their kind.

Six-legged beasts several times the size of lions, weighing over 3,000 pounds? No! No! That wasn’t what Neo wanted. He had never imagined leading such massive creatures around. In Nancy’s words, they should replace blood vessels and nerves—plant-based humans? Yes, plant-based humans that could move around using fleshy bodies as hosts—that was the direction of the Bloodthorns.

“They should also have a way to quickly refine their hosts, just like a skilled craftsman turning a rough building into a minimally furnished living space.” Nancy didn’t mean for the Bloodthorns to actually become hermit crabs; rather, it referred to a series of potion effects that maximized the host’s potential and provided targeted enhancements. And then… there was basically nothing else. It was a grotesque, puppet-like entity suitable for a horror stage play. Just like the few monsters that had evolved once—they were already “alive,” with eerie writhing movements beneath their skin. As for their movements? Well, they were unbearable to watch—extremely uncoordinated and bizarre, causing horror and madness in those who saw them.

Neo didn’t look. He had already delved into the world of consciousness. Nancy had important matters to discuss with him.

Actually, even without Nancy saying anything, Neo already knew what was going on—the genetically encoded marks of the Rotveins, elements that made the monsters fight to the death for. Now, after Nancy explained their characteristics and significance, in the world of consciousness, Neo’s perception shaped them into strange, monstrous creatures that straddled the line between animals and plants.

“Up to 177 genetic marks—no wonder those monsters outside are crazy. At least seven different types of demons can be created from them. I wonder if this person is even real.”

Neo said bluntly, “What, trying to recommend that I join the Demon Wolves?”

Nancy pointed seriously at a few of the monsters and said, “You know, as a descendant of the black-maned werewolf Saken, you actually possess ancient bloodline heritage. Your bloodline power isn’t particularly outstanding, but ‘life absorption’ combined with my bioengineering allows you to replace and reshape your bloodline, constantly refining and developing it. This is also why, before the age of 19, despite years of desperate efforts, you were only at the level of a Level 3 warrior. But in just a few months since then, you were able to reach the peak of Double Level 4.”

Nancy added, “My memory database doesn’t contain information about Saken, but it does have data on Naba Blackclaw.”

Neo took over the conversation, “You mentioned before that there was a lack of genetic database information. Has it been filled in now?”

Nancy nodded. “More or less. We now have the capability to make adjustments using Naba, the Black Claw. But I don’t recommend this path. After all, Naba was just a temporary choice back then. The god’s ability to repair a body at a divine level is beyond my capacity to simulate. Taking the Naba route would not only yield half-baked results but also bring many hidden dangers—problems that cannot be accurately assessed or resolved in time with the means we have at hand.”

Neo nodded. “Success isn’t achieved by replication. Besides, the Ancient Bloodline itself is merely a corrupted creation of ancient demons; its origins are not worthy of admiration. Also, I have a question—what’s your good suggestion?”

“My suggestion, of course, is the Divine-Demon Body. Divine forces shape the soul, while demonic forces shape the body. Otherwise, it would be a shame not to utilize the superpowers that come from combining our abilities.”

“It shouldn’t be easy, right?”

“Yes, extremely difficult. As for demonic refinement, we can start on that now. Although there are still shortcomings, the release of the global force of Dark Corruption this time gives us a chance to improve.”

Neo easily understood what Nancy meant. Monsters of the Dark Corruption type instinctively strive to return to their demonic forms. Getting one of these Corrupted Veins creatures this time was a stroke of luck. Next time, it’s highly likely they’ll challenge and seize from those who have already become demons—after all, these monsters are the best at uncovering such veins. Considering how these monsters evolve by devouring flesh and blood, with the ability of the stronger to command the weaker, those who have become demons are naturally leaders or boss-level beings. The stronger they are, the higher their true demon rank, and the more valuable they are to seize. It’s clear this is a brutally direct path to breaking through.

“What about divine refinement?”

“The spiritual veins in rare bloodlines might help fill some gaps, but they’re not very reliable. Based on your system of power from the Tree of Creation, it’s best to pursue the Capture of Heavenly Veins!”

“Huh…” Hearing this, even Neo couldn’t help but gasp. From Simon, the Wind Walker’s memories, and Nancy’s analysis, Neo already knew that the “Chosen Ones” in various factions were those considered most likely to become successors to the “Supreme Armaments” and thus trained accordingly. According to Nancy’s estimate, about one-third of the ultimate powerhouses on the Aemera continent were of the Heavenly Vein type. When combined with divine-level techniques (just a level designation, not used by gods, though there is some connection), they became extremely formidable—far more difficult to deal with than challenging true demons.

“Can divine refinement be resolved peacefully?”

Nancy shook her head. “Demonic refinement might, but divine refinement cannot. Though I’m not sure of the specifics, it relates to a major secret: Aemera is a world of gods, yet it has no native deities. It’s incredibly talented and has long surpassed the legendary realm, but still can’t take the next step toward immortality. As you know, the God Lord hasn’t deliberately suppressed this, and the Church of Glory isn’t the only religion in the world. Not only the three major factions, but even those alien races lack deities. So I have reason to suspect this issue lies on that mysterious ‘Soul Slate’.”

Neo frowned. “You mean that people from the Aemera world might be born with incomplete souls, while beings from the world where the gods were born don’t have this problem. So gathering the soul elements of those with celestial veins is actually a process of completing one’s own soul. Whoa! So divine refinement is actually a preparation for the path to becoming a god!?”
“Of course. As for me, the word ‘god’ isn’t some gimmick.”
Neo scratched his head. “If that’s the case, it seems like we’d have to go against the whole world. There’s no need even to form factions—just crush anyone stronger we encounter!”
“What do you think the essence of ‘survival of the fittest’ could be then?”
“Okay! Okay! The goal is great, but let’s take things step by step. Asking me to make such a decision right away is too ambitious. Dividing it into stages and levels, moving forward steadily—I think that’s more reliable.”
“Hmm, I don’t object. I brought you here precisely to set this tone. We’ve also progressed from small goals to greater ambitions, constantly adjusting along the way. Another point is that, based on my initial estimate, there are at least 60 types of genetic imprints suitable for you. I’ll conduct further analysis and calculations. Once they’re truly integrated with you, they’ll certainly allow your strength to soar rapidly, but it will also exceed a hundred ancient genetic imprints, making you a precious blood source in the eyes of the corrupt creatures.”
“To be eaten after eating—this is also part of demonic refinement, right?”
Nancy nodded. “Cruelty is always a good companion to demons. The ‘immortality’ path you’ve chosen seems quite forward-thinking. Otherwise, with endless wars or fierce battles, success rates are really unattainable.”
“Yes, too many people die from sheer luck. Even those with lofty aspirations must have a sense of humility and self-awareness. I don’t think I’m much smarter than those who came before. And qualities like diligence and perseverance aren’t even necessary to mention. After much thought, only the ability to rise again and again, to remain unbroken and resilient, can possibly lead one far.”
As he spoke, Neo couldn’t help but recall what an old gladiator he had met at the juvenile gladiator school once said: “Neo, look—between these hands of mine and these steel bars, which one is harder? Of course… it’s the hands. Have you seen worn-out shoes? But have you ever seen them worn smooth? So, though these steel bars seem thick and hard, if I rub them every day, I’ll eventually polish them, thin them, and break them. That’s why no matter how strong or hard something is in this world, it can’t surpass immortality!”
“Yes, yes! Immortality is the ultimate realm. Though I’m still far from achieving it, I can take steps to make it very difficult to die…”
To die alongside death, to remain stubbornly alive amidst piles of corpses—it was around 3 a.m., with dawn still some time away. Moreover, for those on the path of gods and demons, dawn is merely a gateway from one battlefield to another. Slaughter in the darkness and killing under the sunlight are just parts of the process, one after another…