Absolute Gate

Chapter 22 The Wealthy and Extraordinary Endless Summer

Wu nodded in the rain, holding an umbrella.

Concealing the characteristics of the door, only revealing that one is a sacrifice to ghosts and gods?

That's good, he's already understood the importance of intelligence.

It is essential to conceal one's own characteristics.

Endless Summer's decision to keep herself from being exposed was for her own good.

Wu Zhong laughed and said, "I understand! But does this mean I'm from the Otherworld?"

Endless Summer nodded: "You must be a humanoid calamity, of course you are, even the purest kind of 'calamity being'."

"Um... I mean, if I conceal my abilities, does that count? Can I just make up some ghost or god mark?" Wu Zhong pressed.

Endless Summer explained, "That counts. There are three types of 'disaster victims' in the circle."

"First, humanoid calamities possess absolute characteristics simply by existing in themselves."

"Second, the holders of the Cataclysm. They possess at least one Cataclysm or its derivative, and thereby wield certain absolute power."

"Third, those infected with special effects, such as air shields or multi-dimensional power, are considered to be part of the circle."

"This type of person is the most numerous, and even negative effects count, such as the perpetual thirst effect, where those who are perpetually thirsty also belong to the category of 'disaster victims'."

Wu Zhong blinked: "Huh? People infected by the Eternal Thirst Effect are also considered aberrant beings? They're not even as good as ordinary people."

Endless Summer shook her head and said, "Do you really think that everyone infected with the Eternal Thirst Effect will commit suicide?"

“I once met a member of the Blue and White Society who survived for nearly three years after contracting the virus and did not commit suicide.”

"On the contrary, I managed to suppress a monstrous object because of my extreme thirst... I still remember it vividly."

Wu Zhong was bewildered: "Huh? We used this to suppress a monstrous object?"

"How did you do that? What good is being thirsty?"

Endless Summer explained, "The effect of absolute thirst is unsolvable, including tampering with hormones, forcibly altering the brain's neural responses, or even distorting the mind, none of it works."

"Infected individuals will have their immune hormones altered, their immune brain nerve responses inputted, and a certain degree of psychological resistance."

"Furthermore, this intense thirst doesn't actually lead to dehydration... So, theoretically, if someone has strong enough willpower to endure it, then it's actually a positive effect!"

Wu Zhong gasped in shock. Could this really be done?

Yes, so what exactly does "unsolvable" mean?

What happens when hormones are administered? Do they send electrical signals to the brain's nerves? Or is there some other kind of catastrophic effect?
Unit 985 must have tried a series of methods, including medication and surgical modifications, before finally declaring that there was no solution.

It turns out that the perpetual thirst effect completely invalidates these methods.

It's equivalent to having various immune system effects built in.

"This 'eternal thirst effect' is so domineering, it's like a super-strong toxin. Once you're poisoned by it, you can't be poisoned by any other toxins."

Endless Summer nodded: "Your summary is very good. That's right, anything that might 'relieve' thirst will be immune."

"Even if it's just absolute thirst becoming the second most painful physical experience, it won't do. It has to be the strongest negative feeling, extremely domineering."

Wu Zhong murmured, "But what kind of willpower does that require? It's outrageous! How can anyone endure that?"

He had only been experiencing forced laughter for a dozen minutes when he contemplated suicide.

But being perpetually thirsty is a hundred times worse than this; can anyone really endure it for three years?
"Wait a minute...you're not kidding me, are you?"

"Lu Guangqi said that the ever-scented plum was only discovered last year, and a total of 119 people were infected, all of whom committed suicide without exception."

"Where can you find someone who has survived for three years?"

Wu suddenly found a loophole in the other party's words.

Wu Jinxia paused for a moment, then gave an awkward smile: "Oh, Lu Guangqi said that? You remember it so clearly, haha. Okay, I just made those up."

"..." Wu Zhong's lips twitched.

This information seemed so plausible, how could they have fabricated such a lie... It was so well-reasoned that if he hadn't known that Yongkemei had appeared last year, he would have almost believed it.

Endless Summer covered her mouth and coughed: "Ahem, although the story is fake, the principle I want to convey is the same. Whether it is negative or positive depends on the person."

"What is poison to one is honey to another; such things happen frequently in the realm of calamities."

Wu Zhong was still puzzled: "Why did you suddenly lie to me? Brother Xia..."

Endless Summer looked at the road: "It's not exactly lying. I just couldn't find a good example right away. You happen to know about the Everlasting Thirst Plum, so I used it as an example."

"Well, in the world of supernatural disasters, making up stories is also an essential skill."

Wu Zhong stood in the wind and rain: "I see, I remember now."

He hadn't expected Endless Summer to suddenly start spouting nonsense, and for a moment he seemed to be deep in thought.

Endless Summer continued, "So even if the 'mark of the ghosts and gods' is made up, if you are really being hunted down by the Night Wanderer, who would know it's made up? This is what makes you the third type of calamity sufferer."

"Even if it's a negative and useless effect, it's still considered a calamity. Who knows what kind of tricks they might play with it?"

At this point, Wu Zhong was able to extrapolate: "So, if we calculate it this way, there should be a fourth type of person, right?"

"It refers to someone who has no special characteristics or effects, but is extremely knowledgeable about the inner workings of the industry and possesses power or special knowledge and skills."

Endless Summer said, "Hmm, more or less."

"But it needs derivatives to be considered, so it actually falls into the second category."

"Derivatives?" Wu Zhong tilted his head. What was that?
The other person lifted his clothes and pointed at the grenade that Wu Zhong had hidden close to his body: "The Laughing Grenade is a standard derivative."

"Both derivatives and catastrophic substances have effects and are difficult to distinguish. The difference is that derivatives have a clear source."

“The catastrophic object is unique, while its derivatives are created from it and may be mass-produced.”

Wu never expected that even though he had hidden the grenade in his clothes, it would still be discovered.

He immediately took it out and handed it to Endless Summer.

However, the latter did not take it, and calmly said, "Keep it for self-defense."

"This thing originated from a military production line. If it were used to produce Type 86 hand grenades normally, they would be defective products without explosive power, but they have the effect of forcing all living things within 30 meters to laugh hysterically."

"Theoretically, just by carrying this grenade, you can be classified as a second-type Disaster Abomination, which means you're considered an insider... Heh."

"After all, not every organization has such a good infection effect as Air Shield."

"The official containment forces of some small countries are so poorly equipped that they have no unique anomalies whatsoever."

"They're basically special forces, plus they carry some 'unusual weapons,' and they're even imported from a major power!"

Wu Zhong exclaimed in surprise, "Really? At the very least, one can become an enlightened being!"

"Even in a small country, it shouldn't be difficult to spend some money to find someone in the circle to recognize your lineage and bring in some enlightened individuals, right?"

Wu Jinxia chuckled and said, "This involves the 'Catastrophe Non-Proliferation Agreement,' which is quite complex."

"In short, the 'recognizing a father' trend is actually strictly prohibited, and it is constantly being investigated."

"Nowadays, some continental European countries can succeed, while weaker countries certainly cannot."

Wu Zhongxian was puzzled: "So what if they find out? The deed is done..."

Suddenly his pupils contracted: "That's right, we can cancel the father-son relationship!"

"The rules for using parents to play the game are determined by official procedures. If the authorities intervene and ban it, wouldn't that be like cutting off the source of the problem?"

"Given the nature of the multi-faceted power, no matter how powerful he becomes, he'll eventually lose everything and revert to being a mortal!"

He could extrapolate from this example and, without the other party needing to say more, he could guess what the consequences would be if the authorities banned and suppressed the "recognizing a father" style of practitioners.

That's equivalent to directly destroying your spiritual root! Destroying all your cultivation!
It's no wonder that while some moderately developed countries might succeed, small countries certainly won't. Small countries may seem to have weak governance and be able to take advantage of the situation, but in reality, they will be firmly suppressed by the five major powers and have no chance at all.

“Absolutely correct.” Wu Jinxia was very satisfied with Wu Zhong’s sense of smell.

"That's why I said helping you awaken the power of multiple forces is a long-term plan, not something that can be done just like that."

Wu nodded, referring to the three ways to obtain multi-faceted power.

The "recognizing a father" approach is the simplest.

With connections, spending some money, and adopting foster parents, one can awaken to the truth.

However, this is also the least reliable.

Those who recognize their fathers as enlightened beings have their 'foundation' controlled by the authorities.

Once people find out, they can be silenced and reduced to mere mortals.

Without a doubt, if there are any other ways, try not to become a "father-recognizing idiot," which is equivalent to having a major inherent weakness and an unstable foundation.

Unless they are already government officials or intend to align themselves with major powers.

"I understand, we really need to think this through carefully." Wu sighed. If they didn't take this path, they'd have to find a 'powerful woman' to sleep with.

Or, the most conventional option, is to apply to a multidisciplinary college.

However, both of these are even more difficult, and cannot be accomplished with ordinary relationships or backgrounds.

"I actually regret taking the path of recognizing a father to become an enlightened being, but unfortunately, I can't change it now."

"In short, listen to me. It's good if you have the chance to awaken the power of multiple elements, but don't force it if you don't."

"A multi-dimensional system is a characteristic in itself, but the energy attracted by the power of multi-dimensionality is not; it is merely the unique natural energy of other universes."

"The effect of any calamity or anomaly—note, any one!—is of higher priority than any martial arts, divine power, or magic."

Wu Zhong felt bitter after hearing Endless Summer's words.

Seeing this, Wujinxia said calmly, "Don't worry, I won't treat you badly if you follow me."

"I will recommend you to join my organization. A humanoid calamity like you will receive the highest level of preferential treatment in the church. You won't even have to do much work; you'll just need to guard a door."

Wu Zhong was taken aback. The organization of Endless Summer? Wasn't it some kind of mercenary club?
The church? What the hell is the church? Does it have other organizations?

Yes, just like Zhang Qinglang, who is both a mercenary and a Taoist priest of the Celestial Master's Mansion, he does both.

As they were talking, a Bentley suddenly pulled up to the side of the road with its hazard lights on.

Wu swallowed back the question he was about to ask and was about to avoid the question.

At the same time, they were puzzled. They had already walked to a very remote area, so why was there a luxury car parked here?

But then Wu Jinxia stepped forward to greet him and opened the car door: "Yang Chunsha, you're so slow."

A gentle, intellectual voice came from inside the car: "Endless Summer? Ha, get in the car quickly, the local 985 graduates have already gone berserk."

Wu Jinxia gestured for Wu Zhong to get in the car, while she herself sat in the passenger seat.

However, Wu approached somewhat hesitantly, but did not open the door for a long time.

"Hmm?" Wu Jinxia asked curiously, turning to look at him.

Wu Zhong looked anxious and hinted to Wu Jinxia to open the door for him.

Endless Summer was taken aback, then realized something, and her eyes became somewhat serious.

But she still got out of the car, opened the back door for Wu Zhong, and then sat down with him in the back.

"Can't you..." Endless Summer whispered softly.

Wu nodded emphatically, indicating that it was exactly as he had thought.

Endless Summer was speechless. What the hell is this garbage trait?
It's a passive skill?
He had overlooked this point all along, and only now did he realize that Wu Zhong's characteristics might be even more useless than he had imagined.

That is, the door is welded shut, and apart from Wu Zhong himself, no one else can ever open or close it!
Furthermore, even Wu Zhong himself cannot remove it; it's a passive effect.

He had just instructed that no one, regardless of who they were, should reveal their abilities.

Therefore, Wu Zhongcai dared not open the car door and deliberately waited for him to open it.

Once Wu Zhong opens or closes any door, that thing becomes a derivative, a permanent anomaly.

Unless Endless Summer takes the car with her afterward, she'll be exposed sooner or later.

"Tsk."

Thinking of this, Wujinxia looked a little speechless, but he didn't show it.

In any case, it is a human-shaped calamity.

But if it can't be unblocked, what's the point of having him join the church? Letting him use that door would be very dangerous... Once he uses that door, it will be impossible to unblock him later. No, we need to think this through more carefully.

"Who is this kid that you're making such a fuss about, trying to snatch someone from a top university?"

Yang Chunsha was a woman sitting in the driver's seat of the Bentley, her slender fingers resting on the dark steering wheel, which also had a compass ornament in the center.

Her gold-rimmed glasses slid down to the middle of her nose, behind which were a pair of calm eyes, and her tone possessed an intellectual charm.

Endless Summer calmly said, "This young man saved my life. If it weren't for him, I would have been infected with the Eternal Thirst Plum."

“He helped me. I couldn’t stay at a 985 university anymore, so I couldn’t just abandon him.”

Wu Zhong glanced at him strangely. Goodness, he just spouts nonsense?

Didn't you say before that you told your accomplices you had some kind of supernatural mark on you? Why are you making things up again?

Oh, or is it that this woman is not one of his accomplices?
Looking at how effortlessly Wu Jinxia could fabricate lies, Wu Zhong thought to himself, "I've learned something, I've learned something."

Moreover, he put what he learned into practice, and just now he casually concealed the fact that he could resolve the weld gate effect.

There's no way around it; this is basically the only aspect of his ability that he can control, and it's the only aspect that he can hide.

As long as he doesn't actively try to solve it, this characteristic is almost passive.

Wujinxia himself said, "To tell the whole story is to give up one's life," so he just treated it as practice.

"Endless Summer, do you think I believe you?" Yang Chunsha could tell that his words were not true.

“This young man must be involved in the Lushan incident, otherwise, given your past experience, you would not have gone to such lengths.”

"Tonight you're unusually asking for help to get away from the club... You know, in the past you always left without anyone noticing after completing your mission, always on your own and never needing anyone to help you."

"You... that's why you posted the help request and restricted access to local mercenaries so you could take him away."

Endless Summer shrugged: "Believe it or not, I've completed my mission. All the intelligence about Mount Lu has been uploaded."

"If you want to find out information about Lushan, just buy it from the club yourself. Why ask me... Little Bronze?"

Seeing his indifference, Yang Chunsha glanced at him with some resentment through the rearview mirror: "I'm just a small fry here. I haven't dared to take on a mission of this level for years. I'm working at the company, clocking in and getting paid. I'm practically broke. How could I afford this kind of intelligence?"

"I'm here to save you, after all. In the entire northwestern Jiangxi, I'm the only one who dares to take on such an urgent escape mission."

"Just say it... just think of it as helping a poor girl out."

Wu Zhong couldn't help but think to himself: "He's driving a Bentley, and he's still complaining about being poor?"
Endless Summer's tone was aloof: "Little Bronze, just focus on leading the way. Why are you worrying about so much?"

Yang Chunsha was still not satisfied: "The Lushan Yunlong incident suddenly appeared on the 17th. Such a big commotion has attracted the attention of all parties in the Disaster Realm, who are eager to learn more information."

"Relevant information is being snapped up at exorbitant prices on the market!"

"Orders related to this investigation on the platform have gone crazy, but no one dares to rashly provoke a 985 university; they're all planning to wait and see..."

"You were the bravest, Brother Xia. You sneaked in that very day, uploaded firsthand information, and got away unscathed."

"Tell me, you're so amazing, even just a little bit of what you've shown me is incredibly rewarding."

Her voice, which started off intellectual and aloof, gradually became sweet and cloying, making Wu Zhong want to strike up a conversation.

But Wu kept his mouth shut, thinking to himself: This woman is definitely not Brother Xia's accomplice, she seems to be just a temporary helper.

Endless Summer had no connections in the area and could have simply teleported away, but unfortunately, she couldn't bring anyone with her.

So in order to rescue Wu Zhongye, they had to post a request for help at the club, asking local mercenaries from the Disaster Realm with connections to help them extricate themselves.

This Yangchunsha knew that Wujinxia had done something big, so he wanted to get some information to sell for money. He wanted to make extra money after accepting the order.

Endless Summer responded: "Stop talking nonsense. I spent 20 bits on this order. Do you want me to cancel the order and leave a bad review?"

"You..." Yang Chunsha immediately backed down: "No...no, I finally got a big order, and I'm even chatting with you, is it really necessary?"

Wu Zhong was taken aback. Twenty bits?

Isn't this a unit of multi-faceted power? It also seems to be a unit of currency?

"Could it be... Bitcoin?" he murmured in surprise.

Because he suddenly remembered that when he was fighting Zhang Qinglang, Wujinxia had shown him a USB drive through her mouth.

Does that mean he's telling people that he carries a Bitcoin wallet with him at all times?

Yang Chunsha heard Wu Zhong's voice, and even though it was faint, she still understood it.

She dared not try to get information out of Wu Jinxia, ​​so she immediately struck up a conversation with Wu Zhong: "Little friend, in the Cataclysmic World, Bitcoin is a hard currency."

“The current market price is over a million yuan for one Bitcoin. It’s rare for me to make some money. As a Bronze user, the platform still takes half of these twenty coins.”

Wu was deeply shaken.

So it really is Bitcoin, twenty of them, that's twenty million dollars.
So, in order for him to escape, Wujin Xia silently spent 20 million for him!
Wu Zhong then thought of something even more astonishing: Wu Jinxia had once told Zhang Qinglang, "I have 30,000 bits."

No wonder Zhang Qinglang was so frightened that he begged the patriarch for help on the spot... This is a huge sum of money.

Wu Zhong stared at Wu Jinxia, ​​never expecting that the person sitting next to him was actually a billionaire!

……

　P.S.: Sorry.

　　
　
(End of this chapter)