Wasteland Hideout: Upgrading from the Sewers

It turned out Jiu Feng’s earlier guess was correct.

Mortarian’s final trial was only meant to confirm the successor’s mastery of basic biological civilization knowledge, or rather their understanding of its principles.

Jiu Feng had fused with the fragmented stray consciousness of Mortarian, and under the effect of the Bio-Modification Maniac talent,

he had already, long ago, counted as Mortarian’s successor.

Therefore, these trials were difficult for Jiu Feng, but only difficult.

When the light screen on the seventh step shattered,

two days had already passed.

During those two days, Jiu Feng had given everything he had.

He even failed once on the last layer of the trial.

Naturally, Jiu Feng could push himself so hard because the Absinthe’s Life Pool had played a significant role.

It was decisive for restoring his body and spirit.

“Master, I have fulfilled my duty!” Jiu Feng’s body trembled slightly, his face a little pale.

Yet the joy in his eyes was unmistakably intense.

Yu Yuan glanced at Mona; Mona smiled and shook her head gently.

“Leader, Jiu Feng’s mental state and spirituality are completely normal. There are no signs of parasitism, pollution, or hidden alien consciousness.”

Only then did Yu Yuan relax completely.

He stepped forward and patted Jiu Feng.

“You’ve worked hard. Go rest first. After you recover, we’ll discuss the next plan.”

Jiu Feng did not insist; he knew his body had already reached its limit.

Mortarian’s trials were not easy; each stage consumed enormous energy and brainpower.

If it hadn’t been for Yu Yuan’s strong support, and if the Absinthe’s Life Pool hadn’t helped restore his bodily functions and mental state,

Jiu Feng would probably still be stuck solving the third or fourth layers of the trial!

“Understood. I’ll go rest then.”

Yu Yuan activated the motor lodge.

Jiu Feng found a room and went to sleep.

Mona did the same.

Those two days, it wasn’t only Jiu Feng who had been on guard here.

As the host of the Dark Sanctum ritual, the Dark High Priestess,

Mona had accompanied Jiu Feng the entire time, not daring to relax for a moment; her spirit was exhausted.

After the two of them rested, Yu Yuan looked up.

At some point, Morphis’s Eye had already departed.

Perhaps it had left long ago, perhaps just now.

But none of that mattered. What mattered was…

Yu Yuan focused on the high platform.

“Let’s see what Mortarian left behind here!”

Saying that, Yu Yuan climbed the steps, one step, two steps… onto the platform.

He could clearly see the two items on the platform.

One was a purple triangular crystal, the other a doll.

At the same time,

zzz— zzz—

With two short bursts of white noise,

the Dome plunged into darkness.

But soon a tattered apparition appeared before Yu Yuan.

It was Mortarian.

He looked even more wretched now than in the memories seen before.

“My successor…” the phantom’s extreme voice echoed in the room.

“This is a recorded projection. I have once again fallen into slumber.

That you passed my trial means you must have obtained the inheritance fragments I left in the Spiritual Dimension, so you must be a follower of that cult Morphis created, or at least connected to them.”

Hearing this, Yu Yuan’s eyes widened.

Holy crap!

This old silver coin!

Previously Yu Yuan had assumed that whoever came here, with the help of the Pillar of Knowledge, learning the biological civilization knowledge and passing the trials would be just a matter of time.

But now it seemed he had been too naive.

This old silver coin clearly had some arrangements unknown to others.

Mortarian seemed to have guessed Yu Yuan’s expression; a trace of smugness appeared on the phantom’s face.

“Do not be surprised. As the successor of my civilization, it is only natural I put in some defenses.”

“Although I do not know your current situation, I do know that the current Civilization Star Track is vastly different from what it used to be. It seems a powerful force now controls the Star Track, turning the entire Civilization Star Track into a gamefied, data-driven system.

I only learned of this after I awakened.

So I made a deal with it: I offered this civilization relic in exchange for a chance to find a successor.

It appears our deal has succeeded.

Given that, there are some things I should tell you in advance.”

Mortarian paused slightly.

“Although I am not clear on the current state of the Civilization Star Track, avoid exposing that you have inherited my civilization knowledge before you have sufficient strength. It is dangerous for you, and do not probe for any information related to me—our enemies are far stronger than you imagine.

Remember these two points and your growth should proceed smoothly.”

Saying this,

Mortarian’s phantom shuddered twice; time was clearly short.

He knew the situation and did not speak further, instead turning his gaze to the two items on the platform.

He pointed at the triangular crystal.

“My time is short. Inside this is the coordinate information of the core Morphis relic within the Spiritual Dimension; it can guide you to my location.

However, if your Life Level has not reached the peak of Silver-tier, I do not recommend you go—too risky.

There I prepared resources and items to promote you to Gold-tier, which can accelerate your entry into the Gold-tier level.

Also, using it you can gain control over that so-called cult. If you find it interesting, it might offer you certain conveniences.”

Then he pointed to the doll.

“This doll was made for me by Absinthe; it has a spirituality-level connection to the statue in the first hall and is also the key linking this relic.”

“Through this doll, you can pull this civilization relic into your world as an affiliated world. Since you already possess the Highest Management Authority, this relic will be my gift to you; subsequent biological research can be conducted here.”

zzz— zzz—

Mortarian’s image began to fade; his speech quickened considerably.

“Finally, my successor, though I do not know the situation outside, you must stay far from Abyssal Demons and those who can manipulate Blood Energy. Absolutely…”

“My successor, I greatly look forward to our first meeting.”

Mortarian’s projection vanished.

Yu Yuan’s mouth twitched involuntarily.

Good grief!

What exactly was Mortarian up to, Yu Yuan did not know.

But those final lines were classic villain-old-silver-coin parting words—delivered when setting a trap.

He was speechless.

Yu Yuan decided not to worry over Mortarian’s true nature for now.

If Mortarian’s morality was hard to discern, then he would not try to judge. Words from those old hands were only worth about ten percent trust at most if their stance was unclear—definitely not more.

Everything would be based on Yu Yuan’s own intelligence and judgment; the old man’s words were merely reference.

In any case, he would take the things Mortarian offered first.

As for the risks, he would consider them once he grew stronger.

With that, Yu Yuan reached for the two items on the platform.

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