harleyscars That's all for Chapter 323.
That's all for Chapter 323.
That's all for Chapter 322.
(The story scope is too broad, and there are too few readers, so I have to start from scratch. The next book will be a pure American comic, and I won't do anything else but Superman.)
Let me recommend my new book.
Marvel Comics: The Rebirth of Superman
Hanlu seized Gaia and began refining her.
Of course, saying "refining" is complete nonsense. You know, once we step out of all this supernatural stuff and come back to our senses from the scene, Gaia finds herself seemingly completely unharmed?
She looked down at her still perfectly proportioned figure, her body, which had given birth to countless gods, was without a single scratch. She then looked up at the man before her, who was casually picking at a toothpick with his fingernail, and for a moment she didn't know whether to feel happy or afraid. This contradictory emotion flickered in her ancient eyes, much like the shadow of dark clouds passing over a lake.
Hanlu casually flicked the toothpick away, the tiny wood shavings tracing a graceful parabola in the air before falling into an unknown dimensional rift. His movements were so composed that it was as if he had just completed a perfectly ordinary transaction, rather than taking possession of the entire primordial concept of Mother Earth.
"Alright, your boss is no longer that so-called creator." Han Lu's tone was calm, but every word pierced Gaia's consciousness like nails. "It's me. So, quickly call out all your brothers and sisters, and let me take them one by one."
Hanlu calmly and composedly moved his wrists, feeling the primal energy originating from Gaia flowing and settling within him. He confirmed that he possessed absolute dominion over the woman before him. This sense of control didn't feel like the oppressive power of a tyrant over a slave, but rather like the natural nurturing of roots by the soil—natural and irresistible. At the same time, he also confirmed his own strengthened foundation, and a slight smile involuntarily appeared on his lips.
Surprisingly, what Doctor Doom said actually makes some sense.
By completely encompassing the civilizations of the World Tree system under its own system, it can provide four additional multiverse-level combat forces, and these are all renowned figures in their respective universes: Gaia, Sithon, Oshutu, and Set. Each of their names is enough to make the entire dimension tremble.
Incidentally, he could also force out that so-called "creator" to reveal himself, allowing him to see just how powerful the other party truly was. Han Lu pondered this, thinking that at a time when the entire universe was in peril, the other party would probably be willing to listen to him. After all, in the face of the impending catastrophe, no one could remain unscathed.
As for what happened next, everything seemed quite simple. After all, as a god of a civilization at the level of a super-universe, one naturally possesses absolute power to suppress all beings below one's level, especially after Gaia had already fallen. This is because a quarter of the entire World Tree system was instantly lost, and strictly speaking, most of the second and third generation gods of the World Tree were derived from Gaia.
Leaving aside everything else, Odin of Asgard didn't even notice the problem. The Allfather sat enthroned on his radiant throne, his single eye filled with loving kindness, gazing approvingly at his victorious son Thor and offering unparalleled praise. He lauded Thor's bravery, his wisdom, and that he had finally grown into a worthy successor to the throne. The great halls of Asgard were filled with the clinking of glasses and the resounding cheers; everything seemed perfect.
But no one noticed that the very earth's essence, which sustained the foundation of the Nine Realms, was quietly draining away at a speed invisible to the naked eye, like a water bag with a needle hole, silently heading towards depletion.
Far beyond, Rune King Thor stood silently at the edge of the timeline. He gazed at this heartwarming scene—father and son, glory and legacy—things he had once possessed but had forever lost.
Suddenly, he felt a premonition and turned his gaze to Earth, the symbol of the central hub of the Nine Realms. The azure planet slowly rotated in the void, still appearing so pure and so peaceful.
But in that instant, he felt something envelop him. The feeling was hard to describe; it was like an invisible giant hand silently closing its palm, or like falling into a deep, dark body of water from which even light could not escape. There was no pain, no pressure, but he suddenly realized—he no longer seemed to belong entirely to himself.
What is it? Rune King Thor frowned, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes that held countless wisdom.
"Ah—you can't do this to me! I am the God of Dark Magic! And we have absolutely no connection whatsoever!"
Xithon's voice echoed throughout the entire Hell dimension, a voice tinged with anger, terror, and a deep resentment at being toyed with by fate. As the god of dark magic, and the wielder of chaos magic—or more precisely, the wielder of the largest fragment of chaos magic—he never dreamed he would end his life in this way. Xithon felt his very consciousness being completely overwhelmed and devoured by the man before him. His body, composed of pure dark magic, twisted and struggled under the oppressive chill, yet he could not break free even in the slightest.
He had planned everything meticulously, but he never imagined that the first thing the other party would do upon entering Hell would be to beat him up. "No way, shouldn't you be looking for Mephisto? He's the one you have a grudge against! That cunning Lord of Hell is the real trouble you should be dealing with!" Xisorn roared inwardly. The only point of contention between him and Hanlu might be traced back to the very beginning, when the Scarlet Witch, who had escaped from the zombie universe, had used chaos magic to corner Hanlu. But—what did that have to do with Xisorn?!
While the Scarlet Witch does have a slight connection to chaos magic, that connection is entirely based on chaos magic itself. Without actively guiding them, they are completely independent entities! Not to mention the zombie Scarlet Witch, who never even touched the Dark Tome! She was wild! Wild, you understand?!
Hanlu remained silent. He paid no heed to Xisorn's grievances and accusations, focusing solely on refining the creature before him in an instant, with the same composure and precision he displayed when facing Gaia beside him.
Equally irresistible.
Meanwhile, Gaia quietly watched her old rival. Seeing Xisorn's pathetic defeat, completely stripped of all resistance, she found it somewhat amusing. That face, once etched with intrigue and arrogance, was now twisted into an almost comical despair. Fate was truly ironic; two arch-enemies who had fought for countless eons had, in the end, been recruited by the same person.
Clearly, a guy who had completely changed his ways and knelt before his new master was giving Han Lu a few extra glances with an air of smugness. His ancient eyes held a meaningful glint, as if he really wanted her to go further—before Han Lu slapped him away.
Damn it, are you trying to steal my kidney again?
Hanlu ignored Gaia's somewhat resentful gaze with an expressionless face, and protectively moved aside Xisorn, who was also completely under his control. He only needed the concepts—dark magic, chaos magic, and the hidden knowledge about power flowing in the shadows—these were what Hanlu needed. As for the guy's creepy appearance, he didn't care much.
After everything was settled, Hanlu looked up again, his gaze piercing through layers of dimensions, looking towards the existences similar to these ancient gods in the depths of the endless universe. His gaze was like two invisible probes, sweeping across the void, across time, across the boundary between existence and non-existence. Finally, three figures slowly appeared before him.
The Triune Vishanti!
The light of the Eye of Agamotto, the radiance of Hoggus, and the boundless, star-like mercy of Oshutu—these three forces intertwined to form a sacred totem capable of illuminating countless dimensions. Oshutu was one of the four primordial ancient gods, her existence almost as ancient and profound as Gaia's. But now, this triune Sorcerer Supreme Guardian could only helplessly watch the man scrutinizing her, his face etched with complex emotions.
"There is no conflict between us, and we even belong to the same side of the order," Oshutu's voice rang out first, gentle yet carrying an undeniable power. "If you truly need our power, we can accept it. We only hope that after you have fully taken control of the World Tree system, you can stand on the side of the light."
Hanlu remained silent for a moment. These words were like a pebble thrown into a lake deep within his heart, creating barely perceptible ripples. If he were still the person he used to be, he might have readily agreed. He certainly believed in justice, in light, and in things worth fighting for.
But now.
"The path I'm about to walk is no longer about good or evil, right or wrong." Hanlu's voice was calm, as calm as stating a physical law. "Everything is for the survival of the entire omnipotent universe. Civilization will naturally turn to justice—but all of this is based on their willingness to fight for their own future. Thank you very much for your efforts, Oshutu."
Hanlu raised her hand.
There was no struggle, no resistance, not even a few words. Oshutu gazed deeply at Hanlu, and in those eyes that transcended time and space, she seemed to understand something heavier than light and darkness. Soon, everything returned to calm.
Of the four primordial gods of the World Tree system, three have already submitted to Hanlu's command. Gaia, Xisorn,
The power and concepts embodied in the three names of Oshutu have now become another piece of the puzzle on the map of the god of civilization.
As for the remaining one, the serpent god Set.
Under Sithon's guidance, these two serpent gods, once considered old friends, shared a tacit understanding that transcended countless eras. Seth was still fast asleep in some corner of the deepest part of Hell, his enormous, star-like serpentine body coiled in a nest of pure darkness, its exhaled venom enough to corrode reality itself. But the moment he opened his eyes, he found himself surrounded by a bunch of strange things—Sithon standing at the front with a "brother, I'm sorry" expression, followed by Gaia's gloating smile, then Oshutu's pitying gaze, and finally, Hanlu's expressionless face.
then.
It's expensive, everything's expensive.
A shock and despair that was almost human-like appeared on Seth's snake-like face. He instinctively wanted to flee into the shadows, but his pride and joy in darkness was as fragile as a sheet of paper in front of Hanlu. He didn't even have time to get into a fighting stance before he was completely subjugated.
Under the protection of the Molecule Man, Doctor Doom, who had been observing everything from the shadows, clenched his fists. His knuckles turned white from the force, and his face, hidden beneath the full-metal mask, was etched with complex emotions. He never expected his opponent to act so swiftly. Doctor Doom prided himself on being one of the most brilliant strategists in the multiverse. He had assumed that Hanlu's attempt to incorporate the World Tree system would take at least several thousand years—a game at the level of the Ancient Gods, where every step should be cautiously meticulous. But in reality, Hanlu had swept away all four Primordial Gods into her grasp in a short period of time, with almost the speed of an autumn wind sweeping away fallen leaves.
Even—Doctor Doom gasped—he hadn't even used his true form.
Hanlu remained silent, only quietly radiating the light in her eyes. The light wasn't intense, yet it seemed to contain the origin and end of all civilizations. Between gods, devouring was undoubtedly the strongest way to increase one's strength, but unlike ordinary cosmic gods who bolstered themselves by consuming the bodies and energy contained within their opponents, Hanlu was devouring something newer, something more fundamental.
All concepts related to civilization. All life that arises from civilization and forms a system or society belongs to his subjugation. He is not plundering power; he is expanding the very definition of civilization.
The frog-like figure—or rather, the larger frog-like figure perched in a higher dimension, its glowing pupils reflecting every detail of this epic spectacle—was completely unaware that its lineage of observers, spanning countless multiverses and comprised of top-tier technological races, was gradually being brought under someone's control. Of course, even if it knew, it probably wouldn't matter. After all, observers were generally the type to remain neutral; their ancient oaths had long bound them to absolute neutrality. They were unwilling to influence events within the universe, and this spectacle was enough to surprise—or rather, terrify—them.
Hanlu felt immense satisfaction as he surveyed his ever-expanding conceptual system. The ancient gods he had brought under his command were like rivers flowing into a vast ocean, each bringing immeasurable depth and potential. His existence was becoming increasingly unshakeable and without any blind spots.
His gaze seemed to pierce through all nothingness, staring intently at the molecular man who was also watching him from the shadows. Their eyes met in the void, without sparks, without clashes, only a silent understanding that transcended the realm of words.
just now.
Omnipotent Universe Level: Cold Dew? Sentinel? Molecule Man? Living Tribunal.
Each name represents a possibility, a power capable of determining the ultimate fate of the entire omnipotent universe. And that final battle, that ultimate experiment that stakes everything—existence and non-existence—is approaching at an unstoppable pace.
Hanlu believed that when the final battle truly arrived, as long as those at the top of the power pyramid still had their minds, they would surely help him ascend to the ultimate possibility. He would no longer be a god of civilization at the multiverse level, nor a god at the supercosm level.
He will eventually become a being that transcends all civilizations.
A true being, existing beyond civilization.