What is humanity? What are the characteristics of humanity?

Chen Nuo didn't plan to seriously discuss or answer such sweeping questions with this unfamiliar spiritual power.

Things like "Humanity belongs to the order of primates, suborder of apes, family of hominids, subfamily of Homininae, tribe of hominins, genus of Homo, species of Homo sapiens..."

To engage in such a serious and earnest discussion with this unfamiliar spiritual power—I have neither interest nor do I intend to be unguarded.

Before figuring out exactly what this entity was, it was better to talk nonsense for a bit, retain a sense of mystery, and let the stranger guess.

While communicating through spiritual consciousness, Chen Nuo didn't stop moving. Instead, he quickened his pace, heading towards the towering stone pillar at the center.

If he could confuse this entity, make it too busy to pay attention, and not stop him from moving forward, Chen Nuo wouldn't mind singing every brainwashing hit from TikTok to it.

"What is hair?"

"I can count for you."

"Count?"

"Yes."

Through simple spiritual consciousness communication, Chen Nuo felt he was getting closer and closer to the stone pillar.

Finally.

"You seem very anxious to get close."

"..." Chen Nuo didn't respond and took the opportunity to leap forward another ten-plus meters.

Then, he encountered a barrier!

This feeling of a barrier was all too familiar to Chen Nuo.

It was a purely intangible barrier set up by spiritual power.

Both physically and spiritually.

Chen Nuo stopped, estimating the distance between himself and the central stone pillar—probably still over five hundred meters, maybe more, because visual estimation wasn't very accurate.

Chen Nuo gave up continuing forward and began trying to release his spiritual power to carefully probe the barrier in front of him.

Pure spiritual power, extremely pure.

The strong and vigorous pulsation, the flow of spiritual power, was so significant that even Chen Nuo, standing at the threshold of Controller level, couldn't help but feel a secret surprise.

This unfamiliar spiritual entity—in terms of the sheer strength of its spiritual power, even the Wizard of the Mentality Series who stood as a Controller, was far inferior.

In the air before him, a mass of invisible yet viscous power stopped Chen Nuo from continuing forward.

He extended his hands and gently pushed forward, but his hands felt as though they had sunk into a non-existent mire, becoming increasingly obstructed.

His body tried to take a step forward; the first step was fairly easy, but beginning with the second step, the sensation of obstruction grew stronger, and by the third step, the resistance started increasing exponentially!

Chen Nuo estimated in his mind that with his spiritual power's resistance, he could at most take no more than five or six steps forward.

So, he simply chose to step back a few paces and stood outside the barrier.

"You don't want me to pass?" Chen Nuo asked.

"It's just a test," [It] replied. "You want to pass, and I stop you; I want to see what will happen."

Chen Nuo sighed.

He looked back. Ishii Hisako and others had reached the ground from the cliff.

The divers began to take out the equipment they carried, checking something.

Chen Nuo glanced only once, then withdrew his gaze.

"Are you also talking with them?"

[It]'s answer surprised Chen Nuo a bit: "I released a communication signal, but only you were able to respond to me."

Chen Nuo frowned, thought for a moment, and understood. Ishii Hisako and her subordinates were ordinary people, their spiritual power also at the level of ordinary people. Since they couldn't exert their spiritual power outside their bodies, they couldn't sense [It]'s communication and naturally couldn't respond.

"Establishing communication with them is possible. But because of your existence, you can respond to my communication, so there's no need for me to waste extra energy. This is the optimal choice under the current circumstances."

"...Right," Chen Nuo nodded.

Then, he asked a question: "What is this place?"

Silence.

After a silence of more than ten seconds, [It] finally responded.

"I've checked the language definitions in your spiritual power, and I think, in terms that are applicable to your linguistic environment and easier for you to understand, this place can be called a 'sanctuary,' a 'seed,' a 'hatching ground'..."

Sanctuary, seed, hatching ground...

Chen Nuo's heart raced as he asked subconsciously, "Then what are you?"

[It] fell silent again.

This time, after another ten or so seconds, it responded.

"According to your language, I could be considered a 'nurturer,' a 'distributor,' a 'custodian,' a 'watcher'..."

"So, you're not a biological entity?"

"By the definitions of your civilization and linguistic system, that's difficult to delineate," [It]'s response was strange. "Our civilization doesn't have a detailed description of the word 'biological.' The term is too simplistic for our civilization."

Chen Nuo simply sat down on the black rocky ground and laughed, "So, what exactly are you? Carbon-based life? Silicon-based life? Or..."

"That depends on your definition of life," [It] replied.

Chen Nuo began to feel vexed.

"Enough! This question is too philosophical." Chen Nuo shook his head. "So, are you from an ancient civilization? Atlantians? The Great Western Continent?"

"My memory does not hold any related information."

[It]'s answer, in fact, equated to a negation—I deduced.

"Precisely speaking, we are not a native civilization of this planet... or perhaps it's you who are."

"What is a native civilization?"

"Simply put, if described in your linguistic system, perhaps the word 'indigenous' would be more accurate. Your life and civilization were born and nurtured on this planet; your evolutionary and developmental processes also took place here—so you are the native civilization of this planet."

"You're not?"

"I am not."

Chen Nuo sighed.

Damn it, so much nonsense... In short, aren't they just aliens?!

"Alien is not an accurate term. Because, according to your logical and linguistic systems, I probably shouldn't be considered 'a person.'"

"So... is there anything like 'people' in your civilization? Life forms similar to people? Or... in your civilization, are there all entities like you, spiritual beings? Oh, and besides spiritual existence, do you have a physical form? By physical form, I mean a body in the physical sense, even if your body is an octopus with eight tentacles?"

Chen Nuo stretched out his finger and swiftly drew an octopus pattern on the ground in front of him.

"Can you see this pattern?"

"I can feel it."

Chen Nuo took a deep breath and slowly asked, "Then, is this a form of life in your civilization?"

"Yes and no."

This answer left Chen Nuo confused.

[It] seemed very patient and explained slowly, "The form of life should not be confined to one shape but should change according to different living environments. Our civilization, from what you would consider a physical sense, doesn't have a fixed shape. Instead, we breed different life forms according to the needs of the environment."

What the heck?

Chen Nuo frowned, struggling to understand the messages this creature was conveying.

"So you mean, in your civilization—let's call its members 'people', meaning the life forms of your civilization... What I mean is, do your kind have an octopus form like this one? And other forms too?"

"Yes."

"Then...doesn't that mean you could become different tribes or species?"

"No, because we share a spiritual power system; the form does not matter to our civilization."

"...Then…" Chen Nuo thought for a moment, then pointed at his nose, "are there life forms in your civilization that look like humans, like me?"

"...If necessary, we could also breed them."

Chen Nuo simply couldn't understand. The same species, but with different shapes? Some are shaped like octopuses, others could be humanoid?

Chen Nuo's fingers didn't stop. He quickly started drawing on the rock, sketching out many different shapes.

There were humans, octopuses, cats, dogs, elephants, and so on.

He essentially drew every animal he could within his artistic capabilities—even though many barely resembled their subjects.

Then, [It] responded.

"I understand what you're trying to say. Everything you've drawn here is possible—provided that the environment requires it. To adapt to environmental needs, we can breed life forms of different shapes and appearances, or as you put it, people."

"How do you communicate then? How would an octopus communicate with a humanoid life form that looks like me?"

"With spiritual communication—just like how we are communicating now."

"Then...how do different forms breed the next generation? How do they propagate?" Chen Nuo was puzzled.

A humanoid being, and an octopus-shaped being, how would they reproduce offspring?

"We don't need the breeding process you speak of." The answer from [It] shocked Chen Nuo a bit.

"In my civilization, there is no breeding process of the sexes mating as you understand it."

No sexual reproduction?

"Your civilization doesn't have genders?"

"Genders can exist, but in most cases, they are not necessary."

"Asexual reproduction?" Chen Nuo frowned.

"No."

[It] fell silent for a while before responding slowly, "All life forms are integrated and calculated by the Central Matrix based on the needs and adaptability of the external environment. Then, various needs, conditions, and other factors are considered before breeding occurs."

"...I see." Chen Nuo suddenly smiled.

Isn't this just like the civilization system of Krypton? No sexual reproduction. Instead, based on the societal needs of the civilization, a Central Matrix allocates everything. If workers are needed, life forms with worker traits are bred. If artists are needed, life forms with artistic traits are bred. If warriors are needed, life forms with fighting traits are bred. In pursuit of ultimate efficiency, the most effective distribution is made after unified calculation, management, and allocation. And then whatever is needed, is bred!

"So in your civilization, a Central Matrix acts as the 'mother' to everyone in the civilization, giving birth to whatever is needed? Um...like a tree? Are your people all like fruits borne from a tree?"

After another moment of silence, [It] replied, "Your analogy is quite vivid, quite similar."

"So, what are you? Are you the Central Matrix?"

"I am not, I am merely a Watcher." [It] denied.

Chen Nuo laughed, raising his hand toward the distant pillar, "Then... is it the Central Matrix?"

"...Yes, but it is in deep slumber."

"Deep slumber... does that mean dead?" Chen Nuo frowned.

"Using your civilization's language and understanding, it's similar, but not accurate."

"Can it be revived?" Chen Nuo thought for a moment, then switched his choice of words, "Activated?"

"...It can be, but the conditions are very strict. Under the current situation, it cannot be achieved."

Chen Nuo relaxed slightly. A mother entity of an alien civilization? If it could come back to life, and if it could breed life forms as [It] claimed... That would be simply terrifying.

"May I go and see it?"

"You will have to wait." [It] answered, "Tests must be conducted."

"Tests?"

"Yes, you and your companions. By passing the tests, you may approach the Matrix."

"..." Chen Nuo stopped the spiritual communication and turned back to look at Ishii Hisako, who was struggling to walk toward this place.

A not-so-good feeling began to stir within him.

「A few minutes later.」

Ishii Hisako struggled to make her way to Chen Nuo's side. The woman was panting heavily, her steps faltering.

"Why have you stopped moving forward?" Ishii Hisako asked coldly.

"If you can continue moving forward, please do so," Chen Nuo said, waving his hand.

He was very indifferent to Ishii Hisako's attitude. This woman was still hiding a key piece of information from him at this moment!

Ishii Hisako tried to move forward... but she couldn't even take half a step.

Facing the invisible barrier ahead, the woman didn't show a look of surprise. Instead, her face showed excitement and delight.

She even attempted to move sideways... an effort which, of course, was futile.

But after trying, Ishii Hisako seemed relieved.

"Did you know that we would encounter a barrier here that we couldn't get past?" Chen Nuo frowned.

"...Yes," Ishii Hisako nodded.

"Then... have you thought about how to go back?" Chen Nuo said coldly. "We fell from that tunnel! To go back, I don't think you have the ability to climb back up into a tunnel with such a high drop. Moreover, there isn't enough oxygen storage."

Ishii Hisako's eyes were complicated, and she hesitated for a moment. "There's naturally a way!"

Ishii Hisako slowly sat down, adopting a standard yoga cross-legged meditation posture.

Even under Chen Nuo's astonished gaze, the woman closed her eyes, took off her oxygen mask, and shut off the oxygen supply!

She just sat cross-legged, beginning to meditate.

Suddenly, Chen Nuo understood something! Close your eyes, be silent, don't speak, don't smell, don't touch. After suspending the five senses, a person's Sixth Sense, which is spiritual power, can be somewhat enhanced.

After a brief silence...

[It] responded.

"What are you?"

Chen Nuo frowned.

Because she couldn't retract her spiritual communication, Ishii Hisako's spiritual power was in a state of dispersion. Meaning, through the communication of spiritual power, Ishii Hisako couldn't have a "private chat." Every sentence of her spiritual consciousness communication was also perceivable by Chen Nuo. It was as if she was typing in a public chat.

The only message Ishii Hisako released was one sentence.

"The Prophet brought me here."

[It] was silent for a while before responding, "Where is the Prophet?"

"Already dead," Ishii Hisako continued sending out the mental signal. "I've brought the testers."

Chen Nuo laughed, pointing to his nose, "So, I'm the tester?"

Ishii Hisako shook her head, still with her eyes closed.

At that moment, Chen Nuo could feel that Ishii Hisako's spiritual power suddenly swelled!

As if [It], though invisible, had used some power to sharply increase Ishii Hisako's spiritual power in a short time!

Ishii Hisako slowly opened her eyes, but her spiritual power had become strong enough that she could now communicate directly with Chen Nuo without speaking.

"You, and... them, including myself," Ishii Hisako pointed to the six subordinates who had followed behind her. "All of us, we're the testers for this time. Of course, mainly you! Because you are the strongest among us."

Chen Nuo sighed, "But that wasn't part of the deal."

"It is only to your advantage; it won't harm you," Ishii Hisako shook her head.

Chen Nuo sneered.

The six divers brought by Ishii Hisako had already seated themselves behind her, just like her, sitting cross-legged, then assuming a meditative posture.

Chen Nuo kept his eyes open, watching Ishii Hisako's subordinates...

He felt clumps of spiritual power slowly making contact with the six individuals, then entangling...

It wasn't just those six divers, but also himself.

A clump of spiritual power attempted to approach Chen Nuo, even latching onto his Spiritual Force Tentacles.

Without hesitation, Chen Nuo strongly blocked it with his spiritual power!

[It] seemed to sigh softly, "This is the process of the test."

Chen Nuo coldly responded, "If it's a test of spiritual power, then I think I don't need this kind of test. I'm stronger than the others. If they all can pass, then I don't need to be tested. And... I refuse to expose my own mental Consciousness Space!"

Indeed! Chen Nuo's refusal was wise.

Because just after Chen Nuo's message had been transmitted...

THUMP!

One of the six divers sitting behind Ishii Hisako suddenly collapsed to the ground from his cross-legged position!

The person's eyes were wide open but empty, staring blankly upwards, his body seemingly trembling slightly, yet he made no sound.

Chen Nuo frowned, and a bit of spiritual power curiously probed over, quickly feeling alarmed! This person's mental consciousness had been completely destroyed! A normal person's Consciousness Space had shattered!

"Test failed."

The message from [It] was very calm.

THUMP!

The second diver fell down.

Ishii Hisako remained unmoved, as if she had anticipated this development, just sitting there with her eyes tightly shut, her whole body trembling, as if she was struggling to persist in something.

Chen Nuo could feel that Ishii Hisako's spiritual power was getting stronger and stronger, surpassing the bounds of a normal person! Even after hovering at a critical threshold for a moment, it surged up rapidly again!

Blood began to seep from Ishii Hisako's ears, eyes, and nostrils...

THUMP!

The third diver fell!

The three people who had fallen were actually all in the same state—their mental Consciousness Space had been completely burst by some force!

At this moment, Ishii Hisako suddenly stood up!

Though her eyes remained tightly closed, she stepped forward without hesitation and with firm resolve!

That step took her directly into the barrier, but Ishii Hisako seemed unaffected by any obstruction.

Then, the second step!

The third step!

Behind Ishii Hisako, the fourth diver collapsed!

But the fifth and the sixth diver astonishingly stood up as well, following in Ishii Hisako's footsteps, slowly advancing forward!

After consideration, Chen Nuo also stood up.

"Three people have passed," Chen Nuo said indifferently. "So... I am stronger than these three people. Logically speaking, I should be able to get through as well, is that right?"

After a silence, [It] gave an answer: "…The logic is valid."

In an instant, Chen Nuo sensed that a portion of the barrier in front of him had dissolved away, revealing a narrow passage!

Chen Nuo took a deep breath, a strange smile on his face, and slowly stepped forward.

Ishii Hisako and the two divers under her continued to move forward with their eyes closed.

And the test of spiritual power by [It] had actually already stopped; Ishii Hisako and the two divers appeared to have their spiritual power greatly increased after the test was completed.

But the three of them didn't open their eyes.

Chen Nuo was not surprised by this.

He could clearly sense that... Ishii Hisako and the two divers had become blind! The nerves in all three people's eyes had completely collapsed! Even their ears, their eardrums had also been damaged. Their throats, vocal cords, and various nerves had also burst! It was as if in exchange for the strength of their spiritual power, their functions of sight, hearing, and speech had all been damaged as a "price".

After several hundred steps, Chen Nuo, Ishii Hisako, and the two divers arrived under the stone pillar.

Chen Nuo got a clear view of the clumps of square rocks below the stone pillar.

Clumps of square rocks... or not rocks. Their surface was pockmarked and rough, but they were clearly of a different material than the black rocks of the ground.

Each one was roughly the height of a person.

The cubes were each about two meters in length, width, and height.

"It sort of looks like the Allspark from the Transformers movies," Chen Nuo frowned.

Around the stone pillar, there were eight piles of these cubes, with eight cubes in each pile, for a total of sixty-four Keystones.

"These are 'Keystones'," [It] introduced to Chen Nuo. "Each Keystone can give birth to a place necessary for the development of a civilization. You can use a Keystone to cultivate a city... Hmm, city is probably the right word."

"Oh?"

"After the test is completed, it's the allocation process. Once allocation is done, each of you can take away a Keystone."

"A Keystone that can give birth to a city?" Chen Nuo frowned. "City?"

"Yes."

Well... it's like a portable base vehicle, isn't it?

"Everything of a city? Are you sure? Buildings, structures, living facilities? And everything?" Chen Nuo shook his head. "Including televisions? Computers? Game consoles? Cars?"

"Perhaps it's not in the terms you describe, but the functionality is all-encompassing: transportation, residences... and so on, covering all necessary functions."

"What's the control method? Spiritual power?"

"Spiritual power! The level of your spiritual power determines the scale of the city you can build."

Chen Nuo fell silent.

What did that mean? Rebuild their civilization on Earth?

"The second step: Central Matrix communication, establishing a civilization heritage and subject system."

[It] released a spiritual signal to Chen Nuo and the four others.

Chen Nuo keenly felt that when [It] spoke these words, there was a clear fluctuation in emotion during the process of expression! If the spiritual communication with [It] had always been calm or even indifferent before, at this moment, [It] seemed to finally show a hint of emotion. A touch of anxiety, excitement, anticipation, joy... Although it was very weak, Chen Nuo still caught it.

"Central Matrix communication, heritage?"

Chen Nuo asked, "How does the communication work?"

Just as he finished asking, several Spiritual Force Tentacles stretched out from the stone pillar in front of them, heading towards the four individuals.

Ishii Hisako and the two divers had no defense, nor did they resist, allowing the Spiritual Force Tentacles to enter their bodies.

Chen Nuo, on the other hand, extended a strand of spiritual power, actively meeting the Spiritual Force Tentacle—avoiding letting the tentacle directly enter his own Consciousness Space.

"And you say you're not the Central Matrix?"

As soon as Chen Nuo made contact with the approaching Spiritual Force Tentacle, he immediately recognized it as [It]'s sensation, that pure, strong spiritual power.

"I have not deceived you," [It] replied. "This is the spiritual power of the Central Matrix… and I am merely a guardian consciousness within its spiritual power as the Central Matrix slumbers. During the slumber of the Central Matrix, I can only utilize some of its spiritual power. From a simple existence point of view, I am but a segment of consciousness."

"So, it's about inheriting spiritual consciousness?" Chen Nuo shook his head. "I refuse to let you enter my Consciousness Space."

"...It's not important," [It] said indifferently. "You can sever your own spiritual power without affecting the transmission of the message."

Without hesitation, Chen Nuo concentrated his spiritual power and forcefully severed the approaching Spiritual Force Tentacle coming from the Central Matrix!

The part that snapped off, once wrapped in his own spiritual power by Chen Nuo...

In an instant, an overwhelming amount of information flooded into the depths of Chen Nuo's mind...