Chapter 75: Earth · Beast Tide (XVI)

"Which way are you going?" Cocolaru glanced at Sun Meng and asked. After realizing that this ruin seemed to lean toward technological advancements, Cocolaru's interest had waned considerably. Just as Sun Meng had mentioned before, if the technologies obtained could not be assimilated and integrated into their own civilization's system in time, they would have to wait for the next exchange opportunity a month later before these gains could be of any use.

"Let's check out the incubation chamber," Sun Meng replied after a moment's thought. Based on previous clues, it was highly likely that this ruin held technology related to the creation of monsters. If so, the incubation chamber might yield gene-related technologies and items, which, once converted through the system, could possibly grant rewards similar to new constitutions or abilities.

Cocolaru nodded and followed Sun Meng to the entrance of the incubation chamber. The others, following their own inclinations, each headed toward the doors of their chosen destinations. Along with Sun Meng and Cocolaru, the ones who chose the incubation chamber were Usara and a close-combat warrior distinguished by what resembled rune tattoos etched all over his body. During earlier battles, these rune tattoos would glow, illuminating his method of fighting.

Their tokens lit up, opening the door. The three entered the incubation chamber, only to find that its interior was quite different from what they had imagined. They had expected a laboratory of sorts, but instead, it resembled a miniature ecosystem. However, no living creatures were visibly active here anymore; the place lay as lifeless as a wasteland.

"Contestant, if possible, you must obtain this ecosystem construction technology!" A red message scrolled across their vision, the three exclamation marks emphasizing the importance of this statement.

"Is this just a basic breeding site with no materials?" the rune-marked warrior wondered aloud, glancing around. What he sought was precisely this kind of incubation technology, as his civilization relied on extracting various resources from mutated beasts on their planet, even for cultivation itself. Thus, large-scale breeding of these evolved beasts was central to their future plans.

"It should be inside," Cocolaru said, surveying their surroundings. What might be useful to her were these specimens—perhaps, with the system's help, she could provide her civilization with new magical materials.

The four advanced toward the chamber's center, observing their environment as they went. They found numerous vessels resembling culture dishes, but without exception, all were damaged. Even with analysis from their respective civilizations, it was impossible to determine what lifeforms had escaped from these containers, or whether any danger remained.

Upon reaching the central area, they discovered a single green plant standing before them. Unlike the other withered flora, this plant was thriving, its most notable feature a green, orb-like structure at its top.

Suddenly, the tokens in their hands flew upward, emitting beams of light that shone onto the plant. The spherical top of the plant slowly opened, revealing a glowing orb within.

A projection appeared in mid-air, displaying the head of a figure that looked like a green potato.

"Greetings, contestants of the new round of the Civilization Tournament. I am Faru, a remnant of the Emeraldland Civilization. Welcome to the Emeraldland Civilization's legacy base. According to the rules of the game, you may each select three items to take with you. Rest assured, these items can be directly applied to your civilization and will not disrupt its developmental process. In addition, each of you may ask one question, and I will answer within the limits of the rules."

Having spoken, Faru looked at Sun Meng and the others, clearly waiting to address their questions.

The rune warrior was the first to speak. "At what stage of civilization development can a natural lifeform give birth to a Rune Core?"

Faru replied, "Tier Three. The moment your civilization completes the advancement, every member will naturally develop a Rune Core, which will then be retained."

"How does one control a faith deity so that it aligns with our civilization's evolutionary needs?" Usara asked.

Faru looked at Usara. "I never expected a civilization could progress this far down the path of faith to the mid-stage of Tier Two. All I can say is, the deity you require is merely a vessel for the collective power of belief—do not regard it as a true god. Just treat it as you do now; that is best."

Sun Meng glanced at Cocolaru, signaling her to ask her question first.

Cocolaru stepped forward. "I'd like to know why some civilizations can find keys to ruins like yours among the exchange options."

"An insightful question!" Faru exclaimed. "As long as your civilization reaches the late stage of Tier Two before half of the assessment period has elapsed, the exchange list will randomly refresh with one to three ruin keys. If you reach late Tier Two even before the assessment begins, you will have access to these keys right from the start, along with detailed information about the ruins. Should your civilization attain the peak of Tier Two before the assessment starts, you may even receive a complete heritage of a Tier Three civilization."

Finally, Faru turned to Sun Meng, who was now the only one left with the right to ask a question.

"What is the fundamental difference between Tier Three and the previous stages?" This was one of the questions proposed by Xu Xiao, but without a clear recommendation, Sun Meng had to rely on his own judgment.

"Let me see… Pure cultivation path or balanced development? Tsk, tsk! If your civilization manages to survive the current assessment, your prospects are truly bright!"

Faru looked at Sun Meng and continued, "From a civilization's perspective, Tier Three brings forth the formation of a complete racial core imprint—a divine artifact that grows with your civilization, encapsulating its core legacy and carrying forward future rewards. For individuals, it marks the first true transformation of life's essence—not the potential-driven evolution of Tier Two, but a metamorphosis that increases one's potential. I'm sure you all understand the distinction. In terms of combat, all Tier Three beings will develop their own innate abilities. For instance, that eight-legged octopus outside with its toxic water domain—it may be a half-finished product, but with time, it will be perfected. However, this is something only the individual can achieve. Even within the same race or civilization, no two Tier Three abilities are exactly alike."

With their questions answered, Faru's image faded away. Nine cards materialized in the air, accompanied only by Faru's parting words:

"Each of you may select three cards to take with you. No one can take more, and no one will receive less. The items will not change, so choose whenever you are ready to leave."

As the light faded from the nine cards, Sun Meng and the others could finally make out their contents.

Three were resource cards, all of late Tier Two grade: an Aura Tide, a Spiritual Vein Awakening, and a Starry Rain. Of course, these were what Sun Meng saw; the others would see resources suited to their own civilizations.

Then there were three constitution cards, with upper limits at the late stage of Tier Four: Earth Spirit Physique, Wood Spirit Physique, and Indomitable Fighting Spirit Physique.

The final three were item cards, ranging from mid-Tier Two to late-Tier Four. Their descriptions indicated that, as the civilization advanced, the items would continuously unlock their potential, always remaining a half-step ahead of the civilization's current level. The three items were: the Rune Evolution Array Disk, the Innate Spiritual Source, and the Five-Colored Spiritual Soil.

The array disk, as its name implied, was used for deducing formations and creating new runes. The Innate Spiritual Source was a stone that continuously generated spiritual energy—ten billion units per day. To put this in perspective, all the people on Earth combined currently absorbed only five billion units daily, and even with the addition of spirit beasts and plants, the total was only eight billion. Moreover, when any living being died, it reverted into spiritual energy to nourish the planet; the monsters contributed even more, but did not actively absorb energy. With this source, Earth might well enter an era of cultivation prosperity!

The Five-Colored Spiritual Soil was straightforward in its function: it would transform Earth's soil into gold, wood, water, fire, and earth types, each imbued with innate attributes and spiritual energy. It would continuously absorb spiritual energy to carry out this transformation. Rare herbs and minerals of corresponding elements would be far easier to cultivate in such soil, and—provided the energy level did not exceed late Tier Four—the absorption would be instantaneous! However, if merged with Earth, the basic transformation would be completed within a year, and the planet would steadily grow larger as a result.

Nine cards. Each could pick three. Once again, it was time to make a choice.

Sun Meng let out a sigh and looked at the screen. "Which ones do we choose?"