Ch: 32-44
Chapter 32: The Graffiti of "God" and the Shackles of "Devil"
The Geno-sha Space Station ushered in its first "winter" since its founding.
A winter named "fiscal austerity."
Under the ruthless command of "Chairman" Xiang Tianming's "90% profit dividend," the entire Genosha fell into a state of stagnation.
Countless promising research projects that should have been initiated were indefinitely shelved.
The magnificent "Genosha Phase II" expansion project, having just laid its foundation, became a "half-finished project."
Even the menu in the national (employee) cafeteria was missing two of the most popular dishes: "Braised Beef."
Mutants who had just immigrated from Earth, filled with infinite aspirations for the future, felt a deep sense of confusion and... a hint of unease.
They couldn't understand why their "heavenly kingdom," which possessed super-era technology, would suddenly... run out of money?
Facing the public's confusion, their leader, Erik Lehnsherr, delivered a highly inflammatory speech.
He did not mention the greedy "Chairman."
He merely told his people: "...The path to freedom is never smooth! We are paying the necessary 'price' for our independence! It is so that our civilization can gain a foothold in this cold Universe!"
"Temporary sacrifices are for a greater future! I will endure these difficult times with you!"
The speech was met with thunderous applause.
Erik, with his unparalleled charisma, successfully transformed Xiang Tianming's "exploitation" into "external pressure" that united the people.
He made all the people of Genosha rally even closer around him.
He was using Xiang Tianming's money and Xiang Tianming's "incompetence" to win over the people and pave a path to a true "throne" for himself... Meanwhile, on Earth, at Xavier's Mansion.
Xiang Tianming's personal account received a huge "dividend" that would make any country envious.
He looked at the string of zeros, too long for him to bother counting, and nodded in satisfaction.
"Hmm, the startup capital is enough."
Then, he dialed his exclusive FBI "customer service hotline."
On the other end of the line, Agent Duncan's voice was always so... respectful and nervous.
"Co-Consultant Sir! Good morning! How may I help you?"
"Oh, Duncan," Xiang Tianming said lazily, "How's that thing I told you about last time coming along?"
"Are you referring to... the 'Moon' matter?" Duncan felt cold sweat break out again.
"Yes."
"Well... Consultant Sir, I have already submitted the highest-level proposal to the United Nations, but the issue of 'celestial body sovereignty' involves very complex international law and... astrophysics..."
"Alright, alright, I get it." Xiang Tianming impatiently interrupted him, "I knew you Mortals were inefficient."
"Forget it, I'll handle such a small matter myself."
With that, he hung up the phone.
Agent Duncan, on the other end of the line, was stunned for a long time, and then a very ominous premonition surged in his heart.
He immediately ordered: "Quick! Point all space telescopes at the Moon! Highest priority! I want to know what 'that one' is trying to do!"
...Xiang Tianming lay in his hibernation pod, extending his consciousness outwards.
Through the atmosphere, into the boundless Universe.
He "saw" the azure, beautiful Planet. He also "saw" the silvery-White Moon, quietly rotating beside that Planet.
"Hmm... which one should I buy?"
He scrutinized the large and small companion celestial bodies and meteorites around the Moon, as if picking cabbage at a market.
"The big ones are too expensive, the small ones lack presence... Got it, that one."
His consciousness locked onto an unnamed small satellite, about tens of kilometers in diameter, not far from the Moon.
"You're the one."
Then, he mobilized a trace of power that was insignificant to him, but to Mortals, it was like creation.
He highly compressed his vast Telekinesis, condensing it into an invisible "carving knife," more precise than a laser.
He was going to sign his "housing contract" on this small satellite... At that moment, all observatories on Earth that were observing the Moon went into a frenzy.
"My God! What is that?!"
"Super high-intensity energy reactions detected on the surface of satellite L-23!"
"Its topography... its topography is changing!!!"
"This is not a natural phenomenon! This is... this is..."
And in the main command center of the Geno-sha Space Station.
Erik Lehnsherr also saw the unforgettable scene through his more advanced detection equipment.
On the surface of the unnamed small satellite, enormous ravines were appearing out of thin air! As if an invisible giant brush was wantonly... sweeping across the black canvas of the Universe.
A few minutes later, when all the dust settled.
An enormous Chinese character, clear enough for people on Earth to see with astronomical telescopes, was deeply engraved on the satellite's surface.
That character had flamboyant strokes, filled with an air of unparalleled arrogance.
— "Xiang."
He, in the most direct, brutal, and unreasonable way, declared his "sovereignty" over this Planet to the entire Universe.
Inside Xavier's Mansion.
Xiang Tianming contentedly withdrew his consciousness.
He picked up his phone and sent a message to Professor Charles.
[Tell Duncan that I've already carved the property deed myself. Tell him to arrange the subsequent "renovation" payments.]
And in Genosha.
Erik Lehnsherr stared intently at the glowing "Xiang" character in space on the screen.
It was like a divine Seal, forever branded in the sky.
A shackle that reminded him that no matter how high he flew or how strong he became, he would never be able to escape.
He slowly closed his eyes.
When he opened them again, all the anger and unwillingness had vanished.
Only a rationality and determination colder than the vacuum of the Universe remained.
He knew that conventional means would never defeat such a "monster."
He needed... a weapon capable of slaying a god.
Chapter 33: God's Home Decoration and the Devil's "God-killing Plan"
The "property deed" personally written by Xiang Tianming brought a new round of "surprises" to this already chaotic World.
After an uninterrupted, seventy-two-hour emergency closed-door meeting of the United Nations Security Council, a joint statement titled "Joint Statement on Recognizing and Respecting Mr. Xiang's Exclusive Rights to Satellite L-23 and its Surrounding Space," also known as the "Xiang's Celestial Body Sovereignty Agreement," was passed at lightning speed.
There was no other way; it had to be passed.
No one dared to gamble on what more "violent" "collection" actions the "owner" might take if his "property" was not recognized.
From then on, the Earthling's star map gained a "private territory" they had to respectfully bypass.
For convenience, astronomers gave this small satellite, which was "forcibly named," a simple and unadorned name—"Xiang's Village."
As for the outside World's commotion, Xiang Tianming, this "Village Head," paid no mind.
After confirming the legality of his "property" and receiving an astronomical sum of "renovation funds" urgently allocated by the "Earth United Government," he began his "home improvement" project, which was full of "lazy aesthetics."
He felt that his "parking lot" was too bare and lacked prestige.
So, he yawned and extended his Telekinesis to the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter.
The next second, astronomers all over the World went crazy.
"My God! The asteroid belt... is rioting!"
"Billions of meteors and interstellar dust are converging into a colorful long river, heading towards the Moon!"
"Quickly calculate the orbit! Will this affect Earth?!"
The calculation result was: no.
Because that "River of Rainbows," composed of countless star fragments, after reaching "Xiang's Village," slowly encircled the small satellite in an extremely gentle and artistic manner, forming a seven-colored star ring... one hundred times more brilliant than Saturn's rings.
The X-Men youths, watching this "miracle" comparable to creation through the astronomical telescope at Xavier's Mansion, were completely numb.
"I understand..." Scott murmured, "The Consultant is... 'dotting the eyes of the Dragon.' He is using this method to tell us that the ultimate of power is not destruction, but... creating beauty."
The others nodded in deep agreement.
However, Xiang Tianming himself merely floated in his hibernation pod, looking at his newly finished "yard fence," and nodded with satisfaction.
"Hmm, not bad, it looks a bit like a 'luxurious private parking space' now."
He then felt that a "fence" alone was not enough; there also needed to be a "signpost."
So, he moved his thoughts again.
On the Moon's surface, the historically significant lunar soil that once allowed Armstrong to leave his "one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind" began to slowly... move.
Finally, at the most conspicuous location on the Moon, two gigantic Chinese characters and an arrow were formed—"Parking Space →."
Having completed all this, Xiang Tianming, this Universe-level "Great Master of Renovation" and "graffiti artist," finally felt satisfied.
He prepared to get a good sleep...
Meanwhile, in the deepest secret laboratory of the Geno-sha Space Station, Erik Lehnsherr was unaware of and uninterested in the "performance art" his "Chairman" was conducting in the Universe.
His entire mind was devoted to a research that could make the entire Universe tremble—the "God-Slaying Project."
On the huge screen in front of Eric, no longer displayed were game data or financial charts, but a compilation of countless ancient myths, religious texts, abnormal cosmic ray fluctuation maps, and... a top-secret genetic sequence analysis report on Jean Grey.
"...According to ancient records, when the Universe first began, two most primitive forces were born: creation and destruction..."
"...The Phoenix Force, the Incarnation of cosmic energy and all life's psionic power, a natural agent of destruction and Rebirth..."
"...Observation data shows that an unquantifiable cosmic energy body is rapidly approaching the Solar System.
Its energy fluctuation frequency highly matches the legendary 'Phoenix Force'..."
Eric looked at the data on the screen, his eyes burning with a crazy Fire mixed with "thirst for knowledge" and "ambition."
He knew that technology and magnetism could never defeat Xiang Tianming's "unreasonable," "rule-level" power.
He had to use "magic" to defeat "magic"!
He wanted to find a power that was equally unreasonable, equally "rule-level," to serve as a "weapon" against Xiang Tianming!
And the Phoenix Force, this ultimate power rumored to be capable of restarting the Universe, was his chosen "God-Slaying Blade"!
"Its trajectory... is heading towards Earth."
Eric's finger gently traced the genetic map representing Jean Grey on the screen.
"No, to be precise, it's heading towards... a suitable 'host.'"
A cold, crazy plan, akin to "dancing with the Devil," slowly took shape in his mind.
He wanted to prepare a "heaven-shaking great gift" for his "Chairman"—one that would completely overturn him from his comfortable "throne"—while he was still gloating over his "Moon parking lot"!
Just then!
Genosha's Advanced alarm suddenly blared!
"Alarm! Alarm! Ultra-high-energy cosmic ray burst detected! Target: Solar System!"
Eric's face instantly showed a victorious, twisted smile.
"It's coming..."
...Xavier's Mansion.
Jean Grey, along with Scott, was on the lawn, admiring the magnificent "Xiang's Star Ring" through a telescope.
Suddenly, she shivered, violently dropped the telescope in her hand, clutched her head tightly with both hands, and let out a painful groan.
"Jean! What's wrong with you?!" Scott exclaimed in shock.
"I... I heard it..." Jean's face was deathly White, and Fire seemed to burn in her eyes, "A voice... a voice like Fire... It... It's calling me..."
And in the hibernation pod, Xiang Tianming, who had just been about to fall asleep, suddenly opened his eyes.
On his perpetually lazy face, for the first time, there was a hint of... a solemn expression.
He felt a... a vast, ancient, primal, and even more "unreasonable" Universe-level will than his own power, something he had never experienced since coming to this World.
This will was filled with the aura of destruction and Rebirth; it did not belong to this World, but... it had arrived.
Xiang Tianming slowly sat up from his hibernation pod.
"Damn it..."
He cursed softly.
"I... it seems, really, woke up the 'final BOSS.'"
Chapter 34: The First Close Encounter between the "Final BOSS" and the "Salted Fish"
On that day, everyone on Earth witnessed a "miracle" they would never forget.
A cosmic aurora, spanning the sky like a flaming Phoenix spreading its wings, appeared above every country.
It disregarded the difference between day and night, dyeing the entire sky a magnificent yet... ominous, reddish-gold.
Global communications collectively failed at this moment. Countless satellites became space debris floating in outer space. The power grid also fell into massive disarray.
Human civilization seemed to have its throat clutched by an invisible hand.
And at the center of the storm—Xavier's Mansion—a true "doomsday" was unfolding.
Jean Grey floated in mid-air.
Her body was completely enveloped by a solidified, golden-red cosmic Fire. The Fire formed an enormous Phoenix shape, emitting a silent roar, yet one powerful enough to make the Soul tremble.
Scott, Bobby, Hank… all the X-Men who tried to approach her were violently thrown back by an irresistible force.
Professor Charles's face was ashen. He tried to use his Mental Energy to protect Jean's consciousness, but his Mental Energy, in front of that will as vast as the Universe, was like a lone boat, ready to be capsized at any moment.
He "saw" the birth and destruction of stars; he "heard" the Reincarnation and wailing of life in billions of Worlds.
That was… the emotion of the Universe itself… "Creak—"
A soft sound, amidst everyone's despair, seemed so abrupt.
Xiang Tianming's door opened.
He walked out.
Not floating, not sitting, but walking out, step by step, on his own two feet.
He was still wearing his somewhat faded cartoon pajamas, flip-flops on his feet, and his hair was as messy as a bird's nest.
But everyone present, including Charles, felt something unprecedented… from him.
It wasn't laziness, nor impatience.
It was an extreme, cold… "displeasure."
It was like someone with severe morning grumpiness, enjoying the sweetest dream, only to be rudely awakened by the sound of a renovation drill upstairs.
His usually sleepy eyes were now half-closed. The usual turbidity was gone from his gaze, replaced by a bottomless, calm, and freezing… void.
He didn't even look at the X-Men who had been thrown to the ground.
His gaze pierced through the distance of space, through the blazing cosmic Fire, and landed on the enormous Phoenix Shadow that was undergoing its final Fusion with Jean Grey's Soul.
Then, he extended his Mental Energy and gently "tapped" the other party's forehead.
"…I am… the Phoenix… I am… the Fire of the primordial Universe, I am… the end of all things…"
A grand, ancient, and majestic will echoed like thunder in Xiang Tianming's mind.
Xiang Tianming listened, expressionless.
Then, he replied with two words using his own consciousness.
"Oh."
The Phoenix's will seemed… to pause.
It had existed for billions of years, swept across countless galaxies, and witnessed the rise and fall of countless civilizations. It had felt worship, fear, greed… But it had never felt such pure, undisguised… "disregard."
"…Who are you? Mortal… you shouldn't…"
The Phoenix's will seemed to carry a hint of… confusion and anger.
Xiang Tianming interrupted it.
"Are you done talking?"
His consciousness was cold and direct.
"If you're done, get out of my yard."
"You woke me up."
…Geno-sha Space Station.
Erik Lehnsherr stood in his command room, watching the mythical scene of the Phoenix's arrival on the screen.
His eyes were filled with fanaticism and anticipation.
It's here!
The "God-Slaying Blade" he had been waiting for!
He had prepared everything, just waiting for the Phoenix Force to completely occupy the host. Then, he would activate his next plan to "guide," or even "capture," this power capable of contending with Xiang Tianming!
However, the next second…
The expression on his face froze… Xavier's Mansion.
That oldest power of the Universe, which had never retreated before any existence, was completely enraged by Xiang Tianming's "morning grumpiness" will!
"Mortal! You will pay the price for your arrogance!!!"
"Boom—!!!"
The Phoenix Fire surrounding Jean's body erupted fiercely! A destructive energy, powerful enough to wipe the entire North U.S. continent from the Earth, was about to… be released!
However.
Xiang Tianming merely raised his hand.
He gently clenched his hand in the air towards that direction.
"I said…"
His voice was not loud, but it clearly reached the ears of everyone present.
And also reached the core of that cosmic will.
"…Can you please be quiet?"
Time seemed to be paused at this moment.
Space was completely frozen at this moment.
That destructive energy, about to erupt, was as if it had been firmly clutched by an invisible hand!
It was compressed, confined, and forcibly stuffed back into Jean Grey's body!
The Phoenix Shadow surrounding her let out a shriek filled with unwillingness and fear! It tried to break free, but that power, that will originating from a "slacker" who "didn't want to be disturbed," was like a cage constructed of "absolute rules," incomprehensible and unbreakable!
Finally, all the Fire, all the light, disappeared.
Jean Grey floated quietly in mid-air. Her body was surrounded by a nearly invisible, thin, translucent energy sphere.
Inside the sphere, a golden-red, miniature Phoenix Shadow was frantically, futilely, crashing against that "membrane."
And Jean herself slowly closed her eyes and fell into a deep sleep.
The crisis was resolved.
In a way even more unreasonable than the crisis's arrival.
Everyone present stared blankly at the man in pajamas, still holding the "clenched hand in mid-air" pose.
Xiang Tianming lowered his hand, rubbed his sleepy eyes, and then yawned again.
He looked at the "trouble" he had "packaged" and displayed an expression that all "workers" would show when they learned they had to "work overtime on the weekend"—a look of utter despair.
"Damn it…"
He muttered under his breath.
"It seems… my perfect attendance bonus is gone this month."
Chapter 35: The "Disposal" Plan for the "Cosmic Divine Armor"
On the lawn of Xavier's Mansion, there was a deathly silence.
The young X-Men, along with Professor Charles, all stared blankly, as if petrified by magic, at the translucent sphere quietly floating in mid-air.
Inside the sphere, Jean Grey's eyes were tightly closed, her expression serene, as if she were merely asleep.
Around her, the golden-red mini-Phoenix, composed of pure cosmic energy, was like an angry bee trapped in a glass bottle, frantically yet futilely, crashing against the invisible "Rule barrier."
Each of its impacts made no sound and caused not a single ripple.
It was as if it and the real World had been completely separated into two dimensions.
Everyone slowly turned their gaze to the man in pajamas, who had just finished his work.
Their eyes were filled with awe, and a hint of... deep-seated confusion from their Souls.
It's... done?
That was a cosmic-Rank disaster that made the entire Earth tremble and nearly shattered Professor Charles's Mental Energy!
And it was just... casually "packaged" by him?
"Consultant Mr...." Scott spoke with difficulty, feeling his throat dry. "Now... what should we do?"
Xiang Tianming glanced at the "Phoenix" he had "sealed" and showed an expression of extreme disdain.
Just like an ordinary person looking at a broken, large piece of furniture at home that they don't know how to deal with.
"What to do?" He scratched his messy hair. "What else can be done? Leave it be."
He casually waved his hand at the energy sphere.
The sphere, enclosing Jean and the Phoenix, lightly floated towards the main building of the Mansion.
"Wait! Xiang! Where are you taking it?!" Professor Charles was greatly alarmed. This thing was a cosmic-Rank nuclear bomb; it needed the highest-Rank containment room... However, Xiang Tianming's next action almost gave Professor Charles a heart attack on the spot.
The energy sphere did not fly towards the underground containment room, but rather... it swayed gently, passed through Jean Grey's own bedroom window, and then was gently placed on her large bed with pink sheets.
Xiang Tianming snapped his fingers.
An invisible Mental Energy barrier instantly completely isolated that bedroom from the outside World.
"Alright." He clapped his hands, looking as if he had accomplished a great feat. "Give her a quieter environment. This way, no matter how much it rages inside, it won't disturb anyone else's rest."
"Oh, and Professor." He turned and said to Charles in a tone like "remember to feed the cat on time," "Remember to have someone deliver her nutritious meals to her room door on time every day. This expense will also be added to my 'overtime bill' later."
Charles: "..."
All the X-Men: "..."
They felt their brains had completely stopped working.
He... he actually placed a... living cosmic calamity in a girls' dormitory, treating it like a... patient needing recuperation (or rather, a pet needing isolation)?!
What kind of Divine Rank operation was this, one that disregarded everything?
...Geno-sha Space Station.
In the command center, Erik Lehnsherr watched the entire "live recording" of the incident with a poker face.
When he saw the cosmic Phoenix, on which he had placed his high hopes for "God-slaying," being casually packaged by Xiang Tianming like garbage and then thrown back into a bedroom.
His heart, which had become incredibly cold due to extreme anger and ambition, completely... chilled.
He realized that he had once again made a fatal mistake.
He always thought of finding a power that could "contend" with Xiang Tianming.
But he forgot that that man, he himself, was the Incarnation of "Rules."
Any powerful force, in the face of "Rules," was meaningless.
It was like a top BOSS in a game; no matter how high its stats or how flashy its skills, it could not harm the game administrator who had "GM privileges."
"I was wrong..."
Erik murmured softly.
For the first time, his eyes revealed a deep sense of powerlessness, almost despair.
But this despair lasted less than three seconds.
It was replaced by an even crazier, more fanatical Fire!
Since it was impossible to find a God-slaying power from "outside"... then!
I will "create" one with my own hands!
He suddenly turned and opened a highly confidential, encrypted communication channel.
"It's me." His voice was cold and hoarse.
On the other end of the line, a similarly arrogant and hoarse voice came: "Oh? It's our 'King of Space.' What? Have you finally decided to accept my 'friendship'?"
"Victor Von Doom." Erik said word by word, "I need your wisdom. And... all your research materials on 'magic' and 'theology.'"
On the other end of the line, the man known as "Dr. Doom" let out a low chuckle: "My 'consulting fee' is very expensive, Eric."
"Money is not an issue." Erik looked at the screenshot of Xiang Tianming's lazy face on the screen, a crazy light flickering in his eyes.
"My 'Chairman' is the most generous person in this World."
"I want you to help me build a weapon."
"A weapon that can... analyze 'Rules,' resist 'Concepts,' and even... harm a 'Divine Rank' being itself!"
...Xavier's Mansion.
Having dealt with the big trouble of the "Phoenix," Xiang Tianming felt physically and mentally exhausted.
He felt that his "exercise volume" for this month had severely exceeded the limit.
He floated back to his hibernation pod, preparing to sleep soundly for a week to replenish his "lazy Soul" damaged by "overtime."
As for the "Phoenix" he had locked in the bedroom, he didn't care about it at all.
In his opinion, it was like a "Red Divine Rank equipment" that he had dropped while playing a game, which was temporarily not high enough Rank to wear and was bound.
Although it was a bit noisy for now, it was still his spoils of war.
Throwing it away was definitely not an option.
As for when he would remember to study the attributes of this "Divine Rank equipment"... that would depend on when he woke up.
Chapter 36: God is on vacation, the devil is starting a business
Ever since Xiang Tianming dealt with the cosmic-level problem of the Phoenix in a very "domestic" manner, he contentedly entered his "long vacation mode."
In his words: "Last month's overtime hours severely exceeded the limit. This month, I must be compensated with double the vacation time. This is stipulated by labor Law… oh no, by 'Divine Law'!".
Thus, he returned to his zero-gravity hibernation pod, filled with high-tech and a lazy aura, and began a month-long deep sleep.
Xavier's Mansion, as a result, entered an unprecedented period of eerie "peace"... Peace, first and foremost, manifested at Jean Grey's bedroom door.
This place had become the entire Mansion's highest security, most somber "restricted area."
Professor Charles personally drew a red line on the corridor floor outside the door, strictly forbidding any student from crossing it.
Daily meal delivery also became a job full of "ritual" and "danger."
This glorious and arduous task fell to Captain Scott.
Three times a day, Scott would don a special protective suit (made by Hank, rumored to block psychic pollution) like a commando about to enter a nuclear radiation zone, hold his breath, and carefully place a special "high-energy nutrient solution" at the tightly closed bedroom door.
Then, he would knock three times (neither too light nor too heavy), say "Jean, it's time to eat," and retreat beyond the red line as quickly as possible.
The entire process was solemn and filled with reverence for "cosmic power."
And the young X-Men's admiration for Advisor Xiang had already become internalized and externalized.
They were no longer satisfied with studying the Advisor's "words and deeds," but began to study the Advisor's "work."
The Phoenix, which the Advisor had "packaged" inside Jean, became their best object of study.
"Do you feel it?" Bobby would sit cross-legged outside the red line, eyes closed, a look of intoxication on his face, "From behind that door, faintly emanating, is a cosmic 'Dao Rhyme' filled with the aura of 'destruction' and 'Rebirth'!".
"Yes." Jean's best friend, Storm Ororo (a newly transferred student, successfully brainwashed), would also solemnly agree, "I can feel that Mr. Consultant is not 'imprisoning' it. He is… 'taming' it! He wants to turn this wildest power into… a power we can control to protect the World! How painstaking his efforts are!".
Professor Charles, whenever he heard the "academic discussions" of his students, who had completely fallen into Qi Deviation, could only silently pop another fast-acting heart pill.
He felt like he was now the Dean of a mental hospital.
Not only did he have to oversee a "cosmic-level lunatic" (Phoenix) that could explode at any moment.
He also had to take care of a "God" (Xiang Tianming) who was in deep sleep.
Even worse, he had to deal with a group of "lunatics" (X-Men) who were trying to comprehend a "mental illness" as "Dao Rhyme."
So tired… Of course, in this World, besides Professor Charles, there was another person who was incredibly sober.
Geno-sha Space Station.
Erik Lehnsherr, after learning that his "God-Slaying Blade" had been locked in a bedroom like a "pet" by Xiang Tianming.
He, too, entered an unprecedented golden age of "career" development.
The "Chairman" was asleep.
This meant that no one would ever audit his "financial statements" again, and no one would ever criticize his "trivial" "small projects."
He had gained… absolute freedom.
Thus, his "Holy Alliance" with the equally arrogant monarch of Latveria, Dr. Victor von Doom, officially began.
"...Its energy structure does not belong to any dimension known to us." In a top-secret video conference spanning half the Earth, Dr. Doom, looking at the data Erik had sent, exclaimed with excitement, "It is both energy and will! Your 'boss' can imprison it with pure 'personal will'... This indicates that his 'will' itself is a cosmic Law that can distort 'physical rules'!".
"I need something that can 'deceive,' or even 'override' this 'Law,'" Erik's voice was cold and direct.
"Interesting idea." A low chuckle came from beneath Dr. Doom's iron mask, "What you want to create is not a 'weapon.' It's a... 'pseudo GM permission.'"
"I will provide you with theoretical support in 'magic' and 'dimensional science,'" Doom said, "But, I require exclusive usage rights to all 'new Materials technology' from Genosha for the next ten years."
"Deal." Erik agreed without hesitation.
He was using Xiang Tianming's "assets" to gain "God-slaying" "technology" for himself.
A great "startup" project, jointly undertaken by the two most prominent "super villains" on Earth, aimed at "overthrowing God," quietly began while Xiang Tianming was sleeping... One month later.
Inside the zero-gravity hibernation pod, all physiological monitoring indicators showed perfection.
Xiang Tianming slowly opened his eyes.
He felt that he had slept refreshingly, and his limbs were filled with the fragrance of a "slacker."
He stretched lazily and sat up from the hibernation pod.
"Ah... comfortable."
He habitually picked up his phone, ready to see if anything interesting had happened in the Worldduring his "vacation."
A work report from his "excellent employee" Erik.
Chairman, the company's revenue this month has reached a new high. Please see the attachment for details.
—Xiang Tianming swiped it away directly, not interested.
A thank-you letter from the U.S. Government, along with a screenshot of a "Moon Renovation Fund" deposit.
—Xiang Tianming nodded with satisfaction and saved the screenshot.
Then… he saw a System notification from his personally created "Slacker Life APP."
It was an update announcement.
Dear Supreme VIP user, hello! Your exclusive game "one-click godhood," in order to bring you a richer gaming experience, will undergo a one-month server maintenance starting today. This update will include brand new 'social' and 'team dungeon' functions! Please look forward to it!
The smile on Xiang Tianming's face slowly froze.
He read the announcement again, word by word.
Server… maintenance… for… one… month?
Updating… "social" and "team" functions?
He slowly lowered his head.
The atmosphere in the hibernation pod began to become somewhat oppressive.
Professor Charles sensed this low pressure, which was ten thousand times more terrifying than when the Phoenix Force erupted, at the first moment.
He knew something big had happened.
Xiang Tianming slowly raised his head.
His face, which had been flushed with health from a good sleep, was now covered in dark clouds, with lightning flashing and thunder rumbling.
He could tolerate his archenemy making small moves behind his back.
He could ignore the changing tides of the World.
But!
He absolutely could not tolerate anyone daring to deprive him of his right to play games for a month!
And, to add such troublesome, anti-"slacker" garbage functions like "social" and "team" to his favorite "single-player" game!
"Social...?"
"Team...?"
"Who! The! Hell! Wants! This! Kind! Of! Thing!"
"E! Ric! K! ! !"
A roar, filled with endless fury, from "God," resounded throughout Xavier's Mansion!
Chapter 37: The Rage of the "Chairman" and the New Career of the "COO"
Above Xavier's Mansion, the winds and clouds changed color.
A low-pressure system, more terrifying and oppressive than when the Phoenix descended, filled with pure "negative energy," exploded with Xiang Tianming's stasis pod as its center, instantly enveloping the entire North American continent!
The young X-Men, who were undergoing "Zen practice," were pressed to the ground by this Divine Might, filled with "morning grumpiness" and "rage from a disconnected internet," trembling.
Eric, who was in the isolation room studying how to exploit a bug in one-click godhood to generate infinite gold, suddenly looked up, and for the first time, an emotion called "fear" appeared in his eyes.
Professor Charles, who was in his office worrying himself sick about World peace, saw his vision go black and almost crushed the armrest of his newly replaced, reinforced ceramic wheelchair!
He knew that the most terrifying Pandora's Box had been opened.
Not because of the end of the World.
But because… someone had "updated" the "God's" game account.
"He… where is he?!"
Xiang Tianming stepped out of the stasis pod. He was still wearing his Pikachu-printed pajamas, but at this moment, his usually sleepy face was filled with a volcanic, raging fury!
Professor Charles, with difficulty, used telepathy to point him to Genosha's coordinates.
Xiang Tianming didn't even say "thank you."
He just reached out his hand towards the air in front of him, then, like tearing a piece of paper, he gently swiped.
"Zzzzz—"
Space was torn apart.
A spatial portal, shimmering with Chaos light and filled with unstable energy, suddenly appeared in the center of the game room!
Because of his anger, he was too lazy to even use a "shuttle." He directly tore one open with his unreasonable brute force!
He stepped through the portal… Genosha, main command center.
Erik Lehnsherr was calmly watching the global energy index map on the screen, which was fluctuating violently due to Xiang Tianming's rage.
He knew he was coming.
But he didn't regret it. This was part of his plan—to test Xiang Tianming's "bottom line" in this way.
However, he still underestimated how serious an "insult" being "disconnected from the internet" was to a "Divine Rank slacker."
There was no alarm, no warning.
In front of the indestructible alloy command table, built with Genosha's most cutting-edge technology, the space rippled like Water.
Then, Xiang Tianming, wearing his Pikachu pajamas, stepped out from within.
At that moment, Eric felt that the "magnetic field" of the entire space station, the "Law" of the entire Universe, bowed before this man.
He was the "source code" of this World.
Xiang Tianming didn't speak.
He just slammed a "update announcement," printed on the spot with telekinesis and still warm, onto Eric's face.
"Explain."
His voice was as cold as absolute Zero.
Eric, the future "Magneto," slowly took the announcement from his face. He tried to use his always effective "business rhetoric" to stabilize the situation.
"Chairman, please calm down. This is just a strategic… move to improve 'user experience' and 'long-term profitability'…"
"The 'user' is me!" Xiang Tianming roared, cutting him off.
"And my 'experience' is now very! Very! Very! Bad!"
"I pay money to enjoy the game! Not to let the game 'educate' me, to make me 'challenge' myself!"
"'Socializing'?! 'Team'?! Do I need socializing?! Do I need a team?!"
"My job is to have you 'workers' arrange everything for me! And now, you actually want the 'Chairman' to personally go 'raid'?!"
"Eric! Do you think I paid you too much this month?!"
Eric was so stunned by this roar, full of "boss logic," that he couldn't say a word.
He found that all his wisdom, all his schemes, seemed… so ridiculous in front of this "God" who only followed the fundamental Law of "am I having fun or not."
"Very good." Xiang Tianming looked at the silent Eric, his anger turning into a laugh.
"It seems that 'outsourcing' is indeed unreliable."
"The company's core technology must be in the hands of the boss himself!"
As he spoke, he closed his eyes.
The next second, a will that made Eric, Charles, and all beings in the World who could sense energy tremble, descended.
Xiang Tianming plunged his consciousness into the deepest part of the quantum network.
He found the "source code" of the virtual World named one-click godhood.
Then, in a manner almost like "devouring," he pulled that vast World, composed of countless data streams, towards himself!
"From today onwards," his voice boomed over the entirety of Genosha, like a Divine oracle.
"one-click godhood will no longer require a server."
"No longer require updates and maintenance."
"Because this World…"
"…will be personally taken over by me!"
He "privatized" the entire game, turning it into a dedicated "thought instance" in his Sea of Consciousness!
From then on, he was the sole, highest-authority GM of this game!
Having done all this, Xiang Tianming slowly opened his eyes.
He looked at Erik Lehnsherr, who was completely stunned in front of him.
The raging fury on his face gradually subsided, replaced by a playful and… wicked smile.
"As for you, Eric."
"As the COO of the 'Game Business Unit,' due to work errors, you caused the Chairman an extremely poor user experience."
"You are fired."
Eric's pupils contracted upon hearing this.
"However…" Xiang Tianming's tone shifted, "considering that you worked hard before, I've decided to give you an opportunity for 'internal transfer.'"
"My new 'game' has just launched, and it's a bit lacking in popularity."
"Recently, I've developed a little interest in that so-called 'team dungeon.' Grinding alone is a bit boring."
He gave Eric a devilish smile.
"Be online at 9 AM tomorrow, sharp."
"You and I, the two of us, will grind that 'Hell Rank' team dungeon."
"Oh, and," he added,
"Remember to play a 'healer.'"
Chapter 38: The first "team building" between the "Demon King" nurse and the "God" output
Erik Lehnsherr felt his life was like an absurd drama, full of black humor.
He was once the 'terror' of humanity.
Later, he became Xiang Tianming's 'employee'.
Now, he was about to become... Xiang Tianming's 'healer'.
In his confinement room (new office), a non-metallic, immersive VR gaming setup, rushed overnight by 'Dynamic Blizzard' company, had already been installed.
This was his new 'workstation'.
He expressionlessly put on the equipment and logged into the privatized 'World' that now existed for only one person.
—one-click godhood (Xiang Tianming's Devil King Modded Version).
[Please create your new character.]
Erik looked at the dazzling array of profession choices before him: Berserker, Paladin, Archmage, Shadow Assassin... each filled with power and glory.
He reached out his hand, trembling, and grazed over these options.
Finally, his finger rested on the profession he had never in his life imagined would have any intersection with him.
—[Holy Priest].
A support profession centered on 'dedication' and 'healing'.
Then came character customization and naming.
He casually sculpted an unremarkable, common face.
As for the name... he pondered for a long time, a flicker of extreme, cold self-mockery in his eyes.
Then, he typed two characters into the naming box.
—"Nanny"... When the character "Nanny" was born into this empty yet incredibly real game World.
His 'boss' had already been waiting for a long time.
"Lord Xiang", the character belonging to Xiang Tianming, was suspended in mid-air in the Novice Village (Newbie Village). He wore a set of iridescent 'GM fashion' made of pure light and Law, which Erik had never seen in the game database.
He was the Kami (God) of this World.
[Private Chat] Lord Xiang: [You are three minutes late. This month's perfect attendance bonus is gone.]
Erik looked at the message and took a deep breath.
[Private Chat] Nanny: [...]
[Private Chat] Lord Xiang: [Speechless? Where are the Buffs? Don't you see the distinguished DPS (Damage Per Second) standing here? Hurry up, cast all the Holy Light Power, King's Blessing, Giant's Guard on me!]
Erik, humiliated, raised his small wooden stick-like staff, given to him in the Newbie Village, and cast his first 'Healing Spell' on "Lord Xiang"...
"Hell-level" team dungeon [Chaos Throne].
This was once Erik's ultimate challenge, designed by his top-tier planners, requiring forty top players, precise cooperation, and several hours to possibly clear.
But now... Xiang Tianming walked through the dungeon like an emperor strolling in his backyard.
He walked swaggeringly, hands in his pockets (game character setting).
The first stage, [Lava Hell].
The scorching flames erupting from the ground, enough to instantly kill ordinary players, would automatically and docilely extinguish when they approached within three meters of his body.
"Nanny, keep up!" Xiang Tianming shouted from ahead, "Are your legs that short? Run faster! Watch my HP bar! Although I know I'm strong and won't lose HP, your healing is a matter of 'attitude', understand?"
Erik, expressionless, followed behind him, mechanically casting "Flash Heal" over and over again on the HP bar that was always 100%.
The second stage, [Undead Legion].
Hundreds of thousands of undead, an army that had once wiped out countless guilds, surged from the darkness.
Xiang Tianming merely snapped his fingers.
"Clear the field."
The next second, all the undead were like they had been pressed the 'delete' key, instantly turning into a sky full of experience points and gold coins, raining down.
"Nanny! What are you spacing out for! Pick up the items!"
"How many times have I told you, gold coins aren't important, pick up those glowing Materials first! You, as an employee, have no foresight at all!"
Erik, the former 'Magneto', silently knelt down and began his glorious mission as a 'gold farming grunt'...
Finally, they arrived before the final BOSS, [Lord of Chaos · Source of Destruction].
It was a terrifying Devil King, a hundred meters tall, burning with black flames. Every breath it took made the entire dungeon tremble.
"Alright, you, stand back." Xiang Tianming waved his hand at "Nanny", "Don't let the BOSS's saliva splash on my limited edition global fashion."
Then, he walked forward alone.
He looked at the final BOSS, which was enough to make any player despair.
Then, in a highly professional game reviewer's tone, he commented:
"Hmm, the model is well-built, quite intimidating. It's just that the special effects are a bit cheap. I'll have the art team revise it later."
After speaking, he extended a finger.
A golden 'Law Light', a hundred times thicker than the BOSS's body, descended from the sky.
"Boom—!!!"
That former ultimate challenge didn't even have time to say a single line.
It was instantly killed on the spot.
Killed so thoroughly that not even a speck remained.
"Ding ding ding ding—"
Where the BOSS fell, a golden light even more dazzling than the Sun burst forth! Countless legendary, epic, and mythical equipment and items piled up into a small mountain.
Xiang Tianming nodded with satisfaction.
He walked forward and collected all the spoils into his bag. He didn't leave a single item for his 'healer'.
Then, he opened the trade window and sent a trade request to "Nanny".
Erik numbly clicked "Accept".
He wanted to see how this demon, after plundering all the spoils, would try to humiliate him next.
Then, he saw Xiang Tianming place an item in the trade slot...
It was not a Divine Artifact, nor was it legendary equipment.
It was a... White, the lowest grade... trash equipment that could be farmed in the Newbie Village.
[Collar of Loyal Servant (Ornament)]
Equipment Description: Wear it and pledge your loyalty to your Master.
Below the trade slot, a private message from "Lord Xiang" was also attached.
[Considering you put in hard work today, even if not merit, this is your 'performance bonus'.]
[Wear it.]
[This is our company's newly designed... 'Outstanding Employee' uniform.]
Inside the confinement room.
Erik Lehnsherr looked at the trade window on the VR screen, which was filled with extreme insult.
On his face, which had endured countless storms and remained as cold and hard as a sculpture.
A burning, endlessly humiliating... tear.
Slowly, it slid down.
And in the monitoring room.
Professor Charles, watching this scene, silently closed his eyes and poured the entire bottle of quick-acting heart pills by his hand into his mouth.
He felt that it would be better if this World was destroyed sooner.
Chapter 39: "Xianyu's" resignation report and the final "corporate restructuring"
In Xiang Tianming's "Divine Rank" idle game, "one-click godhood," he had just generated a set of "Karma"-level ultimate Divine equipment, constructed purely from concepts.
He was about to put on this new attire and go tease his "Comrade Nanny," who was diligently managing his "Chaos Throne" duet instance.
Just then...
In his zero-gravity hibernation chamber, guarded by absolute rules, a place even Professor Charles's Mental Energy couldn't easily penetrate...
A spatial gate, shimmering with seven-colored light, appeared out of thin air without any warning.
Xiang Tianming was stunned.
He stared at the familiar yet strange light gate, his mind crashing for three seconds.
"Oh... that's right."
He slapped his forehead, finally remembering.
He, it seemed... was a Transmigrator?
He, it seemed... also had a Golden Finger called the "Myriad Worlds Shuttle"?
He had almost forgotten.
There was no helping it; living as a "God of Idleness" in this World was simply... too comfortable. So comfortable, in fact, that he had almost completely forgotten his "main mission."
The light gate floated there silently, as if saying, "Boss, the next project can begin."
Xiang Tianming floated out of his hibernation pod.
There was no excitement on his face for the journey about to begin.
Only an extreme weariness, like a project manager feels at the end of a long business trip filled with idiotic clients and incompetent teammates—a sense of relief, yet also a feeling of "the paperwork is such a hassle."
"Sigh."
He let out a long sigh.
"Finally... I can get off work."
However, as a "Divine Rank idle person" with "professional Dao," he felt it was necessary to arrange the follow-up work for his "company" (this World), which he had painstakingly (while lying down) managed for so long, before his "resignation."
He couldn't just leave, only for the company to collapse right after.
Wouldn't that make him, the "founder," seem utterly incompetent?
"It's time."
He mumbled to himself.
"It's time to hold a final 'all-staff meeting' and conduct a thorough 'corporate restructuring' and 'transfer of power.'"
...Half an hour later.
On the absolutely serene lawn of Xavier's Mansion, which Xiang Tianming had doubly blessed with "Divine Edict" and "military restricted zone."
A highest-level meeting, one that would determine the future direction of this World, was underway.
The attendees formed an impressive lineup.
All members of the X-Men sat upright, like excellent students awaiting their graduation defense.
Professor Charles Xavier's expression was solemn, like an old principal on the verge of retirement.
And on the giant holographic projection in the center of the lawn was the cold face of Genosha's "Chief Operating Officer," Erik Lehnsherr, a face etched with "endurance" and "doubt."
Xiang Tianming, wearing his most comfortable pajamas, floated on his "throne" and cleared his throat.
"Dear colleagues, dear employees."
He began, his tone remarkably similar to that of any boss preparing to "paint a rosy picture" for their employees at the year-end annual meeting.
"First, on behalf of myself, I express my profound... oh no, my sincere gratitude for your... diligent work over the past period."
"Through our collective efforts, our company has achieved brilliant success. Our 'financial products' (referring to stocks) have led the recovery of the World economy. Our 'subsidiary' (referring to Genosha) has successfully gone public in outer space. Our 'security department' (referring to the X-Men) has also... successfully maintained internal company stability."
"But!"
He changed his tone, his expression suddenly becoming "serious."
"As a 'founder' about to embark on a long journey, I must point out that our company still faces several very serious 'historical issues'!"
"If these issues are not resolved, they will severely impact the company's future sustainable development!"
Everyone present, including Eric, held their breath.
They didn't know what Earth-shattering stunt this capricious "God" was about to pull in his "farewell speech."
Xiang Tianming extended a finger.
"First, 'personnel management' issues! That is, the long-standing internal conflict between 'Mutant' and 'Mortal' employees, two different 'species'!"
He extended a second finger.
"Second, 'business conflict' issues! That is, the vicious competition between the 'Earth Division,' represented by Professor Charles, and the 'Space Division,' represented by Eric!"
Finally, he extended a third finger, pointing towards Jean Grey's bedroom.
"Third, and most importantly, 'asset security' issues! Our company still holds a 'strategic asset' (referring to the Phoenix Force) of immense power but extreme instability. If this 'great destroyer' is not handled properly, our company could face the risk of 'bankruptcy liquidation' at any time!"
After he finished speaking, the scene was silent.
Everyone was stunned into speechlessness by his "Divine Rank interpretation" of the World's situation, filled with "business jargon."
Xiang Tianming looked at the expressions on everyone's faces with satisfaction.
He cleared his throat and, with the tone of a charlatan saying, "Today, I will give you foolish Mortals a true Great Master class in management," announced:
"Therefore, before I 'resign'...
"I have decided to personally oversee a final and most thorough..."
"...organizational restructuring of our great 'company'!"
Chapter 40: Optimization and Re-employment Guidance for the Human Resources Department
Xiang Tianming cleared his throat, sweeping his gaze, filled with the authority of a "boss," over everyone (and every projection) present.
"Today, the first problem we need to solve is the 'personnel' problem!"
"For a long time, within our company, there have been huge conflicts between employees of two different types of work: 'ordinary people' and 'Mutants'! Discrimination, prejudice, and conflict are endless! This has seriously affected the company's internal unity and production efficiency!"
"Have you ever thought about why this is?"
He looked at everyone with a gaze that said, "You idiots definitely can't figure it out."
Professor Charles sighed and interjected, "Because of fear, because of misunderstanding..."
"Wrong!"
Xiang Tianming interrupted him mercilessly.
"Superficial!"
"The real root cause is that our company lacks a scientific, systematic management process for 'new employee onboarding and job matching'!"
He began his "Great Master class" in a language full of "business jargon" that all the "Super Heroes" present couldn't understand.
"'Ordinary people' are the company's 'old employees.' They have single skills and rigid thinking, but they have the advantage of being numerous and occupy most of the company's positions."
"And what about 'Mutants'?" He pointed at Scott and the others, "You are the company's newly recruited 'Genius interns'! You have talent, ability, and master 'disruptive technologies' (referring to superpowers)! However, the company has not arranged suitable positions for you, nor has it provided effective 'pre-job training' for you!"
"What's the result?"
"The result is that you 'Genius' are assigned to the group of 'old employees,' doing the same work as them every day. They see you as 'outsiders,' as 'threats.' You see them as 'idiots,' as 'stumbling blocks.' That's how conflicts arise!"
"This isn't a racial issue, my friends." Xiang Tianming spread his hands, "This is a typical failed case of 'human resources management'!"
The X-Men were stunned.
Professor Charles listened, his lips turning white.
Eric, in the holographic projection, listened, his mouth twitching.
They felt that the great cause of "racial liberation" that they had fought for their entire lives, full of blood and tears...
In Xiang Tianming's mouth, it had actually become a... company's "internal management" problem?
"So, my solution is very simple."
Xiang Tianming snapped his fingers.
"From today onwards, we will officially establish a brand new, transnational, vertically managed department!"
"—The Global Mutant Human Resources Department (GMHRD)!"
"And the first 'Chief Human Resources Officer' (CHRO) of this department..."
His gaze fell on Professor Charles.
"Will be Mr. Charles Xavier."
Charles: "...I refuse."
"Protest invalid." Xiang Tianming, using his authority as "Chairman," rejected the protest.
"The responsibility of this department is not to engage in some vague 'ideological education,' but to conduct the most direct and effective 'talent matching' and 'labor dispatch'!"
As he spoke, he closed his eyes.
An will, more vast and precise than ever before, instantly enveloped the entire Earth.
He was using his Divine Power to build a brand new "platform"!
He forcibly implanted an invisible "backend program" into the depths of the Soul of every creature carrying the X-gene on Earth!
"Alright."
A few minutes later, he opened his eyes, a programmer-like smile of "System launch successful" on his face.
"From now on, for any newly Awakened Mutant, his ability information will automatically generate a 'skill assessment report' at the first instance, and be entered into our GMHRD's 'talent database'."
"And you, Charles," he pointed at the Professor, "your job is to sit in the office, like a true HR, review these 'resumes,' and then 'dispatch' these 'talents' to the 'positions' where they can best utilize their value!"
He became more and more excited as he spoke, and began to give examples.
"For example, that kid over there who can shoot energy from his eyes (referring to Scott)."
"Why be an X-Man? What a waste of talent! Directly 'dispatch' him to the iron mines in Australia! Specifically responsible for precise ore blasting! A million annual salary, five insurances and one housing fund, plus year-end dividends! Isn't that better than being a security guard here?"
"And that girl who can control the weather (referring to Storm)."
"Why save the World? Directly sign 'climate service contracts' with major agricultural countries around the World! Good weather is all within her thoughts! Let her become the 'living Bodhisattva' for all farmers in the World! Isn't it great to count money at home every day?"
"Also, the one who can talk to fish... Oh, not here. Anyway, do you understand what I mean?"
He looked at the X-Men, who were completely petrified, and made his final summary.
"Don't treat your superpowers as a 'curse' or 'talent' anymore!"
"From today onwards, it is your 'core competitiveness'! It is your 'skill certificate' for survival in this cruel society!"
"Don't always think about 'integrating' into society! Go 'serve' society! Go and turn yourselves into an irreplaceable, expensive 'means of production'!"
"When every Mutant becomes an indispensable, high-paying 'technical expert' in various industries; when human economy can no longer do without your 'superpower services'...
"I'd like to see who still dares to discriminate against you?"
"They will only, like grandchildren, hold money and beg you to work for them!"
"This is what real 'racial equality' is!"
"—Absolute equality based on 'economic status'!"
After he finished speaking, the entire room was dead silent.
Professor Charles felt that his dream had been realized by this man in the most cruel, most utilitarian, and... damn most effective way.
And Eric, in the holographic projection, for the first time, showed an extremely complex expression on his cold face, mixed with "absurdity," "anger," and a hint of... "admiration."
He discovered that he and Xiang Tianming had reached a surprising consensus on the point of "Mutantsupremacy."
However, he wanted to rely on "fists."
And this man wanted to rely on... "money."
"Alright." Xiang Tianming clapped his hands.
"The first problem is solved. Now, let's talk about the second problem..."
"—Regarding the issue of 'internal company friction.'"
His gaze slowly shifted to Eric's projection.
Chapter 41: Mergers and Acquisitions of Subsidiaries and the Birth of the Board of Directors
Xiang Tianming watched with satisfaction as Professor Charles accepted the weighty appointment of "Chief Human Resources Officer."
Although, the Professor's face looked as if he had just swallowed an entire bottle of expired quick-acting heart medication.
"Very good."
Xiang Tianming slowly shifted his "wise" gaze from Professor Charles.
Then, it precisely landed on the giant holographic projection of Erik Lehnsherr in the center of the lawn.
At that moment, the atmosphere of the entire scene solidified.
Everyone knew that today's "main event" had arrived.
"Now, let's discuss the second issue."
Xiang Tianming's voice became as cold and filled with undeniable "purchasing power" as the "Moon renovation fee" he had just signed for.
"—Regarding the issue of 'internal company friction'!".
"Charles," he first pointed to the Professor, "You represent the company's 'Earth Business Unit.' Its core business is 'maintaining stability' and 'employee training.' Its advantage is a deep Foundation. Its disadvantage is conservative thinking and a lack of innovation."
Then, he pointed to Eric's projection.
"And you, Eric. You represent the company's 'Space Business Unit.' Its core business is 'technology research and development' and 'market expansion.' Its advantage is leading technology and extreme aggressiveness. Its disadvantage is..."
He paused, revealing a smile that made Eric feel utterly humiliated.
"...Your startup capital was provided by me."
The cold facade on Eric's face instantly showed a crack.
"For a long time," Xiang Tianming spread his hands, a look of deep distress on his face, "your two 'business units' have been undermining each other, engaging in vicious competition! How many valuable company resources have been wasted?! Internal friction! This is all severe internal friction!".
"Have you ever considered the problem from the perspective of a 'shareholder' (me)?!".
"If you continue like this, can the company's 'financial report' look good?! Can my 'quarterly dividends' be guaranteed?!"
His words were spoken with "righteous indignation."
Professor Charles felt his heart was so tired.
Eric felt his hands were itching. He now only wanted to directly pull down the "Xiang Family Village" that had just been inscribed, from the sky.
"Therefore, I have decided."
Xiang Tianming snapped his fingers again.
"In order to thoroughly resolve 'departmental silos' and achieve optimized resource allocation and efficient collaboration within the 'Group.'"
"I announce a 'strategic merger and reorganization' of the 'Space Business Unit'!".
"From today onwards, 'Genosha' will no longer be an independent 'subsidiary'!".
"Its new name is — [Earth United - Mutant - Alien Development - Advanced Technology - Strategic Cooperation Department]!".
Xiang Tianming recited the entire department name in one breath, a name long enough to make any stenographer resign on the spot.
Then, he looked at Eric with a fatherly gaze, full of "I have planned a bright future for you."
"Xiao Ai, you are still the Chief Executive Officer of this 'Strategic Cooperation Department.' Your rank has not changed."
"However..."
He changed the subject.
"In order to strengthen the 'parent company's' effective supervision over the 'Strategic Cooperation Department' and prevent you from making 'arbitrary' mistakes again."
"I have decided to establish the [Genosha Project Strategic Development Committee], which is... the 'Board of Directors.'"
"This Board of Directors will have a 'veto power' over all your major decisions."
Eric's pupils suddenly constricted!
"As for the members of the 'Board of Directors'..."
Xiang Tianming revealed a devilish smile.
"Professor Charles Xavier will serve as a Director, representing the 'Earth Business Unit.'"
"Mr. Fred Duncan will serve as a Director, representing the 'U.S. Government,' a 'major client.'"
"The Secretary-General of the United Nations will serve as a Director, representing 'other small and medium shareholders.'"
"And I..."
"...am the Permanent Honorary Chairman of this Board of Directors, possessing the ultimate power to dissolve the Board at any time and to 'liquidate' you, along with your space station, at any time."
"How about it, Xiao Ai?"
"Are you... satisfied with this new 'corporate structure,' which is full of the spirit of 'democracy' and 'checks and balances'?"
Satisfied?
Eric almost gnashed his teeth to pieces!
What the hell was this "democracy"?!
This was clearly finding three of his most hated arch-enemies to be his "overseers"!
And putting the most fatal noose, called "final interpretation rights," around his neck!
His independent "Mutant Kingdom," which he had painstakingly built.
Was it just like that, "peacefully evolved" by Xiang Tianming in a few words?!
From an "independent sovereign state" to a "high-tech development zone" under "international multi-party supervision"?!
Professor Charles, Agent Duncan, who had listened to the entire meeting via an encrypted line, and the UN Secretary-General, were all stunned.
Did they win?
It seemed they did. They got the "supervisory power" over Genosha they had dreamed of.
But it also seemed they lost even more terribly.
Because they, too, were tied by Xiang Tianming to this crazy war chariot called "New World." From then on, they had to hold their noses and sit at the same table with their biggest enemy, Erik Lehnsherr, to hold meetings, drink tea, and discuss KPIs.
Xiang Tianming, with a "Board of Directors list."
Forcibly bound together the three most unstable forces in this World!
Making them check and balance each other, disgust each other, and... cooperate with each other.
And he himself remained aloof, reaping the benefits.
This was no longer "power play."
This was "Dao."
The "Dao" of "balance" for an "emperor"!
"I... accept."
After a long while, Eric squeezed out these three words from between his teeth.
He knew he had no choice.
"Very good!"
Xiang Tianming clapped his hands happily.
"Since the 'personnel' and 'business' issues have been resolved. Then let's discuss the last, and most important, issue..."
"—Regarding the safety of that 'company's highest-level fixed asset' that I keep as a 'pet' in the girls' dormitory."
His gaze slowly turned towards Jean Grey.
Chapter 42: The "Stripping" of "Non-Performing Assets" and the Rise of the "Ministry of Energy"
Xiang Tianming looked with satisfaction at Eric and Charles, the two "arch-rivals" whom he had just forcibly "squeezed" together.
Although their expressions were, one like "I'm going to send assassins to kill you tonight," and the other like "Why haven't I had a heart attack yet?"
But Xiang Tianming didn't care.
"Very good."
He slowly shifted his gaze from this pair of "love-hate" "department managers."
Finally, it settled on the red-haired girl, Jean Grey, who was looking at him with a tense expression.
The air in the entire place solidified once more.
Everyone knew that today's "employee meeting" had reached its most crucial and terrifying agenda item.
"Now, let's discuss the last issue."
Xiang Tianming's tone became like that of a ruthless CEO about to announce a "layoff list."
"—Regarding the safe disposal of the company's 'high-risk assets.'"
He reached out and gently beckoned.
The translucent energy sphere, which had been wrapped around Jean and Phoenix and placed in Jean's bedroom, silently penetrated the spatial barrier and appeared in mid-air above the lawn.
Inside the sphere, Jean was still asleep.
And the mini, golden-red Phoenix, the moment it sensed Xiang Tianming's will, immediately became incredibly agitated! It frantically slammed against the "rule barrier," letting out silent roars full of anger and resentment!
"This thing," Xiang Tianming said, pointing at the angry little bird and curling his lip, "is currently our company's biggest 'security risk' and 'non-performing asset.'"
"It has immense energy, but its consciousness is chaotic and extremely unstable. It's like 'junk code' full of bugs, capable of crashing the entire company server (Earth) at any moment."
"Keeping it is a disaster."
Hearing this, Scott's heart leaped into his throat. He instinctively took a step forward, looking nervously at Xiang Tianming. He was afraid that this unpredictable "God" would do something to harm Jean.
Xiang Tianming glanced at him.
"Don't be nervous, young man," he said lazily, "I'm not the kind of prodigal boss who would casually format the company's 'core assets.'"
"My solutions have always been full of 'humanistic care' and 'sustainable development' spirit."
As he spoke, he slowly extended his hand towards the energy sphere.
To everyone's horrified gaze.
His hand passed through the "rule barrier," which even the Phoenix Force could not shake, without any obstruction.
Then, he extended two fingers towards the roaring, mini Phoenix Shadow.
Like picking up a disobedient crayfish in a pond.
Gently... pinched it.
"Screech—!!!"
A sharp wail, full of pain and unwillingness, for the first time, entered the real World from the void!
The golden-red Phoenix, composed of "cosmic will," was forcibly "pinched" by Xiang Tianming with two fingers from around Jean's body!
Then... pulled it out!
"No—!!!"
A massive stream of consciousness, full of anger and unwillingness, exploded in everyone's minds!
The Phoenix Shadow was literally... extracted by Xiang Tianming from the energy sphere!
It struggled wildly, twisting at Xiang Tianming's fingertips.
But it was all in vain.
"I told you, you're noisy."
Xiang Tianming looked at this cluster of "junk code" still resisting at his fingertips, frowning impatiently.
Then, he rubbed his two fingers slightly.
"Buzz—"
The Phoenix's vast, chaotic "will," along with its "flames" capable of incinerating the Universe, were, at this moment, forcibly compressed! And re-compressed! by an even more unreasonable "Force of Rules."
Finally, all light, all energy, all will, condensed into a single point.
It transformed into a feather-shaped... red crystal, only the size of a thumb, crystal clear, with flames seemingly flowing within it.
Xiang Tianming casually tossed this crystal to Jean Grey, who was utterly dumbfounded.
"Here, a souvenir," he said in a tone like someone who, after disposing of industrial waste, casually gives a freebie to a customer.
"Its 'consciousness' has been 'formatted' by me. Now, only the shell is left, it looks pretty good, you can take it and use it as a pendant."
He... he actually turned a... Universe-level, ancient will...
Into a... tourist souvenir on the spot?!
Professor Charles felt his brain could no longer process this scene, which transcended mythology.
Meanwhile, Eric, through the holographic projection, stared intently at the red crystal that had fallen into Jean's hand. A trace of extreme... greed and longing flashed in his eyes.
But he knew that thing was now just a useless "shell."
Because the real "Treasure Trove" was yet to come!
After doing all this, Xiang Tianming turned his gaze back to the energy sphere, which no longer contained the "Phoenix Will," but only the purest, most vast "Phoenix Force," like a golden ocean.
"Alright, now the 'junk code' has been cleared."
He, like a Divine Rank programmer about to perform the final debugging, revealed a satisfied smile.
"Next, it's time for a perfect..."
"... 'driver adaptation' and 'System reinstallation' for this 'top-tier hardware' (referring to Jean) and this 'Divine Rank graphics card' (referring to the Phoenix Force)."
He gently placed his hand on the energy sphere enveloping Jean.
"From today onwards," his voice was filled with the unquestionable majesty of a "Creator."
"This power will no longer have 'will.'"
"It will become a part of you. An organ, a pair of arms, a... firewall that will always obey only your personal will."
"Boom—!!!"
The golden ocean of energy instantly boiled!
They were no longer violent, no longer chaotic. Instead, they transformed into the most docile, purest energy, slowly, like a gentle stream, merging into Jean Grey's body and Soul!
The energy sphere enveloping her slowly dissipated.
The girl slowly opened her eyes.
There was no pain, no struggle in her eyes. Only a golden tranquility, as brilliant as the stars.
She felt the immense power within her, a power thousands of times stronger than before, yet as docile as her own breath.
She... had become a truly stable, absolute... "Omega."
"Alright."
Xiang Tianming clapped his hands, concluding this "corporate asset restructuring" that could be called "Genesis."
He looked at Jean Grey, who was still immersed in her newfound power.
Then, in a tone befitting the appointment of a new department head, he announced:
"Congratulations, Ms. Jean Grey. From today onwards, you are the first director of our company's..."
"... [New Energy Research and Strategic Security Assurance Department]."
"From now on, the entire Earth's energy supply and security issues will be entrusted to you."
"Remember to have Professor help your department discuss the 'electricity bill' settlement with the U.S. Government."
Chapter 43: The "Chairman's" "Glorious Retirement" and the Journey to a New World
On the lawn, Xiang Tianming, the Divine Rank "Enterprise Architect," looked on with satisfaction at the first director of the "New Energy Department," Jean Grey, whom he had personally "promoted."
A trace of bewilderment and uncertainty about the new power within her still lingered on the girl's face.
But Xiang Tianming was no longer interested in giving her any "pre-job training."
His "work" was already complete.
"Alright."
He clapped his hands, attracting the attention of everyone present. The sound was like a company boss ready to announce the end of a meeting and rush off work.
"All agendas for this 'corporate restructuring' have been successfully completed."
"The three core issues of the company's 'personnel,' 'operations,' and 'assets' have all been perfectly resolved."
"I am… very satisfied with the results of this restructuring."
He looked down at the group of "employees" whose worldviews had been shattered and whose eyes were dull from the various Divine Rank operations he had performed.
Then, he dropped the last and most significant bomb of the day.
"Therefore."
"I, Xiang Tianming, as the 'Founder,' 'Chief Architect,' and 'Permanent Honorary Chairman' of this company."
"Hereby formally announce…"
"…I am retired."
"Effective immediately."
"…Ret… retired?!"
The word exploded in everyone's minds like a bomb even more terrifying than the Phoenix Force!
He… their "God," who was lazy, greedy, capricious, but also powerful enough to protect the entire World…
He… was leaving?
"Don't look at me like that." Xiang Tianming waved his hand impatiently, seeing their eyes, which were like those of "abandoned stray dogs."
"For the company to develop, it cannot always rely on its founder. I have to let go and let you grow on your own." He said it with grandiloquence.
Then, he began the final "transfer of power."
"Charles." His gaze first fell on Professor Charles. "From today onwards, you are the rotating chairman of the board of directors of the United Earth Group, and the lifelong minister of the Global Mutant Human Resources Department. I will only look at one KPI for you—the average annual income growth rate of Mutants worldwide. If it's below 10%, I'll remove you."
Charles: "…"
"Eric." His gaze then turned to Magneto in the holographic projection.
"You are the CEO of the Space Development Business Group. Your KPI is that the quarterly profit growth rate cannot be less than 20%. In addition, all new technologies you develop must be 'technically shared' with the 'Earth Business Unit.' Don't even think about creating a 'departmental monopoly,' understood?"
Eric: "…"
With a "farewell message" full of the oppressive aura of a "capitalist," he designed a perfect "shackle" for these two "arch-rivals" who had fought their entire lives—they had to cooperate, compete, and together, make money until they died for him, the "major shareholder" who was "not in his position."
Finally, his gaze fell on the X-Men, this group of "interns."
His farewell was also full of his unique "slacker" style.
"Scott."
"A brain is a good thing. Use it more in the future. A good team leader relies on wisdom, not eyes."
"Jean."
"Congratulations on your promotion. Remember to ask the U.S. Government to pay our Earth's 'electricity bill.' Don't let them default on our company's 'core business payments.' Also, don't use your new abilities to peek at Scott's phone; it's not good for team unity."
"Bobby, Hank, Ororo, Jamie…"
One by one, he gave his nominal "students" his final "blessings" with a "professional advice" full of "sarcasm" and "dark humor."
After doing all this.
He finally felt unburdened.
He turned around, wearing his eternally unchanged flip-flops.
Step by step, he walked towards the colorful light gate that had been waiting for him for a long time.
He did not look back.
Just as he was about to step into the light gate, he suddenly paused.
He did not turn around, but merely left his most profound life insight since coming to this World, as the final "Divine Oracle" for this World that he had personally twisted.
"Sigh…"
"Being a Consultant is really… tiring."
"I really need a vacation where I can quietly slack off."
As his voice fell.
His figure disappeared into the light gate.
The light gate also slowly dissipated, as if it had never appeared… [One Year Later]
The World was rapidly operating on an extremely strange, new orbit.
CNN Global News was reporting:
"…It is reported that a 'Special Grade Thermal Energy Engineer' with 'Fire Control' abilities, dispatched by the Global Mutant Human Resources Department, arrived in Japan today to assist in handling the aftermath of the Fukushima nuclear power plant. According to informed sources, this 'engineer's' single-day salary is as high as eight figures…"
United Nations Security Council.
Professor Charles and the representative from Genosha (not Eric, who disdained attending such meetings) were engaged in intense commercial negotiations over the ownership of the navigation routes around the "Moon Parking Lot."
In the night sky.
The Moon, engraved with the dual "Divine Miracle" of [Parking Space →] and [Xiang] characters, shimmered with the colorful star ring.
It became the "Holy Land" that countless Earth couples loved to gaze upon when making wishes.
This World did not become the "Utopia" of Charles's dreams.
Nor did it become the "Empire" that Eric hoped for.
It became a giant "company" dominated by "KPIs," "financial reports," "dividends," and "labor contracts."
A "New World" full of "efficiency" and "profit," absurd yet… exceptionally "peaceful."
Chapter 44: Ada Wang, Here I Come
Rain, cold rain.
Xiang Tianming floated silently above the dark alley, the rainwater automatically parting an inch from his body by an invisible force, as if an unseen membrane separated him from this wet, cold World.
He closed his eyes, his vast Telekinesis, enough to envelop the entire Planet, spread out like ripples, sweeping across the globe in an instant.
The myriad consciousnesses of billions of humans across the seven continents and four oceans flashed through his mind, most of them stable and orderly, filled with daily routines like going to work, slacking off, falling in love, and arguing. But at this one "point" on the North U.S. continent, an extremely piercing, immense noise erupted, composed of pure fear, pain, and hunger.
"Heh heh, among billions of people, you guys are the most hyped here," Xiang Tianming muttered to himself, his vast consciousness instantly focusing on the source of this noise—Raccoon City.
He slowly opened his eyes and floated down, his toes tapping in a shallow puddle without splashing a single drop of Water. He surveyed the alley he was in; half of the neon sign at the alley entrance was broken, the large characters "GUN SHOP KENDO" flashing with an eerie red light in the rain. Above him, a flickering fluorescent light, due to a loose connection, stabilized miraculously after Xiang Tianming merely glanced at it, emitting a continuous and bright light.
Here it comes, time to collect the "local specialty" of this World.
As soon as the thought arose, a translucent orb of light, visible only to him, promptly appeared before his eyes, like a delivery blind box imbued with Holy Light.
"The last World was X-Men, and the reward was Omega-class Telekinesis," Xiang Tianming briefly recalled, "This World… judging by this situation, they wouldn't give me a 'Zombie Survival Guide,' would they?"
He mumbled to himself, reaching out to poke the orb of light.
[Welcome to the "Resident Evil" World]
[Drawing local World gift… Congratulations! You have acquired the "Perfect Agent" ability]
A line of small text appeared before Xiang Tianming, then transformed into a stream of light and drilled into his glabella.
Countless pieces of knowledge and muscle memory flooded his brain. In an instant, he possessed everything a top Agent would.
Xiang Tianming was stunned for half a second, then a helpless smile spread across his lips.
"Perfect Agent? Alright, at least it's a skill I can use to show off in front of the goddess." He chuckled self-deprecatingly, "Otherwise, just using Telekinesis to pin people against a wall is too lacking in technical skill."
"But speaking of which… Resident Evil?"
Xiang Tianming's eyes lit up, and the image of that agile, mysterious, and deadly woman in the red cheongsam instantly filled his entire mind.
Ada Wong!
"Pursue! I must win her over!"
Once this thought arose, it grew wildly like weeds. What saving the World, what the future of humanity, what does it have to do with him? He was a nobody, a poor commoner, who hadn't even paid last World's rent; how could he have such high ideological awareness.
Coming here, he had only one goal—to get Ada Wong!
With Omega-class Telekinesis, coupled with the newly acquired Perfect Agent skill, Xiang Tianmingfelt like he was God. But he quickly dismissed the crude idea of directly going all out.
When playing, one needs a bit of flair. pretend to be a pig to eat the tiger, playing the hero saving the beauty, demonstrating his "reliability" and "charm" in desperate situations, letting the goddess slowly fall for him… this was the way of a high-level player.
"It's decided, this is how I'll do it." Xiang Tianming set his action plan, "Starting today, I am just an ordinary survivor with exceptionally good luck and decent skills."
The god-like indifference on his face instantly vanished, replaced by a slightly playful, decadent aura. He then deliberately walked into the rain, letting the cold rainwater soak his clothes and hair, making himself appear a bit disheveled.
His Telekinesis spread out again, precisely locking onto his targets.
"Leon S. Kennedy, Ada Wong… The show has just begun, how could I miss it?"
...Raccoon City Police Station, underground parking lot.
Leon had a headache. As a rookie Police who encountered the end of the World on his first day of work, he felt his life was like an absurd black comedy.
"Who exactly are you?" Leon gripped his pistol tightly, warily staring at the woman in front of him.
Ada Wong did not answer. Her gaze swept past Leon's shoulder, towards the entrance of the parking lot. She heard it, a remarkably steady set of footsteps, approaching.
"We have a guest," Ada Wong slowly lowered her gun, her eyes filled with scrutiny.
A figure slowly emerged from the rain. The person was tall, wearing a set of faded casual clothes, completely soaked, looking somewhat disheveled. Yet, he possessed an indescribable composure, his eyes astonishingly bright in the dim parking lot.
It was Xiang Tianming.
"Hey, you two, good evening," Xiang Tianming raised his hands, adopting a harmless demeanor, "Sorry to interrupt your… date?"
Ada Wong scrutinized Xiang Tianming with interest. This man was strange; he seemed ordinary, but that composure was definitely not faked. Her intuition told her that this person was extremely dangerous.
Xiang Tianming met her gaze, a smile forming inwardly. He could clearly "hear" Ada's superficial thoughts: "Who is this guy? Very calm, not normal. Unknown skills, unknown motives, need to be wary."
What an interesting woman, even her thoughts were so watertight.
Just then, a few zombies in Police uniforms, attracted by the commotion, stumbled out.
Leon's expression changed, and he immediately prepared to shoot.
"Watch out!"
However, Xiang Tianming was even faster. As if he had eyes in the back of his head, he reached back without even turning. From the trunk of a discarded Police car nearby, a half-meter-long steel pipe was gently pushed by an invisible force, sliding out from a pile of debris and landing perfectly in his palm.
"Rookie, watch closely. Against these slow-moving guys, using a gun is a waste of bullets."
Before Xiang Tianming finished speaking, he had already moved.
His movements were precise and efficient, the steel pipe in his hand carving out deadly arcs.
"Bang!"
The first zombie's head shattered like a watermelon.
"Tsk, a bit too much force," Xiang Tianming muttered to himself, subtly adjusting his Telekinesis to make the second zombie's lunge "just" half a second slower.
He ducked, dodging the bite, then twisted his wrist, and the steel pipe, moving from bottom to top, precisely pierced its jaw.
"Hmm, this force and angle are much more professional."
After dealing with two, he even had the leisure to wink at Leon and Ada, smiling, "How's that? My 'whack-a-mole' technique, would you say it's up to par?"
Leon watched, dumbfounded. Those skills were textbook-level!
A hint of surprise also flashed in Ada Wong's eyes. She had met many experts, but Xiang Tianming, who could turn violence into an art form while doing it with such effortless grace, was definitely the first.
"Bang! Bang!"
Xiang Tianming swung the pipe twice, easily dispatching the remaining zombies, then casually tossed the steel pipe to the ground with a crisp "clank." He clapped his hands, as if he had just done something trivial.
"Done. So, can you put the gun down, my dear Police officer?" Xiang Tianming tilted his head, looking at Leon.
Leon awkwardly lowered his hand and asked, "You… who exactly are you?"
"I already told you, Xiang Tianming, an unlucky tourist." Xiang Tianming spread his hands, then turned his gaze to Ada Wong, who had remained silent.
This time, his gaze was no longer just simple admiration. He seemed to see through her shrewd and capable disguise, perceiving a faint sense of weariness and loneliness deep within her Soul. This was a woman accustomed to dancing on the edge of a knife, a woman who had completely enveloped herself in missions and lies.
This profound gaze made Ada Wong's heart skip a beat for no reason.
"And you, beautiful lady?" Xiang Tianming whistled, breaking the momentary solemnity.
"Ada," she replied concisely.
"Ada… a beautiful name," Xiang Tianming smiled, a smile like a cat that had stolen fish, "May I call you Ada?"
"Whatever."
"Alright then, Ada." Xiang Tianming took two steps forward, standing between the two of them, "Since we've met so fortuitously, why don't we team up? Little brother Leon, you're Police, so you can guide the way. Beautiful Ada, you clearly have connections, so you can make decisions. And me," he pointed to himself, "as you can see, I'm pretty good with my hands, so I'll take care of the small fries. How about the three of us forming a team?"
His words were reasonable and left no room for refusal.
Leon naturally welcomed it, and Ada Wong, after a brief thought, also nodded. This man was too mysterious; keeping him close might allow her to uncover some unexpected information.
The moment she nodded, a loosened concrete block silently detached from above, about to hit her shoulder.
However, when the stone fell halfway, it seemed to hit an invisible wall, pausing eerily, then changed its trajectory, brushing past her arm and smashing into pieces on the ground.
The entire process was so fast that Leon didn't even react, and Ada merely frowned instinctively, thinking it was a coincidence.
Only Xiang Tianming, without even lifting an eyelid, chuckled inwardly.
Done! First step, successfully infiltrated.
Being God sometimes requires a bit of acting. And now, he just wanted to put on a peerless show called "Chance Encounter" for his only audience—Ada Wong. Of course, he was also happy to occasionally guest star as her "Guardian Angel."
More chapters available at Wtr-Lab (Zhutian: get omega level telekinesis at the beginnning)