78 Settling On A Date (1/2)

”Don't even think about trading for those worthless treasures! Go for the Nexus right away!” The usually suspicious and calculative Tzatziki was gone; replaced by some hyperactive junkie…

”Ok, ok... Stop yelling! I wasn't going to take the treasures anyways...” Jam was really getting tired of having his soulscape rumble with thunderous pressure from Tzatziki's agitation. Having a god's soul bounce around in one's soulscape could really tire even the most overpowered ten year old…

”Um… let's go with the Nexus thing.” Jam turned around and asked if anyone wished to trade opening the Core Nexus for some treasures. To no one's surprise, none of Jam's peers went against his decision. They didn't hear Tzatziki's wild ramblings, but if it was as Xie Ming explained — a perfect environment for training — they'd gladly chose it over some random treasures.

”Whew~ I knew you guys would prefer going there, only… there's a pretty big catch.” Xie Ming shook his head as though he wasn't confident in his words. He continued ”You see, the Core Nexus is ”damaged.” Well, if it wasn't I doubt any of us would even be able to enter. But, because it's in that weakened state, we have a chance to force our way through.

Now, let me tell you a story. Perhaps it will give you an idea of why this might not work out… Long ago, like several thousand years ago, before I was even a Saint, there existed two more factions in the center of the mountain range. Back then, things were relatively more peaceful, and though we were all competing for resources, there were no hatreds that lasted until death.

Back then, even those Munchie bastards weren't as crazy, they were even considered allies with us at one point. But, because we came upon the Nexus' entrance, everything changed for the worst. If I recall correctly, it was the Li Clan that discovered the Nexus first. They tried to explore it single handedly, but in the end they lacked the strenght to open a path to the Nexus by themselves.

Since they couldn't reach it no matter what they did, they consulted their allies for help. When even four faction's worth of power wasn't enough to open a path to the Nexus, they finally resorted to asking us to help them. But even then, it was only after everyone — a total of 9 factions — worked together that a path to the Nexus was carved out.

Inside… I don't know much about what went on in there as I was far too young and weak back then to participate in the event, but I do recall the devastating news that the chieftain of that time said. Dozens of Saint Gods from all factions died, those two factions I previously mentioned were wiped out, the irreconcilable hatred between us Junkies and the Munchies had formed, and godly treasures found only in the higher realms appeared.

In the past, it took nine factions to open the Nexus… Now we only have four factions remaining, and back then we had close to fifty Saint Gods working in concert. Even if we add your guys' strenght… opening another path to the Nexus seems impossible.” After Xie Ming completed his monologue, the room fell silent.

Once again, Tzatziki's voice spoke to Jam ”Che! If it only took fifty Saint Gods to open a path to a Core Nexus, even a damaged one, we could probably make it with no problems. Hmph! These idiots actually did something as ridiculous as open a path forcefully? *Sigh* Given your ”talents” you could probably breakthrough single handedly...”

Xie Xinyi who had been quiet over on the side as her husband,spoke of the past, decided to share some extra information. She touched the scarred tissue on her shoulder and said ”You know, inside the Nexus, while I never personally was able to enter, I did find out that several of the secret trump cards that were revealed back during the war came from there. Even that Silver Blood Pill that almost killed my Ming came from there…

In the past, when I became a Saint God, I once had a talk with Xie Fang, and he told me that when his father had explored the Nexus, he had led the other factions for most of the trip, and they only went through less than ten percent of the entire Nexus complex.”

When she finished talking, Jam spoke up ”In any case, I want to see the Nexus even if we can't open it. I want to see how this Nexus blocks people with my own eyes.” He had confidence in Tzatziki's words, even if he had no idea what the Nexus even looked like.