In Simon's vision, he was submerged in seawater.
The microscopic universe is actually very simple, composed of monotonous light and dark, which are essentially magic energy and shadow, like black and white chocolate syrup on the surface of a glass sphere, stirred and rippling into complex textures, constructing the material realm. Simon's consciousness was in the 'Will Sphere' beneath the energy, but he hadn't yet touched the superior affinity.
The Aurbis plane is like a set of nesting dolls; the outermost layer is the superior affinity, which is the origin of all concepts.
The second layer is the Aetherius, also known as indras net, where Anu and Padomay constantly cycle to form a stable structure. Innumerable spirits are born here at the beginning of each cycle, and they return here when they die.
The third layer largely overlaps with the second, serving as a transitional layer. This is the Will-Space, where thought and cognition form the bedrock of energy and the source of divine miracles, the land of'Strings', where the Eight Divines and earthbones slumber. The attunement technique Simon learned reached this layer.
The fourth layer is the Energy-Space, where magic energy and shadow can surge from the third layer, constructing this area. If the third layer is the spring, then this is the great sea where all rivers converge, surging and powerful. Mortals, by simply aligning with the grand principles of the heavens, can gain sufficient power, whether for abundant food and clothing or for strategic maneuvering.
The fifth layer is the Material-Space. This layer intermingles with the Energy-Space, transforming into each other, evolving the monotonous energy into myriad phenomena—rivers and mountains, birds and beasts, all creation under the frosty sky. It is the most rich, colorful, and potentially vibrant layer.
For mortals to ascend to heaven means to continuously trace back to the source; reaching from the fifth layer all the way to the first is considered transcending this universe. For Simon, he desires a rich and colorful life, an unceasing pursuit of interests and hobbies. However, the Bodhisattva hopes he can walk the path of controlling the universe to enhance his own strength.
Simon could choose not to follow the Bodhisattva's wishes, but he also knew it was impossible. Fortunately, his current interests seemed to align with the mission; knowledge is power, after all.
Ebony Arm, amidst the desperate situation of heavenly thunder striking and earth dragons turning over, still laughed wildly, "What a powerful mortal! What powerful magic!"
He suddenly shook his longsword, and the Ebony Blade shattered with a clang. Countless black metal pieces, shimmering with silver light, were bound together by a platinum-gold radiance, forming a broad and wide light blade. With a spin, a torrent of Sacred Sea Sword Qi clashed against the doomsday offensive, creating a tremendous roar, a violent, screeching splash like oil on water—lightning and flint, true lightning and flint, matter and energy reverting to their primal forms, a chaotic mess in the most intense area.
Simon felt an endless, bone-chilling glacier flow through his cranium. External magic energy rushed through his magic energy core brain. His head was like a regulating valve, holding back a lake of ten thousand tons, pressed down like a wall of ten thousand fathoms.
The Eleven-Tone Copper Umbrella forcibly elevated his consciousness, piercing into the third layer, granting him the authority to wield energy, but this was not entirely safe or harmless. With increasingly intense magic energy impacts, he suffered tearing headaches and bled from all seven orifices.
Amidst the endless, frantic explosions, the increasingly urgent sound of bells gradually became muffled as if submerged underwater, turning into a continuous hum, and then—deep, ancient chimes rang out!
Dong! Dong! Dong!
The sword qi around Ebony Arm was suddenly struck by the chimes, scattering into a sky full of fireflies. The earth waves from all directions suddenly pressed down, gathering into a massive burial mound.
The strata within a three-mile radius were disturbed, subterranean rivers erupted in the distance, and the clouds in the sky returned to their normal color, slowly dispersing to reveal the wondrous sight of both sun and moon in the sky.
The dust settled, the roar vanished.
Simon slowly descended to the ground, standing before the forty-foot-tall mound. He stuck the copper umbrella into the side, then took out a linen handkerchief from the Pure Land and carefully wiped the blood from his face. His magic energy core brain was in excruciating pain; even with a troll's regenerative abilities, he was somewhat helpless. He couldn't even use simple telekinesis now, and after mental exhaustion, his vision was hazy.
Ebony Arm was not dead. Simon vaguely heard movement from within the mound. He took out several potions and drank them, slightly alleviating his headache, then cast magic again.
The bells on the copper umbrella chimed softly, and the loose soil of the mound transformed into dense granite.
The commotion inside the mound grew louder and louder, and Simon's transformation speed also increased, until the entire small hill turned into solid stone. An arm clad in Ebony Armor broke through the surface, clutching a platinum spirit sword, just about to pierce Simon's glabella, but it was ultimately one step too slow—a mere step away.
Simon stared intently at the spirit sword. The intense killing intent made his third eye throb with pain; the Aura of Killing Intent was nothing compared to this sword!
Time slowly passed, and neither demigod moved.
The sun rose higher, the gentle breeze swept across the fields, and the smell of damp earth and grass stirred his nostrils. The night was irresistibly fading, the sky was clear, as it had been for ages.
The spirit sword in Ebony Arm's hand vanished with the wind, and Simon slowly sat down.
He was tired, sleepy, had a headache, and his legs felt a bit sore.
An epiphyllum phantom flashed, and Serana emerged from the Pure Land. Her expression changed from surprise to pity. She gently knelt down and embraced her lover's head. The dried, mottled blood flaked off as it rubbed against the soft silk of her chest.
"It's good that you're alright, it's good that you're alright."
Simon closed his eyes and let out a serene sigh, "I won."
"Don't be so boastful. This is the first time I've seen you so severely injured."
Ebony Arm couldn't be called weak. At his peak, his sword qi could easily shatter magic shields and tear through steel. Simon dared not engage him in close combat, fearing his head would be lopped off by a single strike.
Serana looked around, especially at the mound, "Did you two do this? Incredible. It seems you're already approaching those legends."
"Of course, Mother once said I would be an epic..." Simon felt immense comfort and began to murmur in his sleep.
"Look at that man's hand, something is shining."
Hearing this, Simon looked up. Ebony Arm's remains were indeed shining. A white spirit body emerged from the tomb, looking exactly like Ebony Arm himself. "Mortal, you are truly formidable! The last time I saw someone this powerful was in the previous era."
"Thank you for the compliment." Simon's expression was calm, while Serana showed a reverent posture towards the War God. Ebony Arm looked at her, remarking in surprise, "Oh, a Vampire who has turned back into a human? How rare."
Lynean Ebony Arm was the sworn enemy of all Daedra Princes—except for the Mad God Sheogorath. His temples did not permit Vampires or Daedra creatures to enter, or they would be wounded by divine power. Seeing a child who had returned from the wrong path, Ebony Arm was pleased.
Hearing this, Simon felt no joy in his heart, and Serana was calm as still water. Seeing their reaction, Ebony Arm guessed there was another story and changed the subject, "Mortal, you have passed my trial. Tell me all the rewards you desire, and I shall grant one wish."
Simon: "I did not fight you for any reward, but simply out of the joy of the hunt. In this world, I have few opponents, and meeting you is a great fortune. But since you are so generous, I have one matter to ask."
"Such admirable battle enthusiasm! Speak your questions without hesitation!" Ebony Arm expressed satisfaction with Simon's words.
"The ultimate answer to the universe..."
Before he could finish, a massive magic energy fluctuation lightning-fast spread from the northeast, sweeping across the entire Nirn. The Energy-Space fell into an abnormal turmoil, and even the Will-Space showed unnatural disturbances.
Ebony Arm was instantly startled, "It has actually appeared!"
Simon's mind was uneasy. This feeling, it was not good, it was Jonas!
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