In almost the same moment, forty-four beneficiaries transformed from helpless individuals swept up by [Destiny] into devoted followers willing to bow at the feet of the [Iron Throne].
Feng Mu generously bestowed strength upon them, yet did not issue any instructions.
For there’s no need for divine revelation, no need for teachings, no need for guidance; the strength they received will itself provide them with insights into destiny.
When a bird trapped in a cage gains power, it will inevitably break through the iron bars; when wings are fitted to ants in the dust, they too will seek to fly skyward.
Strength breeds desire, desire ferments ambition, and life always yearns to ascend, just like moths drawn to flame, an instinct etched into one’s genes.
There’s no need for coercion, simply sow the seeds of strength.
Seated high upon the Iron Throne, Feng Mu sensed no further need for superfluous instructions; he merely had to wait, for time itself would reward him with a grove, or at the very least, their deaths.
....
The consciousness on the Iron Throne dispersed, returning to the vessel in reality.
Feng Mu blinked; Ma Bin’s hands were still extended, having yet to retract, and he glanced at the wall clock, understanding fully.
He rubbed his fingers over the sculpture, pondering: "Do you know how to use this sculpture?"
Ma Bin replied, "It can control those beneficiaries, regulate their life and death, considered the most expedient means of developing offline agents. It’s regrettable, however, that the Destiny Stone Sculpture can only be made by the Arbiter Chief, and the materials are said to be exceedingly scarce, making them extremely rare, and apparently, usage has some constraints, otherwise..."
Ma Bin sighed lightly, expressing regret: "The whole world would have long been encompassed by [Destiny]."
In his heart, Ma Bin considered: "I’ve stocked according to the [Black Hat]’s requirements. [Black Hat] brought the Destiny Stone Sculpture, held a ceremony, and packaged the goods within the Destiny Stone Sculpture for [Mask] to whom I then hand it over, hence [Mask] can directly utilize it... tut tut, my real identity as [Online] within the organization might be unimaginably high."
[Destiny Stone Sculpture], [Arbiter Chief]?!!
Feng Mu caught onto the two key terms, his face beneath the mask contemplative.
"[Destiny Stone Sculpture] is a novel term, likely another patch applied by the system, and as for [Arbiter Chief]..." A visage flashed across Feng Mu’s mind.
It was the first character he groomed when building a faction in the game, the one he interacted with the most in-game.
Moreover, those later dubbed the thirteen within Thirteen Seats.
Feng Mu wandered in thought momentarily: "I truly anticipate, anticipate the day I meet them as they cross into reality~"
Uncertain whether they would become more vile transitioning from game to reality, knowing that to tame these characters Feng Mu had to stack bodies high in the game.
Feng Mu shook his head, realizing that with his current [Inheritance Level], appearing before them was premature, for now he must keep the [Mask] on.
Gathering his scattered thoughts, Feng Mu once again heard Ma Bin say: "Furthermore, the beneficiaries can sacrifice their lifespan to bring the owner of the Destiny Stone Sculpture across space to descend upon them, which is why they are called beneficiaries."
Though Ma Bin was unclear why [Mask], already in control of this Destiny Stone Sculpture, would ask such questions, he nonetheless answered truthfully.
Feng Mu understood; Ma Bin’s words described the conventional use of the Destiny Stone Sculpture.
[Marriage Death Twins] and [Deputy’s Blessing] are evidently special, likely unique to him alone; the reason being simple — Destiny Stone Sculpture is carved with his visage.
To others, it’s merely borrowed; for him, it returns the property to its rightful owner.
Thus,
Feng Mu grasped that the Destiny Stone Sculpture was the reward for [Inheritance Level 1%], and the forty-four beneficiaries were also part of the reward, and additionally, Ma Bin as the delivery man could similarly be seen as part of the merchandise, belonging to his reward.
Indeed, the Cyan Wolf Gang now indirectly fell under his control, and the [Mask] recognized by [Destiny] as an alias, was also part of the reward.
Feng Mu’s curiosity stirred: "I wonder how many patches the system has woven for my identity in [Destiny]; this might only be revealed when I visit [Destiny]."
Feng Mu anticipated but was not anxious; his current public identity is [Mask], and his immediate priority is to catch a black market merchant’s informant, to understand what additives the Big Black Core contains, and whether it’s consumable...