Chapter 12: The Path of Dao

Zhou Yan opened his personal panel.

The interface was much the same as what he had seen while traversing the Calamity Realm, divided into his own attributes and those of his Fate Gear.

He glanced over it.

Attributes like physique, acuity, and spirit had changed little.

However, his only skill—“Basic Short-Blade Technique”—had undergone a transformation.

[Basic Short-Blade Technique (Proficient)]

The former rating of “Standard” had become “Proficient.”

In truth, he could feel it: his weapon skills had improved significantly compared to before his journey through the realm.

Now, the short-blade technique was etched into his muscle memory, flowing instinctively whenever he fought.

It made sense, given the repeated battles and trials within the chaotic Calamity Realm.

Taking a skill from mere “practice” to the crucible of “real combat” would inevitably deepen his mastery.

Next, Zhou Yan turned his attention to the “Pathway Codex” among his items.

[Pathway Codex: After use, you may designate an “Existence” and your Fate Gear will obtain a “Pathway” aligned with that Existence.]

What on earth was this...

Zhou Yan found himself at a loss.

Since he couldn’t figure it out, he decided to use it directly.

He stood and quietly locked the door.

This small room had once been a storage closet; it had only a vent, no window, and once the door was closed, it became completely sealed.

He quickly returned to sit by the bed.

With a thought, a jade slip—resembling a single-leaf scroll—appeared in his hand.

[Would you like to use the “Pathway Codex”? If so, your Fate Gear must be equipped.]

[Yes.]

The scroll-shaped codex floated before him.

In the next instant, the black, skin-tight attire that was his Fate Gear materialized over his body, its gossamer-thin material effortlessly pushing aside his ordinary clothes to fit him perfectly.

Strength, control over his body, and abundant spirit all flowed back into him.

Zhou Yan savored the fullness, clenching his fists in rapture.

This was power!

Even if it was a borrowed, artificial strength, it was still power in every sense!

But his euphoria was short-lived.

Suddenly, the Codex before him flared with strange light, drawing his consciousness in completely.

In the midst of endless brilliance, he seemed to enter a void.

Before him emerged seven swirling “spheres of light,” each radiating a sense of eternity.

He called them “spheres” for lack of a better term. In truth, these seven “existences” were more akin to nebulas, universes, or even vaster, more abstract, more conceptual entities.

Peerless—unmatched valor, the pinnacle of strength.

Exquisite—wondrous transformation, the pinnacle of skill.

Profound—unfathomable mystery, the pinnacle of wisdom.

Calamitous—murky and unpredictable, the pinnacle of curse.

Benediction—grace and fortune, the pinnacle of blessing.

Dominion—indestructible and unyielding, the pinnacle of fortitude.

Abundance—endless nirvana, the pinnacle of life.

In this void, as Zhou Yan’s “gaze” swept across these seven supreme existences, he intuitively grasped their natures deep within his soul.

His thoughts raced.

From his combat experiences in the Calamity Realm and considering his own gifts, he understood—

Once he activated his innate ability and fused materials with his Fate Gear, he could stack those traits onto his gear.

Physique, acuity, and spirit would soar.

Put simply, upon fusion, his strength and speed would increase dramatically, granting him devastating power.

He could even unleash mighty techniques like “Super Home Run.”

But there was a single flaw—tremendous consumption.

If he couldn’t finish the fight quickly in “fusion mode,” his stamina would be depleted in no time.

Zhou Yan saw this clearly and made his choice.

If this were a game, he would choose “Peerless” or “Exquisite” to further boost his offensive might.

Dealing damage was exhilarating—if he could eliminate his enemies swiftly, no one could threaten him!

But games were games—reality was different.

If you’re killed, you die.

To live is to deal damage.

“I choose Abundance!”

The instant Zhou Yan made his decision—

“May all sentient beings have their wishes fulfilled.”

The supreme being of “Abundance” seemed to sense the prayer of its follower, sending forth a barely perceptible wisp of radiance toward Zhou Yan.

As it neared, the glow was swiftly absorbed by his Fate Gear.

Countless mysterious, intricate lines of light rippled across the surface of the black suit.

A peculiar power now dwelled within his Fate Gear.

Zhou Yan had no chance to examine it further—

In the next instant, he felt a tremendous force pulling him back.

The distance between him and the seven supreme existences stretched into infinity in the blink of an eye.

*

Zhou Yan’s pupils contracted. When he came to, he was standing in his small room once again.

A series of notifications flashed before his eyes.

[You prayed to “Abundance” and received Its attention.]

[Your Fate Gear has awakened the Pathway “Perpetuity.”]

[Pathway: Perpetuity—Restores Fate Gear durability over time, with recovery doubled outside of combat. The rate increases with star level and rank.]

[Current Fate Gear: Star Level 0, Rank 0, Durability Recovery Rate: 5 per second.]

Everything became clear.

He had received his reward from the Pathway Codex.

A Pathway called “Perpetuity.”

It would continuously restore the durability of his Fate Gear, and would grow stronger as his star level and rank increased!

Though Zhou Yan had no idea how to raise his gear’s star level or rank, it didn’t matter—this Pathway was nothing short of miraculous!

His current fusion form—“Ace Enforcer”—consumed durability as long as he was in combat.

Even in a low-intensity fight, the Fate Gear’s hundred points of durability would be spent in just twenty seconds.

With his current spirit reserves of just over nine hundred, he couldn’t even maintain this rate for five minutes.

If the battle became fiercer, against stronger foes, additional factors like strenuous movement, injuries, or explosive attacks would drain it even faster.

He might not last two minutes.

But with this Pathway, barring extreme circumstances, he could fight indefinitely.

He’d gone from a hollow shell to an invincible force.

If this wasn’t a divine ability, what was?

Thrilled, Zhou Yan was about to celebrate when he heard a knock at the door.

“Knock knock knock.”

“Zhou Yan, are you alright?”

Outside, Luo Ke’s clear, melodious voice rang out.

Zhou Yan immediately dismissed his Fate Gear and, feigning nonchalance, went to open the door.