I Don't Agree to the Terms

"The backlash is a bit severe," Gu Shanhai said calmly, looking at the sky.

He had been very successful in handling the powers of both the ocean and the earth, but when it came to Sky Power, he was indeed on the verge of success when he suffered an unexpected backlash.

It almost broke his skin and revealed his true form.

Clearly, the world would not let him interfere with the Sky Power, which was still developing.

It seemed the Sky Power was being reserved as a backup for unforeseen events in the future.

This could be seen as a strategy to not put all eggs in one basket, but Gu Shanhai couldn't care less—it was a fallback for the world, not for him, and it had nothing to do with him.

Instead, this very fallback might lead to Gu Shanhai's undoing.

Much like the oceanic era that effortlessly obliterated the era of the earth, not only did it eliminate all remnants but also erased all traces of civilization.

Indeed, the Red Earth Continent and the Grand Line were resilient, but if it were to reach the era of the skies, it was possible that the entire ocean and earth would shatter, ushering in the age of Floating Island, and everything would be lost.

As for the world possibly never needing to use the Sky Power, that's a different matter altogether; whether it has it or not, and whether it uses it, are two different scenarios.

"It's a bit tricky, not so easy to handle."

Gu Shanhai had initially planned to create Hades, Sea King, and Heavenly King. The first two could be forged with the remaining powers of the earth and ocean, which was sufficient. Gu Shanhai had used the majority of his power to craft the Red Earth Continent, Great Line, and Demon Fruit, with the power of the ocean being used for the Red Earth Continent and the Great Line, since this was the era of the ocean.

The power of the ocean was abundant enough to create two wonders, while the Demon Fruit was crafted with the power of the earth, hence the related side effects.

As for the power of the sky, being immature, it could not be used to craft a wonder by itself and instead had to be combined with the remaining three powers to create ancient weapons.

Hades and Sea King were already in the early stages of formation. As for the raw material for Heavenly King, the Sky Power, Gu Shanhai experienced a backlash while attempting to acquire it, which made him realize he could not force his hand or he would be targeted.

"If force won't work, then I'll have to steal."

Gu Shanhai sighed. Robbery was so convenient; stealing didn't quite fit his style mainly because it was too slow.

"Let me think, I need to find a better way to steal."

A torrent of ideas flooded his mind, but after comparing them with data, he rejected many plans.

He wanted to steal without letting the world notice that it was him who did it. As for the world noticing that something was missing, that didn't really matter—as long as they couldn't find him, everything would be worth it.

"I could find a scapegoat, but the loot is a bit troublesome to handle," Gu Shanhai narrowed his eyes, thinking of a very suitable patsy.

Yes, it was none other than Dark Demon Cai Jian, who had escaped from him and retired from being a pirate, now hiding his identity to live as a wealthy man.

The shock he received from Gu Shanhai must have been too great.

"This guy has great fortune with him; if I don't choose him, I'd feel like I'm at a significant loss." Gu Shanhai quickly found Cai Jian, who lived an incredibly monotonous life—either going to the teahouse for tea and conversation, visiting brothels for music and plays, or indulging in pleasures at the brothel come nightfall. It was fortunate that his Spirit Martial Path was developed, and with wealth, he could afford plenty of restorative medicines; otherwise, playing every day, even ten iron kidneys would wither away.

"Heavenly General tasks those whom He wishes to make great with adversity: sharpening their minds, toiling their muscles and bones, starving their skin and body, destituting themselves, complicating their endeavors—that's how He awakens their hearts and strengthens their resolve, enhancing their capabilities."

Gu Shanhai's plan was to torment the other party to death until he had no other choice, then make him do whatever he wanted.

Of course, Gu Shanhai wouldn't be so obvious in his doings, and it would not be intentional targeting.

Instead, he would drain all of the other person's luck first.

He then searched for and found a Divine Contract. Everyone who practiced the Spirit Martial Path or consumed the Demon Fruit would have to sign a Divine Contract with Gu Shanhai; Wang Qi and his disciples had theirs too, but Gu Shanhai had destroyed those and didn't keep them.

"Found it, this thing is indeed not meant for humans to sign; it's like a loan shark's contract," Gu Shanhai looked at Cai Jian's Divine Contract. He had set an interest rate at the beginning, but it seemed there was a problem, and now the interest was compounding endlessly. It was fortunate that he had turned off the chance feedback mechanism, otherwise, people would be coming to him every day acting as Treasure Delivery Boy, bringing him gifts.

"This thing is utterly ruthless; not only can it influence one's power, but it also burdens descendants for generations— even if you end your lineage, relatives up to the fifth degree can inherit the debt. Even if one is executed along with nine relatives, it can still pass on to friends."

"Ten familial exterminations are even more extraordinary—hunt the killer, ensuring the debt never disappears and compounding."

Gu Shanhai felt the sting of conscience; he had become the creditor of most people in this world. The reason it was most people was that Wang Qi and his Disciples were not included, and their descendants had immunity.

"I am kindhearted; as long as you become my scapegoat, I'll waive your interest," Gu Shanhai thought to himself that he was too generous, not only refraining from collecting the debt but also waiving the interest.

Of course, if the scapegoat survived, the principal would continue to compound interest. Gu Shanhai was already being generous enough by waiving the interest. If the scapegoat could repay the principal in a short time, that would be good luck for him. The only issue was that Gu Shanhai had not provided a repayment channel. If he wanted to repay, he had to bring equivalent opportunities to Gu Shanhai.