"So, the Mould Spirit Energy didn't just infiltrate the Spirit Realm during the time of the divine war. You've actually been hiding within the Spirit Realm for a long time!" Dao Lao gasped, realizing that the whole situation was not only planned long in advance but likely far beyond his imagination. It might even challenge his worldview.
The Mould Spirit Mother corrected Dao Lao's terminology, saying, "Using 'infiltrate' isn't quite right because we were invited to the Spirit Realm. You could say that Mould Spirit Energy has been accompanying and influencing the Spirit Realm since its inception. Initially, with the assistance of the Balance Ring, we strategically appeared in various parts of the Spirit Realm, spreading misfortune and causing trouble to generate negative energy, which helped repair the flaws in the Spirit Realm and stabilize its operations."
"Of course, there's another benefit to having Mould Spirit Energy present. It assists the Balance Ring in managing the Spirit Realm's naturally produced negative energy, ensuring it interacts effectively with the positive energy to maintain balance."
After downing her whiskey, the Mould Spirit Mother retorted, "So, based on the outstanding contributions of Mould Spirit Energy to the stable development of the Spirit Realm, would you three still consider us heinous villains?"
Considering that Haoyun and his companions saw before them a figure whose aura, though not as formidable as Guardian Uryll's, still marked her as a creator-like existence of extraordinary power, there was no need to distort or deceive them intentionally. Therefore, they had to admit that Mould Spirit Energy indeed played an essential and positive role in the Spirit Realm's stability. This also meant that from the Spirit Realm's perspective, they could no longer categorize Mould Spirit Energy as inherently evil.
Haoyun then asked after a brief thought, "Mould Mother, even if what you're saying is true about how Mould Spirit Energy helps maintain stability in the Spirit Realm, I assume you and your people aren't entirely selfless in your dedication. So, how do you benefit from this?"
"To help others is to help oneself the most," the Mould Spirit Mother replied without hesitation.
Naturally, Haoyun and his companions did not understand her meaning. Thus, the Mould Spirit Mother continued, "In fact, Mould Spirit Energy doesn't need to go to great lengths to gather misfortune or other negative energies externally for personal strength. In our Dark Space, things operate differently. It's a nurturing ground for power. Here, Mould Spirit Energy accumulates strength through spiritual practices to exchange for robust and potent power. As their spiritual cultivation intensifies, they convert most of this spiritual power into energy essential for the stable operation of Dark Space, which they selflessly contribute."
"In addition, when Mould Spirit Energy undergoes experiences in the Spirit Realm, they inevitably absorb positive energy from there. When they return to Dark Space, they carry back substantial amounts of positive energy. They combine this energy with methods provided by the Balance Ring during their seclusion to expel it all from their bodies. This process ensures that Dark Space doesn't lean too heavily towards negative polarity and continues to operate steadily."
"So, Mould Spirit Energy also contains positive energy? But why can't we sense this positive energy on them?" Haoyun asked.
"Because Mould Spirit Energy has the ability to conceal energies in the Spirit Realm, and their positive energy is quite limited. Thus, under the influence of their concealment, you naturally cannot perceive the positive energy on them. Also, to avoid causing further trouble, the Balance Ring initially shielded the sensory capabilities of the priests to ensure you couldn't easily detect other energies on Mould Spirit Energy," explained the Mould Spirit Mother.
"What about the side effects of this positive energy on Mould Spirit Energy itself? What happens if they don't clear the positive energy they've absorbed in time?" Haoyun inquired.
"If they don't promptly cleanse the absorbed positive energy, Mould Spirit Energy becomes ill. Excessive or prolonged exposure to positive energy can even lead to their disintegration, ultimately leading to their destruction. Therefore, once Mould Spirit Energy absorbs positive energy, they must receive timely treatment. For those with mild symptoms, we can use the power of Dark Space to heal them gradually. However, for those with severe conditions, even if we manage to save their lives, they may still leave behind some lingering effects," replied the Mould Spirit Mother.
"What kind of lingering effects would they leave behind?" Dream Jia asked curiously.
"There are all sorts of strange effects. However, among many lingering effects, there's one type that gives me the most headache. Because when someone afflicted with this type of aftermath gradually develops a rebellious attitude towards Dark Space, they start refusing to obey my commands. These individuals become increasingly selfish and reluctant to share their gains. They prefer the world to revolve around them rather than them rotating around the world."
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"Such as Elina?" Haoyun guessed.
Mother Mold sighed, "Ah, yes, indeed. Take Elina for example. Normally, those Mold Spirits that develop complications would be left in the darkest space for further treatment, as they are no longer fit for missions. Even if one Mold Spirit manages to escape due to administrative negligence, they are forced back into the Spirit Realm because they cannot survive elsewhere."
"But what's the use of them fleeing to the Spirit Realm? To prevent these diseased Mold Spirits from causing unnecessary trouble in the Spirit Realm, the Balance Circle will assist us in secretly capturing those unruly children. According to the methods I passed on to the Balance Circle, severe punishment awaits these rebellious ones. For them, being utterly defeated is what they most hope for," Mother Mold said calmly, even gesturing to slit her slender neck with her hand.
"In that case, why do you still allow Elina to continue lingering outside? Aren't you afraid her behavior will ruin your good deeds?" Dao Lao finally couldn't help but ask, having been listening to their conversation.
"Elina's situation is indeed tricky. Ah! So whenever it comes to her, I feel quite helpless!" Mother Mold said, exhaling a long plume of smoke.
Mother Mold continued looking at the tranquil sea in the distance, "Don't forget, Elina is the fortunate one blessed by Lord Father, so naturally her situation is different from others'. Besides, Elina always manages to grasp some insights from Lord Father's blessings at critical moments. This gave her the opportunity to discover the existence of Dum Ore, and step by step unravel the mysteries hidden within Dum Ore, successfully harnessing the massive energy stored within it and converting it all into her power."
"In fact, while the energy in Dum Ore can be used by Mold Spirits, they do not have the ability to store this energy long-term, causing it to quickly dissipate once absorbed into their bodies. So, while it can be used in emergencies, seeking to absorb energy from Dum Ore to significantly enhance one's own strength is simply unrealistic. Moreover, over-absorbing energy from Dum Ore can lead to an excess of positive energy, which could even endanger one's life. Therefore, given the risks involved, over time, no one dares to attempt such a thing," Mother Mold explained.
"Except Elina," Dao Lao reminded.
"Yes, except Elina. Ah! Who made her naturally talented in the dual cultivation of positive and negative energies, and so fortunate to receive Lord Father's blessings, from which she comprehended even more powerful dual cultivation abilities? It is precisely because she possesses such formidable dual cultivation powers that Elina can indiscriminately absorb all the positive and negative energies hidden in Dum Ore, allowing these energies to interact within her body, thus forming a powerful force she can command," Mother Mold responded, faintly revealing a trace of envy and jealousy in her words.
"Ah! When it comes down to it, our management is still not strict enough! Otherwise, that child wouldn't have found an opportunity to go to the Spirit Realm, nor would she have coincidentally encountered Lord Father on the way there. If she hadn't met Lord Father, that child wouldn't have interacted with Lord Father, let alone won Lord Father's favor and received Lord Father's blessing!" Mother Mold continued, with a hint of reproach in her tone towards Guardian Uryll.
"Not strict enough management? Wasn't Elina sent by you to attack the Spirit Realm?" Dao Lao questioned. Due to the numerous priests and soldiers who died in the Divine War, and the suffering the mortal world endured due to the Divine War, Dao Lao's tone was noticeably less respectful and tinged with some anger when discussing this issue.
Mother Mold waved the cigarette between her fingertips dismissively, "Firstly, I'd like to refute that I did not directly order Mold Energy to attack the Spirit Realm. Perhaps that was my intention, but the ultimate decision to start the war was in the hands of the children. I simply defaulted and condoned their decision after they made it."
"Secondly, Elina had already developed severe complications due to absorbing too much positive energy in the Spirit Realm, leaving her with strong rebellious tendencies towards my leadership. Therefore, at the time the war broke out, she was still a focus of intensive care in need of observation in the hospital, and was not qualified to go out on missions again. However, driven by her strong rebellious tendencies, naturally, whatever I didn't allow her to do, she would insist on doing. Therefore, I had the opportunity to take advantage of everyone's focus on preparing for battle, using our management oversight to escape the hospital privately, and then infiltrate the expedition team heading to the Spirit Realm."
"Ah! Elina is more rebellious than I imagined, and has an extreme thirst for power, which led her to make mistake after mistake and ultimately leave our clan. But, she is indeed very lucky. Her stubborn temperament actually managed to gain Lord Father's appreciation and blessing. Hmph! I can imagine how arrogant she must have become after becoming so powerful!" Mother Mold said with a tone of both helplessness and disdain.
"Hmph! You guessed it right! Elina has indeed become extremely arrogant now. Aunt Mold, do you know how powerful Elina has become after participating in that Divine War? At that time, she even began arrogantly proclaiming herself as Mother Mold!" Haoyun accused Mother Mold.
Mother Mold shrugged, then tapped her own head with her finger, "I've heard a bit about it. Elina's condition was still very serious when she left privately, which further clouded her mind as she unleashed her immense power. In such circumstances, it's not surprising that she would blurt out arrogant and crazy words, or engage in insane behavior!"