Zu An raised a question that had always been bugging him. “Why are these worlds set in backdrops I'm familiar with? This isn't the first time either. All of the dungeons I entered happen to follow the history I know.”

It could have been a coincidence if it had been only once or twice, but it kept happening all the time. There could be some discrepancies due to the existence of transcendent powers, but it was still weird. He even wondered if everything he had been through was just a simulation from the Deity of Knowledge.

“That’s why you are the one chosen by fate.” The Deity of Knowledge stared deeply at Zu An. “Only a person with great luck can have such intricate ties with both the first-generation and the second-generation universal deities.”

Qiu Honglei and Princess Liuli were stupefied by the overload of information. What first-generation universal deities and second-generation universal deities?

The Deity of Knowledge noticed their confusion and lightly tapped his finger. Two specks of light flowed into their heads, providing them with all the information they needed to know. He then turned to the worried Zu An and said, “Don’t worry, this is a simulated world I created. External forces can’t probe into this place.”

After learning the truth, Princess Liuli’s usually bubbly expression seemed to gain a touch of divinity. “Can we enter the world as well to help big brother Zu?”

“Of course. He won’t be the only one descending into the world. There will be many other entities as well,” the Deity of Knowledge replied kindly.

Zu An frowned. “Will it be like the Order Ceremony?”

“You can think of it that way, but unlike the Order Ceremony, you won’t be taking the dominant position. That world’s indigenous population is extremely powerful, such that you might even be swept along by their momentum.” The Deity of Knowledge briefly paused before adding, “Some wield the strength of a universal deity. Others are even universal deities themselves.”

Zu An nodded. He had expected that, since the Deity of Knowledge had mentioned that the first-generation universal deities’ soul fragments were gathered in that world. Those incarnations could most definitely be considered on par with universal deities. He asked, “Who is my enemy?”

“Unless you turn them into your friends, they may all be your enemies.”

Zu An was speechless. This old fellow sure knows how to be cryptic.

The Deity of Knowledge noticed his dissatisfaction and further elaborated, “You might be blessed with great luck, but the universal deities will not stake everything on you. They have other worshipers in that world as well, or rather, some of the indigenous populace are envoys chosen by the universal deities.”

Zu An caught his drift and nodded. “I’ll give it a try, but I need to communicate with several people first.”

Maintaining vigilance was important. It wouldn’t be wise to blindly trust the Deity of Knowledge.

The Deity of Knowledge laughed. “Of course. It will be tough for you to liaise with your two masters in this world, so let me help you.”

He waved his hand. Several bundles of dreamy lights suddenly appeared in the sky, and familiar auras began to emerge.

“Oh? You've kept this world guarded against us as if you’re worried that we’ll sully your precious treasure. What made you change your mind today?” the Deity of Chaos and Enigma, Mi Li, said.

“The fate of this world appears to have been altered. I sense Bliss and Desire’s aura, as well as the aura of that hateful Time Scribe,” the Deity of Memory, Meng, said.

These two universal deities manifested as dreamlike entities, concealing their true forms.

“You’re too stoic, Meng. Why don’t you let me give you a taste of bliss?” the Deity of Bliss and Desire suggested seductively. She manifested as the Heavenly Devil Empress.

Zu An’s eyelids twitched. He felt like things could get dangerous for him if the universal deities continued talking, but fortunately, the Deity of Bliss and Desire didn’t mention her interaction with him. Otherwise, he wouldn’t know how to face his two masters.

“Aren’t you embarrassing yourself by flaunting your charms in front of the Deity of Love and Beauty?” Meng coldly pointed out.

The Deity of Bliss and Desire was speechless.

Zu An belatedly noticed another bundle of hazy light. It was Lady Houtu, also known as the Deity of Love and Beauty.

Objectively speaking, while the Deity of Love and Beauty was the manifestation of beauty, the Deity of Bliss and Desire commanded her unique charms as well... although there was no way he would dare to say those words aloud.

The Deity of Love and Beauty frowned. She ignored the other two and instead turned to the Deity of Knowledge. “It looks like you’re aware of my actions.”

The Deity of Knowledge smiled. “You have set up many things in my world. I’d be ashamed to call myself the Deity of Knowledge if I knew nothing at all.”

Zu An subconsciously looked at the Deity of Bliss and Desire. It would be awkward if the Deity of Knowledge had witnessed their ‘intimate exchange’ as well.

The Deity of Bliss and Desire blinked at him, hinting at him not to worry.

Unfortunately, their interaction piqued Mi Li’s suspicion. She coldly harrumphed. “Look for your own envoy. Don’t even think about seducing mine.”

The Deity of Bliss and Desire looked at the Deity of Memory and said, “Meng, she’s talking about you. You stole her envoy. She’s like a helpless husband throwing out sarcastic remarks after having her wife stolen.”

Mi Li was speechless.

Meng replied mirthfully, “Your words have never sounded more pleasant.”

“My mouth has always been sweet. Do you want to have a taste?” The Deity of Bliss and Desire licked her lips.

...

It was complete chaos. Zu An was worried that they would come to blows, so he quickly stated the reason they had been summoned here. In response, the universal deities finally put on their serious faces.

“I don’t agree with this matter, but if it’s you, it might be worth a try,” Mi Li said.

“I don’t have any opinions. Just make sure that you faithfully record everything,” Meng replied.

The Deity of Bliss and Desire cheerily remarked, “We have already had an intimate exchange. I’ll support you in your endeavor.”

Those words alarmed Mi Li and Meng.

Zu An quickly changed the topic. He turned to the Deity of Love and Beauty and asked, “What about you?”

The Deity of Love and Beauty eyed Princess Liuli as if looking at an old friend. A moment later, she finally turned to look at Zu An. “I don’t trust the rest of them, but I trust you.”

The Deity of Bliss and Desire grumbled to Mi Li, “Your envoy is surprisingly good at placating everyone. It’s completely at odds with your abhorrent personality.”

Mi Li sneered, “You don’t have to speak to prove that you aren’t mute. Are you looking for a fight?”

“Do you think I’m afraid of you?” The Deity of Bliss and Desire didn't back down.

Zu An felt a headache settling in. “I’m about to enter a dangerous world. Aren’t you going to bestow me with some advice or a gift?”

The universal deities briefly discussed the matter before the Deity of Knowledge said, “That world is a unique one. Unless you’re a universal deity’s soul fragment or part of the indigenous populace, you’re doomed to remain a nobody. None of your endeavors will go well. We can help you obtain an indigenous identity, so you can enjoy their benefits and luck.”

Zu An’s eyes lit up. “Can I be anyone I want?”

He raised a few examples, like Emperor Ling of Han. If he could start his journey as an emperor, the tremendous influence he wielded would make whatever he wanted to do much easier.

“Of course not. You can only take the identity of those whose luck has yet to surface, or else you might plunge the worldline into disarray and be rejected from the world,” the Deity of Knowledge said.

The Deity of Memory added, “Choose someone who aligns with your path, or else you risk being rejected by the world as well, despite our help. It might lead to unforeseeable outcomes.”

Zu An pondered for a long time before saying, “I’ll choose the imperial uncle, Liu Bei, Liu Xuande.”