Chapter 7: Chapter 7: Ocean Reaches Its Peak, Birth of the Devonian
Bai Ze's search led him to uncover two potential evolutionary paths for extraordinary creatures.
The first path revolved around intelligent beings, similar to humans. While their physical prowess might be limited, their high intelligence enabled them to utilize tools and weapons, eventually advancing to extraordinary levels.
The second path was simpler and more primal. Prehistoric creatures relied on brute strength, dominating with their sheer physicality. If they were big and strong enough, they had a significant chance of evolving into extraordinary beings.
However, since Bai Ze had already abandoned the White Ape tribe, the second path was his only viable option.
Time flew as Bai Ze continued poring over his research. Soon, the system notification chimed in:
[Ding! The cooldown period is complete. The host may now begin the simulation!]
"Time is tight; I'd better get started," Bai Ze declared with renewed energy.
Two days without sleep was a minor inconvenience for someone like him, a Creator awakened to the powers of the world. His extraordinary abilities made such feats trivial. After all, if he couldn't manage even this, what was the point of awakening?
"System, start the simulation!"
After careful thought, Bai Ze decided to continue developing the ocean.
The last simulation had lasted two centuries longer than the first, proving that prioritizing the ocean was the right strategy.
As the saying goes, fortune favors the bold. He planned to stir things up even further in the aquatic world, creating an environment for creatures to grow stronger and more diverse. The issue of large-scale conflicts would have to be dealt with through luck or perhaps a well-timed special ability. If he could draw a talent that encouraged stability, it would make everything much easier.
[Ding! Due to the increased size of your world, this simulation will consume 100 Creation Points.]
[Proceed? Yes/No]
"Yes," Bai Ze replied after a moment of hesitation.
As expected, the simulation now required Creation Points. Luckily, he had accumulated plenty earlier, and this amount was manageable for him.
[Ding! Ten talents have been drawn. Please select.]
A new set of ten simulation talents appeared before Bai Ze. After carefully reviewing them, he experienced a mix of delight and bewilderment.
"What... is this?" he muttered, clicking on one of the talents.
[Otherworldly Visitors (Purple)]: Creatures in your world have a small chance of intercepting cryptic messages from the depths of the universe. Sometimes, this may lead to... interesting events!
Messages from the universe? Could this be a treasure-delivering ability?
Bai Ze mulled it over but couldn't make sense of it. No matter this was a rare purple talent. Even if its purpose wasn't clear, he was determined to use it. Who knew? It might bring a miracle.
[Play It Safe (Blue)]: Creatures will avoid conflicts unless they are certain of victory, significantly reducing the chances of disputes.
"This is the one!" Bai Ze decided firmly.
This talent was exactly what he needed right now. By greatly reducing conflicts among creatures, it would allow the world to develop peacefully.
[Ding! Talent selection complete. Please decide whether to bring any items.]
"I'll bring the Colossal Squid and Clay Manufacturing."
This time, Bai Ze chose to abandon the land entirely, focusing all his efforts on ocean development.
[Ding! Items successfully brought. Simulation beginning!]
[In the beginning, the world was already teeming with flourishing lands and oceans.]
[Early First Era: You released the Colossal Squid species into the ocean. Thriving in the familiar waters, they quickly established themselves as the dominant predators.]
[Mid First Era: With no natural enemies, the Colossal Squids reproduced rapidly. Meanwhile, smaller marine creatures began to emerge, filling ecological gaps.]
[Late First Era: The land expanded to 20 kilometers, and the ocean saw the emergence of ammonites, armored fish, and trilobites, creating a bustling ecosystem.]
[However, subtle changes were occurring in the world's atmosphere, the cause of which was unknown to you.]
"The atmosphere is changing?" Bai Ze wondered, puzzled. Could this be related to the mysterious talent, Otherworldly Visitors?
Frowning slightly, he continued watching.
[End of First Era: A pale blue mist began to hover over the ocean, suppressing the oxygen-rich atmosphere on land. Its nature was unclear, but marine creatures exposed to the mist showed signs of accelerated evolution.]
[Early Second Era: Under the rule of the Colossal Squids, the world's creatures began hearing fragmented messages.]
[Lost▓▓▓◆▓▓▓Spirit Energy¥#▓@■. Absorb◆ it.]
[Must▓▓▓◆ quickly▓▓▓¥#recover▓@■.◆ it.]
[Mid Second Era: The blue mist enveloped the world, drastically accelerating the evolution and transformation of creatures and plants.]
[Late Second Era: In just one era, the land and oceans became home to countless indigenous species. On land, ferns, gymnosperms, and abundant food resources thrived.]
[In the ocean, the number of species multiplied rapidly. Thousands of marine creatures were born, with apex predators emerging one after another. The world entered its golden age.]
[The ocean's development was especially pronounced, progressing a hundredfold thanks to the mist.]
[Seaweed, kelp, and coral-filled the waters, while the proliferation of marine life caused the world's landmass to grow to 30 kilometers and the ocean to expand to 90 kilometers!]
[The ocean buzzed with activity, bursting with life, and heralded its most prosperous era.]
[This age was later known as: The Devonian Period!]
"Unbelievable!" Bai Ze was astonished.
"This isn't just mist it's spirit energy! What a godsend!"
Now it was clear: the blue mist that suppressed oxygen and fueled rapid development was spirit energy. Such a resource was worth fortunes in the market. Owning even a fragment required astronomical wealth, let alone having it engulf an entire world.
"This is a jackpot," Bai Ze said, thrilled.
As for the Devonian Period, it was historically renowned as the golden age of marine life. This achievement far exceeded Bai Ze's expectations, setting a new record.
"Well, since things are already chaotic, let's make them even more exciting!"
"System, deploy Clay Manufacturing into the ocean!"
His eyes gleamed with excitement as he resolved to capitalize on the momentum, making his world even more vibrant and chaotic.