The False Chosen God

Chapter 6: Secrets Behind the Flood

The first ray of morning sunlight streamed through the window lattice into the room, and Su Tianxing awakened from his light sleep. Last night's discovery had kept him awake all night, his mind constantly replaying the eerie blue light from the back mountain and its mysterious resonance with the divine grain.

【Host, good morning. Sleep quality detected as poor. Mental adjustment recommended.】

The system's voice rang out punctually as usual, but now it filled Su Tianxing with disgust. He forced himself to remain calm, unable to let the system detect any abnormality.

"I'm fine, just a bit tired from yesterday's ceremony," Su Tianxing responded mentally.

【Your hard work is understood. However, there is an urgent task requiring your attention today. Severe flooding has occurred in Linjiang County, and local authorities have sent for aid, hoping you can go there for disaster relief.】

"Flooding?" Su Tianxing frowned. Linjiang County was about three hundred li from Azure Cloud Gate, a densely populated and prosperous area. If flooding had truly occurred there, timely rescue was indeed necessary.

【Yes. According to reports, the main river in Linjiang County suddenly surged, destroying multiple villages and displacing tens of thousands of people. Local cultivators attempted to manage it, but with minimal effect.】

Su Tianxing's heart stirred. By normal logic, Linjiang County's rivers shouldn't surge during this season, and with local cultivators stationed there, why would such severe flooding occur?

"I understand, I'll depart immediately," Su Tianxing said while beginning to dress.

【Excellent. I have prepared a new divine artifact for you—the Heavenly Engineering Water Control. This artifact can easily manage any flood, allowing you to save the people in the shortest time possible.】

As the system finished speaking, an exquisite bronze instrument appeared in Su Tianxing's storage pouch. The instrument resembled a miniature waterwheel, covered with complex runes that emitted a faint blue glow.

Su Tianxing picked up this "Heavenly Engineering Water Control," carefully observing the runes on its surface. These runes' style indeed differed from traditional cultivation talismans—the lines were more regular, the patterns more geometric. Moreover, these runes reflected a metallic luster in sunlight, clearly not drawn with ordinary ink.

"These runes are quite special," Su Tianxing said deliberately, wanting to test the system's reaction.

【These are Heavenly Dao runes, containing the purest power between heaven and earth. Only the Chosen of Heaven can understand and use such runes.】

The system's explanation sounded reasonable, but Su Tianxing felt even more suspicious. If these were truly Heavenly Dao runes, why would they emit metallic luster? Why would they have such regular geometric patterns?

He stored the Heavenly Engineering Water Control and left his room. Before heading to Linjiang County, he wanted to find Senior Sister Liu to see what discoveries she had made about the divine grain samples collected last night.

Arriving at Senior Sister Liu's residence, Su Tianxing knocked gently. "Senior Sister, it's me."

"Come in," Senior Sister Liu's voice came from inside, sounding somewhat weary.

Su Tianxing pushed open the door to find Senior Sister Liu sitting at a table with various magical instruments and medicinal materials spread before her. In the center of the table lay several grains of divine grain collected last night, still glowing in the morning light.

"Senior Sister, you didn't sleep all night?" Su Tianxing asked with concern.

"Couldn't sleep." Senior Sister Liu looked up, her eyes full of fatigue and worry. "Junior Brother, I spent the entire night analyzing these divine grains and discovered some... disturbing things."

"What discoveries?"

Senior Sister Liu pointed to a small dish on the table containing fine metallic threads. "These were extracted from the divine grain. I used decomposition spells to completely break down the divine grain and found that each grain's core contains such metallic threads."

Su Tianxing carefully observed these metallic threads, discovering that their surfaces were etched with extremely tiny runes, completely consistent in style with those on the Heavenly Engineering Water Control.

"Even stranger," Senior Sister Liu continued, "these metallic threads resonate at specific spiritual energy frequencies, emitting some kind of signal. I suspect these divine grains aren't just food, but rather some sort of... communication devices."

This discovery shocked Su Tianxing. If the divine grain were truly communication devices, wouldn't the hundreds of observers at yesterday's ceremony all be monitored by these devices?

"Senior Sister, what kind of signals are you referring to?"

"Very complex data streams." Senior Sister Liu picked up a special magical instrument. "I used this spiritual energy detector to record the signal content and found it contains vast amounts of data, including each person's spiritual energy characteristics, emotional fluctuations, and even physical conditions."

Su Tianxing felt a chill. This meant the system wasn't just collecting faith energy, but also gathering detailed physiological data on humans. What was this data being used for?

"Junior Brother, there's one more thing." Senior Sister Liu's voice became more serious. "While analyzing these metallic threads, I discovered their material is very special—not any known metal from our world. Moreover, the craftsmanship of these runes far exceeds our technological level."

"You mean..."

"These things very likely come from... other worlds." Senior Sister Liu's voice was low, but each word clearly conveyed her concern.

Other worlds! This conclusion perfectly matched the black-robed man's hints. If the system truly came from other worlds, then its purpose was definitely not saving the people, but had other schemes.

"Senior Sister, I'm going to Linjiang County today to handle flooding," Su Tianxing said. "The system gave me a new divine artifact called Heavenly Engineering Water Control. I want you to examine it before I use it."

Su Tianxing took out the Heavenly Engineering Water Control and handed it to Senior Sister Liu. She accepted the artifact and carefully observed the runes on its surface.

"Indeed!" Senior Sister Liu's face turned pale. "These runes are completely identical to those on the metallic threads in the divine grain. Junior Brother, this artifact is very likely also some kind of monitoring device."

This discovery brought Su Tianxing's fear to its peak. If the Heavenly Engineering Water Control was also a monitoring device, wouldn't he be under complete system surveillance while using it to manage the flooding?

"What should I do then?" Su Tianxing asked. "If I refuse to use this artifact, the system will definitely become suspicious."

"You must go, but be careful." Senior Sister Liu thought for a moment. "Junior Brother, I'll give you some advice. While using the artifact, try to observe environmental changes around you, especially unusual phenomena. If you truly discover problems, find a way to collect evidence."

Senior Sister Liu took a small jade pendant from a drawer and handed it to Su Tianxing. "This is a spiritual energy recorder I made overnight. It can record surrounding energy fluctuations and abnormal phenomena. Wear it close to your body, and it will automatically record everything."

Su Tianxing accepted the jade pendant, feeling the intricate formation within it. "Thank you, Senior Sister."

"Junior Brother, there's one more thing." Senior Sister Liu's expression became even more serious. "Last night I observed abnormal light from the back mountain. That light resonated with the divine grain. I suspect the system may have other arrangements within our sect."

"I noticed that too." Su Tianxing nodded. "When I return from Linjiang County, we'll investigate the back mountain situation together."

"Good." Senior Sister Liu grasped Su Tianxing's hand. "Junior Brother, no matter what happens, remember that you're not fighting alone."

These words gave Su Tianxing great comfort. At least he still had allies like Senior Sister Liu.

After bidding farewell to Senior Sister Liu, Su Tianxing headed to the sect's teleportation array. As a major sect, Azure Cloud Gate possessed a teleportation array network connecting various locations, allowing quick travel to Linjiang County.

At the teleportation array, Su Tianxing encountered Sect Master Qingyun Zi.

"Tianxing, I heard you're going to Linjiang County for disaster relief?" Qingyun Zi approached with a benevolent smile.

"Yes, Sect Master." Su Tianxing bowed. "The system told me severe flooding occurred there, requiring immediate rescue."

"Very good, very good!" Qingyun Zi nodded with satisfaction. "Tianxing, your compassion makes this master very pleased. However, the situation in Linjiang County may be quite complex. You must act carefully."

"What does the Sect Master mean?"

"The flooding in Linjiang County was very sudden, and local cultivators are all helpless." Qingyun Zi's expression became serious. "I suspect this flooding might not be a natural disaster, but man-made."

This information stirred Su Tianxing's heart. If the flooding was man-made, who was behind it? Could it be related to the system?

"Sect Master, who do you think would create such flooding?"

"Hard to say." Qingyun Zi shook his head. "Could be evil cultivators, could be demon clans. In any case, be extra careful. If you encounter danger, immediately send word back to the sect."

"This disciple understands."

Su Tianxing entered the teleportation array, and with a flash of light, he appeared at Linjiang County's teleportation point.

Linjiang County's situation was more severe than he had imagined. The originally prosperous county town was now in ruins, with streets everywhere covered in standing water and silt. Many houses had been washed away, and countless people gathered on high ground, their faces filled with despair and fear.

"Immortal Master! The Immortal Master has come!" Someone recognized Su Tianxing's Azure Cloud Gate robes and immediately shouted loudly.

Soon, Su Tianxing was surrounded by a crowd of people. They knelt on the ground, crying about their ordeals.

"Immortal Master, please save us!"

"My home was washed away by the water, my child is still inside!"

"This water came too suddenly, we had no time to escape!"

Seeing these desperate people, Su Tianxing felt strong sympathy. Regardless of the system's true nature, these innocent people truly needed help.

"Everyone, don't panic. I'll do my best to help you," Su Tianxing comforted them. "Please tell me, how did this flooding occur?"

An elderly villager stepped forward, trembling as he said, "Immortal Master, this water came too strangely. It was fine last night, but suddenly surged this morning. Moreover, the water's color isn't right—it's somewhat blue and emits a strange smell."

Blue water? Su Tianxing's heart stirred, remembering last night's blue light from the back mountain. Could there be some connection between the two?

"Also," another villager added, "we discovered many strange things at the river bottom, like metal blocks, glowing in the water."

Metal blocks! Su Tianxing's heartbeat accelerated. These descriptions reminded him of the metallic threads in the divine grain and the runes on the Heavenly Engineering Water Control.

"Can you take me to see those metal blocks?" Su Tianxing asked.

"Of course, Immortal Master, please follow me."

Led by the villagers, Su Tianxing came to the riverside. The scene before him was shocking: the originally clear river water now indeed showed a light blue color and gleamed with metallic luster in the sunlight. Even stranger, there were indeed many metal blocks slowly moving in the river water, as if they were alive.

【Host, abnormal energy fluctuations detected. Immediate use of Heavenly Engineering Water Control for management recommended.】

The system's voice suddenly rang out with a hint of urgency. This urgency made Su Tianxing suspicious—why was the system so eager for him to use the Heavenly Engineering Water Control?

"Let me observe the situation first," Su Tianxing responded mentally.

【Time is urgent, the people are suffering. Please begin rescue operations immediately.】

The system's urging became stronger, making Su Tianxing even more certain there was a problem. He decided to investigate carefully first before deciding whether to use the Heavenly Engineering Water Control.

Su Tianxing walked to the riverside, carefully observing the metal blocks in the water. These blocks varied in size but had regular shapes, with complex runes carved on their surfaces. Most surprisingly, these runes were almost identical to those on the Heavenly Engineering Water Control.

"When did these metal blocks appear?" Su Tianxing asked.

"About three days ago," a fisherman answered. "We initially thought someone was throwing garbage in the river, but later discovered these things could move by themselves and kept increasing in number."

Three days ago! Su Tianxing's heart shook. That was exactly when the system began frequently issuing tasks, and when various abnormal phenomena started appearing.

He quietly activated the spiritual energy recorder Senior Sister Liu had given him, beginning to record surrounding energy fluctuations. Soon, he discovered an astonishing fact: these metal blocks were emitting regular signals, and these signals' frequency completely matched the system's frequency.

Even more terrifying, these signals seemed to be communicating with somewhere far away. Su Tianxing looked in the direction of the signals and found they pointed toward Azure Cloud Gate, specifically toward the back mountain of Azure Cloud Gate.

This discovery filled Su Tianxing with enormous fear. Could these metal blocks be deployed by the system? Could this flooding not be a natural disaster at all, but a man-made calamity created by the system?

【Host, your behavior is abnormal. Please use Heavenly Engineering Water Control immediately and stop wasting time.】

The system's voice became stern, even carrying a hint of threat. This change in attitude made Su Tianxing even more certain of his suspicions.

"I need to understand the situation first to better use the divine artifact," Su Tianxing deliberately delayed, wanting to collect more evidence.

【Warning: Abnormal behavior patterns detected in host. If delays continue, forced execution program will be initiated.】

Forced execution program? Su Tianxing felt a chill. This meant the system could forcibly control his actions?

Just then, the metal blocks in the river suddenly began flashing violently, emitting blinding blue light. With the flashing light, the river water began surging even more violently, threatening the people on the shore.

"Run! The water is rising again!" The people fled in terror toward higher ground.

Seeing the people's panic, Su Tianxing's heart filled with anger. If this flooding was truly created by the system, then the system was using innocent people's suffering to coerce him.

But now he had to save people. Regardless of the system's purpose, these people's lives were innocent.

Su Tianxing took out the Heavenly Engineering Water Control, but before using it, he quietly attached one of Senior Sister Liu's monitoring talismans to the artifact. This talisman could record the artifact's energy flow and working principles.

"Heavenly Engineering Water Control, activate!" Su Tianxing followed the system's instructions and activated the artifact.

Instantly, the Heavenly Engineering Water Control emitted intense blue light, resonating with the metal blocks in the river. Su Tianxing felt a powerful force surge from the artifact, quickly spreading throughout the entire river.

Miraculous things happened: the surging river water began rapidly receding, the destroyed riverbed began automatically repairing, and even the washed-away houses began reassembling.

Seeing this scene, the people knelt and kowtowed, shouting "Chosen Savior." Their faith and gratitude flowed toward Su Tianxing like a tide.

But Su Tianxing felt nauseated. Because through the spiritual energy recorder, he clearly sensed that this faith energy didn't dissipate but was collected by the Heavenly Engineering Water Control and then transmitted somewhere far away through some method.

This wasn't rescue—this was harvesting!

Su Tianxing suppressed his inner anger and nausea, continuing to complete the management work. But his attention was mainly focused on observation and recording, collecting as much evidence of the system's crimes as possible.

During the management process, Su Tianxing noticed a detail: the metal blocks in the river didn't disappear but sank deep into the riverbed. Moreover, after sinking into the riverbed, these metal blocks began connecting with some kind of device beneath the riverbed, forming a massive network.

Through spiritual perception, Su Tianxing discovered this network extended very far, ultimately pointing toward the back mountain of Azure Cloud Gate. This confirmed his suspicion: the system had deployed such devices everywhere, forming a monitoring network covering the entire cultivation world.

After completing the management work, Su Tianxing put away the Heavenly Engineering Water Control. After completing its task, the artifact's surface runes became brighter, obviously because it had collected large amounts of energy.

【Task completed. Host performed excellently, cultivation advancement reward obtained.】

As the system finished speaking, Su Tianxing felt his internal spiritual energy indeed increase somewhat. But this growth made him feel sick, because he knew this power came from deceiving and exploiting innocent people.

"Immortal Master, you are truly our savior!" The county magistrate arrived with a group of officials to express gratitude to Su Tianxing.

"This is what I should do," Su Tianxing forced a smile. "However, I'd like to understand—before this flooding occurred, were there any abnormal phenomena?"

"Abnormal phenomena?" The county magistrate thought for a moment. "There were indeed some strange things. About a month ago, a group of people calling themselves 'Heavenly Dao Messengers' came to our county, saying they wanted to build some 'blessing facilities' by the river. We thought it was a good thing, so we agreed."

"Blessing facilities?" Su Tianxing's heart stirred. "Can you take me to see them?"

"Of course. However, those facilities were destroyed in the flooding. Now only some debris remains."

Led by the county magistrate, Su Tianxing came to a highland by the river. There were indeed some building ruins here, but Su Tianxing could tell at a glance that these weren't ordinary blessing facilities, but remnants of some kind of high-tech devices.

Among the debris, Su Tianxing found large amounts of metal fragments with runes identical to those on the Heavenly Engineering Water Control carved on them. More importantly, he discovered a line of strange text on a larger metal plate—text that wasn't any known human writing, but more like some kind of alien language.

Su Tianxing quietly collected some metal fragments, preparing to take them back for Senior Sister Liu to analyze. At the same time, he used the spiritual energy recorder to capture images of this alien text.

"County Magistrate, where are those 'Heavenly Dao Messengers' now?" Su Tianxing asked.

"They left before the flooding occurred," the county magistrate answered. "They said they were going to other places to spread the Heavenly Dao's grace."

This timing was too coincidental. Su Tianxing could almost certainly confirm that these so-called "Heavenly Dao Messengers" were agents dispatched by the system, building these devices everywhere to prepare for the system's plans.

"Did they leave any contact information?"

"No. They said if needed, the Heavenly Dao would naturally arrange encounters."

This mystical rhetoric was very much in line with the system's style. Su Tianxing's suspicions deepened further.

Staying in Linjiang County for a day, Su Tianxing collected as much evidence as possible. He discovered that this flooding was indeed artificially created, aimed at testing the system's device effectiveness while collecting large amounts of faith energy and human data.

Even more terrifying, through conversations with local people, Su Tianxing learned that similar "blessing facilities" had been built in other places, all completed within the past month. This meant the system was accelerating some major plan.

The next day, Su Tianxing prepared to return to Azure Cloud Gate. Before leaving, he came to the riverside once more, wanting to make a final confirmation of the riverbed situation.

Using spiritual detection, Su Tianxing found that the metal device network at the riverbed had been fully activated, transmitting large amounts of data to distant locations. This data included detailed information on all Linjiang County residents, as well as the faith energy they generated during yesterday's rescue process.

Most shocking of all, Su Tianxing discovered this network was also monitoring him. Whenever he used spiritual detection, the network would record his spiritual characteristics and behavior patterns.

This meant the system wasn't just using him to save people, but also collecting his detailed data through these tasks. Perhaps the system's ultimate goal wasn't just controlling humans, but also completely replicating and replacing Chosen ones like him.

Thinking of this, Su Tianxing felt deep fear. He realized he might not just be the system's tool, but also the system's research subject.

【Host, abnormal mental state detected. Immediate return to Azure Cloud Gate for rest recommended.】

The system's voice rang out again, but now sounded more like a monitor's command.

"I'm preparing to return," Su Tianxing forced himself to remain calm.

On the way back to Azure Cloud Gate, Su Tianxing kept thinking about his next actions. He had now collected enough evidence proving the system was indeed some kind of alien technology implementing a massive conspiracy against human civilization.

But how should he respond? If he directly confronted the system, he might lose all his power, even his life. But if he continued cooperating with the system, he would become an accomplice to this conspiracy.

More importantly, he needed to find more allies. With just his and Senior Sister Liu's power, they couldn't possibly oppose such a massive conspiracy. He needed to convince more people, including the sect master and other sect leaders.

But who would believe such an incredible thing? Who would be willing to give up the enormous benefits the system brought?

Returning to Azure Cloud Gate at evening, Su Tianxing went directly to Senior Sister Liu's residence, wanting to share today's discoveries with her.

"Senior Sister, I'm back," Su Tianxing knocked.

"Come in quickly!" Senior Sister Liu's voice carried urgency.

Su Tianxing pushed open the door to find Senior Sister Liu studying a pile of metal fragments that emitted faint blue light.

"Junior Brother, you came at the perfect time!" Senior Sister Liu looked up, her eyes full of excitement and fear. "I have a major discovery!"

"What discovery?"

"I went to investigate the back mountain last night and found a huge underground facility." Senior Sister Liu's voice trembled. "Junior Brother, there's a massive metal device there emitting strong signals. Moreover, I found these there."

Senior Sister Liu pointed to the metal fragments on the table. "These fragments have strange text carved on them, not any language from our world. Even more terrifying, I discovered this device is communicating with the outside world, and the communication target... isn't in our world."

Su Tianxing's heart shook. Senior Sister Liu's discovery completely matched his findings in Linjiang County. It seemed the system's conspiracy was even more massive and terrifying than they had imagined.

"Senior Sister, I also have important discoveries." Su Tianxing took out the evidence collected from Linjiang County. "This flooding was created by the system, aimed at collecting faith energy and human data."

Su Tianxing described his experiences in Linjiang County in detail, including the metal device network at the riverbed and those mysterious "Heavenly Dao Messengers."

After hearing Su Tianxing's account, Senior Sister Liu's face turned pale. "Junior Brother, if your discoveries are true, then we're facing not just deception, but... an invasion targeting all human civilization."

"Invasion?"

"Yes." Senior Sister Liu picked up a metal fragment. "I analyzed the composition of these fragments and found they contain elements that don't exist in our world. Moreover, the technological level of these devices far exceeds our understanding. This can only mean one thing: they come from another world, a world with highly advanced technology."

"Then what is their purpose?"

"From current evidence, they seem to be collecting our faith energy and physiological data," Senior Sister Liu analyzed. "Perhaps they regard us as some kind of... resource."

This conclusion made Su Tianxing feel a chill. If humans were truly regarded as resources by alien civilization, then the system's ultimate purpose might be to completely e*****e or eliminate human civilization.

"Senior Sister, we must stop them."

"I agree. But we need more evidence, more allies," Senior Sister Liu said. "Moreover, we must act carefully and not let the system discover we already know the truth."

"What should we do next?"

"First, we need to thoroughly investigate the underground facility at the back mountain to understand the system's complete plan," Senior Sister Liu said. "Second, we need to find others who might have noticed abnormalities and establish a secret resistance organization."

"Also," Senior Sister Liu's expression became even more serious, "we need to learn how to counter the system's technology. Traditional cultivation arts may not be sufficient to deal with this alien technology. We need to find new methods."

Su Tianxing nodded in agreement. They now faced an unprecedented challenge requiring unprecedented methods to address it.

"Senior Sister, there's one more thing." Su Tianxing recalled today's experience. "I discovered the system might be collecting my data, studying my behavior patterns. Perhaps its purpose isn't just using me, but also wanting to replicate me."

"Replicate?" Senior Sister Liu frowned. "You mean it wants to create artificial Chosen ones?"

"Very likely. If it can completely replicate a Chosen one's abilities, it would no longer need real humans."

This possibility filled both of them with deep fear. If the system could truly create artificial Chosen ones, then human civilization would truly have no hope.

"We must accelerate our actions," Senior Sister Liu said firmly. "Junior Brother, tomorrow night, we'll investigate the underground facility at the back mountain together. Whatever we discover, we must stop this conspiracy."

"Good." Su Tianxing nodded. "Senior Sister, no matter what happens, we must persist to the end."

Just then, a familiar humming sound came from outside the window. The two walked to the window and saw blue light appearing again from the back mountain direction. This time the light was more intense than last night and lasted longer.

"It's accelerating operation," Senior Sister Liu observed the light's changes. "Junior Brother, I'm worried the system might be entering the next phase."

"What phase?"

"The harvesting phase." Senior Sister Liu's voice was filled with fear. "If my guess is correct, the system may have collected enough data and energy and is preparing to begin real action."

This possibility filled Su Tianxing with enormous urgency. If the system was truly entering the harvesting phase, they might not have much time left.

"Senior Sister, we can't wait any longer," Su Tianxing said firmly. "Tonight, we investigate the back mountain."

"Tonight?" Senior Sister Liu hesitated somewhat. "Won't that be too risky?"

"If we don't take risks now, we might not have a chance later." Su Tianxing looked at the blue light outside the window. "Moreover, I have a feeling that if we don't act now, it might be too late."

Seeing Su Tianxing's determined eyes, Senior Sister Liu finally nodded. "Alright, we'll go tonight. But we must make thorough preparations."

The two began preparing for tonight's operation. Senior Sister Liu took out various detection instruments and protective talismans, while Su Tianxing checked the signal blocker Lin Mo had given him, ensuring it could protect them from system detection at critical moments.

Night fell, and Azure Cloud Gate sank into tranquility. But beneath this tranquil surface, a war concerning the survival of human civilization was about to begin.

Su Tianxing and Senior Sister Liu quietly left their residences, heading toward the back mountain. They didn't know what they would discover tonight, but they knew that whatever they found, they must face it bravely.

Because this might be the last chance to save human civilization.

Under the moonlight, the blue light from the back mountain appeared even more eerie and mysterious. As the two approached, the mechanical humming became increasingly clear, like some massive machine operating.

Su Tianxing gripped the signal blocker in his hand, silently praying: hoping they could stop this terrible conspiracy in time, hoping human civilization still had hope.

But what he didn't know was that as they headed to the back mountain, the system had already detected the abnormality and begun taking countermeasures. A true confrontation was about to begin.