To be honest, strictly in terms of perception, that missing 1% between her and Aha didn't actually feel like much of a difference.
If you only compared that specific sliver, they were pretty much neck and neck.
The real issue was that for Aha, the Path was like an extension of THEIR own limbs and self. That level of effortless mastery—acting as instinctively as moving one's own arm—was something Bai Ming simply couldn't replicate.
Missing that tiny bit might not look like much on paper, but it represented the difference between being "complete" and falling short of perfection.
For Bai Ming, there was always a part of the Path that remained out of reach, a segment she couldn't quite grasp or control.
Consequently, while Bai Ming could also manipulate the Path of Elation, she lacked that sense of fluid grace and absolute authority.
If she ever truly went toe-to-toe with Aha, relying solely on the power of Elation, she would definitely lose; the only question was how badly.
Suppose Bai Ming and Aha reached a point of total opposition and tried to carve up the Path of Elation between them.
In that case, Bai Ming estimated that she could claim 40% at most—maybe even as little as 30%—while the rest would stay with Aha.
That was why Bai Ming's current mastery over the Path of Permanence and the majority of the Path of Propagation gave her some much-needed ground to stand on.
It was her insurance policy, ensuring that if she ever had a falling out with Aha, she wouldn't lose everything in one go.
"...So that's basically how it is. Even though it's only 1% less, the actual gap in strength is pretty massive."
She gave a brief summary of her thoughts and observations. Herta's face took on a contemplative look.
She was likely mulling over the relationship between Paths and Aeons, as she didn't press the matter further.
While Herta reflected, Ruan Mei was clearly more intrigued by the part concerning the "Body of an Aeon."
"In other words, the Path itself can serve as a medium for carrying information, and a portion of it contains a complete record of the Aeon's physical form?"
"Yeah. When the time comes, I'll help you pick out those specific equations. Besides, there are similarities and differences between the bodies of Aeons from different Paths; I think you'll find it fascinating."
Hearing Bai Ming's explanation, Ruan Mei's eyes grew increasingly bright.
Her interest was written all over her face. Ruan Mei's research had always started from the concept of life itself.
While her interest in the Elation Equation was lukewarm, her enthusiasm skyrocketed at the prospect of studying the physical essence of an Aeon.
Meanwhile, Screwllum, having listened to his companions discuss the two areas he was interested in, posed another question:
"Inquiry: What exactly is that opposing power used by the shadows summoned by HooH—the power that stands in total contradiction to the Paths?"
"...I honestly don't have a clue about that one. It feels more like a concept of pure 'opposition' forcibly balanced out by the power of Equilibrium."
Bai Ming had fought it for so long, yet she still couldn't figure out how to classify that stuff.
It clearly belonged within the system of Imaginary Energy, but as for a specific category, she couldn't pin one down. It felt like a force that existed solely for the sake of being an opposite, devoid of any deeper meaning.
"I'm surprised you're interested in that part, Screwllum," Bai Ming said, looking at him with curiosity.
Screwllum simply offered a smile. "It strikes me as an intriguing subject worthy of record. Perhaps it will serve as a reference should I ever have the opportunity to study Equilibrium in the future."
He then followed up with another question:
"Inquiry: Aeons typically remain distant from the mortal world, yet Madam Bai Ming shows no such reservations. Does this also relate to that unparsed 1%?"
"I think it's possible. Lacking that final bit of resolution means I don't have perfect control over the Path. To the world, I'll always be just a powerful Pathstrider rather than a true Aeon."
Bai Ming even kept the "Aeon Bodies" she had decoded as separate entities, only manifesting them when necessary, rather than inhabiting one as her permanent form.
Without the divine body, she could truthfully claim she was just a Pathstrider who had walked far enough to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the gods.
"Of course, it might also be because of the Aeon's body itself. That thing is pretty high-profile every time it's used; it's hard to stay low-key. Maybe that's one of the reasons Aeons stay away from the human realm."
As Screwllum listened to her answer, the light in his eyes flickered.
He desperately wanted to study that code, but he knew all too well that recklessly touching the will of an Aeon was a suicidal endeavor. He tucked that ambition away for another day.
As the geniuses drifted into thought, Bai Ming took a sip of tea and suddenly addressed the three of them:
"By the way, I'm technically an Aeon now. Any of you interested in becoming my Emanator?"
Compared to the worry she felt when asking Acheron, this time Bai Ming was purely doing it for the fun of it.
If Herta became her Emanator, she'd finally have the upper hand! Bai Ming even took a moment to fantasize about the image of Herta as her subordinate.
Unfortunately, Herta saw right through her and let out a huff.
"No thanks."
"Why not? It wouldn't be an Emanator of Elation—it's for Permanence!"
"Still don't need it. Besides, one look at you tells me you've got some ulterior motive. I'm not agreeing to that." Herta glared at Bai Ming, ruthlessly exposing her.
"What! How could you say that! That is pure slander!" Bai Ming protested loudly, though she lacked any real conviction. Herta wasn't buying it for a second.
"So stingy! You're already an Emanator of Nous, what's the harm in being mine too?"
"How is that even remotely the same?" Herta raised an eyebrow, looking at Bai Ming with exasperation.
Being an Emanator of Erudition and becoming Bai Ming's underling were two very different prospects.
"It's totally the same, you cheapskate!" Bai Ming made a face at Herta before turning to the others.
Screwllum chuckled. "Logic: As a mechanical being, I believe I lack a sufficient sense of humor. Furthermore, as the leader of Planet Screwllum, it would be inappropriate for me to become a Scion of Long. Please allow me to decline."
As the leader of Planet Screwllum, he felt his current form was quite important. Abruptly changing his configuration to become a mechanical Scion of Long would complicate his rule.
Of course, if Bai Ming wanted to create a mechanical Emanator of Permanence from scratch, he'd be happy to mentor the "child," but he wasn't looking to fill the role himself.
"...Alright fine." Bai Ming scratched her head. Screwllum's reasoning was too sound for her to argue with.
As for Ruan Mei...
"Rather than having it gifted to me, I'd prefer to rely on myself to unravel the secrets of the divine body and modify myself."
"Not you too, Ruan Mei..." Bai Ming pouted. She had really thought Ruan Mei might agree.
Ruan Mei let out a soft laugh. She leaned in closer and reached out to pat Bai Ming on the head. She didn't actually mind the idea of being Bai Ming's Emanator—unlike Herta, she didn't care much about hierarchies.
However, she had already modified her own body extensively, integrating a multitude of strange lifeforms into a delicate balance.
She wanted to take that final step on her own terms, rather than having power funneled into her by a friend. It was her life's goal, after all.
If Bai Ming represented a different Path, Ruan Mei might have said yes. But Elation involved Aha, and Permanence or Propagation would cause obvious physical mutations. Neither felt quite right.
Bai Ming, soothed by Ruan Mei's touch, gave a small huff and finally looked at Divine Herta, who had remained silent.
Noticing the gaze, Divine Herta grinned. "Did you forget? Strictly speaking, I'm actually Irontomb. While I'd likely be fine, do you really want to power up this particular body?"
"..."
Bai Ming threw up her hands. She definitely didn't want to gamble on that.
She couldn't watch over Amphoreus forever, and if something went wrong while she was away, it could mean total catastrophe for the world.
She gave up on trying to recruit the geniuses. However, after being rejected so many times, she felt that if she didn't pick at least one Emanator, she'd look pathetic for an Aeon.
If that jerk Aha got wind of this, it would probably become the next big joke at the Masked Fools' Tavern and spread across the cosmos.
Everyone would know about the "loser Aeon" who couldn't give her power away even if she tried.
To save face, she decided she had to find someone.
If only March 7th were here. Little March would definitely be happy to play along. Unfortunately, "Evernight" was currently off with Cyrene.
She didn't know what they were up to, but at least March was safe from the Garden of Recollection's pursuit. That ditzy personality of hers might not even have a chance to be born yet.
Reveria would certainly be willing, but she was already walking her own path of Elation; it felt wrong to interfere with her journey.
"Hmm... maybe I should go to the Xianzhou and find Fu Xuan."
The power of Permanence could suppress the constant agony caused by the Third Eye, while Elation could boost its potency. More importantly, Fu Xuan seemed to look up to her quite a bit.
That could actually work! She planned to visit the Luofu once things here were settled.
But first, there was business to attend to.
"Speaking of which, Asta should be around ten years old now. I think it's about time to bring her to the Land of Light," Divine Herta suddenly mentioned.
Now, there was a reliable girl. Low maintenance!
Herta raised an eyebrow.
"I really want to see what kind of girl has my other self so preoccupied."
"She's a good kid. The Herta Space Station doesn't need another Station Master, but I'm desperately short-handed over here."
Divine Herta felt that with AI Herta running the station, there was no need for a human curator there anyway.
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T/N: If you want advance chapters, you can find it at [email protected]/AspenTL