After the mechanical priests finalized the design of the power network, two volunteers immediately stepped forward to test whether the system would truly work.
Xiao focused his mind at once, observing with utmost care, unwilling to miss even the smallest detail.
The amount of original power required to condense a power network was clearly far lower than that needed for a fusion furnace.
With the strength of peak-stage mechanical monks, success on the first attempt was entirely possible.
Moreover, during the initial condensation, the network did not need to be especially strong.
Although the power network resembled a system of meridians, its essence was still artificial. Whether nanomechanical worms or the power network itself, both could be modified and reinforced at any time.
In fact, every person's nanomechanical worms would evolve differently, depending on their growth, the substances they absorbed, and the energy they refined.
Even if two people absorbed identical materials and energy, the nanomechanical worms within the same individual during the Qi Training Stage and the Foundation Building Stage would still differ vastly in strength.
…
…
Bzzz—
The moment the power network took shape, the two volunteers' bodies trembled violently. The original power within them surged into extreme activity, gathering entirely into the newly formed network and transforming into a pale, silvery current of refined energy.
Within the network, it flowed freely—like a joyful bird darting through a forest. As the original power circulated again and again, it began to draw in ambient original power from the surrounding air, pulling it into their bodies.
At the same time, the quality of the network slowly improved as more energy was absorbed.
Intense energy radiation washed through their entire bodies. The prosthetics embedded within them let out joyful mechanical hums, evolving to a higher level alongside their hosts.
The two volunteers felt their spirits grow closer to original power—and closer to the God of All Machines.
Even with their eyes closed, they could vaguely sense the original power drifting around them… and even faintly perceive their surroundings.
Almost unconsciously, one of them issued a water purification magic command to the original power in the air.
Hua-la-la—
A fine, mist-like drizzle fell inside the hall. Though it lasted only a few seconds, the water purification magic had been successfully cast.
More importantly, he did not feel the original power in his body vanish. Instead, only a portion of his personal stamina was consumed, leaving him slightly fatigued.
"Am I… a priest?"
He looked at Pope Lana in confusion, seeking confirmation from this human agent of the divine.
But the moment the words left his mouth, realization struck him—and his face drained of color.
Lana: "…"
Xiao: "…"
Both fell silent.
If it were confirmed that this man had become a priest, it would mean that the promotion system granted by the God of All Machines was flawed.
But how could God be wrong?
God was omniscient and omnipotent!
To even entertain such a thought was to shake faith in the God of All Machines—an act of blasphemy worthy of being burned at the stake.
The expressions of everyone present darkened, and their gazes toward the two volunteers grew hostile.
"Silence!"
Pope Lana shouted sharply. Her eyes grew unfocused as streams of data flickered within them.
The hall fell instantly quiet.
Everyone knew this meant she was communicating with the Om Messiah. The outcome of that exchange would decide the fate of the two volunteers.
"According to the testimony of the Om Messiah," Lana announced solemnly,
"you two are priests."
"From this day forward, those who condense power networks shall be known as Mechanical Priests, while those who construct fusion furnaces shall be honored as Mechanical Sages!"
"God's words state: Though God is omniscient, He knows only what He possesses. His wisdom, however, is endless. You have created a miracle—you have added new knowledge to the God of All Machines. For this, you shall be rewarded!"
As Lana spoke the final sentence, boundless light flooded the entire Holy Court.
When the radiance faded, everyone realized they had all been promoted to priests. A perfect power network had been engraved into their bodies by the God of All Machines Himself.
It was a structure far more intricate and refined than the one they had spent months designing.
God not only corrected the irregularities of their original network, but also added thirty-six additional channels and four hundred sixty-eight network nodes.
Of these, twelve branch channels compensated for deficiencies in internal and external circulation, expanding the functional range of the network nodes.
Another twelve channels formed muscular systems attached to the primary pathways—spiritual muscles and joints alike.
The final twelve channels were embedded along the body's outer layer, linked to the main network to serve a protective function.
In total, fifty-six network channels and eight hundred thirty nodes spread throughout every inch, every corner, and every cell of the human body. Vast torrents of original power flowed through them, radiating a golden glow.
Lana and the instructors felt their strength increase more than tenfold in an instant. The power network within them continued to pulse, endlessly reinforcing their bodies.
Despite its overwhelming potency, the system did not hinder movement in the slightest.
This divine reward not only demonstrated the humility of the God of All Machines, but also unmistakably displayed His wisdom and might.
"Praise the God of All Machines! Praise the Om Messiah!"
Feeling the surging power within their bodies—and seeing the people around them grow visibly younger by the second—the priests erupted into cheers.
"Thank you for the mercy of the Om Messiah! May you guide our path ahead and protect us with metal and light!"
One of the volunteers, who moments ago had nearly fallen into despair, collapsed to his knees. Tears streamed down his face as he pressed his forehead to the ground before the statue of the God of All Machines, praying fervently.
To him, the Om Messiah's admission—that He was not "truly omniscient," but "all-knowing," and willing to temper His own authority—was an act of immeasurable grace.
Such a kind, benevolent, and respectful god could only be repaid by unwavering devotion, even unto death.
No—this was not the fault of the God of All Machines at all.
It was their own inadequacy. They had failed to complete the priestly rank originally designed by God and could only reach it through this opportunistic method.
After all, the energy used by both the power network and the fusion furnace was of the same tier—compressed, liquefied original power. That alone proved they had taken a shortcut.
The two volunteers quickly voiced these thoughts aloud, immediately earning the approval of the surrounding believers.
How could the Om Messiah be wrong?
If anyone was at fault, it was them.
"Alright, alright—you're wrong. You're wrong," Xiao said helplessly, smiling wryly.
These believers were… truly endearing.
In truth, lowering one's authority was not necessarily a bad thing.
If a god elevated himself too highly, the moment divine words clashed with reality, faith would fracture. In the end, such a god would lose all credibility.
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