At the moment when the essence berry burst in the Xiao Yao's mouth, an extremely strong odor of hydrogen sulfide, ammonia, methane, and methyl indole surged straight to the brain.
Before the brain could even identify these, the body instinctively started to reject the viscous substance in the mouth. The stomach began to contract in reverse, the cardiac sphincter opened, and the esophagus also started to contract.
The Xiao Yao immediately vomited on the spot.
However, unlike in dreams, this essence berry was naturally far more terrifying than coriander.
So, when she lifted her head again, tears were about to burst forth. She realized she had been duped and fiercely shouted at Fang Mo: "How dare you feed me crap... Fang Mo! I'm going to kill you!!!"
"Wuhu, the plan worked~"
Seeing his ploy succeed, Fang Mo revealed a pleased expression.
But when Fang Mo saw the other party gritting her teeth and charging at him as if ready to fight for real, he also chuckled and grabbed the other's wrist.
"Damn you! I'm going to kick you to death!"
The Xiao Yao struggled fiercely, but she was no match for Fang Mo. She felt his grip was as firm as iron pliers, not moving at all, and she could only try to kick at Fang Mo with her short legs.
"Hey, don't be too angry."
Fang Mo decided to call it quits after deceiving her into eating his own essence... berry, satisfied with his mischief. He cheerfully explained, "This thing does taste a bit bad, and it's labeled as such, supposedly tasting like 'Pain Essence,' but it truly can make one stronger."
"I don't care!"
However, the little creature in front of him seemed very irritable, shouting, "This thing tastes even worse than coriander, Old Eight can't even swallow it!"
"Nonsense."
Hearing this, Fang Mo immediately took out a string of essence berries and stuffed them into his mouth in front of her. He swallowed them down with a gulp.
"See, I ate it, didn't I?"
After eating the essence berries, Fang Mo shrugged at the other party.
"..."
The Xiao Yao seemed stunned, her previous irritability vanished, and she looked at Fang Mo with disbelief, mouth agape.
"Is this... Is this 'Snow Meal'?"
Soon, the Xiao Yao's expression turned to one of surprise and uncertainty.
"Damn, how do you know everything!"
Fang Mo touched his forehead and quickly explained, "I told you, it's just the bad taste, nothing to do with snow at all. Maybe 'Pain Essence' just tastes like this, don't slander people, okay? It's because this thing can make one infinitely stronger, I had to pinch my nose to eat it."
"So you mean to say... 'Pain Essence' is actually made up?"
The Xiao Yao retorted.
"No, the Devil Fruit tastes the same," Fang Mo spread his hands: "You can't say the Devil Fruit is made up either, right?"
"So as long as it's not really made up, even if it tastes like it, it doesn't matter?"
The Xiao Yao couldn't help asking, "Then I ask you, between 'Pain Essence flavored curry' and 'curry flavored Pain Essence,' if you had to choose one, which would you eat?"
"I'll just swallow it whole."
Fang Mo twitched at the corner of his eye, rebuked her, then sighed: "Sister, for a Devil Fruit in the One Piece world... how many lives have been sacrificed? As long as it makes one stronger, who cares about its taste, especially since essence berries don't even have side effects, they're truly divine fruits, okay?"
"Who says it doesn't have side effects?"
The Xiao Yao muttered, then made a bitter face: "Its side effect is that it tastes like f***ing like cutting off Old Eight's tongue, this isn't essence berry, it's clearly 'Tongue Berry'..."
"I f***ing..."
Hearing this, Fang Mo opened his mouth, too many things to criticize and not knowing where to start.
After thinking for a moment, suspecting maybe his explanations weren't convincing, he suddenly waved his hand towards an empty space beside him.
Almost no one could see clearly what he did.
Only a faint white air wave burst out from his hand.
Due to his extreme speed, even tearing through the sound barrier, a brief cavity instantly formed at his side. The cavity closed the next second, emitting a deafening boom.
As he swung his hand, the massive airflow stirred and transformed into something resembling a giant dragon, roaring as it flew out. It first smashed straight into the tomb's courtyard wall, shattering the entire wall into pieces, then continued flying along its path until it finally crashed into the Himalayas.
With a loud crash, the ground suddenly began to shake. Vast amounts of snow on distant mountain peaks surged downwards like a tsunami, directly causing an avalanche.
"...?"
Not just the Xiao Yao, but even the other Sorcerers in the Kamar-Taj stared at Fang Mo in utter astonishment.
Did he just cause an avalanche with a casual punch?
So, is he a Supreme Sorcerer or a Supreme Martial Artist?
"This is the Intentional Bombardment Punch!"
However, Fang Mo did not care what others thought and confidently said to the Xiao Yao, "One punch from me and mountains collapse, the earth splits! How about that, lady, am I awesome or what?"
"You...?"
The Xiao Yao was also somewhat stunned. After blinking and hesitating for a moment, she couldn't help but ask, "Just how many Essence Berries have you eaten to become this strong?"
"Heh..."
Upon hearing this, Fang Mo crossed his arms and chuckled coldly, mimicking Dio's tone, "Would you remember how many times you've done a certain thing?"
"Sorry, zero times."
The Xiao Yao, hearing this, also gave a cold laugh as she looked at him.
"Uh..."
Realizing he had perhaps misunderstood the question, Fang Mo thought he should have mentioned joy beans instead. Jokes are fine in moderation, but too much can be annoying. He reiterated, "Anyway, Essence Berries are really something."
Fang Mo sighed and said, "I mean well, after all. You're still a bit too weak; I'm afraid you might rashly lose your life, and I really wouldn't be able to control myself then..."
"Wouldn't my gear be enough?"
The Xiao Yao frowned cutely upon hearing this, "A quantum suit should suffice, right? If not, I could wait to craft a quantum ring before taking risks... But seriously, the taste of that thing is too strong; I really can't swallow it."
"That's fine, but you have to eat two golden apples first..."
Just as Fang Mo was about to speak, the Xiao Yao suddenly looked up as if she had remembered something, "Wait, didn't you unlock TE already?"
"Oh, the Thermal Expansion mod?"
Fang Mo paused, then realized, "I did unlock it, why do you ask suddenly?"
"I remember there's a Book of Knowledge in there; right-click to inject Steve's experience into it," the Xiao Yao said. "Then when it's needed, press shift + right-click to take it out. Maybe I should make one of these books filled with experience and test it in reality?"
"...What?"
Hearing the Xiao Yao's suggestion, Fang Mo was a bit baffled, "There's such an operation?"
"I'll try it later anyway."
The Xiao Yao thought for a moment and said, "Based on the reality rules you explained to me, if Essence Berries work that way, the Book of Knowledge should theoretically have a similar effect."
"Damn! That means I've been eating shit for nothing!"
Fang Mo cursed loudly in frustration, "My ass is split! Damn shit!"
"How... how much?!" The Xiao Yao was also shocked and blurted out, "Wow! My toilet doesn't eat as much as you..."
"Just shut up."
Fang Mo was genuinely struggling to hold back and wiped his face in anguish.
Yes, his current predicament was clearly due to a lack of knowledge, as he couldn't remember crafting recipes and combinations, so he had no choice but to force down the Essence Berries.
This was also one of the reasons he had gone to such lengths to bring the Xiao Yao over.
After all, the various high-tech gadgets in the MC world are really useful.
Although it's true that I've consumed so many essence berries for seemingly little return, those events are all in the past now. Fang Mo has since discovered other ways to become stronger, so he just sighed and said, "Well, let it be. Anyway, when you go back later, you should study this."
"Are we going back soon?"
Xiao Yao looked up and asked.
"Yes," Fang Mo nodded. "After all, I've been here for quite a long time, and since Thanos is already gone, there's no point in staying any longer. It might be better to go back and climb the tech tree together. Later on, I'll take you to explore other worlds. How does that sound to you?"
"Oh, that works too."
Hearing this, Xiao Yao also nodded, seemingly looking forward to it: "I don't care about the replicas; mainly, I can't wait to start working on the machinery formations..."
"That's settled then."
Fang Mo shrugged his shoulders: "I'll go and say goodbye to them."
After saying this, without waiting for a response, Fang Mo walked towards the group of Avengers.
"Are you planning to leave?"
Just as Fang Mo arrived, Stark asked directly, having overheard some of Fang Mo's conversation due to their close proximity.
"Yes."
Fang Mo nodded again: "After all, I've defeated the big boss here. If I stay any longer, I might end up becoming the big boss myself. It's better to leave before that happens."
"You won't become our enemy."
Captain America, hearing this, spoke earnestly and firmly: "We trust you, Fang Mo. You're actually a good person."
"I can't believe my first 'good guy' card is from the Captain himself; it's really something," Fang Mo said, touching his forehead in exasperation.
"So, are you really planning to leave this time?" Nick Fury asked quickly, his expression as calm as ever: "Are you really leaving, or is it like before, just going back for a short while?"
"No more, I'm really not going back this time."
Fang Mo waved his hand with a smile.
Although Nick's expression was unreadable as usual.
But having known him for a long time, Fang Mo could still hear a hint of reluctance in his voice.
Thinking it over, Fang Mo spoke again: "I might be gone for a long time this time... but don't worry, you guys are my brothers now, so I'll definitely come back."
"Is it really going to be a long time?"
Stark, unable to help himself, spoke up: "Fang Mo, there's something I might need to remind you of. We're all ordinary people here; I hope that when we meet again, I'm still alive, not pulled back by something like my old man..."
"Not likely, not likely."
Fang Mo laughed and shook his head, then added: "How about this, when you and Miss Potts get married, I'll come back for your wedding."
"Then you're doomed."
Stark said: "I was planning to propose to Pepper after dealing with Thanos."
"Then you're doomed."
Fang Mo echoed with a laugh: "As the supreme fist fighter of the human race... I'm going to teach Miss Potts how to punch, so you won't be able to propose successfully within three years."
"Be serious..."
Stark sighed at this response.
"Hahaha, just kidding."
Fang Mo laughed heartily: "I'll try to come back as soon as possible, after all, I still have things to finish here. Next time, I'll take you guys through time and space."
"Wait... why are we traveling through time and space?"
Captain America asked, puzzled.
"Because I freaking lost my ring!" Fang Mo said mournfully: "Although I'm known as the 'Master of Three Nos': no arrogance, no impatience, no wearing... I might not wear it, but I can't lose it!"
"Could you please finish your sentences next time?"
The person who spoke this time was Nick Fury. His face remained calm, expressionless, but his words were sharp: "Just call a glove a glove. Don't leave out a word, making it seem like you don't have hands. Moreover, the thing you blew up was made by Uru, not latex."
"In fact, if you really want to put it that way, it could be made of latex."
While speaking, Fang Mo pulled out several differently colored thorium laces from behind and wedged them between his fingers: "Tonight, infinite warfare..."
As he spoke, he also raised an eyebrow at the Xiao Yao.
"Call the police, immediately."
The Xiao Yao glanced at Fang Mo, then spoke directly to everyone: "Don't call the FBI, summon the Court of Life instead."
"Laughable, do you think the Court of Life can stop me from creating life with you?"
Fang Mo snorted.
"Age hasn't stopped you, has it?" the Xiao Yao said, raising an eyebrow. "Should I also grow a horn? I hear Lolita Giants and loli Succubi are quite popular..."
"You're still the best."
Upon hearing this, Fang Mo instantly touched his forehead: "But let's forget about it, I'm afraid Little Pink Hair will be chasing after you to gnaw on you later..."
"Hm?"
Hearing this, the Xiao Yao suddenly sensed something: "What did you just say?"
"!"
Fang Mo himself was stunned, not expecting his words to slip out like this. He quickly thought of a strategy, clapped his hands and started talking to everyone: "Ah, why aren't you eating this fine essence berry?"
"Because it doesn't look very appetizing."
Rocket Raccoon, an old friend of Fang Mo, immediately chimed in, speaking up loudly: "My ears are quite sharp, I already heard you discussing its disgusting taste!"
"But it makes you stronger."
Fang Mo spread his hands, and at the same time casually asked Steve to pull out the Book of Ages.
The farewells here were almost done, after a few more words to divert the attention of that little madman, he planned to return to the main world.
"Trust me, this is the most convenient and useful thing I can leave for you."
"Wait..."
As Fang Mo was deliberately talking nonsense, Doctor Strange suddenly spoke up from not far away.
His expression was somewhat complicated, as unlike others, Strange was the type who liked to get to the bottom of things, so he was still a bit annoyed after being fooled by Fang Mo: "Before you go, I have a few questions to ask you."
"What questions?"
Fang Mo curiously looked at Strange.
"You..."
Strange hesitated for a moment, but eventually couldn't help but look up at him: "Are you really a dimensional demon? And... is the Ancient One truly dead?"
"What kind of questions are you asking?"
Fang Mo thought to himself that his opponent was indeed the Sorcerer Supreme, having quite an accurate feeling. However, his response was entirely different: "Why don't you ask about the meaning of the universe?"
"What is the meaning of the universe?"
Strange countered.
"Sorry, the universe isn't obligated to make you understand these things."
Fang Mo wasn't in the mood to explain, simply looking up at Strange. But just as Strange was about to speak, suddenly a finger pressed directly against his chest.
Even though Strange was the Sorcerer Supreme.
He didn't realize when the other had made a move.
And in the next second, Strange's body suddenly lit up with a fierce white light, followed by the sound of clicking and clacking, as all the metal limbs on his body disassembled and fell off, replaced instantaneously by pristine new limbs.
"What...!?"
Strange looked at his own hands, astonished.
"Next time you drive, don't get distracted," Fang Mo said, patting Strange on the shoulder. "If you encounter someone you can't beat, just run. There's no shame in it. I'll come back and kill them all for you."
"You…"
Strange opened his mouth as if to say something, but ultimately, he was unable to articulate anything.
"Alright, friends, there will be..."
After resolving Strange's issue, Fang Mo regained control of Steve. Now, with the Xiao Yao by his side, as soon as he activated the powers of the Book of Ages, they would return to the main world.
But just at that moment, Nick Fury suddenly spoke up again.
"Wait..."
"Wow, man, can you guys not do this?"
Upon hearing this, Fang Mo immediately facepalmed: "Dude, I'm just going back for a bit, not dying. Do you have to make the atmosphere so solemn? If you really want to say goodbye to someone, go find the Ancient One. She's the one who's actually dead, her grave is still there... uh, sorry, I just shattered it."
"Is she really dead?"
Nick Fury suddenly asked directly.
"Emmm..."
Fang Mo glanced at the Ancient One who had voluntarily entered the End Sword nearby, remained silent, and magically pulled out a bunch of essence berries: "Alright, Fury, you old rogue, hurry up and eat some hot essence berries. Among these people, you're the least capable. Make sure to stay alive until I return, or there'll be no one to pick the cotton when it matures."
"Your girlfriend just said that this stuff tastes like shit."
Nick Fury didn't even touch the bunch of essence berries.
"I'm doing this for your own good, man. I like to share the good stuff with my brothers, and you're my best brother," Fang Mo said outright: "As they say, shared blessings, and shared man... uh..."
"Just a moment ago you were refining, and now your sexual orientation has changed, right?"
Nick Fury calmly looked at Fang Mo.
"Why are you always like this?"
Frowning, Fang Mo suddenly pulled out an orange, as if by magic: "Never mind, considering you are under my command, just eat this."
"Does this taste normal?" Nick Fury asked.
"Absolutely normal," Fang Mo declared confidently.
"..."
After a moment's thought, Nick Fury still shoved the orange into his mouth, chewed a few times, and said, "Seems like there's really nothing strange about it..."
However, before he could finish his sentence, he saw Fang Mo looking towards a distant tombstone, then turned his head to look at him again: "So, do you still eat little cakes?"
"You better not tell me that what I just ate was their offering."
Nick Fury's face darkened.
"Hey, it's not like you paid for it." Fang Mo smiled: "What offerings? This is clearly a special product from your country, okay?"
"...Huh?"
Everyone exchanged glances, even Nick Fury seemed a bit stunned.
"Ha-ha, it's from the cemetery store!"
Fang Mo burst into laughter: "Surprised?"
"...You!"
Hearing Fang Mo's words, Nick Fury's face darkened even more, but the others couldn't help but snicker, and in that instant, Fang Mo activated the Book of Ages.
Without any words of farewell, an endless black mist surged out of the book like sea water.
Seeing the black mist coming, Fang Mo first recalled the End Sword from a distance, but unlike before, he did not open his arms; instead, he grabbed the hand of his partner next to him. Her hand was small, soft, slightly cold.
Caught off guard by Fang Mo's sudden grip, her hand stiffened for a moment but soon reciprocated the hold.
Quickly, the black mist surged.
Both figures were completely engulfed.