"Is this... is this going to succeed?"
Deng Ru was shocked at this moment. He immediately used his divine power to fetch paper and a pen to record the differences between this attempt and the previous two.
The previous two ants, Wood and Sound, did not exhibit any silver traces.
This was a crucial point, discernible to the naked eye.
Other data such as the magnitude of divine power, the speed of infusion, and the meridians' pathways would require testing with divine power to ascertain.
However, this was not the time for testing. The meridians' engraving on Earth would take some time to complete.
Only when the meridians formed a complete circuit and could operate independently would it be considered a complete success.
As long as it could endure one complete circuit, the enhancement of divine power would make it stronger and stronger.
One could say that engraving this one circuit was like leaping over the Dragon Gate. If it succeeded, it would become a glorious and powerful dragon.
If it failed, it would be shattered to pieces, its body and path destroyed.
As a pattern of meridians lit up on Earth's body, Deng Ru withdrew his divine power.
"Congratulations, little one. You have successfully crossed this boundary. Eternal life awaits you," Deng Ru celebrated for Earth and himself. His experiment had succeeded.
These five days of hard work had not been in vain.
"The difference between Earth and Wood as well as Sound lies in its highly developed thinking, which is at least somewhat more advanced than Wood and Sound. It possesses the abilities of imagination and invention, which might be the reason why it survived. My other data is the same as Wood and Sound, with the only difference being the level of brain development in the ant."
Earth's brain is clearly larger than that of an ordinary ant, which might be one of the reasons it possesses imagination.
"Divine Lord, I wish to establish a monument to commemorate Wood and Sound. I would like to ask for your advice on what would be appropriate."
Earth's two antennae constantly wiggle, indicating that its thinking and intelligence seem to have improved once again.
"A monument to commemorate them? Then let us erect a stone stele. With my divine power, I shall establish a monument in honor of these two ants."
Deng Ru believes that erecting monuments to pioneers is a hallmark of a civilized and wise society.
Only such a civilization can avoid losing itself in the vast river of history.
Although he has not witnessed the rise and fall of many civilizations, he has read extensively.
Combined with his past and present lives, he has read tens of thousands of books.
Deng Ru focuses his divine power and condenses it into a small stone stele.
Though tiny, it towers over the ants in comparison.
He inscribes the names of Wood and Sound onto it, imitating the ants' communication method.
"A monument to commemorate the pioneers of the ant race, Wood and Sound."
"Pioneers? Divine Lord, what does the term 'pioneers' mean?"
The ant race's culture is still primitive, with a limited vocabulary.
"Pioneers are those who usher in a new era, regardless of whether they succeed or fail. They are considered great beings," explains Deng Ru to Earth.
"Pioneers," he continues, "is a more Western term. I prefer the Chinese explanation: 'Daring to be the first in the world.' That is the phrase I admire."
Earth's antennae sway slowly, revealing its contemplation.
"Indeed, look, little one," says Deng Ru. "Wood bravely embraced death for the hope of immortality. Regardless of his motivation, he ultimately sacrificed his life for the path to immortality. They are both deserving pioneers."
Deng Ru explains the meaning of pioneers to Earth, hoping it will bring civilization to the ant race—whether in technology or cultivation.
The stronger the believers, the stronger the deity.
This is why the population of Blue Star far exceeds that of Earth. If it weren't for the fact that non-intelligent species cannot provide faith, many deities would likely start modifying humans, turning them into reproductive machines like ants, producing hundreds or thousands of offspring at a time.
"I understand, Divine Lord. Am I also a pioneer?" Earth inquires, revealing a sense of hopefulness despite its lack of visible facial expressions.
"Certainly, little one. You are not only a pioneer but also a pathfinder. The road ahead is long, and it is up to you to lead your people and forge ahead," encourages Deng Ru without hesitation.
He clearly understands that in the vast river of history, some individuals might only need a word of encouragement.
For Earth, Deng Ru's words carry significant meaning as a deity personally placing high hopes in it.
Earth's antennae sway rapidly, conveying its excitement.
"Pathfinder? That's another new term. Divine Lord, what does it mean to be a pathfinder?" Earth asks curiously.
"A pathfinder is a successful pioneer who continues to strive and blazes a trail for their people, opening up a path to survival. Such a being is called a pathfinder," Deng Ru clarifies.
"Pioneers need not achieve success; merely attempting makes one a pioneer. But you, little one, are different. You must be a pathfinder, a guardian of your people, forging a path and creating civilization for your race," Deng Ru explains, encouraging Earth. He hopes this ant can help develop the civilization of the ant colony.
The higher the ants' intelligence and lifespan, the stronger Deng Ru's power becomes.
Only by becoming stronger can he rescue the smiling girl from the clutches of the deity of H City and protect a pure land for humanity in this world where deities herd them like cattle.
Having been human for decades, he finds it difficult to ignore the plight of humanity in this world.
Previously powerless, he had no choice but to remain indifferent. Now, with strength at his fingertips, he feels compelled to act.
As an ancient Chinese saying goes, "When prosperous, one should help the world; when poor, one should cultivate oneself." Now, on the cusp of greatness with his ant followers, it's time for him to start helping the world.
"I understand, Divine Lord. I will pass on the path of cultivation to my people, allowing them to journey towards immortality with me," Earth declares excitedly, waving its antennae. "I want to be a pathfinder."
"Go forth, little one. I believe in you, and you will bring civilization to your people," Deng Ru says, using his divine power to send Earth back to the ant colony.
With his divine power, Earth is better suited than Deng Ru to imprint meridians on suitable ants.
The divine power absorbed by Earth has already been purified, making it even more subtle when exerted by Earth.
This subtler divine power is better suited for these fragile ants.
Perhaps in the future, the devout followers—or more aptly, cultivators—among these ants will all go through the process of having their meridians imprinted by their predecessors.
"And this process," Deng Ru ponders, "might be akin to the awakening of demons in Chinese mythology. Once the meridians are formed, it's akin to a demon attaining sentience."