And so, Zheng Zha held the golden mask in his hand. After setting the flaked-off piece back into place, the entire mask immediately emitted a faint golden glow. Anyone looking at it would instantly know this was no ordinary piece of gold; upon closer inspection, one could discern that the mask was inscribed all over with strange and arcane symbols and runes. When Zheng Zha tentatively tried to channel internal energy or Vampire energy into it, the mask pulsed with golden light, but that was all—no other phenomena occurred.

Chu Xuan, however, was profoundly intrigued by the mask. He repeatedly urged Zheng Zha to channel his energy into it while he scrutinized it under a magnifying glass, even going so far as to unlock his Gene Lock just to examine the minute details, one fraction at a time.

After a considerable pause, he finally spoke to Zheng Zha, "My hypothesis was correct after all. Do you see the symbols and runes etched upon it? These are analogous to the electronic components in our integrated circuits, only these symbols and runes are far more systematic, far more efficient. If integrated circuits represent technology based on electrical power, then this golden mask represents technology based on corporeal energy."

Zheng Zha and the others listened, utterly bewildered.

Chu Xuan brought the mask close to Zheng Zha's face. "Unlock your Gene Lock for a closer look, and try channeling just the tiniest trickle of internal energy at a time."

Zheng Zha took up the mask with a puzzled look. Then, he fed his internal energy into it.

Instantly, the mask flashed with golden light again, and Zheng Zha finally saw it. The spot where his fingers gripped the mask began to glow with a white light. Wherever this white light passed, the symbols and runes naturally illuminated. Then, the white light entered a specific point within the configuration of the runes and symbols, flowing along their engraved paths. When the light emerged from the symbols and runes, it had transformed into a golden radiance.

"Do you understand now? It’s the exact same principle as an integrated circuit. Electronic components convert electricity into various signals, just as these symbols and runes alter the form of your internal energy, manifesting it in an alternative way. In fact, this functions identically to the Spear of Judgment, only the conversion mechanism of the Spear of Judgment is internal, whereas this one is displayed externally..." Chu Xuan spoke with a hint of fanaticism, a state that startled those around him, as, with only one or two exceptions, almost no one had ever witnessed Chu Xuan in such a fervent state.

Zheng Zha exchanged glances with the others; it was clear that the group, for the most part, understood none of it. He could only wave a hand in resignation. "But what does this signify? I’m not very familiar with this technical knowledge... Just tell us directly, don't beat around the bush."

Chu Xuan was not irritated. He took the golden mask back. "Roughly speaking, mastering this energy conversion mechanism means we are essentially one-tenth of the way to becoming a 'Saint'—perhaps slightly less, but it’s still an unimaginably terrifying leap forward. Let me give you an analogy: internal energy, Vampire energy, even mental energy, can all be exchanged and strengthened through the 'Main God.' Although advanced levels still require personal cultivation—like your Primordial Unity Qi Gong—this principle allows us to potentially give everyone access to corporeal energy. When this energy can be converted and utilized by structures like these symbols and runes, it’s as if we become a continuous source of electricity, holding an integrated circuit in our hands."

Even with this explanation, the expressions on the faces of the others grew even more blank. Chu Xuan could only sigh, "The wisdom of mortals... The essential point is that the energy conversion mechanism of the Spear of Judgment can transform internal energy and Vampire energy into destructive force. I have closely examined the destructive capability of the Spear of Judgment several times; upon contact with an object, it completely disintegrates the matter down to the atomic and molecular level. If we decipher the energy conversion mechanism of the symbols and runes inside the Spear of Judgment, we won't just be copying it; we’ll be manufacturing Judgment Guns or Judgment Cannons. As long as we have internal or Vampire energy, we can convert it into the destructive force that decomposes matter—we could absolutely create such things..."

"For example, those artifacts from our mythology, like magical treasures and flying swords. I can view these as utilizing different energy conversion mechanisms. A flying sword, for instance, might convert energy into an anti-gravity mechanism, or a mental-force remote control mechanism, or perhaps a destructive force mechanism combined with a self-replication mechanism, like the legendary Ten Thousand Swords Return to One, or the Sword Control Art that summons countless blades. A magical treasure could be seen as an independent energy conversion mechanism—be it ice or fire, space or gravity. In short, this is fundamentally another form of science: the science of energy transformation..." Chu Xuan began speaking excitedly again. "Now you understand! If we can grasp the energy conversion coefficients of these symbols and runes, and the meaning of the energy systems they form, we can create all these things that appear to belong to legendary magic..."

"I am now absolutely certain! Those so-called legendary magical items are all products of high technology!"

The group stared at Chu Xuan's relentless monologue, sweat beading on their foreheads. Jonathan whispered fearfully to Zheng Zha, "He looks terrifying right now... exactly like the current German Chancellor when he’s giving a speech. Are you sure he poses no threat to us?"

Zheng Zha offered a wry smile. "Basically no specific threat... To be honest, seeing him in this state is a rare event. We’re quite lucky to witness it..."

The group stayed at the New York City hospital for three days. Apart from O'Connell's hand still needing fresh bandages, everyone else had fully recovered. Although Zheng Zha’s injuries were the most severe, he was the fastest to heal among them, having practically returned to normal by the second day. The Dragon Cells combined with the Vampire genes had given him a recovery rate approaching the exaggerated levels of a Troll, though still quite distant from that monstrous brown-haired youth.

Three days later, the group decided to depart for the ruins of the ancient Mayan civilization. Although they still had about thirty days to spare, they couldn't be sure what might happen after visiting the ruins, so proceeding sooner rather than later seemed best. Curiously, Imhotep and Anck-su-namun also decided to accompany them on the exploration of the ancient Mayan site.

Facing the group's questioning looks, Imhotep merely smiled. "My era was different from yours. I once believed Egypt was the center of the world’s civilization. Only now, after my resurrection, do I realize that ancient civilizations existed on virtually every continent. Furthermore, I am intensely interested in those legendary 'Saints.' It’s possible that the Egyptian civilization I knew was also preserved by these 'Saints.' In any case, let's go see this place."

The group felt no particular aversion or apprehension regarding the inclusion of Imhotep and Anck-su-namun. After the terrifying confrontation with the brown-haired youth, their view of Imhotep and Anck-su-namun had softened. Firstly, Imhotep had been a great help during that fight; if he hadn't carried Alex away, Zheng Zha would never have been able to unleash his full power. Secondly, while Anck-su-namun’s words could be sharp, her actions weren't those of a truly willful woman; she was merely somewhat withdrawn. However, after fighting side-by-side against a terrifying monster, the distance between her and the others had shrunk, and she occasionally managed to exchange a few words even with Eve.

The headcount thus increased to eleven (excluding the little boy). O'Connell and the two with him sat together with Anck-su-namun. The other four members of the Central Continent team sat together. Then there were Chu Xuan and Zheng Zha riding the Green Goblin Glider, while Imhotep transformed into a sandstorm and flew solo. This arrangement managed to balance the weight, preventing one glider from moving too fast while the other lagged behind.

"That ruin was never discovered before because it was hidden deep within a jungle canyon. Last time, an earthquake shook the canyon floor, exposing it to the villagers outside, who then found the step pyramid. Based on our archaeological evidence, the site dates back five thousand years, predating what we believed to be the Mayan pyramid era by several millennia—it is a true relic of the ancient Mayan civilization."

The Green Goblin Glider moved forward as Eve ceaselessly explained the history to the others. Although her voice couldn't carry to the other glider, Jean's Psychic Link solved the problem perfectly. She connected her consciousness with Eve's, relaying her words to the second glider almost simultaneously.

Eve then continued, her voice tinged with sadness. "There used to be a small village outside the pyramid, populated entirely by simple Indigenous people. That area was their designated common land. The monster who attacked was originally one of the villagers, a very kind old man. But after donning the golden mask, he transformed into that cruel monster. He turned everyone in the village into zombies, and even his eight-year-old granddaughter didn't escape..."

The group shared a moment of somber reflection, unsure what to say to comfort her. Only Jean offered silent, mental solace. As the Green Goblin Glider continued its journey, a small village began to appear faintly in the distance, and beyond that, in the deeper jungle, a corner of the step pyramid revealed itself...