In Zhang Chen's imagined world, gods, who possessed everything they desired, should have been indulging in the ultimate enjoyment, with everyone living in happiness.
Moreover, these beings should at least be managing their physical forms.
With their bloated bodies, they looked nothing like gods, let alone nobles of the divine realm.
They seemed like a group of shut-ins, just passing time and waiting to die.
"What is this situation?"
"Is this the life of a divine noble?"
Zhang Chen kicked aside a half-eaten fruit with his foot and asked.
"It is indeed luxurious... They use fine wines just to spray around for fun!"
Coco watched as a female slave beside them was doused head to toe in wine, yet her face remained wreathed in a smile.
The wine bottles on the ground had labels, suggesting the wine was buried for over 200 years.
"In reality, this is the life of most nobles. They are far more carefree in terms of food and clothing than commoners, and any desire they have can be easily fulfilled."
"Of course, killing is not permitted in this world."
"And even if they die, they can be resurrected..."
Si Lu explained softly from the side.
"This is the divine realm? Ha, if I hadn't come here myself, I would have thought it was hell! It's even more terrifying than our world!"
Coco said with schadenfreude.
She used to think her world was hell, but now, this place seemed more like it.
Any talk of skinning or dismemberment paled in comparison.
Here, no violent means were necessary to render people dazed, decadent, and degenerate.
And the people here were even more thoroughly despairing.
Any desire could be satisfied in an instant, and they couldn't even die...
"But I don't see you being so decadent."
Zhang Chen said to Si Lu, his gaze lingering.
He seemed to suspect Si Lu of weaving a lie.
"It's because my status in the family is very low. Although everything I want is provided, in the eyes of commoners, I am a noble."
"But within the family, no one cares about me..."
Si Lu said indignantly.
"So you traveled to other worlds, acting as a goddess to enjoy the love and respect of others, while also acting as an ancient god, venting your emotions through destruction and ruin?"
Zhang Chen nodded, seeming to understand Si Lu's reasons.
It was precisely because she harbored dissatisfaction and desires that she appeared relatively normal.
The others here, however, had long since become devoid of all desire.
When people lose their desires and goals in life, this is what they become.
"The arrival of a few most noble lords to my humble establishment has greatly honored it!"
"It's been over ten years since this shop saw any new faces. What services do you require?"
A corpulent steward, upon seeing Zhang Chen, Coco, and the others enter, finally showed a glimmer of light in his long-dimmed eyes.
"Gourmet food? Fine wine? Or well-trained maids from various worlds?"
"We guarantee they can satisfy your every whim, making you feel as though you've arrived in paradise."
The steward forced a smile.
He hadn't smiled in so long that he was almost forgetting what it felt like.
"No need. I have my own maids. Find me a room, I need to rest."
Zhang Chen said calmly.
"Yes, yes, please follow me."
The steward led Zhang Chen and his companions to a room on the top floor.
From here, the view was expansive, overlooking the entire town.
This was originally a prime room that all nobles desired, but as they experienced more, people gradually lost interest in the room's location.
Many preferred to sit directly on the ground, finding it more distinctive.
"If you need anything, please do not hesitate to command me. It's been so long since someone has ordered me around..."
"Please, exercise your noble privileges to your heart's content. I will be at your service!"
The steward said obsequiously.
Zhang Chen knew that this fellow wasn't just trying to please the newcomers.
He was also striving to find his own purpose.
As a steward, if no one needed him, he would be the most miserable.
"Now that you mention it, I suddenly have something that requires your assistance."
Zhang Chen's thoughts stirred, and he suddenly said.
"Please, command me, most noble lord."
The steward gave a slight, elegant bow and asked humbly, his head lowered.
"Where was this armor crafted? Where can I find this ore?"
Zhang Chen said, placing Si Lu's armor into the steward's hands.
"This is... Divine Iron Ore. It is generally found at the base of the third Pillar of Life. The material of this armor is indeed good, but if I may be so bold... it is not considered top-grade."
"Good Divine Iron naturally emits a seven-colored halo, and when struck by power, it will completely reflect the power back."
"This piece, it can reflect about 70%..."
The steward gently flicked the armor with his finger and said.
"100% reflection of power? Without any energy loss in the process?"
"This..."
Zhang Chen originally wanted to say it was unscientific.
But then he considered that the ability of the third meteorite was to alter laws.
So-called science was merely the study and summation of existing laws.
Those who created laws were, in essence, science itself...
"Of course, anything that incurs energy loss is not considered top-grade; it's mostly common or even inferior grade."
"Pure Divine Iron, after being crafted by a divine artisan, can even achieve a double reflection of energy upon impact."
The steward boasted about his knowledge proudly.
His knowledge hadn't been used in a long time because no one ever asked him questions.
Those people lacked curiosity, because what was the point of knowing? Whether they learned or not, their current life remained the same.
"I wish to obtain some of this Divine Iron, and preferably see the Divine Iron mine for myself. Do you have any way?"
Zhang Chen asked.
"This... is beyond my capabilities as a steward..."
"Although I understand much about Divine Iron, I cannot overstep my authority."
The steward said with a look of difficulty.
"If that's the case, then I have no further needs. I don't need you anymore!"
Zhang Chen waved his hand, saying with apparent disdain.
"Don't need you anymore..."
"Don't need you..."
"Don't need..."
These words echoed like thunder in the steward's ears.
These were the words he feared hearing the most.
Only by being needed did he have value.
He didn't want to return to a life of dazedness and meaninglessness.
The steward hesitated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and said:
"Respected lord, I have changed my mind. Perhaps, I can indeed help you!"
He had decided to take the plunge; experiencing a different life was far more interesting than just idling away here.
With this thought, the steward's spirit was uplifted, and his entire aura seemed to change.