The human body has twelve meridians that spread throughout the entire body.
Each meridian has a different starting point, and each corresponds to acupoints and organ tissues.
Putting organs aside for now, there are at least hundreds of acupoints visible at a glance.
Furthermore,
besides these twelve meridians, the human body also has the eight extraordinary meridians.
To Number One, these meridians and acupoints were like signposts in the darkness.
Clear and visible.
The power of the crystals could enter the human body directly through contact and consumption.
This meant that humans could utilize this power.
"Most monsters have naturally strong bodies, with thick meridians that are not easily damaged, allowing them to absorb the energy of heaven and earth faster and more directly."
"It can be said that many demon races, from the moment they are born,
have learned to cultivate and absorb the energy of heaven and earth with every breath."
"In this way, it's impossible for demon races not to be strong."
Number One held the rations without touching them.
He provided a concise analysis of what he had seen and heard to these human slaves.
The human slaves had strange expressions upon hearing his words.
"Is this kid crazy? He hasn't even started eating rocks yet."
"What the heck are meridians? Do we need you to tell us why demons are strong?"
"Yeah, demon races are naturally strong, they get stronger just by breathing... tsk tsk tsk..." The man sitting opposite Number One sneered.
With a couple of tsk-tsks, he stood up, his tall frame at least one meter eighty-nine.
Looking down at Number One's slender form, the man took two steps forward.
In front of Number One's small frame, he was like a giant.
"Feng!"
'Shan' and the others thought he was about to attack and shouted.
The man glanced at 'Shan', then reached out and snatched the rations from Number One's hand.
He tilted his head back and poured the crystal particles on it into his mouth.
He crunched them down and swallowed.
Then he casually threw the rations at Number One.
"If you don't eat it, fine."
"Kid, you said all that just to tell us how strong demons are?"
"If you don't want to live, just say so. Don't slow down our progress."
"..."
'Shan' glanced at Number One and said nothing.
The others also found it uninteresting and turned to walk towards where they had placed their stone picks.
Seeing this, Number One couldn't help but sigh inwardly.
It seemed he hadn't convinced them, and he hadn't even finished speaking.
As the human slaves dispersed and walked forward, Number One's gaze instantly became sharp.
'Feng' was walking when he suddenly felt a chill down his spine.
A strong gust of wind approached.
He looked back inexplicably, and upon doing so, he was met with Number One's spinning, flying kick.
Bang!
A loud sound echoed within the mountain.
All the human slaves stopped in their tracks and then looked sharply towards the source of the sound.
They saw 'Feng's' body inexplicably smashed against the mountain wall and slowly sliding down.
This sight made everyone's pupils contract, and they felt a deep sense of fear.
—Have those monsters come in?!
Why?
Did they discover them slacking off? Eating crystal particles?
But they never came in before!
For a moment, several thoughts flashed through their minds.
Until they, trembling, looked towards the spot where 'Feng' had just been standing.
Whether it was a monster or not, they didn't know...
There was only Number One.
...
Number One, who looked about seven or eight years old, clapped his hands and put his hands on his hips.
His voice was calm, yet carried a hint of arrogance and provocation.
"Well? Can you listen to me now?"
Indeed, in the eyes of the human slaves, it was arrogance and provocation.
Absolute authority stemming from immense power!
'Shan's' throat tightened, and he stared at Number One, fearing he might suddenly unleash his power.
"What do you want to say?"
Number One scanned the surroundings.
Good, they were all listening intently.
However, this feeling of being looked down upon seemed to lack credibility.
He leaped lightly onto a higher rock.
Looking down at the human slaves, he said, "Let's continue."
"We were talking about how demon races are almost naturally strong in physique and can cultivate, so it's impossible for them not to be powerful."
"But their strength is merely due to their racial traits, which give them a head start. It doesn't mean humans are weak."
"..."
The human slaves looked at him, not understanding what he meant.
Was he saying humans were strong?
But the reality was before their eyes: human slaves were naturally weak.
Even moving slightly larger stones required several people working together.
And Number One...
The human slaves' nerves were taut; this guy was definitely a monster!
Number One, unaware of their thoughts, continued:
"Human bodies are naturally weak, with numerous and thin meridians that intertwine and overlap, forming a complex structure. Unlike the simple and robust meridians of demons."
"As a result, when they come into contact with the energy of heaven and earth, there are generally two outcomes."
"One, the power cannot enter."
"Two, after the power enters, it cannot find the correct path and randomly finds a place to reside, causing blockages or adverse effects."
Number One looked at these individuals who called themselves human slaves and explained:
"What are adverse effects? Just like your companion, the one who went mad... 'He'?"
"!!!"
At these words, the pupils of the human slaves contracted.
Initially, 'Shan' was vigilant, contemplating the purpose of this monster named 'Number One'.
But as Number One gradually explained, 'Shan' suddenly felt something was amiss.
He didn't understand much of what Number One said.
But he could grasp the general meaning.
Demons were strong because of their inherent advantages.
Humans were weak because they had too many things inside them.
It was like walking through a cave filled with various items; it was difficult to find the entrance or exit.
Even if they entered, they might not be able to get out smoothly.
So, was 'He' driven mad because of this?
Why was this Number One suddenly saying this?
What was he trying to convey?
'Shan' desperately wanted to ask, but he dared not speak rashly.
He feared that if Number One was displeased, his life would be forfeit.
Just then,
Number One suddenly raised his hand and slowly clenched it into a fist.
His tone was relaxed yet serious, "So, do you want power?"
"..."
There was silence within the mountain.
'Shan' stared intently at Number One. From his tone to his eyes, he exuded confidence and freedom born from immense strength.
Although it was a question, to them, it was filled with provocation.
What exactly did this Number One want?
Was he testing if they would escape? If they would resist the demons?
Or...
No, humans couldn't possess such strength!
The eyes of the human slaves met in the air, all believing this was a trap set by a demon to teach them a lesson.
In the ensuing silence,
two voices suddenly rang out: "How do we obtain power?"
One voice came from 'Shan'.
The other came from the short human slave who had been crying while chewing rations earlier.
One was considered a leader, and the other was the weakest among the weak.
Even if it might be a trap...
But what if?
What if?
Living like this was no different from being dead.
But what if they took a gamble with their lives, and there was a glimmer of hope?
Even if they couldn't escape, there were others.
Like digging a hole, everyone digging a little.
Everyone taking a step forward.
What if they succeeded?
What if...
The human slaves truly rose up from this moment on?
...