Every awakened person has a soul sea, which is the source of soul power. Using the human body as the axis, it projects into higher dimensions to draw power. Of course, "soul sea" is just a term—most people only sense it as a small puddle. But John Carter's soul sea, nourished by the Fate Stone, is truly like a vast ocean. However, the Fate Stone does not belong to this world. Every world has its own order and laws; any existence that violates these laws will be forcibly destroyed by the power of order. Yet the Fate Stone is unimaginably powerful. The collision between the power of order and the Fate Stone triggered the Inca tsunami, but miraculously resulted in the current situation: these two forces have reached a balance within John Carter's body. The sealed power's struggle against the tides is like something out of a sci-fi blockbuster.

The chaotic six-pointed star, containing the power of law, envelops the Fate Stone, and John Carter's soul sea is also affected. But James Carter is a living being; in the standoff between the two forces, his insignificant strength is like a blade of grass finding a sliver of life in a crack in the stone. Thus, a crack appeared in the seal, and this tiny fissure allowed John Carter to survive—though the amount of soul power he could use was pitifully small.

Over the years, John Carter and Simba have tried everything. If they can't find a solution, forget about the path of kings—John Carter will never be able to forge a heroic soul, and Simba will never realize his wish to break free from the Fate Stone and descend into the real world.

“What did you think of?” John Carter had spent the whole year soaking in the library, trying to find some possible method, but to no avail. At this level of power, not even the Heroic Soul Academy could help, and for safety's sake, he didn't dare make a fuss—otherwise, he'd almost certainly end up dissected.

“How have things been for you lately in the fifth dimension?” Simba asked.

John Carter gave a wry smile. “You said you wouldn't mock me, but I've lost ninety-nine times in a row. My soul power peak is only around twenty—no matter how good my technique is, I can't break through my opponents' defenses.”

For most people, once they ignite their soul fire, their soul power peak is at least fifty, and those with talent can reach over a hundred.

“Heh heh, did you forget my super artifact? With my Wheel of Playful Fate, you can leverage destiny!” The Playful Fate Clown put his hands on his hips, his nose twitching proudly.

“You mean, the soul essence absorbed by the Wheel of Playful Fate is finally enough?!” John Carter said in surprise.

Simba's mouth twitched, then he broke into a smile. “Your opponents are getting weaker and weaker—their soul essence is basically useless now. But that's okay! The great Playful Fate Clown has a way. It's time to show Simba's true power!”

“What price do you have to pay?” After a moment of silence, John Carter suddenly asked.

Simba smiled. “I am the great Playful Fate Clown—this is nothing!” But the clown's eyes flickered.

“Haha, I get it. You must be tricking me because you're afraid of pinching your nose. Of all people to imitate, you pick Ma Dong. Whatever, I'm not in a rush—I just became an adult, I've got plenty of time…” Suddenly, John Carter realized he couldn't move his body.

Simba pulled a wheel about his own size out of his pocket, and in an instant, the entire space turned into two colors: light and darkness. “How can you compare the great Playful Fate Clown to that little punk? I am the great Simba!”

The Wheel of Playful Fate was half as dark as a black hole, half as bright as flames, with a comical clown pointer at the center… which actually looked a lot like Simba. But the clown's charge was only about one-third full.

Back then, Simba had said that once the clown pointer absorbed enough soul essence, it could activate a fate judgment—but it was still far from full.

“Simba, don't do anything crazy! We have plenty of time!” John Carter shouted, but his voice couldn't get out at all.

“Mehahaha, John Carter, let me show you the greatness of the power of Playful Fate! In the name of Simba, I give the judgment: if the pointer lands on light, your soul power peak will double; if it lands on darkness, your soul power peak will be halved!” The clown grinned brightly, his big red nose twitching with pride, both hands gripping the Wheel of Playful Fate tightly.

John Carter was anxious but couldn't move at all. Having his peak halved didn't matter to him—like a dead pig unafraid of boiling water—but if it doubled, his combat power would be completely different. Yet John Carter knew very well what was sealing his own sea of fate—what kind of price would this take?

A simple truth: to gain, you must pay.

Watching John Carter struggle desperately, Simba cupped his face and made a huge funny face. “Simba is very happy to have come to this world and become your friend. This is Simba's birthday gift to you. Fate is a club—let's joyfully beat it together!”

The clown pointer on the Wheel of Playful Fate began spinning wildly, as if it had exploded, and the whole world turned into a swirl of darkness and light. Gradually, the clown pointer slowed down, but it was obvious the dark area had a stronger pull, since the pointer's energy wasn't full. Sweat dripped from Simba's forehead, and just as it was about to stop on darkness, Simba suddenly kicked it hard. With a bang, the pointer landed on the light area, and the whole world shook violently.

Chapter 5: Big Brother Is Right Here!

Simba jumped up in excitement, kicked his legs, pointed to the sky, and shouted, “Lucky!”