Chapter 769 "The Soul Splitting Art"
However, beneath his composed exterior, his heart was far from tranquil.
Initially, he approached the Book of The Vishanti with a trial-and-error mindset, seeking methods for advanced multidimensionality.
But advanced multidimensionality was far more complex than merely learning rules from the Darkhold or devising plans to thwart Thanos, as Stephen and the others had done.
What caught Jerry off guard was The Vishanti's unexpected generosity, unveiling their intricate knowledge systems within the pages of the Book of The Vishanti.
The methods employed by the three ancient gods of Vishanti to ascend into multidimensionality were similar in concept yet vastly different from Jerry's preconceived notions.
Jerry had previously deduced, through observation of multiple universes, that ascending to the multiverse required first developing one's own single universe to a certain threshold, then utilizing that universe as a template to replicate countless others.
In fact, this conjecture isn't entirely incorrect, but it's only applicable to beings like Jerry who possess their own single universe.
Numerous formidable dimensional demon gods haven't developed their own universe, yet they've successfully attained multidimensionality, many of them emerging as exceptionally potent multidimensional entities.
The method they've employed is the one unveiled in The Book of The Vishanti - the art of soul division! Essentially, when one's power at the single universe level peaks, they split a fragment of their essence, implant it into other universes, and nurture it into a formidable entity of equal strength.
The greater the number of fragments separated, the more robust the overall power becomes. Possessing one's essence in tens of thousands of universes marks one as exceptionally formidable within the entire multiverse.
Furthermore, this method of advanced multidimensionality is exceedingly challenging to defeat, as unless one locates the origin of all their universes, killing them in one universe merely results in their presence persisting across countless others.
Doing this would undoubtedly help Jerry with his purpose of searching the things or people he currently need easily, because in a sense he could now multi-task easily without worrying about anything else while his main body is doing other thing.
Yet, after a moment of contemplation, Jerry decided to abandon this approach to advanced multidimensionality.
He realized that while this advanced and diverse set of methods boasted numerous advantages, it harbored a fatal flaw that he couldn't reconcile.
Its excessive reliance on the entire Marvel world. The premise of this advanced diversity hinges on Marvel possessing over a million universes, with an obvious upper limit. Once each universe hosts its own original clone, it spells the end.
This approach contrasts with Jerry's current endeavors. While slower and more arduous, it affords complete liberation from the Marvel world without constraints.
Even in the event of a significant conflict with the master of the entire Marvel world, he retains the option to depart and forge his own path.
Forging his own path would mean the possibilities for his future would be limitless!
Moreover, even if he were to create ample universes in the future, surpassing the Marvel Universe itself isn't an insurmountable feat.
Of course, learning remains imperative. While he doesn't intend to follow the path of the ancient gods, acquiring further knowledge could prove beneficial down the line.
Methods may be static, but individuals are dynamic. The soul-splitting method needn't solely serve as a means to advance diversity; it can also be repurposed for other endeavors.
"Are we ready to return to Earth? Are you coming with us?" Stephen inquired, rolling his eyes after receiving the Book of The Vishanti.
Jerry pivoted to glance around, spotting Mr. Fantastic orchestrating the Ultron army and overseeing the construction of a massive mechanical gateway.
As the brightest mind on Earth in this universe, Mr. Fantastic boasted not only the elasticity bestowed by cosmic ray mutations but, more significantly, his unparalleled inventiveness.
He would probably even beat Tony Stark in his own field if Tony never took what he was doing seriously.
This colossal mechanical portal stood as Mr. Fantastic's magnum opus, capable of facilitating ultra-long-distance transportation across planets.
It was this very mechanism that enabled Earth's defense forces to launch a preemptive strike before Thanos descended upon Earth, engaging him in battle on his home turf of Titan.
Should the battle falter, they could swiftly retreat and initiate secondary defense strategies.
This is why Mr. Fantastic is arguably one of the best heroes in Marvel universe, he is strong and yet calculative as he could preemptively take measures of other bad situation before it degrades further.
In the cinematic portrayal, the swift downfall of the Illuminati wasn't indicative of their inherent weakness, but rather their underestimation of Wanda's true power. Empowered by a significant infusion of chaos energy from Chthon, her abilities had surged to unprecedented levels.
"No, I have business with Professor X," Jerry stated firmly.
With a dismissive wave of his hand, he approached the aged Professor, whose expression darkened as he spoke slowly, "Professor X passed away in battle long ago."
Jerry's reaction betrayed no surprise; he had anticipated this outcome, "That's exactly why I am looking for him. Don't worry too much, Stephen; this is no longer part of your duty. The responsibility for this one solely lies on me."
This cryptic statement from Jerry left Stephen confused.
As a mutant imbued with the power of the Phoenix, Jean surpassed even Professor X in strength. Moreover, he had attempted to use the owl's name-locating method to find Jean Grey, but to no avail.
There were only two explanations: either Jean Grey no longer existed, or her connection to the Phoenix Power rendered the name-locating method ineffective.
One of the ancient multiverse-level forces, the Phoenix Power, superseded the niche law from which the name-locating method derived.
Evidently, the former was true.
"In that case, I think looking for Professor X perhaps would be the best answer, isn't it?" Jerry inquired.
Jerry placed his hand on Professor X's shoulder, using him as a conduit to search for their counterpart in other worlds.
Moments later, much to the astonishment of onlookers, Jerry vanished into thin air.
...
"This appears to be England, reminiscent of the 1960s and 1970s," Jerry noted, surveying the architectural styles around him to pinpoint the approximate time and place.
"Hopefully, I can find what I'm looking for in here," Jerry assured himself before readying to search for Jean.
After traversing numerous Earths, he had honed the ability to discern location and era swiftly.
"Search for Jean Grey!" he commanded, closing his eyes and employing the owl's name-searching rule. Jerry's formidable mental prowess scoured the universe with precision.
"It seems to be ineffective," he muttered upon opening his eyes, realizing the influence of the Phoenix Force rendered his search futile. Unable to ascertain Jean Grey's existence in this universe, he concluded, "We must locate Professor X first."
"If I could get him first, then perhaps I could find a clue about Jean's whereabouts."
Closing his eyes once more, Jerry swiftly pinpointed Professor X's whereabouts before striding purposefully toward a nearby bar, wasting no time.