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墨書 Inktalez
Zhir was not foolish. In Zhir's view, the most likely tactic that Mage would adopt was to disperse, splitting into dozens of forces. If that happened, Mage still had a certain chance of escaping. Although Zhir could instantly reach any location within his domain and consume the dispersed forces, it would still take considerable time.
However, Zhir did not anticipate that Mage would take a risky approach. His true consciousness was hidden within the tendrils attacking Cui Ming and others, burrowing underground to escape. The energy was simply too low—so low that while busy fighting and rescuing Cui Ming, Zhir completely failed to notice. Without Mage's true body controlling it, the Void Vortex resembled a magic circle, remaining unchanged and filled only with tangible energy. This was also the reason why the Void Vortex clashed with Zhir.
By the time Zhir realized and pursued, the energy had already left his domain. Zhir did not give up and continued to chase until he finally caught up with Mage. From a distance, Zhir silently watched as the prophet devoured Mage throughout the entire process. For Zhir, the mission from the gods was non-negotiable; he could not recklessly use the divine power bestowed upon him for his own desires. Thus, Zhir departed.
When Zhir sensed movement and turned to look in the distance, he saw a whirlwind of daggers enveloping the prophet. He witnessed the prophet being crushed layer by layer like an egg in a whisk; the process was incredibly swift.
...
The outcome was satisfactory for everyone except Sadin, who felt somewhat saddened. After all, the prophet had been his colleague. Sadin also knew that Cui Ming had other plans but did not blame him; they were never friends to begin with. At least Cui Ming had informed himself that the purpose of this mission was to eliminate Mage, and he had succeeded.
For Cui Ming, this result was quite impressive. The first step of the Chain Scheme had achieved unparalleled success, and now it was time to use what remained from the prophet to trap and kill Fire Cult.
However, soon after, Cui Ming and Feng became unhappy because Zhir had prepared drinks and fruits at Pearl Lake.
After a few cups of wine, Sadin bid farewell to them as he sensed something strange in the atmosphere; Zhir did not seem to want him to stay. Zhir gifted Sadin a stone tablet, which was a key object from the Royal Tomb's main formation—broken by seventy percent. Seeing Sadin's interest in the symbols on it and knowing it had lost its power, Zhir decided to give it to Sadin as a token of gratitude for helping him complete his mission.
Cui Ming watched Sadin leave with an ominous premonition. Zhir's words of thanks for assisting him in fulfilling his mission represented many things: it marked Zhir's first expression of gratitude and signified the end of his mission. Looking at the banquet—aside from the food—the wine was Zhir's collection, made from tequila; Cui Ming and Feng had only tasted it once before. This time, Zhir brought out both barrels of wine.
As the three chatted, Zhir spoke noticeably more than usual. Cui Ming seized an opportunity to glance at Feng, who sat curiously observing them: "The poor child is still very fortunate; he has finally found a home."
Zhir looked at the wooden figure, his expression somewhat troubled. "You two, I have completed the Sun God's mission. I destroyed the sanctuary left for his descendants, and now I need to use my soul to atone to the Sun God."
Feng had already grasped Zhir's meaning. "Didn’t Mage say that the Sun God no longer exists?"
Zhir replied, "Whether he exists or not is irrelevant. Death, for me, is also a form of liberation."
Cui Ming said, "Death was a liberation for your past self, but it is not for your present self. Besides the Sun God's mission, Zhir, you have gained many things now. For example, would you want to leave the wooden figure all alone in the desert, or would you prefer us to imprison him?"
The wooden figure was taken aback and looked at Zhir, tears immediately welling up in his eyes. Zhir skillfully released a beam of golden light that landed on the wooden figure's forehead. The wooden figure's mood instantly eased, and then he collapsed, not knowing whether he had fallen asleep or had become unconscious. Zhir said, "I believe you won't make things difficult for him. There’s no need for you two to say more. Since I am about to die, I think the Sun God will forgive me for using his power to thank those who helped me accomplish my mission."
As he spoke, Zhir floated two grains of golden light that fell into the bodies of the two, disappearing in an instant. Zhir continued, "I am not a god; I cannot give you more. This is a seed of True Origin Power. Whether it can take root and sprout depends on your own understanding."
"True Origin Power?" Feng questioned.
Zhir nodded. "In ancient times, humanity was divided into three tiers. The third tier consists of ordinary people who cannot cultivate Force, making them the main body of the planet's Intelligent Beings. The second tier is what you call cultivators; they can use their own Force, but their bodies are limited, and their Force is usually weaker, leading them to research how to use it effectively. The first tier consists of what you refer to as gods; their power is true Force, primal power, natural power that is no longer limited by itself. Those with such power became legends; although they live long lives, compared to the history of the planet and the universe, they are merely a drop in the ocean. They too will die, and new beings will become new gods. However, what we commonly refer to as gods originates from humans; they simply mastered the power of True Origin Power. Many people in this world possess True Origin Power, including Wandering, but he cannot comprehend or realize it due to a lack of opportunity. Whether this gift has meaning is up to divine will; it depends on whether the Creator God, or what you call the universe and natural laws, chooses you to become new gods."
Zhir added, "To put it in your terms regarding natural laws: if there are too many tigers and not enough prey, once the tigers consume all the prey, they will eventually disappear as well. From the moment a tiger is born, its reproduction and temperament determine whether it can survive. This is natural law—commonly known as fate. Fate can be changed through effort but is difficult to transform fundamentally; successful individuals can change their own fate and live well. However, they cannot alter their essential fate; they must face aging and death just like those who live poorly."
Zhir continued, "Every god has its own responsibilities; even those you dislike like the God of Death or Demon God have their roles. Perhaps once you find your own responsibilities, you may comprehend True Origin Power. Cui Ming, Feng, your chances of becoming gods are quite low because you lack direction; ironically, as you speak of Li Qing, he might be the one most likely to grasp True Origin Power. Yet natural law has brought you to this desert instead of sending Li Qing here; this signifies that Li Qing does not qualify to comprehend True Origin Power. Now that you have this qualification, I just do not see your ability to understand it."
"Without direction or goals—chaotic Demon Gods, dark Gods of Death, righteous Goddess of Dawn, orderly God of Order, and balanced God of Balance: they all have their own positions and goals and are very firm in their beliefs. I do not see such qualities in you. But since you are here, I must pass down this seed before I leave; this is also my responsibility." Zhir said: "I do not know where True Origin Power comes from—whether it exists for selecting gods by the Creator God, or if it is something humans gain through effort. Drink this cup of wine; then go take the wooden figure with you. The desert is lonely and desolate; loneliness is more terrifying than death."
Raising his cup, Zhir, along with Cui Ming and Feng raised theirs as well. Just as Zhir was about to drink, Cui Ming suddenly said, "Zhir, I used to think you were quite impressive; now I look down on you a bit."
Zhir was not angry. "Provocation won't work on me."
"I'll analyze your reasons for wanting to end your life. Is your mission really over? Don't forget that you are the only remaining offspring of the Sun God. The Sun God's kingdom has been destroyed, and yet instead of thinking about rebuilding your homeland, you seek death. Isn't that a betrayal to the Sun God?"
Zhir was taken aback.
Cui Ming continued, "Secondly, I believe loneliness is something you despise and is one of the reasons for your desire to end your life. But things have changed. First, you have Wood by your side, and there are us two who might become gods as well. Most importantly, you have a goal. Before I came here, I visited Bean Sprout Spring. In just a few years, the oasis has begun to expand and various insects have made it their home. I know that transforming a desert into an oasis is nearly impossible, but can't you at least create a territory? You have goals and pursuits; you won't be idle every day, lost in loneliness, waiting for your mission to end so you can end your life. Your goal should be to build an oasis. You still have a long lifespan ahead of you; perhaps you can rebuild a kingdom, or even pass down the Sun God's Bloodline. You said it yourself: gods have lifespans, and the Sun God may already be dead without a suitable successor. Perhaps you are that successor. Maybe thousands of years ago, the Sun God faced the same choice as you do now; he chose to build a kingdom and create a sanctuary to protect his offspring before leaving this world."
Cui Ming added, "Thirdly, why do all gods have their own territories? Why do they all have representatives? I don't know. Does the Sun God also have his own kingdom? This is a form of grace and compassion; in this lifeless desert, the Sun God gives people hope. Wind is one such beneficiary; when he faced despair and death, he survived because of the oasis. This is a desert of death, yet the Sun God granted it the possibility of life. Look at the plants and animals in Pearl Lake; they are not merely your Zhir's backyard but rather life left behind by the Sun God. Unfortunately, for over a thousand years, you've done nothing while Wind has managed to expand Bean Sprout Spring in just a few years. Why? Because Wind has a love for life—not just for his own existence but also for plants, insects, and so on. It’s undeniable that we take lives to survive, but we also strive to protect them as they thrive in this desert."
Cui Ming continued, "Fourthly, I know the task is monumental and hope seems slim. But if you have the courage to commit suicide and endure solitude for millennia, why not face the true mission bestowed upon you by the Sun God? Perhaps you may not succeed and perish in the process, but when your soul stands before the Sun God, you can say: 'Ancestor, I tried my best.' Instead of saying: 'Ancestor, I'm sorry.' If Wind and I leave now, should we take Wood with us? It's up to you; if you choose to end everything, then before doing so, send Wood our way. Come on now; let's go."
Wind stood up cautiously and asked, "If Zhir chooses not to die, will the gift be taken back? It's fine; if principles require it, it can always be returned."
"Let's go," Cui Ming said as he shouldered his pack and nodded at Zhir, turning away from Pearl Lake. Zhir did not react but calmly watched them leave. (To be continued.)
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