Chapter 406: Immortal Gods, Loved Heroes
The light of the Holy Crown of Thorns burst forth, piercing through the many giant glowing corpses. The purified, annihilated vast space connected above the sea, forming a vast crater-like cavity. Old Jingsha's punch sent Fulidan crashing into one of these cavities, the Chaos Demon's massive body twisting from the overwhelming force of the impact.
He raised his fists in the sky, swooping down like a green sun, and with a roar, he punched out, hitting Fu Lidan's waist.
"Two hits!"
"Don't get carried away!"
Fulidan suddenly raised his head, opened his massive jaws, and bit into Jingsha's shoulder. Its sharp teeth tore off chunks of flesh, leaving Jingsha's left arm almost boneless. However, old Jingsha showed no sign of retreat. He simply compressed his strength further, retracted his fist, and unleashed his entire life force with the most unbridled force, smashing his mighty fist into the giant wolf's fangs!
"Three consecutive hits!" Jingsha laughed.
The giant wolf howled in anger, its sharp teeth biting off three of Jingsha's fingers. Undeterred by the pain, its iron fist broke Fulidan's fangs. The punch, like an incredibly sharp spear, pierced both sides of Fulidan's muzzle. The wolf fangs biting into his arm were the mechanism that secured the spear.
Old Jingsha stood on the ground with both feet and raised his left arm high. He used his single arm as a fulcrum to pry the Chaos Demon, lifting the enormous wolf body up! Lifting it above his head!
"Four consecutive hits!"
He swung his arms and smashed the chaos to the bottom of the sea, like a giant destroying a towering mountain!
Divine power, through the impact, penetrated the wolf's body, momentarily immobilizing its ever-changing form. Old Jingsha locked the wolf's head with one arm, then flipped over and sat on the giant wolf's back, striking it head-on with his other fist.
Blood gushed out, a strange color. It was the blood Chaos vomited from his severe wounds, and it was also Jingsha's own blood that had been constantly flowing during the battle. Both suffered the same pain, but judging by the damage alone, Jingsha actually suffered more. Because his offensive power was actually inferior to Chaos's, even the wounds he suffered during the grappling were enough to compare with the direct blows he had inflicted on the opponent.
But Jingsha grew braver and braver as the battle progressed, his momentum rising steadily. His power was so overwhelming that the surrounding smoke signals dissipated, and the Sea of Corrupted Light could not even approach the battlefield of the gods, instead the water was blown outwards to form a tsunami!
"Five consecutive hits!"
With one final blow, a massive fist slammed into Chaos's eyes, a single strike would have robbed the demon of its sight. However, the imprisoned wolf suddenly smiled, its body dissolving into smoke. Thorns' fist pierced through the smoke and reached the ground.
"You arrogantly wield your power, thinking you can set an example for your people?" Its laughter dissipated in the smoke. "You've hit me so many times, but what real impact has it had on me? Such foolish choices only expose your own age!"
Jingsha flexed his thick neck like a boxer heading for the ring. He ignored the wounds on his body and smiled, "Ever since we suppressed you, we've deeply understood your true nature, you old dog."
"You're afraid of death, a bully, and nothing more than a tough mouth. Why should we fear a cowardly god like you?"
"Then die with your fearlessness." Fu Lidan said coldly.
Its wolf smoke gathered and dispersed, each wisp of smoke, as thin as a hair, transformed into a mad wolf, each mad wolf carrying the same destructive power as the original body. It raised its head and howled, the wolf howl was ferocious like a curse, and then the wolves leaped out, opening their bloody mouths at the old man.
Far on the battlefront, the Sephiroth 6 demigods felt a tingling sensation in their eyes. They couldn't even determine the number of attacks. The number, speed, direction, even the timing—all of them were uncertain. Even the battle itself was built on an incredible cloud of smoke. That was the Chaos Demon's signature tactic: to shatter the very laws of existence, only to reveal the ultimate curse of death at the last moment.
"The Hunting Wolves!"
Jingsha sent the rabid wolf flying with a powerful punch, crushed its head with a headbutt, and, relying on his imposing frame, charged through the pack. However, he was outnumbered. The wolves were boundless, their smoke gathering in a long howl, their numerous attacks coalescing into minute threads. Billions of purple threads pierced the old man's body, devouring his flesh and blood as they returned to the mist.
A moment later, Fulidan raised his mad weapon, gathering mist and smashing it deep into the sea. Hundreds of millions of purple threads erupted simultaneously, converging into the weapon. The old thorn robe was reduced to dry bones devoid of flesh and blood.
However, the bloody human figure stood firm, his arms still raised high, his fingertips pointing to the sky!
"Holy body, immortal sacred tree!"
Prayers poured in. They prayed for the prosperity of their city-state, for victory in the war, for the survival of their own homes. 1.7 billion prayers became a torrent of life, and Jingsha's body was instantly reborn.
Blood regenerates, muscles regenerate, and his cloudy eyes regain their radiance. He is a god whose resilience surpasses all others. With the support of others, no matter how much he suffers, he will heal as before, for the Jingsha City-State never fears pain. All wounds will eventually heal, becoming another batch of glorious medals!
"In our first battle, you were defeated by us. For over two thousand years, you've been suppressed, and despite all your tactics, you've still been unable to defeat us."
The old man smiled proudly and said, "Fu Lidan, you old dog may be domineering with your sharp teeth, but you can never gnaw through our hearts even if you gnaw for tens of millions of years. If there is really any destiny, then we are your natural enemies!"
Fu Lidan looked at him for a moment, his smile still lingering.
"Well said, Jingsha. I have to admit, fighting you was the worst for me."
"So I did everything I could to avoid a one-on-one confrontation with you. After all, I don't have any way to defeat you..."
"But among other gods, there are also your natural enemies."
Jingsha frowned and suddenly clutched his chest. He felt the strength supporting him wavering, and the devil's sinister laughter followed.
"That recovery must have cost you a lot of energy. This is exactly what I've been waiting for!"
·
"Master Shenshu is fighting hard, everyone must maintain their awareness!"
"Leave it to us!" "We will never bow to them!"
On the front lines, the Concentric Divine Tree fought fiercely within the Gospel Nation. The captains controlling the Divine Tree gathered their strength and fought steadily, hoping to survive the brief moment the Thorns could recover. But at this moment, the Gospel Nation was turned upside down. Deep within the kingdom, the throne shifted, and the Mother Mother, her true form illuminating the heavens and earth, arose from it.
The glow gradually faded, revealing the true face of the deity. She wore a plain white robe, her eyes closed and her hands clasped together as she moved through the light. Her every move was devoid of worldly concerns, revealing only compassion and benevolence.
Judging from her appearance alone, anyone would think she was a compassionate nun. Yet beneath her white robes lay countless heads: beasts of the mortal realm, sea creatures, and countless struggling, wailing human faces. Each head dissolved in the light, merging into her robes, as if billions of wronged souls were supporting a single Virgin Mary.
That was the true face of Lavaeva, the God of Destruction. She was a twisted form of kindness, a tragic redemption. She humiliated the world with her poisonous light, filling heaven with her corpses. She was the ultimate hypocrite!
Lavaeva crossed the ocean in one step and arrived in front of the sacred tree. She pointed at the thorn flower in the center of the sacred tree, and crystal drops of water fell from her fingertips, like the tears of the Virgin Mary.
At the moment when Old Jingsha was reshaping his body with the Immortal Tree, that teardrop fell into the petals and spread to every branch of the Jingsha city-state!
“Bow down and worship God’s name, and pray to the light for salvation.
The gospel shines brightly, bringing joy to the heart and keeping away worries and troubles."
"Eternal Light Divine Law, the Seed of Self-Joyful Heart and Gospel!"
The thorn flowers instantly withered, shrinking into a radiant "seed." With the seed of holy light at its center, the power of emotion swept through the city, reaching the hearts of every citizen. They were instantly filled with joy and delight, as if they were in paradise. Beautiful angels descended from the light, guiding all beings toward heaven.
There's no need to join the crowd, no need to linger on a battlefield of despair. Everyone has a place in heaven, and each can find their own fulfillment. Thus, the mass dissolves, becoming countless independent individuals. Individuals drift away, flowing into the light of compassion.
The massive body of the Concentric Sacred Tree suddenly stagnated, its five combined veins seemingly slackening under the influence of the Light Seed. The current of life was about to be cut off, for the path of unity had been obscured by love!
"Your people are the source of your strength, but also your fatal weakness."
On the surface of the Sea of Corrupted Light, a new seed of light appeared in Old Jingsha's chest. A benevolent light dominated his torso, and Fulidan's claws pierced through his chest, clutching his illusory heart.
"People always crave gifts without effort, rather than the glimmer of peace they've painstakingly secured. That's why Pariman and Du'ai can easily establish themselves in your city, and why the Courtyard Reverend Mother can dismantle your sacred tree with a single blow." Fulidan sneered, "You really should listen more to Du'ai's words. You're too old, too old to evolve. Your methods, while powerful, are outdated, and everyone knows you perfectly well."
"The Courtyard Mother has studied your weaknesses for 357 years. Her light seed is the calamity you cannot overcome!"
Why, despite the Thorns' strength, are Parriman and Du'ai convinced of their inevitable defeat? Why, despite repeated setbacks, do the Virgin Mary and Chaos continue to strike... even Eternal Time declares Thorns' doom?
This is the reason. A rigid system, a kingless state, weaknesses inherent from birth, combined with a harsh environment, have pushed Jingsha to a dead end. Having reached its limits, city-state civilization is destined to be replaced by something else. The only difference lies in the identity of the replacement...
It just depends on whether it is replaced by the One or some other god.
"Goodbye, old man," Fulidan said coldly, "You really should listen more to your Speaker's words. After all, your people once had a chance to save themselves!"
"It's rare that you said that."
Old Jingsha chuckled.
"But what makes you think we haven't heard of it?"
Fulidan immediately sensed something was amiss as the old man grasped his claws. The old tree should have crumbled under the erosion of the light seed, but a force from nowhere sustained it, maintaining the city-state on the verge of collapse. He raised his head with a low laugh, and the gray lines on his face bulged and materialized, transforming into a familiar mask!
"--speaker!"
Jingsha Shenshu's expression changed. The deep, reserved gaze beneath his mask bore a striking resemblance to the former Speaker. It was the gaze of someone who loved the Shenshu alone. He slashed down the chaotic wolf claws, and the light within him erupted, forming a white military cloak behind him.
That was exactly the image of the "hero" who was once admired by the people. However, now, this hero has stepped onto the battlefield to protect the country!
"Holy Wing, the beloved hero!"
At the same moment, a mighty roar erupted from the heart of the sacred tree. It was the unanimous roar of 1.7 billion people. Their voices caused the giant lilies on the tree's surface to bloom in the wind. The city's defenses shifted to its rear, and the fluttering petals formed a pure white cloak. Amidst the roar of the crowd, it spread its wings and soared into the sky!
The poisonous light that had infested the city-state surged towards the Holy Wings. The already planted light seeds were unexpectedly transformed, becoming the power of the heroic wings. Ravaeva raised her hands, releasing a shower of light seeds. The pure white Holy Wings slashed like sharp blades, shattering the numerous light seeds into smithereens. Lilies, replacing the thorns, blossomed on the sacred tree's chest, and from within the flowers came the languid voice of the current captain.
"I'm sorry, Your Majesty. You've been staying in the tower for too long, and you probably don't quite understand the situation in our city-state."
"Just a few minutes ago, we declined the Speaker's invitation to independence. The killer magic you painstakingly developed is useless to us now!"
This is a natural development.
Someone had already taken the initiative, spreading the idea of unique love within the city-state. It was precisely by transcending that internal trend that the sacred tree was able to stand on the battlefield today.
How can citizens who have chosen unity over self-love care about the Virgin Mary's kingdom of heaven?
Old Jingsha dropped his wolf claws and clenched his fists again. Chaos lost its composure for the first time, barely daring to believe what it was witnessing. It was an impossible counterattack, a result that defied the calculations of time. The Jingsha Sacred Tree should have been dead a second ago, yet he had unleashed his unique power!
"The purified curse? You? Why?!"
"Why? That's a strange thing to say. Speaker Parriman has been a citizen of the city-state from the beginning. He has been fighting for the people of Thorns since twenty years ago. Although he once went astray, his will is ultimately imprinted on the history of the city-state."
"So why is it so strange that the city-state inherited his power?"
Old Jingsha patted his shoulders and shook his head with a smile.
"You heretics, like that stubborn emperor, always believe that only civilizations that 'do not make mistakes' are the best. You only focus on civilizations that perish due to mistakes, but ignore the nations that rise up from their mistakes."
"All currents of thought and all choices are part of the evolution of civilization. Whether just or evil, selfish or philanthropic, their very existence is the 'meaning' of civilization. Overcoming them, assimilating them, preserving their essence as the history of our nation—that is our civilization."
"It's true that the Transformation of Single Love once pushed us to the brink of despair. But it is precisely because you have overcome the Transformation of Single Love that the Thorns you face will become stronger than before!!"
He clenched his fists to his waist, his muscles tensing, his divine heart beating heavily, and unparalleled strength surged from every limb into his fists. Old Jingsha's momentum reached its peak, and he was about to deliver the most powerful blow since the founding of the city-state, a blow that would wipe out all enemies before him!
The chaos had long since dissipated into smoke. After its plan failed, it decisively withdrew from the battlefield, rapidly flying towards the sea of illusions. Old Jingsha's gaze followed the chaos as it drifted away. The Holy Light of the Courtyard Virgin Mary was now vying with the sacred tree. He continued to gather his strength and shouted, "Second Captain!"
"good!"
The sacred tree, soaring high into the sky, clasped its hands together and, with divine power, forged a sword of unparalleled sharpness. The sword, as vast as a city-state, embodied the bravery and perseverance of all living things. Driven by the warrior's will, it soared into the sky, tearing through the false holy light and slashing through the cruel kingdom of heaven.
"Holy Judgment, Thorns of Justice!"
"Your obsession is so deep, how can you transcend the sea of suffering!"
Lavaeva pointed to the sky, and two arms of holy light rose from the sea, meeting the Holy Sword of Justice. It was an absolute protection forged from pure positive emotion, a symbol of a mother's loving arms.
Hengguang Divine Method, Huaiguang Holy Wall!
The Sword of Justice slashed at the Absolute Defense Arm, and the old man's thorny robe leaped out, rushing straight towards the mad wolf that had fled into the deep sea. Just before the two sides were about to clash, the old man roared.
"Captain!!"
"learn!"
And so, at the center of the Concentric Sacred Tree, the new captain pressed the compass of justice. Instantly, the deity and the sacred tree, all living things and individuals, switched places.
The mighty sacred tree, as majestic as a mountain, slashed down with its mighty sword, its power parting the sea and slicing directly into the fleeing wolves. And Jingsha, transcending the radiance of absolute protection, instantly appeared before Lavaeva and delivered a powerful punch to the Virgin Mary!
"Holy, Billion Impact!!!"
The light faded, the gods stood horrified, the purified toxins dissipated like drops of water, the warriors' blood boiling in the intense heat. The old man struck out, his fist like a sword released from its bow. Divine power, spiritual force, and blood formed a triple circle before his fist, its immense power dispelling all the noise of the battlefield.
It was a single, unparalleled blow, a supreme sublimation achieved on the brink of death. The will of a god and a nation converged into supreme power. That single blow pierced through the Elysian Paradise of the Fire Corpse, piercing the divine body of the Virgin of the Courtyard!
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com