Chapter 599: A World in Imminent Danger

Chapter 599: A World Hanging by a Thread

It had been a month since Levi slew the ancient god Gumingshen.

The divine core of Gumingshen had long since been completely refined by the Sacred Flame.

From this refinement emerged the eleventh color of the Sacred Flame—

A golden hue taken from Gumingshen himself.

Once transformed into an eleven-colored Sacred Flame, its rate of burning through suns increased yet again.

Moreover, the flame now contained that power which once resided within Gumingshen's body.

This new flame could render objects brittle, making them easier and faster to burn away into divine energy.

Before such an eleven-colored Sacred Flame—capable of weakening all things and accelerating their combustion—

Even massive stars could be devoured entirely in just a century.

Unknowingly, Levi had already obtained one-thousandth the power of a star.

He had once imagined that possessing even one percent of stellar strength would rival a lesser deity.

But now it seemed far less was needed.

One-thousandth was more than enough.

As the Sacred Flame evolved, Rose’s situation grew increasingly precarious.

She still managed to shield herself from the eleven-colored flames using the sealing effects granted by her Web Law.

Yet the added brittling effect of the Sacred Flame caused her divine energy to drain at an alarming pace.

In secret, Rose worried about what further transformations awaited Levi’s Sacred Flame.

Would she remain unharmed when the flame gained even more colors and greater might?

Already, Rose began contemplating her final fallback—an option with no alternatives left.

At the same time, she prayed fervently that those foolish gods beneath the earth wouldn’t come charging in one after another like lambs to the slaughter.

If only they could unite and defeat Levi together.

Gods triumphing over a demigod... how contrary to fate it seemed.

But to Rose, such a reversal felt perfectly natural.

Levi’s strength had long surpassed the realm of mere demigods.

To possess several complete Laws was one thing—but his divine energy dwarfed even that of true deities.

Why hadn’t he ascended to full divinity yet? That remained beyond Rose’s comprehension.

Her avatar below ground stirred up hidden currents, causing the political landscape there to become ever more unpredictable.

Her goal was simple—to lure, or perhaps force, the underground gods to strike against Levi.

Time was running short for her.

Rose found herself compelled to resort to more radical measures.

Were Levi to judge her actions, he might well bestow upon her the title of Goddess of Conspiracies.

Unfortunately, that divine seat was already claimed by others among the pantheon.

Otherwise, merely through schemes alone, Rose could have orchestrated the downfall of a god—an achievement truly worthy of note.

While Rose racked her brains seeking escape,

Levi did not idle either.

Besides refining the divine core left behind by Gumingshen, he also sought insight into the rise and fall of elements.

Having mastered basic Natural Laws, he sensed the emergence of opportunity drawing near.

Only a fleeting moment of inspiration stood between him and realization.

Capture but one spark of epiphany,

And the path toward comprehending the Elemental Birth-and-Death Law would open before him.

Yet Levi struggled endlessly to grasp that elusive thread of inspiration.

"Where has my inspiration gone? What is happening?"

"I can clearly sense traces of some fundamental cosmic law buried deep beneath nature itself."

"But why am I unable to seize hold of that sliver of insight?"

Slowly raising his head toward the heavens, Levi murmured,

"Could it be due to restrictions placed by the gods?"

"Or perhaps... someone else already holds dominion over this domain."

"The goddess of magic?"

Gusewei saw Levi standing alone atop the terrace gazing skyward.

Sensing his inner turmoil, she asked gently,

"If something troubles you, speak of it. We may discuss it together. Though I cannot promise aid, often voicing one's worries resolves half the burden already."

Hearing these words, Levi realized she spoke truthfully.

Thus, he shared his dilemma with Gusewei.

Though Gusewei had never perceived cosmic laws directly nor understood the specific inspiration Levi pursued,

She had faced similar struggles herself.

When striving to break through to legendary mage status, she too wrestled desperately with an intangible threshold.

With a gentle smile, Gusewei said, "If you know your direction, then strive toward it wholeheartedly. But if uncertain, slow your steps temporarily. What belongs to you will arrive in due course… Sometimes, the harder you chase, the farther it slips away."

These were insights born during her own breakthrough to legendary rank.

Back when she first reached peak sixth tier and brushed against the threshold of legend,

Day and night she yearned for transcendence.

Yet fate refused to comply.

The more she desired advancement, the fainter became any sign of opportunity.

No clear path to legend revealed itself.

Not until years later, when she let go of desperation and embraced calm acceptance,

Did she unknowingly catch sight of that elusive chance.

Thereupon discovering her unique road to legend.

Some called it cruel jesting by destiny.

Gusewei believed otherwise—it was destiny's gift.

Upon hearing the words, Li Wei fell into thought for a moment before letting out a chuckle.

"Haha, never mind that. How have you been feeling lately?"

"What do you mean, feeling?"

Li Wei gently placed his hand on Gusevi's belly.

Gusevi's cheeks flushed slightly as she murmured, "It feels... very special. As if I now carry two lives within me. I think I should do something for this little one... Why don't we go shopping and buy some clothes for the baby?"

She looked up at Li Wei with expectant eyes.

Li Wei nodded with a smile. "Sure, but isn't it a bit early to buy clothes now?"

Gusevi smiled softly. "Not at all. I can hardly wait to see him or her wearing the new clothes I pick out."

"So, are we buying clothes for a boy or a girl?" Li Wei asked.

After pondering for a moment, Gusevi gave Li Wei's arm a light pat. "Why not buy both? Just in case."

Li Wei laughed. "Whatever you say."

The two made their way toward the busiest street in Mapleleaf City.

Li Wei’s divine power subtly influenced the perceptions of those around them, rendering them unrecognizable as the celebrated heroes who had risen to fame during the war. To everyone else, they were simply an ordinary couple.

No one could say whether shopping was truly part of a woman's nature, but even legendary mages were no exception to such instincts.

Following Gusevi, Li Wei spent the entire day wandering through the streets of Mapleleaf City before finally returning to the mage tower.

Even after returning, Gusevi still seemed reluctant to let go of the experience.

Though she could easily command better and more exquisite items from countless people with just a word, Gusevi still loved strolling through the markets, picking and choosing with care—even haggling with vendors.

Despite possessing wealth rivaling nations, she remained tirelessly enthusiastic.

"Ugh! I'm exhausted after a whole day of shopping!" Gusevi stretched her arms high above her head and walked ahead of Li Wei as she spoke.

Li Wei chuckled. "Aren’t you a legendary mage? Shouldn’t a simple day of shopping be nothing to you?"

Gusevi glanced back at him. "Do you know how exhausting it is to compare prices and quality of every item? That’s what I call mental fatigue."

"Besides, a legendary mage isn’t a legendary knight—I get tired too, you know."

"Legendary knights also feel exhaustion," came a voice from ahead.

"Rena? What are you doing here?"

Gusevi looked surprised yet delighted to see Rena standing at the entrance of the mage tower.

Li Wei was also taken aback.

He asked, "Did you come looking for us?"

Rena greeted Gusevi warmly. "Good evening, Vivi."

Then she turned to Li Wei. "I came looking for you."

Li Wei frowned slightly. "Looking for me? Is there something wrong?"

Rena replied, "His Royal Highness, the Ninth Prince, wishes to meet with you."

Li Wei paused briefly, then recalled meeting the Ninth Prince at the Millennium Banquet hosted by the Jade Prince.

"What does he want with me?" he asked.

Rena said, "You’re quite famous now. Almost the entire Human Empire knows your name."

"As one of the empire’s top-tier powers, His Highness naturally wants to recruit you. Even if he cannot, he at least hopes to leave a good impression."

"While I serve under the Ninth Prince, I must say honestly—he is among the few princes genuinely concerned about the empire’s future. If you're willing to contribute to the empire, he would be your best choice."

Li Wei shook his head. "The Human Empire is vast. It’s not my place, a newly ascended demigod, to meddle in its affairs. Tell the Ninth Prince to seek someone more suitable."

"I have no intention of getting involved in the struggles between imperial princes. I only wish to remain peacefully in Mapleleaf City."

Rena glanced around, then at Gusevi, and said, "Could we speak privately for a moment?"

Li Wei found it odd—what kind of conversation required secrecy from Gusevi?

Seeing his hesitation, Gusevi, unwilling to put him in an awkward position, started to step away.

But Li Wei stopped her. "If it’s important, just say it openly. There’s no need for concealment."

Rena raised a finger and pointed upward.

"What if it concerns matters from... up there?" she said.

Li Wei’s gaze shifted slightly. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Come with me."

He began walking toward the top of the mage tower.

Gusevi quickly interjected, "If it’s something confidential and important, I’ll just step aside."

Li Wei shook his head. "There’s no need. You’ll learn about this eventually anyway. It’s connected to the disappearance of the Ice Queen."

At these words, Gusevi fell silent.

The Ice Queen had adopted her since childhood, raised her, and granted her the status of Holy Maiden of Fredred City.

Yet in the end, she didn’t even know how the Ice Queen had died.

When Li Wei mentioned the Ice Queen, Gusevi knew there was no way she could stay indifferent.

Seeing that Li Wei insisted on including Gusevi, Rena didn’t press further.

The three arrived at the top of the mage tower.

This space had already been transformed by Li Wei’s divine power into a separate realm—one that could block the scrutiny of gods themselves.

After all, he wasn’t some exhibitionist.

He disliked the idea of being watched from above while engaging in intimate moments with Gusevi.

Although the gods might not particularly enjoy watching such things either.

More importantly, Li Wei had certain matters he needed to conduct away from divine sight.

Li Wei turned to Rena. "Here, you may speak freely. The gaze of the gods cannot reach this place."

Places beyond the reach of divine vision were rare—but not so for the most powerful beings.

For ordinary mortals, such places were few indeed.

But for those at the pinnacle of strength, finding such sanctuaries was relatively easy.

For instance, the depths of the sea trenches—such as the Abyssal City in the endless ocean, or the bottommost pit of the frigid polar ice plains...

There was also such a place within the imperial palace of the Human Empire, and Laina had once entered it.

She had been taken there by the Ninth Prince.

It was only then that Laina learned the hidden truths behind the Celestial World.

The Celestial World was already on the brink of collapse.

The gods themselves were like the sword of Damocles hanging over the Human Empire, ready to fall at any moment.

Laina said, “The gods…”

After uttering just two words, she raised her head and glanced upward, sensing nothing unusual.

She continued more calmly, “The gods have always been plotting how to obtain the complete Celestial World. Now they are only one piece away from completing their puzzle. Once they succeed, it will be the end of the Celestial World.”

Levi, upon hearing this, was not surprised.

He had long heard similar things from the Sacred Dragon King.

Only, what he had heard was not as clear-cut as what Laina described.

Based on all he had seen and heard, Levi had deduced what the gods were truly after.

“The final missing piece—is it the World Authority held by the Goddess of Magic?” Levi asked.

Laina looked at him with some surprise. “You know?”

Levi replied, “I’ve met the Sacred Dragon King. It told me certain things.”

Understanding dawned on Laina’s face. She nodded. “The Sacred Dragon King does indeed know something, but far less than humanity has uncovered.”

“If so, you should also understand the truth behind the fallen Elven Empire and the declining Orcish Empire.”

Levi nodded. “I know a little.”

Guswei listened to their exchange, utterly bewildered.

Unable to contain herself, she asked, “What are you two even talking about?”

Looking at Levi again, she added, “And what does any of this have to do with Lady Ice Queen vanishing?”

Levi answered, “It was the God of Light who killed the Ice Queen.”

“It was his subordinate, the Angel of Light, who acted—but the true mastermind is the pantheon above.”

Guswei wore an expression of shock. “How… What do you mean?”

Laina turned to Levi. “You must have felt the restrictions placed upon you by the gods, haven’t you? They don’t want any new deities arising in the Celestial World.”

Levi nodded.

Though he hadn’t yet perceived that so-called shackle,

he knew full well that the gods’ gaze was real.

That meant they had been watching him closely all along.

Laina warned, “Never rashly attempt to touch that shackle. The Human Empire has already lost many top-tier experts because of it.”

“Under the gods’ constraints, almost no one can transcend that barrier. To touch it is to die.”

Guswei seemed to grasp part of the situation now.

With growing concern, she looked at Levi—never expecting someone who appeared so powerful and fortunate to actually be in such grave danger.

Levi took Guswei’s hand and gave her a reassuring look.

Smiling gently, he said, “Don’t worry—I’m fine.”

Laina, witnessing their affectionate exchange, nearly choked on her own breath.

Quickly changing the subject, she stated the real reason for her visit: “His Highness the Ninth Prince sent me. He wants you to join the alliance resisting the gods. Only by uniting all forces across the Celestial World can we hope to break free from divine rule.”

Levi shook his head. “Numbers alone hold no meaning. Resisting the gods requires true strength.”

Laina nodded in agreement. “Exactly—which is why His Highness stands backed by two demigods among the strongest in the Human Empire.”

Surprise flickered across Levi’s face.

(End of Chapter)