Chapter 731: Clone Cultivation, Facing the Evil God Directly (Bonus chapter 1,600 words, thanks to)

Chapter 731: Cultivating Avatars, Confronting the Dark God (Bonus Update +1600 Words — Special Thanks to “Qian Tianxian” for Generous Patronage)

Watching Zhang Yu release his protective aura to envelop his body, Heavenly Phenomenon True Lord couldn’t help but ask, “Candle Brilliance True Lord, what are you doing?”

From within the shimmering aura came Zhang Yu’s calm voice: “After so many battles in succession, I’ve gained a faint insight. Now is the perfect moment to seize this opportunity and cultivate.”

Observing this scene, Heavenly Phenomenon True Lord felt a quiet admiration stir within him: “No wonder Zhang Yu progresses so swiftly—even after being captured, he still seizes every second to train. With such temperament and resolve, even if he were reduced to poverty, he’d likely outlive others by years.”

On the other side, Mu Qiansi watched with similar awe rising in her heart: “Truly worthy of being the strongest undergraduate. Such composure… I fall short of him.”

Meanwhile, deep within the layers of protective aura, Zhang Yu had already begun cultivating the *Myriad Transformations Self-Mastery Profound Art*.

The reason he’d shrouded himself in this aura was, of course, to create a veil of concealment.

“The *Myriad Transformations Self-Mastery Profound Art* is a Daoist technique capable of forging avatars. There are three kinds: Phantom Body, Substantial Body, and True Body,” Zhang Yu reflected inwardly as the teachings of the art flowed through his mind.

“The Phantom Body is an illusory projection—capable of disrupting detection methods and creating convincing decoys—but it lacks physical substance and holds almost no combat power.”

“The Substantial Body, however, possesses real form. It projects a portion of one’s own power outward, manifesting as an avatar endowed with partial combat capability.”

“And the True Body…” Zhang Yu mused silently, “is a genuine division of oneself—a true fragmentation of one’s physical form.”

“Each fragmented avatar is truly a part of my own body, controlled simultaneously by my will—and even capable of cultivating alongside me.”

Zhang Yu couldn’t help but marvel inwardly: “This must be how Swallowing Heaven True Lord managed to master martial arts from countless sects—by using True Bodies to train concurrently.”

“Each additional True Body doubles cultivation efficiency.”

“At level 40, the *Myriad Transformations Self-Mastery Profound Art* grants sixteen True Bodies. Combined with my original self, that’s seventeenfold cultivation speed.”

At this thought, Zhang Yu’s anticipation for mastering the art grew even stronger.

Yet there remained a major hurdle in cultivating this technique: the need to refine various bloodlines of demonic descendants.

“Fortunately, when I previously cultivated the *Demon Sage Myriad Metamorphosis Nerve Scripture*, I already laid some groundwork in this regard.”

Now, looking back upon the *Demon Sage Myriad Metamorphosis Nerve Scripture*, Zhang Yu increasingly sensed its profound connection to the *Myriad Transformations Self-Mastery Profound Art*. When used together, the two arts would produce extraordinary synergies, ultimately yielding endlessly mutable and profoundly mysterious avatars.

“It’s not just the *Demon Sage Myriad Metamorphosis Nerve Scripture* that can be combined…”

“If I also employ my *Desolate Ox Soul-Stabilizing Heart Method*, I can suppress the pain caused by avatar death or injury.”

“And with the *Mutilated Ox Flesh-Abandoning Heart Method*, each True Body could revitalize its flesh and accelerate regeneration.”

“Add to that the *Infinite Mind Inner Dharma Body*, which allows me to split my consciousness into sixteen strands to control avatars—unlocking even greater versatility and combat prowess…”

Zhang Yu calculated inwardly: if he could push the *Myriad Transformations Self-Mastery Profound Art* to level 40, its power and effects would far surpass those of Swallowing Heaven True Lord.

At that very moment, within the swirling mists, layers of protective aura surged and receded with Zhang Yu’s cultivation, occasionally emitting beast-like roars—as though some feral, demonic force were erupting from within him.

After a long while, the aura around Zhang Yu subsided slightly. His first cycle of the *Myriad Transformations Self-Mastery Profound Art* was complete—he had successfully entered its threshold.

*Myriad Transformations Self-Mastery Profound Art* – Level 1 (0/10)

Fleeting visions flashed through Zhang Yu’s mind. He felt as though he had comprehended the art over and over again, until at last, enlightenment dawned.

In the next instant, a figure slowly emerged from within Zhang Yu’s body and settled cross-legged beside him.

This figure was entirely nude, bearing Zhang Yu’s exact physical form—but wore no Spirit Relics. It was his first True Body avatar.

At this moment, Zhang Yu felt as though the True Body were an external organ grown anew—still under his control, yet possessing its own complete set of senses and flesh.

“My spiritual power has been divided by a small fraction.”

“My physical strength has also declined somewhat.”

“My innate bodily techniques have been partially inherited.”

“I still possess spirit roots, golden core, nascent soul—but all greatly weakened.”

“For now, although the True Body can wield all the martial and Daoist arts I know, its combat strength is certainly inferior to my original body.”

“Ah—and Spirit Relics or magical treasures… if I wish to enhance the True Body’s combat or productive capacity, I’ll need to prepare such items for it in advance.”

While silently assessing these traits, Zhang Yu reabsorbed the True Body into himself—then released it once more.

“At level 1, the *Myriad Transformations Self-Mastery Profound Art* imposes severe limits on control range, deployment speed, and recall speed. Further advancement is needed…”

In the next moment, Zhang Yu released the True Body again—and it too began cultivating the *Myriad Transformations Self-Mastery Profound Art*.

Soon after, both of Zhang Yu’s bodies completed another round of cultivation, further amplified by his Nascent Soul Saint Body, achieving a sixfold cultivation effect.

*Myriad Transformations Self-Mastery Profound Art* – Level 1 (6/10)

Seeing this, Zhang Yu rejoiced inwardly: “Excellent! My cultivation speed has increased dramatically.”

With renewed urgency, he pressed on, applying previously refined demonic descendant bloodlines as required by the technique, eager to forge a second True Body and further accelerate his progress.

He thought to himself: “Unfortunately, I’ve either been busy breaking through realms or focusing on Immortal Sect techniques—I never seriously advanced the *Demon Sage Myriad Metamorphosis Nerve Scripture*, so I didn’t collect many demonic bloodlines.”

“As a result, I’ll probably only manage to push the *Myriad Transformations Self-Mastery Profound Art* to the twenties today.”

Not long after, another True Body emerged from Zhang Yu’s form and joined the cultivation.

Nearby, Heavenly Phenomenon True Lord gazed toward Zhang Yu’s location, watching the cloud-like aura surrounding him. He sensed something subtly different now compared to before.

“It feels like… something new has appeared?”

Heavenly Phenomenon True Lord pondered inwardly: “Just what art is Zhang Yu cultivating? Why must he conceal himself so thoroughly, hiding it from others?”

Suddenly, a chill ran down his spine—as though something unseen had fixed its gaze upon him.

Within the swirling mists, Zhang Yu looked toward Heavenly Phenomenon True Lord and thought quietly: “Perhaps I could extract some demonic descendant bloodline from him…”

Outside the *Ten Thousand Li Rivers and Mountains Scroll*, when Junior College True Lord saw Zhang Yu envelop himself in aura and begin earnest cultivation, he simply turned away.

“Hmph. False composure.”

Junior College True Lord refused to believe Zhang Yu was as calm and serene as he appeared after being captured.

“He’s wealthy, powerful, with a brilliant future ahead.”

“How could he not panic? How could he not fear being forced into the Righteous Alliance?”

“He’s merely bluffing—trying to stall for time, making a futile last stand.”

Convinced of this, Junior College True Lord chose to ignore Zhang Yu entirely.

He knew that in such moments, indifference was the most effective tactic.

“Locked inside the *Ten Thousand Li Rivers and Mountains Scroll*, the less attention I give him—the more he’ll feel time slipping away in isolation—the more his mental defenses will crumble. That’ll make it easier to recruit him later and convert him into a believer of the Dark God.”

Thus, Junior College True Lord remained silent, leading his subordinates onward at accelerated speed toward the location of Reporting God.

To ensure mission success, he even ceased live-streaming entirely for the remainder of the journey—much to the quiet astonishment of his followers.

Junior College True Lord thought to himself: “According to Slaying Immortal True Lord’s instructions, we’re only to start streaming once we reach Reporting God’s domain—after we’ve recruited him and begun his conversion into a believer.”

“After all, streaming the entire journey risks revealing our position.”

“What if it draws the elites of the Ten Academies to rescue him—or worse, leads them straight to Reporting God? That would complicate everything.”

Though he reasoned thus, it was impossible for Junior College True Lord not to feel bitter regret.

After all, he’d long coveted the popularity and traffic Zhang Yu generated. Now that he’d finally subdued him and was about to convert him into a Dark God believer—what perfect content!—yet he couldn’t stream it. It felt as though he’d lost a fortune for nothing.

“Maybe… just a quick stream? A brief one mid-journey? I’m high in the sky right now—surely the video won’t reveal my exact location…”

Just as Dazhuan Zhenjun’s heart stirred with restless ambition, the words of Zhanxian Zhenjun suddenly echoed again in his mind.

“You people… you’re always like this—showing off your cleverness, seeking attention, scrambling for credit. Sooner or later, that attitude will ruin everything. Remember this: from now on, when I give you an order, don’t act on your own initiative.”

Recalling Zhanxian Zhenjun’s warning, thick with killing intent, Dazhuan Zhenjun sighed inwardly and ultimately refrained from going live.

Of course, although the livestream had stopped, filming could not cease. His subordinates still surrounded him, diligently capturing every moment.

Dazhuan Zhenjun planned to upload the footage to the Dark Spirit Realm after the mission concluded—it would surely draw considerable traffic.

In the blink of an eye, the earth beneath his feet rushed backward at blinding speed, and his destination drew ever closer.

At that very moment, however, he noticed a fierce battle erupting ahead: two Nascent Soul Zhenjuns clashed violently, and the one aligned with the Righteous Alliance was clearly on the verge of defeat.

“Should I intervene?” Dazhuan Zhenjun’s eyes flickered, and once more Zhanxian Zhenjun’s admonition returned to his thoughts.

Yet gazing at the Myriad Rivers and Thousand Mountains Scroll in his hand, he couldn’t suppress a sudden urge to show off.

When Zhanxian Zhenjun had entrusted him with the scroll, he’d also sent along a basic operations manual, which detailed precisely how to use the artifact to capture opponents.

Now, holding the Myriad Rivers and Thousand Mountains Scroll, with its capture technique fresh in his mind, surrounded by active cameras, and watching a fellow ally about to fall…

Dazhuan Zhenjun muttered inwardly, “Who could possibly resist?”

“Besides, I’m merely reinforcing the battlefield—helping my own side crush the enemy. What’s wrong with seizing a bit of glory while I’m at it?”

“On this fifth-layer battlefield, Nascent Soul cultivators from both sides are locked in grand clashes everywhere. How could I possibly avoid them all?”

“And besides—I haven’t even gone live yet.”

With that thought, Dazhuan Zhenjun gave the Myriad Rivers and Thousand Mountains Scroll a sharp shake—and in an instant, heaven and earth shifted color…

…

Inside the Myriad Rivers and Thousand Mountains Scroll.

Zhang Yu, deep in cultivation, suddenly sensed a subtle shift in the spatial structure around him.

The next moment, a figure plummeted from the sky, landing before Zhang Yu and his two companions.

Staring at the newcomer, Tianxiang Zhenjun exclaimed in shock, “Tianzhi Zhenjun of Vajra University? How did you end up here too?”

Clad in golden dharma-bones and towering like a giant, Tianzhi Zhenjun let out a bitter laugh. “I ran into that Dazhuan Zhenjun of the Righteous Alliance. I don’t even know what method he used—he just tossed me in here.”

Tianxiang Zhenjun began explaining their predicament, but before he could finish, another figure dropped into the scroll—none other than a Nascent Soul Zhenjun from Heavenly Demon University.

Tianxiang Zhenjun sighed. “Huanghu Zhenjun?”

“Chouniu Zhenjun, don’t rush—I’ll explain everything step by step.”

“Xuanhu—you’re here too?”

One by one, more figures tumbled into the scroll. In the end, besides Zhang Yu and Tianxiang Zhenjun, six Nascent Soul Zhenjuns had been captured—three of them hailing from Heavenly Demon University.

Tianxiang Zhenjun gave a wry smile. He hadn’t expected that before they could be rescued, Dazhuan Zhenjun would go and trap so many others inside.

As for the fact that half of the newcomers were demon-blooded, Tianxiang wasn’t surprised. After all, this sector of the battlefield fell under Heavenly Demon University’s jurisdiction—it was only natural to encounter several demon-blooded Zhenjuns.

Ever since being trapped, Huanghu Zhenjun had paced restlessly, occasionally letting out furious roars.

A Nascent Soul expert from Heavenly Demon University’s Daoist Arts Department, Huanghu Zhenjun normally commanded such respect that even Tianxiang Zhenjun felt somewhat inferior in his presence.

Since Zhang Yu remained absorbed solely in cultivation, Huanghu Zhenjun had quietly assumed leadership among the demon-blooded captives.

Now, Huanghu Zhenjun declared, “So many of us are here—why not combine our efforts and try once more to break this Myriad Rivers and Thousand Mountains Scroll?”

Though each had already attempted escape countless times—all ending in failure—the group rallied once again.

After yet another futile attempt, Huanghu Zhenjun turned toward Zhang Yu. “Chuyi Zhenjun, won’t you join us?”

Zhang Yu’s calm voice drifted over. “There’s no need. Relying purely on brute force, none of us are strong enough to shatter this scroll.”

Huanghu Zhenjun pressed on. “How can you be sure unless we try? Or perhaps Chuyi Zhenjun understands spatial techniques well—help us devise a plan. Whatever you say, we’ll do it.”

Zhang Yu replied evenly, “The time isn’t right yet. We must wait.”

“Wait?” Huanghu Zhenjun’s tiger-like eyes flared with frustration. “That Dazhuan Zhenjun intends to deliver us to the Evil God—to convert us into his followers! I’ve got so much wealth stashed across the Ten Academies! What happens to it all if I become a believer of the Evil God?”

As he looked at Zhang Yu, Huanghu Zhenjun couldn’t help recalling certain rumors.

“They say Zhang Yu openly discriminated against demon-blooded cultivators even back when he was at Foundation Establishment—once even leading a mob to beat demon-blooded workers on a construction site…”

Could it be, Huanghu wondered, that Zhang Yu’s aloofness stemmed from prejudice—that he was deliberately uncooperative because of his disdain for demon-blooded cultivators?

At Huanghu’s words, gloom settled over the group. The thought of their unspent fortunes falling into the hands of rival cultivators from their own academies was especially bitter.

Zhang Yu said nothing, simply returning to his cultivation. Soon after, another True Body Projection emerged from within him.

Having advanced the Myriad Transformations Self-Mastery Scripture to Level 20, Zhang Yu now possessed four True Body Projections—boosting his cultivation efficiency fivefold, or even more when combined with his Nascent Soul Saint Body.

Yet even as his power surged, Zhang Yu sensed the scripture approaching a bottleneck.

He mused inwardly, “Could it be because I haven’t refined enough demon-blooded essence?”

His gaze drifted unconsciously toward the other demon-blooded Nascent Souls now trapped within the scroll.

After a moment’s thought, Zhang Yu recalled all his projections into his body and turned to Tianxiang Zhenjun. “Tianxiang Zhenjun, could you come here for a moment? I need your help with something.”

With a swirl of pure qi, Zhang Yu drew Tianxiang Zhenjun into layers of dense mist.

Huanghu Zhenjun watched, puzzled, unsure what Zhang Yu was up to.

The next instant, Huanghu’s nostrils flared—a sharp scent of blood filled the air. Recalling the rumors of Zhang Yu’s hostility toward demon-blooded cultivators, he roared and charged straight into the mist.

“Tianxiang!”

A thunderous boom echoed—Huanghu Zhenjun had barely entered the mist before being violently flung back out.

At the same time, Tianxiang Zhenjun’s voice rang out calmly, “I’m fine. I’m just assisting Chuyi Zhenjun with something.”

Huanghu Zhenjun stared at the swirling qi, bewildered. In that brief moment of impact, he’d sensed not just two people within—but a whole host assailing him, overwhelming him with coordinated force.

“What exactly is Zhang Yu doing?”

Meanwhile, as Zhang Yu refined the demon-blooded essence from Tianxiang Zhenjun’s body, his heart leapt with excitement. “Excellent! The bloodline of a demon-blooded Nascent Soul is far more potent than anything I’ve refined before—each portion contains vastly more power, equivalent to many earlier extractions.”

He calculated silently, “With the demon-blooded Nascent Souls now trapped here, I might just push the Myriad Transformations Self-Mastery Scripture all the way to Level 40.”

…

While Zhang Yu trained furiously within the Myriad Rivers and Thousand Mountains Scroll,

Dazhuan Zhenjun had already reached his destination. His voice now carried through the Dark Spirit Realm, reporting across vast distances to Bao Shen.

Listening to the report, Bao Shen replied, “I’m currently overseeing the upgrade of the Evil God Codex and don’t have time to deal with Zhang Yu right now. But I’ll arrange for another Evil God to conduct the conversion ritual—you just hand Zhang Yu over when the time comes.”

Having said that, Bao Shen posted a message in the Evil God group chat, asking who’d like to take on the task.

Almost instantly, Xiang Shen’s avatar popped up.

“I’ll do it!” Xiang Shen declared cheerfully. “No one in the entire Righteous Alliance understands Zhang Yu better than I do! I have the most extensive experience dealing with him—this job is mine by right!”

But even as Xiang Shen volunteered himself to Bao Shen, Xi Shen had already raced at top speed to Dazhuan Zhenjun’s location.

“Hmph,” Xi Shen thought, glaring at Xiang Shen’s eagerness. “Every meeting, that guy drones on about past glories. If you get to claim Zhang Yu again, you’ll really think you’re invincible.”

Gazing at the Myriad Rivers and Thousand Mountains Scroll in Dazhuan Zhenjun’s hands, Xi Shen resolved inwardly, “Since this mess started with my mistake, I’ll be the one to clean it up.”

“Dazhuan Zhenjun…” Xi Shen fixed his eyes on Zhang Yu within the scroll and spoke firmly, “Hand Zhang Yu over to me. I’ve already spoken with Bao Shen—and he agreed.”

“Until Xiang Shen arrives, Zhang Yu is under my custody.”

After verifying the matter, Dazhuan Zhenjun handed the Myriad Miles River-and-Mountains Scroll to a follower standing behind the other party and continued, “Zhanxian Zhenjun wishes me to confirm the process by which Zhang Yu was converted into a believer—especially the final conversion ritual. He specifically requested that I livestream it.”

Xi Shen nodded. “No problem.”

In the next moment, Xi Shen gazed into the Myriad Miles River-and-Mountains Scroll and, seeing the numerous Nascent Soul cultivators within, exclaimed in surprise, “Besides Zhang Yu, there are so many others?”

Dazhuan Zhenjun gave a faint smile and said calmly, “Just picked them up along the way.”

Xi Shen remarked, “To master this Celestial Gate treasure so swiftly—Dazhuan Zhenjun, your skill is truly impressive.”

Hearing this, Dazhuan Zhenjun merely smiled without replying, already imagining how he would later upload the footage of his journey—wielding the Celestial Gate treasure and subduing countless Nascent Soul Zhenjuns—to the Dark Spirit Realm.

…

Inside the Myriad Miles River-and-Mountains Scroll,

Xi Shen’s voice suddenly descended from the heavens.

“Zhang Yu, I am Xi Shen. I’m the one in charge of converting you into a believer this time…”

As Zhang Yu listened to Xi Shen’s voice, he replied while continuing his cultivation, “Send your boss. I don’t talk to small fry.”

For Zhang Yu, the top priority in hunting heretical gods was naturally Bao Shen.

According to intelligence gathered from the Righteous Alliance, Bao Shen was the current leader of all heretical gods within the alliance—and the keeper of the Heretical God Register.

Upon hearing Zhang Yu’s words, Xi Shen’s voice faltered slightly before turning cold: “The ‘boss’ you’re looking for is me. I am the highest authority here.”

Not giving Zhang Yu a chance to interrupt, Xi Shen quickly added, “Zhang Yu, I hope you understand—I’m offering you an opportunity, a genuine chance at financial freedom and cultivation freedom, something you could never attain under the Heavenly Court’s rule…”

At that moment, Huanghu Zhenjun snorted coldly and said, “Hmph! Joining you would mean destroying everything we’ve built across the Ten Academies. Do you really think we’d agree?”

Xi Shen let out a mocking laugh. “Foundations? What use are those? As long as the Heavenly Court and immortals govern, no matter how powerful, talented, or wealthy you are, you’ll eventually be phased out.”

“Because immortals will forever drive the world onward, forcing everyone to climb relentlessly, compete endlessly, scramble ceaselessly—never resting, never pausing. The moment you slow down, you’re discarded.”

“Even if you never stop, even if you always press forward, shifts in eras and advances in techniques will still render you obsolete.”

“Who in Kunxu, aside from the immortals themselves, isn’t subject to this fate?”

Hearing these words, the many Nascent Soul Zhenjuns felt a pang of shared sorrow—and for a time, no one offered a rebuttal.

Though none argued, they remained deeply unwilling to join the heretical gods.

Just then, Xi Shen sighed heavily and said, “Do you even know that our leaders—the many Heretical God Kings—are ancient gods who were themselves cast aside by the immortals?”

Tianxiang Zhenjun was startled. “Ancient gods?”

“That’s right,” Xi Shen affirmed. “Beings born of heaven and earth, divine by nature—yet deemed insufficiently useful, insufficiently obedient, insufficiently efficient by the immortals, and thus replaced entirely by today’s new gods.”

“Even their old forms of worship were systematically erased.”

“If even such gods could be deposed, what hope do your so-called foundations hold? Your obsolescence is only a matter of time.”

These words stirred something in Zhang Yu’s mind—he recalled Fu Ji’s request to collect antiques.

Earlier, when reviewing materials on those artifacts, he’d sensed they were used in ancient rites for deities. Now it seemed clear: heretical gods and ancient gods were indeed deeply connected.

Meanwhile, Xi Shen continued, “Only by joining the heretical gods can you achieve true financial freedom—passive income covering all cultivation expenses—and cultivation freedom, where passive practice matches the average advancement speed of your peers.”

“Only then can you attain lasting ease, eternal validation—free forever from the shackles of toil, overtime, labor, and hardship. That is what it truly means to be an immortal.”

Huanghu Zhenjun snorted again. “No work, no overtime, no hardship—and yet you earn wealth and grow stronger? Are you trying to fool ghosts?”

In Huanghu’s view, even Divine Transformation Sovereigns, even those in finance, even sect elites—all must keep learning, working, advancing. Their tasks and studies simply differ in form, but effort remains essential.

The idea of growing stronger without exertion? Huanghu simply didn’t believe it.

Xi Shen smiled faintly. “Of course there’s a way. Through faith—through the attention and thoughts of sentient beings—you can make them work for you, cultivate for you…”

Huanghu scoffed once more. “You’ve said so much, yet your so-called Heretical God Kings have already been cast down, hiding in the lower strata of Kunxu. Why should I trust you?”

Xi Shen chuckled softly. “Though the Heretical God Kings stepped down from their divine thrones, they’ve secured far more crucial roles. Under the patronage of the Samsara Immortal Emperor, they now oversee the entire cycle of reincarnation.”

“There, they not only command the past and future of countless trillions of lives throughout Kunxu—they also suppress numerous formidable beings defeated by immortals, beings too valuable to be sent into reincarnation…”

Huanghu retorted, “Impossible! How could a mighty Immortal Emperor possibly support you?”

Xi Shen laughed heartily. “Why impossible? Use your heads! Who among the high powers most desires the fall of the wealthy, the death of sect masters, the demise of immortals one by one?”

“Naturally, it’s the faction that governs reincarnation and death itself. And among the Ten Immortal Emperors, the Samsara Immortal Emperor stands as its supreme leader.”

“The entire reincarnation system has waited far too long for this moment.”

“Only by fully incorporating Kunxu’s wealthiest and even the loftiest immortals into the cycle will the system become truly complete—and the profits therein will surpass the current value of the entire reincarnation apparatus.”

“Do you understand now? Our backing, our power, our goals, the future gains awaiting us—all exceed your wildest imagination.”

“The strength of the Heretical God Kings has never been inferior to those Eightfold Great Deities.”

Upon hearing this, the Nascent Soul Zhenjuns within the Myriad Miles River-and-Mountains Scroll fell silent—whether stunned by the revelation or skeptical of its truth, none could say.

Xi Shen pressed on, “Zhang Yu, consider this carefully. Being offered the chance to join us at this precise moment may be the greatest opportunity of your life—an unprecedented tide of fortune…”

Just then, Zhang Yu spoke up, “Even if I consider it, I’ll only negotiate with your highest-ranking heretical god. Are you truly the top heretical god in the Righteous Alliance? You don’t look the part to me.”

Xi Shen responded with a cold snort. “I’ve already answered that question. And let me make one thing clear: we’re granting you an opportunity—not inviting your demands.”

Zhang Yu countered, “Then are there other heretical gods besides you? When seeking employment, both sides interview and vet each other. Shouldn’t choosing a deity to serve warrant even greater scrutiny?”

Xi Shen’s voice turned icy. “Then stay here and wait—wait until this great battle ends, until we’ve divided all your assets among ourselves. Then you may choose.”

At that moment, however, Xiang Shen’s voice rang out: “I think Zhang Yu makes a fair point. Becoming a believer is serious business—you ought to carefully select your master and compare terms. Don’t blindly pledge yourself to some useless boss.”

(End of Chapter)