Against The True Gods

Above, eclipsing the stars, a fleet of avian beasts of all kinds soared, their wings stretched across the heavens. Upon their backs, countless entities clad in pristine, pitch-white robes could be seen, radiating power and majesty that seemed to warp the air around them.

At the forefront flew a simple yet magnificent eagle, far larger than any other beast in the fleet behind it. On its massive back, three figures were present.

Two of them stood—Zao and the Timeless Guardian—while a single figure sat cross-legged in front of them: Caine.

Caine's gaze fell to the Scions below, his eyes steady, unblinking, and undisturbed. The longer their gazes remained locked, the colder the world became. Gradually, it felt as though a blue filter had been overlaid onto reality itself.

Lilith looked around, her eyes sharp, seemingly unaffected by Caine's icy gaze. The platform was now covered in snow—snow so cold that even cultivators of their level found it biting, harmful, and relentless.

'His ice affinity… has somehow become even more potent?'

Without hesitation, the members of the Timeless Alliance descended in unison. Only Caine remained behind, his eyes reflecting a quiet storm. He glanced at Zao, who nodded silently and leapt off alongside the Timeless Guardian.

WHOOOSH!

The air split as Lilith suddenly appeared beside Caine, standing on his eagle's back.

Her voice was calm, but her eyes betrayed her curiosity. "Where are we going?"

"Polishing Heaven Dao Pagoda," he replied, his tone as resolute as steel.

Lilith's eyes widened, surprise flashing across her face. "You want to go now? I thought you wanted us to go after the—" Her words faltered as realization dawned. Her gaze sharpened, her thoughts racing.

If Caine was suggesting they head to the Polishing Heaven Dao Pagoda now, it meant something was on the horizon. Something big. It meant he needed even more power than he already wielded.

She could feel his current strength—an overwhelming force that had seemingly caught up to her own. If even he believed he needed more power, then whatever was coming was beyond anything they had faced before.

"Let's go," she whispered, her resolve hardening as she sat beside him.

Caine nodded, a faint smirk touching his lips as he patted the eagle's sleek feathers. The beast chirped in response, and they shot forward, a blur of motion and wind, leaving the other Scions behind to battle for resources.

But what was the point? If Caine's instincts were correct, soon, none of those resources would matter. He had what he needed from the alliance treasury. There was no need to compete.

Though that didn't mean he doubted his people's abilities. No, he knew they would likely win, as they had done for countless years before.

***

The Central Continent.

The Central Continent was the heart of the world, the epicenter of power and influence.

Everything of consequence happened there.

The continent was home to the major figures of all the dominant forces, overseen by the formidable Void Trading Alliance, arguably the most powerful organization in existence.

Blessed with an overwhelming abundance of resources, the Central Continent was a paradise for geniuses. Ancient houses, temples, and facilities dedicated to cultivating talent dotted its landscapes, each designed to forge the greatest, most divine minds of their generation.

Among these legendary structures, none was more prestigious or sacred than the Polishing Heaven Dao Pagoda. So revered was this pagoda that even figures like Caine and Lilith couldn't just arrive unannounced.

***

[Central Continent — Plains of Ishva'al] Experience more content on empire

The Plains of Ishva'al were a vision of natural beauty. Gigantic trees, taller and wider than mountains, housed intricately carved dwellings within their colossal trunks. White and scarlet leaves adorned their vast branches, drifting gently through the air like soft, colorful snow.

A potent flow of life qi infused the plains, saturating the atmosphere with vitality. At the heart of this vibrant expanse stood a grand obsidian tower—a structure that loomed over the plains with a commanding, ancient presence.

The tower appeared to be carved from dark marble, veins of purple and red threading across its surface. White runes pulsed along its exterior, shifting and glowing as if the tower itself were alive. Its rectangular form pierced the sky, disappearing into the clouds, exuding a menacing, primordial aura.

At the tower's base, a congregation of entities clad in priestly attire stood in neat formation. Their gazes were fixed on the horizon, awaiting something—or someone—with bated breath.

A piercing screech shattered the silence.

SKREEEEEEEEE!

The wind whipped violently as an eagle appeared in the distance, speeding past the towering trees and arriving before the gathered priests with breathtaking swiftness.

WHOOOSH!

The figure leading the priests, an aged man known as Priest Conan, stepped forward. His oily white hair framed a face creased with wisdom, his deep blue eyes sparkling with reverence. A smile spread across his face as Caine and Lilith dismounted from the eagle.

"Greetings, Your Highness!" Priest Conan bowed deeply, his voice warm with respect.

"Greetings, Priest Conan," Caine replied with a light smile, his demeanor calm and measured.

Priest Conan straightened. "I do not wish to waste your time, Your Highness. Let us proceed."

Caine nodded and began to follow the procession toward the tower.

A younger priest glanced back. "Your Highness, may I remind you of the pagoda's settings?"

"Go ahead."

The priest took a deep breath. "The Polishing Heaven Dao Pagoda was constructed countless eons ago to transform potential into greatness—to forge geniuses. We, the Priests of the Bloody Sun, are dedicated to protecting and maintaining it with our very souls."

"The pagoda has multiple modes, but only two matter: Void Meditation Mode and Endless Samsara Mode."

"The Endless Samsara Mode immerses the user's mind in a dreamscape where they live countless lives, each unique. This mode allows them to gain millennia of experience within mere months, accelerating their growth and maturity. It refines the mind and forges true divinities. However, only those with a firm sense of self can withstand this mode; otherwise, they risk losing their identity and falling into eternal madness."

"On the other hand, the Void Meditation Mode doesn't transport the mind. Instead, it creates a formation that suspends time for the user. Within this suspended zone, they can train or meditate under perfect conditions for as long as they need."

"But this mode carries risks, too. During suspended time, the user is vulnerable to Heart Demons. If they succumb, there's little we can do once time resumes. Additionally, those without time affinity will suffer backlash once the suspension ends. Though we have healers who specialize in treating this, accidents can still occur."

"Typically, the backlash incapacitates a user for up to a year. But for the potential of millions of years of training, it is often worth the risk—if their minds can endure it."

Caine nodded, absorbing the information as they reached the pagoda's entrance. His eyes glimmered with determination as he stepped inside.