Against The True Gods

Caine's nine rings took shape behind him, and at their center, his radiant, coiled silver star dragon manifested.

His wings erupted from his back, tearing his robes apart as a calm ripple of strength echoed outward.

By habit, he slicked his long hair back and exhaled slowly. His eyes panned over the avatars assembled in front of him, observing them all. Stay connected through My Virtual Library Empire

He analyzed each one, his gaze effortlessly piercing through their strengths and weaknesses without much struggle.

He sighed. 'It's pointless.'

His rings began to vanish as his wings retracted and the star faded. Light and airy white robes draped over him as he turned around and began walking toward the grand tree that stood before the Pond of Serenity.

His steps echoed, accompanied by the faint flutter of his robes. The world seemed to hold its breath, frozen in place, as if observing each and every one of his movements.

Caine slowly sat down, leaning his back against the tree.

"Your Highness?" Soran suddenly appeared beside him, closely followed by Caine's army of summons.

"Take care of them for me. When on the verge of death, tell Elura so she converts them. Take it as training if you want."

Soran noticed the weary air swirling in his master's gaze but dared not argue. He nodded, then turned toward the swarm of avatars in front of him.

Without hesitation, he charged forward, followed closely by the rest of Caine's army.

Avatars, beasts, and soldiers collided in a violent and brutal clash. Explosions of chaotic qi echoed through the battlefield as roars, screams, and cries filled the air. The clash of blades, the cracking of bones, the spilling of blood, and the pounding of hearts merged into a symphony of carnage.

Caine watched it all, his gaze serene and his heartbeat steady.

While he could spend time trying to process what he had just discovered, a part of him knew it was pointless.

Perhaps it was the effect of his unlocked main affinities, or perhaps his Dao Heart was trying to shield him. Either way, he didn't dwell on it.

Since he was trapped here until his tribulation ended, he would simply wait.

'Caine,' Elura called out, her voice echoing in his mind.

'Yes?'

'If… if it helps, the fact that their strings are still intact means they're still alive—technically.'

Caine slowly nodded, bearing this in mind. 'I see.' He looked toward the horizon. 'That's good to know. Thank you.'

He remained silent after that, embracing the still emptiness surrounding him.

The World Avatars fell one after the other, their golden blood splattering across the grass from which new summons arose under Caine's control.

Not even an hour passed before the courtyard was empty.

Caine looked up, expecting yet another tribulation, most likely as punishment for the lack of respect he'd shown. But surprisingly, nothing happened.

The dome enclosing the tribulation area faded, and strength surged through his body. From the Peak of the Blood Realm, he naturally tore through the bottleneck and entered the earliest stages of the Spark Realm.

'I suppose it makes sense. I wasn't even supposed to undergo a tribulation for breaking past the Blood Realm.'

'The World Will Eye can't break too many of its own laws, or the balance of the world will be thrown off.'

Caine pushed himself to his feet and walked out of the courtyard. As he did, he waved his hand, healing all the destroyed vegetation of this peaceful haven.

Following the winding path that led to his throne room, Caine passed through mountains, rivers, forests, and flatlands. He allowed his mind to bask in the serenity of nature.

The skies were dim and the air cold, carrying a biting edge that could be considered harsh even by the standards of the northern continent—just the way he liked it.

He re-entered his throne room but exited it almost immediately.

***

[Frodolth—Eastern District—Capital of the Timeless Alliance.]

The streets of the Eastern District were paved with countless pavilions, each grander than the last. Their towering spires and intricate carvings reflected a blend of ancient tradition and modern innovation. These structures stood tall and proud, adorned with hanging lanterns that radiated a warm, golden glow even during the dimmest hours.

The streets were bustling, as they always were. Esteemed merchants peddled their goods under elaborate awnings embroidered with their family crests. Nobles from the Timeless Alliance carried out their duties, and officials from other factions wandered the district's beautiful roads, admiring the fusion of art, commerce, and culture.

Though Frodolth as a whole was known as the Alliance's capital, the Eastern District held its own distinct name—False World.

It was said that one could find and do anything in this district. All cultures converged and diverged here, creating an atmosphere of peace and vibrancy beyond words. A harmonious cacophony filled the air: the hum of conversations, the jingling of coins, and the occasional song of a street performer.

At the far end of a quieter street stood a small yet inviting restaurant. Its modest exterior was unassuming, but the colorful flower arrangements lining the windowsills gave it a welcoming charm. A simple sign hung above the entrance, swaying gently in the breeze.

"Ah! My son!"

An older lady smiled warmly as a man entered her restaurant. She wore an apron, her long brown hair tied in a tight bun. Her aged face radiated waves of love and tender affection, embodying the word mother in its truest sense.

Though she stood no taller than five feet, the intensity of her golden gaze made her seem as large as a giant.

Her smile lit up the mostly empty restaurant as she walked forward and wrapped her arms tightly around the young man—Caine.

"Hello, Aunty Tania."

This pavilion was one of many places Caine had visited during his travels, particularly when he was injured. Without a doubt, it was his favorite.

"Oh, look at my beautiful boy!" She floated up slightly to cup Caine's face. "Look at how this cultivation nonsense has hardened your gaze in just a few weeks."

She sighed. "Where's my little princess?"

Caine smiled faintly. "She had to return to the Pagoda to train some more. Last time, she only completed half of what she set out to do."

Aunty Tania raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"Oh? Alright then. Come, sit. I'll serve you the usual."

She floated back into the kitchen as Caine chose a table and sat down. The interior was cozy, with polished wooden floors and shelves filled with jars of spices and herbs. A faint aroma of roasted meat and freshly baked bread lingered in the air, comforting and familiar.

Moments later, Zao appeared across from him.

"Oh, for fuck's sake," Caine muttered under his breath.

Zao chuckled, shaking his head. "Tania, can you serve me up as well?" he called toward the kitchen.

"No problem! Tanurian beef or Zavian? I also have—"

"I'll take a simple Zavian steak, the old-fashioned recipe."

"Coming right up!"

"Thanks, love."

Zao turned his attention back to Caine. "We have a few things to talk about, you and I."