I Ascend to the Divine Throne through Arcane Means

At this moment, Preston stood in front of Lis, with a complex expression as he looked at Lis.

"Are you the World Tree Favored, Lis Kain?"

The guard who had previously reported to Lis had not yet informed him of Lis's arrival.

However, in this situation, Preston understood Lis's circumstances.

Who else but this long-unseen World Tree Favored could summon the phantom of the World Tree Yggdrasil?

Although Preston had never seen the World Tree Yggdrasil with his own eyes, whether from records in ancient books, or that exceptionally unique and powerful life aura, it was absolutely impossible to counterfeit.

Of course, the identity of the person in front of him was self-evident.

Moreover, Caleb from the War God Church also stood beside this person, which in a sense verified the other's identity.

Although the Dwarf Clan didn't engage much with the outside world, they were aware of the emergence of another World Tree Favored.

And unlike ordinary extraordinary forces, only forces with long-standing traditions like the Dwarf Clan, Elf Clan, and the Church of the Gods truly understood the significance represented by the World Tree Favored.

The appearance of the World Tree phantom revealed Lis's special nature.

"I am."

Lis looked at the Dwarf King before him, nodded with a smile.

Unlike when using the Dwarf identity "Ris," the Dwarf King Preston appeared much more dignified now.

He possessed the absolute demeanor of a monarch.

However, Lis could see that Preston was somewhat dissatisfied with his act of drawing attention to himself.

This indeed.

No matter who it was, having such a near "miracle" phenomenon appear at one's doorstep would surely feel unsettling.

But when facing Lis, even someone as powerful as Preston found it hard to say much.

On one hand, Lis acted in response to provocation by those legendary dwarves in the Royal Palace who showed no restraint.

On the other hand, the life essence brought by the World Tree phantom was a lifeblood for the dwarves of Lonely Mountain City.

Though it had no effect on those above legend, it was greatly beneficial for ordinary folk.

This life power from the World Tree Yggdrasil eliminated illness, healed wounds, and could even slightly extend life.

This put Preston, as the "clan leader" of the Dwarf Clan, in a position where raising a fuss over this matter was difficult.

Because his people benefited greatly, no matter how he could not turn his back.

So, even though he was no match for the Dwarf King before him, Lis remained quite at ease, not worrying about any potential action from his counterpart.

The ability to summon the phantom of the World Tree Yggdrasil was something Lis comprehended upon mastering the Flame of Life.

This was more a gift than an ability.

A gift originating from the World Tree Yggdrasil.

Summoning the World Tree phantom cost Lis nothing.

It was like a special permission granted by the World Tree Yggdrasil, allowing assistance from its powers under certain circumstances.

After using it once, Lis would have to wait a month before using it again.

However, unlike other abilities he mastered, Lis had not yet figured out all the functions of summoning the World Tree phantom.

For instance, in Lonely Mountain City, the descent of life power in this case was merely the most basic ability of the World Tree phantom.

The reason for receiving such a gift, Lis estimated, was because the World Tree Yggdrasil had further revived.

Previously, under the schemes of Demon Prince Demogorgon, the World Tree Yggdrasil had been polluted by Abyss Destruction Power.

But with Lis's intervention, the condition of the World Tree Yggdrasil was markedly better than in previous lives.

After that encounter, Lis became the fourth World Tree Favored.

As for exposing himself in Lonely Mountain City, Lis had his own considerations.

He had already decided to inform all allied forces, including the Dwarf Kingdom and the Church of the Gods, about the upheaval concerning the Phillips Crystal.

To build trust and avoid revealing his own secrets, he planned to attribute this matter to receiving a revelation from the World Tree Yggdrasil.

The condition of the World Tree Yggdrasil was improving, thus enabling it to grant power to him as a Favored while delivering a new divine revelation, foretelling the impending crisis for the Gaia World.

Logical flow! There's no problem at all!

Yet Preston, completely oblivious to Lis's intentions, could only deduce that Lis was proclaiming his arrival.

Still, considering the entire Lonely Mountain City benefited, he was indisposed to say much.

Preston asked Lis in a solemn tone:

"Your Excellency, World Tree Favored, what brings you here?"

"Certainly something important."

Lis replied with a smile, gesturing to Caleb beside him:

"It's a matter concerning my friend from the War God Church here."

"Very well..."

Preston glanced at Caleb beside him, nodded, and said:

"In that case, please come in, both of you."

With that, he led them towards the Royal Palace.

Meanwhile, in Lonely Mountain City, the people of the Dwarf Temple acted swiftly, spreading word that the life blessing brought by the heavenly giant tree was a divine gift from the Dwarf Gods.

It was the gods' compassion and grace bestowed upon the believers.

...

Within the Royal Palace,

Preston looked at the two seated before him, silent for a moment.

Caleb from the War God Church seemed somewhat grave, apparently pondering something.

While Lis beside him appeared much more relaxed and natural, skillfully choosing from the dwarf pastries, deliberately avoiding the rock-skinned pies.

This fellow... why does he seem somewhat familiar?

Preston was sure this was his first time meeting the World Tree Favored Lis, yet a peculiar feeling lingered in his heart.

As for Lis, he was naturally not in a hurry; he had absolute confidence in the outcome of this meeting.

As long as Preston was a competent monarch and racial leader, he could not possibly refuse his proposal.

Clearly, Preston was such a person.

Preston's focus was all on Lis.

He understood Caleb's intentions very well.

But he wasn't particularly interested in collaboration with the War God Church.

After heeding his ministers' advice, he entrusted the matter to the dwarf ministers.

This was meant to make Caleb withdraw voluntarily.

After all, the War God Church was a powerful force, and Preston did not wish to strain relations directly by refusing.

But now it seemed some compromise was unavoidable.

Even if only for Lis's sake.

In fact, Preston was quite surprised by Lis's arrival.

The relationship between the Dwarf Kingdom and the Church of the Gods was somewhat complex.

Regarding the struggles between the Church of the Gods and the Evil God believers, the dwarves generally did not wish to be involved.

This was also due to the relationship between the Dwarf Gods and other forces within the God Camp.

But ever since the tides of the world had arrived, the influence of the All Gods on the Gaia World had dropped to its lowest point.

For instance, the recent attack on Lonely Mountain City by Shadow King Evil God believers was previously unimaginable.

Typically, Evil God believers, even if they attacked, would target remote areas.

Key places like Lonely Mountain City were most closely watched by the All Gods and had the strongest protective forces.

The All Gods could even predict incoming crises through contact.

However, after this event, Preston truly realized the perilous future awaiting the Gaia World.

Furthermore, the Elf Royal Court had silently been destroyed; what else was impossible?

The recent Shadow Tide attack was lucky; Lonely Mountain City suffered no significant losses.

Preston did not want to witness the destruction of Lonely Mountain City.

If such were the case, he needed more allies.

He could never join the Evil God believers. Even if Preston wanted to, the Dwarf Gods would prevent it.

The most suitable ally was the Church of the Gods!

While Preston deliberated, he suddenly heard Lis say:

"Your Majesty Preston, you don't want Lonely Mountain City to be destroyed, right?"