Only God

But Hiris still appeared, not solely because of Xilan's perseverance, but also because the Mountain and Craftsman God had once paid attention to this disciple of the Prophet. Therefore, to Him, Xilan was not a stranger but an acquaintance he had never met.

Upon hearing Xilan's words, Hiris gave a bitter smile and said,

"I have seen them slaughter each other many times. Have I not seen it enough?

Before I created them, I heard many warnings from the Divine: even the best of races will one day turn on each other.

Since the birth of the dwarfs and giants, I have grown accustomed to watching them take up arms against each other. Initially, I admonished, I intervened, but while I could stop their bodies, I couldn't stop their hearts.

So later, I gave up, just like the other Gods. Even in sadness, I no longer intervened in their slaughter."

The response from the Mountain and Craftsman God was so rational; for the nearly immortal Gods, even their favored races on Earth are like spring grass—burned by wildfire one year, yet regrowing the next.

Xilan frowned. Before he could say anything, the Mountain and Craftsman God spoke first.

"Perhaps you want to ask if I can tolerate other Gods meddling with the dwarfs and giants?

To be honest, it's hard to tolerate since they are, after all, my people.

But even if I wanted to do something, I know the more I do, the more likely I am to err.

The current situation is that the Dream God Laren and others want to destroy the Path of Divine Creation, not to annihilate my race. There is more than one Dwarf Kingdom like Kaelonde in the world. If I were to make a mistake now, it could bring even greater disasters upon the entire dwarf race, and I would deeply regret that."

Here, the Mountain and Craftsman God paused and his gaze swept towards a certain place.

Xilan noticed that Hiris's expression suggested that some outsider had arrived on the scene.

"Beautiful dreams, ceaseless storms, come on out.

Since you've come here, why hide? Do you think this man, destined to become a Prophet, is not worthy of speaking with you?"

Hiris said to the dense woods.

In an instant, the breeze stirred, the sky seemed to darken slightly, and drowsiness as if from a dream silently befell the rabbits in the woods, while faint thunder quickly swept up the autumn leaves.

Xilan saw Dream God Laren and Storm God Utus emerge from the shade of the trees, the three Gods unconsciously positioned themselves around Xilan.

"Hiris, our respected craftsman, please do not resent us. You should know that even without us, the civil war in Kaelonde was inevitable. Mortals are so pitiable.

We promise you, if after this conflict, they decline, we will do everything in our power to help you restore them. We'll give them back double what they have lost.

If you must feel resentful, then we apologize, please believe that we regret it."

Facing the craftsman who forged weapons for the Gods, Dream God Laren showed great politeness and respect.

Storm God Utus merely nodded, acknowledging Laren's words, then His gaze fell upon Xilan, scrutinizing this mortal who had never tasted death.

"So, you are the one called Xilan?"

Utus asked slowly, his tone full of a God's arrogance.

Xilan did not turn to look at Him, but simply said,

"I am the one called Xilan."

At that moment, Dream God Laren also turned his attention to the disciple of the Prophet, the man destined to become a Prophet. Unlike Utus's proud scrutiny, Laren's gaze was filled with resentment.

It was this mortal who had caused Him so much trouble, His stars remained unrepaired to this day.

Remember, even though Xilan had embarked on the Path of Divine Creation, his power was still insufficient to confront the Gods directly. Yet it was such a mortal who had inflicted great damage upon Him, an almost unbearable humiliation.

Even now, Laren felt that, as a God, He could easily reduce this mortal to dust for a price, but He dared not do so.

Laren could only mock,

"Mortal, do you think having some power lets you turn your back on us Gods?

You underestimate us so, a perfect example of arrogance. If you think your power is sufficient to confront the Divine, you are mistaken."

Xilan shook his head and said,

"I am not arrogant."

"I have not taken you lightly. Since returning to the earth, I have humbly respected each individual. I do not take pride in my own power.

I do not believe that my power alone is enough to contend with the Divine.

But this power gives me the qualifications to negotiate with the Divine, and that is sufficient."

Even though Xilan spoke sincerely, his words still struck Dream God Laren as arrogant and offensive.

He was about to say something when Storm God Utus spoke first:

"Leave, Xilan.

You indeed possess the qualifications to negotiate with us, Divine, but our demands will not change."

At this point, Utus looked toward the centaur-like Divine being,

"And we will not stand by while you challenge Hiris's will."

Xilan finally turned around. He looked directly at Utus,

"No, I will change His will and yours too.

Because,

that is what God wants me to do, 'where God sends me, there I go.'"

Xilan's unyielding tone provoked the haughty Storm God, and the Divine laughed in anger, exclaiming:

"I acknowledge your qualification to negotiate, but I do not acknowledge your disrespect.

Who do you think you are?

That detestable Schiller?

Do you think you possess his capabilities? If so, prove it to us!"

As soon as he finished speaking, Utus's attitude made Dream God Laren nod repeatedly. Laren knew well that Utus always loathed the conspiracies of the Divine and thus often feared betrayal, but now, that concern was dispelled.

Xilan furrowed his brows.

Facing two aggressive Divine beings, Xilan felt an indescribable pressure.

If Hiris could support him, the burden on Xilan's shoulders would be much lighter, but clearly, that was impossible. Hiris, unwilling to make a mistake, had long decided to stand by and let it all happen.

Xilan did not face a threat of death; if it were a threat of death, Hiris would not have stood idly by no matter what. This was what made it tricky. Xilan faced a threat to his mission, a threat rooted in the spiritual realm.

Whether in the sky or on the earth, whether in the ocean or among the mountains, the sword that kills the spirit is often more painful than the one that kills the body.

Trapped in a perilous situation, Xilan felt a tremulous unease and silently prayed in his heart:

"Lord, even though I have received this mission, how can I confront three Divine beings? There is such a vast difference between a mortal and the Divine. Even as a person of Logos, what am I compared to the eternally undying gods? They have thousands of Temples, brilliant might, and grand stars.

But what about me? What is this man called Xilan? What should I do to fulfill the mission you have bestowed upon me?"

Xilan asked and prayed. Though he remained motionless, his heart quivered. The setting sun slowly sank below the sky, casting a blood-red glow over the densely shadowed forest.

It seemed as though the world itself had caught fire.

The three Divine beings quietly waited. They had ample patience.

At that moment, Xilan slowly raised his head, as if he had received an answer from somewhere.

For reasons unknown to the Divine beings, their hearts suddenly tightened—an abrupt sensation that passed as quickly as lightning, elusive.

The proud Storm God was the first to inquire:

"Mortal, what do you intend to do?"

The man destined to be a Prophet stretched out his hand,

"It is not about what I am to do,

but rather what God wants to be done."