Chapter 647: The Choice

After Li Mochen returned to Twilight Dragon City, he found a quiet room alone and sank into deep thought, sitting motionless for a long time. It was not until a pair of delicate hands reached out from behind him and gently massaged his temples.

"You went to see Isis? Is the situation you're facing very troublesome?"

"It's not exactly troublesome."

Li Mochen smiled bitterly: "She offered a price I couldn't refuse, but it would disrupt my rhythm and established plans. I also know that mother and son are very unreliable; they will definitely break their promises in some way later."

Just like Lucifer, the Lord of Light eventually forced the Heavenly Vice-Regent to rebel by making him perform the rite of submission to 'Messiah'.

Although 'Messiah' was the Lord of Light's preacher on earth and the vessel for the descent of His power, possessing extremely high strength and status, it was still a great humiliation for the former master of the Babylonian sky and the gods.

"Then why not just refuse?"

Angela frowned, and after not receiving Li Mochen's answer, she said thoughtfully: "That is to say, even if they don't fulfill their promises, A Mo, you can still gain great benefits, right?"

"Exactly."

A strange light gleamed in Li Mochen's eyes: "Now I even look forward to them successfully expelling Gaia; if so, I can gain more opportunities. But before that, let's see what Gaia has to say. I think she will come to me soon."

Angela couldn't help but sigh: "I don't quite understand your plan, but A Mo, you must promise me that if the situation deteriorates to the point where fighting is necessary, you can't keep me out of it anymore. You've been protecting me too well lately."

Li Mochen chuckled and grabbed Angela's hand: "I don't think so. The reason I haven't let you act is that it's unnecessary. I know what you're doing, but it takes time."

He knew that in several recently popular games on earth, there were three powerful pieces of equipment: 'Sin-Slaying Blade', 'Mirage Battle Shield', and 'Dream Holy Spear'. They not only had the same shape but also identical descriptions and effects.

The former goes without saying; it was the equipment Li Mochen personally refined for Angela using Lilith and Cain. The 'Mirage Battle Shield' possessed the top-tier defensive capabilities in the games. According to the in-game descriptions, as long as the character's mana and willpower were sufficient, it could block any form and intensity of attack in this world. Its specific abilities and attributes varied depending on the game.

As for the 'Dream Holy Spear', it had unmatched sharpness and unparalleled lethality. Not only did it carry the powerful elemental forces of 'wind' and 'thunder', but it also came with the skill 'One-Hit Kill'—consuming 50% of the character's mana and 50% of health to throw, granting effects of 'Sure Hit', 'Lucky', 'Sure Break', 'Pierce', 'Lethal', and 'Instant Kill'. Even the most powerful bosses could be reduced to zero health by a single strike of the 'Dream Holy Spear'.

Although these three pieces of equipment were criticized by many players, due to their extremely low drop rates and great utility, they were still sought after by many players and collectors. Every day, players repeatedly challenged specific bosses on 'Extreme Difficulty' mode just to get these three divine items to drop.

Additionally, there was an ice dragon named 'Gustav' that appeared in these games either as a powerful boss or as a top-tier combatant among neutral forces, enjoying high popularity among players. Especially in a very popular summoning card game, the ice dragon 'Gustav' was one of the rarest cards.

This was Angela's layout on earth, cleverly using her authority. If it could be completed, their power would be something to look forward to.

Unfortunately, due to the war that swept the entire world, the current internet situation and game industry were withering. The number of players had shrunk significantly, slowing Angela's progress.

"Gustav and those three dream equipment do need time to nurture, but are you underestimating your wife? I can guarantee now that under any circumstances, my Twilight Dragon City will no longer have problems."

As she spoke, Angela handed her 'Crown of Sorrow' to Li Mochen.

"In this place, even if a God-King comes, I am now confident I can hold out for at least a day, A Mo."

Li Mochen was initially puzzled, but when he sensed the changes inside this mythical artifact, his expression shifted: "This is... Dream Source Substance?"

Although the amount of source substance in the 'Crown of Sorrow' was not large, it was indeed 'source substance'.

Unlike the 'Night Source Substance', 'Metal Source Substance', and 'Star Source Substance' he had obtained, this 'Dream Source Substance' should be a type of artificially generated source substance, but it also possessed powerful strength, elevating the power of the 'Crown of Sorrow' to an unimaginable level.

"It should be. I don't know why, but these source substances called 'Dream' spontaneously gathered around me, and they will likely continue to increase. Besides that—"

Behind Angela, an ice-blue dragon at least 1,500 meters long appeared in the void. Its aura and power of cold and death extended nearly a hundred kilometers beyond Twilight Dragon City into the hell.

"A Mo, my underworld will never be a burden to you."

Li Mochen was not surprised by this. Two months ago, to fulfill his wish for 'Angela to obtain the ultimate dream and ultimate death in the shortest time', he had consumed nearly 90 million strands of merit.

And now, the 9 million strands of merit he gained daily were burning under his wish spell at every moment.

At this time, he was not the only one extending his power toward the Gate of Truth.

※※※※

As Li Mochen expected, only half a day later, Gaia appeared before him. She projected her avatar directly into the underworld, appearing in front of Li Mochen.

However, the Primordial Mother Goddess's expression was somewhat grave: "You met with Isis? What conditions did she offer?"

Li Mochen had not concealed his meeting with Isis from her.

But during their meeting, the power of the Radiant Mother had blocked all of Gaia's perceptions. She could guess Isis's purpose but did not know what筹码 she intended to use to sway Li Mochen.

"I met her. They offered 15% of the root authority—not shared, but true sovereignty."

Gaia sneered sarcastically: "How generous. But you must have refused. Then? I guess you discussed other things with her."

If it were just root authority, she would have nothing to worry about; such a condition was almost a mockery.

"Indeed. Later, they proposed 10% of the root authority for me to remain neutral."

Seeing the doubt in Gaia's eyes, Li Mochen sighed again: "I can only say it was a condition beyond my imagination. Please allow me to keep the details confidential."

Although Isis had never asked him to keep it secret, Li Mochen was determined not to reveal the existence of the large world nucleus to anyone.

He knew that if the God-Kings, including Gaia, learned of this, they would change their existing strategies, which would greatly affect his future interests.

Gaia's eyes narrowed: "Since you want to keep it secret, that means you agreed to her?"

"No, I am hesitating."

Li Mochen smiled bitterly: "I am now leaning toward neutrality. I'm afraid I can no longer help you, Mother Gaia."

"Neutrality?"

Gaia let out a scornful laugh: "My descendant, do you know what fate will befall you if you do this?"

"I know. I may be eliminated as an uncertain factor by you all."

Li Mochen answered calmly: "But Mother Gaia, if it really comes to that, I will definitely side with your enemies before the battle. I guess they won't refuse. I am certain I have the ability to make any one of you withdraw from the competition within my divine kingdom."

Gaia's eyes instantly revealed extreme coldness and murderous intent: "Are you threatening me?"

"It was you, Mother Goddess, who first issued the threat, was it not?"

"You've made me curious. What exactly did Isis offer to shake you?"

Gaia's eyes showed a thoughtful expression: "Then won't you hear my terms, my descendant?"

Li Mochen guessed that whatever Gaia offered could never match Isis's, but he still put on an attentive look.

He thought, what if? What if, without the World Core in Isis's hands, he could still have a chance to ascend to the God Above Gods? Or perhaps she could offer even richer terms, giving him and his pantheon a brighter future.

Yet what Gaia said still left him slightly disappointed.

"I can grant you, in any future circumstance, a share of fifty percent of my root authority, with status equal to Zeus. The天命 Pantheon can coexist with the Olympian Pantheon in this world, sharing the faith of mortals."

After hearing this, Li Mochen sighed inwardly. Why did it have to be now? If this offer had come before meeting Isis, his likelihood of agreeing would have been over ninety percent. Though the rank of 'God Above Gods' was tempting and covetable, the option Gaia provided would allow him to preserve his capital to the greatest extent and avoid risks.

His alliance with Zeus would be enough to make all the God-Kings plotting for 'God Above Gods' lose their chance.

But now, this could no longer satisfy Li Mochen.

She had made him fight several God-Kings at once, yet she wouldn't even part with a bit of the world's 'source essence'.

Of course, it was also possible she had no stock left.

But no matter what, Li Mochen's mind was made up: "Please allow me to consider it further, Mother Gaia. This is a momentous decision."

Li Mochen did not refuse outright, but Gaia had already discerned his attitude. The goddess's expression was very displeased: "I don't know what Isis promised you, but the most precious quality in both humans and gods is self-knowledge. If, when strength is insufficient, you covet what you cannot reach, you will only end up shattered."

Li Mochen knew she might have guessed something, but he remained unmoved: "I will remember your advice, Mother Goddess, and think thrice before acting in the future."

At this point, Gaia knew the chance of persuading Li Mochen was slim. After a moment's thought, she changed her stance: "I can permit your neutrality and not revoke the authority I granted you. But before that, you must help me delay as much time as possible. In this regard, I believe our interests align."

"That's no problem."

Li Mochen's eyes flickered: "And how long would you like me to delay, Mother Goddess?"

If it was just buying time, that was indeed what he hoped for. For Li Mochen, the later the conflict for God Above Gods erupted, the greater his chances.

But there had to be a limit. It was foreseeable that the longer he delayed, the more risks he would face. The Aesir Pantheon and the Lord of Radiance would eventually be unable to tolerate his existence.

"Five years! At least five years!"

Gaia's gaze was as cold as needles: "Within these five years, you must ensure that the Roots of Thorns they use cannot be distributed across Australia, the Southern Ocean, the Old Continent, and America, and of course, the ancient Eastern kingdom. I know your relationship with them; you can persuade them."

Li Mochen shook his head slightly: "You overestimate me, Mother Goddess. My power is not enough to simultaneously deal with—"

"I will have Prometheus and Diana join your pantheon, for a term of five years."

Gaia coldly interrupted Li Mochen's subsequent excuses: "During these five years, they will fully obey your commands."

Coincidentally, she also needed to give Zeus a warning.

Li Mochen indeed did not refuse again. His eyes showed deep thought as he fell into a long deliberation.

With Diana and Prometheus, Gaia's proposal was not entirely unworthy of consideration.

The strength of the Goddess of Magic needed no elaboration, while Prometheus was an ancient god with immense faith among mortals. He had few true believers, but many believed he created humanity and fought for them against the Olympian Pantheon, giving people a bright future.

Prometheus himself was not only a prophet with divinity 18, the god of prophecy and creation, but also a fire god of divinity 18.

His fire divine authority had even reached the 'Truth' rank, no less than Zeus's, but limited by his main divine office, he had not entered the God-King rank. Like Li Mochen, he was one whose main divine office prevented him from possessing greater power.

Yet his ultimate 'Creation' and pseudo-truth 'Prophecy' were very powerful divine abilities.

In terms of combat power alone, he was undoubtedly at the vice-God-King rank, stronger than Fenrir, enough to match Thor, or even surpass him. Within Li Mochen's divine kingdom, Prometheus could be used as a God-King.

"Just five years, Mother Goddess? You're asking me to risk my life."

"I can only bind them until then."

Gaia's expression was calm: "According to my agreement with them, they must obey my commands until I become the God Above Gods. After that, whether you can keep them depends on yourself."

"Then during their service, they must fully, unconditionally, and without interference follow my orders. Is that acceptable?"

Li Mochen said expressionlessly: "I can agree to you, but I cannot guarantee I can delay until five years; I will do my best. Besides, if you do not intend to grant me more root authority, you must pay additional compensation—"

He knew that the wealth and resources Gaia commanded far surpassed those of the 'British Gods' and 'Itsamna'. After all, America was a continent newly formed in the last ten thousand years, while the Old Continent was the original land of this world, with a difference of hundreds of thousands of years of history.

For an ancient god who had existed since the creation of the bright world, producing three to five hundred pieces of mythical materials was easy.

Meanwhile, on a high platform in the Radiant Heavenly Kingdom, the King of Holy War, the strongest angel, the Prince of Light Michael, was half-kneeling behind the Mother Goddess Isis.

"Mother Goddess, as you commanded, we have ceased the war with Ahura."

"And Ahura, did he keep the agreement?"

"It seems Odin's mediation was effective; he has temporarily stopped encroaching on my main authority."

Michael's voice was calm, without any fluctuation, but behind him, the Seraphim waiting in the distance all had strange expressions. They all sensed the fierce emotions of the King of Holy War.

"But I cannot imagine the consequences when my Lord learns of this."

"We'll talk after he awakens, Michael. You must admit that as long as he can cleanse the pollution, he can easily reclaim his faith from Ahura. At this moment, nothing is more important than the World Core."

Isis was truly calm and graceful. She then handed two spears of the same design into Michael's hands: "Later, you may have to personally deliver these two 'Longinus Holy Spears' to the Lord of Fate. According to my agreement with him, until your Lord becomes the God Above Gods, these two holy spears need to be lent to him. Hmm~ I think he should make a decision soon."

Michael's pupils dilated, and at that moment, the radiance of the entire heavenly kingdom rippled for a moment.

"Mother Goddess, I wish to know, do you truly intend to let the Lord of Fate share my Lord's glory?"

"You're asking about the second chance to become God Above Gods, right? I did promise him that."

Isis smiled slightly: "I said at the time: when Gaia is expelled from the root, I will cast the World Core in my hand into the root to secure his aid. I will certainly keep my promise, but whether he can ultimately hold onto it is his affair."

Michael looked slightly stunned, then thoughtful.

"Michael, we are isolated and without support now; the Lord of Fate is a necessary ally. To be honest, since my return, I've even felt grateful that another God-King has risen in this world—it makes things much easier for us. Do you understand?"

Isis then changed the subject: "Metatron, what's going on recently with the conflict between the Aesir and the Olympians?"

The one who answered her was 'Flame Angel, Scribe of Heaven' Metatron, also called Metatron, who had been promoted to King of Angels after Uriel was judged a fallen angel: "Vali, the Aesir's god of vengeance, believes that 'Sun God Apollo' killed his brother 'Light God Baldr' and 'Dark God Höðr'. Together with Baldr's eldest son 'Forseti, god of truth, justice, and law', they ambushed Apollo. Not only was Apollo severely wounded, but several of his Titan subordinate gods were killed. This has sparked fierce war between the two pantheons on the two Mist Continents, Antolia and Bolivia. They already had major conflicts over colonizing these continents."

A hint of surprise appeared in Isis's eyes: "Does Odin know about this?"

"Probably not. I suspect someone used powerful divine authority to deceive Odin. The Lord of Fate is certainly one of them; as for the other, I don't know yet."

Metatron frowned deeply: "The key issue is that all current evidence points to Apollo. The Sun Chariot he controls has displayed power far beyond what is recorded in myths since the ambush. Because of Light God Baldr's good relations, the entire Aesir pantheon is in an uproar. Even with Odin's prestige, it's hard for him to suppress his subordinate gods. And the Olympian side isn't much better. This has already affected the Beast Empire's offensive in the north; on Java Island, they haven't sent reinforcements for two months."

Isis mused: "Right at this moment? We should try to investigate; I smell a conspiracy—"

Just then, she felt a resonance in her heart and looked into the distant void. She saw a reddish-gold shuttle piercing into Heaven, flying straight to her.

Isis sensed the divine power named 'Fate'. The corners of her lips lifted slightly, and she took the shuttle with some anticipation.

Soon after, the Radiant Mother laughed with irony in her eyes: "He agreed, but with one condition: 'Maintain absolute neutrality after the Root Thorn is activated.'"

"Your Highness!"

Michael frowned deeply: "He wants to buy time for the Root Mother and himself."

"It doesn't matter!"

Isis said, looking at the sun radiating boundless light in the sky: "Time—your Lord also needs it. But we can't let them delay too long."