I stared blankly at Leixar, who had suddenly turned serious, feeling somewhat bewildered. Glancing around, I saw that everyone else’s expressions were equally solemn, far from joking.
I began, ““Well, actually, I… I think this…””
‘I truly felt that someone as useless as myself, good for nothing but playing games, was suddenly being tasked with something so significant.’
Before I could finish, Leixar interrupted. ““No need for further words,”” she stated. ““We are not interested in your reasons; our sole concern is the outcome.””
I looked around once more, then turned back to Leixar, slowly nodding. ““But I… I know nothing right now. What can I possibly do?””
Since I had decided to do it, I would not back down. Even if I accepted reluctantly, I would still see it through to completion.
Leixar nodded in satisfaction. ““Currently, your mission comprises several key points. Firstly, you cannot remain in this place for extended periods, as your superficial identity is merely that of a rather promising deity. Secondly, you must grow stronger, though the standards set for you may be quite high.””
I looked at Leixar, feeling a surge of nervousness. ““H-how high?””
‘What if they said I needed to withstand one of the Seven Divine Pillars? That would be truly terrifying.’
Leixar offered a mischievous smile. ““It’s not *that* high, really. Difficult, yes, but it has been achieved before.””
I felt a slight easing of tension. That was a relief.
““To become—the STRONGEST in the Divine Realm.””
““Huh?”” I blurted out, utterly dumbfounded. ‘What did she mean, “not that high”? Of course, someone could achieve it, but only one person at a time!’
Leixar raised an eyebrow. ““Oh, right, I forgot to mention. The First Divine Pillar has always been reserved for the strongest individual in the Divine Realm.””
I stared blankly at Leixar. ““Um, excuse me, you’re… you’re not joking, are you?”” My voice trembled, and it felt as if I were dreaming.
Leixar shook her head. ““Currently, throughout history, there have been three First Divine Pillars. Blood Lotus Tianqi was the third.”” Leixar’s gaze turned somewhat cold after speaking. ““Originally, we weren’t in a hurry for you to become the First Divine Pillar, but that newcomer on Ken Laxting’s side is rather… sinister.””
The red-haired youth, Jelius Lin, interjected at this point. ““We had never heard of this person before, yet their sudden appearance and terrifying growth rate are truly alarming.””
My curiosity piqued, and I relaxed slightly. ‘At least the conversation wasn’t directly about me anymore.’ ““So, just how fast?””
Jelius Lin gave me a mysterious smile. ““In thirty-seven years, they achieved a draw with Ke Milaire, the Fourth Divine Pillar. Though Ke Milaire is considered the weakest in terms of combat strength among the Seven Divine Pillars, to be instantly matched by an unknown newcomer… that speed is truly…””
““Then how could I possibly catch up to them in a limited time?”” I was somewhat speechless. ‘How could such an opponent ever be defeated?’
Leixar shook her head. ““The gap between the Fourth Divine Pillar and Teacher Blood Lotus Tianqi is unimaginably vast. If they continue at that rate, it would still take them several centuries. However, I haven’t finished speaking yet; listen to me first.”” As she spoke, Leixar suddenly remembered that she hadn’t finished explaining everything.
I retracted my head and playfully stuck out my tongue, indicating my innocence.
Leixar shot me an exasperated glance and continued. ““The third point, then, is to assemble a legion that is entirely your own and completely trustworthy.”” At this, Mentor Leixar clenched her fist. ““That was precisely where Mentor Blood Lotus Tianqi made a miscalculation back then.””
““Why?”” Without a moment’s thought, I blurted out the question.
““Lord Blood Lotus Tianqi established several legions: the Silver Radiance Legion, the Bladewielders, the Heavenly Punishment Legion, the Holy Radiance Knights, and the Blood Lotus Army. However, Lord Blood Lotus Tianqi placed too much trust in her followers, entrusting all legions except for the Blood Lotus Army to their command. In the end, the commanders of the Heavenly Punishment Legion and the Holy Radiance Knights both betrayed Lord Blood Lotus Tianqi.”” Though Leixar’s tone remained calm, the anger in her eyes was utterly unconcealable.
‘I recalled that in a previous “dream,” there had been a legion opposing Blood Lotus Tianqi called the Heavenly Punishment Legion.’ So I asked, ““Who was the commander of the Heavenly Punishment Legion?””
““You definitely know this person,”” Leixar replied. ““The Second Divine Pillar, Ken Laxting.””
““Huh?”” I blurted out again, utterly shocked. ‘What? The Second Divine Pillar was once Blood Lotus Tianqi’s follower?’
““Not only that, but like me, he was also a student of Teacher Blood Lotus Tianqi.”” Leixar’s words were startling once more.
This time, I said nothing else. I was merely processing the immense amount of information.
““Therefore, although we have said that we would protect you even unto death, please do not readily trust any of us. Even I might betray you someday for certain interests.”” Leixar paused. ““However, there are a few individuals you can completely trust: Aklys, the Seventh Divine Pillar, your two agents, and the companions who are with you. Perhaps this is merely my personal opinion; whether you choose to believe it is your decision. Finally, for the fourth point: endeavor to find Blood Lotus Tianqi’s former followers. They are the fastest means for you to expand your power. You have been acknowledged by Blood Lotus Tianqi, and I believe they will follow you, even if it is for the sake of their past faith.””
I was still contemplating Leixar’s words about trust, and I still couldn’t agree with her viewpoint. So I replied, ““With all due respect, I believe trust is indispensable. If a team lacks even the most fundamental trust, how can it ever achieve true strength? Therefore, I choose to believe in everyone present here.””
Leixar’s tone remained flat. ““What I offered was merely advice. Your trust in us is, of course, a very good thing for us. However… never mind. Nevertheless, forming your own legion is something you absolutely must do.””
I nodded. Leixar waved a hand. ““Remaining here too long will arouse suspicion. For now, leave Keli City and wander around. We will proceed to discuss some intricate details, and once concluded, we will hand the specifics directly to you. Remember, you are now the Tianqi Legacy, the last hope of the Wing-Broken.”” As she spoke, she handed me a small, golden badge shaped like a broken feather.
““By regulation, you are now one of the three Guild Masters of the Alliance. This is your proof of identity. Grow strong swiftly, without reservations. We, the Tianqi Legacy, the Wing-Broken, will exhaust all our efforts to protect you.”” Leixar concluded.