In the Conference Hall

Upon hearing the two titles, the Executive Officer grew interested.

“Judge?”

“Lawyer?”

The Executive Officer began a discussion with Sukob about the roles of judges and lawyers, reflecting on how they might contribute to society.

This was a time of transition from barbarism to civilization, and there was much still to be discovered and understood.

Whether it was the Land of Sunrise, Suinhor, the Royal Court of Ten Thousand Serpents, or the newly established Wasteland Witch Kingdom, every nation was trying to find what suited it best.

Every country and ruler attempted reforms, each trying to find a way forward.

However, they were all feeling their way through the dark, uncertain of which direction to head or whether it was the right one.

“This is truly a brilliant idea,” the High Executive Officer said.

“I have been thinking that although the legal code is established, various problems arise during its actual implementation.”

“The laws we initially envisioned have ultimately become mere fantasy. This is not what the Dark Moon General wanted to see, nor is it what I wanted.”

“We must separate the power of law enforcement.”

“Judge… judge… and lawyer.”

The Executive Officer repeated the two words, tasting and pondering them. He felt that inviting Sukob to the Royal Court of Ten Thousand Serpents was indeed the right decision.

Finally, he stood and addressed Sukob.

“Lord Sukob, I hope you can bring all your ideas to life and make them a reality in this country.”

“Do not worry about any resistance you might face. The Royal Court and I will personally provide you with all possible assistance.”

Sukob also stood. “Thank you for your support, Executive Officer.”

“The pleasure is mine,” the Executive Officer replied.

With the strong support of the Royal Court’s High Executive Officer, the “Contract Law Code Bill” was eventually passed. The court decided to implement the bill in the major provinces within the central Royal Court of Ten Thousand Serpents.

As for territories not yet classified as provinces, they could choose to not implement the bill.

This showed that the bill was still controversial. Even the High Executive Officer of the Royal Court faced considerable pressure.

In the end, the Royal Court’s High Executive Officer chose to move forward with its implementation.

He made this decision because he recognized the validity of the path. Someone who could rise to such a high position naturally possessed a vision beyond that of ordinary people.

The Royal Court of Ten Thousand Serpents would establish the position of judge in every city. These judges would oversee the implementation of the legal code and the trial of criminals.

The Royal Court’s governing institutions would also establish a new Judicial Chamber and appoint a Royal Court Chief Justice.

At the same time, the Contract Guild founded by Sukob and the role of Contract Lawyer gained official recognition from the Royal Court. Contracts issued by the Contract Guild were not only safeguarded by the lineage of the God of Knowledge and Truth, but they were also formally acknowledged by the Royal Court of Ten Thousand Serpents.

However, every contract had to be bound by the legal code.

Despite facing skepticism, Sukob and his Contract Guild began to make their mark on history.

This marked the rise of judges and contract lawyers. Contract lawyers took on the unique role of establishing contracts, and to reflect this distinction, Sukob added the word “contract” before “lawyer.”

Before judges and contract lawyers could appear in the Royal Court of Ten Thousand Serpents, one crucial matter remained.

The Royal Court’s legal code needed to be endowed with the power of Text Spirits, which required signing a contract with the country itself.

This step would mark the true beginning of the new system.

In front of the Executive Hall of Mooneclipse City

Soldiers stood guard at every intersection. Commoners, merchants, craftsmen, and nobles from across the city had gathered outside the highest seat of power in the Royal Court to witness the historic moment.

Dressed in solemn black robes, a group of Witch Spirits followed Sukob as they emerged from the side and made their way toward the steps.

The High Executive Officer, already waiting for Sukob, stood in the center of the crowd. He held a thick, heavy legal code in his hands.

The moment Sukob appeared, a commotion erupted from the crowd in the street.

“Is that the Apostle?”

“Yes, the Apostle of the God of Knowledge and Truth!”

“Look at him. He really has God’s Form.”

“It’s just as the stories say.”

“Do you think Apostles really live for a thousand years? They can’t be like us anymore.”

Except in temples, the Snake People had never seen beings with God’s Form in reality.

Many were so shocked that their bodies trembled, and they could not control the urge to bow.

As they looked upon Sukob, they felt as if a deity had descended to the mortal realm.

Although the God of Knowledge and Truth was not their deity of worship, most ordinary people did not think about such distinctions. When they saw a god-like being appear before them, their hearts filled with nothing but awe and reverence.

Sukob approached the High Executive Officer, and they exchanged formal greetings with practiced precision.

The High Executive Officer presented Sukob with the legal code of the Royal Court of Ten Thousand Serpents.

This was a newly compiled and organized legal code, made with silk from Silk-Weaving Spirit Insects and various supernatural materials.

On the cover of the Royal Court’s legal code was a very hidden, complex ritual array that looked like a pattern.

“Sukob, Apostle of the God of Knowledge and Truth.”

“On behalf of this country, I establish an agreement with you.”

“Please bestow power upon this country’s legal code.”

“Bestow the power of order upon this country.”

The ritual array on the legal code began to glow brightly.

The ritual established a connection with the Dream Realm.

It linked to the Door of Truth and to Sukob, who held the authority of text.

Sukob’s Book of the Witch Spirit floated out from his body, with Snake People text pouring from it and transforming into an ocean of words.

Sukob placed his hand on the Royal Court’s legal code, and immediately, a powerful force erupted from his body.

A phantom shadow of the Door of Truth appeared behind him.

Light pierced through the clouds and sky, gathering into a towering, luminous shadow.

A mythological gate stood tall in the center of Mooneclipse City.

This act revealed his identity as the Apostle of the God of Knowledge and Truth. It proved that he had united with the authority of knowledge and was walking the path of rebirth.

Sukob stood beneath the phantom of the Door of Truth, his consciousness entrusted to the mythological gate. He observed the city from a perspective that transcended the mortal world.

He gazed at his Book of the Witch Spirit and the Royal Court’s legal code.

“I, Sukob, Apostle of the God of Knowledge and Truth.”

“By the authority of text, I bestow the Spirit of the Legal Code upon the legal code of the Royal Court of Ten Thousand Serpents.”

“As long as this country exists, this legal covenant shall persist. Any amendments to the legal code will require the approval of the Royal Court’s Executive Officer, the Judicial Chamber’s Chief Justice, and a majority of the Royal Court’s chamber leaders. All contracts signed by contract lawyers in this country shall be bound by this legal code.”

“In my name.”

“Effective immediately.”

A powerful Text Spirit emerged from Sukob’s Book of the Witch Spirit. Dense text gathered from the ritual, swirling around it.

The text intertwined with the ritual, forming intricate patterns of meaning and power.

Finally, it fused with the heart of the Text Spirit, completing the connection.

In that moment, the spirit came alive, radiating an undeniable presence.

The voice spoke with a sublime, emotionless dignity. It resonated like a divine oracle, a commandment transmitting itself directly into everyone’s mind.

“The covenant between Sukob and the Royal Court of Ten Thousand Serpents.”

“Established.”

“This covenant shall endure until the final day, the final moment of the Royal Court of Ten Thousand Serpents’ existence.”

The once ordinary legal code erupted with extraordinary power.

The spirit’s power extended in all directions. Everyone vaguely felt countless lines descend from the sky, connecting everything in this country.

Everyone felt a profound shift, something that could transform individuals and reshape the era.

It had arrived.

The Door of Truth faded away, and Sukob carefully reclaimed his Book of the Witch Spirit.

The High Executive Officer still held the legal code.

The heavy legal code remained open. A tall, ethereal Text Spirit manifested before him, gazing out upon the country.

This was a Text Spirit belonging to the Royal Court of Ten Thousand Serpents, a spirit shaped by a country’s legal code, a covenant established between Sukob and this country.

This covenant had no time limit, lasting until the final day of this country’s existence.

As the legal code’s influence expanded and more contracts were established throughout the country, people’s recognition and reliance on the legal code grew stronger. This development allowed the Text Contract Spirit to gain strength.

It began to evolve as a living entity with increasing power.

It was a unique form of life that would continue to grow.

He suddenly realized this was not just an ordinary legal code. Perhaps in the distant future, it would become a cornerstone supporting the Royal Court, an incomparably powerful artifact.

The High Executive Officer looked toward Sukob.

“Thank you for everything you have done for the Royal Court.”

Sukob replied, “We are achieving greatness together.”

The two stood together, accepting the crowd’s applause.

Amid the cheers, the ceremony came to an end.

Afterward, Sukob accepted an invitation to attend a banquet. Despite his high status, however, Sukob was not particularly welcome at such gatherings.

Everyone who saw him would bow respectfully, but few dared to approach him.

An Apostle.

This was an existence that had already transcended mortals.

They were too close to the divine, too distant from mortals.

They were completely separated from everyone present by a boundary, so ordinary people did not even dare approach with flattery and praise.

Night fell as Long drove the carriage, taking Sukob away from the Executive Hall. In the quiet darkness, he could not help but grumble.

“How stingy.”

“They brought us here for our proposal on contract law, but what about the Chief Justice position? That was not even on the table for us.”

“They did not even talk to us directly about appointing judges in each city, or about how many of our people could be involved.”

“It feels like we did all the work and got nothing out of it.”

Sukob looked at the young man sulking as if he had been cheated and shook his head.

Young people like Long were always concerned with gaining or losing, with winning or losing. They rarely considered their original purpose for doing something, obsessing instead over short-term gains and momentary impulses.

“It is normal.”

“Would you hand over positions that control a country’s fate to a group of people who are not even considered your own countrymen yet?”

“Long, did we come to this country to fight for power and profit?”

Sukob once again fulfilled his role as a teacher, sharing his experience and life insights with his student.

“From the beginning, our goal was to bring our way of contract law to this country, to put our ideas and our path into practice.”

“And now, our goal has been achieved.”

Saying this, Sukob smiled confidently.

“Besides, did we truly gain nothing?”

“To establish this contract law system, the Royal Court must rely on our power.”

“We have held everything from the beginning. We were destined to be the winners from the start. There is no need to take everything at once. That would only make people think we are aggressive and have ill intentions.”

Long fell into deep thought, pondering Sukob’s words.

Sukob also thought about something else.

“Next, we will turn our attention to the Contract Guild.”

“Contract lawyers will play a crucial role.”

“They are the cornerstone for advancing our path of contract law and shaping our future.”

At this point, Sukob became serious.

“They are the key to my path toward mythology.”

“In the future, every Witch Spirit who followed me from the wasteland, including you, must study the legal code.”

“Everyone must learn how to become a contract lawyer or a judge.”

From the moment this group of Witch Spirits decided to follow Sukob and leave the wasteland, they had decided to follow his path to the very end.

Long’s mouth fell open as he finally realized something.

“So we have to study the Royal Court’s legal code just to validate contracts?”

“That book is massive, and just memorizing it is not enough. There are so many issues when applying it in real situations.”

“This is going to be so much trouble.”

Sukob added another weight to Long’s heart.

“Of course, everyone has to learn it.”

“And not just the Royal Court’s laws.”

“In the future, you will also need to learn Suinhor’s legal code, the White Tower Alchemy Alliance’s legal code, and the legal codes of every country.”

Long clutched his head as if he were about to collapse.

“Ah!“

“So much trouble! I would rather be back in the wasteland raising insects!”

Although Long complained, like most people his age, he was very diligent when it came to actually studying and working.

This was another quality Sukob valued in the young man. He not only had talent but could also put it to good use.

He was not someone who remained superficial.

Sukob said, “Long, when we step into this world, it is to become a part of it, not to shy away from challenges.”

“Honestly, we are already quite lucky.”

“Do you not think so, Long?”

“We were chosen by the divine. From the beginning, we escaped the fate of ordinary mortals and were given the mission to pursue truth.”

“We do not need to rush around for food, nor do we need to labor for our daily meals.”

“Exquisite food, beautiful clothes, and noble privileges are all within our easy reach.”

“This allows us to study knowledge peacefully, explore mysteries, and master divine techniques.”

Sukob looked at the city under the night sky. He observed the people moving about amid the countless lights.

Some rise early and return late, spending their entire day working in workshops.

Women are still weaving cloth late into the night, just to supplement their household income.

Merchants are still hauling goods at midnight, urging their Sail Beasts forward with the crack of a whip.

In this city, in this world, everyone was striving with all their might for survival.

Everything they do is not for some grand ideal or some distant future, but for one simple word.

Survival.

Sukob recalled his former self, from before he was chosen by Asai.

“Most people in this world are just trying to get by, just trying to survive,” Sukob continued, his voice softening. “But look at us. We are not just surviving anymore.”

“We have the chance to chase what we want, to uncover the mysteries that intrigue us, to figure out why we are really here.”

“Long, do you not see how lucky we are to have this opportunity?”

Hearing his teacher speak this way, Long suddenly felt incredibly fortunate. He realized that the God of Knowledge and Truth was truly generous and merciful.

Reflecting on his own past, Long felt that his wildness and recklessness had been truly inappropriate.

Sukob continued, speaking about his pursuit of meaning in existence.

“I once thought the meaning of my life was to carry out God’s divine oracle and fulfill all of God’s wishes.”

“This was everything for an apostle, for a follower.”

“But the deity told me…”

At this point, Sukob’s voice carried an emotion he struggled to suppress.

“He asked me…”

“Sukob…”

“What kind of divine being do you wish to become?”

Sukob’s gaze fell on Long, a light flickering in his pupils.

“Long, we exist in this world to discover the meaning of our own existence and to fulfill the value of our humanity.”

“To prove to this world that we were once here.”

“To accomplish everything we want to do.”

Long looked at Sukob, seeing the constant influence a teacher has on a student.

At this moment, the young Long could not help but think about his own value and meaning.

“Teacher has found his meaning of existence.”

“Then,” Long asked, “what is my meaning?”

Mooneclipse City

On the same day the city’s first public trial courtroom was completed, the nearby Contract Guild also announced its establishment.

A group of criminals guilty of murder were publicly tried by the court’s judge and, amid the crowd’s shouts and clamor, were hanged on the gallows.

Everyone cheered and shouted.

The scene was more lively than any festival. Everyone’s blood was boiling, and some let out ear-splitting screams.

“Hang him!”

“Hang him!”

“He should be burned! Such a person should taste suffering!”

“Tsk tsk tsk, his tongue is sticking out.”

After the spectacle ended and the bodies were collected, the crowd began to disperse. The excitement that had filled the air gradually faded with the event’s conclusion.

Many of those leaving the scene found themselves following the main road. By chance, they passed by the Contract Guild along the way.

This dignified, tall building attracted the attention of many people.

While people could understand the role of a judge, many struggled to fully grasp what contract lawyers were responsible for.

“Contract Guild?” Many people gathered at the entrance, looking into the spacious hall. Inside, they could see a smaller statue of the God of Knowledge and Truth and symbols representing the authority of text.

“A Contract Lawyer? What does one do?” someone asked loudly.

“Are they the same as judges?” another person speculated.

At that moment, a person walked out from the Contract Guild. It was Long, dressed impeccably.

He held a legal code in his hand and wore a soft cap on his head.

“A judge is a judge, and a contract lawyer is a contract lawyer,” he began. “Both are professions born from the legal code, and both appear to maintain its operation.”

Someone shouted from the crowd, “We already have judges. What do we need contract lawyers for?”

Long replied, “They are very different.”

Long immediately introduced everyone to the power that best represented contract lawyers, the power to establish Text Spirit contracts.

“Contract lawyers are currently Witch Spirits, and they have supernatural powers.”

“We can give a contract supernatural binding power. It will be watched over by the divine and recognized by the Royal Court’s legal code.”

“Under divine observation and the constraints of the legal code, no one can break a contract without facing punishment.”

Long usually appeared carefree, but at this moment, his strengths became clear.

He was articulate and convincing, holding the attention of everyone around him.

“For example, what if I want to open a shop with several friends but worry about others taking my share? What should I do?”

“You can find us to sign a contract. This contract will be protected by the divine and the Royal Court. It will be sacred and inviolable.”

“Or what if I am in poor health and want to leave my property to my children, but fear they might fight over the inheritance and become enemies?”

“You can also find a contract lawyer to sign a contract. This will allow you to arrange everything in advance. Under divine observation and the notarization of the Royal Court’s legal code, all your children will receive what they deserve.”

“Here is another example.”

“…”

He gave one example after another, and gradually, everyone began to understand.

They began to comprehend what contract lawyers truly were.

Finally, Long added another point.

“And it is not just that.”

“If any of you have family members who have broken the law but you feel their judgment was unjust, perhaps too severe or even entirely wrong.”

“You can also come here to consult with us. We will help you.”

After Long’s speech, word of what the Contract Guild and contract lawyers did spread quickly.

The next day, people came to the Contract Guild to sign contracts.

A contract held significant value. Long had offered a discount, yet it remained a worthwhile investment.

The fact that the contracts used silk from Silk-Weaving Spirit Insects raised by their own efforts only added to the appeal.

Most of those who sought their services were merchants with considerable means.

Two merchants drove their cargo carts to the entrance of the Contract Guild, took off their wind coats, and hung them on the nails by the door.

“We want to sign a contract.”

This was the contract lawyers’ first business and the first step for contracts entering the human realm.

Long, as Sukob’s student, personally took charge of establishing the contract for them.

The two merchants stated their requirements.

“We want to form a partnership to establish a merchant caravan and open up a new trade route to the Thunderlake Kingdom. New trade routes inevitably come with risks, so we hope to sign a contract to protect both our interests and confirm our responsibilities.”

Long nodded, quickly deciding how to establish this contract.

However, he still reminded the two of them.

“Contracts cannot be established casually. They must be bound by the legal code.”

“So your requirements cannot exceed the legal code. If they exceed the boundaries of the legal code, the contract will not take effect.”

“But do not worry,” he said. “I am a professional.”

“I know every clause in the legal code. You can both speak freely, and I will let you know if there are any issues.”

Long held the legal code with a confident demeanor.

Of course, he did not tell them that he had only just finished reading the legal code himself and that his professionalism was quite limited.

But for establishing such a simple contract, Long felt he could handle it without a problem.

“And I want to tell you both that once a contract is established, it cannot be violated.”

“Under divine observation and the constraints of the legal code, no one can violate a contract without suffering punishment.”

If someone were being pedantic, they might have asked at this point, “What if it is not a person?”

But these two merchants were not concerned about that. They were concerned about the punishment. Divine involvement might make them reconsider if the consequences were too frightening.

“What is the punishment?”

Long knew they would ask this question.

“Different contracts have different punishments.”

“For your type of contract, the punishment is written directly in the legal code. I can show you both.”

Long opened the legal code, showed the relevant section to the two merchants, and explained it to them.

“Anyone who breaks the contract will immediately be marked by the Contract Spirit, and then the Royal Court’s Legal Code Spirit will also lock onto you.”

“You will not be able to escape. Even if you flee beyond the Royal Court of Ten Thousand Serpents, it will not help.”

“The Contract Spirit’s power will make you return to fulfill the contract or accept punishment.”

“Additionally, the Royal Court’s law enforcement officials might find you.”

“For more severe and dangerous contracts, attempting to escape or resist punishment could result in the Legal Code Spirit descending directly to enforce judgment or deliver punishment.”

“For your type of contract, the punishment is not that severe. You still cannot escape it, however.”

“And after they bring you back and punish you, the contract does not end. Once the punishment is complete, the contract must still be fulfilled.”

The two were satisfied and signed their names on the contract scroll.

Long summoned his Book of the Witch Spirit.

He silently recited an incantation.

It included the names of the Door of Truth and Sukob.

The ritual array on the contract scroll emitted light, and an ethereal Text Spirit was born, entwining around the two men.

A voice echoed in the air, “Contract established.”

After sending the two away, Long finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Though this was an ordinary matter, its significance was tremendous.

The moment Long sat down, he suddenly noticed something unusual.

He discovered that after establishing a contract, his Book of the Witch Spirit had undergone a sudden transformation in its appearance.

It had transformed to resemble the legal code.

Moreover, he found that by using his Book of the Witch Spirit to help others sign Text Spirit contracts, he had formed a connection with the authority of text and established a direct link with Sukob.

A flood of text poured from Long’s Book of the Witch Spirit. Even a unique Text Spirit was born with it, appearing beside him at his summons.

This was a Text Spirit born from the contract between contract lawyers and Sukob.

Every contract lawyer could be said to be Sukob’s predestined future follower and divine servant.

Long gazed at the Text Spirit as information flowed into his mind.

He felt that his Text Spirit could become even stronger.

After growing stronger, it could even combine with laws to give birth to a power called commandments.

“By helping people sign contracts, I can gradually grow stronger and become more familiar with the power of contracts?”

He could feel that this was not just a profession. It was also a form of cultivation.

A figure appeared behind Long, and Long turned to look.

“Teacher.”

Long knew that Sukob had been watching him establish the first contract.

“You did well.”

“You are now a qualified contract lawyer.”

Long rubbed his head, standing there with a silly grin.

Sukob usually liked to lecture him, so such sincere praise was rare, making Long feel a bit embarrassed.

“I am just learning from you, Teacher.”

Soon, the reputation of the Contract Guild and contract lawyers spread throughout Mooneclipse City.

People continuously came to the Contract Guild, and contracts spread from the Guild one after another.

One Witch Spirit after another saw their Books of the Witch Spirit transform into legal codes as they became contract lawyers. What they imprinted on their Books of the Witch Spirit were divine techniques related to contracts.

In the future, as they progressed from contract lawyers to contract judges, they could use their Books of the Witch Spirit to directly deliver judgments upon the guilty within the kingdom.

They could use the power of the legal code to prevent criminals from resisting.

They could force them to accept judgment obediently.

Some people even joined the Contract Guild, becoming contract lawyer apprentices. They were also prospective Witch Spirits and Ability Users.

They were constantly growing stronger.

They moved beyond Mooneclipse City, expanding to the Dark Moon Province and the entire Royal Court of Ten Thousand Serpents.

Their influence reached even further, spreading to the entire Ruhe Beast Island and the world.

Creator God’s Realm, Inside the Pyramid Temple

Moonlight shone through the window, and within the light, a figure coalesced.

The white-robed deity appeared in the temple, walking through the spacious hall without making a sound.

The deity passed through one hall after another, entering the next level of the pyramid.

He stepped into the Divine Treasury, a place created by the Dream Sovereign.

Below the pyramid lay a vast treasury filled with countless miraculous objects. It was a repository of innumerable treasures.

But normally, neither the Dream Sovereign nor Yinsai would come here.

The one who often came here was the Life Sovereign, Shelly.

In the deepest part of the treasury, He carefully placed the bone book He had brought back onto a shelf.

Afterward, He reached for a transparent bottle from the shelf. It was filled with colorful bubbles that shimmered under the faint light.

Inside the bubbles were stormy seas, cloud-covered mountains, Trilobite Man cities, and rugged islands.

Someone had sealed those past scenes within them. Even though those scenes had long vanished, and the person who sealed them was gone, the events of the past could not be erased.

Polo had sent those to Yin Shen during his journey.

Yin Shen held the bottle, standing motionless for a long time. Suddenly, a voice came from behind him.

“God, what brings you down here so suddenly?”

A girl in a golden gown approached. It was the Dream Sovereign, Hila.

She looked at Yin Shen with curiosity in her eyes.

Yinsai’s presence in the Divine Treasury was a rare occurrence, even for Hila.

Yin Shen did not answer Hila’s question. Instead, after a moment, he asked one of his own.

“Hila, it seems you have not gone outside much since this new era began.”

“Would you like to go out and have a look?”

Hila did not react immediately. “Ah!”

Yin Shen continued, “I want to take you and Shelly with me.”

He paused, his gaze lingering on the bottle. “And to take them as well.”

A faint smile appeared at the corners of Yin Shen’s lips. It was a smile tinged with an unspoken regret and sorrow.

“Together, let’s go and see what the new era looks like.”

Hearing Yinsai’s words, Hila’s eyes lit up.

Joy spread across her face.

She did not have a strong preference for traveling. However, the idea of traveling with Yin Shen made it feel entirely different.

“God, what made you suddenly think of going on a trip?”

Hila quickly added, “Shelly will be thrilled when she hears about this.”

“I just thought of it suddenly,” Yin Shen offered, without further explanation.

But when Hila looked at the glass bottle in Yin Shen’s hand, she suddenly understood.