Under the Starry Sky of the Mortal World

The Spirit’s Hot Air Balloon glided through a curtain of clouds, its transparent glass windows catching the refracted light. Inside, illuminated lamps cast a warm glow, creating a serene atmosphere.

Vellen moved with a graceful, almost floating motion as he passed through a glass window and stepped into the grand hall.

With a casual wave of his hand, he summoned the evening’s refreshments.

Plates of delicacies, trays of pastries, and bottles of wine emerged from a nearby door, gently settling themselves onto the table.

“God, Lady Hila, Lady Shelly,” Vellen said with a slight bow. “If you will excuse me, I need to inspect the two upper levels.”

As the spirit of this Mythical Artifact, Vellen was responsible for controlling its entire operation.

After bidding farewell to the three supreme deities, he departed to inspect the upper floors.

The mythological spirit Vellen had only recently come into existence and was still adjusting to the workings of the Mythical Artifact. He was in the early stages of learning and adapting, much like a newborn child.

Cabinets lined all four walls of the hall, filled with many books and items unique to this era.

From these objects, one could catch a vague glimpse into the state of the Snake People’s civilization.

Hila and Shelly stood by another window, looking down at the scattered towns below.

This was the southern edge of the Endless Desert.

A small country called the Yellow Sand Kingdom bordered the Fire Demon Marsh to the west and the ocean to the east. It was a nation established even more recently than the Thunderlake Kingdom.

Though it was called a country, it was little more than a single city surrounded by a handful of struggling towns. The entire region was impoverished and underdeveloped.

Apart from occasional travelers and merchant caravans, hardly anyone paid attention to this place. Sometimes, powerful magical beasts passed in the distance, a sight the people of the Yellow Sand Kingdom had long since grown indifferent to.

Even the Wasteland Witch Kingdom was more famous, known for its world-renowned Divine Technique Scrolls.

Hila watched the Sail Beasts pulling carts along the road below. Suddenly, the sight stirred an ancient memory.

“In the previous era, I remember the roads were filled with foot-pedaled carts. They’re all gone in this era.”

Shelly offered a simple answer. “That’s because Snake People don’t have feet.”

Hila had been thinking of the Trilobite People’s tricycles. The words had left her mouth before she remembered that Snake People and Trilobite People were two species with completely different forms.

She could not help but laugh. “That’s right.”

“Snake People can’t use pedals. They operate their spinning wheels and looms by rolling the wheels with their tails.”

But after a moment of thought, Hila continued her observation.

“I think there are other reasons, too. They have Sail Beasts and Land Dragons. In the previous era, you know, the Trilobite People used Stone Demons to pull their carts.”

“Also, most Snake People nations have poor smelting technology. Their craftsmanship doesn’t reach the level of the miracle rituals the Trilobite People once used.”

Back then, Anhofus had controlled a large number of Stone Demons, forming a Stone Monster Merchant Group to gather vast amounts of experimental materials. This was how he became known as the infamous Evil Sorcerer.

Hila looked at the Snake People nation below, her thoughts drifting to the former Trilobite People.

“Different life forms and different environments have ultimately given rise to completely different civilizations.”

“It’s just like how books in the previous era were all scrolls, but this era has developed papermaking.”

Shelly watched for a while longer, then turned to look at God Yinsai, who was resting by the fireplace with His eyes half-closed.

While He rested, His consciousness seemed to drift from this world, and the body formed by His projection began to fade.

Seeing this, Shelly deliberately raised her voice.

“I should have brought Sermos and a few of the little spirits along.”

“Wait, never mind—Sermos is in reincarnation slumber again.”

“Still, a few little spirits would have made things less quiet.”

Shelly ran to God Yinsai’s side.

“God, you took off so fast!”

“You just zoomed out of here.”

In truth, when they were leaving, it was Shelly herself who had been the most eager to depart immediately.

Yin Shen, however, found the quietness rather enjoyable. It was peaceful, unhurried, and calming.

The airship floated silently in the sky while the spacious hall glowed with warm lamplight. The fireplace crackled softly, and beside Him stood the statue of God’s firstborn.

Lying there, He felt as if He had returned to a time long ago, back when He was still human.

He could almost imagine Himself lying comfortably on a sofa, chatting slowly with His friends.

Yin Shen’s thoughts were interrupted as He turned His gaze to Shelly.

“Aren’t there many things on the upper level?”

“You can take whatever you want, or you can call for Vellen. There is no need to trouble the spirits to make things for you.”

Shelly shrugged. “It’s not the same. When the spirits make something, they put their hearts into it. They even have little competitions.”

She gestured at the table. “Stuff that just pops up like this has no soul, no flavor.”

Perhaps things tasted better when they were playfully snatched from the spirits.

Yin Shen lay on the long chair with His hands resting on His chest.

His white robe, smooth as heavenly clothing, spread out without a single wrinkle. He turned His head and looked at Shelly with peaceful eyes.

He seemed to realize that Shelly simply did not want Him to fall asleep and remain silent.

She wanted to talk with Him. That was what she truly wanted from this journey.

Yin Shen reached out and patted Shelly’s head.

“Still, you should ask if the spirits are willing to come. They are not your possessions.”

Shelly leaned on Yin Shen’s arm with a playful grin. “Possessions? Come on. They love me. It’s more like a heartfelt invitation.”

She smiled broadly, showing her teeth.

Yin Shen did not say anything more. He looked around the quiet hall.

“It is a bit quiet.”

“Let’s call a few more people out.”

Yin Shen took out a puppet doll that looked like an eerie skeletal monster from the Abyss.

Shelly leaned in with curiosity. “What’s this? A toy of some kind?”

“I’ve never seen it before.”

Yin Shen placed the puppet doll on the table. After a flash of light, six figures appeared at the other end.

They were beings like Bone Demons, standing silently in the hall.

Their bodies were all missing parts. Some had no skulls, while others lacked hands or feet.

One was even stranger, having no torso, just a skull and limbs floating in the air.

This was their original form.

But with a wave of Yin Shen’s hand, He bestowed upon them God’s Form.

Immediately, the six eerie monsters transformed into beings of varying ages, including young adults, the elderly, adolescents, and women.

They wore robes reminiscent of the Trilobite People priests, adorned on the back with the image of a human figure with outstretched arms. The design carried an air of deep mystery.

The pattern of the human figure and the strange symbols on their robes seemed to contain secrets known only to deities, the very mysteries of God’s Form.

They opened their eyes and looked toward God Yinsai.

“Supreme God Yinsai, your servants offer their highest respect.”

Then they humbly bowed to the girl leaning on God Yinsai’s arm. “Life Sovereign.”

As they bowed, their gazes fell upon the badge carefully pinned to the Life Sovereign’s garment.

It was the Life Artifact known as God-Created Man, holding Sequence Number 1, a gift from Creator Yinsai to Shelly.

They had once been manufactured alongside God-Created Man in the search for a path to unlock wisdom for the Life Ability. That search eventually led to the creation of God-Created Man Stuen.

Finally, they had followed Stuen back to the Creator’s Domain.

“Dream Sovereign, Lady Hila.”

At last, they turned to Dream Sovereign Hila by the window. Their six voices blended seamlessly, speaking as one unified presence.

Hila nodded. She had seen these Witch Doctors long ago. In fact, she was present when they were created.

【Divine Artifact: Witch Doctor Puppet (Mythical)】

【Sequence Number 6】

【Headless Witch Doctor: The headless Witch Doctor controls the authority and operation of the mythological kingdom and possesses the authority to open the gates of the Dream Realm.】

【Bodiless Witch Doctor: The Witch Doctor without a torso is the carrier and body of the mythological kingdom. It is also the main body of the Divine Artifact Witch Doctor Puppet. All Witch Doctors cannot leave the range of the bodiless Witch Doctor, nor can they leave the kingdom and domain it creates.】

【One-Handed Witch Doctor (Right): The Witch Doctor without a left hand can adjust life forms through spirituality. It possesses the ability to treat any disease and injury. Even supernatural powers and mythical-level injuries can be treated, depending on the situation.】

【One-Handed Witch Doctor (Left): The Witch Doctor without a right hand can bestow supernatural power upon dead objects, allowing them to gain supernatural characteristics or even temporarily obtain Apostle-level characteristics. It can manufacture these dead objects into organs and place them inside living beings to maintain life functions.】

【One-Legged Witch Doctor (Right): The Witch Doctor without a left leg can absorb mortals’ emotions about pain and suffering, storing them as its own power and incorporating them into the Witch Doctors’ kingdom.】

【One-Legged Witch Doctor (Left): The Witch Doctor without a right leg can absorb mortals’ memories of pain and suffering, storing them as its own power and incorporating them into the Witch Doctors’ kingdom.】

After countless years, the Witch Doctors from the previous era had reappeared, now taking the form of artifacts.

Yin Shen looked at the six Witch Doctors as they glanced around at the Spirit’s Hot Air Balloon, a place now vastly different from before.

“The last time, I believe I also brought you aboard this hot air balloon.”

“Everything feels as if it were just yesterday.”

The Witch Doctors knelt on the ground, their voices in perfect unison.

“It is our honor to travel with the supreme deity and carry out Your missions.”

Yin Shen looked toward Shelly. The Witch Doctors had been created for her, and their mission had already ended in the previous era.

He spoke to the Witch Doctors. “The Second Era has begun.”

“After this journey ends, you may remain in the mortal world.”

“Your mission is concluded. You can now choose to begin your own lives, your own stories.”

The Witch Doctors remained kneeling. His words seemed to bring them no joy, and one could even sense unease in their hearts.

Yin Shen remained motionless, watching them silently.

“Rise.”

“This is not an expulsion.”

“You were born for a mission, but you will not end because of it.”

“Now that the mission has concluded, go and seek the true meaning of your own existence.”

“Do not fear the future or worry about days without a mission.”

“Your mission began on this airship. Let it end here with a perfect conclusion.”

“Then,” Yin Shen said with a calm smile, “you may begin a new story.”

The Witch Doctors stood, looking at one another.

They seemed to become more animated, no longer moving like machines or tools.

They tidied up the items on the table and arranged the flowerpots on the windowsill. One Witch Doctor bestowed power upon the pots, bottles, and cups, making them come alive and arrange themselves.

Other Witch Doctors reorganized the bookshelf, arranging it according to Yin Shen’s former habits.

They wanted to serve God one last time, bringing their mission to a close with purpose.

At this moment, Yin Shen also rose from the long chair, taking Shelly’s hand.

Shelly watched the Witch Doctors with curiosity, a flicker of forgotten memory in her eyes.

“These fellows seem familiar.”

By this time, Yin Shen had already led her to the door.

He watched Shelly as she glanced back.

“Are you ready to open the door?”

Only then did Shelly realize that the Teleportation Gate was about to open for the very first time.

It would choose a random location, appearing anywhere in the world. It could materialize inside a house, on a cart pulled by Stone Demons, or even on a ship at sea.

Curiosity lit up Shelly’s eyes as she turned to Yin Shen.

“God, where do you think it will appear?”

Hila also walked to Yin Shen’s side, her eyes filled with the same anticipation.

Neither of them understood why the simple act of opening a door made them feel so thrilled.

After all, whatever appeared on the other side would only be some ordinary place in the mortal world.

Hila glanced at Yin Shen. “You know, God, I think I’m actually a little nervous.”

Yin Shen looked at them both. “It is the unknown that makes it worth anticipating.”

“Even an ordinary result is colored by the unknown.”

Yin Shen reached out and grasped the door handle.

He pushed the door open for the first time, activating the teleportation gate. It connected through the Dream Realm to countless points in the mortal world.

Finally, it settled on a single location.

Layers of light streamed in.

The busy Witch Doctors paused their tasks and lifted their heads, turning as one to look outside.

In that light, they seemed to vaguely see the future God had spoken of, the story that would belong only to them.

As the light faded, the colorful world returned.

The scene beyond the door had changed.

It was a bustling city filled with Snake People wearing short garments. Women carried packages and held their children’s hands.

Merchants called out from stalls under wooden sheds as Sail Beasts pulled carts through the streets.

This was a vibrant world, a noisy, bustling city.

Shelly stood beside Yin Shen, letting out an exclamation.

“Wow!”

It was not the prosperity of the city that moved her. It was the overwhelming sense of civilization, the feeling of mortal life itself.

This was something that could never be felt in the Kingdom of the Creator God.

Viewing scenes through the Spirit’s Magic Mirror was completely different from being immersed in them.

Shelly had never imagined that the Snake People she had so casually created would one day build a world like this.

No one perceived the three-story building that had appeared on the roadside. No one noticed the three divine beings in God’s Form who had opened the door and were now peering outside.

They existed within this world but remained imperceptible to mortals.

God is close to mortals.

But mortals are far from God.

The transformation of the Demon Spirit Pyramid into a mythology was a momentous event that naturally attracted everyone’s attention. God’s Moon had only just appeared, yet it was already stirring the hearts of the world’s deities.

The appearance of God’s Moon had even drawn the deity from the Blood Kingdom of the Deep Sea out of her domain and into the mortal world.

South of the Suinhor City-State Alliance, a peculiar house traveled along a wilderness road outside a city. Several massive wheels turned behind and above it, resembling the winding motion of clock springs.

This was the Miracle Tool: Magic Wheel House.

This artifact had accompanied the current Scarlet Goddess into the mortal world.

The Scarlet Goddess had decided to see the current Suinhor with her own eyes, to see the lifeless city that everyone described.

She felt a sense of urgency.

What the Scarlet Goddess had not expected was that just after arriving, she would sense someone ascending to mythology from the other side of Ruhe Beast Island.

Sitting in her chair, the red-haired woman revealed a smile. The other figures in the Magic Wheel House also rose to look outside, their faces filled with shock.

“Lady Elena has also become mythological.”

During the God-Forsaken Era, Vivien and Elena had their disputes, but those were choices driven by the needs of their people.

Despite everything, Vivien still held great respect for Elena and viewed her as an elder.

King Alpens remarked, “It’s a shame Lady Elena reached mythology as a Mythical Artifact.”

King Smerkel replied, “True, but mythology is still mythology. The drawbacks don’t negate the power.”

Wisdom Ability Mythical Artifacts had unique weaknesses. The Little Person in the Bottle could not leave the bottle. The Original Sin Evil God could not leave the door.

They would instantly disintegrate if they were separated from their vessels.

They were far more fragile than demigods.

Vivien believed that with the appearance of the Wisdom Fruit and the imminent opening of the gates to higher realms, the Mythical Artifact method was clearly inferior to the demigod path.

She did not yet know that the Original Sin Evil God Xiao had already begun exploring the second path to becoming a true Wisdom God.

The Scarlet Goddess looked at the two kings.

“Lady Elena, even in such difficult circumstances, was still able to lead the People of the Abyss through the ages and return in this era.”

“That is something none of us could have predicted, and it is worthy of admiration.”

“As for other things, what could be more important than the inheritance of a civilization?”

The Scarlet Goddess fell silent for a moment before adding another thought.

“This era truly feels different.”

King Smerkel turned to the goddess. “Mythological beings are appearing one after another. This truly is the era of gods.”

In the previous era, only two beings could truly be called mythological.

One was the Little Person in the Bottle, and the other was God-Created Man Stuen.

The Scarlet Goddess looked toward the city outside. Although her journey had just begun, she had already noticed some problems.

“The Land of Sunrise has changed.”

“The Royal Court of Ten Thousand Serpents has changed.”

The Scarlet Goddess then concluded, “Perhaps Suinhor needs to consider making some changes as well.”

Domain of God Iva, Sky Miracle Garden

God Iva noticed the Golden Queen carefully making arrangements, as if preparing for a journey to the mortal world.

Iva looked at her with curiosity. “What are you doing?”

The Golden Queen replied earnestly, “The Creator has descended to the mortal world. You should go and pay your respects to Him.”

But Iva shook his head and spoke to his wife.

“The Creator has indeed descended. God’s Moon remaining in the sky is proof of that.”

“However, can we truly find the Creator?”

This question from Iva startled the Golden Queen.

Indeed, the Creator had descended, but where was the great, eternal deity?

They did not even know if He had descended upon Ruhe Beast Island. The world was vast and filled with the unknown. Even mythological beings could only see what was within their range.

Beings like the Creator existed beyond the known range of the gods.

Iva told the Golden Queen, “If the Creator does not wish to see us, then no matter how much we search, we will never find Him.”

“If He wishes to see me, then fate will naturally guide me to Him.”

God Iva looked toward the mortal world from among the sea of flowers.

“The Land of Sunrise is now well-governed. If the supreme deity were to descend here, I could proudly say that I have done my best.”

“What is more important for us now is to find the new path of wisdom.”

“I have heard that the apostle of the God of Knowledge and Truth has discovered the path to mythology. It seems the wisdom path of the old era, much like the Art of God’s Grace, is no longer suitable.”

Iva looked at his wife and spoke softly.

“I do not have the talents of those geniuses, nor do I have the foresight to see beyond the eras.”

“All I can do is follow the Creator’s will and do the best I can.”

“Whether it takes a thousand years, ten thousand years, or even a hundred million years, I will persist.”

Iva finally said, “If the Creator truly wants to see me, it is not because He wants me to visit Him to display His greatness. It is because He wants to see that I have done well enough, and He can feel pleased about it.”

The Land of Sunrise, White Tower Alchemy Alliance

The White Tower City in the Golden Province was more prosperous than ever. Alchemists could be seen everywhere throughout the city.

This was a country built by craftsmen and alchemists. Here, alchemy was a faith, and the pursuit of higher craftsmanship was everyone’s goal.

The White Tower Alchemy Academy gathered talented alchemists from various regions.

It was common to hear of new breakthroughs at the academy. Some advancements were designed for alchemists, while others were shared with merchants and commoners, quietly transforming the country over time.

The bell tower rang, and young alchemists began running along the roads from all directions.

“Hurry!” someone shouted, using an alchemical artifact to increase his speed.

“Quick, quick, we’ll be late!” A flying magic carpet descended from the sky, carrying senior alchemists. The method for creating these artifacts had recently spread and become very popular.

Suddenly, a strange phenomenon appeared from the direction of the Miracle Temple.

Colorful light descended from the sky as silver flower cups blossomed inside the temple.

“What is that?” Apprentices stopped in their tracks, no longer caring about being late. The light was too unusual, as if a door had opened in the clouds, descending from another realm.

“It’s a divine sign!” someone exclaimed, seeing the light envelop the temple.

“Look, Master Oran is already rushing over.” From the academy’s alchemy tower, a special flying magic carpet floated smoothly across the sky, heading toward the temple.

Inside the Miracle Temple, Apostle Oran knelt on the ground beneath the statue of God Iva.

The radiant statue transmitted a divine prophecy directly to him.

Oran’s consciousness was pulled to a distant realm, where he found himself prostrating in a sea of silver flowers beneath the Gate of Desire.

God Iva’s hand withdrew from Oran’s head, and Oran’s consciousness returned to clarity.

The divine shadow beneath the mythological gate spoke.

“God’s Moon has descended to the mortal world, Lady Elena has broken through to mythology, and the apostle of the God of Knowledge and Truth has broken the barrier of the Wisdom Path.”

With his first words, God Iva highlighted the three major events that had recently occurred, all capable of influencing the world.

Just hearing this gave Oran a sense of urgency.

“Oran, I have shown you the Wisdom Path and chosen you to follow it.”

“The rest of the journey is yours to complete.”

“I look forward to the day you stand beside me.”

Oran bowed deeply. “Thank you for your guidance. I will not disappoint you.”

The prophecy ended, and all strange phenomena disappeared.

Only then did Oran rise, carefully pondering what the God of Desire and Alchemy had just told him.

“The Demon Spirit Pyramid.”

“The mysteries of the Tower Spirit School.”

Following the divine prophecy, Oran prepared to visit the Abyss Royal City to congratulate Lady Elena on ascending to mythology.

Then, he planned to visit the Royal Court of Ten Thousand Serpents once more to meet the apostle of the God of Knowledge and Truth.

Expectation gleamed in Oran’s eyes. This was an era where mythology was born, an era where talents emerged in abundance.

He might be one of the characters in this story, but there were certainly many others shining just as brightly.

“There are so many formidable beings in this world. I should go and meet them.”

“Apostle Sukob of the God of Knowledge and Truth, how exactly did you do it?”

Even if he could not gain anything directly, perhaps he could glean something from their encounter.

Above the Endless Desert

After saying goodbye to Ray, the feathered serpent flew toward the southwest, returning along the same route it had come.

As it flew, the feathered serpent examined the Art of God’s Grace in its mind.

“Seals, Spirit, and Divine Blood are the three elements.”

“When these three are completely fused through the Art of God’s Grace, a God’s Grace Stone can be born.”

“Divine Blood is the foundation of supernatural power. I can sense it using this power. I never noticed before that I had such miraculous blood within me.”

“Is this really blood?”

“Spirit refers to spiritual power, and seals are the special power that controls laws.”

The feathered serpent categorized its abilities according to the Art of God’s Grace.

For the first time, it felt that supernatural power had been analyzed so clearly, pointing directly to its source and making everything understandable.

Previously, the feathered serpent had been exploring on its own. After gradually becoming familiar with its new body, it had obtained some divine techniques from Wasteland Witch Spirits through puppets, fumbling its way toward using its power.

While exploring these powers, the feathered serpent had naturally noticed the stone in its head.

It had known for a long time that there was a stone in its head, but it never knew what that stone was.

“I have a stone in my head.”

“What relationship does that stone have with these three elements?”

“The God’s Grace Stone also has the word ‘stone’ in it. Is there a connection?”

“Lady Elena said that if I could become an Apostle, I would have a chance to change back into a Snake Person.”

“Should I try?”

After considering it, the feathered serpent felt its confidence waver.

“But that’s an Apostle we’re talking about.”

Deep in its consciousness, it always felt that becoming stronger would attract the attention of that evil deity.

At that point, it might transform from a useless waste into a target that could be utilized.

The feathered serpent’s wings soared, spiraling beneath the sun.

The first stop on its journey home was the Royal Court of Ten Thousand Serpents.