The Kingdom of the God of Desire and Alchemy

Oran knelt among the sea of flowers and recounted his journey to the divine.

“In the Thunderlake Kingdom, I saw how the false witch’s desires and obsessions hastened the maturation of the Cup of Desire. I witnessed the Divine Flower in its final form.”

“I realized then that it was what I had been seeking all along.”

“I plan to use the Cup of Desire as the vessel for reincarnation, a vessel to carry wishes. Or rather, the Cup of Desire is the new body that You, my God, will grant to Your apostles.”

The God of Desire and Alchemy was well aware of the Cup of Desire’s unique nature. This understanding was only natural, given that he himself had originated as an ancient Cup of Desire.

He had not anticipated, however, that the Snake People would also require the Cup of Desire as a vessel to complete their path as Reincarnators.

Though the path to godhood in the new era differed from that of the previous one, many aspects remained interconnected.

The deity beneath the Mythological Door spoke. “People always drown in their own desires.”

“Yet you, Oran, can control your desires. You can discover the mysteries within them and even find your path through them.”

Oran replied, “It is because I am Your apostle, and You have always guided my way. I have always seen Your lamp lighting the path before me.”

He then began to recount his discoveries in the Endless Desert and the Abyss Royal City, where he had forged his first Alchemy Tower.

“An Alchemy Tower,” Oran explained, “is a large, controllable alchemy workshop. Its structure is built from extraordinary materials.”

“The more extraordinary materials it contains, and the more Divine Blood it holds, the stronger it becomes and the greater its capacity to store spiritual power.”

“Once an Alchemy Tower is created, it can be continuously enhanced and even passed down through generations. Its only drawback is that, unlike a Lamp of Covenant, it cannot be easily carried.”

“While the Alchemy Tower is a tool, its core controller is the Tower Spirit. This entity is formed by combining a mature Cup of Desire with the Alchemy Tower itself.”

“The Alchemy Tower does not require a human to control it. The Cup of Desire, matured through the fusion of human desires and obsessions, can transform into a Tower Spirit and take control.”

“The Tower Spirit is transformed from the Cup of Desire, which is the crystallization of an alchemist’s own desires and obsessions. As long as the alchemist can control their desires and remain true to their obsessions, the Tower Spirit will never betray them.”

“The Alchemy Tower and its core Tower Spirit exist independently. This independence also prevents the core Tower Spirit from being contaminated by the Divine Blood of others.”

This aspect drew inspiration from the Demon Spirit Pyramids. Elena, the God of Demon Spirits, had originally used this method to control them, achieving this by using the Ghost Race as the core medium.

At this moment, Oran turned his bracelet, summoned his Alchemy Tower, and set it up within God Iva’s Sky Miracle Garden.

Through this, the deity gained a clearer understanding of Oran’s path and ideas.

It revealed what he planned to accomplish.

With a wave of his hand, Oran activated the Alchemy Tower.

Doors opened one after another, and the three-tiered Cup of Desire unfurled its petals, awakening once more from its sealed state.

“As I mentioned, the Alchemy Tower is a large, controllable alchemy workshop.”

“This type of alchemy workshop can continuously produce a variety of items. The stronger the Alchemy Tower, the longer it can operate each day. This is because the workshop functions using spiritual power and extraordinary force, both of which are precisely controlled by the Tower Spirit.”

“Through this process, precious items that can only be created through alchemy, intricately crafted objects of ingenious design, and even extraordinary tools can all be mass-produced.”

From the perspective of an ordinary mortal, it seemed akin to the miraculous abilities of the spirit race.

While it lacked the immediacy of the dream power of spirits, which could create things instantly, it operated through the structured processes of the alchemy workshop and the Tower Spirit.

With this, Oran finished introducing his Tower Spirit concept.

“But this is only the outer shell for reincarnation, along with the path I have chosen.”

“In the Abyss Royal City, I had not yet truly uncovered the secret technique to replace the ancient method of reincarnation.”

God Iva said, “You discovered the final answer at the Royal Court of Ten Thousand Serpents.”

“That is correct,” Oran replied. “I observed the Contract Lawyers at the Royal Court of Ten Thousand Serpents.”

“I watched Sukob use his power to strengthen legal codes and contracts, promoting and safeguarding the order he envisioned for the Royal Court of Ten Thousand Serpents.”

“It was then that I realized what I needed to do next.”

Oran paused, taking a deep breath.

“I wish to become the God of Happiness and Wishes.”

“Alchemists will make their wishes to me and receive their own Tower Spirits, allowing them to build their own Alchemy Towers.”

“Their Lamps of Covenant will transform into Alchemy Lighthouses. Each time an alchemist constructs a new one, it will represent one of my reincarnations.”

“These Alchemy Towers will have unique extraordinary abilities based on their wishes, tailored to suit different alchemy workshops.”

Oran looked at his Alchemy Tower, his gaze filled with anticipation.

“These alchemists will become the executors of my ideals and path, elevating me toward mythology.”

In a sense, these would be Oran’s future divine servants. They would become his followers and believers.

Having established a Mortal Divine System, God Iva had reached a stage where he no longer required an abundance of servants and believers. What he needed to accumulate was not just Divine Blood, but the perfection of his own authority.

His followers were part of his power and Divine System. Everything they created contributed to filling the gaps in his Divine System, bringing the authority of desire closer to completeness.

God Iva asked Oran, “This will be an entirely new profession for Ability Users. Have you decided on a name for them?”

The question referred to the name of the new profession, much like the Contract Lawyers created by Sukob.

Oran suddenly thought of Old Tut. He was the man who had guarded the lighthouse for most of his life.

A trace of loneliness appeared in his eyes, followed by a bittersweet smile.

But he quickly composed himself and answered the divine.

“Tower Keepers.”

“Their name shall be Tower Keepers.”

His usually calm and gentle voice grew louder, filled with intensity.

It was almost a shout, or perhaps a declaration to the world.

“God,” Oran said.

“They will not just guard their lighthouses. They will protect their dreams and their hopes for happiness.”

“And more than that,” he paused, a hint of reverence in his tone, “they carry the light of civilization forward.”

After saying this, Oran turned his gaze toward the being beneath the Mythological Door. He brought his hands together in a gesture of prayer.

“But I cannot achieve all of this on my own, Great God of Desire and Alchemy.”

“I am unable to respond to everyone’s wishes, nor can I answer the call of all Tower Spirits.”

“Without the power of mythological authority, the Tower Spirits I create will completely dissipate if they travel too far from me.”

“I humbly ask You to grant me Your power, to allow me to forge this path to the future, to construct this tower that reaches toward the heavens.”

An apostle could never accomplish such a feat. Only a myth could manipulate and respond to distant affairs through the Dream Realm.

In the same way, Demon Spirits were originally unable to leave the Abyss Royal City. However, after Elena became a myth, they gained the ability to walk throughout the entire world.

Oran understood that he required the power of the God of Desire and Alchemy to proceed.

He knelt, lowering himself to the ground in reverence as he awaited his God’s response.

The wait was not long.

The God of Desire and Alchemy had already prepared to grant him a portion of his authority.

“Oran, I have heard your plea!”

“At this moment, I answer your request.”

Oran lifted his head and saw a brilliant radiance spreading toward him.

The Mythological Door behind the divine slowly opened. The deity raised the lamp high, casting light upon the path forward for Oran.

It was as if the divine extended a hand to him, offering an invitation.

“My apostle, my companion, and my crew member.”

“At this very moment, I invite you to board my vessel.”

Oran could not describe what he felt, perhaps it was relief mixed with anticipation.

“It is my eternal honor.”

A smile appeared on his face as he rose from the ground.

Oran walked forward step by step, crossing the sea of flowers toward that Mythological Door stretching from earth to heaven.

He accepted God Iva’s invitation, ascending the long stairway until he finally stood upon the high platform.

The light of mythology engulfed him as he entered beyond the door.

Oran felt his consciousness stretched to its limit. The ocean of desire surged around him, and he was submerged as the obsessions and delusions of countless beings pressed in, threatening to devour him.

Amidst the churning sea of desires, a force anchored him, holding him steady and preventing him from being consumed or lost entirely.

At last, he reached the end of the ocean of desire.

He imprinted his consciousness upon it. This act anchored him to the entire Gate of Desire.

From this moment on, his identity as a follower of the God of Desire and Alchemy was fully confirmed.

Oran felt a newfound connection. He realized he could now borrow a portion of the power of this Mythological Door. If someone in a distant place recited the true name he had established, that person could connect with him through the Dream Realm.

Through this channel, he could transmit his power to faraway places. He could answer their prayers and respond to their calls.

When Oran regained awareness, he found himself standing within the interior of the Mythological Door. He was behind the God of Desire and Alchemy.

For the first time, he could see God Iva’s appearance clearly. The deity wore silver robes and had a somewhat indifferent countenance.

God Iva turned to look at Oran.

“Oran, receive the authority that belongs to you.”

Oran lifted his head and saw a spark of starfire descend from the sky, falling into his body.

It was the authority over the emotion of happiness, which perfectly complemented wishes.

After all, when most people made wishes, they longed for happiness.

As Oran experienced the sensation of this power and authority, God Iva’s lamp turned, completing the final step for Oran as well.

“You are preparing to step onto the Path of Mythology. Your Alchemy Tower will serve as your true mythological body.”

“It will embody your wish, your form, and your journey.”

“In time, it will also become your kingdom.”

Oran turned his gaze to his Alchemy Tower.

He watched as his entire essence shifted into radiant light, surging toward the Alchemy Tower.

A vast Lamp Spirit ascended in spirals while his Lamp of Covenant started to take form.

The Alchemy Tower fully integrated with his Lamp of Covenant. His Desire Personality became one with the Cup of Desire. From this point on, he and his Alchemy Tower would exist as a single entity.

The Alchemy Lighthouse stood tall in the sea of desire flowers. A force began to transmit toward the depths of the Dream Realm.

The mature Cup of Desire underwent another transformation. It was catalyzed into a colossal shadow that resembled a deity.

Oran’s desires and obsessions subtly took shape. They faintly formed the outline of a divine embryo.

The God of Happiness and Wishes.

Perhaps it could also be called the God of Lighthouses.

The immense shadow retreated into the third tier of the lighthouse, transforming into a radiant light that spread in all directions. It appeared to guide lost voyagers through the darkness.

Oran had become a true divine candidate and received the seed of his authority.

At that moment, the hidden source of all wisdom became aware of this change.

The God’s Moon, concealed above the firmament, responded in its own way.

God Iva in the Sky Miracle Garden naturally witnessed this scene, as he and Oran were the ones who had triggered the change in the God’s Moon at this moment.

Both God Iva and Oran lifted their heads, their gazes cutting through layers of clouds, the atmosphere, and the void beyond.

They saw a mythological moon.

All wisdom originated from this moon, and all wisdom ultimately returned to this moon.

It was the Source of Wisdom.

God Iva and Oran both witnessed this moment and felt the presence of a supreme will descending upon them.

“The will of the Creator.”

God Iva looked at the God’s Moon and spoke.

To him, the God’s Moon symbolized something distinct from the Crown of Wisdom.

It was the divine artifact that the King of Wisdom, Redlichia, had used to bring the Creator into the mortal world. It was also the artifact that carried the Creator’s will.

The power of the King of Wisdom, Redlichia, allowed the Eternal Star that transcended time and the universe to project itself into this world.

The Divine Cup left behind by the Dream Sovereign Polo and the Dream Realm it created became the foundation and kingdom for the Creator.

It was because of God Yinsai, the King of Wisdom Redlichia, and the Supreme Divine Beings that this world came to be.

Without Them, this world would have been nothing more than a barren and desolate silence, never kindling the flames of wisdom and life.

And this was as far as they could see.

They did not witness what happened next.

The door of the God’s Moon opened, unveiling the Origin Site of Wisdom.

From the Origin Site, the shadow of the Tree of Wisdom stretched upward, its branches bearing four fruits. One of these fruits began to glow with a brilliant radiance.

The Wisdom Fruit of Desire started moving toward maturity.

Royal Court of Ten Thousand Serpents, Mooneclipse City

Oran had just emerged from the shock of witnessing the God’s Moon. As he returned to the mortal world, he broke free from the power that transcended time.

“The God’s Moon?”

“What was that will I felt?”

“Was it the Creator?”

Oran breathed heavily, but the shock from the depths of his spirituality and wisdom lingered, refusing to fade with each breath.

Oran stood and examined his body.

His physical form appeared unchanged, but Oran knew he had undergone a profound transformation.

This body was no longer his true self. When the thousand-year limit passed, this vessel would age and wither.

At that moment, he would return to his true essence, the Alchemy Lighthouse.

If by that time he had ascended to myth, it would mean he would return to his kingdom.

He was both a true Reincarnator and a divine candidate.

When he closed his eyes, he could connect through the Dream Realm to his distant power and see the magnificent Mythological Door.

“Master Oran? You have returned?”

At that moment, Gamel, who had been silently observing Oran, turned his gaze toward him. A shadow emerged from the small Cup of Desire and spoke softly to Oran.

Oran acknowledged him with a nod, meeting Gamel’s eyes.

“We can go back now.”

Gamel paused for a moment, then spoke with excitement.

“Master Oran, you succeeded?”

He seemed somewhat incoherent and took a long moment before he could continue.

“You are going to become a deity?”

How could Gamel not be excited? He was watching a mortal apostle take steps toward his divine throne.

A mortal becoming a god was the most brilliant dream in this world. It was also the most extravagant fantasy.

Gamel could hardly believe that an existence destined for eternal life was being born right before his eyes.

“This truly feels like a dream.”

“Can mortals really become deities?”

Gamel murmured to himself. Even now, he found it difficult to believe.

Oran looked at Gamel. “Gamel, mythology is not just a rank or a title. It is a journey, the destination that I have chosen to pursue.”

“I don’t desire to become a deity for the power it brings, but because it allows me to walk the path I believe is right. Deities are not great simply because they wield immense power. They are great because they follow the correct path.”

“Power is only a means to an end, a vessel to carry one across to the other shore. It is not the destination itself.”

“And now, I am going to do what I truly wish to do. Even if one day I ascend and become a true deity, I will remain the same person I am today.”

Gamel looked at Oran, suddenly feeling deeply ashamed of himself.

Perhaps only someone like this could become a deity!

Gamel looked at Oran with a puzzled expression. “Master Oran, why would you share such truths with me? I am someone who should not even know of these things.”

He hesitated. “Why would you allow me to witness a journey that feels like it belongs in a mythological epic?”

This was something he had never fully grasped. In his mind, someone as insignificant as himself had no need to understand truths that seemed reserved for deities.

He could not fathom why Oran would choose to include him on such a profound journey.

Oran did not offer an explanation. Instead, he shared something else that filled Gamel with overwhelming excitement.

“Gamel, I have been thinking about how to help you regain a body.”

“To be precise, I have already discovered a way, but the conditions were not ready before now.”

Gamel’s shadow enlarged from within the flower cup, staring intently at Oran.

“Master Oran, is this true?”

Oran nodded. “Your body has already disappeared. In a sense, the true you has already passed away.”

“What remains is only a part of you. I preserved you in the form of a Lamp Spirit.”

“But unlike ordinary Lamp Spirits, you possess something more. Your spirituality has not withered away over time, and your memories remain. This gives you the possibility of rediscovering yourself.”

“I can attempt to use the Tower Spirit method to transform you into a true Cup of Desire, a life form from God Iva’s Miracle Garden. However, as this special life form, you will truly exist only as a flower, surrounded by your own desires and obsessions, until you become an apostle.”

“Only if you become an apostle before your lifespan ends might you awaken true wisdom and recover your past memories.”

“I must tell you, though, that while this flower’s lifespan far exceeds ordinary imagination, the possibility of it giving birth to wisdom again is very small.”

“Even with my help, that possibility remains slim.”

“Once you begin, you may truly become just a flower.”

“Of course, you can also choose to remain as you are. What awaits you then is a gradual transformation into a true Lamp Spirit, but at least for now, you can retain your consciousness for some time.”

Oran finally asked Gamel, his expression solemn and serious.

“Under these circumstances, do you still wish to attempt it?”

Oran did not pressure Gamel to decide. He could not be certain if this choice was truly the right one.

Gamel remained quiet for a moment.

When he finally looked up, his eyes were filled with a longing too strong to ignore or let go.

“If it is possible, I still wish to return to the Thunderlake Kingdom.”

“I want to see my homeland again and witness what it becomes.”

“I want to know if it has improved.”

“Or if it remains unchanged, just as it was before.”

Oran heard Gamel’s answer and knew he had chosen to attempt it.

“If your desire is strong enough, perhaps you will not just see it, but you will have the chance to change it yourself.”

Oran began his journey home with Gamel, carrying the answer he had finally uncovered.

The Land of Sunrise and the White Tower Alchemy Alliance were on the brink of a new transformation.

This was the start of another revolution for alchemy and alchemists.

It would propel the Era of the Sea forward and shape the future of civilization.

Mooneclipse City, Contract Lawyer School Residential District

Long was busy every day. As an Ability User, he managed a wide range of tasks and responsibilities.

From handling various cases in Mooneclipse City to drafting amendments and proposals for the legal code, he was steadily working to improve the court system, exploring each step with care.

As a Contract Lawyer, a unique type of Ability User, his role required him to master the legal code, enforce it, and draft contracts. This process not only strengthened his power but also aligned his ideals, abilities, and path into a unified whole.

“This whole thing feels like a mess.”

“And this legal code? It’s full of holes!”

“Teacher called it the best legal code, but how is this any good?”

“If I wanted to break the law, I could think of a thousand ways to outsmart the Spirit of Legal Code. That old fool would just stand there, glaring at me.”

“Other than losing his temper and resorting to brute force, he wouldn’t have a clue how to stop me.”

Long’s words carried a mischievous tone, but they were nothing more than lighthearted complaints. After venting his frustration, he returned to his tasks with a focused determination.

“It’s still a bit rough, but with just a handful of Contract Lawyers, this is the best we can do for now.”

“Still, we need to keep track of the issues and fix them later.”

Long paused, a new thought crossing his mind.

“Wait a second.”

“If we update the legal code, does that mean everyone has to relearn the whole thing?”

Under the lamplight, Long was writing something. Suddenly, a commotion erupted from outside.

Long sighed and covered his head with his hands, his expression a mix of frustration and exhaustion.

“Hey, Feathered Serpent!” Long called out, exasperated.

“Can you stop running off all the time?”

Taking care of a child was nothing short of a challenge for someone like him.

What made it bearable was the fact that this was no ordinary child.

The child seemed to grow noticeably larger just by rolling around, his growth accelerating day by day.

In just over ten days, he had grown into a youth.

Long pushed open the door and stepped outside. After looking around for a while, he found the youth sitting quietly at the corner of a stairway.

It was a Snake Person youth with slightly curly hair.

“Hey, Feathered Serpent!” Long called out. “What are you up to now? Can’t you sit still for a moment?”

“Are you hungry? If you are, just say so. I’ll get someone to make you something.”

But when Long called out, the youth responded in a way that was completely different from before. He remained still for a long time, not moving an inch.

Long had no choice but to walk over. He looked at the figure’s back and felt an unusual stillness in the air.

The Feathered Serpent finally turned around. The expression on his face was no longer that of a child. It carried the gravity of an old man, his eyes heavy with the weight of countless years.

The Feathered Serpent looked directly at Long and spoke his name.

“Long, it is me.”

Long immediately understood, and his expression grew serious. He no longer treated the other as a child.

“You have returned?”

The Feathered Serpent nodded. “Yes, I have returned.”

The Feathered Serpent looked at his body, lowering his head. Then he covered his face, speaking with a trembling voice.

“At last, I have truly become myself again.”

Long raised his head and saw the Feathered Serpent now gazing at a white pottery vessel that had been brought from Suinhor.

“So, you’re leaving?”

The Feathered Serpent held the vessel close to his chest. His homeland was known for its workshops that crafted white pottery. The patterns on the vessel seemed especially familiar and held a deep sense of comfort for him.

“Not leaving. I am going home.”

The Feathered Serpent turned to look at Long.

“My name is Kurmis.”

This was the first time Long had learned the Feathered Serpent’s true name. It was also the first time in all these years that Kurmis had told anyone his name.

“Kurmis,” Long said, his tone softer now. “It’s been over a hundred years since you left. Even if you go back, things won’t be the same.”

He hesitated before continuing, “My teacher always said your power carries the authority of spirituality. Even if you reincarnate, that part of you stays the same.”

“You can’t run from it. The past is gone, Kurmis. You won’t find what you’re looking for. Maybe it’s time to think about the future, something more tangible.”

Long paused, then added, “If you stay, we can help you. You don’t have to do this alone.”

Kurmis stared absently at the vessel in his hands, longing and remembrance seeming to flow from his very gaze.

“Forever is too far away for me to think about.”

“I cannot concern myself with matters so distant. What I want now is to return home.”

“I simply wish to go back to where I belong.”

“As a man, I just want to go home.”

Long knew he could not stop Kurmis, but he still offered a final warning.

“But you are a Reincarnator now, Kurmis,” Long said. “Your lifespan is far beyond what most people can imagine. You are not an ordinary person anymore. You have to think about that.”

Kurmis replied, “I recall your recent discussions. The Evil God of Original Sin sustained significant injuries, and it is uncertain how long it will take for Him to recover.”

“So, at least for now, I do not need to be concerned about Him.”

Kurmis then looked at Long. “I am deeply thankful for your assistance, but I have decided to leave.”

Long shook his head with a small smile. “No need to thank us. It was a fair trade, after all.”