Chapter One Hundred and Ten: Prelude

“Your Majesty, this is the forsaken land. The image was transmitted during the grand shamanic ritual of the Star-Moon Tribe from the Moon Alliance. I noticed that the dagger bears the script of the Goblin Empire, so I came to report to you.” Olivia knelt on one knee and spoke respectfully to the goddess.

The goddess understood immediately and nodded, signaling Olivia to follow her.

As the goddess moved, a sheer white veil appeared in the air. It seemed almost alive as it slowly draped over her flawless, jade-like form, exuding a deadly allure.

Returning to her divine throne, the goddess waved her hand, and an image of the Heart of Freedom instantly materialized in the air, growing larger as she moved her fingers.

“My child, you have done very well. Do you know what this dagger is?” the Silver Moon Goddess asked softly of her archangel.

Olivia shook her head in confusion. She recognized the Goblin Empire’s script but knew little about the empire itself.

“The Goblin Empire was once the mightiest force in the lower planes. They ruled an entire realm and even dared to challenge the divine realm. Ha! Such overweening ants—before the great deities, these goblins crumbled like sandcastles. Yet, they did develop some remarkable artifacts, among them their ultimate weapon—the Heart of the Gods. This dagger is the key to activating the Heart of the Gods,” the Silver Moon Goddess explained slowly, her excitement growing.

A weapon capable of killing a deity was a rare treasure, even in the divine realm. For a lesser goddess like herself, it was an opportunity not to be missed. She recalled how she had painstakingly taken on the task of watching over the forsaken land precisely to keep an eye on such things.

With this thought, the goddess commanded the now enlightened archangel loudly, “The Star-Moon Tribe could never have found such a treasure. You are to investigate thoroughly and find out exactly how this came to be. Remember—at all costs!”

Meanwhile, in the Star-Moon Tribe, the grand shaman, having finished the prayers, was hosting Siphus for a meal.

After pouring tea for Siphus, the shaman expressed gratitude: “Thank you for your generosity, Divine Envoy. If my lord is satisfied, I will do all I can to repay you.”

Siphus waved his hand and smiled, “We are all servants of the gods, carrying out their will. If you wish to repay me, please persuade the Moon Alliance to allow me to spread my teachings within its borders, so that the glory of my lord may shine upon all. Would that be possible?”

The shaman was momentarily stunned but then laughed heartily, slapping his chest. “Of course! Leave it to me. Though I cannot guarantee success, I will certainly strive on your behalf.”

Inwardly, he sneered: “Preaching within the Moon Alliance? That’s nonsense. If their priests of the God of Conspiracy are allowed in, where would that leave the priests of our Silver Moon Goddess?”

At that moment, the statue of the Silver Moon Goddess in the temple radiated dazzling light. The two men hastily rose—an oracle was arriving.

Before the statue, a beam of white light rose from its crown, enveloping the shaman. Soon, the divine gleam vanished from his eyes, and he floated midair.

After a moment, the shaman opened his eyes and asked Siphus, “Half-elf, did you find this dagger?”

To everyone’s surprise, the shaman now bore a holy visage, his expression gentle, and his voice, unmistakably female, was clear and melodious yet carried an overwhelming authority.

Though prepared for the deity’s descent, the half-elf’s heart raced. Remembering his mission, he bowed deeply and replied, “Great Majesty, I am Siphus, servant of the God of Conspiracy. I found this dagger in the hands of a goblin named Sun Licheng—or rather, I stole it from him.”

Siphus then recounted how he acquired the Heart of Freedom, emphasizing Sun Licheng’s strange behavior and the mechanical puppets under his command.

The Silver Moon Goddess’s expression darkened as she listened. She had not anticipated such upheaval in the forsaken land.

After a pause, she asked, “Half-elf, why did your lord entrust this dagger to me?”

Though the Heart of the Gods was a powerful temptation for a lesser deity like herself, she wondered why the God of Conspiracy had not claimed it personally.

“Great Majesty, my lord said the dagger was found in your jurisdiction, so it is most fitting that you receive it. Therefore, he specifically instructed me to present it to you,” Siphus answered softly with another bow.

The goddess considered this and found no fault in the explanation, accepting it. She then inquired, “Convey my deepest gratitude to the God of Conspiracy for his generosity. Does he require any recompense from me?”

Siphus thought for a moment and shook his head. “My lord gave no divine message on that matter. However, he said that as your power grows, appropriate rewards will naturally be granted to him in time.”

Hearing this, a faint smile curved the Silver Moon Goddess’s lips.

Three days later, Sun Licheng received Martin and his entourage in the tribe.

Martin had brought a sizable stock of bronze materials and slaves, hoping to trade for more quicksilver.

“Chieftain Sun Licheng, may I ask what you intend to do with so much bronze?” Martin inquired during the meal.

Sun Licheng smiled. “Our lord has issued a divine decree for our tribe to forge bronze ritual vessels. Our manpower is limited, so we must seek assistance from other tribes. As for the purpose of these vessels, we must await the next oracle from the God of Magma.”

“I see,” Martin nodded in understanding.

After some roasted lamb, Martin wiped the grease from his mouth and said, “I came not only to trade but also to invite you, Chieftain Sun Licheng, to the Moon Alliance chieftains’ meeting organized by the Star-Moon Tribe in five days. We will discuss internal alliance affairs. I hope you can attend punctually.”

Sun Licheng nodded in acknowledgment. Though the Moon Alliance was practically a one-voice council dominated by the Star-Moon Tribe, the other side seemed to respect formalities. Since Martin had been sent personally to invite him, despite the tribe’s current tensions, he would make time to attend and gather intelligence.

With this resolve, Sun Licheng clarified the time and preparations required and promised to attend punctually.

After seeing Martin off, Sun Licheng began assigning tasks within the tribe, preparing to depart for the Star-Moon Tribe in two days.

Following Moon Alliance tradition, Sun Licheng specially crafted a tribal banner emblazoned with a rabbit, which puzzled many in the tribe. But seeing his firm insistence, they agreed.

Thus, on the third day, Sun Licheng, clad in full armor, rode the wolf king. Two tribal warriors followed on elk mounts, carrying the rabbit banner, and the three set out toward the Star-Moon Tribe.