Good Advice Can't Save Those Bent on Death

"Receive your weapons! Enter the Chamber of Ascension! Return to the Mortal World!"

Fanatical shouts echoed over City of Atonement, and the dark red dome had been fully opened, allowing everyone to see the rippling waves rising above.

The Eternal Tower rises from its dome, and beams of golden light shoot up from its apex, soaring into the upper realm. These are the sinners who have received blessings and honors, embarking on the path of redemption.

Witnessing this sacred scene, the sinners became even more fervent. Their suffering and heavy sins from countless lifetimes could finally be forgiven... They would no longer have to wallow in misery, for the promise of the gods was within their grasp.

The magnificent, chilling armor flew out from inside the three obelisks, searching for the most suitable user. The chosen sinners cried out in surprise, remaining motionless as the sacred device covered them.

The close-fitting battle armor flowed with golden circuits of Radiant Crystal. The pure white armor was incomparably beautiful, with Primal Gel inlaid on it, gathering at the chest and condensing into green crystals, providing powerful life energy, emitting a shimmering emerald light, maintaining the connection between life and spirit. There was also a silver hollowed-out outer armor with embedded Levitation Stone, activating the energy level, floating close to the body, like a halo of spiritual protection, holy and noble, like a divine weapon from the heavens.

In an instant, the lowly criminals, dressed in rags and emaciated, were transformed into awe-inspiring warriors.

Those magnificent and powerful battle suits are sealed within the obelisk, frozen in time, preserving the glory of the heyday of Yilan-Tai'er. The original designers of Land of Shelter placed their hopes in them, hoping that one day, future generations would be able to don the suits and pave the way for the revival of their race.

The chosen sinner stared in disbelief at his surroundings. He was already clad in armor and wearing a helmet. His vision, enhanced by the Primal Gel, was incredibly clear. He looked at his arms, clenched his fists, and felt the powerful connection to his bloodline. He seemed to have a subtle yet real bond with this armor, even giving him the illusion that... it was destined long ago that he would don armor and fight today.

An explosive power surged within him, and he felt an unprecedented sense of strength and freedom. The last descendant of Yilan-Tai'er roared to the heavens, shouting, "Thank you, merciful gods, for bestowing upon me this power!"

So powerful, so blessed, he must repay the gods' mercy and redeem himself from his sins.

The Eternal Tower has transformed and expanded, with four enormous portals continuously allowing the chosen sinners to pass through. Some are clad in battle armor and wield weapons, while others pilot heavily armored machines that roar forward. There are even towering mechs that resemble giant beasts. Five sinners are positioned at five nodes, working together to manipulate this terrifying war platform toward the Eternal Tower, their steps progressing from clumsy to skillful.

A deep roar echoed from the obelisk, awakening the dormant war beast as it was infused with the essence of Primal Gel. Its bewildered eyes darted around, searching for its master.

"Ha, Yilan-Tai'er."

Bennu gazed at the gradually awakening Land of Shelter, the last hope of this pathetic Civilization roaring back to life. It was precisely because of this that it seemed so pathetic; ants, from beginning to end, were merely playthings.

His gaze swept across the array, naming them one by one. "Aegis Guards, Celestial Mecha, Gaili'ou Golem, Immortal Throne... all are war weapons that have been positively evaluated and sampled by the Star Palace. Yilan-Tai'er, you left them here hoping your descendants could rebuild your pitiful anthill?"

The God of the Star Palace, having said this, burst into joyful laughter.

"Well done." He gave a positive assessment of this Civilization's last hope. "You've finally helped the Star Palace, helping us investigate the Mortal World realm... It wasn't in vain that the Star Palace allowed you to linger on for so long."

Bennu raised his head, gazing at the streaks of golden light shooting down from the Eternal Tower into the Mortal World, his heart filled with a kind of joyful satisfaction... He had never encountered such a rare thing in his long lifespan.

"Ah, really..."

He shook his head and said, "There are quite a few weapons in this cage. If these ants get their hands on them and turn around to attack me, I'll have no choice but to run away... Unfortunately, there are no 'ifs.' Ants are ants after all; they never unite. Who would have thought they would create a god for themselves?"

Bennu let out a cryptic chuckle, then leisurely awaited the outcome.

"Ancestors above... what have you all done?"

Aifu let out a sorrowful and helpless sigh; she realized the problem.

With the seal broken, the powerful ancient weapon came to life, choosing its user. At that moment, the Oathbreakers realized that a golden opportunity had presented itself.

With the help of ancient weapons, everyone worked together to defeat the God of the Star Palace.

But this beautiful idea was destined to fail.

"You have created a new god for Yilan-Tai'er," she said despairingly, looking at Tuosidiwa, "And he's our enemy! Our foe!"

Under the intense brainwashing of priests for countless years, the descendants of the remnants have come to believe in the doctrine of sin without a doubt. Now that the God of the Star Palace has descended from the heavens and claimed credit for the removal of the seal and the opening of the path to ascension, he has gained a supreme position and the sole right of interpretation in the hearts of the sinners. Even the priests and the high priests cannot compare to him.

For centuries Oathbreakers had failed to awaken the sinners and make them accept the truth. Now that the "gods" have descended, even if the high priest Tuosidiwa were to stand up and declare the truth, calling on his people to attack the invaders, he would likely be executed on the spot as a traitor by the indignant fanatics.

This situation filled Aifu with utter despair.

Even though the seal was broken and the people gained incredibly powerful weapons, the steel stamp of numbness and obedience remained imprinted on their souls, making them susceptible to being driven and exploited by the invaders.

"I admit, this was indeed an unexpected and awkward situation."

Tuosidiwa sighed.

This kind of outrageous thing was so Aifu that even Aife herself found it too outrageous.

He paused for a moment, then continued, "Now that things have come to this, blaming our predecessors or harboring resentment is pointless. In a moment, you will lead your people out, be chosen by ancient weapons, and after you are fully armed, ascend to the Chamber of Ascension and return to the Mortal World. Then, take them far away and never come back."

At this point, he turned his head and gave his old friend a deep look.

It was as if he wanted to firmly remember her face and figure.

"Now, the Mortal World belongs to a new race. They have developed a flourishing Civilization, and leading their people to rebuild Yilan-Tai'er in the Mortal World is far more difficult than being Oathbreakers in Land of Shelter... From now on, there may be no one to secretly inform you."

Aifu was about to speak when the High Priest raised his hand to stop her, "Don't try to stop or change anything... It's useless. This is a dead end. City of Atonement can only follow the Star Palace down this dark path, because even I cannot persuade my fanatical compatriots..."

"This is a bitter fruit we have sown ourselves, and Oathbreakers can become a new possibility, as a branch of Yilan-Tai'er, to walk a path never before imagined."

He chuckled softly as he said this, looking at Aifu.

"Then let's wait and see," he chuckled. "Compared to my actions of deceiving my compatriots, kowtowing to the Star Palace, and fawning over my enemies, your choice has been right from the beginning. But I've known since I was a child that the right thing to do doesn't necessarily lead to a good outcome. Aifu, let's take one last gamble."

Let's see who can ensure the continuation of the tribe.

Looking at his former friend, the Oathbreakers blurted out, "Let's go together!"

Tuosidiwa was first surprised, then sighed. He subconsciously reached out to smooth the stray hairs behind Aifu's ear, but quietly stopped and just smiled slightly.

"I am the king," he winked. "You said it."

As the Oathbreakers, led by the High Priest, bypassed the detection light screen of the Eternal Tower through the secret passage and entered the expanded plaza, streaks of light descended from the sky.

Compared to the muddled criminals, the Oathbreakers, who had been resisting, fighting, and struggling, were clearly more suited to be warriors. Ancient weapons descended from the sky, and battle suits were attached to their bodies. Surging psionic energy flowed through their bodies from the deep-sea armor. The Oathbreakers had already dispersed, so the battle suit selection was not conspicuous.

Aifu turned her head and could still see the figure smiling and gazing into the distance behind the light screen.

Her body was clad in magnificent and holy battle armor, her gauntlets extended, her halo swirled, and her golden, openwork battle ornaments floated and shimmered. The whole process was smooth and seamless, without the slightest hindrance.

The Oathbreakers looked around and saw that everyone, whether a thin sinner or a burly warrior, had successfully received the gifts and inheritances of their ancestors.

Even though the heritage has long been lost, even though most of the crafts and skills have become incomplete in the numerous catastrophes, even though the proud race has become a timid and submissive sinner, none of the adverse circumstances and terrible defects will become obstacles in the selection process for the armor.

This does not mean that the weapons of war of Yilan-Tai'er are without any threshold.

Rather, it was a patient, meticulous, and hopeful blessing from the wise men who originally designed the Shelter.

They must have desperately considered all the worst possibilities to ensure that even if the seal were broken in the most desperate situation, their descendants could still easily pilot powerful weapons back to the Mortal World. Even if the entire heritage was lost and the Civilization was interrupted, the descendants could still use these weapons to protect themselves, and then overcome all obstacles to rebuild the foundation of Civilization from scratch.

But did those wise ancestors ever foresee this moment of despair?

Aifu sighed, listening to the fervent and joyful cries of the chosen sinners around her, who attributed it all to the grace of "God"—how absurd and pathetic.

But as Tuosidiwa said, there was nothing she could do, nothing she could stop.

With Oathbreakers, guided by the priests, headed towards Chamber of Ascension.

She turned her head one last time, but Tuosidiwa was no longer in sight.

An inexplicable emotion gripped her heart, making it hard for her to breathe.

Just like the fierce argument that followed Tuosidiwa's first revelation of her identity, the two parted ways. Watching each other's disappearing figures, she felt an unprecedented sense of panic, pain, and unease, because she knew that she had forever lost someone's shadow in her world.

"Bye now..."

She quickened her pace.

The Council might be waiting for reinforcements; the entire Mortal World is unprepared for this attack... More than anything else, she needed to immediately warn the Arcane Council.

Chamber of Ascension so close, it seems.

Amidst the silent, ethereal footsteps, Tuosidiwa arrived at the Hidden Domain beneath the Eternal Tower.

This is the secret entrusted to each king—first the Co-Chief, then the Grand Marshal, then the First Citizen... Regardless of the title, even in the midst of bloodshed, the usurper will solemnly entrust this secret to the usurper.

The entire space was filled with three-colored particles, and the ground was ethereal and otherworldly.

With each step, invisible ripples spread out, and Tuosidiwa walked step by step to the center of this area.

This place was once dark and desolate, silent for countless years, never changing, and was regarded by Tuosidiwa as a boring place that would never be activated. Now, it shines brightly, and the emptiness is like an illusion. The high priest opened his arms, and countless floating points of light came to his side.

"I am Tuosidiwa," he whispered, "I am the King of Yilan-Tai'er."

Particles vibrate; in the void, the ancient will responds silently and powerfully, acknowledging and affirming.

He waited patiently for time, for the years, for history, for the truth, and for his duty.

Then he said softly, "My eyes shall be like divine vision, illuminating all my subjects and fellow countrymen, watching over them so that they are not swallowed by whirlpools, nor overwhelmed by undercurrents—let me see."

Radiance dances, sketching illusions; in the boundless depths of the sea, countless golden threads soar upwards.

Those were the first people of their kind to ascend Chamber of Ascension the Mortal World.

With a gentle flick of his finger, Tuosidiwa caused one of the golden lines to suddenly spread out, its golden light outlining a projection on a light screen. Through the feedback from the battle suit of the man named Yilan-Tai'er, he saw what the other man was seeing.

The cold, dark seawater, and the ever-brightening sky above.

This means that before long, this Yilan-Tai'er will rise from the water, reach the heavens, and see the sky that Aifu longs for.

As the king of Yilan-Tai'er, Tuosidiwa must use these pairs of eyes to see and judge the situation in the upper realm, and formulate and implement corresponding plans.

This is his duty.

He watched silently as the seawater above rapidly rose, changing from dark to a beautiful azure. He saw beautiful reefs and corals, as well as some strange metal fragments. Then, his eyes lit up as water burst open, and the prisoners and criminals of the Shelter leaped out of the water and into the air.

The entire field of vision suddenly opened up!

The high priest paused, taking a deep breath.

The particles vibrated, restoring the sound. He clearly heard the man's joyful shouts and cries of happiness. He saw the boundless blue sea, the horizon where the sea met the sky, the sky was azure, clouds drifted by, and the sun shone. It was a scene described countless times in books, but a sight that the Land of Shelter could never see.

He "saw" sails stretching into the distance, warships floating on the sea, just like in the book—land dwellers, though lacking Levitation Stone, could still cut down trees and build ships. He saw people on the ships, densely packed, looking this way.

Tuosidiwa closed his eyes and sighed softly.

Because that's what Yilan-Tai'er is yelling.

"Enemy!"

The Radiant Crystal unleashed sword light, and the armored warriors swept down from the sky, bursting forth with a fierce burst of blood-red light!

After a long and desperate wait, the descendants of Yilan-Tai'er were finally able to return to the Mortal World. The first thing they did upon arriving under the heavens was to... raise their swords against their saviors.

Rewind to a dozen minutes ago.

"A stern warning to all combat units of the Azure Fleet: leave immediately! This area is about to enter a state of war, and unpredictable dangers are imminent. His Highness Kang De issues you this final ultimatum. I repeat: Unpredictable and dangerous warfare is about to occur. Do not say you were not warned!"

A Fu's stern ultimatum was broadcast over a high-powered loudspeaker, reaching the Azure Fleet, only to be met with laughter. The officers shouted at the sailors, "Don't panic! Kang De is just bluffing! That's all he's capable of—fight? Of course he wouldn't dare! We are the Azure Fleet!"

"Formal combat is tantamount to Council! How could Kang De dare to do such a thing! Even if we take a step back..." the officer who had climbed the mast shouted, "The commander is still here with us! Would Kang De be willing to do that!? It hasn't been that long, he's definitely not tired of it yet!"

This remark elicited whistles and wild laughter from the sailors.

Those who disagreed had already been sent to suicide squads or captured by the Broken Isles. Now, the fleet's crew members were blinded by the Council's huge reward. This was their last chance; after it was done, they could go back and enjoy their lives. Repeatedly brainwashed and coerced by this idea, the entire fleet was practically half-mad.

The officer on the mast roared, "In short! Stand your ground against Kang De! If anyone comes out of the water, rescue them all! Seize them! Take them to the flagship and send them away using the teleportation array! Rescuing one person is a merit for the whole ship! Rescuing ten people means we'll never have to worry for the rest of our lives! Does everyone understand?"

The sailors responded in unison.

Not long after, the water churned in the distance, and a golden light leaped out. The magnificent battle armor displayed a sacred posture in the sunlight. A nearby warship cheered, its sails were fully unfurled, and it rushed towards the other side. However, the next moment, the figure that had been flying in the air suddenly plunged down, the light blade flipped, and blood spurted out!

Golden threads leaped out continuously, and magnificent battle suits were draped in blood-stained robes. All kinds of weapons and armor never seen before flew around, killing anyone in their path. Rays cut through everything, masts snapped, warships burst into flames, and explosions were deafening. Shattered corpses kept falling into the sea, and a horrific massacre Veil!

"Father, acts of war have been detected."

"It's impossible to reason with a damned devil; I've done everything I could."

Horus said in a deep voice, "Should we intervene immediately?"

Kang De said calmly, "Of course not. Opening fire now could easily affect the Azure Fleet."

Iron Son exclaimed in surprise, "Huh?"

"That's a way of mocking the Council." Kang De's eyes flashed as he sneered, "I originally intended to use the Broken Isles as bait, but the Azure Fleet is courting death, so let them gather the monsters for me... An entire fleet, even if it's just Yilan-Tai'er, will take a long time to kill. The best approach is to wait until they continuously arrive on the water, surround the fleet, and wreak havoc before using Forbidden Spell to clear the area. That way, it won't be so effective that one Forbidden Spell will scare the rest into hiding."

"They brought this on themselves."