When the shadow appeared, Season Star instinctively took half a step back. She could sense that it came from the same source as Qin Chuan, but the sight still shook her.
"What is that...?" she murmured.
Qin Chuan did not turn around. He calmly took the Evil Chalice. "I prepared for this long ago. As long as his soul hasn't dispersed, there's still a chance."
The moment he finished speaking, a faintly teasing thought rippled through the medical area.
A figure formed from pure Deception Divine Power slowly emerged. It was an avatar of Dies Martin, God of Deception.
He studied Qin Chuan and the Evil Chalice in his hand with interest. Recognition gleamed in his eyes.
"A fine trick, Shadow." Dies Martin's voice carried a hint of amusement. "I thought you really had transformed at death's door and nearly let those fools from the Abyss and the Undead interrupt you. Now I see your whole 'Rebirth from Ashes' performance was remarkably convincing."
His gaze shifted to the two Godheads floating beside Qin Chuan, both radiating astonishing Divine Might. "I suspect your transformation was already complete—or at least, you weren't only just finishing it when Helion and the others appeared. You held back, even deliberately showed weakness, because you were waiting for those self-important prey to come to you, weren't you?"
Dies Martin chuckled, his tone almost approving. "You used your own transformation as bait to lure gods to their deaths, and intimidated anyone else who might try something while you were at it. Even the most cunning Demon God in the Abyss would have to admit defeat against that nerve and scheming."
As the Lord of Lies and Deceit, bound to Qin Chuan by an ancient pact, Dies Martin could not help admiring the plan.
Qin Chuan met Dies