Chapter 550
"But this also proves that I don't have much time left. She won't sit idly by and watch me gather the power of the seven dragons. The sooner the war starts, the greater their chances of winning. Otherwise, once I've accumulated enough, all that's left is despair."
"Yes, that's exactly right."
The World Tree's tone remained cold throughout, like a precise and ruthless machine. Even the gesture of raising a cup to drink with the descendant was textbook-perfect and rigid.
Just as the drink touched her lips, Rosalyn's brow relaxed slightly, and a look of surprise appeared on her face.
The Descendant asked:
"What's wrong?"
"Tell me, the World Tree stores the memories of the entire world; all the Gourmet of life reside within my heart. But when I actually taste the wine, the feeling is quite different."
"Really? Now that I've brought up this, I have a question I just have to ask. Are you, the one speaking to me right now, a collective consciousness or an independent personality?"
"The solution lies in the latter. The collective consciousness of all beings is ignorant and inefficient, unable to quickly handle complex situations, hence my birth. I am the World Tree, and I came from among all beings."
The World Tree explained as it pondered.
The Descendant nodded and added:
"So you're similar to the Grass God over there, both being independent entities, only at a higher level and closer to the essence of the World Tree."
"To 'report' can be understood in this way, but it is not accurate. I am who I am, independent and whole, but I am also one of all beings, holding the power over all beings."
The two big shots were exchanging riddles from their respective levels.
The gods below dared not disturb them, but simply found places to sit and waited for the World Tree or the descendant to speak to them.
As for the true nature of the World Tree before them, they had no right to concern themselves with that. In any case, it was enough that they knew this will truly represented their entire world.
"Question: If I offer assistance in the final battle, how will the Outer God repay me?"
"I don't need help."
"No. The Outer God has come from afar, isolated and helpless. Any assistance you receive at this moment is invaluable."
"You mean, in addition to the initial agreement, you're going to increase your investment in me?"
The Descendant sat up straighter and raised an eyebrow with slight interest.
The World Tree nodded slowly.
"According to the experience of all living beings, investment means exchanging the minimum input for the maximum return. Now that the Outer God is isolated and helpless, every chip I give out should receive the greatest return."
"Hmm... that's interesting."
The Descendant seemed to be persuaded, stroking his chin and falling into deep thought.
The gods below exchanged bewildered glances, but remained silent, waiting for the World Tree to make its move.
The Descendant pondered for a moment, then said:
"Indeed, being isolated overseas, I have no reason to refuse more assistance. But what do you want?"
"Announce the equal alliance and diplomatic relations between the Teyvat civilization and the Outer God civilization."
The World Tree's words stunned the gods.
This was indeed visionary. While the gods were still anxious about the outcome of the final battle, the World Tree was already considering what would happen afterward. When the ownership of the high heavens changed hands, and when another, higher civilization intervened in Teyvat, what would become of the original inhabitants and civilization of Teyvat?
An agreement had been reached previously that they would not interfere with each other.
But is it really a good thing to have the opportunity to come into contact with a higher civilization, yet simply not interfere with each other?
That was clearly a golden opportunity for Teyvat to reach a higher level, the best chance for Teyvat to gain true independence. If they missed it, wouldn't they be forever dependent on the protection of the Outer God, forever looking up to a higher civilization?
The Descendant gazed at the World Tree, and amidst the tense silence of the gods, she suddenly raised the corners of her mouth.
"True life always yearns for higher views; you are indeed very interesting! So, what can you offer in return?"
"Proclamation: The World Tree will bring Winter and Natasha under its wing, and hand over all remaining authority to the Outer God. During the final battle, the Seven Archons will hold off Celestia for you, creating a battlefield for your one-on-one duel with Phanes. If necessary, the authority of the World Tree can also descend upon the material world to aid you in the battle."
"That will kill people... no, it will kill the Grim Reaper."
The invaders revealed their previously hidden terrifying aura, and boundless destructive power enveloped the scene.
The World Tree also turned its head, calmly gazing at the gods.
"Ask, do you want to withdraw?"
The inquiry from the supreme will resounded like a great bell in the hearts of the gods.
However, making enemies of Celestia was indeed a huge pressure for the gods.
After a moment of silence, Maria set down her wine glass, making a crisp sound on the table, attracting everyone's attention. She leaned forward, and with a smile, an aura of carnage, forged from mountains of corpses and seas of blood, assaulted the very face of the gods.
"If I were to slay that maintainer, I would hope that the Outer God would open up avenues for learning, allowing the people of Liyue to study in your civilization."
"Can."
"Then, the task of maintaining the continuity will be entrusted to Liyue."
Maria's decision to allocate her share to Liyue on the spot can be described as decisive, but it can also be seen as impulsive.
Morax wanted to stop him, but after exchanging a glance with Azhdaha, he could only laugh and remain silent.
For the sake of Liyue's long-term future, would they have any other choice? At most, they could protect Salt King more. They didn't care about the two of them, but Salt King had to stay and lead Liyue.
The other gods were the same; though apprehensive, they would not back down in the fight to save their people's future.
The gods nodded one by one, promising to clear the way for the arrival of the beings.
The Descendant stroked his chin and hesitated, saying:
"But, did I lose out?"
"No, the value of a bargaining chip lies in the timing of its use. At this moment, our assistance is worth the price. Furthermore, the Outer God have not actually suffered any loss. Wouldn't it be beneficial for your civilization to have another allied civilization to watch over and help you?"
"That makes sense. But as far as I know, all the gods and beings of Teyvat are blessed by the primordial being. Isn't he the creator of this world?"
"I proclaim that Phanes is my creator and the protector of all living beings on earth, whose grace is as deep as the sea."
The World Tree spoke frankly.
The Descendant looked at her with interest and asked:
"Then why did you betray him?"
"Tell me, this is what all living beings seek, and it is also the expectation of the original humans."
"What do you want?"
The Descendant made no attempt to hide its curiosity, its golden eyes fixed intently on the World Tree.
The gods also pricked up their ears. They were indeed curious about what kind of answer the World Tree would give to the matter of rebelling against the Creator from the perspective of all living beings.
The World Tree pondered for a moment, drank its wine, and then slowly replied:
"To plead is simply to ask for something—"
"It's just about leaving the cradle and growing into adulthood."