Chapter 502

Although Scherzag has performed several miracles over the years, leading everyone to believe that Yelagond is still alive, no one has ever seen what He actually looks like. They can only make rough inferences based on various textual descriptions in religious scriptures.

To restore as much as possible His divinity as God and His humanity in loving His people. In other words, to appear both majestic and compassionate.

Shi Lei created a statue of the god, about the size of an arm, and modified the details based on Enia and the others' descriptions. He decided to spend the night at Silverheart Lake and continue constructing the statue of Yelagond when there were fewer people around.

In terms of materials, there's no need for Rock Constructs; a piece of Snow Rock from the Sacred Mountain will suffice. After reshaping, it will have higher purity and superior hardness in all aspects.

While everyone was discussing the matter, Yelagond himself was actually in the kitchen, too afraid to come out. Even though he heard everyone's wrong judgment about his appearance, he didn't dare to show himself to offer suggestions for improvement, fearing that he was well hidden and would be discovered by Mister Zhongli.

In Yal's eyes, Shi Lei could no longer be categorized as human. Sometimes, even the slightest hint of his aura was enough for her to understand the vast difference between them.

Given Yelagond's personality, he wouldn't shamelessly try to befriend her. He'd basically back down if he could, and avoid her if he could.

With the final version of the statue finalized, the banquet officially began. Everyone raised their glasses in celebration, toasting and exchanging drinks. They watched the performances at Silver Heart Lake Plaza, creating a lively atmosphere.

During the meeting, Shi Lei mentioned the Cross-border Communication Project, suggesting that a branch line could be added to the route from Victoria to Kazimierz to enter Scherzag.

Due to the obstruction of snow-capped mountains on three sides, Scherzag's territory borders only Victoria. It has almost no contact with other neighboring countries, separated by mountain peaks.

Participation in this project would undoubtedly bring Scherzag international recognition, a goal that Enciodis has been eager to achieve since the reforms.

He and his sister Enia were both very supportive of the Cross-border Communication Project being implemented in Scherzag. After all, it cost nothing and required no maintenance. Each person only needed to pay a service fee of ten yuan per month, and could also receive equivalent supplies as a discount. Such treatment was simply a windfall.

Enciodis was in high spirits and kept toasting. By the time the banquet ended, it was already 2 p. m.

Currently, Silverheart Lake is covered with a thick layer of ice, making it smooth and perfect for gliding.

Except for Surtr, who didn't like the cold environment, everyone else wore obsidian roller skates that Shi Lei had made on the spot. They were protected by the Jade Shield, so even if they fell, they didn't have to worry about their butts splitting in two.

"Hehe, come and chase me, you can't catch me."

"Exusiai, you just wait! If I catch you later, I'll make you scream in pain!"

Surtr leaned against the balcony railing, watching this scene unfold in the distance, and felt an overwhelming sense of warmth.

Although she wasn't actively involved, being with everyone was the life she had always longed for.

But this tranquility did not last long.

Lisa felt that Surtr looked a little lonely on the balcony, so she asked the others to persuade her to come down and play.

Although Surtr said he was unwilling, his body betrayed him as he got down amidst the crowd.

Her slender legs danced on the ice like a leaping flame, a sight to behold.

After playing for a little over an hour, the group returned to the manor to rest. Since it was still early before dinner, Enciodis recommended Fugen Mountain near Silverheart Lake.

He said it was a famous romantic spot in Scherzag, and young couples loved to go there.

Shi Lei wasn't particularly interested in any of this, but his girlfriends insisted on going. The group arrived at the top of Fugen Mountain, where there was a large tree about three or four stories tall.

Several red ropes were tied to the branches of the tree, used to hang wind chimes or gold locks. There were also festive slogans posted nearby, such as "Love is sealed in Scherzag" and "Love is as solid as ice," as well as some cheesy ones.

Men might be somewhat resistant to these things, but women love things that have sentimental value.

Texas paid for four gold-plated locks out of his own pocket, each with a small note that could be placed inside.

This big tree is covered with pairs of gold padlocks interlocking everywhere, but this is the first tree with four padlocks together.

Surtr looked up at the four-linked weapon, lost in thought.

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Chapter 576 A White Lie (4K)

While Shi Lei and his group headed to Fugen Mountain to visit this popular romantic spot, Jian waited for a long time at the back door of the Silverheart Lake mansion before finally managing to catch a glimpse of Enciodis.

Seeing that there were no outsiders around, she straightened up, looked over, and asked:

"Master, is Mister Zhongli very strong?"

Enciodis was startled and immediately realized that she wanted to challenge the other party, and stopped her:

"No, Jian. Mister Zhongli is an important guest, and I won't allow you to challenge him. If we offend him, it will put us at a risk we can't afford. I know he might accept the challenge, but I can't gamble with that, do you understand?"

Jian nodded with a wry smile, disappointment showing in her eyes. As a Sargon who didn't know Originium Arts, she had always held herself to high standards in her training. She had gone to Kazimierz hoping to find a strong opponent in the Knight Competition.

But what happened next left Jian deeply disappointed. None of the Competitive Knight cultivated by capital were any real fighters. The Commercial Union even forced her to fix matches and issued a kill order after she won the championship. Such despicable methods were a disgrace to the name of Knight.

Ten years have passed since Lord Enciodis bought his life for a large sum of money in 1088.

He couldn't find a worthy opponent in Scherzag, and after practicing all day, he felt like he was rusting. Sometimes, when he couldn't stand it anymore, he would trigger a few avalanches to seek some excitement by confronting natural disasters.

Ever since witnessing the miracles performed by Yelagond during the Three Races Conference last year, Jian had thought that perhaps one day he could fight against the so-called gods.

It seems that God is out of the question, but fortunately, fate has allowed her to encounter an opponent who may surpass even the gods.

Jian is currently stuck in a bottleneck and wants to challenge Zhongli as a martial artist. If he can witness an even more powerful being, he might be able to break through his current limitations.

But Lord Enciodis's attitude was firm, and it seemed there was no room for negotiation, which was truly a pity.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to eavesdrop."

Suddenly, Amiya emerged from behind the door. She looked somewhat embarrassed and waved to the two of them.

As the last remaining Exotic Demon King, Amiya retained the ability to sense emotions. She could sense Jian's dedication and obsession with Martial Way, as well as his disappointment.

"Mister Enciodis, I know you don't want to ruin your relationship with Mister Zhongli because of this. But, how should I put it? He's a really good person, kind and unpretentious. If he's in a good mood when Miss Jian issues the challenge, he'll most likely accept."

If you're worried that it might be inappropriate for you to do it yourself, you can ask him for his opinion privately.

Amiya didn't give a definitive answer, only saying she could help persuade him. If Shi Lei agreed, then the matter would be settled; if he refused, then so be it.

Enciodis wanted to refuse, but fell silent after seeing Jian's burning gaze. Since buying her back from Kazimierz, she had resolved countless crises around him and protected him through various difficulties.

Enciodis was well aware of Jian's obsession with Martial Way, and understood that it was somewhat Tai He for them to bring up this matter, so he bowed and thanked them:

"Miss Amiya, then I'll leave it to you."

"Don't thank me so soon. Regardless of whether Mister Zhongli agrees or not, I will inform him of the final result."

Around 5 p. m., Shi Lei and his group returned from Fugen Mountain. They paid to ride local pack animals and returned to their private residence next to Silverheart Lake in a very pleasant manner.

Amiya first went up to greet him, and seeing that he was surrounded by many women, she politely inquired:

"Mister Zhongli, can we talk alone?"

"Sure."

They were all old acquaintances, so she was probably doing this because she wanted something from him. Shi Lei had helped Rhodes Island a lot, so helping one more wouldn't hurt. He followed Amiya to a large tree about fifty meters outside the mansion:

"Speak, what do you want from me?"

"Mister Zhongli, it's like this. Mister Enciodis has a very skilled bodyguard who has been pursuing Martial Way for many years. She would like to spar with you, but she is afraid that it will affect your relationship with Scherzag. I know she doesn't mean any harm, so I'm asking for your opinion on her behalf. If you are unwilling, I will decline on your behalf."

Seeing her mysterious demeanor, Shi Lei thought it was something important, but it turned out to be this:

"I don't mind sparring. The key issue is whether the opponent's confidence will be damaged if they lose. I don't think this person should take me as their target."

Amiya nodded, guessing that Miss Jian wouldn't give up, and then they discussed the time for their sparring match:

"Understood, I'll ask her about her intentions later. Mister Zhongli, when would be a convenient time for you?"

"Let's go at midnight. We'll find a secluded spot then. After we're done fighting, I'll go build the statue. The sparring won't take up much time."

Amiya nodded, expressing her heartfelt gratitude:

"Thank you so much, Mister Zhongli."

"You're welcome, it was nothing at all."

After confirming that nothing else was amiss, Shi Lei returned to his private residence at Silverheart Lake. The moment he appeared, Exusiai, sensing his presence, came running.

"Zhongli, is there a new request? If there's anything fun to do, be sure to take me along!"

Shi Lei smiled and shook his head, explaining:

"You, all you ever think about is having fun. Actually, there's nothing wrong; someone just wants to spar with me privately."

"A sparring match? I want to go too!"

"I want one too! I want one too!"

Exusiai started it, Lappland naturally couldn't fall behind. The two of them especially loved joining in the fun, saying they wanted to go to the sparring session to cheer him on.

Shi Lei was perfectly aware of their little scheme; they wanted him to finish his turn before they went up themselves. He directly declined, saying:

"There's no need for that. It's just a friendly spar, not a fight to the death. At least give others some face. You two shouldn't go."

As night fell, a bonfire dance party with a sacrificial theme was held at Silverheart Lake. Exusiai loved the beast-shaped milk tea there and ordered three large cups in a row.

At 11:45 p. m., the safety officer who had been on the Snow Mountain Express came to wait outside.

Shi Lei guessed it was this person, and after Exusiai and Lappland not to follow, he went out to keep the appointment.

He went outside and gestured to the man with polite gestures, indicating that he should lead the way.

The latter understood and went straight to the Snowfield about one kilometer away from the private residence. The terrain here was open, without tall trees or bushes to cover it. Although there was no light source, the soft moonlight made it possible to see the surroundings clearly.

"Mister Zhongli, I know this is very presumptuous. But if I don't try, I'm afraid I'll never be satisfied. So, please forgive me."

After apologizing, he assumed the starting stance.

Shi Lei fully understood the martial artist's pursuit of the Martial Way. Therefore, he did not immediately smash Planet Befall or use his surging Psychic Power to crush him.

He launched Mental Scan, trying to confirm Exusiai and Lappland had secretly approached. Unexpectedly, this scan revealed an unexpected discovery.

However, Shi Lei didn't make a sound, maintaining a polite smile on his face, indicating that the other party could begin:

"Please."

The mace made the first attempt, swinging a Steel Mace, aiming directly at Shi Lei's face.

Seeing that he didn't move an inch, not even in a defensive or parrying stance, Jian was forced to abruptly stop his attack.

"Mister Zhongli, you..."

Shi Lei knew her concerns and said with a smile:

"Don't worry about hurting me. If you do manage to, that's your skill. Come on, use your full power."

Confirming he wasn't joking, Jian's gaze turned serious. Silence reigned all around, just like when she first participated in Knight Competition without an audience.

At this moment, Jian became himself again.

She used her physical strength to swing the Steel Mace at Shi Lei, but surprisingly, it did not cause any damage.

The force in his hand seemed to vanish into thin air, completely lacking the solid weight of a mace striking a bad guy.

Jian began to breathe heavily, and after a brief moment of gathering her strength, she unleashed her strongest move at Shi Lei. In an instant Mace Shadows flashed wildly, striking eleven times in two seconds. The final strike contained immense power, capable of splitting mountains and shaking rocks!

The final result was as Shi Lei had predicted.

Even with all his skills, the three-time champion of the Kazimierz tournament couldn't break through his defense.

Even the awakened Great Beast 'Sui' couldn't break through it, so it's not surprising that humans can't either. Judging from its charging posture, the damage it will inflict should not be small.

Seeing that even his full-force attack had failed to elicit a parry from Mister Zhongli, Jiang was utterly convinced of his defeat. His opponent had already shown mercy; there was no need to continue the fight.

"I humbly admit defeat, Mister Zhongli. At your age, I could never have reached that level."

Shi Lei couldn't explain to her that the Rex Lapis's abilities were all thanks to the system. Seeing Jian's dejected and gloomy expression, he wove a white lie:

"My real age is probably much older than you imagine; I just look young. I wasn't this skilled at your age. The way of martial arts is to take it one step at a time. As long as you persevere, you'll eventually break through your limits."

The two had no grudges against each other, Shi Lei didn't need to be too harsh on her and gave her a way out.

Jian, unaware of the truth, clasped his hands in thanks.

"Mister Zhongli, I have learned a great deal."

After the sparring session ended, Shi Lei turned and left.

Later, besides building the Yelagond statue, let's also see what they're doing with that huge underground space.

The next day, morning.

At the foot of Sacred Mountain Scherzag lies the mansion of the Browntail Family, one of the three major families.

Upon learning of the sudden appearance of the Yelagond Statue overnight, Hurruce Brontau immediately rushed to find Tatos Brontau, the head of the Browntail Family.

"Sister, it's a miracle, a miracle!"