Loud Conspiracy

The two people standing behind Cheng Shi and helping him up were clearly Gao Ya and Gou Feng, whom he had met again in the Trials not long ago.

The soloist, who claimed she would surprise Cheng Shi when they met again, kept her promise, and her appearance did indeed surprise Cheng Shi greatly.

As for the chieftain who swallowed the flesh Emissary in an attempt to gain divine power... he finally achieved his wish and became a true part of the Emissary.

Who can say that the Desire Puppet isn't part of the Emissary?

Seeing his former teammates in this state, Cheng Shi felt a mix of emotions.

He wasn't being reluctant; rather, he was lamenting that his two teammates had misplaced their desires. Of all the people and things that could satisfy their desires, why did they have to pick on the very source of their desires...

Now it's all over; it's become a complete part of my desires.

Seeing Cheng Shi's strange expression, Afros chuckled and said:

"If you..."

"Thank you, but we're not familiar with each other. Let's continue."

Cheng Shi seemed to have guessed what He was going to say, and decisively raised his hand to interrupt Afros's speech, then helped himself up and sat back down.

His nimble movements made it seem as if he had never met these two teammates before.

Hu Xuan also sat back down; otherwise, Cheng Shi wouldn't have dared to sit back at the table so readily. She glanced at the two puppets with interest, and then smiled as well:

"I sensed the remnants of [Birth], so it seems this person is still a follower of my Lord."

As she spoke, she glanced at Afros again.

"Are you testing my piety by turning my Lord's followers into puppets before my very eyes?"

Afros was taken aback at first, then looked at Hu Xuan and burst into laughter.

"Interesting, really interesting."

I see now. You're not my brother's "Miss Sun" after all; on the contrary, my brother seems more like yours...

Mr. Sun?

"Are you going to such lengths to gain Chip for him through me, hoping he'll renounce his vows and come to His embrace to become a true... Progeny Priest?"

"..."

Cheng Shi was speechless.

He was indeed grateful for Hu Xuan's help, but as he had said before, Hu Xuan was not a suitable representative for negotiation because she was too straightforward. Her goals were all laid bare, almost as straightforward as her desire for a child.

But Cheng Shi appreciated it very much; in this three-way conversation, it was clear that she was on his side.

That's enough.

However, to be fair, Afros was not on the opposing side.

Although He, like Hu Xuan, had feelings for Cheng Shi, under the watchful eye of [Destiny], these feelings could only be pursued gradually.

Hu Xuan did not deny Afros's teasing. She openly admitted her desire for Cheng Shi, which made Afros beam with joy.

"It seems we are the same kind of people."

Hu Xuan nodded gracefully. "On this point, in some respects, I admit it."

After speaking, the two exchanged a glance and then looked at Cheng Shi at the same time.

"..."

Cheng Shi was terrified; he felt that his current situation was even more nerve-wracking than when he first visited God.

The air was thick with a mixture of Filth and Decay and Birth, making it hard to breathe. He was afraid that if he took a breath, the three people here would instantly turn into four, or even five.

Even more terrifying is that you have no idea whose stomach the fourth or fifth one will end up in.

Help... help me!

After holding his breath and staring intently at the two Emissary for a moment, Cheng Shi finally mustered up the courage to break the incredibly awkward situation and start a new conversation.

"Well... you can't get fat in one bite. I've heard enough news today, I need to digest it first."

After all, I already know you can't get away from here... Uh, that's not what I meant, I meant...

Just as Cheng Shi was about to change his mind, he saw Afros chuckle and move the Umbilical Cord Shackles that were on the table in front of Hu Xuan to Cheng Shi's side.

"You mean you have the ability to come see me anytime, right?"

Your Miss Sun has probably wanted to give you this for a long time, but the reason she hasn't done so is simply because she's observing my attitude.

Now you know.

My attitude is very clear: if it can make my brothers think of me all the time, or even come to see me from time to time, then I would be more than happy to do so.

Of course, if you'd still like...

"I'm willing to accept it." Cheng Shi hurriedly put away the shackles, wiping away cold sweat as he interrupted Afros's speech. He really didn't dare let this [Filth and Decay] Emissary any more explosive remarks in front of a [Birth] messenger who longed for a child.

Afros was not surprised at all; he laughed heartily but did not make any more jokes.

"Hmph—let's get down to business, Afros."

I don't know if you have a clear understanding of our identity, but I can tell you that in this so-called "Nothingness" era, the Isle of Hope has become a thing of the past, and humans like us are the mainstream of this era.

We call ourselves players, and you whom we encounter are called...

[Faith Game]

A game about Faith!

"Game?"

Afros savored the two words slowly, then burst into laughter.

"As expected, Nothingness!"

However, I need to remind you, my brother, never treat history as history, because it is merely a different label that time attaches to different present moments, and even more so, a copy that Memory retrieves from the Sea of Memories.

When they put what they love in the spotlight, even history can become the present.

Cheng Shi nodded slightly upon hearing this. He had heard similar arguments from his Lord of Grace, "The Deception," which essentially meant that history is relative, and so is the present.

In a world where gods exist, whether the past or the future is history remains an open question.

However, dwelling on these things was clearly pointless. Cheng Shi's renewed discussion wasn't about philosophy with Afros, but rather for more practical purposes, such as...

How to deal with those Peak Player are still hanging on the dome?

"Regardless of how you view history, for us, the players are the protagonists of the [Nothingness] era."

"So, Afros, I'd like to make another deal with you."

"Oh? What kind of deal?"

"I've written a script on the spot, but it's missing quite a few actors, so I'd like you to provide my actors..."

Before Cheng Shi could finish speaking, Afros laughed.

He seemed to have guessed what Cheng Shi meant.