Was It Two Crimes or Two Punishments?

Had the God of Merriment been telling the truth, or merely deceiving himself?

If it was an illusion, then what meaning was there in Time showing it to him?

This couldn't be a trial—a final trial for the clown before the fusion?

It wasn't impossible, but something still felt missing.

The main problem was that Qin Xin, who had gone through so much to become the Fire Keeper, was simply too real. His fervent dedication and the frustration released under endless pressure were so "lifelike" that it was hard to imagine an illusion could be this convincing.

Cheng Shi could rack his brains forever and still never figure it out under Deception's gaze, so he decisively gave up guessing. He committed the matter to memory and, to save time, asked his next question.

"Lord of Grace, I have another question. How did you convince Destiny and Time to agree to this?"

"What, do I have to report everything I do to you?"

"..."

Cheng Shi's expression froze. He awkwardly scratched his head, thinking, It wouldn't be impossible.

Those eyes let out a mocking laugh, as if they had seen through the clown's thoughts. But after ridiculing him for a moment, their corners lifted slightly as the Lord of Grace offered a brief explanation:

"It's simple. When someone refuses to cooperate with you, you beat them.

"Beat them until they submit. If they still disagree, they'll have to agree."

"!!??"

Wait, you really beat them into submission?

Huh?

The God of Merriment beat Destiny into surrender?

Is he really that strong?

What about Time? Did he beat Time up too?

But did Time even have the time to get beaten?

Cheng Shi blinked blankly. He seemed to realize something and asked in disbelief, "Lord of Grace, exaggerating your own abilities... Wait,