A solemn, imposing voice echoed across the altar.
"Second trial."
"You must win the faith of your first living being within one day."
Lola looked toward Gu Qingshan.
Gu Qingshan shrugged. "That's how I did it, too."
"One day..." Lola murmured.
She gazed into the void.
Images shimmered and drifted through the air, showing scenes from the mortal world.
Countless helpless, bewildered faces appeared in them.
"Which god will help me? I haven't eaten in two days."
"...I can't afford a doctor. What am I supposed to do?"
"Praise the myriad gods! I have everything I need, except money... It's really not because I haven't tried..."
Lola listened closely, and a displeased look slowly came over her face.
"So many gods, and not one of them blesses these people with money to spend?" Lola asked.
"Gods need money, too. Besides, if the mortal world had no suffering, who would pray to the gods?" Gu Qingshan shrugged.
"That won't do."
Lola opened her little purse and reached inside.
"This world really does need a god in charge of wealth."
As she spoke, she raised her hand.
A great shower of glittering gold flew toward the images.
The delighted voices of mortals rang out from every corner of the world:
"Is that... gold?"
"Ancient gold coins?"
"Gold coins falling from the sky? What's going on? Could it be... a god showing me mercy?"
"It's real gold! Wonderful, I can exchange it for cash right away!"
Lola listened quietly, then cleared her throat. "I am the Goddess of Wealth. If you believe in me, I will give you financial support when you're at your most desperate and help you through your difficulties."
Everyone heard her.
"T-the Goddess of Wealth?"
"The Goddess..."
"I love you, Goddess! I can finally afford a meal!"
"Wow, the