Inner World, Divine Realm Square.
Qian Long's head struck the white jade tiles, bounced twice, then rolled down the steps.
Divine blood spattered from his severed neck and ran down the seams between the tiles. The five attacks subsided one after another. His body swayed, then fell rigidly before the hall.
An Angel Godhead was extracted from his corpse and handed to the Angel God King to refine anew before everyone.
The Destruction God watched the Angel God King refine the Godhead for a moment, then laughed.
The Life God and the Evil God exchanged a glance, and smiles appeared on their faces as well. The gods below followed the Godhead with their eyes. At last, they had an answer to their concerns about bestowing Godhood on the Lower Realm.
The God King of Goodness stepped forward, lifting the hem of his robe to avoid the pool of blood at his feet. Once he stopped, he raised his right hand, and Divine Power carried his voice across the square.
"Everyone, the result is before your eyes. To meet the crisis facing both worlds, the Angel God King personally bestowed his Godhood on the Lower Realm, then slew his successor to test this path for us." His tone remained gentle.
"Such resolve deserves your respect. The Godhead can be recovered intact, and its source preserved. You may all rest assured."
Qian Long's corpse lay at his feet.
At the edge of the square, several First-Level Gods looked away from the body and back toward the Godhead suspended in midair. Farther behind them, the Second-Level Gods stood listening as the God King of Goodness continued.
"Next, every principal god must seek a successor immediately. Choose someone suited to your Godhood, and keep the sites of succession separate. Different planes, different sects—either will