Gods Should Be Lofty

Loa are primal deities, and the relationship between them and the trolls is one of mutual symbiosis. Trolls offer souls and faith to the Loa, while the Loa accept this worship and lend their power to the trolls in return; it is much like a transaction.

Since it is a transaction, there are times of profit and loss. Some greedy Loa always seize the moment when trolls face a crisis to extort faith and souls. If the trolls refuse, they withdraw their power or even enslave them. Just like the former Soulflayer Hakkar, who enslaved the Jungle Trolls of Zul'Gurub for their souls—an event that shocked the entire troll society.

"Of course not." Faced with the shock in the heart of Tian Sang, Ulathek subconsciously denied it. Well, in truth, she did have a bit of an intention to fish in troubled waters, but doing it too blatantly seemed to damage the status and majesty of a deity.

"That is truly wonderful. You will help us, won't you?" Seeing Ulathek's flat denial, Tian Sang could not care about much else. He felt a flicker of joy, then his mind raced as he realized this deity wasn't exactly extorting them, but rather driving a hard bargain. While the two were not much different, it was at least within an acceptable range.

"Of course. It is just that I believe my status at the Altar of Deities does not seem to warrant me doing this." Ulathek spoke with some reservation. Her personality was fickle, and spreading faith was a matter of chance. This time, she was simply bored and wanted to elevate her position, but upon reflection, she wondered if doing this might damage her divine status.

"Then this enemy attack is your opportunity. You can demonstrate your magnificent power and form to us in Zul'Aman, and I can proclaim your might to the people, allowing them to elevate your status at the Altar of Deities."

Hearing Ulathek's words, Tian Sang could not help but speak quickly. Although the Serpent Goddess had widespread faith among the Forest Trolls, she seemed to lack a dedicated priest to manage her temple, which was why her temple did not hold much status at the Altar of Deities. If she only wanted to improve this status to win more faith, it was acceptable.

"Is that so? Why do I hear a hint of cunning in your words?" A hissing sound echoed, and Ulathek's tone was filled with suspicion.

"That goes without saying. You saved us from the torrential rain of fire; is that not enough to elevate your status at the Altar of Deities?" Tian Sang asked back without hesitation.

"Your question is very cunning. Naturally, I will not refute myself." Ulathek's voice turned cold.

"I would not dare to refute you either." Listening to that cold voice, Tian Sang felt the goosebumps that had just subsided rise again. This master was not easy to serve at all.

"And I would dare not question you even more." Feeling the growing fear, Tian Sang could not help but add another sentence, simultaneously smoothing over all his inner complaints and snark, leaving only reverence and piety.

"I believe you would not." Ulathek's voice remained cold.

"Goddess, if you are willing, I am prepared to offer you some plans. Perhaps you can obtain even more faith." Tian Sang had a light sheen of cold sweat on his forehead as he spoke.

"I am listening."

"Do the others at the Altar of Deities know the news that this enemy will attack?" Tian Sang swallowed hard. He had to come up with a way for this great deity to ensure she reaped the faith; otherwise, if she didn't get what she wanted and came back to find fault with him, he would be in trouble.

"How would I know that?" The voice was full of annoyance.

"Then can you see if the other Witch Doctor, priests, and Shadow Hunter at Zul'Aman and Battleaxe Ridge have had contact with the gods?" Tian Sang's forehead broke into a sweat. If other Loa took advantage of this to snatch faith and the piece of the pie became smaller, this master would certainly be displeased.

"How do you expect me to see that!" The voice carried a hint of irritation.

"Then can you know exactly when the enemy will cast their magic?" Looking at the great deity who knew nothing, Tian Sang could not help but twitch his mouth slightly.

"The night after tomorrow." Finally, something certain.

"Can you see my companions at Battleaxe Ridge now? Do they know of the coming disaster?" Tian Sang asked.

"Obviously, they do not."

"Then please, can you coordinate with me on some actions?" Tian Sang thought for a moment and asked.

"What do you want me to coordinate with you on?"

"Please have all the animals on Battleaxe Ridge run toward the mountains of Zul'Aman as quickly as possible. Do not make too much of a commotion, but do not make it too quiet either. My kin at Battleaxe Ridge need to see it, but the enemy must not notice."

"What kind of request is this?" Ulathek's voice sounded impatient.

"You cannot do it?" Tian Sang asked cautiously.

"Who said I cannot?" The voice rose an octave instantly.

"Since you can do it, that is great. Having the animals retreat to the mountains of Zul'Aman will warn my kin, and then I will notify them to relocate and avoid the enemy's fire. After the enemy's fire strikes, do you have the ability to extinguish those flames and display your might?" Tian Sang was making his arrangements.

"Can you not make things simpler?" Ulathek was impatient. Why be so long-winded!

"Do you mean you can directly resist the opponent's magical power? But that would expose you to their sight, and you would no longer be mysterious..." Tian Sang hesitated slightly. It seemed fine for this Loa to resist a large-scale spell alone, and it would be visually striking, but that would be like an upstart showing off power—how would that make people respect and worship her?

"Forget it, forget it. Do as you wish. I will give you my power and personally provide you with help." Hearing Tian Sang's words, Ulathek was impatient. If it was troublesome, so be it!

"That would be perfect. Can you tell me if you possess the power to control wind or water elements?" Hearing the silver python's promise, Tian Sang let out a sigh of relief. As long as she was willing to follow the plan, putting on a good show to elevate her status at the Altar of Deities would be easy.

"I possess some power to control water elements."

"Then, can you summon a rainstorm to extinguish the fire, and let your figure and scales appear within the rain clouds in the sky so that everyone can see? Can you do that, as long as it is visually seen?" Tian Sang tried to ask. They had to agree on how the show would go and see if the conditions could be met.

"I can use some illusions." Ulathek's voice was a bit irritable.

"That is perfect. Listen to me, when the time comes, we will do this..." Hearing the irritable voice, Tian Sang quickly sped up his speech, rushing to arrange the show so she wouldn't get unhappy and take it out on him.

"If you do as I say, displaying your mystery and power, you will certainly be able to elevate your position at the Altar of Deities in one fell swoop," Tian Sang emphasized at the end, which made Ulathek impatient, but she agreed nonetheless.