The Human God's constantly shifting mosaic froze for several seconds.
It seemed to be processing-or perhaps "admiring"-something.
The crazed expression Cui Ciyou had worn just moments ago.
Only after a long while did the Human God let out a sigh laden with complicated emotions.
"...You really are ruthless, little Ciyou..."
After expressing its amazement, the Human God paused.
Only then did it return to its trademark flippant, teasing demeanor.
The Human God continued:
"Little Ciyou, that vicious look you had just now was admittedly very cool."
"In your world, there seem to be a few sayings praising that sort of decisive action."
"Let me think..."
The mosaic "head" tilted, as though earnestly searching its memories.
"Oh, right. I remember now."
"For instance, 'A petty man is no gentleman; a man without ruthlessness is no true man.'"
"And there's another one. How did it go...?"
"Kill one, and you're a criminal; slaughter ten thousand, and you're a hero. Slaughter nine million, and you're a hero among heroes."
"Tsk, tsk... Now that's imposing."
The Human God spoke as though appraising a work of art.
It passed judgment on those blood-soaked lines.
Then its tone shifted.
"But, little Ciyou."
"Personally, I'd still advise you not to do it."
Cui Ciyou stared fixedly at the Human God, waiting for it to continue.
The Human God raised a mosaic-covered finger.
"First, because in my observations..."
"Before I came to see you today, among the billions upon billions of branches of future 'possibilities' I had seen..."
"I had never once seen that 'kill Benedict' timeline you just mentioned."
A trace of genuine wonder and admiration entered the Human God's voice.
"Little Ciyou, you really are full of surprises."
"That thought of yours, that choice, just now..."
"Forced an entirely new branch into existence in the river