Success

Night fell like ink, pressing heavily over the courtyard. All was silent save for a few chirps of insects, like notes in a nocturne lightly cutting through the stillness. Gu Hengzhi stood quietly before the stone table at the center, gently and solemnly arranging the offerings.

The bronze incense burner sat upon the stone table like an ancient altar. Several sticks of sandalwood incense burned leisurely like slumbering dragons, their blue smoke curling upward like gauze, as though carrying prayers toward the distant heavens. Beside the burner, several bowls of white rice gleamed like pale pearls, giving off a faint fragrance beside clear spring water, symbolizing the abundance and purity of the land guarded by the Earth Deity.

A small gourd nearby resembled a mysterious treasure box, filled with aged yellow wine. Its rich aroma seemed like the fragrance distilled by time, and also a symbol of divine grace. Freshly picked fruits had been arranged neatly, like a picture of harvest, representing bountiful crops and prosperous lives.

The God-Sealing Record had once reminded him that, unlike other deities, the Earth Deity favored simple, unadorned offerings close to nature. Such plainness was the finest expression of sincerity. The offerings did not need to be extravagant; what mattered was a respectful and pure heart.

Red drapes hung from the four corners of the courtyard, dancing in the night like flames. Mysterious runes were painted upon them. They showed reverence toward heaven and divine spirits, while also serving as weapons to suppress evil energy and ensure the ritual proceeded smoothly. Gu Hengzhi's gaze was sharp as he carefully inspected every arrangement, repeatedly recalling the guidance of the God-Sealing Record and daring not overlook the slightest detail.

Half an hour later...

Gu Hengzhi slowly began reciting the sacrificial incantation recorded in the God-Sealing Record, every word ringing out with force. As the chant spread through the air, spiritual energy between heaven and earth gathered like a hundred rivers flowing into the sea. The air around the altar suddenly grew heavy, and that power, drawing near from afar, transformed into an invisible barrier that completely isolated the surroundings and formed a realm of its own.

A moment later, the Earth Deity statue at the center of the altar began to emit a faint glow. The light was gentle yet steady, as though it contained the profound strength of the earth accumulated over countless years and the vicissitudes settled by time. The statue's expression remained benevolent, yet its eyes held the resolve to protect all living things. That gaze seemed capable of piercing the void, tenderly enveloping every creature upon this land.

Gu Hengzhi's heart suddenly tightened. The connection between his martial soul and the statue became incomparably close at that instant. A tremor from the depths of his soul swept through his entire body, carrying a faint sting, yet also an indescribable fulfillment and surging power racing through his meridians.

Time seemed to freeze at that moment. Solemnity and mystery filled the air. All things fell silent, as if holding their breath to witness the arrival of this great moment.

At last, the light upon the statue gradually solidified—the Earth Deity's divine soul had truly descended, becoming the first Huaxia deity summoned by Gu Hengzhi. At the same time, the essence of the statue and Gu Hengzhi's martial soul quietly split into two halves. The statue remained as firm as a rock, guarding the altar; the other half of the essence slowly drifted back into his sea of consciousness, like a seed entering the soil and beginning a new gestation...

The next instant, the God-Sealing Record in his mind suddenly trembled.

That ancient and solemn tome, as though bearing the vicissitudes of the ages, opened by itself within his sea of consciousness. Its scroll slowly unfurled as if drawn by some mysterious force, releasing a deep hum like the tolling of morning bells and evening drums, or the bell of an ancient temple, its echoes lingering without end.

A faint golden radiance gradually emerged from the blank space on the first page, like an invisible divine brush lightly sketching across the void.

The first thing that came into view was a pair of kindly eyes, filled with endless goodwill and tolerance. Beneath those brows was a smiling face, as if it could dispel all gloom in the world. He wore a tall crown and a broad-sleeved yellow robe, held a ruyi scepter, and had a jade pendant at his waist that chimed softly. This was the image most familiar in the hearts of the people—the Earth Deity.

The portrait was not merely realistic; it contained the weighty brushwork of a classical mural. Its lines were steady and powerful, its divine bearing vividly apparent, as if it fused together the outlines of faith held in the hearts of countless people across thousands of years. Every stroke seemed to hold the sediment of time and the weight of history.

Below the portrait, a line of golden seal-script text automatically emerged: [God-Sealing Record, First Page · Blessed-Land True Deity · Eastern Land Earth Deity]. The words resembled a mysterious incantation, radiating an awe-inspiring presence.

The portrait on that page of the God-Sealing Record was thus fixed in place, becoming an indelible existence, as though proclaiming to the world the Earth Deity's sanctity and majesty.

Gu Hengzhi bowed respectfully. Just as he was about to leave his sea of consciousness, a hoarse, low cough suddenly sounded, as if it came from the depths of endless void.

"Cough, cough... Was it you, young friend, who summoned this old man?" The voice carried a trace of surprise, as though it found Gu Hengzhi's actions unexpected.

Gu Hengzhi froze. Before he could reply, the voice continued on its own like flowing water:

"What a strange world... The Heavenly Dao lies silent, while destinies are tangled. Though spiritual power flourishes in this realm, its fortune seems controlled by an invisible hand, pulling at all living beings."

The voice revealed a wisdom that saw through worldly affairs, as though this mysterious being had already perceived the secrets of this world.

"This old man's remnant consciousness has only just awakened. With a slight divination, I sensed that the will of a 'deity' in this realm is already watching fate... This child—Tang San—is the one upon whom its fortune rests."

Gu Hengzhi frowned deeply, doubt rising within him, but he did not interrupt and merely listened in silence.

The Earth Deity's voice paused, as if considering something. Then he let out a soft sigh. "If you sever his destiny before he ascends to godhood, this plane may collapse with it. Heaven and earth will fall, divine souls will have nowhere to rely upon, and this old man will likewise be reduced to ashes."

His words carried a trace of helplessness and concern, as though warning Gu Hengzhi not to act rashly.

"To kill him, no. To hinder him, yes." The Earth Deity's tone suddenly shifted, becoming lighter as he said with a chuckle.

"Do not be anxious, young friend. The divine road is long, and destiny is not singular. Your path is not to contend with him, but to forge another way and build another destiny."

His voice contained encouragement and guidance, as though pointing Gu Hengzhi toward a new road.

"This 'God-Sealing Record' is a relic of the Huaxia Remnant Realm. It was not carried by the true bodies of us deities, but left behind as traces of divine consciousness, possessing the power to grow and create independently."

The Earth Deity's tone was filled with pride, as though he held a special affection for the God-Sealing Record.

"As the deity on the first page of this record, this old man shall naturally protect your path to godhood."

As he spoke, the phantom figure cupped his hands in a slight salute, displaying an unhurried composure, as though conveying an unwavering conviction to Gu Hengzhi.