Sunlight filtered through the leaves and scattered across the ground in dappled patches. Beneath the shimmering water, the Shadow of Nihility enveloped everything equally.
"Where is this?"
"My Heavenly Kingdom. The horizon of Nihility. Best not wander around; IX is right next door."
Sanskrit chants praised Merit Heavenly Radiance. Voices beyond counting sang as one, and the voice of Order from Taiyi gathered above the Infinite Corridor and took form. A solemn, sacred Cross was reflected in the eyes of Sunday, The Family's representative from Penacony.
"Apart from Lao Zheng, who just won the Revival Tournament and was sent back by me, you're the first person to reach this place through your own will, child of Order."
A gentle, melodious voice came from deep within the vortex of light. Light and shadow, existence and Nihility, intertwined into splendid patterns, lending the solemn space an air of mystery and peace.
Sunday, with a halo and feathered wings beside his ears, fell silent for a moment before slowly asking, "How should I address Your Excellency?"
Primordial God of Boundless Merit, Infinity, and Haotian Shangdi.
That was what Su Lin had intended to say, but in the end he simplified it. "Primordial God."
"Aeon of Hope..." Sunday's eyes had been as still as a quiet lake, but at that answer, undercurrents seemed to stir within them. "Merciful Hope, forgive my presumption. May I ask why I am here?"
"Order is one part of my Authority. You may regard me as Taiyi's continuation, Order's transformation," Su Lin said. "Since my return, I have reclaimed the ancient god's power from Xipe. I am now a complete god, with power enough to judge the other gods."
Before coming here, he had only gotten as far as version 2.1 of the story. He had never expected this