The Council of the Gods, the Covenanters

The terrorist attack was much more effective than Li Lin had imagined.

After all, nothing like this had ever happened on the Morning Wind Continent before. Although bandits occasionally attacked small villages and towns to plunder, that was just simple robbery and had nothing to do with terrorism. While wars between nations had also seen similar destruction, that was simply part of the war. Terrorist attacks like this were still a novelty for the people of the Morning Wind Continent.

However, the results were exceptionally brilliant.

According to preliminary statistics, nearly 5,000 people were killed and 30,000 injured in the terrorist attack on Saint Roland City. The knights and army responsible for protecting Saint Roland City were almost entirely wiped out. This horrific scene shocked the entire continent. What puzzled everyone most was who had committed such an act. After all, before the attack, the Temple, with its own agenda, had already publicized its invitation to the Five-Nation Alliance to attend an important meeting, and many people knew about it. Therefore, after the terrorist attack, the news spread to every corner of the continent even faster than before. Almost everyone was surprised and puzzled by the attacker's audacity. After all, these were important figures from the Five-Nation Alliance, and together with the Temple and the Mages' Association, it could be said that the most powerful forces on the entire continent had been gathered. Yet, even under such circumstances, someone dared to openly attack the city hosting the meeting, even killing all the representatives of the Five-Nation Alliance along with their entourage, leaving no survivors. This was a blatant provocation and declaration of war; the hostility was undeniable.

While some cheered, some were angry, some were fearful, and some were saddened by the attack, they were completely unsure of whom to vent their emotions to. If this was the beginning of a military war, then which country was involved? The Five-Nation Alliance was the most powerful nation on the continent. The surrounding smaller countries simply did not possess such power. Moreover, even if it were an act of war, involving the Temple would be extremely unwise. This would mean that the Temple could rally the other nations to punish those who dared to offend the majesty of the gods. Not to mention, they also possessed their own military force— the Paladin Order —a force far beyond that of ordinary regular armies. Furthermore, although the Mages' Association was still widely disliked and feared, their strength was arguably among the top in the continent.

Regardless of whether this attack was an act of war or not, it was clearly a blatant declaration of war against the Five-Nation Alliance, the Temple, and the Mages' Association simultaneously. Across the entire continent, no other power—not even those forces lurking in the shadows—possesses such terrifying strength.

In an instant, rumors flew all over the continent. Some said it was a ruse by the Temple, a ploy to bring the entire continent under their control, since the Temple was the host of the conference, and their only loss was a highly respected bishop. Others said it was an attack by demons, that the terrifying devils of mythology were attacking the world and attempting to exterminate humanity. Still others, based on legends from a thousand years ago, believed it was actually a signal from the Mages' Association, that these evil, insidious, and terrifying mages had finally regained their formidable power after a millennium. Still others thought it was the Five-Nation Alliance planning to attack the Temple but being attacked instead. In short, all sorts of rumors were circulating, causing widespread panic, while the Five-Nation Alliance, the Temple, and the Mages' Association unexpectedly remained silent. This only exacerbated the unease of others.

The most widespread rumors were those about the death of the envoy from the Five-Nation Alliance and the white beam of light that pierced through and destroyed a significant portion of the city. After the attack, although the Temple took measures, many people still fled the city, scattering and telling everyone they met what had happened in Saint Rolante City. These already unbelievable rumors became increasingly exaggerated with each retelling. The final versions varied, even including exaggerated claims that Saint Roland City had vanished from the continent, with no one escaping alive.

In contrast to the composed silence of the Five-Nation Alliance and the Temple, the Mages' Association was clearly not so easily able to remain calm. After all, magic was still universally acknowledged as a weapon of mass destruction. Only those evil mages could destroy cities with a flick of their wrist, without the aid of soldiers. Therefore, they received far more criticism, accusations, and attacks than the Five-Nation Alliance and the Temple. In some places, clashes even broke out between enraged civilians and mages, resulting in several fights. Although the Mages' Association tried its best to suppress the situation, the low-level mages, who had done nothing yet faced such hostility, clearly wouldn't let the matter rest.

While chaos reigned on the mainland, a completely different scene unfolded in the Ringwraith City, which floated above the ocean.

"Our attack was a great success this time."

After listening to the reports from all sides, Li Lin nodded with great satisfaction. Although they did not have their own intelligence system, Li Lin possessed artificial liches lurking within the Mages' Association, coupled with the soul connection between the City of a Thousand Towers and Duke Lalia, controlled by Angela, so they were naturally well-informed about what was happening on the continent.

"Indeed, Master. So, where shall we attack next? The Five-Nation Alliance? The Temple? Or the Mages' Association? I can't wait to inflict fear and pain upon those lowly humans."

"Hmph, here we go again."

Yi Aier glared at Angela with displeasure and snorted.

"Miss Angela, why do you keep using terms like 'lowly humans'... It's one thing for us to be weapons, but our master is also a human being. By saying that, aren't you insulting our master as well?"

"Hmph, so you're just an immature little girl."

Despite Yi Aier's disgruntled accusations, Angela surprisingly remained unchanged, proudly raising her head to look at the maid before her.

"You didn't hear me clearly, did you? I said 'lowly humans,' not 'lowly' humans."

As she spoke, Angela deliberately paused before the latter, looking at Yi Aier, whose face had turned pale with anger, with a smug smile.

"'Lowly humans' are everywhere, so why can't I say that? Do you think your master is as simple-minded as you, with all his nutrients going to his breasts? You fool!"

"You... you're just making excuses!!"

"Alright, alright, you two."

Kalin leaned against the side, stretching lazily.

"There's a time and place for arguing. This is a formal meeting, could you two please be a little quieter?"

"Nia, what's the situation inside Ringwraith City right now?"

Li Lin ignored Angela and Yi Aier's low-level argument; it was harmless anyway, so he let them be. Nia, however, frowned deeply when Li Lin asked her a question.

"The situation isn't good. Although we have enough manpower to grow and produce food, calculations show that we still can't produce enough to supply the entire city's population."

"Grain? What's the point of that, master?"

Angela asked, dissatisfied.

"Is my undead army insufficient to meet your needs?"

"Of course not, Angela."

Li Lin shook his head, then gently patted Angela's head reassuringly.

"War requires an army, but a nation is not something that can be built solely by an army. This is a nation; we need people, and people who are loyal to us. Indeed, your Ghoul army is invincible. But they can do nothing but fight. They cannot grow crops, nor can they trade or negotiate. It's impossible to accomplish all of this with me and my weapons."

"Li Lin and I have found a way to permanently materialize these souls."

Nia chimed in from the side.

"However, this will take a long time to accomplish, and even then, ten thousand men are insufficient to defend and develop our territory. We must allocate additional personnel to handle all of this."

"Don't you intend to use prisoners, Master?"

"War with the Five-Nation Alliance requires no prisoners."

Faced with Angela's surprised answer, Li Lin coldly reached out and chopped downwards.

"The mere thought of them prospering on the corpses and blood of our people makes me feel nauseous and want to vomit. All members of the Five-Nation Alliance must die, without exception. They didn't give us a chance then, and we won't give them one now."

"Then, where will the subjects come from?"

Angela frowned as well. She had initially thought Li Lin would use the prisoners as his subjects. But it seemed Li Lin had no intention of doing so. However, whether the people of those destroyed nations would genuinely follow Li Lin was also a question. Perhaps they would obey temporarily under the threat of death, but once they were fed and clothed, who knew what they would want? After a thousand years, the people of the Five-Nation Alliance had long since developed a sense of belonging to the Five-Nation Alliance. This was evident in the mage's current situation in the world; they were still influenced by the legends of a thousand years ago, and filled with fear.

"If this were on Earth, there would probably be no solution to it."

As he spoke, Li Lin shrugged.

"Fortunately, there are many things here that don't exist on Earth. We can use magic to increase the birth rate and educate them using methods from the Magic Empire era. Of course, this is something we'll consider after we destroy the Five-Nation Alliance; it's too early to talk about that now. However, it's always good to be prepared."

As he spoke, Li Lin stood up and reached out to stroke Angela's hair.

"I know that's not what you really want to ask, is it?"

"Why?"

Angela looked at Li Lin in surprise, a hint of nervousness flickering in her bright red eyes. Li Lin didn't say much. Ever since Angela's triumphant answer and proud report on how she handled the villagers, he had sensed the little girl's thoughts. Although Angela hadn't asked directly, her hidden meaning was quite clear. Thinking of this, Li Lin turned to look at Suoxiate, who stood quietly to the side.

"Nia, Angela, and I are heading to the Tour de France Hall. Don't let anyone disturb us, and stay alert."

"Yes, Master."

"Let's go."

After receiving Suoxiate's assurance, Li Lin took Angela's hand and led the still somewhat bewildered woman out of the room, while Nia smiled slightly and followed closely behind.

The Hall of the Ring of Law, located on the top floor of the central tower, is a circular hall built of obsidian. It remained largely undamaged during the previous war and offers a panoramic view of the entire Ringwraith City, making it arguably the best place for sightseeing. However, when Angela stepped into the room, she immediately frowned, for the little one had keenly sensed an aura of divine power spreading within. She frowned and looked at Li Lin, clearly awaiting his explanation.

"Owner?"

"Don't worry, just sit here."

As he spoke, Li Lin pressed Angela down to sit on one of the stone chairs. He looked around, his expression gradually changing from relaxed to serious. Then, he sat down next to Angela, in the center of the round table. Nia sat close to Li Lin on the other side, her expression also very serious. Clearly, this was not just a place to enjoy the scenery.

"Sorry to keep you all waiting."

As Li Lin spoke, the previously bright circular hall immediately dimmed. Starlight slowly appeared around them, and the entire room seemed to have been immersed in an infinite starry sky. At that moment, in other places that were previously empty, several human figures gradually appeared.

"That really surprises me."

Li Lin carefully counted the number of people who had come and was slightly surprised. Not only were the Elf Goddess, the God of Light, the Goddess of Dawn, and the God of Dwarves, whom he had met before, present, but even the Goddess of Secrets and several other gods he had not met before were also there.

"Although it has been over a thousand years since the last 'Astral Plane Meeting' was held, I never expected that this would be the largest gathering to date."

He spoke with a slightly teasing tone.

"Thanks to your help, Arcane Mage."

The God of Light responded, his voice tinged with relief and gratitude.

"Your actions did indeed cause that traitor to halt his attacks on us, giving us time to regroup and attend this Astral Plane Meeting."

"Then why is the God of Death here?"

Li Lin looked to the other side, at a man completely wrapped in a long robe, wearing only a mask.

"Haven't you been living comfortably in the City of Death? I heard the God of Justice hasn't bothered you, has he?"

"That was before, Arcane Mage."

This time, it was the Goddess of Dawn who answered Li Lin's question.

"Now, that despicable traitor clearly wants to take over the office of death. Shortly after we left last time, he launched an attack on the City of Death. If it weren't for the assistance of the King of the Nine Levels of Hell, he probably would have succeeded."

"The King of the Nine Levels of Hell... Well, the Astral Plane Meeting is a meeting of gods, it's a pity it can't attend, otherwise I would definitely thank it."

Li Lin shrugged.

"The situation has become extremely dire, Arcane Mage."

For the first time, the God of Death's usually indifferent tone became somewhat agitated.

"The traitor's current state is increasingly bizarre; we are no match for him. Even with everyone working together, we can only fend off and hide from his attacks. We hope you can find the Great Book of Law immediately and use it to restore order to the world."

"I need time."

Faced with the urgent words of the God of Death, Li Lin frowned.

"As the God of Death, you should know better than I the extent of the damage caused by the fall of the Magic Empire. I can only do this here..." He gestured to the stone table before him... "... help you lighten your burden, but according to the treaty, I cannot interfere there..." Li Lin pointed to the endless starry sky before him... "... the problem with the God of Justice is something you must handle yourselves, because only gods can do it. As Arcane Mage, it is stipulated in the treaty that I do not directly participate in the battles between gods; you should not have forgotten that, right? Moreover, that imposter is currently residing in the Temple of the Three Supreme Gods. Only gods can enter and exit there. Even if I wanted to rush in and steal the Great Book of Law, it would be impossible unless I killed any one of you now and obtained their divine power, godhood, and divine office. Only then can we discuss the topic of entering and stealing... Alright, this is not the issue we should be discussing right now. In fact, the reason I summoned you all to the Astral Plane Meeting is because of something very important."

As he spoke, Li Lin patted Angela's head, while the little girl stared at the gods before her with curiosity and hostility, showing no fear whatsoever in the face of their divine power.

"I think some of you already know, but I'll introduce her anyway. This adorable little one is my familiar, Angela Christie, and the key figure in the success of this operation... Therefore, I have a request for you all."

At this point, Li Lin paused, and after confirming that all the gods were watching him, he continued.

"I ask that you all here conclude an agreement... that no one may interfere with any of our actions before this war is over."