A single decision can often alter the course of one's life—
Even for a god, that truth remains unchanged.
At this very moment, Vortex God was profoundly grateful for the clarity of mind his past self had shown. He had known when to fight and when to yield, and wisely chose to join rather than die fighting.
Had he, like Orobashi, been swayed by other gods into attacking the Taixuan Sect, he would've perished miserably—nothing left of him but a pile of bones, not even a trace of divine remnant.
Thinking of Orobashi's tragic end, Vortex God couldn't help but grin.
Thank you, Orobashi, for your sacrifice!
If not for those gods serving as examples, he might never have learned the virtue of being "worldly-wise."
"Had I chosen to ally with Morax in that age," Vortex God sighed, "I might not have ended up sealed beneath the waves..."
In the beginning, he and Morax bore no enmity, but as they competed for dominion over the continent, hostility deepened until one day, a single geo spear struck him down.
Now, seeing how differently things played out in another lifetime, he found some comfort—
at least that version of himself had some sense! Following the Grand Sect Master couldn't possibly end badly.
Morax led Azhdaha (the Dragon King of Ruotuo), God of Salt the Salt God, and Vortex God to negotiate with the final god.
Though the Vortex God thrived in the ocean, it didn't mean he couldn't step on land.
He was uncomfortable, yes, and his power was limited—but Vortex God was a practical god.
Having joined the Taixuan Sect, he now obeyed Elder Morax's commands.
"Here we are," said Morax, stopping before a mist-shrouded land.
"Whose territory is this?" Azhdaha asked.
"The God of Hearts," Morax replied, his tone heavy. "Be careful—this one is troublesome to deal with."
"So there will be a battle, then?" Vortex God rumbled, his many heads bracing themselves.
Morax nodded. "He wields power over the mind, weaving illusions and dreams. Be wary—don't be deceived."
"What do you mean?" Azhdaha frowned.
"For instance, you might be standing on a cliff's edge. His illusion could make you think you're walking a smooth path toward your perfect dream world—
then you take a step forward, and fall to your death.
"Even in battle, you might think you're striking him down... but your blade could be piercing your friend."
Azhdaha's scales bristled. "Then how are we supposed to fight that?!"
"Leave him to me," said Morax calmly. "He has enslaved countless creatures through his illusions. They may not be evil by nature, only blinded. When we fight, be careful not to kill needlessly."
"Understood," Azhdaha said gravely. God of Salt, however, was visibly trembling.
As they entered the God of Hearts's domain, a suffocating presence filled the air.
"I—I'll join the Taixuan Sect!"
The God of Hearts shouted before Morax even spoke.
Morax's golden eyes swept across the land. "...I fear that's not possible."
"Why?!" the God of Hearts cried, half-panicked.
"You enslave living beings as your tools," Morax said coldly. "That alone is sin.
And to force them into evil deeds—that is sin upon sin.
"The Taixuan Sect is a place of purity. How could it accept one such as you?"
The God of Hearts's face darkened. "Then there's nothing to discuss?!"
Morax's silence was answer enough.
A spear of stone burst from his hand, flying with crushing might.
"Protect me!" the God of Hearts screamed, commanding hordes of creatures to throw themselves before the spear.
But the spear pierced through them all, nailing the God of Hearts to the earth.
"Morax… Taixuan Sect!!!" the god howled, gathering his remaining power. "Even if I die, I'll curse you all!"
A surge of water roared down from above—Vortex God's jet of pressurized seawater silenced him mid-curse.
Morax raised a second spear, ready to strike the final blow—
"Wait!" the God of Hearts roared. "We both bear the burden of protecting our people! Don't you fear I'll turn this land into a wasteland before I die?!"
Morax paused. "If you truly cared for your people," he said icily, "why use their lives as bargaining chips?"
"I sheltered them from war! What else do I owe them?!"
Morax's gaze hardened. "You created illusions to pacify them, drove them to fight beasts in your stead, and called that mercy?!"
The God of Hearts fell silent.
From all directions, enslaved warriors approached—
A four-armed giant, bare-chested, bellowing in rage.
A silent youth with sharp eyes, murder in his gaze.
"Look, brothers!" the giant cried. "These beasts would invade our home! What do we do?!"
"Kill them!" the youth answered coldly.
The horde charged.
Their faces were filled with conviction, yet it was not their own—it was the God of Hearts's illusion binding their minds.
When the battle ended, the God of Hearts's corpse lay still.
The illusions shattered; clarity and horror returned to those he had enslaved.
"What… have I done?" the four-armed warrior murmured.
The youth fell to his knees, staring at his hands, trembling.
"Leave this place," Morax said quietly, suppressing the lingering divine hatred with a single spear strike.
When they had all regrouped, Azhdaha asked softly, "Elder, what shall we do with them?"
Morax thought for a moment. "Their sins must be atoned for—but their crimes were not of their own will.
"Let them redeem themselves through service. Give them a chance to join the Taixuan Sect—
to fight for the future of humanity."
Thus, a contract was formed.
From that day onward, the Yaksha race served under the Taixuan Sect.
When all the gods across the land had been dealt with, Morax led them back to the sect.
In keeping with Taixuan doctrine—merit must be rewarded.
Morax received his due honors.
God of Salt, lacking battle strength, was assigned to oversee the sect's medicinal gardens.
Vortex God was made Vortex God.
Azhdaha, the Dragon King, was named Azhdaha of the Taixuan Sect.
And the Yaksha race became enforcers under Morax's command, purging evil across the land.
Vortex God, in particular, was overjoyed.
"Haha! Thank you, Elder Morax!" he laughed. "Had you not forced me to join, how would I have ever gotten the Taixuan Scripture? It strengthens me without eroding my essence! Hahaha!"
Morax blinked. "Forced you? Did I not invite you to join?"
Vortex God paused… then burst out laughing. "Ah, yes! A most gracious invitation indeed!"
[Vortex God]: From now on, you shall address me as Vortex God! (grinning emoji)
[Venti]: Sure thing—but remember, even the mightiest have their day. Right now, you're still Liyue's prisoner of war! (laughs)
[Vortex God]: Barbatos! You're cutting me deep! (cries)
Within the Taixuan Sect, after the gods departed, Gu Chen sat quietly in contemplation.
"What are you thinking about?" Guizhong asked, hugging her knees as she sat among a sea of flowers.
"I'm pondering the nature of divine authority," Gu Chen said slowly. "So many gods fight endlessly for control of this world.
"I'm wondering… should I forge a divine artifact and appoint the gods myself—to end this meaningless slaughter?"
"What?!" Guizhong exclaimed, eyes wide. "You mean to appoint gods on behalf of Heaven?! Isn't that... defiance of the natural order?"
Gu Chen chuckled. "Defiance? The phrase 'on behalf of Heaven' is just a formality.
"If you prefer, you may call it the Taixuan Apotheosis."
Guizhong was speechless, staring at him in awe. "You... You're too bold!"
"Are you afraid?" he asked with a smile.
"I'm the Grand Elder of the Taixuan Sect—why should I fear? Even if it costs my life, I believe you'll succeed!"
Gu Chen's eyes gleamed. "The laws of this world have always been written by the strong.
"And since I am one of the strong... I shall write my own.
"I will make the Taixuan Sect greater still, its radiance shining across all mankind.
"The fate of humanity must rest in human hands.
"I have the power—and the resolve—to see it done.
"It is time… for gods of our making to arise."
His declaration left Guizhong breathless—
and the countless viewers in utter shock.
[Kaeya]: What the—he's planning to create gods?!
[Ayaka]: I must've misheard... right?
[Linney]: Hiss...
[Tartaglia]: LET'S GO, SECT MASTER!!!
[Zhongli]: In what manner does the Sect Master intend to confer divinity?
[Venti]: Good grief, he's really planning to defy Heaven itself...
[Furina]: Who cares?! Sect Master, CHARGE!!!
[Raiden Ei]: I believe in my brother-in-law. (nods)
Meanwhile, in the real world—
Upon Skyfrost Island, the Sustainer of Heavenly Principles had long since awakened.
She gazed at the giant light-screen before her—the one that seemed to display everything just for her.
And when Gu Chen's declaration echoed across the heavens, her expression froze.
"What—what did you just say?!"
"You're going to appoint gods yourself?! Are you trying to rebel against Heaven?!"
Her voice trembled between fury and disbelief.
This man…
He was truly mad enough to challenge the heavens themselves.
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