Chapter 269: The Rakshasa God
Hearing the Rakshasa God's words, Yang Potian sneered. "To you gods, I may be insignificant, but even if I fall, I can still take you down with me."
The Rakshasa God's voice boomed with anger: "Insolent! A mere mortal dares to challenge a god? Don't think I can't kill you just because you're a candidate for godhood."
Yang Potian took the bundle from his back, pulling out the Shura Demon Sword and stabbing it into the ground without even unsheathing it.
"Rakshasa God, you are but an ordinary god. With this divine weapon, I bear the Shura God's authority. Do you dare defy the might of the God-King?"
Yang Potian then gave a look to Qian Renxue, who nodded and drew the Angelic Holy Sword from her back, gripping it tightly.
The Rakshasa God's voice turned icy. "Two god-candidates? Do you intend to threaten me, mortals?"
Yang Potian shook his head calmly. "Lord Rakshasa, I'm not here to threaten you. I came to propose a simple transaction."
"A transaction? A mortal wants to negotiate with a god?"
"What difference does it make if one is mortal or divine? A transaction benefits both parties, so why not?"
The Rakshasa God fell silent momentarily, then spoke. "If you wish to negotiate, you need at least the qualifications to do so. I don't waste time dealing with insects."
Yang Potian's expression turned cold. "Enough of the 'insect' talk. If I'm not mistaken, you serve the Evil God-King. Do you think he'd intervene if the Shura God truly wished to end you?"
The Rakshasa God's voice dropped ominously. "Do you really believe the Shura God would defy the laws of the Divine Realm over a mere candidate?"
Yang Potian laughed. "The Divine Realm's laws? You think a godly enforcer like Shura wouldn't know those laws' loopholes—or how to exploit them?"
"And don't forget, this isn't the first time you've meddled in Shura's affairs. You interfered with both Tang Chen and Bibi Dong—two of Shura's chosen ones. A third time might be pushing your luck."
After a long pause, the Rakshasa God spoke. "Human, what exactly do you wish to negotiate? I doubt you possess anything of value."
"I do. But the question is, do you have the desire to make this deal?"
"Then state your terms, and ensure your offer is worth my consideration."
Yang Potian thought for a moment before speaking. "My terms are simple. You do not interfere in the god trials of me or Qian Renxue. Nor will you tamper with Bibi Dong's god trial, and you will cease your influence over the Slaughter City."
The Rakshasa God laughed darkly. "Human, aren't your demands a bit excessive? I do as I please. You, a mere candidate, have no power to threaten me."
Yang Potian shook his head. "You may be a First-Level God, but behind me stands the Shura God, the Angel God, and even the Sea God. Do you really want them as your enemies?"
"And who says I'll remain a mere candidate forever? If I inherit the Shura God's throne, I'll become an enforcer of the Divine Realm. I doubt you'd enjoy having me watching your every move."
The Rakshasa God's tone held a hint of scorn. "The gods you speak of might pose a certain threat, but they wouldn't go so far as to confront me over you, as I have allies as well. Besides, you're far from achieving godhood."
Yang Potian's eyes gleamed, though he maintained a steady tone. "My terms aren't excessive. If you refrain from interfering, you'll avoid two powerful enemies and lessen potential future threats. It's a favorable deal for you."
The Rakshasa God paused in contemplation before speaking. "Fine, tell me your offer. I hope it's enticing enough."
"My offer is simple—your chosen successor, Bibi Dong. I will guarantee her safety and ensure she successfully inherits your godhood."
The Rakshasa God's voice sharpened. "You would dare use my successor as leverage against me? And do you truly think you can pull it off?"
Yang Potian shook his head. "It's not about whether I can. My strength on Douluo is unmatched. Without my cooperation, your godhood will have no heir. My only demand is that we agree to mutual non-interference."
"And once I ascend to the Divine Realm, I could easily disrupt your inheritance. Or would you prefer to stay hidden in the Divine Realm forever?"
"What's more, I am closely aligned with the Sea God, who has a high priest on Douluo. Should he also send his priest against you, would your godhood survive it?"
The Rakshasa God interrupted. "You're asking far too much. So far, you've given nothing. Do you call this mutual benefit?"
Yang Potian finally allowed himself a smile. "That's easily solved. I'll work with your successor to ensure she can successfully inherit your godhood. That way, everyone wins."
The Rakshasa God's voice grew colder. "And if I refuse? What then?"
Yang Potian's face turned serious. "You're right; I can't do much to you, and you're only a projection. But with the Shura Demon Sword and Angelic Holy Sword, I could destroy this secret realm. If it's lost and Bibi Dong dies, you'll find it hard to pass on your godhood."
"And if you continue to meddle in my trial, I'll have no choice but to call upon Shura and the Sea God to handle this."
With that, Yang Potian gripped the hilt of the Shura Demon Sword as though ready to strike, while Qian Renxue held her Angelic Holy Sword, poised to act as well.
The Rakshasa God laughed. "Interesting, you mortals. Yang Potian, you're more capable than I imagined, and you have ambition. Would you consider inheriting my godhood? If you agree, you can become the Rakshasa God immediately."
Yang Potian shook his head. "Thank you for the offer, but I'm a mere mortal unworthy of betraying the Shura God."
The Rakshasa God was silent for a long time before finally speaking: "Very well, I accept your deal. From this moment on, I will not interfere with your god trials."
As the Rakshasa God's words echoed, Qian Renxue suddenly spoke up: "Rakshasa God, why did you harm me? Why did you push Bibi Dong into all this? Why did you make us fight each other?"
The Rakshasa God looked at Bibi Dong and Qian Renxue, letting out a mocking laugh. "Young girl, while I am indeed an evil god, I can only amplify the darkness already present in your hearts. As for what you and Bibi Dong have done, that was merely a reflection of your own desires. I simply allowed those thoughts to surface."
With the Rakshasa God's words, the space around them fell into silence.
The Rakshasa God hadn't wanted to agree so easily to Yang Potian's terms, but he sensed two divine presences watching him intently.
In the Divine Realm, at the Shura Temple, Shura God and Sea God sat together, observing the situation of Yang Potian and his companions through a large mirror.
The Shura God looked over at the Sea God with a sly smile. "Sea God, I didn't expect you to be so chummy with my successor. Looks like you two have kept quite a few things from me."
The Sea God looked a bit embarrassed. "Shura, you actually believed Yang Potian's words? If I were really so close to him, he'd already be my successor."
"Besides, didn't the Rakshasa God just offer Yang Potian his own godhood? Aren't you even slightly concerned? By the looks of it, Yang Potian is more than capable of ascending."
The Shura God shook his head. "I've come to understand Yang Potian fairly well. I doubt he'd settle for the Rakshasa God's throne. If it weren't for the constraints on Douluo Star, he might not even be interested in my position. I wouldn't be surprised if he's aiming to forge his own godhood."
The Sea God's eyes widened. "Forge his own godhood? Isn't that impossible? His talent may be extraordinary, but that's an entirely different level."
"Sea God, that's where you're mistaken. Yang Potian's ambition knows no bounds. His Broken Soul Spear spirit already has a lineup of five black rings and four red ones, which is indeed impressive. But he still hasn't chosen the final two rings for his main spirit, indicating he may have grander plans."
The two gods fell into silence, both aware of the hunger for greater power that lurked even within them as beings of the Divine Realm.
After some time, the Sea God spoke. "Shura, Yang Potian mentioned that as the enforcer of the Divine Realm, you know the loopholes in divine law and exploit them as you see fit. Is that true?"
The Shura God's face darkened. "That's utter nonsense. Divine law is flawless. As an enforcer, I work to uphold it. Even if there were any loopholes, I'd be the first to seal them. I wouldn't exploit them for my own gain."
The Sea God looked at the Shura God skeptically, sensing something amiss. After all, it was rare for someone as composed as Shura to show any anger.
He finally said, "Shura, while we were able to watch the Rakshasa God just now, there's no guarantee he won't take extreme measures. Should we warn him? He's already sabotaged two of your chosen successors."
The Shura God shook his head. "The Rakshasa God has the Evil God-King's protection. He acts covertly, never leaving any evidence. Even I can't publicly challenge him."
"But," he added with a slight smile, "one day in the Divine Realm equals a year on Douluo Star. You could spar with him for a week or two—perhaps twenty years will pass on Douluo in the meantime. That way, he won't have time to meddle."
"Moreover, as Yang Potian pointed out, the Rakshasa God has no high priest on Douluo Star. He'd have to take direct action himself to pass on his godhood. You, on the other hand, could influence events through your high priest without such interference."
"And if worse comes to worst, I'll be watching closely."
The Sea God raised an eyebrow, catching the loophole in Shura's words. "Doesn't this technically count as exploiting divine law?"
The Sea God still hesitated. "Shura, while we're both first-level gods, isn't it a bit much for me to challenge the Rakshasa God? I have the power of faith on my side, after all."
Shura's expression grew solemn. "How can that be unfair? You're both on equal footing as first-level gods. A friendly spar is perfectly acceptable. Divine law has no objections, so rest easy. I'll take care of speaking to Evil."
The Sea God felt as if he were being led into a trap. "Shura, why don't you spar with him yourself? I could speak to Evil in your place."
The Shura God looked at him with disdain. "As the Divine Realm's God-King, would it be fitting for me to lower myself to spar with the Rakshasa God? That would be beneath me."
Sea God: …
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