Chapter 288: The Faith and Will of Redlichia

I am God

The Realm of the Creator God.

God’s Moon suddenly radiated with brilliant light.

Outside the Pyramid Temple, a black-haired man in white robes stood silently.

He appeared without warning, as if he had always been there while materializing in an instant.

He slowly raised his head to gaze at the silver moon beyond the horizon.

He stared intently at the silver moon as if lost in thought. After a long pause, he finally spoke.

“The Covenant of the Wisdom Race.”

His face remained expressionless, showing neither coldness nor emotion.

Like the moon in the sky, it conveyed neither warmth nor chill.

The enormous moon, crafted entirely from God’s Grace Stone, turned transparent and faintly revealed the ancient crown sealed inside.

Rows of text on the crown gradually lit up as light flowed through its shallow grooves, quickly circulating around each row before moving on to the next.

They were the Redlichia Covenant and the Monster Covenant.

The two covenants were not the same.

The Redlichia Covenant was born of deep faith in God. Through this covenant, Redlichia passed his wisdom ability to his descendants, eventually spreading it throughout all Trilobite Men and inscribing his eternal faith upon the crown.

Yet this very faith transformed his son, King Yesael, into a prisoner.

The Creator eventually reclaimed the crown.

The Monster Covenant was born after Haru, the progenitor of monsters, created the Monster Race and waged brutal slaughter against the Trilobite Men. From then on, the Monster Race was allowed to survive in the wilderness but was forbidden from entering the cities of the Trilobite Men.

The covenant lost its practical meaning when the entire Yinsai and the old continent were swallowed by the sea, causing the Trilobite Men to lose their civilization and all they once possessed.

Nevertheless, the oath endured through the ages and could not be erased even in the current era.

Even now, monsters cannot approach the former cities and villages of the Trilobite Men, even though these ancient sites have become terrifying, forbidden lands ruled by demigods, and King Redlichia’s faith still resides in the crown.

This was why the Door of Truth had informed Yafuan about the Crown of Wisdom Covenant.

No matter what Xiao’s purpose was or whether the Abyss was his conspiracy or trap.

The moment the Abyss Race formed a covenant with the Crown of Wisdom, everything would slip beyond Xiao’s control, no matter what plans he had hidden.

A dreamy starlight appeared outside the Pyramid Temple as a golden-haired goddess descended among its columns.

Although the Pyramid Temple looked completely different from its original form, ancient carvings left by Redlichia still adorned its exterior walls. This tradition continued into the current era. The Mother of Life even referenced it when renovating her temple, ensuring that the Mother of All Snakes left carvings on the wall outside the Temple of Life.

Hila walked past the wall carvings and caught up to Yin Shen.

Noticing that Yin Shen was also gazing at the moon, she spoke.

“God, an ordinary mortal who understands nothing is calling upon the Crown of Wisdom through spiritual resonance with the Dream Realm. I have already severed his connection.”

Such events had occurred in the previous era. When Trilobite priests made breakthroughs, they could sense the Divine Cup drawing power from above.

However, this was done according to established rituals and with the Creator’s permission.

No one dared to connect rashly with a divine artifact the way Yafuan did. That was suicidal.

Yin Shen had no interest in this mortal. Instead, he saw a deeper change in the Dream Realm.

“The Dream Realm has grown stronger. It is rooted in the Divine Cup, the Crown of Wisdom, and now the Mother Conch of All Things as well.”

“It has thoroughly connected with the dreams, spirits, and wills of all living beings.”

“Because of this, in this era, mortals with deep spirituality or those who resonate with the Dream Realm can communicate directly with supernatural power through simple actions and the chanting of divine names.”

Yafuan not only possessed powerful spirituality but also, through reading the Book of Xiuborn, had his mental will strongly resonate with the Dream Realm, enabling him to hear the roars and curses of countless Trilobite Men and further synchronize his consciousness with it.

The Dream Sovereign was curious about something else: “What was he trying to do? Why would he connect with the Crown of Wisdom?”

Yin Shen had already seen everything and knew what Yafuan intended to do.

He said calmly: “He learned about the covenant but does not know the complete ritual. He connected with the Crown of Wisdom with only partial understanding.”

Hila did not understand: “Aren’t covenants used by God to bind all living beings?”

“God did not bind them, so why would they bind themselves?”

Yin Shen looked at the spirit and shook his head: “The purpose of covenants is not only to bind but also to protect.”

“Through the covenant, Redlichia passed down the bloodline and will of wisdom forever. The Monster Race survived from the previous era to the present because they had a covenant.”

Yin Shen told the spirit: “Since Redlichia established the first covenant, it has had its own rules.”

“When you establish a covenant for the continuation of the wisdom race, the Crown of Wisdom will offer you certain protection. This is the instinct of the Crown of Wisdom, as well as Redlichia’s faith and will.”

These secrets and essential principles were unknown even to the Dream Sovereign.

Although Hila had witnessed the Monster Covenant, she had only been following Yin Shen’s will at the time.

As the Creator of all things and the source of all abilities, Yin Shen could naturally perceive the essence of everything.

“However, most people probably don’t understand this principle.”

“He just wants to use this method to bind another race.”

The Sovereign of Dreams looked at Yin Shen: “Will the Crown of Wisdom agree to his request with such a purposeful covenant?”

Yin Shen glanced at Hila, who had just intervened to save Yafuan’s life.

“Since he survived the backlash, he has seen the correct covenant ritual and rules.”

“Let’s see if he can succeed!”

The spirit immediately lowered her head in embarrassment. She was always so kind-hearted.

Yet she also knew that Yin Shen would not mind such things and might even welcome them.

Hila was inherently benevolent, and acting on her kind nature came naturally to her.

Yin Shen turned to leave as the brilliant silver moon in the sky gradually dimmed.

—

After returning from the ruins of the capital, Yafuan secluded himself in a small house with the Book of Xiuborn.

He needed to clear his mind and formulate a viable plan.

His plan began with a reply from Florrie, the messenger of the gods, and was further developed under the guidance of the Door of Truth and the Ghost Polik family.

Now, after reading the Book of Xiuborn, despite having suffered severe backlash from communicating with God’s Moon in a state of madness and frenzy, Yafuan had learned the methods and rules for performing the Crown of Wisdom Covenant ritual.

He felt more confident about his plan.

【Crown of Wisdom Covenant】

【First, the one making the covenant must be able to represent the entire race】

【Second, the covenant must align with the will of the race’s continuation.】

【Third, this covenant can never be modified throughout eternity.】

The last condition, in particular, sent a shiver through him.

That it could never be modified throughout eternity was a harsh truth.

For one person’s oath to bind future generations forever was an incredibly cruel burden.

The birth and extinction of races may be but a blink of an eye to an eternal deity like the Creator, rendering this so-called eternity meaningful only to the divine.

Ultimately, this covenant would become nothing more than a casual note in the eternal deity’s record book.

The Bone Demon Yafuan set down the pen clutched in his skeletal hand as his white jawbone split open.

“This is exactly the kind of cruelty I need,” he said with satisfaction.

Yafuan finally rose to his feet.

He tightened his cloak and pulled up the coarse bandages around his neck to cover his face.

Only then did he open the door and instruct the attendant to summon King Sidi of Avel and the lower-ranking Witch Spirit Nia from the temple.

It didn’t take long before voices echoed from the corridor outside.

King Sidi of Avel and Nia arrived together, closing the door behind them as they stepped inside.

They both knew that what they were about to discuss concerned the fate of all the people of Avel.

In the lamplight, Yafuan stood upright.

The firelight cast on his bandage-wrapped face gave him a somewhat eerie appearance.

Yafuan noticed Sidi’s gaze fixed on his face and shook his head, saying,

“It’s ugly. Don’t stare.”

King Sidi, now a middle-aged man, laughed heartily: “I think it looks quite good. If I were younger, I might have joined you in taking this form.”

Yafuan replied: “Your Majesty Sidi, you should forbid such thoughts.”

“You are a Snake Person, the king of the Avel people.”

Yafuan had learned from the Polik family how disastrous the Bone Demons had been in the previous era.

And what truly caused it all was not only the Bone Demons but also uncontrollable desire and greed.

“I was just trying to comfort you, Yafuan!” said King Sidi.

Yafuan smiled and replied: “I don’t need comfort. I only want to resolve this damned Abyss now.”

Then Yafuan took out his old, yellowing leather-bound notebook.

He flipped through the map-filled pages until he reached the very last page.

Nia moved closer to Yafuan, standing beside him and looking down at the text.

“Lord Yafuan, is this the plan we are about to start? Is it truly the solution for the Abyss?”

Sidi also seemed excited, his eyes gleaming in the darkness.

He took the lamp and held it to read what was written in the notebook.

Yafuan’s notebook contained densely written passages with numerous revisions throughout.

It was clear he had meticulously considered every aspect, analyzing both external and internal factors.

In the end, he distilled his thoughts into several key points.

Yafuan told Sidi and Nia: “I call this plan the Abyss Sealing Project.”

“My goal is to use the source of Wisdom Ability and the power of the supreme artifact Crown of Wisdom to seal the entire Abyss and bind all Abyss races.”

“But achieving this is extremely difficult.”

“We have only one chance.”

“So we cannot make a single mistake.”

King Sidi exchanged a glance with Yafuan: “Tell us, what should we do?”

Nia looked at Yafuan and nodded, showing her unwavering trust.

Yafuan stood up and retrieved a wooden board to write on, as if that was the only way to accurately express his thoughts.

“First, I need to offer myself as a sacrifice to the Abyss and become an upper-rank Abyss being.”

“The Abyss is a tool that accepts sacrifices.”

“As long as someone can provide a sufficient sacrifice, they can obtain what they desire.”

From Florrie’s reply, Yafuan learned some information about the Abyss.

The Abyss was merely a tool, devoid of intelligence.

It possessed the power of Dark Corruption, which was the result of fallen races emerging from the spiritual contamination at the roots of life. That was why the Abyss Race emerged. Upper-rank Abyss beings could control a part of its power.

Another aspect was the Abyss Sacrifice.

Although Yafuan had not received further information, he had witnessed such scenes many times.

Any servant of a deity would be intimately familiar with this process.

If the Abyss was merely a tool, anyone could make sacrifices to it and gain its power and authority through spiritual contracts.

Yafuan had already confirmed this using the Door of Truth.

King Sidi looked at Yafuan: “How do we make the sacrifice?”

Yafuan: “I will lead a group of people to fall together into the Abyss.”

“I am a fourth-rank ability user and a Bone Demon, a race that does not exist in the Abyss but is a powerful species from the previous era.”

“I myself would be the most precious offering for the Abyss.”

This step seemed simple, but it required countless sacrifices of blood and tears.

Death itself was terrifying, but becoming a group of deranged, fallen monsters forever imprisoned in the darkness of the Abyss was even more horrifying.

King Sidi nodded and sighed: “I understand.”

Nia’s eyes turned red as she looked away.

But this had been decided long ago, so she could only remain silent.

Yafuan continued: “After my fall, the entire Abyss will be thrown into chaos, and it will become even stronger.”

“But with two upper-rank Abyss beings, there will definitely be a struggle for power.”

Yafuan stated firmly: “The Abyss Queen Melde will never tolerate another being usurping her control of the Abyss.”

King Sidi: “Then we will gain some time to breathe.”

Yafuan shook his head: “But the outcome of this situation is unpredictable. The temporary chaos cannot hide the fact that the Abyss is growing stronger. Although it was already gradually becoming more powerful, my fall will only accelerate this process.”

“And after I fall, I cannot guarantee that I will remember the past.”

“Even if I remember, I might become insane and evil like Melde.”

“At that time, I might also become an enemy of the Avel people. Do not entertain any hopeful thoughts about pleasant outcomes. We Avel people have never experienced such good fortune.”

“We must prepare for the worst.”

King Sidi noted this, and Yafuan continued.

“However, we can use this chaos when Melde is weakened to successfully arrange the next phase of our plan.”

Yafuan then looked at Nia with utmost seriousness: “This is when we need to implement the second step of the plan by awakening me at a precise moment.”

“Nia, I am entrusting this task to you. I have already explained how to do it, and you know what must be done.”

“This matter is of utmost importance. Nia, you cannot afford to make a mistake. If you do, everything will be lost.”

“All our sacrifices, all our plans will come to nothing.”

The intensity with which Yafuan emphasized the importance showed how crucial this task was.

Nia bit her lip, her eyes red as she nodded: “Rest assured, Lord Yafuan! I will not let that happen.”

Yafuan then spoke about the third step: “Third, when the plan to awaken me is completed.”

“We must immediately begin to suppress Melde and gain control of the Abyss, making a covenant with the Crown of Wisdom in the name of the Abyss and all monsters.”

“Only by suppressing Melde can I communicate with the Dream Realm as the Lord of the Abyss and connect with the Crown of Wisdom, the source of all wisdom. Only through this covenant can we bind all Abyss beings and prevent their power from running wild.”

Sidi asked: “What is the oath?”

Yafuan explained the rules of the Crown of Wisdom Covenant, and Sidi immediately stood up.

“It must align with the will for the race to continue? How is that possible?”

“If they continue to exist, won’t we be doomed?”

Yafuan shook his head: “We do not need to destroy the Abyss. We cannot achieve that.”

“We only need to seal and banish them so that they cannot ravage the mortal world.”

Yafuan looked at Sidi reassuringly.

“I have already considered these matters and understood the rules. I have personally faced the power of the Crown of Wisdom and seen the ancient covenants inscribed on it.”

Nia then asked: “But how can we suppress Melde and gain control of the Abyss? She is so powerful and possesses the Gate of Spirituality.”

Yafuan looked at Sidi: “Therefore, King Sidi, I hope you can personally visit Moonlight Island.”

“We need the help of this generation’s Winged Queen, Duma.”

King Sidi: “Winged Queen Duma?”

“Will she help us? She is only a third-rank ability user. How could she suppress Melde?”

Sidi shook his head: “Yafuan, how can you trust a Winged Person? Even if she agrees, you cannot possibly expect her to influence Melde, the fallen Sky Messenger, based on past familial affection. The idea is absurd.”

Yafuan raised his head, the firelight dancing behind his bandages.

“It’s not that I trust her. I am confident that she will certainly do this and can accomplish it.”

Yafuan revealed a truth he had learned from Florrie’s reply about Duma’s true identity.

“No one desires more than she does to free the Gate of Spirituality from the mire of Abyss corruption. No one else has the authority or the right to control this Gate of Spirituality. As long as the Abyss Queen Melde does not kill her immediately, Duma will deliver a decisive blow because she is the offspring of the Lord of Radiance.”

Yafuan emphasized each word as he looked at Sidi and Nia: “She is a divine child.”

King Sidi of Avel and Nia were dumbfounded.

—

At dawn, Yafuan, Nia, and Sidi rode Land Dragons with their group through the valley, ascending to a high plateau.

The morning sun bathed the mountaintop in dazzling light, filling them with hope.

For years, the Avel people had hidden everywhere, fearing that the Abyss would discover their tracks. They rarely had moments when they could stand proudly on the earth without hiding their presence.

Yafuan stopped at the summit: “The weather today is really nice. It is a good omen. Let’s stop here!”

Hearing Yafuan’s words, Sidi and Nia beside him knew that it was time to part.

Although the plan consisted of three steps, they would implement all parts simultaneously.

Yafuan did not look at them but instead faced the sun, staring at it motionlessly.

He deliberately chose to part ways here, at a sunlit mountaintop.

Yafuan had covered his Bone Demon face with bandages to prevent ordinary Avel people from seeing their Chief Divine Servant transformed into a monstrous figure. Although he was about to become a creature hidden in the dark mire, his heart still longed for light.

Nia clutched the dragon reins and looked at Yafuan with reluctance.

“We can still travel together for a while. Must we part now?”

Nia knew that after this departure, the circumstances of their next meeting were uncertain. It was unknown whether Yafuan would remain the same when they met again.

Yafuan nodded: “Let’s part here!”

King Sidi let out a hearty laugh: “I think this place is good too. Little Nia, do not be sad.”

Nia was much younger than Yafuan and Sidi. They, along with the former Echilio, liked to call her Little Nia.

“Although we are heading in three different directions, we share the same goal.”

“In the end, we pursue the same destination.”

With that, King Sidi turned his Land Dragon around and shouted to those following him.

“Follow me west.”

King Sidi led a group of people toward the western coast.

Yafuan silently led another group toward the former Winged People’s mountains, where they would carry out the Abyss Sacrifice.

Nia led a group of temple divine servants, preparing for her part of the plan.

Beneath the brilliant sunlight, the three companions headed in separate directions. One was resolute and fearless, another marched toward death, and the third carried the weight of their hopes on her shoulders.

Just as Sidi had said, even though they had parted ways, they all pursued the same ultimate destination.