Eternal Cultivation Of Alchemy

Alex felt relieved knowing that he wouldn’t die. So long as he didn’t die, there was no danger to him. However, considering his opponent was a Half God who had had his powers for years, who knew what he was capable of doing with his Primordial Energy?

Alex had a nagging feeling that being dead or crippled weren’t the only bad things that could happen to him. He would have to be careful.

More than that, being alive wasn’t the only thing Alex cared about at this moment. He very much wanted to keep being the Sun God. The power of a Half God had allowed him to do many incredible things. From making the massive opening to the Void in the Sacred Lotus Dominion, to the many questions he asked Heaven. Even the Qi lines he made in Nightslayer. It was all done thanks to his Primordial Energy.

And he very much wanted to keep having it.

Whether he would or not, though, he would find out soon enough. The duel was bound to happen within the week, if not the day.

The Fire God took a deep breath and looked toward Alex.

”You’re in luck that I am feeling magnanimous today,” he said, causing Alex to raise an eyebrow.

”Because you’ll let me live?” Alex asked.

”That too, but I’ll also allow you some time to prepare for this duel,” the Fire God said.

The several Gods looked at him in surprise.

”Are you not going to duel him today?” Bladedance asked. ”You made it sound quite urgent, Fire God.”

”It is urgent, but I’m not a monster. I’ll give him some time to prepare for the duel,” the Fire God said. ”Hmm... how does the morning of the Council sound?”

”The Gods’ meeting?” Alex asked.

”Yes,” the Fire God said. ”There are still a few Gods missing, and I’m sure they would love to watch the duel between two Half Gods. No one has witnessed such a thing since before the Godkiller incident, after all.”

Bladedance and Newheaven were surprised by the Fire God’s words.

”You wish to delay the duel?” Newheaven asked.

”Yes. I want to wait until everyone is gathered on the morning of the meeting. It will be good entertainment for all, and we can directly move on to the meeting right after the duel is over. How does that sound?”

The Fire God looked all around, waiting for the others’ input, and got various nods in return.

Alex frowned slightly. He turned toward the Sky God. ”May I ask when the meeting is happening?”

Newheaven took a deep breath. ”There are several Gods yet to come, outside of the ones who have already said they won’t. So I’ll be waiting another decade and a half for them. Whether they come or not by that point, the meeting will take place.”

Alex nodded slowly. ”So, 15 years.”

Newheaven nodded. ”15 years.”

The Fire God laughed. ”15 years it is,” he said, turning to Alex. ”Enjoy your time as a Half God however you wish. Go roam the world or remain cooped up in your room. This is all the time you will have before your life takes a turn for the worse. Oh, and don’t think this is me threatening you with something. You will find out yourself once you stop being a Half God, just how—”

”Just how horrible it feels?” Alex asked. ”I know. I’ve felt it before, and I’ve gotten over it. I’ll get over it this time too, should it happen.”

The Fire God’s smile vanished, and he let out a snort.

”Well, I’ll see you in 15 years.”

He stood up and left before anyone else could say another word.

The Poison God quickly stood up and followed the Fire God out, but not before eyeing Alex with a glare as he left.

Alex didn’t back away from the glare and returned one of his own. It was hard to be scared of a mere false God when he was already going to duel against the Fire God and had made an enemy out of the Storm God.

The Winter God stood and left as well, not once looking toward anyone as she did. She seemed lost in her own thoughts, concerned about something that Alex could never tell.

The Spear God stood up with a sigh. ”Well, at least there will be entertainment soon, I suppose. I will see you all later, then.”

He walked up to Alex before stopping and placing a hand on his shoulder. ”I doubt you’ll win this duel. And honestly, I don’t see how you even could. But I do like rooting for an underdog, so do your best. I’ll look forward to your victory.”

The man patted his shoulder twice before walking away.

Alex turned to look at the Spear God as he left. Somehow, his words felt genuine, like he really did want to see him win. Though, from what Alex could tell, that was more for entertainment than it was him wishing Alex good luck.

When Alex turned back around, the Mind God stood before him with a gentle smile on his face. Alex could feel a powerful Divine sense spreading out of him, but none of it felt hostile to anyone in any way.

”You have some free time going forward,” the man said. ”Would you mind if we talked privately sometime in the future? From winning an Alchemy Tournament, to leaving Hell, to now becoming a Half God, you have done a lot of things one could only hope to achieve once in their life. You are far too fascinating, and if you don’t mind, I would love to pick your brain about it in your free time.”

Alex blinked. ”That’s a choice of words, Mind God,” he said. ”And truly, I do mind. I’m sorry, but I need to focus on my upcoming duel. I do not have the time to distract myself with anything else at the moment.”

”Of course,” the Mind God said as he continued smiling. ”Well, good luck on the duel. I shall leave you alone.”