Chapter 117: The Beginning of Persuasion

Upon seeing a group of masters, the representatives from various countries immediately fell silent. Compared to mere speculation, these experts—already far ahead and possessing almost superhuman powers—held far greater authority. Perhaps it was from their words that more of the truth could be uncovered.

At this moment, the representative from the Celestial Empire spoke: “Esteemed masters, let me address you as such, since nowadays the younger generation calls you by this title.”

“No harm done; it’s only a name,” an old beggar replied with a smile.

The Celestial Empire representative breathed a sigh of relief and continued, “Regarding the announcement from Earth’s Home about the apocalypse caused by the gods, how much do you all know?”

“Is there even a need to ask? The announcements from Earth’s Home come only after the Ultras conduct rigorous investigations and multiple verifications. Every piece of information is indisputable,” responded an old monk.

“But why would the gods destroy the world for no reason?” the American representative stood and inquired.

“That’s a long story,” a Taoist replied. “But seriously, all nations that have had contact with the cultivation world should understand a bit. Centuries ago, the cultivation world began to decline; countless gods vanished without a trace. This was the first omen: first cutting off cultivation, then letting aberrations run rampant among humans. There are many conspiracies behind this.”

“Please clarify, master. This is a grave matter; we cannot respond based on mere conjecture,” the Russian representative requested.

“Then allow me to enlighten you. This matter begins with the myriad worlds beyond the Three Realms—this is an extramundane space surpassing the mortal, heavenly, and underworld realms you know. Frankly, you had no right to know this, but since you asked, I will tell you the whole story. Beyond our world, there exist countless others, far more complex than your simple notions of heaven, earth, and the netherworld. Your understanding is but a single worldview, and our world is merely a grain of sand in the vast sea of the myriad worlds.

Long ago, a terrifying entity appeared within the Three Realms. The cultivation world called it the Forbidden. It broke through the boundaries of the Three Realms and entered the myriad worlds, beginning a reign of devastation. This act angered countless alien races. Ultimately, an unimaginable existence struck against the Forbidden.”

The old Taoist paused before continuing, “We don’t fully understand the details, but we know the Forbidden was driven back to the Three Realms, exposing their coordinates. Consequently, the Three Realms were targeted by the myriad worlds, which formed a coalition army to invade. They sought not only to eradicate the Forbidden but to divide the Three Realms among themselves. This sparked the initial chaos of the Three Realms.

However, the Forbidden was unimaginably powerful. With incredible strength, it sealed the Three Realms, catching the coalition off guard and forcing them to halt their invasion. Many alien troops became trapped within the Three Realms. You must have heard of the Forbidden Zones—these are the self-protection areas of those alien races. Should the Forbidden’s power wane, these aliens would emerge and destroy the Three Realms.”

“Master, please wait,” the Japanese representative stood and asked, “What you’ve said seems unrelated to the gods’ apocalypse?”

“No, on the contrary, it’s closely connected. The gods were influenced by the Forbidden back then. But the gods devised a plan: world destruction. Why would they destroy the world? That starts with faith.

The ancient gods sought eternity. Yet, as gods for the first time, they didn’t know the path ahead. A powerful deity discovered humans—treasures. By gaining faith from humans, they could grow stronger. Miracles began to appear in the mortal realm; the gods preached and gained believers.”

This revelation stunned all the representatives.

Could it be so? The gods loved humanity only for their faith?

“If faith is so crucial, why would the gods destroy humanity?” the French representative stood and asked.

“That’s because human faith has both benefits and harms,” replied the old monk.

Seeing the puzzled expressions, he explained further: “Faith comes from the human heart, which is complex. Everyone’s beliefs differ. Over time, faith’s power became tainted by many distractions, influenced by human desires. Thus, although the gods gained immortality, they were held back by humanity. If one is unwise, the gods might fall.”

The Korean representative’s eyes brightened as he stood: “If that’s the case, can we suppress the gods?”

“That’s the problem,” the old monk said. “The gods did something reckless: they transformed the toxic parts of faith into avatars inheriting their divine status, sealing them within the Three Realms. Given the current situation, after the mortal chaos, these avatars—carrying the poisoned faith—will emerge to persecute humanity, ultimately perishing alongside humans. Meanwhile, the gods’ true forms remain unaffected.”

The representatives erupted in shock.

Is this the gods’ doing? Using human faith to perish with us, yet remaining aloof above it all? This is monstrous.

“Why? What benefit is there in destroying humanity? Without faith, how do they grow stronger?” the Korean representative asked, incredulous and frustrated.

“Humans are merely one among many beings. After destroying humans, the gods will elevate another species to dominion, harvesting faith anew. Once the time is right, they’ll destroy beings again—an endless cycle. This way, the gods gain power while purging harmful elements, growing stronger without consequence,” the old Taoist answered.

The representatives fell silent.

Politicians are shrewd; from these words, they could immediately devise a ruthless, terrifying plan.

The gods shepherded humanity like livestock—harvesting generation after generation—simple and brutal.

“Masters, if this is the situation, how should we respond? We are ordinary people; how can we resist the gods?” the Celestial Empire representative asked.

The old Taoist said, “The heavens move vigorously; the noble man strives ceaselessly. We are not powerless. Humans are not a race supported by gods; we won our place as masters of the mortal realm ourselves. We are merely the gods’ first harvest. If we choose to resist, there is a chance for victory. But such resistance is fraught with peril and great sacrifice. That is why the Ultras have declared non-intervention. This is a war between races; any external influence could trigger a butterfly effect. Now, humanity must rely on itself.”

“Indeed, although we are among humanity’s strongest, we are still cultivators on a journey. What we can do is contribute our small strength. Therefore, I hereby announce that in three months, the Human Martial Academy will be established. The first batch of instructors will be us. We are willing to lead humanity’s struggle, but we require the nations’ support,” the old monk declared.

“Please explain,” the Celestial Empire representative requested.

The old monk said, “Our academy will be called the Bloody Dojo, enrolling students year-round with no limits on numbers. But once admitted, all must follow the academy’s arrangements and undertake extremely dangerous missions. Thus, each nation must return and prepare their people psychologically to unite humanity. Additionally, fertility policies must be relaxed: all of age must marry, and after marriage, bear at least ten children. Each nation must ensure the children’s survival and basic needs.”

“Extremely dangerous? What exactly will you do?” the Korean representative asked.

The old Taoist’s voice was solemn: “Slay gods—kill the true gods. The Three Realms must be ruled by humanity itself.”