Heroes Return

"I don't want it to turn out like this!" Solomon glared angrily at God, and almost simultaneously, many of the surrounding heroes also rushed towards God.

"It's the end! Doesn't this mean many people will die? No matter how good the future you talk about is, I don't agree with you killing so many innocent people at this time!!" Leng Yan's voice rang out at this moment.

“Amitabha, we monks already have a faith, and we cannot turn to this Mr. God.” Master Wuneng and the monks of Guangguang Temple rushed forward without hesitation: “Even if we are weak, we cannot abandon the faith that belongs to us.”

"You're quite genuine, humans," God said with a smile upon hearing their words. God is an all-encompassing being, so even if good people contradict Him, He feels no anger. This is God—no anger, no jealousy, no hatred, no greed. He simply does what He believes is right, step by step.

Just as the people were about to rush over, the gods all returned to their original positions. Like Fenrir, those who attempt to attack the gods will return to their original places as soon as the year begins.

"Do you believe in Buddha, or in Buddhist doctrines?" As if speaking to himself, God reminded the monks of the Bachelor Temple: "If you believe in Buddhist doctrines, their joining the new era is no problem for you, because I no longer need your faith. God should not make believers believe in Himself; God should truly make believers believe in His ideas. So if you believe in Buddhist doctrines, then you can try to believe in My power. In the future, we have millions of years to revise the ideas of the new God."

As he finished speaking, his gaze finally fell on Leng Yan.

But this time, God remained silent. He simply walked calmly past Leng Yan. However, he gently patted Leng Yan's shoulder: "In this new era, you have the opportunity to become the strongest and manage more affairs."

"..." At that very moment, a golden, radiant handprint appeared where the god had struck: "Don't worry, you have a million years to accept everything. As imperfect beings, a million years is enough time for you to change your minds."

"Alright, all of you humans! Congratulations on passing the trial. When the disaster began, those you cherished were brought here. Together, you will enjoy the peace here." The god spoke once again to the human soldiers and heroes, words that shocked everyone.

Everyone was hostile to God, but from beginning to end, God never regarded them as enemies.

"Alright, before the banquet begins, let's resolve the final obstacle to the creation of the new world," the god said calmly. Immediately, his figure appeared in the distance, revealing a crack. From within the crack, a black figure emerged, its style entirely different from the sacred and solemn scene.

Chapter 74

As a dark rift appeared in the space, a black figure finally materialized before everyone present. Everyone was stunned by the figure before them. Although they had considered the possibility that Zero could defeat the gods alone, the fact that this moment had actually arrived was still awe-inspiring. It was understood that most of the gods' power should have been concentrated on Zero.

Since zero won, it also means the failure of the gods.

"I'm sorry, Zero! We still failed!" someone suddenly said. "It's too late now, and this guy has been released too."

"Don't worry, it's not too late." In response to their words, Zero simply looked calmly at the god before him: "This face shouldn't be yours."

As Lin Jie spoke, he found himself standing on a cloud, with an endless sea of ​​clouds stretching into the distance and beneath his feet. He couldn't see the stars in the sky, nor could he see the ground. It was as if he were in a sky filled only with sunlight and clouds. And right opposite Lin Jie, Xiao Qian was smiling at him.

"Hehe, I didn't expect you to actually come! In the end, I really didn't want to fight you."

"I've already told you, you shouldn't be wearing that face. You're not Xiaoqian, you should be the guy inside the pillar, right?" Lin Jie calmly said to Xiaoqian in front of him after hearing her words. However, a terrifying rage emanated from Lin Jie's words.

"Hehe, I can't help it, because I don't have any appearance at all. So when people see me, they only subconsciously see the face of someone who is very special to them!" God said again at this moment, "Do we really need to continue fighting? In fact, as long as you use my divine power, I can grant you your important wish!"

"Give me my wish?"

"Of course, it's not only the power of miracles that can fulfill all wishes! In a sense, my power can too." God smiled at Lin Jie using Xiao Qian's face and said, "I know your past! Whether it's the True Martial Hundred Battles, the War of the Four Swords, the World Serpent War, or the invasion crisis faced by humanity, I know it all! I know every detail between you, I know everything Xiao Qian has done, and I also know her personality and everything about her. If you're willing, I can use my power to create a Xiao Qian. Someone who knows you and has all of the original Xiao Qian's memories! You won't need to continue searching for the power of miracles anymore. After all, if you continue doing that, you might become a villain who destroys the world!"

"How about that? Isn't that amazing? Using my power to create a Akane exactly like the original Akane."

"..." Upon hearing his words, Zero fell silent. Just like everyone else in the square, Zero also fell silent.

This is the terror of God; He knows everything, including what people truly desire deep down. And with His power, He can grant almost everyone's wishes. Indeed, He can grant almost everyone's desires and give everyone what they want.

The true terror of the power of creation was fully revealed in the hands of God. Faced with the conditions offered by God, almost everyone hesitated, because the conditions he offered were almost exactly what everyone truly wanted deep down.

Zero was no exception; with just one glance, he truly understood what Zero wanted.

"Furthermore, in the coming test of humanity, those who have lost the light in their hearts, those who have forgotten universal values ​​and morality, those who use the excuse that there is no distinction between good and evil to justify their evil deeds, will all be punished! Those who force good people onto the path of evil will also be punished! In this new era, only those with completely clean hands will have the opportunity for a new life. So you don't need to truly be a hero." God continued speaking to Zero, "This is the most perfect ending, the best ending everyone hopes to see, isn't it?"

"Do you have the right to decide the good and evil of humanity?"

"Yes, because I am a god," the god said calmly. "Gods are the most just and the most selfless. In fact, after the start of the new era, I will completely lose my emotions and become a completely just god without any feelings or selfishness. As the god of mankind, I am naturally qualified to decide the good and evil of all mankind, because I was created as a god of judgment."

"You're saying you'd give up on yourself?"

"That's right. Once humanity's trials begin, I will completely relinquish my ego. To put it simply, I will live as a server." God smiled and said to Lin Jie, "Therefore, I hope to enjoy as much of this time as I can while I still have myself. Good and evil, though sometimes blurry, ultimately have a bottom line. When everything crosses that line, good and evil become very easy to discern. As for those who haven't crossed the line, then we must see what they have brought to the world, to society, and to other individuals besides themselves. We must see if they have fulfilled their responsibilities. When disaster strikes, a detailed judgment based on the values ​​that humanity has developed over millions of years will emerge. Don't you think such a world is wonderful? A civilization rebuilt by good people with light in their hearts after a disaster."

"Is this kind of world really that great?" Zero asked, looking puzzled.

"This is an evolution, a change of era. And I am merely a judge, a god who rewards the good and punishes the wicked." The god's words remained calm: "The humans of the future will be very interesting. If you wish, I can let you see the world millions of years in advance. You will see a fantasy world that can only be seen in games. Of course, you can also choose to see it with Xiaoxi."

"..." Lin Jie fell silent once again when Xiao Qian was mentioned.

"So, do we really have a reason to continue fighting? I will help you accomplish everything a hero must do in one go, which is to fight all evil, and I will also return your lover to you so that you can live a normal life." Xiaoxi had already come to Zero's side: "If you are willing to agree with my words, then there is no need for us to fight. You can also leave this world through the door in the distance."

As God spoke, he also pointed to the door in the distance.

"Sorry, I am still the one who will fight you." Hearing his words, Zero still pointed his sword at God: "First of all, I cannot watch most people die because of your so-called trials and tribulations."

Secondly, I cannot stand by and watch humanity's current civilization be erased. To wipe out the fruits of humanity's labor and the lives of the majority in the name of a so-called wonderful and interesting new era—I will not allow such a thing.

Thirdly, is the Xiaoqian you created with your power really the same Xiaoqian I know?

Lastly, I really dislike you; you act all high and mighty!

"..." Hearing Lin Jie's words, this time it was God's turn to be silent for a moment: "That's such a pity. We didn't need to fight, and I could have given everyone a happy ending. But it seems that you are ultimately unwilling to step into the new era?"

But welcoming the god was nothing more than a slash from a giant sword.

"Is this the Void of Return?" Looking at the transparent giant sword before him, the god's hand reached out and grabbed the blade of the Void of Return: "Really, you don't want to think about it anymore?"

"Sorry, your eloquence isn't very good, and you can't convince me." Zero simply said calmly, and the next second his sword was already thrusting towards the god.

"As a god, I don't actually like to resolve differences in this way."

The god's figure then became ethereal, vanishing almost instantly, replaced by a gigantic hand rising from the clouds and grasping down at Zero. It wasn't quite a hand, though Lin Jie couldn't clearly see its entirety; the hand was larger than a planet. As it rose, Lin Jie saw a massive planet composed of a single color within the palm—undoubtedly a gigantic energy sphere. However, from Lin Jie's perspective, it resembled a colossal planet.

As the planet drew ever closer, its powerful gravity began to pull Lin Jie, who was suspended in mid-air, toward the surface of the energy planet.

Despite such power, Zero's expression remained unchanged. He slashed the Void in his hand directly at the energy planet beneath his body.

Amidst the galaxy, the image of a colossal sword, seemingly as vast as the galaxy itself, reappeared in this endless sky. Then, the instant Zero's sword struck, the planet-sized energy sphere was cleaved in two by Lin Jie's sword, and the cleaved planet began to weaken rapidly.

But in the next instant, Zero could no longer see the giant hand.

In fact, Zero could no longer see the giant hand, because Lin Jie was now located within a solar system formed of energy. The giant hand still existed, but it no longer held an energy planet; it held an entire rotating energy galaxy. Zero was currently within that massive galaxy and naturally couldn't see the giant hand. At the very center of the galaxy, a massive energy source, resembling the sun, was radiating heat strong enough to vaporize anyone.

The immense gravitational pull reappeared, and Zero was now located next to the planet that represented the sun.

"..." Faced with such immense power, Zero couldn't help but frown. Gui Xu also trembled slightly at this moment, as Lin Jie once again slashed down with a terrifying sword.

With the giant sword slashing down, another enormous and terrifying spectacle unfolded, resembling the collapse of a planet. God holds the stars in his hand, but now, Zero will annihilate all stardust and sever God's hand!

Chapter 75

Across the Milky Way, a colossal sword slashed across the sky, instantly shattering the largest celestial body, followed by a second, and a third. Despite the relentless onslaught and compression of countless celestial bodies, the sharpness of the Guixu Sword remained undiminished.

The planet-like energy began to increase exponentially. At this point, Lin Jie could no longer see the giant hand, as its size far exceeded many people's imaginations. Now, what was displayed in that hand was the entire Milky Way galaxy, and at the very center of the galaxy was a vast black area.

Countless stars converged into the dark domain, and almost simultaneously, countless stars began to vanish within it. This scene played out repeatedly across this vast expanse of space.

Between heaven and earth, beneath the stars, a colossal sword suddenly pierced the entire Milky Way, finally rising from within it. At that moment, the rotation of the Milky Way finally changed; the inverted Milky Way stars began to spread outwards, and the originally dark areas began to grow larger and larger. In the middle of the Milky Way, only the colossal sword stood, and from where the sword stood, countless stars began to fly out in the opposite direction.

As the stars faded away, the shadow of Guixu pierced through the entire Milky Way and slashed down towards the palm below.

The sword pierced straight through the god's palm. The entire galaxy vanished in that instant, and all the stars collapsed simultaneously.

Right in front of Lin Jie, the figure of the god appeared once again. If there was any difference from before, it was that the god had an extra wound on his palm.

At that moment, the Void Returning to Nothingness in Lin Jie's hand appeared on the god's chest, but ultimately failed to pierce it. A force blocked its advance. Then, right before the god's eyes, Lin Jie's body began to vanish.

Just over twenty years ago, the meeting of Lin Jie's parents was changed by a powerful force; Lin Jie's father had met with misfortune even before he met Lin Jie.

In the blink of an eye, God changed the history of Lin Jie's birth, altering the course of history that should have unfolded.

But the next second, the Guixu Sword emitted a cold light. As the light shone, the power within the origin of past history—power capable of altering history—was completely obliterated by the Guixu Sword.

Without anyone's knowledge, human history has been altered twice.

As the light of the Guixu Sword shone, Lin Jie's illusory figure materialized once more. The man in black robes and the one exuding a divine aura clashed once more in this world of clouds.

Lin Jie, wielding the Void of Return, slashed directly at the god. However, the god made no attempt to attack. Almost instantly, a bloody hole pierced through Lin Jie's body, followed by an explosion. The explosion blasted Lin Jie into a cloud of blood mist.

The power from the past, which appeared the instant before Lin Jie launched his attack, erupted and instantly killed him.

This was an attack from the past. But the sword light of Guixu shone brightly once more. The blood mist returned to its original state. Lin Jie's sword once again slashed towards the god. However, at that very moment, a giant hand appeared, launching a powerful energy attack from the angle from which Lin Jie could least dodge.

This sudden attack did not originate from the present, but from the future. After the attack from the past was neutralized by the void, the attack from the future struck Lin Jie.

However, under such power, Lin Jie suddenly raised the Guixu Sword in his hand, pierced through the giant hand with a single strike, and annihilated the attack brought by the giant hand.

The attack from the future ultimately failed to kill Zero.

But there was no confusion or fear on God's face. He is God, and it is impossible for him to have any confusion or fear in his emotions. There is not even anger or hatred in his emotions, let alone greed.

Facing Lin Jie's sword strike once again, the god merely smiled as he was pierced through by Ling Yi's sword. The next second, the god was cleaved in two, but then his body miraculously healed. Gui Xu's sword light flashed, and the god's wound reopened.

Unfortunately, amidst the sword light of Guixu, the god ultimately returned to his original form. Endless light flashed across the sky, illuminating almost every place. Facing Lin Jie's Guixu and increasingly rapid attacks, the god's body was also covered in a special light, and for a time, both his speed and power were evenly matched with Lin Jie's.

Of course, a draw wasn't the beginning. In the slow, drawn-out exchange, the god's combat skills instantly reached their peak. As a god, he could use the techniques and knowledge that cultivators had cultivated their entire lives to acquire in the blink of an eye. It was with this combination of wisdom and skill that the god became agile in both speed and combat moves, and for a time, Lin Jie was completely unable to gain any advantage in his fight against the god.

This was the first time Lin Jie, wielding the Void of Return, had been completely suppressed by another being in a one-on-one battle.

However, Lin Jie showed no fear in the face of this situation.

With another collision, the next blow that came right in front of Lin Jie was a grab from the god. Lin Jie, who could have barely dodged the attack, gave up on dodging it and instead slashed at the god with his sword while slightly avoiding a vital point.

"Boom!" Powerful sword energies collided. The divine sword pierced through Lin Jie's body, leaving another bloody hole in his chest. Along with the wound in his chest, a divine power began to relentlessly attempt to shatter Lin Jie's body. At this moment, Lin Jie used the Guixu sword in his hand to slash out, and one of the divine swords vanished beneath it.

As the god retreated after losing his arm, Lin Jie suddenly rushed forward and slashed at the god with his sword at lightning speed once again.

As the god retreated, he made a dodging motion with a speed that no one could possibly react to, actually avoiding Lin Jie's sword strike. However, unfortunately, even so, a huge wound still appeared on the god's face.

As the wound appeared, countless divine powers erupted from it.

Clutching his chest, Lin Jie used the power of True Martial Hundred Battles to remove the divine will from his wounds, and the wounds on his body finally returned to their original appearance. Unfortunately, however, the god remained unchanged in the face of such a terrifying attack; he simply smiled and tossed a ball of light towards Lin Jie.

The sphere of light erupted directly in front of Lin Jie. Almost in the blink of an eye, a massive sphere of light burst forth in the sky. It was a sphere of light resembling the sun.

But the next second, the sun-like orb of light was cleaved in two from the sky.

Within the sphere of light that had been cleaved in two, Zero had once again gripped the Guixu Sword tightly in his hand.

"Heaven and earth perish, stars fall, sages die, the Great Dao collapses, the Five Forms—Heaven and Earth Return to Ruins."

Within the stars, the image of the giant sword suddenly erupted once more, a colossal sword spanning the Milky Way slashing down from the sky. In the sky, Lin Jie's Guixu sword crashed down, a terrifying giant sword slashing towards the god.

Faced with Lin Jie's attack, the god simultaneously raised his hand. Reality was altered in that instant, time was stopped, and space was distorted.

At this moment, Guixu was constantly being transformed into other harmless objects, but at the same time, Guixu's sword light continued to fall towards the god, constantly being transformed, but constantly being restored to its original state.

The power of the return of heaven and earth to nothingness and the power of omniscience and deprivation of power erupted simultaneously in this world.

The world began to tremble violently.

The contest between Lin Jie and the god was no longer about the level of strength. What they were competing against was the tenacity of their individual will and their mastery of the rules.