Chapter 582: Maya

The vast collection of books in the Kunlun Mountain Scripture Tower nearly intoxicated Li Mochen.

Although the accumulation and depth of this young world were far inferior to those of the Primordial Vault World, it was far more 'open' than the latter. The foreign god-kings, even the supreme gods, who had been active in this world during the age of the gods, brought knowledge far surpassing the power system of the Primordial Vault World. This knowledge was learned, mastered, and then expounded upon by the people of the Bright World.

Although the East and West here—whether in cultivation methods or the use of magical energy—were very crude, lacking refinement and subtlety, their understanding of the 'Great Way,' 'Origin,' and 'Truth' was by no means comparable to that of the Primordial Vault World.

Yet at this moment, Li Mochen could hardly spare much time to study these books, including the original text of the 'Dual Mystic Transformation Method.'

After causing such a stir in Berlin, it was absolutely impossible for him to stay completely out of the matter.

In fact, in the afternoon, Consulius had already 'forcibly' contacted him.

This man's mastery of lightning and electronic technology was astonishing. As soon as Li Mochen took out his backup mobile phone from the void ring, intending to give some instructions to the 'Blood-Eyed Maid' Robert, Consulius had already manifested before him in the form of a lightning avatar through the baseband chip of the phone.

Li Mochen began to suspect that this man was likely attempting to master the divine authority of lightning and was very close to doing so.

'If matters in the East are settled, return to America as soon as possible.'

Consulius's expression was originally displeased, but when his eyes lingered on the scarlet dragon armor on Li Mochen, his tone softened: 'The situation is tense now. The Roman Curia has convened a closed-door meeting of the College of Cardinals, with almost all cardinals participating. Just today, seven companies have severed business ties with us. They have also sent private letters to all members of the Wiltonstein Group and the Rising Sun Group, calling on the Lord's lambs to stay away from this family that has betrayed the light and defiled the Lord's glory. Additionally, Archbishop Rommen of the Protestant Church has approached me, hoping that we can return the Lance of Longinus.'

Li Mochen's eyes flickered: 'Will this affect our business?'

As for the topic of the 'Lance of Longinus,' he didn't even bother to pick it up; it was something that needed no consideration.

'There will be an impact. We might lose two to three hundred billion gold shields in the next two to three years, and various business sectors will face contraction. The loss of talent is expected to be severe. According to my information, many people are indeed considering resigning. I can only say that this is not a fatal blow, after all, it's not the Middle Ages, when a single call from the Pope could make Emperor Barbarossa surrounded by enemies on all sides in Europe. Now, our enemies, the three supreme families, are ready to sue for peace. They are willing to let all those involved in your parents' death pay the price and will also offer a considerable indemnity. This can ensure our short-term financial health. And currently, the pharmaceutical warrior and knight-type biochemical suits of Rising Sun can give the family an unshakable core business.'

Consulius sighed and then asked seriously: 'Tell me, Andre, is it worth it?'

'Of course!'

Li Mochen's answer was decisive, firm, and forceful: 'This will be the cornerstone for me to further master the power of fate and time.'

At its peak, the 'Lance of Longinus' possessed the divine domains of 'Piercing,' 'Punishment,' 'Certain Kill,' 'Domination,' as well as a low-level 'Resurrection,' a high-level 'Fate' divine authority, and an equally high-level 'Time' power.

High-level divine authority is the foundation of divine domain power, but mastering high-level divine authority does not necessarily mean mastering divine domain.

Even this mythical weapon, 'refined' jointly by the Roman gods and the Lord of Light, had not elevated the divine authority of 'Fate' to the level of divine domain. Yet it was extremely powerful, no less than the 'Kongtong Seal.'

Its core abilities were 'Fate' and 'Time,' powers capable of contending with the four strong divine domains of the 'Kongtong Seal.' Meanwhile, 'Piercing,' 'Punishment,' and 'Certain Kill' gave it extraordinary lethality.

According to the Bible of the Church of Light, on Friday the 13th, the day the Messiah was crucified, the Jews demanded that his body be removed from the cross, saying that a criminal should not be executed on Saturday, the day before the Sabbath.

The centurion Longinus, to confirm the Messiah's death, thrust his spear into the Son's body. Blood gushed from the wound, staining the entire spear, but the spear did not break the Messiah's ribs, which exactly fulfilled the prophecy of the Lord of Light.

Thus, from the moment of its creation, the 'Lance of Longinus' was associated with fate and time.

Legend says that any king who holds this spear will be obeyed by all below his rank, and the holder can dominate the world's fate, but losing it means instant death.

In the Roman Empire, this spear became a symbol of power. Many monarchs with brilliant military records held this spear and won countless battles.

However, after the 'Lance of Longinus' was split into three, the four divine domain powers it possessed were all reduced to the level of high-level divine authority, requiring external refinement and stimulation to derive divine domains.

As for the crucial 'Fate' and 'Time,' they were reduced to a level between medium and high.

The power of fate and time in the 'Lance of Longinus' was undoubtedly incomplete. Its exposition of the truth and origin of 'Fate' and 'Time' was lacking, far less thorough and harmonious than the 'Divine Fortune Purple Gold Tower.'

But precisely because of this, it was more conducive to Li Mochen's comprehension. The comparison between the two fate artifacts could also benefit him immensely, allowing him to glimpse the mysteries truly belonging to the 'Origin.'

'Fate—'

Consulius murmured, seemingly marveling at Li Mochen's ambitious aspirations. He then asked calmly: 'So now, Andre, do you have any specific countermeasures? Don't tell me you haven't prepared anything in advance. You must know that many of our enemies are rallying to Rome. Among them are those enemies of yours from the CIA, who have no other way out.'

'In fact, I can't do anything now.'

Li Mochen shook his head: 'Unfortunately, in the next few years, I will have to focus on my own power and have no time for other matters. So, I think the family's non-core businesses should be contracted or abandoned where necessary.'

Consulius was quite satisfied. Li Mochen's words were euphemistic, but the essence was that he intended to play the turtle, clearly not planning to fight the Roman Curia on multiple fronts.

Before accumulating sufficient foundation and strength, it was safest to contract one's power as much as possible.

'It's best to shift focus to the dark world, invest in high-tech companies, and trade with the East. Especially the latter. This country is growing strong; they are opening their markets and focusing on education. Under the current trade system, I believe most of America's industries will move here in the future.'

'A very good idea! The Curia's power in the East is negligible; it's a suitable refuge.'

Consulius's words carried approval: 'But can you ensure that the family's funds will be unrestricted there? Market access there has always been problematic; they are wary of foreign capital.'

Li Mochen indeed had such thoughts: 'There will definitely be restrictions, but the Wiltonstein family will have certain advantages. For example, their banks have been hoping to introduce technology and financial support from international banks to help reform their current system. Our Atlantic Intercontinental Bank and Wiltonstein Bank are both qualified. Also, their heavy industry urgently needs investment and technical support. Old man, this is an incredibly vast market. With two hundred million square kilometers of land and over twenty billion people, once fully industrialized, it will unleash terrifying purchasing power. And unlike the Northern Empire, they follow the rules.'

'I will seriously consider it. But before that, we need to conduct a comprehensive and detailed investigation. This may also provoke questions and rejection from domestic forces in America.'

However, Consulius did not take this to heart. Previously, the Wiltonstein family would have had to worry about this issue, especially given Li Mochen's sensitive identity.

But now, what if they questioned it? Would the American Congress and government dare to sanction a living main god?

Even the Roman Curia would not confront the Wiltonstein family head-on before Li Mochen entered the Pantheon. Consulius was sure they could only resort to indirect and roundabout methods.

'Anything else?'

'Send a message to the entire world: For those above the legendary level, if anyone wants to extend their lifespan, if anyone wants to be resurrected from the dead, come to Atlanta! Come serve me! I will do my best to help them, as long as their power and loyalty satisfy me.'

Li Mochen's eyes flickered: 'Especially resurrection, only three slots.'

'Resurrection' is a derivative of the divine authority of life and death, a miraculous divine power. The Messiah resurrected after being pierced by the Lance of Longinus, so the spear was imbued with the concept of 'resurrection.' When the Lord of Light used the Messiah to refine the spear, he extended and strengthened this into a divine authority attached to the spear.

Every holder of the 'Lance of Longinus' had one chance to be resurrected after death. Until the spear split, the 'Resurrection' divine authority degraded to a law domain—which was essentially ineffective. A power below the divine authority level could not accomplish the miracle of returning from death to life.

But Li Mochen, after all, was someone who could elevate the divine authorities of 'Life' and 'Death' into divine domains. This authority in his hands was different from others.

The light in Consulius's pupils brightened. He knew the power contained in Li Mochen's words. Those powerful beings troubled by 'Death,' unwilling to see their lives end, would go mad for this.

'Also, old man, you need to help me acquire some video game companies recently, covering arcade machines and Famicom. Those companies that produce slot machines, horse racing machines, pachinko, etc., are top priorities. It's best to also buy a few casinos in Las Vegas, the larger and more influential the better.'

'For fate?' Consulius saw through Li Mochen's intention at a glance.

'This is the field most easily linked to fate. So, the purpose of buying these companies and casinos is not to make money. I also want to invest in a few movies in Hollywood, with themes related to 'destiny.' I need the best directors, the best scripts. The authority of fate is very difficult to improve; using external forces is also a good method. This is the convenience of this era, isn't it?'

Li Mochen admitted frankly: 'Old man, our time is very tight, extremely tight!'

According to the 'Treaty of Separation of Gods and Men,' a faith god who has condensed a divine persona can only stay in the mortal world for two hundred years to manage the church and enhance power. After that, they must enter the Pantheon and fall under the scope of the treaty, only able to descend to the material world in divine form for special reasons such as disputes over 'divine duties,' major setbacks to the church, or insufficient believers.

A law god can only stay in the world for a hundred years. For ancient gods, it is even shorter, only ten years.

He must improve himself in this extremely short time to be able to face the Angel King, or even the Lord of Light, under any circumstances.

He also needed to strengthen the Wiltonstein family so that even after he left, they would have the power to fight the Curia.

…

Li Mochen's intention to contact the Blood-Eyed Maid Robert was about the 'Maya' ruins that Li Chunchu and his wife had once entered.

By now, he believed he had mastered sufficient power—indeed, power capable of handling any situation.

This time, Robert did not refuse. When Li Mochen traveled thousands of miles to 'Central America,' Robert and Hairo had already arrived outside the 'Maya' ruins called 'Kataxia.'

This was a huge city composed of over five hundred pyramids, surrounded by a massive spatial barrier that kept it hidden in the boundless tropical rainforest. It was only discovered by archaeologists in recent years when the barrier was damaged.

In the Maya language, Kataxia means 'City of the Gods' (fictional).

'The one who cursed your father was the feathered serpent god Kukulkan among the Maya gods.'

After meeting, Robert explained to Li Mochen: 'Kukulkan did not completely fall; his body and soul still exist in this ruin, his final place of fall. Your father deceived him, promising to help Kukulkan resurrect. But after obtaining the five 'War Angel Hearts,' he escaped with your mother. He had a peculiar method; even inside Kataxia, Kukulkan could not trap him. It was a treasure from the East, now in the hands of the CIA.'

Li Mochen was not surprised at all. As his cultivation and magical power advanced daily, he could more and more clearly sense the power of Kukulkan extending toward his bloodline.

This was a powerful god, inconspicuous in the early days of Maya civilization. But in the later period of this civilization, the feathered serpent god Kukulkan had become the lord of the gods, usurping the power of many deities, and his strength was close to that of a king of gods.

Famous American archaeologists speculated that 'Hurricane,' the god of war and wind, the source of Robert's 'Battle Wind' divine authority, did not die at the hands of a foreign race but was killed by Kukulkan.

Also, Itzamna, the head of the Nine Gods, who pulled down the original Maya god-king, the corn god Yum Kaax, repelled the Camenpus and Beast gods, and was called 'Lord of Heaven,' 'Lord of Night and Day,' 'Protector of Priests,' 'Creator of Writing, Law, and Science,' with a dragon-like form, had a very suspicious fall.

Among the Nine Gods, only 'Kukulkan' survived. In the Inca era, the feathered serpent god 'Kukulkan' had transformed into the sun god, ruling the morning star, inventing books, establishing laws, bringing corn to humans, bringing the rainy season, controlling the authority of sowing, harvest, and abundance, and representing death and rebirth, as the protector of priests.

Until the subsequent Aztec Empire, 'Kukulkan' seemed to have suffered defeat, falling from the supreme divine throne and transforming into the feathered serpent god 'Quetzalcoatl,' yet he remained one of the three most important gods of the Aztec Empire.

His incarnations were myriad, sometimes the wind god, sometimes the protector god, sometimes the Venus god, sometimes the creator god, and sometimes the culture god or cultural hero god. However, the most important 'Sun' was seized by the Aztec 'god of war and protector Huitzilopochtli,' and there was also the dark god and moon god Tezcatlipoca who constantly fought with him. The Aztecs believed that their struggles had caused the four destructions of world civilization.

This history continued until Western colonists landed in South America, and the divine radiance of the Lord of Light shone upon this land.

At this time, Robert also explained the cause and experience of Li Chunchu and his wife's death to Li Mochen one by one.

In the final years of the Mayan civilization, they were locked in continuous warfare with the Moshlar civilization from beyond their borders. The Maya deciphered some of the Moshlar technology and also created and invented terrifying divine weapons, such as the 'Heart of the War Angel.' At that time, the National Progress Association encountered difficulties in the technological development of the Beast Blood Warriors, but your father, the old master, gave them a glimmer of hope with his initial findings from the exploration of 'Katacha.' Those were rubbings of stone tablets, and the text on them recorded a description of the 'Beast God Warrior.' It was a forbidden art developed by the Maya's Beast God lineage, one that could combine human and beastly strength, called the 'Beast Blood Sacrifice.' Thus, the old master's second exploration of 'Katacha' received support from the CIA and the National Progress Association.

But your mother believed that the 'Beast Blood Sacrifice' was inhumane, and the Beast Blood Warrior project was too cruel. She stopped your father the day before the old master was to complete the transaction. In the end, what they handed over was technology that the old master himself deemed safe, withholding the most critical part. Everything that followed stemmed from this. The CIA and the National Progress Association were both dissatisfied, and they launched an attack when the old master was about to resolve the aftermath of the 'Heart of the War Angel.' At that time, several members of the exploration team who were with us leaked the old master's whereabouts. They nearly killed me and severely wounded the old master and the mistress. Not long after, the old master implanted a Heart of the War Angel in me and buried me underground. By the time I awoke, the old master and mistress were already dead, and those traitors, having taken the rewards from the CIA and the National Progress Association, had gained considerable status in the Antoria Continent and the American mainland.

—These circumstances were roughly similar to what Li Mochen had learned from White Thomas. It was just that Robert's account was more detailed.

'There are five Hearts of the War Angel?'

'Five! But according to the exploration team's agreement, the old master and his wife could only take seventy percent of all the gains.'

Robert shook his head and made a guess: 'I don't know where they ended up. The traitors didn't have them. They might have fallen into the hands of the National Progress Association. I suspect they might not know how to safely use the Hearts of the War Angel, or perhaps they failed after using them. Besides—'

She paused: 'At the place where the old master picked them up, there were nine more Hearts of the War Angel left behind. I don't know if they're still there.'

'Wow!'

Li Mochen exclaimed: 'Do you still remember the place? Take me there now.'

He himself didn't really care much about the detailed circumstances of Li Chunchu's death or that grudge, since he had already personally completed most of the revenge.

And as of now, only a very small handful of people still survived, but they would pay the price sooner or later, in the near future.

So comparatively, those nine Hearts of the War Angel mattered more to him.