Fooling the Evil God

The statue's expression shifted, and its tone suddenly grew tense.

"That's right! The Misfortune Goddess and I have joined forces this time, specifically to use you to test the Heavenly Emperor's limits."

"It seems he doesn't take us seriously at all. If that's the case, then he can't blame us for being ruthless."

"I can't kill you, it's true. You carry his authority, and the price for killing you is too great. I can't even strip away your power. But don't get cocky. I may not be able to kill you, but that doesn't mean the hundred races can't!"

"You're the Heavenly Emperor's most important pawn. I refuse to believe he'll just let you die at our hands."

The Evil God gloated.

"Do you have a name?"

Jiang Cheng ignored the god's gloating and asked an unexpected question.

"Hmph! You are not yet qualified to know the name of the Evil God Naheshi."

The statue spoke with arrogance, a flicker of self-satisfaction crossing its face as it mentioned its own name.

"So, you're the Evil God Naheshi. I thought you were Evil God Loki's brother, Luozhi."

Jiang Cheng inwardly marveled at Naheshi's intelligence.

"Evil God Loki? That sounds impressive. And who is this Luozhi? The name isn't bad. Hmm, boy, do you think I should consider changing my title to Luozhi?"

Pfft…

Jiang Cheng didn't laugh, and Naheshi seemed quite serious. But A Silly Cutie and Path to Hell couldn't hold back their giggles.

Although they couldn't hear what Jiang Cheng was saying behind the golden wall, the Evil God Naheshi's words came through loud and clear.

A Silly Cutie suddenly felt that this statue wasn't scary at all. It was actually a bit silly, maybe even cute.

"Hmm? Mortals, what are you laughing at?"

The Evil God Naheshi noticed A Silly Cutie's laughter. Its aura instantly turned murderous, and it looked ready to strike her down.

"N-nothing! I just think Luozhi is a nice name."

A Silly Cutie hastily waved her hands.

"Oh, you think so too? But... if I'm going to change my title, it has to be one of a kind. In that case, this Luozhi must die!"

The statue's voice suddenly became childish. It even bit its finger thoughtfully, as if genuinely considering the name change.

"Boy! Quick, tell me where this Luozhi is!"

Jiang Cheng was speechless.

"Let's talk about something serious."

Seeing Naheshi derail the conversation so completely, even Jiang Cheng, who was supposed to be the victim here, couldn't stand it anymore.

"Serious? What's serious? What could possibly be more important than me getting an awesome new title?"

"Tell me! Just tell me where this Luozhi is, and I can release you..."

"Ah... wait. I think I was... supposed to use you to lure the Heavenly Emperor down to negotiate, wasn't I?"

Naheshi finally remembered its mission.

Composing itself, Naheshi transformed again. The childish voice vanished, replaced by a cold, authoritative tone dripping with killing intent.

"You will summon the Heavenly Emperor to answer to us today! Otherwise, I will kill you!"

"You can't kill me," Jiang Cheng reminded him.

"I... I can't kill you, but my power is bewitchment! I can turn the hundred races against you and have them kill you. Aren't you afraid of that?!"

Jiang Cheng rubbed his forehead. He felt like talking to Naheshi was an insult to his intelligence.

"The Heavenly Emperor won't intervene, even if I die."

"What? Is that what he told you? Fine, I get it now. Hmm... the Heavenly Emperor is ignoring me, the great Evil God. What should I do?"

Naheshi unexpectedly crouched down again, hugging its head in frustration.

"Oh, this is so annoying! Why am I even doing this? The great Evil God is still just a baby, okay?"

Naheshi's voice had turned childish again.

"What should I do? What should I do? Boy, quick, tell me what I should do!"

Naheshi turned its head and pointed a stony finger at Jiang Cheng.

To this, Jiang Cheng had absolutely nothing to say.

He had thought this grand display by the Light and Hell Factions was all a prelude to his death. Naheshi's initial, invincible image had left him feeling utterly helpless.

But it turned out this terrifying Evil God was a complete goofball.

The sudden shift in dynamics was giving Jiang Cheng whiplash.

"Actually..."

A Silly Cutie, who had been laughing so hard she could barely stand, suddenly spoke up. She was immediately silenced by Naheshi's glare.

"Hmm? Do you have a good idea? Speak! If you can solve the great Evil God's problem, I'll give you many, many treasures from my collection."

Naheshi's killing intent vanished in an instant, its gaze softening.

"Uh..."

A Silly Cutie patted her chest to calm her racing heart. Gathering her courage, she spoke.

"You could just come with us. You said it yourself, Jiang Cheng is the Heavenly Emperor's most important piece. When he becomes powerful enough to be out of the Heavenly Emperor's control, the Emperor will have to meet with him. Then you'll be able to see him too."

Boom!

The Evil God Naheshi slapped the swamp hard, sending mud flying everywhere and covering its own stony form.

It didn't seem to mind in the slightest, instead exclaiming with excitement.

"Brilliant! Why didn't the great Evil God think of that?"

"So, what should I do now?"

Naheshi lowered its massive head, staring at A Silly Cutie with anticipation.

"It's simple. Like I said, if you want the Heavenly Emperor to intervene, Jiang Cheng needs to get stronger. Strong enough to break free from his control. And to get stronger..."

A Silly Cutie gave Naheshi an expectant look and added slowly, "...treasures are definitely necessary."