Chapter 925: Chapter 127: None May Become a God Without My Decree

In their place stood soldiers clad in solemn black armor, all draped in battle robes, holding War Spears and long swords; the atmosphere of severity was chilling. The noble families looked at each other and said, “Lord, what are you intending to do?”

“Leading the army like this, do you plan to slay the gods?”

The noble youths said, “We are not a match for Marquis Qin Wu, yet his earthly weapons can hardly kill the divine spirits!”

The common folk also sensed something amiss and began to stir uneasily.

Fang Ziqiao softly said, “What my junior brother intends to do is truly an unprecedented great event in history.”

Wen Lingjun responded, “The Lord is a genius for the ages.”

Fang Ziqiao smiled but said nothing more.

Continuous drizzle enveloped the greater Jiangnan area. Right when people started to feel uneasy at this unorthodox ritual, differing from the usual divine ceremonials, Li Guanyi appeared. Marquis Qin Wu, donned in pitch-black armor, with the Chi Xiao Sword at his waist and a crimson battle robe, strode forth.

Li Guanyi observed the ritual matters, then suddenly drew his sword.

With a single stroke, he cleaved open the altar originally set for the various complex deities according to the Ministry of Rites’ rules of the Red Emperor. The Chi Xiao Sword carried a stream of scarlet golden rays, causing the altar to scatter instantly. The people were struck dumb, their voices of disbelief rising intensely.

Li Guanyi exhaled a sigh, stood up, pressing the sword tip against the ground, his sharp gaze swept forward, and he declared loudly, “From this day forth, abolish the tri-annual grand ceremonies and the twelve minor sacrifices. Do you say, the endless rain is punishment from the gods?”

“Fine, I believe it!”

“Today, gods!”

The crowd was stunned, unable to believe it. Amidst the rain, Li Guanyi extended his hand, golden radiance spreading, transforming into the Breaking Cloud Sky-shattering Bow. The young lord stepped upon the split altar, with the incredulous and terrified gaze of alchemists, monks, and Taoists focused on him, the bow and arrow aimed at the heavens and earth.

Wen Lingjun stared intently at this scene.

He recalled when he discussed these matters with Li Guanyi earlier, and Li Guanyi said, “If this fails, the people’s hearts might change.”

The Lord had smiled and said, “Sir has not walked among the people, hence does not know.”

“The people are pragmatic; gods must be useful to be divine.”

“Today, with my sacrifice, I tell the people, these gods are useless. Destroy those hundreds of gods over those two thousand miles in Jiangnan, so the people can save much money and not be swayed by worshipping gods.”

Wen Lingjun had then looked at Marquis Qin Wu, saying, “Since ancient times, even the Emperor must kneel and worship the gods; what the Lord intends to do, if it fails, will be deemed heresy and immortal infamy.”

At that time, Marquis Qin Wu laughed aloud, “Then, sir, are you willing to join Li Guanyi in this heresy and infamy?!”

Wen Lingjun lowered his eyes, remembering his response back then; now he softly spoke:

“Dare not disobey…”

Li Guanyi connected with the Nine Cauldrons of Jiangnan, the human Qi Fortune soared skyward. Earlier, he had a connection with the Ancient Red Dragon, sensing its presence now, he smiled faintly. On the Breaking Cloud Sky-shattering Bow, the radiance burst forth, shooting skyward.

The common people were terrified, even the noble families were shocked, all kneeling on the ground in unison. Only the Qilin Army, under the accumulated habit of divine worship and loyalty to Li Guanyi, chose to stand with him.

They all raised their weapons, shouting, “Wind!”

“Wind!”

“Great Wind!”

The rain fell even harder, landing on their armor.

Time seemed to slow down, everyone lifted their heads, watching the arrow leap to the sky, the Qi Fortune of the Nine Cauldrons surged. Then, centered on Li Guanyi’s arrow, the clouds and mist suddenly collapsed, forming a ring, scattering swiftly in all directions.

What a magnificent sight.

In that moment, no one could utter a word.

For an instant, the rain ceased, the cloudy weather over Jiangnan dissipated, and golden sunlight poured down. Wen Lingjun’s heart pounded wildly, finally at ease, as he saw the golden light spread.

Everyone kneeled, except one person stood there, amidst the sword’s resonant hum. All saw Marquis Qin Wu with the Chi Xiao Sword tip on the ground, his left hand clasped on the Chi Xiao Sword’s hilt, raising his right hand and declaring loudly: “It seems the gods are merely thus!”

“All causes and effects, bear upon me.”

“From this day forth, abolish the two thousand miles of sacrificial rites and divine activities.”

“From this day, worship only heaven, earth, the state, and ancestors.”

“Beyond these three, the people shall not be led to worship, even grand ceremonies reduced from forty-nine days to three.”

A Taoist shouted, “This, this is since ancient times.”

The sword’s sound was piercing, silencing his cry. Under the golden sunlight, the Qilin Pattern stood clear. Marquis Qin Wu clasped the sword hilt with both hands, his brow calm, gazing at the beings before him, “Then from today, this Marquis shall not abide by sacrificial laws.”

“Without my decree—”

“You cannot be a god!!!”

The Ancient Red Dragon swam in the clear sky, observing the changes in the human realm.

At this moment, the human Qi Fortune suddenly condensed significantly. The Ancient Red Dragon murmured, “Sweeping away the worship of those hundreds of gods and redirecting it to humanity; saving the people’s efforts, could it actually make the human way prospering…”

“Without my decree, you cannot be a god.”

“Ha, what a domineering statement.”

“With such a demeanor, sending you to the Western Regions isn’t out of question…”

The Ancient Red Dragon murmured, and then he suddenly sensed a change—

With the upheaval in Jiangnan, within the Nine Cauldrons, the purity of human Qi Fortune.

Unexpectedly, a strand of the Qi Fortune of everyman surged toward him!

The Ancient Red Dragon’s expression changed drastically.

Hmm??!!