Chapter 139 - God’s Doting Love
Translated by Eve
Edited by Serefina
10. God’s Doting Love
【Xie He：Baby, where are we?】
【444：Inside of the Church’s Palace. 】
【Xie He：It looks like our new pope is well prepared. Smile.JPG】
【444：？】
【Xie He：I mean this from the bottom of my heart—I quite admire Joshua. He has the unwavering, callous, merciless and determined spirit of a leader. Even if there are no gods in this world anymore, he gradually turned himself into one. Moreover, he was rather skilled in employing the tactic of abandoning one’s benefactor after achieving one’s goals. As soon as his goal had been achieved, he wanted to get rid of Saj-Saj—this dangerous and uncontrollable factor—again, for the sake of his self-interest and his regime. Unfortunately...Saj-Saj is not someone who will be easy to get rid of. He must have already been on guard against Joshua. It’s just that he probably never thought that Joshua would take a different approach and act against me.】
【444：Σ( ° △°|||)︴So it’s like that?! Then isn’t Saj in danger?】
【Xie He：He’s fine. Saj-Saj isn’t someone who’s easy to deal with. I’ll just let him feel a sense of crisis so as to change things up a bit with regards to our monotonous love life.】
【444：......】
【Xie He：After all, it is when love is like great, billowing waves, that it is profound. 🙂 】
【444：O(∩_∩)O~】I just think that you don’t want to waste any time. Actually, a love like an endless, thin stream is also pretty profound....
Xie He pulled the blankets off himself and got up from the bed. He then pushed the door open and walked out.
Outside, there was a beautiful garden. Xie He walked through the complex corridors for a while but couldn’t find a way out. A long time later, he finally encountered a Church servant who was sweeping the floors. He asked them fretfully, “May I ask how I might leave this place?”
That servant looked at Xie He. The servant already knew who Xie He was. He didn’t reply to Xie He’s question and only said deferentially, “Please follow me.”
Xie He had no other choice. He could only follow after the servant. However, after walking for a while, he realized that something was off. This wasn’t the way out. Instead, the servant was leading him to another expansive palace.
The servant said to Xie He, “Please wait here for a moment. I will go and speak to His Holiness the Pope. Only he can make decisions on your coming and going.”
Xie He hesitated for a while, not moving. So this was the Church? He had always wanted to tell the Pope about Joshua’s actions. Right now was a good opportunity. It wouldn’t be good to just leave like this.
But...why did Joshua bring him to the Church? It couldn’t be that he wasn’t afraid of Xie He exposing him?
When he thought that he was about to meet the Pope, Xie He began to feel nervous.
Xie He stood in place for a while. A short moment later, he saw a man clad in the Pope’s apparel slowly walk out. He had on the papal tiara and held a jewelled sceptre in his hand. He was handsome, with blond hair and blue eyes.
Xie He’s expression changed. Why was Joshua dressed in the Pope’s attire?
When Joshua saw Xie He, he flashed him a gentle smile. He said, “You wanted to see me?”
Xie He’s eyes were fixed onto him. “What is this? Where is His Holiness the Pope?”
Grief and reminiscence emerged in Joshua’s eyes. Slowly, he said, “You are speaking of His Holiness Philip? He passed away two months ago.”
Xie He turned pale with fright. His voice went up a key, “What?”
The Pope had died and Joshua had clearly been instated as the new pope. This made Xie He fall into despair. Where was his light and hope? Where was his sanctuary supposed to be in this world?
In Xie He’s despondency, Joshua walked over to him. Joshua looked at him with a gentle gaze, and his voice was clear and melodious. “Don’t be sad. He left very peacefully. He has already returned to the embrace of Nature and the Light.”
Xie He came back to himself slowly. He stared at this seemingly extremely benevolent young man, who wore a warm smile on his face, in front of him. There was a completely unfamiliar expression in the other’s eyes. In the past, Xie He had seen just how cruel and despicable this person could be. The other’s hypocritical shell made him want to vomit.... Xie He glared at him with indignation and grief. “You killed him, didn’t you?”
This contemptible Holy Son could even betray the Light. What couldn’t he do?
When Joshua heard this, he sighed and showed a sad expression. “Although I’ve already explained it to you so many times, you’re still prejudiced towards me? I’ve told you before, everything I’ve done has been for the sake of spreading the Light, to make people believe in the Light. I deeply revered His Holiness Philip. He died of old age. He already didn’t have long to live. It was the merciless passage of time that had taken him away.... I had no need to kill him, because this position had been mine to begin with.”
Xie He still didn’t believe him. He cast an icy glare at Joshua. “If he knew of your actions, this position would not be yours.”
Joshua smiled slightly. “But he’ll never know, will he?”
Xie He was speechless. Yes, Xie He knew of Joshua’s actions, but because he had been corroded by Darkness, how could he get the trust of the Church or Humankind? The feeling of knowing the truth but being unable to do anything about it made him despair....
Did he have to give up?
Joshua smiled while grabbing hold of Xie He’s hand. “Follow me.”
Xie He immediately began to struggle. He was not willing to associate with this scumbag! But Joshua’s grip was extremely tight. He had used light energy to subdue him. Xie He could only allow himself to be dragged by Joshua.
Joshua gave Xie He hooded robes to wear. He said with a smile, “Don’t run away recklessly now. This is the Church. You will be burned to death if anyone discovers that you’re a dark elf who has been corroded by the Darkness.”
Xie He’s body grew rigid. He knew that he was being controlled by Joshua, so he gave up on struggling.
Joshua brought Xie He onto a street. This was different from other human streets which were usually chaotic. The country in which the Church was situated in was the most peaceful and serene of all the countries. Here, one did not see signs of war or starvation. One did not see murder or robbery. It was like a paradise.
When the people on the streets saw Joshua, they greeted him with absolute reverence, appearing very touched by him. They called him His Holiness the Pope. They believed that he was the Pope that was most in touch with the people. He had personally given alms to refugees and had personally led the knights into battle. In the name of Light and peace, he gave his all and put himself in danger.
Joshua continued leading Xie He outwards until they reached the City Gates. Here, there were many tents erected. These were refugees who had escaped from other war-torn lands. They would not be chased away here. They could also get very good living conditions. They could eat their fill and be warm. Furthermore, they could find work and restart their lives.
When they saw Joshua, they knelt down and thanked him respectfully. The power of their sincere faith made Joshua stronger.
Xie He followed Joshua the whole time and took in everything. He could see the sincere gratitude and reverence the humans had for him. His feelings were complicated.
In the end, Joshua took Xie He back to the Church’s Palace. He led Xie He by the hand to a spacious, tranquil hall. Here hung the portraits of every pope. As they walked onwards, they reached a dazzling shrine. Here, they worshipped the world’s mightiest God of Light.
Joshua stood before the image of the God of Light. He did not kneel. He only stood there, staring quietly at the image. He suddenly said, “What kind of person do you think the God of Light is?”
Xie He piously looked up at the immense image of the god. He couldn’t help but kneel on the ground. This was their creator, the mightiest of the gods. He was their faith.
His voice was deferential. “The God of Light is the most benevolent and kind-hearted of beings. He is the most gallant and fearless of knights. He loves all people and brings light and peace to the Continent. He led the gods to end the era of darkness and chaos. He is the King of the Gods, the saviour of the Continent’s beings.”
As Xie He spoke, tears suddenly streaked down Xie He’s cheeks. His god had already disappeared so he could not save them or this world.
Joshua chuckled. “Benevolent, kind-hearted, heroic, fearless, loves all people....”
Xie He glared at him furiously. This person unexpectedly had no reverence when faced with the mighty God of Light.
Joshua turned around and stood before Xie He. He reached out to grab hold of a lock of Xie He’s blond hair. He smiled at him. “The people outside label me the same.”
Xie He’s expression changed. A bad premonition sprung from his heart.
Joshua’s fingertips gently raised Xie He’s chin. His gentle gaze fell on the other as he said, “Have you ever thought that the God of Light, whom you say is worthy of reverence, is actually the same as me?”
Xie He’s lips trembled. “Nonsense.”
The corner of Joshua’s lips quirked up. “The so-called Battle of the Gods was nothing but a battle for faith. History is written by the winner.... It’s just that they didn’t expect that the end of the dark era would bring about their own demise.”
“If they knew this, they would probably have made a different choice.”
Xie He croaked, “I don’t believe you.”
He didn’t want to believe such a cruel fact. He didn’t want to believe that his faith in the Light was nothing but a joke.
“Why must you try and deceive yourself? Have you truly never doubted it before?” Joshua sighed quietly, “The truth is dangling before your eyes. The reason I can become the new God of Light is because I’m walking the same road to Godhood as they did. It’s just that I won’t make the same mistakes they did.”
Grief flashed through Xie He’s eyes.
Joshua pushed Xie He gently, pressing Xie He down onto the ground. They were right before the image of the God of Light.
He gently caressed Xie He’s cheeks, neck....His voice was low and soft, “Gods are also people. The hearts of people are the most complex things in existence. They change the most easily and are the greediest.... But you are different. You are the darling of God. He bestowed upon you kindness, beauty, light, determination, loyalty—all of the most beautiful qualities in this world. He took the Light from within himself and created you with love and anticipation.”
“God likely does not like Humankind very much but he certainly must love you.
“Like how I love you.”
Because you are God’s treasure.
My beautiful, graceful, unyielding and stubborn Elf King, you have the most perfect of appearances and hold no darkness in your heart. You are like the most dazzling light, drawing people to you like moths to a flame. Even God cannot escape.
【Ding, Joshua’s Favourability Value +5. The current Favourability Value is 90.】
There was doting love in Joshua’s blue eyes. He reached out to touch the beautiful elf’s ears, taking off the emerald earrings. With a light stroke, the wound healed. He slowly shifted both hands downwards and the collar came off Xie He’s neck with a ‘ka-cha’. He then pulled open the lapels of the other’s clothes, caressing that beautiful body....
There was confusion in Xie He’s emerald eyes, as if he had forgotten to resist because of the overwhelming shock.
He didn’t want to believe such a thing. But...he could not refute this fact. Joshua being able to become the new God of Light proved it all to be true.
A faint pain made Xie He curl up. Reason came back to him. Everything on his body had already been removed by Joshua and he was about to be possessed by the new God of Light. No...it shouldn’t be like this!
Xie He suddenly pushed Joshua away and stared at him with a guarded expression. He pursed his lips tightly into a straight line, not saying a word.
Joshua laughed, taking back his hand, not planning on forcing Xie He. He said, “Actually, it might have been easier on you if you didn’t know the truth. That way, you wouldn’t have to think at all. You would only have to devote your mind and body to the God of Light.”
Xie He’s voice was hoarse with pain hidden beneath. “You are not my god.”
Joshua looked at him, a smile that was not a smile played on his lips. “Then who is? It couldn’t be Saj, could it? The God of Darkness can possess you without the slightest scruple, but I can’t?” His gaze fell on the pile of bejewelled accessories, his lips quirking up into a slight arc.
Shame and indignation arose in Xie He’s face. He defended himself, “I was forced. He imprisoned my people.”
Joshua said, “Then you must hate him.”
Xie He glared, “I’m just itching to kill him.”
Joshua had a smile in his eyes. “Then our goal is the same, because I too wish to kill him.”
Xie He didn’t trust him. “You’ve always said that there cannot be light without darkness. You were the one to release him because you wanted to gather enough faith. Why would you want to kill him?”
Joshua smiled affectionately. “You’re truly adorable and frank....It is precisely because I’ve acquired enough faith that I want to kill him. The seed of Darkness has already been planted. It will grow unbridled and untamed. It’s not important whether a God of Darkness exists. Moreover, compared to the God of Darkness...the human heart is ignorant and much easier to control. Darkness will never be truly eradicated.”
While Joshua had been acquiring faith, Saj had also been plundering faith. They were both scheming on how to kill the other.
They could not form a truly cooperative relationship.
Xie He looked at this version of Joshua and felt his heart freeze. This was the new God of Light. What hopes could they have with this kind of god?
“I need to go back. My clansmen are in his hands,” Xie He said.
Joshua shook his head and sighed. “I apologize, but I cannot let you go back. But do not fret, as long as you’re in my hands, Saj will not do anything to your people. My adorable Elf King, it is no use going back right now. Your clansmen will only continue to be imprisoned by Saj and you will continue to be his slave.... But if you stay here and help me kill Saj, your people will once again regain their freedom.”
Joshua’s words made hesitation flit through Xie He’s eyes. Things had already come to this. Perhaps Joshua could stand a chance against Saj. Just as the other had said, it would accomplish nothing if he were to go back.
But could he trust Joshua? This was an extremely difficult decision.
Joshua gave Xie He a meaningful look. “Think it over. Think about what’s the best decision. Is it to go back and serve the Darkness, or to stand up and fight against it? You do not need to suspect my killing intent towards Saj. Because to me, the power of faith in the Light is what’s most important. If I win, although darkness will never be completely eradicated from this world, at the very least, the majority of humans will welcome back peace and the Darkness will be controlled. Your people will be able to return to nature.”
After saying this, he turned and left, leaving Xie He alone here.
Xie He stared at Joshua’s departing back and intense conflict flared in his eyes.
Joshua was not the god he believed in. His light followed darkness. But just like the other had said, at the very least, under his regime, light would suppress the dark. He would kill Saj and save his people.... Meanwhile, if he were to go back, he would be nothing more than that demon’s pet.
Fight back? He had never given up on fighting back...he just didn’t have the power.
On one side, they would have complete darkness. On the other side, they would have incomplete light....
What a dilemma.
However, he would not give up on any shred of hope. Even while in despair...he did not want to give up.
Xie He suddenly ran after Joshua. He grabbed the other’s hand and asked clearly, “Can you really kill him?”
Joshua smiled. “I’m not certain. However, if you’re willing to help me, the chances of victory are much higher. Are you...willing to help me?”
Xie He’s face was deathly pale. Gradually, determination filled his eyes. He said, “I’ll help you.”
Joshua looked happy. “I’m very glad that you’re able to see reason.”
Xie He however, had on a dismal smile. It was only that he had no other options. He said, “I can help you but I hope that you are able to do your best to save my clansmen, regardless of whether we succeed. Give them their freedom. I want you to swear on your Godhead that you will do this.”
Joshua stared at Xie He. A long time later, he said, “I vow, that regardless of whether this succeeds or fails, I will do my utmost to save the Elves and give them their freedom. If I turn back on my words, I will suffer the backlash of the power of faith and lose the rights to become a god.”
Xie He finally looked relieved. He had done his best.
....................................
Xie He stayed in Joshua’s palace for two nights. On the third night, a wild wind conjured up outside. The sky was covered in black clouds and the moonlight was obstructed. The entire city was enveloped by a sinister darkness.
He stared at the sky. Very quickly, he heard Joshua’s voice telling him to head to the Pope’s palace.
When Xie He arrived at the palace, Joshua was sitting on the Pope’s throne. He was looking up at the transparent ceiling to gaze at the sky, expression solemn. When he saw that Xie He had come, he said with a smile, “Come here.”
Xie He came to Joshua’s side. He had already agreed to cooperate.
Joshua handed over a thumb-sized pearl to Xie He and instructed him, “This is the heavenly weapon, God’s Tear. When Saj comes to take you away, I’ll let him succeed. Then, get close to him, break this, and throw it at him. Remember, after throwing it, get away quickly because the light energy contained within will also harm you.”
Xie He silently accepted it, nodding.
Once again, Joshua raised his face to the sky and sighed, “He really cares about you. For you, despite knowing that this is a trap, he’s still willing to come personally.”
This was the Church, where light energy was the most concentrated. Even if he was the God of Darkness, this was a life-threatening place for him.
Joshua suddenly embraced Xie He and chuckled, “Remember to act realistically.”
Outside, the black fog became increasingly dense, as if it were fighting with the barrier around the Pope’s palace. After some time, with an earth-quaking shake, the glass that made up the top of the palace shattered, falling to the ground.
Only the area where Joshua was seemed to be protected by some invisible force. The shards of glass bounced off of it.
Joshua had Xie He on his lap, arms around his waist. He raised his head and said with a clear voice, “You came for him, right?”
Saj was kept outside. He was doing his best to break layer after layer of light barriers. He stared at the man who was sitting on the throne, holding the beautiful elf that belonged to him, from a distance.
The earrings and collar had already been taken off the elf’s body. He was now clad in the white robes of the Church and was presently being held in Joshua’s arms....
Incomparable fury arose in Saj’s heart. Only he could touch his elf! No one else was allowed to, not even this despicable God of Light! A trifling new god actually dared to provoke him! He actually dared to covet what belonged to him!
He should have killed him a long time ago!
【Ding, the target Saj’s Favourability Value +5. The current Favourability Value is 90.】
Joshua gave a cold glance towards the sky and then pressed on the back of Xie He’s head, kissing him on the lips. Xie He then began to struggle, but Joshua’s hold was too strong. The other plundered his mouth with no mercy!
Xie He’s hands were pressed against Joshua’s chest as he did his best to struggle. However, he still ended up being kissed breathless, face flushed.
When Saj saw this, he almost lost his reason in rage! The black fog around him became even denser. He became a thick beam shooting towards Joshua. He didn’t even care about his own safety anymore!
The barrier around Joshua flickered, cracks splintering across it. Just then, he slammed his sceptre onto the ground and a hidden magic formation lit up, causing light to burst all around him. Intense light energy enveloped Saj, blasting him out of the building!
Xie He took advantage of the moment in which Joshua was using all his power to fight against Saj and broke free of Joshua’s hold. He ran out. However, before getting very far, he was stopped by a barrier.
At this moment, Saj came back. His eyes were pitch black and his expression was frigid. Suddenly, endless black fog once again emerged, covering the sky. It then rammed into Joshua! Blood trickled down the corner of Joshua’s lips. Compared to Saj, who had lived for thousands of years, his power was much weaker. But...this was his territory!
The two sides rocked heaven and earth as dark and light clashed.
In the end, Joshua was weaker. Saj broke through the last barrier and grabbed Xie He into his arms. He got up and was about to kill Joshua!
Joshua glared at Saj coldly and spat out a mouthful of blood. The sceptre in his hand suddenly emitted a dazzling light. That light blinded Saj, and he could immediately feel that Joshua was about to evoke the Church’s ultimate magical formation.
He understood it well. The last time he was here, a moment of carelessness had allowed that fellow, the previous God of Light, to seal him. The Church’s underground formation could completely subdue him. It was just that it had an immense cost and required a long time to activate.
Saj’s expression grew sharp. He hugged Xie He and flew away. He could wait until Joshua left this place to kill him. He didn’t think that the other could hide here for all eternity!
Xie He was held in Saj’s arms. Although they were flying very quickly, because of Saj’s meticulous protection, he couldn’t even feel the wind.
He stared at Saj’s stern profile. Although the other had won, it was clear he had suffered no light injuries.... Actually, before Saj had come, Xie He was not sure whether the other would be willing to take the risk for his sake. He thought that perhaps Joshua’s thinking was too simple.... How could this sinister, cold-hearted demon come charging at the Church on his own for Xie He’s sake? This was the only place that held any threat towards him.
But as reality would have it...he had come.
Xie He suddenly reached out and gently wiped off the blood on Saj’s face.
Saj paused. He looked at Xie He in disbelief. Although it was a simple gesture, it sent ripples through his heart. His elf...had caressed him. It was just that there seemed to be nothing but lament in those emerald eyes.
Xie He gazed at Saj. You don’t understand it at all. I will never belong to you. You shouldn’t have come...because I hate you.
He suddenly raised his head, wrapped his arms around Saj’s neck and kissed him.
This was the first time Xie He had initiated a kiss. At this moment, Saj had no other thoughts. His mind was full of just one—his elf was kissing him. At this moment, he realized just how much he cared for the other, how much he loved him.... Just a little closeness was enough to make him intoxicated.
【Ding, the target Saj’s Favourability Value +2. The current Favourability Value is 92.】
Xie He kissed Saj gently and then suddenly bit the pearl in his mouth, breaking it and passing it over by mouth. Suddenly, exploding light energy scorched him, causing him so much pain he wished he were dead. However, he didn’t let go. Instead, he hugged Saj all the tighter!
If he could kill Saj, he was willing to pay with his life!
Eve: Annnnd throwback to Lance. Nothing like sweet attempted murder by the person you love to change ya. But I don’t feel bad for Saj, like I had for Lance.
sere: fun fact I came back to edit this a whole month after i edited the rest of the arc so i don’t feel anything lmao
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