[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-foolish-game-of-the-gods":3,"chapter-foolish-game-of-the-gods-foolish-game-of-the-gods-chapter-3":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Foolish Game of the Gods",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":20,"prevChapterSlug":21,"totalChapters":22,"novelImage":23},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":16,"volume":17,"translator":18,"content_hash":19},579324,829,"Chapter 3: The Song of Blood and Fire","foolish-game-of-the-gods-chapter-3",3,"\u003Cp>On the opposite rooftop, the young man furrowed his brows and spent the night guessing, but Cheng Shi slept soundly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next morning, as soon as he opened his eyes, a notification for the initiation of a trial appeared before him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Special Trial (Song of Blood and Fire [War]) is now open]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Matching teammates (1\u002F6)]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Trial Objective: Endure the test of blood and fire (24-hour limit)]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing the word [War] in the game description made Cheng Shi’s forehead throb.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was going to be a tough battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[War], although a god of the [Civilization] path, had trials that were anything but civilized.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Almost every trial involved real combat, where understanding the various clues provided was unnecessary. All you needed to do was eliminate all surrounding enemies to pass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Enemies wouldn’t give you a chance to breathe, nor would they slow their attacks just because you needed rest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this scenario, having teammates who could fight was naturally advantageous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Please, match me with a few more warriors. One non-fighter like me is enough, please, please.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Matching Successful (6\u002F6), entering trial]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blood-red notification flashed by, and the scene before Cheng Shi started to warp, then he vanished from his spot.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>…\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sky was dim, and smoke filled the air.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Opening his eyes, Cheng Shi found himself standing amidst ruins, surrounded by nothing but broken walls and rubble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This place had clearly been a small town, now erased from the map by brutal warfare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seconds later, beams of light descended around him, accompanied by exclamations of surprise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His teammates for this trial had arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Shi immediately looked at them, noting among three men and two women, only one carried a greatsword, while the rest, like him, showed no visible weapons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Hiss—”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Shi inhaled sharply, thinking to himself, “Is this another non-fighter group?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the [Faith Game], there were only six classes: Warrior, Mage, Priest, Assassin, Hunter, and Bard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In theory, no class was superior; only players were either skilled or not.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>However, due to the nature of different trials, classes were often ranked by effectiveness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a [War] trial like today, Warriors, Mages, and Priests were undoubtedly stronger than Assassins, Hunters, and Bards.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The matched group of six eyed each other. Seeing no weapons on the others, the man with the greatsword spoke with mild irritation:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Standard procedure, let’s not waste time. State your path and class, then your score. I’ll start: Chen Chong, [Civilization], Warrior, Ladder Rank 1647.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Chong, [Civilization], Warrior, Ladder Rank 1647\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Each path had 2-3 gods, and players only stated their path, not the god’s name, to avoid revealing affiliations to rivals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While all players in a trial should help each other as comrades in fate, some gods might issue additional [Divine Decrees] when matched with opposing faiths, prompting their followers to commit unsavory acts before completing tasks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was learned through painful lessons.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since the game began half a year ago, the number of people who died for this reason was uncountable, so current players were extremely cautious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at the start of the trial, cooperation was necessary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Song Yawen, [Life], Assassin, Ladder Rank 1636, hey, are you an ‘Order Knight’? I think I’ve seen that sword with another [Order] warrior; it’s a shield sword, right?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A tall, lean young man in sportswear and glasses, standing next to Chen Chong, spoke next, scrutinizing Chen Chong’s greatsword closely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Yawen, [Life], Assassin, Ladder Rank 1636\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since he was recognized, Chen Chong didn’t hide it and nodded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing his acknowledgment, the others visibly relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Order] followers were among the few trustworthy strangers in this game.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They adhered to [Order’s] will, respected rules, and self-disciplined. They were the most cherished companions in the game, almost without exception.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And an [Order] warrior in a [War] trial could be a top-tier asset.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Reliable and effective.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Xia Wan, [Life], Hunter, Ladder Rank 1519.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The speaking order somehow turned clockwise, and the military-green-clad, short-sleeved woman introduced herself coolly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She was tall but not slender, her muscles firm and well-defined, projecting power even through her clothes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Wan, [Life], Hunter, Ladder Rank 1519\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing a teammate shared his path, Song Yawen grinned and nodded in greeting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To Xia Wan’s left stood another woman, petite, with a cascade of black hair.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She wore a black high-collared shirt, covering herself completely except for her face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Nangong, [Descent], Priest, Ladder Rank 1396.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nangong, [Descent], Priest, Ladder Rank 1396\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the mention of [Descent], the faces of the two [Life] followers darkened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Life] and [Descent] are opposing paths.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Yawen looked at Nangong with a hint of suspicion, his gaze not exactly friendly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Xia Wan remained motionless, her expression still cold, though her slanted eyes reflected a degree of scrutiny.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nangong felt uneasy too. With two members from an opposing path, and a trial requiring survival for a full day, she could only hope that their gods weren’t directly opposed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Path opposition could cause discomfort, but if their beliefs were also opposed, it could lead to deadly consequences.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was Cheng Shi’s turn next. He glanced at Nangong on his right, then suddenly flashed a meaningful smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cheng Shi, [Life], Priest, Ladder Rank 1501.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cheng Shi”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment he finished speaking, the faces of those present displayed mixed emotions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two who shared the [Life] path were naturally pleased, whereas Nangong’s face turned visibly grim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As a path of a righteous god, [Life] ensured its followers were at least outwardly “good people,” regardless of their private conduct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the gods of [Descent] each had their own “vices.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sensing the tense atmosphere, Order Warrior Chen Chong frowned and reminded everyone:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Path differences should be set aside for now. We have 24 long hours ahead. Focus on survival first.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With more teammates from his path, Song Yawen merely chuckled, Xia Wan remained unfazed, Cheng Shi was entertained by the situation, and Nangong was lost in thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the player to Cheng Shi’s left, dressed like Doctor Strange, cast him a peculiar glance, seemingly uncertain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cao Sansui, [Existence], Mage, Ladder Rank 1906.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Sansui, [Existence], Mage, Ladder Rank 1906\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Whoa???”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The score left everyone gasping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While the others felt they’d found a strong ally, Cheng Shi clicked his tongue, his expression akin to constipation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Tsk, [Existence] huh…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Chen Chong’s mood visibly improved, raising an eyebrow and asking with a smile:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Memory Traveller or Time Walker?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Memory Traveller” refers to mages who follow [Memory], while “Time Walker” refers to mages who follow [Time]. Chen Chong was inquiring about his god.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since none of the six present had opposing paths, he could candidly reveal his identity, allowing for better cooperation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the [Existence] path, there were only these two gods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Sansui clearly wasn’t his real name, but names were just aliases, so no one gave it much thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He didn’t answer immediately, hesitating briefly and glancing at Cheng Shi several times, unable to discern anything, before sighing and saying:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Time is a gap, and I am like the wind.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a prayer of a [Time] follower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cao Sansui was a Time Walker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This combination of class and faith was considered T0 rank throughout the game. (Note: “T0” represents the highest priority, generally interpreted as the most powerful class.)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As the name suggests, Time Walkers could control time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon learning he was a Time Walker, Chen Chong’s smile widened, and Cheng Shi broke into a heartfelt grin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This time, it was a genuine smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Cao, you’re awesome!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Song Yawen didn’t act like a low-key assassin at all, repeatedly giving thumbs-up. If they were more familiar, he might have even hugged Cao Sansui.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“With Brother Chen leading and Brother Cao holding the fort, we’re solid, comrades!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His gaze swept across everyone, notably skipping Nangong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nangong’s smile was somewhat awkward, but there was little she could do. Her situation was indeed poor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Shi watched as the team seemed set to isolate a member from the start and silently shook his head.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Losing a potential asset due to path differences was irrational, especially at the trial’s outset.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To ease team tensions, he pondered for a moment, then suddenly spoke:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“A dual-priest setup is perfect for the [War] trial. My intuition tells me Nangong isn’t our enemy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The group looked at him in surprise, even Nangong, unable to believe her opposing path competitor was speaking for her.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“You…”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Shi tilted his head, his smile radiant:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Allow me to reintroduce myself: Cheng Shi, Priest of [Birth].”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“???”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“What the heck? You’re a guy, and you’re a Goddess of Fertility??”\u003C\u002Fp>",1419,"2026-05-30T16:17:59.091Z","2026-06-01T04:31:40.442Z",1,"novelbin.me","823346b195f488ec980261222cd56a36f583c97c05dd289001e6b6ba47d472fe","foolish-game-of-the-gods-chapter-4","foolish-game-of-the-gods-chapter-2",1463,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Ffoolish-game-of-the-gods-cover.jpg"]