[{"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-496":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},579467,829,"Chapter 496: No Amateurs at the Peak","foolish-game-of-the-gods-chapter-496",496,"\u003Cp>He'd gotten too excited and forgotten his supposed perspective.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this level of challenge was nothing for a clown. Cheng Shi swiftly shifted his expression to self-deprecation, then sighed with a bitter smile:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're right. I'm not really Yu Xi.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The instant the words left his mouth, Aph Ros's gaze turned razor-sharp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At least, not right now. Because my mask is shattered.\" Cheng Shi spread his hands, then pointed at his own face. \"When my mask vanished, I stopped being Yu Xi. That's why I'm playing the role of Cheng Shi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everything you find illogical — it's all because He and I... made a wager.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aph Ros's expression turned serious: \"[Deceit]!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes. My Benefactor, [Deceit].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I need to set one thing straight: long before becoming a [Fate] follower, I was already a [Deceit] Envoy. I walked the path of [Void], but had an unexpected clash with [Time].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"When my Benefactor learned of this, He didn't help me repair that mask that represented who I was. Yes, you heard right — that mask is my true form.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why? Because... the Fun God needs fun. And what's more entertaining than stripping your own Envoy of his Envoy status?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The most hilarious part: He personally tracked me down, told me everything about my identity to my face, and mocked me without mercy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I had no choice. To restore my true body, I made another bet with Him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The wager's terms: start over. From the Path Starting Point. Reassemble my mask as a player, and walk back to the center of [Deceit]'s stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's why I became a [Fate] follower.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The bet forbids me from borrowing His power. So at the Path Starting Point, I picked up the die that symbolizes [Fate] — after all, as a [Void] walker, my only other option besides [Deceit] was [Fate].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Everything [Deceit]-related you see on me now is partial power I recovered after reclaiming my tongue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So now you know, Aph Ros. That is every secret of Yu Xi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The only thing I can guarantee is that I am Yu Xi. Whether anything else I've said is a lie — you'll have to judge for yourself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because this is who I am. This is [Deceit]'s Envoy, Yu Xi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"A liar through and through... a fraud!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aph Ros listened, entranced. He was simultaneously verifying Cheng Shi's identity and using the information to fill gaps in His knowledge of this era's new gods.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing such apparent candor, Aph Ros broke into another smile:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fascinating. Truly fascinating. I adore lies. Whether deceiving or being deceived — desire always flows through falsehood.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You're right, my brother. When you can't suppress your compulsion to deceive, the distance between us...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Grows ever smaller.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Shi gave an awkward laugh and finally steered the conversation back on track.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There's actually one more thing I don't quite understand. I was hoping to consult someone who's witnessed several eras firsthand — a living...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fossil?\" Aph Ros gave Cheng Shi a half-amused, self-deprecating look. \"Go on.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How could I say fossil? You're a living archive of history!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My question concerns a certain deity.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Oh? Who? Surely not my Benefactor?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No — [Decay]!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This god who descended after [Corruption] seems thoroughly unkind to His followers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I've encountered a kingdom that worshipped Him. Even though those people devoted their entire nation to Him, He never bestowed them so much as a single blessing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This contradicts what I know about Him. So I'd like your perspective — what kind of being is He, exactly?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the mention of [Decay], Aph Ros's expression visibly sobered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He fell silent for a moment, then sighed:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If it's not absolutely necessary, I'd suggest you... stay away from Him.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Shi's pupils contracted: \"Why?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not all curiosity leads to answers. [Decay]... is unlike every other god.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Come to think of it, His will does bear a certain resemblance to my Benefactor [Birth].\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>???\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'[Decay] and [Birth] with similar wills?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'One rotted and withered. The other birthed new life. Where was the similarity?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The 'will' I'm referring to isn't the will that mortals presume gods to possess. It's Their own will...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can't tell you too much. But I can confirm that what you experienced was correct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the earliest era, He was indeed extremely cold. Even cruel and harsh!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The [Decay] period within the Sinking Era didn't last long. Or rather, the so-called Sinking Epoch saw only [Corruption] truly flourish for any significant duration.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Both [Decay] and [Oblivion] were flashes in the pan. On the scale of history's long river, the periods when Their faiths were prevalent barely qualified as a single ripple.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It wasn't until the Civilization Era's arrival that [Decay]'s attitude toward mortals shifted somewhat. He began to develop... compassion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After that, He gradually stopped resembling the original Him and became what He is today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you want to know more, my brother — my advice is: don't.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Because His transformation is entirely related to that existence I refuse to mention!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Shi's entire body trembled. That terrifying divine name surfaced once more in his mind: [Origin]!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'[Decay]'s transformation was connected to [Origin]!?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'So why exactly did He change, and what was His relationship with that being Aph Ros refused to go near?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that the conversation had strayed into dangerous territory, Cheng Shi fell silent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a long pause, he nodded. \"Thank you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No need to thank me. The stories I heard from you today are far more interesting than anything I shared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I should be thanking you for helping me better understand this era.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However — I've noted your outstanding tab.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My brother, remember to pay up next time. Of course, I'll accept... any method of payment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Shi's eye twitched. He didn't dare respond. After a moment's thought, he decided it was about time and prepared to bid Aph Ros farewell and return to the trial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But as he rose, Aph Ros couldn't contain his curiosity:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not going to tell me anything else?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Shi startled. Inside, his heart lurched. On the surface, he smiled: \"What else would you like to know?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aph Ros studied Cheng Shi with interest, then directed his gaze toward the ring between Cheng Shi's fingers — the Ring of Bone Servant Le Le'er.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Quite a remarkable ring. Last time I merely noticed its existence — no other aura stood out. But this time, when you arrived through [Death]'s power, I detected something on it... a faint trace of...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"[Corruption]'s scent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"How interesting. You've brought a [Corruption] follower's soul-fragment before me, yet you haven't breathed a word about it. Could it be you were waiting for me to ask?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>???\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'What!?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'A [Corruption] follower's soul-fragment!?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Shi was stunned. Completely floored!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Aph Ros had detected Le Le'er's divinity, that wouldn't have surprised him — Le Le'er was also connected to [Corruption].\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But divinity and a soul-fragment were entirely different things. This fragment was clearly some dying-but-not-dead thing latched onto his ring!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'When!?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'He hadn't noticed at all!!'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His heart sank. In a flash, he realized exactly what this fragment was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Screaming Earl. Gongyang Jiao!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'No wonder!'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'No wonder that maniac had fought so savagely. No wonder he hadn't feared death at all. Cheng Shi had suspected that simply killing Gongyang Jiao wouldn't end things — that the man surely had a resurrection method.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'But he never imagined this audacious player had dared to \"contaminate\" his ring!'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Was the man after the ring, or was this simply the Screaming Earl's unique revival technique?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Could he parasitize fear itself — and resurrect through another's terror?'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'What a peak player. He'd used his own death to slip right past Cheng Shi's guard!'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After piecing it all together, Cheng Shi was deeply troubled inside. But outwardly, he betrayed nothing. Instead, he laughed heartily:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Working alone can be inefficient, you know. When you spot a suitable bruiser, naturally you want to grab him for labor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Persuading him as 'Cheng Shi' probably wouldn't work. So I had to bring him here to watch the show.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Don't worry — he won't dare say a word.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Shi was lying again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He knew nothing about the fragment's state inside the ring — whether it could hear, what contingencies it had. But he said it anyway. The purpose: to con the nonexistent into existence!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because he'd suddenly realized Gongyang Jiao was perfect labor material.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Formidable combat power. Poor judgment. Constantly going berserk.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That three-in-one package meant anything he did required minimal explanation. He was practically the holy body of blackwork... no, the holy body of taking the fall!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And so in this moment, Cheng Shi told a single lie that deceived two beings at once — one person and one god!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He even began to hope that the parasitic Gongyang Jiao could hear his conversation with Aph Ros.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If things went well, the man might end up like Long Jing — another tool in Lord Yu Xi's arsenal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, any sensible player would know they had zero power to refuse. Especially a [Corruption] follower, who — upon learning how close Yu Xi was to [Corruption]'s own Herald Aph Ros — would have even less reason to say no.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aph Ros nodded in understanding at Cheng Shi's response.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>'Recruiting a subordinate. Common enough.'\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"So — your business with the Inquisition's entrance is concluded?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Cheng Shi blinked, then waved his hand: \"No, no, no — this was just the first time. I'll probably need to trouble you a few more times down the road.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I enjoy your visits. But I'd prefer you reassemble your mask soon and converse with me as the true Yu Xi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The scent of [Death] isn't to my taste. In the future, if you come and need me, knock. If you don't need me — I'd much rather share a sunset feast with you at the long table on Dolgod's terrace.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With that, Aph Ros smiled elegantly and strode into the depths of the Inquisition. The great door closed behind Him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in that moment, Cheng Shi's face turned grim. He raised his hand and stared at the ring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Enjoying the show... are we?\"\u003C\u002Fp>",1688,"2026-05-30T16:17:59.407Z","2026-06-01T04:31:40.442Z",1,"novelbin.me","831df8525de4322e78989584fb5bf8663103f1601ff70cd4b3cdb39108fea1d4","foolish-game-of-the-gods-chapter-497","foolish-game-of-the-gods-chapter-495",1463,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Ffoolish-game-of-the-gods-cover.jpg"]