Chapter 1103: Ascending to Half‑God

Sailan Na's Soul‑Binding Talisman.

More than ten years ago, when Lei En first met the black dragon Yi Geng, the latter voluntarily revealed that he possessed this Legend Grade magical item.

During the massive Abyss invasion at the end of the previous era, a wood‑elf great druid named Sailan Na was gravely wounded in battle against a demon lord; in that emergency, she stripped part of her soul and infused it into a core of the World Tree, forging it into a talisman.

Sailan Na was, in life, a twenty‑fourth‑level great druid.

Wearing this talisman grants the effect equivalent to the Ninth‑Ring Shape‑Shifting Art, i. e., the legendary Element "Thousand Transformations".

At the same time, it grants mastery of some druid spells that grow stronger as one's level rises, not inferior to a true great druid.

Yi Geng unexpectedly acquired the talisman and used it for many deeds—deceiving humans, plundering wealth, evading pursuers, and so on. Because he wore it long, the black dragon walked the druidic path and became a follower of the Mother Earth.

But it can be said that Sailan Na's Soul‑Binding Talisman changed his entire life.

Now Lei En asks for it.

Yi Geng instinctively wanted to refuse, his expression wavering, but after a few seconds of hesitation he replied cheerfully, "Your Majesty, feel free to take it."

Speaking so, he removed from his neck a necklace made of supple twigs, bearing a wooden piece about half a palm in size. The wood was crudely fashioned, as if cut hastily, and bore a simple pale‑green rune.

If left on the roadside, no one would give it a second glance; no one could imagine it was actually a Legend Grade magical item!

Lei En caught the talisman, feeling the immense natural power contained within the wood.

Surprise flashed across his face.

Looking at Yi Geng, the latter shed the talisman and revealed his true black‑dragon form, then immediately shapeshifted into that of a human youth.

"You actually were willing to part with it?" Lei En laughed.

Dragons are inherently greedy; black dragons epitomize this, making it harder to coax a treasure from them than to slay them, let alone a Legend Grade magical item.

"Just a mere Legend Grade magical item; the honor that Your Majesty deems it useful is already immense," Yi Geng said with a flattering smile, magnanimously, "I am also very pleased to contribute a modest effort to Your Majesty."

Lei En smiled.

Despite Yi Geng's loud flattery, Soul Eye saw clearly that the black dragon's heart ached as if flesh were being cut and blood spilled.

Nevertheless, Yi Geng overcoming his draconic nature to part with the talisman was already quite rare.

"I will remember your contribution,"

Lei En nodded with satisfaction, twirling the talisman in his hand, "It is indeed useful to me; I'll keep it here for a while, and return it once I'm done."

Yi Geng was very curious inside but dared not ask rashly, and generously said, "Use it for as long as Your Majesty wishes."

Lei En thought for a moment, then modified the terms he had prepared earlier: "Alright, let's treat this as a lease from you. Fifty hundred thousand Gold Shields per year, up to a maximum of ten years; after the total reaches five million Gold Shields, I will stop paying you."

The upper value limit for a Legend Grade magical item is roughly five million Gold Shields.

Sailan Na's Soul‑Binding Talisman ranks mid‑tier among Legend Grade items; its power is not top‑notch, being primarily supportive, so it could not fetch such a high price.

"After ten years, if I continue using the talisman, I won't return it," Lei En said, noticing Yi Geng's expression shift, "However, I can make you a promise: any wish that isn't overly excessive, I can fulfill for you."

Yi Geng shouted loudly, "Your Majesty, your generosity rivals your wisdom!"

"Carry on well; the production of the black soul elixir has been hard on you," Lei En encouraged with a few words, then returned to the Prime Material Plane.

Yi Geng respectfully saw Lei En off as he left.

He saluted the spot where Lei En vanished, holding the pose for a few seconds, then could no longer contain himself, leapt up joyfully and shouted, "What a profit!"

Emperor Ao Rui En Se's promise, if timed right, would be worth far more than a Legend Grade magical item, even beyond measurement in Gold Shields!

Moreover, he could still receive five million Gold Shields.

The black dragon's mind held only one thought: the Emperor must borrow the talisman for more than ten years, so he could reap the greatest benefit.

Lei En could probably guess Yi Geng's intention; it was a reward for his loyalty.

Back aboard the Luo Sheng Du's Star Destroyer, Sheng Jiles had already bestowed a blessing on the Solar Clone; Soul Eye observed that within the clone's soul space a massive blaze of sun radiated, with dozens of Elements and over a hundred Divine Technique runes drifting amid the light—a spectacular sight.

The Solar Clone remains at Legendary Peak, yet its strength far exceeds the legendary scope, surpassing most Saint Rank warriors.

Even compared with the ultimate Thundercast Celestial Soldier, the Solar Clone is not far behind.

Lei En handed over the great druid talisman.

The Solar Clone placed the talisman on, and instantly a fresh, vast natural force surged into its body, clashing not with the Holy Light power, each operating independently.

The talisman carries "Natural Resonance", allowing it to sense nearby creatures' goodwill or hostility toward me, as well as vague thoughts—similar to mind reading but without the aggressive intrusion, a passive effect undetectable by the target.

In addition, there are dozens of druid spells, ranging from the First Ring to the Ninth Ring.

The stronger the wielder, the higher the talisman's potency.

However, Lei En's purpose in acquiring the talisman was not to boost strength; he coveted the legendary Element "Thousand Transformations".

The Solar Clone lacks shapeshifting ability; ordinary shape‑changing magical items are unreliable, easily seen through by powerful foes or failing in combat.

Only Thousand Transformations meets the requirement, allowing transformation into any race or form.

The Solar Clone activated the talisman.

Instantly, his body altered rapidly: ears elongated and stood up, pupils turned gold, arms lengthened further, skin turned a bluish‑grayish white, and his physique adjusted subtly. Seconds later, a Sun‑flame Troll stood before him.

Lei En circled him twice, feeling very satisfied.

Thousand Transformations truly is wondrous!

Not only did his form become that of a troll, but his soul was also cloaked in a troll disguise; were it not for his rank being two tiers above the Solar Clone, even Soul Eye might fail to see through, mistaking him for a genuine troll.

Moreover, this transformed state is completely real, with no time limit.

"Impressive!"

Lei En exclaimed in admiration.

This surpasses the physical transformation of the Thundercast Celestial Soldier, which combines animated metal with a steel body; the Solar Clone lacks animated metal, so it could only request the talisman as a substitute, which now appears better suited for it.

However, this is not yet the Solar Clone's final form; the exact appearance to join the Sun Tribe will be adjusted when the timing is right.

Lei En looked at Sheng Jiles, his expression growing solemn.

"We should prepare,"

He opened a wormhole, and together with Sheng Jiles slipped back to Gotham City, entering the underground Sanctra residence of Aibolaken.

The next day at noon.

More than ten thousand members of the Holy Spear Knight Corps entered the Sanctra residence in batches, gathering outside the Grand Cathedral of the Radiant Church; commander Li Feilin and the senior clergy stood in the cathedral's main hall, solemn and dignified, their faces barely concealing excitement.

The followers of the Radiant Lord whispered among themselves, most not knowing what would happen today.

They have all been to the cathedral before.

Everyone also knows that every member of the corps is a devotee of the Radiant Lord, bathed in the Lord's radiance, but the Lord's revered name cannot be revealed yet; today, the commander suddenly gathered everyone, and each person felt a premonition.

A portal opened in the cathedral's main hall, and a majestic figure stepped out.

"Your Majesty!"

"The Emperor has arrived."

A stir erupted inside and outside the cathedral; the Holy Lance Knights were all excited, each having been personally summoned by the Emperor into the Holy Spear Knight Corps. Whether blood elf or human, they all benefited from the Emperor's grace; without the Emperor, they would not be who they are today.

In the eyes of most Holy Lance Knights, the Emperor's importance surpasses that of the Lord.

They originally joined the Radiant Church and believed in the Radiant Lord precisely because of the Emperor's tacit approval.

Some Holy Lance Knights even think the Emperor is the incarnation of the Radiant Lord on earth, that the two are one, and that the Emperor outwardly follows the God of Magic only to later openly preach.

"Your Majesty, may I present!"

The Holy Lance Knights half‑kneel together, loudly saluting Lei En.

"Rise," Lei En raised his hand and said solemnly, "Today is an important day for the Radiant Church. In the future, when the Radiant Lord's revered name resounds across the world, you will look back and recall this day as the first step He took toward the supreme divine throne."

The Holy Lance Knights stood up, their hearts racing at the Emperor's solemn words, each thrilled to have the chance to partake in such a momentous event.

The devout Radiant believers were even more exhilarated, silently chanting the revered name of Saint Giless.

"Begin,"

Lei En nodded at Li Feilin and then stepped aside.

At present the Radiant Church has five Holy Blood Angels; besides Li Feilin and Ai Luotixiya, the other three Holy Blood Angels are her own avatars, cultivating Holy Light power with blood crystal seeds, then elevating to Saint Rank using Holy Blood amber.

Li Feilin is both the commander and the leader of the church.

Ai Luotixiya has also rushed back from the Abyss.

She is now at level twenty‑seven, having honed her combat skills and Willpower through years of campaigns in the Abyss; not only has she uncovered the potential of the Blazing Heaven Divine Envoy, but Lei En often has her absorb life essence to keep the angelic and Demon souls in balance, causing her power to surge, placing her a tier above Li Feilin.

Li Feilin stepped onto the high platform at the front of the cathedral.

She cradled a golden holy tome, levitated it before her and opened it, her expression solemn, and proclaimed loudly, "Light is the source of the world…"

These are the teachings of the Radiant Lord.

After years of expansion and revision, the Radiant Lord's teachings have become richly detailed, forming a complete belief system that spreads among the faithful; every purpose serves to strengthen devotion, making believers more pious toward the Radiant Lord.

With each line Li Feilin recited, the Holy Lance Knights echoed in unison, the resonant voice echoing through every corner of the Sanctra residence.

"All light in the world is the blood of Saint Giless…"

"He nourishes all things with Holy Blood, illuminates the world with radiance; He is the supreme Creator!"

"Never betray the blood of Saint Giless!"

A moment later.

The Holy Lance Knights recited the teachings in full alongside Li Feilin; the entire Radiant Cathedral was immersed in a sacred and solemn atmosphere, each Holy Lance Knight's expression solemn, devout and earnest, with a hint of zeal in some eyes.

The prayer ceremony was far from over.

Li Feilin began the recitation again from the start, and the Holy Lance Knights shouted along, the atmosphere growing ever more weighty.

Lei En observed all this; his Soul Eye saw each Holy Lance Knight's fire of faith blazing intensely, several times stronger than usual. Illusory flames of faith streamed from their heads, forming lines that pierced the void, drifting toward the great being to whom the prayers were directed.

It is the Radiant Lord!

In the Dying Sun Plane, Saint Giless sat within Anse's tomb, eyes closed, and heard the prayers from the Prime Material Plane at his ears.

Each Radiant believer's voice grew clearer in his ears.

The Soul Eye also saw the fire of faith, ethereal lines crossing the distant void, converging on his head like moths to flame, encircling his soul; with a single thought he could absorb this faith power into his soul, forming divinity!

The *Path to Apotheosis* records that any soul that has metamorphosed eight times can hear the believers' prayers, receiving faith power and merging with the "Soul Essence" to become divine.

Once one walks the path to godhood, there is no turning back.

Because the Soul Essence undergoes a qualitative change, it can no longer metamorphose, and must continue along this road, accumulating more divinity until apotheosis.

Becoming a demigod is only the first step.

And this step is quite difficult; at least eight thousand shallow believers must offer faith power to trigger the Soul's transformation and thus ascend to demigod. The Holy Spear Knight Corps has over ten thousand members, most of whom are devout believers, already satisfying this condition.

Saint Giless opened his eyes, expanding his soul space.

In an instant, streams of faith power, like sharks sensing blood, surged forward, diving into his soul and reaching its deepest core.

Boom!

Saint Giless seemed to hear a resonant boom, interwoven with countless prayers; at first it was chaotic, but focusing, the sound became crystal clear, and with a mere thought he could trace the pray‑er's location and see the believers' condition.

Simultaneously, the entire soul underwent earth‑shattering change.

This change was more intense than a soul's metamorphosis, yet painless; Saint Giless could clearly feel every detail of his transformation.

Streams of faith power merged with the soul essence, becoming one.

Every second, dozens of faith currents fused into the soul, undergoing wondrous transmutation into a higher‑level energy.

Saint Giless felt the new energy arising within his soul, suffused with sacred and grand aura; at first it was scant, but soon it multiplied, rapidly filling his soul space, and golden light glimmered beneath his skin.

This is divinity!

When Li Feilin led the Holy Lance Knights in reciting the Radiant teachings three times, Saint Giless had already transformed all the faith power into divinity.

He rose, feeling the changes in his soul and body, and whispered, "Is this what it feels like to be a demigod?"

Before he could sense more, the phone interface in his view dimmed.

The phone rebooted!

(End of Chapter)