Now it's Linn's turn to be silent...
He can't refute Aisha because no one likes a fence-sitter, and he detests them himself. 'Do not do to others what you do not want done to yourself' – he can't criticize others for being cruel when he can't even adhere to it.
Linn isn't overly concerned about god-level beings descending from the higher realms. Given the vast number of material planes, the most likely scenario would be sending a four or five-star demon here.
Primarily because the resources of the Violet Plane are already severely depleted, and the return on investment for sending six-star beings is incredibly low.
With the combination of his mid-level water god powers, superior attack and defense artifacts, soul defense artifact, and the Phantom Sword technique, Linn is confident in facing a five-star demon. But what about after that?
If the higher realms, in frustration, send a six-star demon, Linn would be in big trouble. And if a seven-star demon arrives, it would be game over.
There's another option...
He could leave the Violet Plane and head to the higher or god planes, thus avoiding the maelstrom of faith conflicts.
Doesn't he know that sometimes not choosing a side is the wrong choice? The deadly kind of wrong!
Yet, the longer one lives and the more experiences they accumulate, the more of an advantage it becomes. This is the supreme power of time, invisible but palpably real.
After long contemplation, Linn takes a deep breath, lets out a sigh of pent-up frustration, and looks calmly into Aisha Redding's eyes. Shaking his head firmly, he declares, "I'll stick to my own beliefs and won't involve myself in any faith conflicts of either side!"
"If the Dark Church's god-level beings arrive first and we kill the opposition, what happens next?"
Within a hundred years, he aims to ascend to a high-level god of fate.
It's a challenging goal, but possible.
Linn's family isn't large but not small either; it's unrealistic for all of them to reach the holy domain.
For a moment, Linn even entertains a bold, crazy idea: his entire family moving to the highest plane of life!
But he quickly dismisses this thought.
Linn's face shows contemplation as he pulls out the diary of the six-star demon Balzac, carefully flipping through it page by page.
Initially, Linn only skimmed the key parts, but now he decides to delve deeper, sensing that it could be greatly beneficial.
"You're crazy!"
Even if the probability is low, it's theoretically possible.
Facing those clear, indifferent eyes, Aisha instinctively replies, "They might abandon this material plane's faith or send stronger god-level beings to attack. Anything's possible."
The first choice splits into two pathways: aligning with either the Natural Church or the Dark Church.
Insights into fate sometimes take millennia, or they can flash in an instant. Mysterious and elusive, it's often a gut feeling that yields discoveries.
Ten years have passed.
The faith conflict between the main gods has intensified, with covert and overt battles raging, putting their legions, families, and forces on edge. In such times, there are only friends or foes; neutrality isn't tolerated.
"Who says neutrality isn't an option? I'll stay neutral in a black-and-white world. If pushed, I'll assist the other side!"
"So, he's a madman!"
Linn can't afford to accumulate experiences over millennia or longer.
If a five-star demon arrives, it could easily overpower two god-artifact-enhanced magical beasts.
Listening, Linn smiles wryly with a hint of sarcasm, "See, choosing any side doesn't guarantee safety. Better to stay neutral from the start."
Life is as boundless as water.
Linn mutters to himself, entangled in thoughts.
The first four paths align with his attributes; the last is relatively safe, with less bloodshed.
Logically, Linn should choose the first option, joining a faction for protection. Yet deep down, he resists such forced choices. This isn't the destiny he seeks.
Even if he chooses to leave, can he ensure complete safety from higher-level god enemies?
But through reading and imagining, he can turn countless words into fuel for his understanding of the laws of fate.
Through words, he deciphers characters' destinies, igniting the light and warmth of protagonists.
Second, maintain neutrality.
There's another straightforward solution!
Because of a bet, he acquired a main godhood – an extremely slim possibility. What else is impossible?
"The crossroads of fate's decision..."
Why not within a millennium...
As the rain lightens, the fresh air and gentle breeze bring a sense of renewal.
But it's still risky.
...
First, choose a side and take a stand!
Linn, with a knowing smile, poses a question to Aisha.
Understanding she's no match for him, Aisha refrains from making any direct threats, such as declaring his non-compliance as an alignment with the enemy. This would inevitably drive him towards the Dark Church.
With Salina, the Fire Phoenix, and Kaisa, the Silver Dragon, both god-artifact-enhanced, Linn is confident in protecting his family.
Aisha's incredulous look mirrors her disbelief, as if she's hearing his stance for the first time.
"Clouds morph into snow, the world's essence brewed into tea."
The third path involves journeying to the supreme realms, including the god planes.
Expressing his thoughts outright, Linn feels a sense of relief.
This third option branches into five realms: the Heavenly Realm, the Underworld, the Water God Plane, the Dark God Plane, and the Life Supreme Plane.
Linn anticipates the direst possibilities.
Those who understand fate tend not to believe in coincidences, perceiving events as part of an inevitable trend.
Moreover, Balzac had a peculiar interest in collecting other beings' diaries.
Aisha internally chuckles. Genius thoughts are indeed unique, a concept she now accepts as true. She rises to leave without further ado.
Responding instinctively, Aisha asserts that powerful native god-level beings on the Violet Material Plane are impossible, as they perished long ago.
Linn, with his formidable capabilities, could find a place for centuries-long secluded cultivation.
These diaries, including those of other god-level beings, are organized meticulously.
Watching her leave, Linn reflects calmly, recalling a past life's wisdom about the control over one's destiny.
His thoughts converge...
He adds, "If the first arriving god-level beings intend to eliminate the neutrals, I'll have to defeat them and negotiate. If negotiations fail, I'll reluctantly align with the opposite side."
Balzac's collection, accumulated over eons, is vast, making up the bulk of his spatial ring's contents.
Linn ponders deeply over the three potential paths.
Surviving in high-gravity realms without holy domain strength is unfeasible.
Linn, unwavering, demands a direct answer from Aisha.
She nods, still somewhat dazed.
"Hum..."
Pausing his reading, Linn gazes towards the imperial city, contemplating Scott's breakthrough, an anticipated event.
Soon, a breeze heralds the arrival of a tall, elegant figure in a light blue robe, his smile reflecting a carefree spirit.