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For the past century, the Elven race has flourished in their artistic endeavors, producing a constant stream of groundbreaking works in painting, sculpture, and musical instruments, many of which have surpassed traditional forms.
The Elves even began organizing various competitions around these new artistic achievements.
Although still in its early stages, their spiritual comfort no longer solely relies on the worship of King Easton, the Holy Dragon, or the Eternal Angel.
Those deities now represent only a part of life.
For a hundred years, Tang San has spread a single message: Don't live solely for faith in the gods, but learn to love and enjoy life, living for oneself.
A life like that would never be dull.
As for more profound ideas like "Heaven moves tirelessly; the noble person constantly strives to strengthen themselves," Tang San didn't explicitly spread them. After all, the Elves were unaware that they were being nurtured like frogs slowly boiled in warm water by the gods. They wouldn't understand such concepts.
However, inspiring them to love their own lives, pursue their desires, and uphold moral guidelines that discourage harming others was sufficient for the Elves.
This was precisely what Tang San wanted to see.
Unified faith?
Teaching the Elves to love their own lives and pursue their passions is a kind of faith, isn't it?
How could this be called disunity of belief?
[...]
The Eternal Lord, secretly observing everything, couldn't find any reason to argue, but still felt uneasy. If Tang San continued this way, the faith in gods within the Eternal Domain might completely disappear.
Although the example of the Elves had shown that the weakening of faith didn't cause the forests to wither—on the contrary, it accelerated the cycle of natural and life forces, making the forests even more vibrant.
But King Easton needed faith to maintain his mental health and longevity! And besides, the Eternal Domain also needed guardians. What if some strange creatures from other planes invaded? Could the Elves fend them off?
Even though the forests were growing more lush, and the strength of the Elves was increasing, and even though the Elf Queen's power was amplified, King Easton was still closer to them...
"Your second trial is complete. Can you avoid going to Dragon Island and Sky City?" The Eternal Lord's voice echoed in Tang San's ears, fearing that if Tang San continued, the followers of the Holy Dragon and the Eternal Angel would also start "living for themselves."
The Elves were one thing. Once Tang San left, in a few millennia, King Easton could intervene again, restoring things to their original state. But if Tang San went to Dragon Island or Sky City, those awakened followers might unite and rebel against their gods.
"Sorry, my mission isn't finished yet," Tang San refused.
"I said, it's done." The Eternal Lord's tone grew heavier.
"That's just your opinion. What does it have to do with me? I have the Eternal Star. Even if you banish me, I can return whenever I like." Tang San replied shamelessly. "Besides, you're a Creator God, and you're already dead, leaving only a remnant of divine will. Why not be more magnanimous? Stop being so petty."
"If you were in my position, would you be magnanimous?"
"That's an unfair question," Tang San argued mischievously. "After all, I'm not a god right now. It's normal for me to be a little petty."
"Damn!"
"A mighty Creator God actually swearing!" Tang San was astonished, then chuckled, "Looks like I really am that capable."
"I won't argue with you, but let me ask you this: even if you gain full control of the Eternal and Creator God Throne, and achieve eternal life, how will you maintain the eternity of your spirit without faith?" the Eternal Lord questioned, sounding deeply disappointed.
"When the boat reaches the bridge, it will straighten itself out," Tang San responded, unfazed. "Sometimes I ponder these things, but more often, you just need to take that step forward."
He continued, "So, you're raising the Elves and other races here just to extract their faith, right? They weren't originally born of this world, were they?"
"I provided them with a peaceful place to live, free from conflict. In return, they offer faith to me and the other three souls of the divine tools. What's wrong with that? It's a fair exchange!" the Eternal Lord defended, holding firm in his rationale.
"Oh, really?" Tang San sneered, his disdain evident. "This is the first time I've heard of a 'fair exchange' that works this way."
"At the very least—"
"You should give them the right to know, shouldn't you? It's one thing for creatures without intelligence, but beings with sentience deserve to know what they're giving up to live here."
"Otherwise, it's nothing short of coercion."
From Tang San's perspective, even if the Elves were unaware, a true fair exchange should mean that the Eternal Domain provides the Elves with a peaceful, stable living environment—a material benefit. In return, the Elves should offer something material, like using their innate talent with natural forces to make the forests of the Eternal Domain flourish even more.
And in fact, the Elves were doing quite well in this regard.
"You just don't get it!" the Eternal Lord grew agitated. "When a civilization grows strong, sentient beings will instinctively seek to explore the unknown. But the universe is filled with unpredictable and dangerous realms. Even at my peak, I couldn't guarantee my safety in some of these spaces. If they stumble into one of those realms and provoke beings they shouldn't, the entire race could be wiped out."
"That's what you're worried about?" Tang San was unimpressed, realizing he had overestimated the Creator God. The greatness of sentient beings lies in their courage to explore the unknown. Any mature civilization would carefully consider their actions before venturing out, trying to minimize the risks.
While the possibility the Eternal Lord mentioned wasn't impossible, a civilization too afraid to explore was destined to be left behind, reduced to being mere sustenance for others.
Besides, all Tang San was doing was encouraging the Elves to find passion in their lives.
After finishing his conversation with the Creator God, Tang San remained unmoved by further attempts to dissuade him. He prepared to bid farewell to Alice and make his way to Dragon Island.
Bringing the faith of all creatures in the Eternal Domain into full unison wasn't just about teaching the Elves to love life. Other races also needed to find that love.
And this path would take hundreds of years to complete.
But no matter. Time in the Eternal Domain was nearly frozen compared to the outside world, so Tang San had plenty of time to spread his ideas to the pure-hearted beings here.
"Are you leaving?"
Alice, sensing Tang San's departure, felt a pang of reluctance. For the long-lived Elves, a century was merely childhood, and for the immortal Elf Queen, it was nothing more than a fleeting moment.
To her, it felt like Tang San had only arrived yesterday, yet now he was about to leave.
"Why the hurry?"
"Can't you stay a few thousand more years and keep us company?"
(End of Chapter)