Earth, Water, Fire, and Wind.
The four elements were perfectly integrated into the World Tree, and as they melded, magnificent beasts began to emerge around it. They should not simply be called monsters; they are truly majestic beasts.
These creatures are akin to the Ouroboros, representing the laws of heaven and earth. The four elements naturally give birth to deities and beasts, each embodying the essence of creation, much like those summoned by Rhea. They parallel the four elemental beasts from the dawn of creation.
"Roar!"
A terrifying roar echoed as a cyan tiger appeared, symbolizing wind, one of the four elements of creation.
With a flurry of wings, a blazing fire phoenix ascended into the sky, representing fire, another element of creation.
A serpentine water dragon materialized, embodying water.
Finally, a massive bear emerged, representing earth, completing the quartet of creation beasts born from the growth of the World Tree in the Underworld.
The earth bear, water dragon, fire phoenix, and wind tiger—their unique characteristics reflected the foundational laws of their respective elements.
"Roar!"
The four great beasts let out another earth-shattering roar. They soared upward, transforming into four rays of light that encircled the Ouroboros, creating a cosmic cycle of energy.
"With the birth of Earth, Water, Fire, and Wind, these magnificent beasts have come into existence. Now, as long as the World Tree stabilizes, it can begin to absorb the essences of the four realms of creation."
Heaven, Sea, Earth, and Underworld—I already possess the essences of Heaven, Sea, and Earth. What remains is to acquire the essence of the Underworld. However, this is not an urgent matter.
It's not that the essence of the Underworld is particularly difficult to obtain; rather, the World Tree requires an extended period to stabilize and grow after absorbing the four elemental forces. This process could span millions of years or longer, demanding long-term accumulation.
This is the nature of growth in the world, an endeavor that has never been hurried.
"Let's begin."
Hades cleared his mind and fully fused his soul with the World Tree, allowing himself to merge seamlessly into it. He began to channel strands of divine power into the tree, an outcome that was undoubtedly beneficial.
In time, Hades would experience significant enhancement, and the World Tree would become an integral part of him. Should the Underworld suffer damage, the loss to Hades would be catastrophic.
In fact, if the entire Underworld were to collapse, Hades would surely perish. Yet, despite this peril, Hades proceeded without hesitation. As the king of the Underworld, he possessed unwavering self-confidence.
"If I cannot defend the Underworld, then I deserve to die."
"Eternal Sleep!"
"Endless Death!"
The twin gods, Hypnos and Thanatos, joined forces, unleashing immense divine power that further amplified their already formidable laws.
Since the Titan War, their power had grown even more potent. They were continually striving to enhance themselves, aiming to follow in Hades' footsteps.
Facing the attack of the twin gods, the two gods displayed monstrous flames and endless thunder. Countless divine powers swayed out, and as the moment fell, they blocked the endless offensive. The collision of the four gods was just a touch away!
God of Fire, Kagutsuchi! Thunder God, Raijin!
These two deities were powerful figures in Gaotianyuan, nearly second only to the three supreme gods. Each was a dominant force among Taikun's main gods.
As the battle between the gods escalated, the Titan Main Gods began to engage in the fray. Yet, in terms of numbers, they could not rival the Underworld's godly strength.
It is no wonder the two Primordial gods deemed this realm small and weak.
In the Great World of Japanese Mythology, the divine population was sparse. While there were five Primordial gods and numerous god kings, the number of Titan Main Gods was exceedingly rare—often only a handful.
"Huh"
A wisp of green smoke escaped as Yan Mo observed the battlefield. "Kagutsuchi and Raijin have joined the fight. It seems Amaterasu can't remain idle any longer! What a pity; that woman has always appeared calm, yet she's perpetually on edge."
Yan Mo and Amaterasu were long-time rivals. She understood that beneath Amaterasu's composed exterior lay a temper prone to flare up at any moment—a quality that often led her to act impulsively.
This understanding allowed Yan Mo to hold his ground against the three gods, exploiting their weaknesses effectively.
Amaterasu, while seemingly calm, was volatile.
Tsukuyomi was arrogant and self-assured.
Susanoo? He was simply reckless.
"Hmm"
Kushi Inada surveyed the battlefield, noting, "Master Yan Mo, at this point, the three gods are unlikely to intervene! However, without their presence, the battle has reached a stalemate, complicating matters for both the Tianjin God and the Seventh Generation of Gods."
"Don't rush!" Yan Mo exhaled another wisp of green smoke, then waved his fingers gracefully. "Inada, there's no need for haste. The unique nature of Hell makes these lofty gods of Gaotianyuan inherently fearful."
Moreover, Hades' rapid advancement would soon change the tides of battle. Yan Mo brimmed with confidence and arrogance.
This conflict between heaven and earth could stretch over vast spans of time—one hundred thousand years? A million years? Perhaps even longer!
During this prolonged period, Yan Mo intended to buy time for her husband. With his potential, he would inevitably attain the divine power necessary to confront any challenge.
Of course, while the battle between the gods raged on, it was not entirely unfavorable. The wear on these inferior deities and the extended conflict would prove crucial.
Yan Mo knew that while she couldn't draw all fighters into the fray for training, those who did engage in battle would emerge stronger.