Ma Lang was almost dragged by his sister Ma Qing, stumbling through the towering and majestic palace gates, as if stepping into a bizarre and unknown world. The grand array before the palace was like a flowing scroll, with radiant light circulation and gleaming runes, completely isolating the outside hustle and bustle from the mystery within.
Within the grand array, the air seemed to be imbued with an ancient and sacred aura. Each step felt like treading on the veins of history, involuntarily inspiring awe and making one's breath cautious and deliberate. At the entrance of the great hall, vivid azure cloud reliefs adorned both sides, with deities vividly depicted, as if transcending the boundaries of time and space to gather and jointly guard this sacred space.
These deities bore the shadows of gods from both Eastern and Western mythologies of past lives, yet they were fused in a strange manner, forming a unique combination with multiple faces in one body. The Three Ancestors of Taoism stood alongside the Goddess Nuwa, with the Jade Emperor and God, the Yaochi Goddess, and the Virgin Mary by their side. These deities from different cultures coexisted harmoniously here, as if narrating the deepest truths of the universe, evoking a cross-cultural resonance and harmony.
Leigong stood shoulder to shoulder with Zeus, the King of Gods and the Thunder God, their eyes flashing with the power of thunder, symbolizing the most primitive and wild force in heaven and earth, inspiring awe. The God of the Underworld and the Emperor of Fengdu jointly guarded the realm of death, their faces solemn and profound, as if recounting the mysteries of the cycle of life and death, prompting deep thought. As for the angelic legion and the celestial soldiers and generals, they intertwined into a dazzling array of stars, guarding this sacred and inviolable space, evoking boundless majesty and glory.
Ma Lang gazed at this unprecedented scene, his face odd, his heart filled with shock and confusion. "What... how did these deities all become combinations?" he muttered, unconsciously gripping his sister Ma Qing's sleeve, his eyes flashing with a desire for knowledge. "Sister, what is this...?"
Ma Qing smiled slightly, a wise glint flashing in her eyes as she explained, "After the Judgment Day, people gradually realized through the discovery of numerous relics in the home galaxy that the seemingly different deities of the East and West in this world are actually multifaceted projections of the same existence in different cultures and regions.
Most of the time, the deities appear in avatars. Due to cultural differences and varying understandings across regions, legends and records deviate, leading to years of confusion and misunderstanding. It was only after the Judgment Day, when people felt the call of great power and numerous relics emerged, that this secret was finally unveiled, allowing us to glimpse the true faces of the deities."
Her words were concise but gave Ma Lang a sense of his worldview being overturned.
Without further ado, Ma Qing tugged at Ma Lang and continued walking into the great hall. It was evident that this woman's thoughts were elsewhere, and she had no intention of offering more explanations.
"Brother, remember this day!" Ma Qing's voice was filled with excitement and anticipation. "You will meet more beautiful women here than you have seen in your eighteen years. They are not only beautiful but also the future of deity families, the hope of the Taoist Sect and the Alliance. This is your opportunity and your challenge."
Upon hearing this, Ma Lang couldn't help but feel anxious. As someone with severe social anxiety, he was indeed uncomfortable with such occasions. However, he could only maintain a stern expression and follow his sister's steps into the core area of the great hall.
What he saw was a sea of people, resplendent ingorgeous attire, with descendants from various deity families gathering and chatting merrily. The air was filled with the fragrance of power and status, exerting an invisible pressure.
Without hesitation, Ma Qing dragged Ma Lang towards a group of beautifully dressed women at the center of the main seating area. Those women, each with outstanding looks and extraordinary demeanor, seemed like the most exquisite creations in heaven and earth, making one unable to resist taking a few more glances. However, Ma Lang appeared somewhat uneasy, his stern face hiding a restless heart.
"Come, ladies, let me introduce my handsome brother, the only young master of the Deity Ma Family—Ma Lang," Ma Qing's voice was loud and proud, unconcerned about Ma Lang's embarrassment and unease. She seemed to be declaring to the world that Ma Lang was her brother, her pride.
From the core area of the main seating, a noble young lady with blond hair, green eyes, shoulder-length hair, and a gorgeous dress approached slowly. Her eyes were as deep as the night sky, flashing with wisdom and mystery; her smile was gentle and reserved, yet it was enough to make the surrounding air freeze.
She was the princess of the Alliance—Julian Wintour, a beloved existence. Her appearance overshadowed the entire banquet hall, drawing all eyes to her.
"This is our Alliance's princess, Julian," Ma Qing winked at Ma Lang with a suggestive smile, obviously hinting at him to seize the opportunity. Julian glanced at Ma Qing with a mixture of exasperation, intimacy, and obvious closeness, indicating that they were true best friends.
The young men from the surrounding deity families cast complex looks at Ma Lang. Some were surprised by his handsome appearance and extraordinary demeanor; some were jealous of the attention and introduction he received from Ma Qing; others sneered, thinking he was just the former disgrace of the Deity Ma Family, now trying to climb the ranks of the powerful.
However, regardless of their gazes, they could not conceal the unique charm emanating from Ma Lang's eighteen-year-old youth. His features were handsome, his face stern, his body as straight as a pine tree, and every movement revealed a sense of rebelliousness and pride, making his presence impossible to ignore.
Ma Qing tightly hugged Ma Lang's shoulder, her voice gentle yet firm: "Brother, you are no longer the disgrace of the Deity Ma Family but the future pride of the Ma Family.
Show your skills, remember everyone; they may become your friends or enemies in the future. But no matter what, you must face them bravely because you are a member of the Ma Family, my brother. I believe in you; you can do great things."
A warm current surged in Ma Lang's heart. He understood that his sister had brought him here not just to introduce him to her friends but to formally introduce him to the upper echelons of the Alliance and pave the way for his future. He looked at his sister with gratitude and coolly said, "Don't worry, Sister. I won't disgrace the family!"
At this moment, Princess Julian spoke slowly, her voice clear and melodious, as if piercing through the heart: "Ma Lang? I apologize for my stereotype of you before. You are not the disgrace of the Deity Ma Family as rumored but a truly benevolent descendant of the deities praised by many in the capital.
Your arrival has shown us the hope of the Deity Ma Family. I believe you will become an outstanding leader for the Ma Family in the future." As she spoke, she raised her arms and praised him with the most solemn greeting among deities. This was clearly to give her best friend Ma Qing face and show her genuine recognition of Ma Lang.
"Ancestors above!" Exclamations echoed through the banquet hall, and countless eyes stared at Ma Lang in surprise. Princess Julian had unexpectedly offered to perform the most solemn cheek-kissing ceremony between deity families with Ma Lang, which was undoubtedly a great affirmation and respect for him.
It should be known that kissing the cheek of the most noble princess in the Alliance was a dreamt-of honor for countless deity descendants. At this moment, Ma Lang became the focus of attention.
However, faced with this sudden honor, Ma Lang felt somewhat at a loss. He was accustomed to coldness and solitude and was uncomfortable with such enthusiastic overtures. But he quickly adjusted his emotions, took a deep breath, and although he couldn't change his stern expression, he reached out and politely took Princess Julian's delicate hand, gently shaking it.
"It's nice to meet you too, Your Noble Princess Julian," his voice was calm, his face still stern, but his eyes revealed sincerity...