The people in the collapsing iron gave the immortal ship a small shock from the Holy Lord.

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Goro said quickly that he needed these procedures to buy time so that someone could report everything to Shinkai in detail.

After all, he really couldn't make up his mind about such a big matter. Only Xin Hai, the supreme leader of their Haiqi Island, could handle such a complicated matter.

Moreover, his identity is also unsuitable. As a living goddess priestess, Xin Hai is actually not suitable. Only a god of equal status and strength can be the one to truly receive him. However, this is the best solution that Haiqi Island can come up with.

155 Xin Hai: My CPU burned out.

Inside the Coral Palace, Xin Hai was frowning, staring at a scroll of map.

"Reporting, Lord Xinhai, General Wulang has returned."

The messenger's loud shouts shattered the tranquility of the Coral Palace.

Xin Hai sighed softly, put down his pen, looked at the messenger, and opened his mouth slightly, "Goro is back. How is the war with the Shogunate going? How many casualties and how much supplies have been consumed?"

"Uh... Lord Xin Hai, Lord Wu Lang didn't tell me any of this," the messenger said.

"Hmm?" Xin Hai was a little puzzled. "Normally, Goro would present a detailed battle report after he returns. Why didn't he tell you? Did he forget? No, as the general of Haiji Island, he shouldn't forget something like this."

"Lord Xin Hai, Lord Goro did not tell me about the number of casualties and the consumption of supplies in this war. Instead, he conveyed another more important message, which is... During our battle with the Shogunate, we unexpectedly intercepted a ship that had run aground and was on board several guests from Liyue."

"Oh, so that's what it is." Xin Hai suddenly realized that this kind of thing was not uncommon on Haizhi Island. Although the Thunder God sealed off the entire Inazuma Island with thunderstorms, there are many capable people in the world. There will always be people who find ways to get through those thunderstorms and come to Inazuma to earn a lot of money by selling supplies.

Their island of Haiqi is also fortunate to have these merchants, which allows them to continuously obtain resources from the outside world.

Otherwise, how could their territories possibly compete with the shogunate, which occupied most of the land?

"Are the merchants on the ship going to do business with us? What supplies do they have, and what are their prices?"

As is customary, Xin Hai quickly asked the messenger, "Goro hasn't even mentioned the battle report, so the supplies these merchants are carrying must be things that Haiqi Island urgently needs, such as artillery shells, materials, or other weapons and equipment."

"No... there are merchants on board, but they're in the funeral business..."

"Ah, well, while our Haiqi Island certainly has a very high demand in this area, but..."

Xin Hai didn't say anything more. Although the death of a comrade was sad for Hai Zhi Island and generally required a dignified burial, Hai Zhi Island had limited funds and couldn't spend a lot of money on that. Investing the limited funds in purchasing basic supplies and weapons was the most sensible approach.

"That's not the point. The point is, Lord Xinhai, there's a guest up there who claims to be the Rock God!!"

"What??"

Even Xin Hai stared wide-eyed at the messenger with disbelief.

"Are you sure you didn't mishear? Maybe Goro said something else, like the word 'extension' instead of 'Iwagami'."

The messenger nodded hurriedly, "I asked Lord Goro several times, and he said with certainty that it is the Geo Archon, the noble gold god, the creator of Mora used on the Teyvat continent, and the chief god of Liyue."

"Lord Xinhai? Lord Xinhai, what's wrong? Why aren't you saying anything?"

The messenger looked at the mental image that seemed to have a loading symbol next to its head and was somewhat at a loss. Why did his military commander seem to have lost his mind?

It took a long time for Xin Hai to recover from this frozen state.

"Lord Xinhai, you've finally woken up! Do you have any ideas?"

"I... I have no choice. In any case, I'll go see that deity first."

Xin Hai stated this very bluntly. She had many strategies, but she was very clear about one thing: under absolute power, no matter what kind of schemes or tricks were used, they were all just fleeting clouds and had no effect whatsoever.

This is why Haigi Island never says it is rebelling against Lord Rai, but rather against the inappropriate policy of the Eye Hunting Order.

Similarly, she knew of many strategies that could yield great results with small investments. Many books recorded stories of human strategists who, through various schemes, outmaneuvered powerful opponents and ultimately reaped the benefits.

However, the tigers and wolves that were manipulated there were mostly users of the Eye of God, or powerful spirits and other creatures, but there was never a demon god.

For these beings, once they realize what's happening, those who used the conspiracy will likely be reduced to ashes.

It would be better to treat them well, do what you can to help, and explain your needs to this deity. Maybe that will solve the problem.

I believe Goro thinks the same way.

While Xin Hai was tidying up her appearance and preparing to depart, Bai Zhi was visiting Hai Zhi Island under Wu Lang's guidance.

"Lord Rock God, as you can see, this is our resistance army's barracks. We train here regularly, hoping to fight against the Shogunate army and let Lord Narukami know our thoughts."

Goro's voice carried a hint of restraint.

As one of the Seven Rulers of the Mortal Realm, just like the Thunder God, Goro was quite worried about what the Rock God would think after hearing that their motivation for rebelling against the Shogunate was to defy the will of the gods.

"Hey, don't be so nervous. I'm not going to eat you. This spirit of resistance is good. Gods aren't always right either."

Bai Zhi could easily read this guy's emotions; she had seen them far too often.

"really?"

Goro's eyes lit up. He hadn't expected that Bai Zhi would actually agree with their actions on Haiqi Island, which he found somewhat unbelievable.

He originally thought that Bai Zhi would at least have some complaints.

“Yes, even gods are not always right. The Emperor is right.” Zhongli nodded in agreement and was even more satisfied with Bai Zhi.

He had no doubt about Bai Zhi's talent, but he was also quite afraid that Bai Zhi would eventually fall into a terrible self-identification, believing that everything she did was right and that as a god, others could not offer opinions or ideas.

However, it seems that Bai Zhi clearly knows this. She does not feel disgusted with these people because Haiqi Island rebelled against the Thunder God. On the contrary, she is very curious about the reasons behind it.

What a perfect prospect! He understands so much about principles, yet he is not biased and is open to suggestions.

Zhong Li immediately felt much better. This was simply fate's arrangement. After his retirement, he was able to find such a perfect successor.

He couldn't even imagine how heartbroken he would be if Bai Zhi were gone.

But that's impossible, isn't it? As a demon god, how could she disappear so easily? Bai Zhi's strength is not weak even among demon gods.

156. The gods really weren't watching me.

"cough cough..."

A soldier walked past Goro coughing, and then coughed violently a few more times.

"Zheping, what's wrong? Have you been sick lately?"

Looking at the soldier, Goro, who was leading Bai Zhi on a tour of the military camp, subconsciously asked a question.

"Uh... Ah, it's General Goro. I'm sorry, I was a bit distracted and didn't see you here. These must be guests visiting Umijima Island. Oh dear, I'm so sorry, I haven't been feeling well lately and my concentration isn't very good."

The soldier named Zheping gave a forced smile and then bent his arm. "But it's okay. It's definitely because I haven't trained enough. As long as I train hard and make my body stronger, a mere illness can't defeat me!"

"And I've become quite formidable lately. Last time, I even saved several brothers from the Shogunate army. It seems my training has been very effective."

"That's it..."

Goro looked at Teppei and felt that there was something strange about his brother's words and expression, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. He could only comfort him and say, "Then you should rest well. The brothers on Umijima Island are still waiting for you."

"Alright, General Goro, you and your guests go on your tour. I'm going to rest for a bit."

Zheping coughed a few more times, his smile turning somewhat pale.

Looking at the pale-faced man, Bai Zhi seemed to be deep in thought.

After they had walked for a while, Bai Zhi said to Wu Lang, "Have you noticed the problem with that Mr. Zheping?"

“Yes, I noticed that his steps were unsteady, but his face had a strange flush despite being pale. I’ve seen this feeling of weakness mixed with strength in many dying people. They often take some strong drugs to exchange their physical potential for a temporary normal experience. I’m afraid... this Teppei is forcibly overdrawing his body to gain some strength.”

"This approach may bring temporary strength, but the final result may be tragic."

"But sometimes people do things that seem foolish, for their own desires, or to achieve a goal that was originally impossible."

"I quite like people like this. At least they die quickly and can increase my performance."

Hu Tao, unusually serious, echoed Bai Zhi's words with a comment.

"What?" Goro turned around in surprise.

"Hmm... Generally speaking, the Emperor and Hall Master Hu are right. I also sensed some elemental power in this Brother Zheping. Does this Brother Zheping possess the Eye of God?"

Zhongli nodded and also shared his opinion.

Goro was now unsettled; he too had noticed some problems.

"Gentlemen, what you're saying does seem to indicate something... In the past, although Teppei was hardworking, he was just an ordinary person. But recently, he suddenly seems to have had a breakthrough, fighting with incredible bravery and showing remarkable performance."

“I also often found him to be very listless, but he would argue that it was because he was injured or exhausted during combat.”

"But now that I think about it, that's not the case at all. His performance didn't seem like fatigue or injury from combat..."

Upon hearing this analysis, Goro immediately became anxious and turned around to run towards the hut where Teppei was.

Bai Zhi shook her head. "Everyone, let's go take a look together."

“Very well, I will naturally accept the Emperor’s invitation.”

Afterwards, the group strolled over to the hut where Teppei was, where Goro was standing in front of him, panting slightly.

"Oh, General Goro, why are you back? Are you worried about my illness? Hehe, actually, there's no need to worry. I've just been fighting too bravely lately and was too tired. Then a gust of wind blew me out and I caught a cold. You don't need to worry."

When Teppei saw Goro's anxious face, he smiled sheepishly and patted his chest to show that he was perfectly fine.

Seeing Teppei's behavior, Goro fell silent for a moment before asking, "Teppei, tell me honestly, have you used some methods to overdraw your body and make your fighting power stronger?"

Upon hearing this question, Zheping was taken aback, and then shook his head.

"General Goro, what are you saying? How could I use such a method... cough cough cough, I'm really fine, you don't need to worry about me. It's just that I've been exercising too much and it's caused by exhaustion."

The more Teppei said this, the more suspicious Goro became. As the general of the Haiji Island resistance army, he knew his brothers' training situation very well, if not by name. He knew exactly what kind of combat power each person had.

A person's abilities are unlikely to see a large-scale breakthrough unless they are facing a true life-or-death situation.

Moreover, even if one's potential is unleashed in a life-or-death situation, one will be severely weakened afterward. However, Teppei has not been like that recently. His strength seems to be increasing at a steady pace, which is very abnormal.

Because he did not obtain the Eye of God, and his usual training volume did not increase significantly.

“Teppei, tell me the truth…” Goro said, seeing the group of people following behind him. “These guests told me about the strange thing about you.”

"The head of the Hall of Rebirth said that you have a strange weakness and strength, like those people who overdraw their bodies to gain power... I understand your feelings, but the cause of Haiqi Island does not require you to do this to succeed."

"If you don't want to book a coffin and funeral with me, I advise you to say so sooner rather than later."

"..."

“Alright…” Teppei sighed. “I did gain some power in exchange, but General Goro, I’m really fine. You see, I’m perfectly healthy now. Think about it, if I had stronger power, I could save more brothers on the battlefield.”

"All I need to do is exercise more to offset the energy expenditure. It's just a little bit of physical weakness, which is nothing compared to the lives of my brothers and the ability to do more things."

"you...."

Goro looked at Teppei, then closed his eyes in pain. Although he was a user of the Eye of God, he understood the pain of his brothers. Faced with the power of the shogunate, the resistance forces on Umijima Island were still too weak.

Only by acquiring strength through other means can we reduce further casualties.

But that's not what he wants.

Similarly, he was also furious, wondering who had taught Teppei this method.

157 Angelica: You will be watched by the gods today!

"General Wulang, you don't need to be sad. Look, I'm still alive and well. At worst, I'll just use this power more carefully in the future."

Zheping's lips curled up slightly as he tried his best to show everyone a smile.

"After all, someone like me who has never been watched over by the gods has to pay a price if I want to achieve more, doesn't that mean I have to?"

"I don't agree with that. Maybe you're being watched by the gods today!"

Zheping looked at Bai Zhi with some surprise, "This guest, how is this possible? It is impossible for a mortal like me to be seen by the gods. Those who can be chosen by the gods are outstanding people like General Wulang, or people with infallible strategies like Lord Xinhai."

"I am just one of the masses. If it weren't for that method, I wouldn't even have been able to save my comrades from the enemy. People like me are destined to be ordinary from birth."

"But even if I am destined for an ordinary life, I want to shine brightly and leave a deep impression on everyone's hearts. That's enough."

"The fact that you have such thoughts means that you are no longer ordinary. Here, take this. This is your power."

Bai Zhi took out a fake Eye of God that she had made in Belleburg and handed it to Zhe Ping.

"This is... the Eye of God?" Teppei asked in surprise. "But I can't use other people's Eye of God... What's going on?"

Before Zheping could finish speaking, he was startled by the instructions that appeared in his mind. He subconsciously borrowed some power from Baizhi to guide the elemental force according to the instructions.

A handful of clear water instantly appeared in his palm.

"I told you, you will be watched by the gods today. Make good use of this opportunity and live your ordinary life in an extraordinary way."

"That Eye of God..."