Replacing Gods

The tree seemed reluctant, so Arthur had to give up more of his spiritual energy, enhanced with his Art, to coax it. After getting the fifth branch from the tree, Arthur walked back toward the city. 

He waved the branch around, and he sensed the unique quality that the branch had on the world. However, he couldn't use it to its fullest potential. Only the wood spirit could. 

"Adrian is full of mysteries," Arthur came to realize as he walked toward the workshop. Before he got there, he noticed Li still sitting on top of the roof, meditating. 

Using his chains to jump on top of the roof, Arthur landed next to his friend. He sat beside him without saying anything, not wanting to distract him. However, Li was the one to initiate a conversation. 

"My Lord..."

"Don't call me that," 

"I want to go through the process again," Li said as he stood up. "I want to grow stronger."