Chapter 504: The Hegemon's Outlook

In the Heroic Domain, the Eternal Hall of Heroes.

A silver dragon, adorned with a crown of thorny flowers, exuded a faint glow all over its body. Chains of rules belonging to the Heroic Domain gathered and converged, surrounding the calm-faced silver dragon, making it appear like a king of the planes.

Garon closed his eyes slightly and, through his authority as the Lord of Heroes, surveyed the roiling clouds of the Dragon Court layer with a god's-eye view.

In Garon's divine vision, the entire Dragon Court layer resembled a sandbox, with numerous floating islands housing dragon nests of various styles. The true dragons living there were innumerable.

With a thought from Garon, the Dragon Court layer would respond accordingly, with clouds forming and dissipating, flowers blooming and withering.

Currently, at the center of the Dragon Court layer, not far from the Eternal Hall of Heroes.

A magnificent, towering, and radiant temple had been constructed.

The entire structure of this temple was cylindrical but not smooth. The main body of the Pantheon was a hollow cylinder, supported by majestic pillars of divine light, with a hemispherical dome at the top.

A grand, beautifully crafted golden gate stood at the front of the Pantheon.

The materials used to build the Pantheon were rare divine metals, even valuable to deities.

These divine metals were forged and fused together by intertwining, radiant rules of power.

Exquisite murals and reliefs adorned the walls of the Pantheon, changing as if alive, depicting the legendary feats of various deities, especially those of the Dragon Gods.

If weaker deities focused intently on the murals and reliefs, they would unexpectedly gain insights from the higher-ranked gods' legendary feats.

A year had passed since the formal conclusion of the non-war covenant.

The Pantheon was now complete, and it was time to open the Dragon Court layer to other deities and invite them to join the Pantheon. The number of deities willing to join and become members of the Pantheon was crucial; otherwise, it would just be an empty shell, merely a namesake.

Garon could sense many deities watching the Heroic Domain, specifically the Dragon Court layer.

However, with the help of the Nine-faced Dragon God, Garon had shaped the rules of the Heroic Domain to such an extent that ordinary deities could no longer perceive what was happening inside. To them, the Heroic Domain appeared hazy and indistinct.

Only the divine senses of strong deities could penetrate the rule barriers of the Heroic Domain to detect the internal activities.

Nonetheless, out of respect for the Dragon's hegemony, most strong deities, even if capable, chose not to do so.

Whether they liked it or not, from the moment the non-war covenant ended in a draw between the Nine-faced Dragon God and the Supreme Emperor, the dragon race had reascended to their hegemonic position.

"It has begun."

Receiving the call from the Nine-faced Dragon God, Garon's eyes flickered. The silver dragon's body vanished from the dragon nest, appearing inside the Pantheon.

Inside the Pantheon, there were layers of descending circular steps from top to bottom, adorned with simple yet bold dragon patterns, exuding a strong dragon aesthetic.

Almost simultaneously, other Dragon Gods entered the Pantheon.

The Dragon Gods did not sit on the stepped seats but gathered elsewhere, assuming roles as organizers, adjudicators, and enforcers of the Pantheon.

Next, the time for the Pantheon to open formally arrived. Suddenly, ten thousand rays of divine light shot from the dome of the Pantheon, piercing through the plane barriers like a beacon of light visible to all deities.

"Everyone, please enter the Dragon Court."

The calm and gentle voice of the Nine-faced Dragon God echoed.

At the same time, the plane barriers of the Dragon Court were lifted, and numerous deities, accompanied by divine light, descended onto the Dragon Court layer like meteors, directly entering the Pantheon.

Amidst the surging sea of clouds, the grand scene of a large-scale divine descent was witnessed by countless true dragons within the Dragon Court.

Despite the grand spectacle, no true dragons showed fear or nervousness. Instead, their faces were full of pride and confidence, their finely scaled faces seemingly covered with a faint glow.

With a single word from the Dragon Lord, the gods gathered.

The unprecedented power of the Dragon race's call, even stronger than before the Dragonfall War, made all true dragons realize that the dragon's hegemonic status had truly been restored, more unassailable than ever, with glory and splendor reemerging.

One by one, divine lights transformed into the deities' true forms as they entered the Pantheon.

To show sincerity, the gods arrived in their true forms, not using avatars.

Fairy Queen Titania and Wind Elemental Queen Akadi, the two high deities leading their pantheons, arrived first.

Then came the Flame Lord, Goblin God, War God Tempus, the God of Light, and other strong deities.

At this point, the Flame Lord, enveloped in flames, turned to the silver dragon.

Noticing the unhidden gaze of the Flame Lord, Garon also turned his head to look at him.

The Flame Lord's face was shrouded in flames, with only a pair of shifting fiery eyes barely visible, making it hard for Garon to read his expression.

"Garon Aurelian."

The Flame Lord's voice, like burning flames, sounded in Garon's ears.

"Have we met before?"

"There is a faint sense of familiarity about you."

This familiarity was very faint.

It was akin to an ordinary human brushing past another unremarkable person on a bustling street, then encountering them again decades later, with almost no recollection.

However, for a deity of the Flame Lord's level, even the faintest sense of familiarity could not be ignored.

Deities remembered everything.

This familiarity, beyond the Flame Lord's control, puzzled him.

At this moment, hearing the Flame Lord's words, the silver dragon's eyes narrowed, recalling what the ancient god of death had said about feeling an inexplicable hostility toward the dragon race.

"Truly powerful beings can sense events happening to their counterparts in other timelines."

"Perhaps the perception is vague and blurred, but there is some awareness."

Garon confirmed his speculation.

Facing the Flame Lord's inquiry, Garon thought for a moment, then candidly said, "Flame Lord, you should know I have the ability to traverse different timelines. In another timeline, you and I had a good friendship."

The Flame Lord's eyes flickered, and he said, "Oh? What kind of friendship?"

The silver dragon swished his tail, speaking frankly, "You should remember the empire named Alphaetia. When Alphaetia was destroyed, I assisted your avatar, thus forging a good friendship."

As he spoke, the silver dragon produced a peculiar crystal.

It appeared crystalline but seemed to have a life-like flame rhythmically moving within it, moving without wind, a magical sight.

"This Primordial Fire Crystal was a token you insisted on giving me when I left."

The Primordial Fire Crystal was indeed given by Kamoth, the Flame Lord's avatar.

Because if he didn't, his avatar would likely have been torn apart by the three legendary dragons.

Such details didn't matter to the Flame Lord, so Garon didn't elaborate.

"Experiences in another timeline..."

The flames on the Flame Lord's body surged as he pondered.

Few knew about his grudge with the Alphaetia Empire, and he wouldn't casually give away a Primordial Fire Crystal, making Garon's words seem truthful.

Moreover, regardless of the actual facts, befriending this time dragon, who was destined to become a quasi-strong deity and held a significant position in the hegemonic Dragon God faction, was not a loss for the Flame Lord.

"I see."

"Since we had a friendship in another timeline... I value friendships, even those I don't know from another timeline."

"You can visit the Fire Elemental Plane, and we can chat more."

The Flame Lord did not delve deeply. The flames on his face formed a smiling expression, and his invitation to Garon expressed goodwill.

Elemental gods were typically proud and wouldn't show goodwill based solely on one conversation with Garon.

However, it depended on the situation.

Including the Flame Lord, the four elemental gods' combined divine rank equaled that of a level eighteen deity.

In their own elemental planes, they could maintain level nineteen combat strength. If they didn't mind damaging their planes, they could briefly achieve near level twenty power, surpassing regular level nineteen deities.

Among strong deities, the four elemental gods occupied the upper echelons.

However, they were still inferior to the Dragon God faction led by the resurrected Nine-faced Dragon God. Moreover, Garon's unique position made befriending him worthwhile.

"Alright, I've long yearned to visit the Fire Elemental Plane."

The silver dragon also smiled slightly in response.

Two of the four elemental gods, the Wind Elemental Queen and the Flame Lord, had joined the Pantheon.

The Earth and Water Elemental Lords, however, had not appeared despite the arrival of many gods at the Pantheon.

"Perhaps because the Wind Elemental Queen and the Flame Lord had previously allied with the dragons, they feared joining the Pantheon would provoke retaliation?"

Garon thought silently.

"Everyone, in the Pantheon, all gods are equal, and there is no hierarchy in seating. You may sit wherever you like."

The Nine-faced Dragon God, at the top of the circular steps, said gently.

Although the Nine-faced Dragon God said all gods were equal, the mid-tier and low-tier gods didn't move. The strong deities chose their seats first, all picking the higher positions closest to the Nine-faced Dragon God.

After the strong deities chose their seats, the mid-tier

 and low-tier deities took their places accordingly.

If a mid-tier deity had mixed in with the strong deities, it would have been seen as an insult by other mid-tier deities, leading to future targeting.

Time flowed as steadily as always.

After a while, about one-third of the deities active in the endless planes had arrived at the Pantheon.

For the Pantheon just starting to recruit gods, this was a good beginning.

This third of the deities, under the leadership of the Dragon God faction, were enough to overwhelm any deity or pantheon outside the Pantheon.

Over time, as the Pantheon's size grew, deities outside it would feel increasingly uneasy. Unlike scattered gods, the Pantheon was a unified organization. Deities outside the Pantheon, if in conflict with its members, would be isolated, while the Pantheon members would stand united, making them formidable.

At this moment, a deity's sudden arrival at the Pantheon drew the attention of all.

Many gods looked at the new arrival with surprise and curiosity.

The Dragon Gods also focused their gazes.

"Why did he come?"

A deity whispered.

The new deity exuded the aura of a strong divine power. His humanoid figure was tall and handsome, with a delicate golden laurel crown emitting a faint glow on his head, radiating the natural aura of an elf.

The Elf Lord, Corellon, had arrived.

Not only Corellon, but also the beautiful Goddess of Life from the elven pantheon, followed by the God of Archery, the God of Hatred, and other elven gods.

Their arrival caused widespread attention.

The enmity between elves and dragons was well-known.

Moreover, when the Nine-faced Dragon God was newly resurrected and still weak, the Elf Lord had tried to hinder his revival, deepening the grudge with the dragons. Now, with the Dragon God faction reestablishing its hegemony, they wouldn't easily let the elves go.

Even if the elves retreated to Afandel and closed their divine kingdom, they wouldn't escape retribution.

In this context, the Elf Lord daring to come to the Pantheon was surprising to many gods.

The Nine-faced Dragon God, seated at the highest leadership position in the Pantheon, gazed at the Elf Lord thoughtfully, without speaking.

Seeing their main god silent, the Immortal Dragon Queen smiled slightly, lazily raised and lowered several dragon heads on her seat, and said, "Oh, isn't this the great Elf Lord Corellon and the Goddess of Life, who view our dragon race as enemies? Your presence truly graces the Pantheon."

"But what brings you here? Do you plan to attack our Dragon Lord again?"

The Dragon Queen didn't hide her sarcastic tone.

"The elven gods will all join the Pantheon."

Corellon said slowly.

He paused, scanning the Dragon Gods, and continued in a deep voice, "Elves and dragons have had many conflicts, and as the losing side, the elven pantheon is willing to bear the consequences, subject to the leader of the gods' judgment. Whether banishment or sealing, we have no complaints and are willing to accept divine punishment."

The term "leader of the gods" was a respectful title for the Nine-faced Dragon God.

Corellon's words placed himself in a subordinate position.

Hearing the Elf Lord's words, many gods were slightly stunned.

Corellon wasn't an arrogant deity, but as a main god who once had a divine rank of nineteen, his humble attitude was unexpected. The gods remained outwardly indifferent but felt complex emotions within.

"He's likely trying to appease the dragons, to avoid the fate of the giant pantheon."

Garon thought silently.

The gods looked to the Nine-faced Dragon God, awaiting his response.

At this moment, the Nine-faced Dragon God smiled gently at the Elf Lord and said, "It was just a matter of conflicting positions. The enmity between elves and dragons is now settled."

"Moreover, since you've chosen to join the Pantheon, as fellow guardians of the multiverse, why would I make things difficult for the elven gods?"

"Please, take your seats."

The gods were taken aback, and even the Elf Lord was slightly surprised. He hadn't expected the typically vengeful Dragon God to let go of the grudge against the elves.

The Elf Lord had come prepared to face divine punishment and a demotion.

Simultaneously, the gods sensed a magnanimous outlook befitting the leader of the gods and the head of the Pantheon in the Nine-faced Dragon God.

With no new deities arriving, the Dragon Court layer was sealed again, and the Pantheon temporarily closed, making it difficult for outsiders to spy on it.

Under the watchful eyes of the gods, the Nine-faced Dragon God lowered his deep gaze and calmly said, "The first opening of the Pantheon is to recruit deities and select members for the High Council."

"The High Council, including myself, will initially have eleven seats, to lead the gods and mediate conflicts among them, preventing the tragedy of pantheon wars."

"Therefore, every High Council member must possess the appropriate qualifications and rank."

The Nine-faced Dragon God explained the details of the High Council.

In resolving divine conflicts, each High Council member could cast their vote, including the Nine-faced Dragon God, who did not grant himself any special privileges. The number of votes would determine the final judgment on divine matters.

The Nine-faced Dragon God then selected the other High Council members.

The Metal Dragon God, the Immortal Dragon Queen, the Wind Elemental Queen, the Flame Lord, the Invincible War God, the Fairy Queen, the God of Light, the Orc God, the Radiant Lord, and the Elf Lord.

Aside from the Fairy Queen, who was somewhat of a wildcard, every deity chosen was renowned among the strong deities.

Even the much-criticized Invincible War God, known for his strategic shifts, had enough strength to earn his title. If he were just a sycophant, he wouldn't have survived so well, without any real enemies.

"Not only did he not punish the Elf Lord, but he even gave him a High Council seat..."

The gods sensed the sincerity of the Dragon God faction once more.

Before, many deities had joined the Pantheon out of self-interest, but now some began to see it as a promising organization.

As for the High Council seats, aside from the Elf Lord, most were filled by deities with good relations with the Dragon God faction. While the Nine-faced Dragon God's forgiveness and granting a seat to the Elf Lord showed magnanimity, his unilateral selection of all High Council members without giving others a chance reminded the gods of the dragons' dominance and pride.

Domineering yet magnanimous.

The Dragon God faction, in their process of reforging hegemonic glory, was now beginning to reveal its sharpness.

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