Chapter 70: Eternal Resolve: The Journey of Snow Sky-Dog

"Things seem to be taking a turn for the worse, Snow Sky-Dog, my apprentice!" The Water Deity of the Gods furrowed his brows tightly and silently gazed at Snow Sky-Dog with an expression of concern.

"My master, as I see it, everything in life is a danger within, yet also an opportunity. I believe we should not be too pessimistic! Eventually, darkness will fade away; only light and noble beauty will endure ahead. Seek the light, and darkness shall not find you."

"Oh, Snow Sky-Dog, it seems you possess not only a deeply philosophical perspective but also many life aphorisms. Why don't you articulate your most cherished thoughts, the ones you've expressed to all the gods as students of this academy and before all the gods who are the teachers of this academy, Snow Sky-Dog?"

"It's simple, my dear master! On the battlefield, if one cannot adjust the rhythm, they're merely an amateur. A true professional knows when to attack and when to retreat."

"Well spoken, Snow Sky-Dog! Now, stand on that viewpoint and comment on the current situation for me, Snow Sky-Dog!"

"The situation is complex and difficult! We're not only facing 'Steel Dragon' Ryujin Tetsu and 'Demon Dragon' Kamui, but we also have to deal with 'Desert Dragon' Ryujin Sabaku. If this complexity and difficulty continue to escalate, perhaps even the Dragon King himself, the father of Ryujin Tetsu, will join in the struggle for the 8 powerful magical artifacts. But it's okay; let all dangers, difficulties, mighty and cunning enemies, and severe wounds in this battle, only demonstrate my strength! At this moment, the more fiercely the enemy rushes to attack me with all their might, the more I must stand firm with my strongest feet; I will counter, I will attack, I will defend with the two arms that I have trained through necessary pain and required unhappiness, yet those arms of mine have also been trained through the greatest faith and purest hope. Those arms of mine have combined the necessary pain, the required unhappiness, with the greatest faith and purest hope. Therefore, by summoning all that has ever hurt me, all that I have and am enduring, along with invoking the pure light deep within my soul and mind; then I will channel all of that, everything that has been fused into an indestructible force, unstoppable, unbeatable, into my two fists, fists carrying a strength that even the King of Demons could not imagine through the body of the enemy; and the Lord of the Gods will promise me that the head of the enemy will fall."

"Haizza, Snow Sky-Dog, do you think you're more suited to be a novelist than a warrior of the gods' world? Your words are poetic, but how much reality is there in those poetic sentences regarding fighting? Those who confuse ideals and reality will never find peace, Snow Sky-Dog!"

"My master, ideals hold the brilliance of hope, yet reality can also encompass ideals."

"Snow Sky-Dog, what will you do if you find yourself in a place shrouded only in darkness?"

"My master, I believe I hold the map leading to all lands. I have plans to nurture my aspirations. So if someone obstructs my path, making me lose faith, I will kick that person and continue moving forward. I have a big heart. The way I perceive the world has helped me go far on the path of conquering success and glory. Challenges will leave scars on my body. But I always remember that everything will be okay! And even when my reason falters, I still have enough strength. If I find myself in a place shrouded in darkness, I will still persevere, for I believe that the stars are merely asleep. And that's when the warrior instinct in me will guide me home. If I have to face a fear so paralyzing that my whole body goes numb, I will lead the way to the sky facing the vast ocean. That's when the supreme instinct of a warrior will help me return home. Sometimes the past may bury my life in despair, but I don't need to worry. Because I know I'll be okay! Nothing can bring a difficulty I can't solve. Even if I shiver with fear, I still have enough toughness. If I find myself in a place shrouded only in darkness, I will surely break free because I know the light is just avoiding me. That's when the fierce instinct of a warrior within me will guide me. And if I have to face a fear that numbs me, I will lead the way to the sky facing the vast ocean. That's when the indestructible instinct within me will bring me home. That indomitable instinct will lead me home, it will call me back, it will guide me, it will help me return home. If I find myself in a land shrouded only in darkness. I will never give up because destiny is just playing with me. And that instinct within me will help me escape that cruel joke. If I find myself in a place only filled with darkness, I will still persevere, I will awaken the sleeping stars. That's when the instinct within me will guide me home. If the fear envelops my reason, let the sky and the ocean protect me! My innate instinct will help me face everything."

"What if you get lost in hell?"

"My master, if I find myself lost in hell, I will still know that things will be as bad as they can get when the enemy pursues me with everything they have. But then I will realize that the gap in power between me and the King of Demons is not as large as I thought. And I will realize that as I pass through each gate of hell, I am injuring the King of Demons. And then I will be the one standing, victorious, after defeating the King of Demons and his 17 Hellgate Keepers."

"Well, Snow Sky-Dog, I think a great warrior like you wouldn't speak so much! But it's up to you; I think you will follow and act on your own beliefs, which is also good! I don't know if you're a fool or a mighty god, but I'm sure you'll live for a long time because everyone struggles to predict your thoughts and actions. You are truly an uncontrollable god, unpredictable!"

Snow Sky-Dog's words were filled with strength and determination, his words astonished and impressed the Water Deity of the Gods. He looked intently at his student, in whose eyes a bright ray of hope shone.

"Snow Sky-Dog, you may be a miracle, a remarkable phenomenon in the world of gods," said the Water Deity of the Gods, his tone calm but containing excitement. "You have shown me that faith and determination can be a warrior's most powerful weapons. Thank you for sharing these thoughts and philosophies full of strength. But I advise you not to be too confident, for overconfidence will lead one to their demise."

Snow Sky-Dog smiled gently, his eyes shining in the dawn's light.

"Dear master, your words of praise are a great honor to me. I shall ceaselessly strive forward, ceaselessly advance, to prove that my faith and determination remain unwavering in the face of any challenge. And I shall also heed your counsel regarding keeping myself from becoming overly confident."

With those final words, Snow Sky-Dog inclined his head slightly, displaying profound respect for the Water Ancestor of the Divine, before stepping out of the study room. The morning sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the confident visage of the young deity student, promising a journey filled with challenges and new opportunities for Snow Sky-Dog.

Meanwhile, outside, an endless expanse of deep blue sky unfolded before him, like a symbol of the ceaseless aspirations and dreams that resided within Snow Sky-Dog's heart. The vast horizon and boundless ocean awaited his exploration, in an unending adventure rejuvenated by the power of faith and determination.