Chapter 653: Council of the Gods

The Goddess of Life thought for a moment and said, "Since you've already decided, Little Violet, do you want to inform your Seven Deadly Sins gods?"

The God of Destruction nodded, replying, "You're right, Little Green. It's necessary to give those eight a heads-up so they can prepare."

The Goddess of Life chuckled, "With your eight first-tier gods and the God of Ruin being the strongest after the Five Divine Kings, what chance do Asura and Sea God have against us?"

Destruction responded coolly, "Don't underestimate them, Little Green. Although we have the upper hand in terms of high-level power, Asura is still one of the Five Divine Kings, and several of the Seven Elemental Gods side with him. Additionally, in a one-on-one, my strength might still be a bit lacking compared to Asura. It's only because we act as one that he's so wary of us."

As they discussed, Destruction had already begun to summon his key allies in the palace through a special crystal. In the palace's projected image stood Sea God, Earth God, God of Light, and God of Darkness.

"Everyone," Asura began, "the inheritor I selected is about to complete the Asura trials. However, due to unforeseen events, he hasn't been able to inherit the Sea God position, but instead has absorbed the Killing God's essence and is set to hold dual Asura and Killing God titles."

The Earth God, a short god in pale yellow robes, interjected, "Asura King, this arrangement seems flawed. The Killing God's power is essentially a weaker version of Asura's. True dual titles would ideally combine the forces of Asura and Sea God. Your strength leans towards offense, while Sea God's is gentler and bolstered by belief, creating a perfect synergy. The Killing God's position doesn't quite measure up."

Asura frowned. "You have a point, Earth God. But for Tang San to embody dual godhood, everything must appear by the book, giving Destruction no grounds to object."

The God of Darkness, a scholarly-looking figure in dark robes, smiled faintly and said, "Asura, do you really think Destruction won't retaliate? We've been keeping an eye on the mortal realm, and in a few days, when the inheritor of the Goddess of Life ascends, a clash with Tang San is inevitable. Only one will survive. Will you watch your chosen one perish? You'll intervene, and when you do, there will inevitably be a confrontation with Destruction. That's the real reason we're here, isn't it?"

The God of Darkness calmly added, "Asura, has your inheritor completed the Killing God inheritance?"

Asura glanced at him, recognizing his insight. "Not yet. I plan to have him inherit the Asura position first."

The God of Darkness smirked. "Perfect. Once he becomes the Asura, have Sea God bend the rules to grant him the god position. The Killing God's core can then be absorbed by Tang San, raising his initial divine strength from 110 to 115."

Sea God's eyes sparkled. "Exactly, Asura. Each level difference in the Divine Realm represents a massive power gap. This gives Tang San a five-level lead over Su Ming right from the start. Equipped with your Asura Divine Sword, Su Ming likely won't stand a chance."

"As for Destruction, leave that to us. Although his seven sins may be formidable, we aren't weak ourselves," Sea God boasted. Now fortified by three-tenths of the Angel God's light authority, his power exceeded that of most first-tier gods.

Given Sea God's unique dual authority, he was Asura's top choice for Tang San's second title.

Asura considered this, then looked at Sea God and the God of Darkness. "This decision leaves no room for retreat. Are we certain?"

The God of Darkness replied, "Absolutely. Fewer gods mean more resources for us. During the war, their forces will suffer losses, and we can reserve part of their godhood essence for future inheritors, using the rest to bolster our power."

The gods nodded in agreement, this being a key reason for their support. While the Divine Realm had abundant spiritual energy, advancing their power required thousands, sometimes tens of thousands, of years.

The God of Darkness suddenly recalled, "Asura, do you still have any Spirit Fruits? If not, all of us should pool them to boost Tang San's strength."

Asura replied, "I have three. Sea God, didn't you have two as well?"

Sea God froze momentarily, then said, "I had two set aside for future rewards, but they were won by the Goddess of Life in a wager."

The gods exchanged glances.

Earth God said, "I have one left."

The God of Darkness added, "I have one as well."

"Excellent! Thank you all for this. I'll be sure to remember your support," Asura replied.

Earth God, smiling slyly, said, "Asura, as long as you can spare the Goddess of Life. I've admired her for a long time. You all have partners; I'd like one too."

The God of Light and the God of Darkness exchanged disapproving looks. The Earth God's height and demeanor left much to be desired.

Asura replied indifferently, "Fine. If it's possible, I'll strip her of her powers and spare her life."

Earth God grinned. "In that case, Asura, thank you in advance."

(End of Chapter)