CHAPTER 234: CHAPTER 173: THE CAPITAL OF DEMI-HUMANS

To the people of the Western Continent, this is a fresh topic.

Since topics about Old Gods and Evil Gods are usually forbidden to discuss openly, even at home, one must lock the door and close the windows to whisper about them; otherwise, being labeled as superstitious can strip even a socialite of their reputation.

Even the son of the Speaker brought up topics about the "awakening of evil gods" in public, resulting in him being grounded for nearly a month, later explained away with "voyage syndrome."

Naturally, not everyone believed Yue truly suffered from a mental illness. Such methods to cover up false accusations are not uncommon.

Insightful individuals felt that Yue had made a trip to the Empire and was influenced by its theological thoughts, leading to problems in both thought and stance, causing factions supporting the Speaker to waver. After all, the Deep Sea Council’s diplomatic strategy has always been friendly with the Lofic Consortium, exchanging knowledge in military and energy fields; theological thoughts and the Empire’s political system are considered dross by them.

If Yue is determined to mingle with the royalty and the church, in the future, it would not be impossible for him to be kicked out of the Deep Sea Council, let alone take over his father’s position.

Regarding this tradition...

It is a rule set at the foundation of the Deep Sea Council, perhaps those at the time understood what it was about, but today, the reason for establishing the rule is long ignored, only known as a bottom line that cannot be violated.

In the Western Continent, there’s only one situation where discussing Evil Gods is permissible—that is if you can clearly explain the principle of their existence, their nature, and even their purpose, stripping them of their divine clothing and breaking superstition, which is welcomed by people.

But most people attempting to discuss topics about Evil Gods are unable to articulate these concepts, only repeating phrases like "Evil Gods can do anything, are unknowable, and unsearchable."

Pope Julius is a prime example.

In the Western Continent, numerous novels and plays modeled after him depict him as a buffoon, and "Pope jokes" are circulated from the capital across all levels.

Yue listened particularly attentively, having learned to ignore anomalies in life, treating those cracks, the filthy water emerging from them, as part of life, and the shadow behind Flor that seemed ready to crush everyone present, all as illusions.

These may have some special significance, but Yue is currently unable to decipher their meanings.

"I admit it’s a gimmick, but businessmen cannot escape from gimmicks."

The short man on the podium glanced around, stirring the emotions of those present, "To be precise, we have captured a shard of the Evil God’s consciousness and managed to trap him. As for his true form, it is still hiding somewhere we have yet to detect, and the good news is, we can study him, understand him, and even, kill him—that is why I came to the Western Continent."

"Mr. Flor, why don’t you share this secret with the church?"

Someone in the audience asked him.

"Because the Pope only likes dealing with toothless Evil Gods."

Flor responded with a bizarre tone.

Someone else asked, "Mr. Flo, may I know his name? Do Evil Gods also have names?"

"Kane."

Flor said, "Yes, he is called Kane."

...............

On the ninth morning of Emperor’s Sword’s voyage, the port of Ophira, the capital of the Western Continent, gradually outlined itself along the coastline. Early in the morning, the sailors on board cheered, and the captain was so excited that he stood at the bow.

"Old Sen, what are they celebrating?"

Octopus-faced Uerta was somewhat curious and had developed a deep friendship with Ethan after days of interaction, causing subtle changes in how they addressed each other.

He felt Ethan had a unique charm that made one want to follow him in achieving something great.

They discussed numerous topics.

From the origins of the Deep Sea Race to their master Aelium, including the suppressed and sealed deep sea chasm, many matters that Uerta and his kin had never considered.

"They are celebrating a successful voyage."

"Why celebrate a successful voyage? Are there some bad omens previously?"

Uerta was a highly curious octopus-faced entity, on his first voyage with humans, believing he bore the mission of bringing human knowledge back to his kin.

"Hmm, it’s a long story."

Ethan did not explain in detail.

All ominous signs originated from Uerta, this octopus-faced entity seemed not to comprehend how frightening his appearance seemed to human aesthetics.

Even having gotten used to him, sailors would be half scared to death if they bumped into Uerta during night watches.

Ethan had gained a basic understanding of the Deep Sea Race over these days, who reside near the deep-sea chasm, possessing innate underwater breathing traits, and adept at spiritual magic, enabling communication with any creature without barriers, thus driving sea monsters dwelling in the deep sea to eliminate the Evil God creations appearing sporadically from the chasm.

According to Uerta’s description, the chasm is a jet-black fissure deep within the ocean, where all creatures entering never return.

Uerta and his kin somewhat serve as Old Ai’s "cleaners" outside the chasm, preventing creatures emerging from the chasm from reaching the ocean surface.