Although, in principle, it's best to avoid unnecessary trouble after using the Celestial Demon Reincarnation Technique, particularly conflicts with beings vastly more powerful than the reincarnated body, Muria showed no intention of backing down. He stood firm, his current dragon form exuding the pressure of a freshly ascended Legendary.
In this world, it's generally advisable to steer clear of deities. Gods gain immense power boosts when confronting foreign entities like reincarnated epic beings. Even weaker gods, whose roles might be more about entertainment or minor divine functions, can temporarily elevate their combat strength to rival gods of war, slaughter, or justice under such circumstances.
Still, despite the advantage this god might hold, Muria wasn't about to cower. His confidence wasn't born solely from his own strength but from the knowledge that his Titan ancestors, who had already infiltrated this world, were present somewhere. Their presence made him bold—there would be no bowing or submitting, only retaliation.
A massive golden roc, its wings wide enough to blot out the sky, emerged from the shattered spatial rift. The god's divine presence suffused the area, suppressing all life within its reach. Its golden gaze first fell upon the drained and withered body of its son, the demigod Giovanni, then onto the bound soul held in Muria's starry chains.
"Giovanni, my child!" the god cried, its voice cold and majestic, laced with a divine anger that seemed capable of quaking the heavens.
Finally, its gaze locked onto Muria, emanating a chill that could freeze even the bravest hearts. "Ignorant being, you have harmed my son. How do you intend to atone for your sins?"
Muria's golden eyes glinted as he retorted without hesitation, "How about I drag you off your throne and smash your bird head? Does that sound fair?"
The divine roc's fury burned hotter, its presence growing even more oppressive. "Blasphemer! I will cast your soul into the underworld, where it will be devoured by vengeful wraiths for all eternity!"
With a beat of its massive wings, the god unleashed a storm of golden sword-feathers that rained down upon the island, each one glowing with divine power and capable of slicing through mountains.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
The deafening sound of metal clashing against metal echoed as Muria activated Sanctuary of Radiant Abyss, the shining golden armor forming a protective barrier above him and the island. The storm of divine feathers broke against the armor harmlessly, producing only a melodic cascade of ringing impacts.
"True artifact!" The god's voice rang out again, this time tinged with both astonishment and unbridled greed. Its sharp gaze locked onto the golden armor adorning Muria.
"Ignorant creature, present your artifact to me, and I may consider pardoning part of your offense," the roc demanded.
"Only part?" Muria asked with a sly smile. He gestured, and the segmented pieces of Sanctuary of Radiant Abyss disassembled, revealing his dragon form beneath.
"Your crimes are too severe to fully pardon," the roc declared, though its attention was fixed on the armor, clearly salivating at the prospect of owning such a treasure.
"And what if I offered you another?" Muria's voice was casual, but his golden eyes glimmered with mockery as he summoned Spear of Sunstrike, its shaft radiating a blazing brilliance.
"A second true artifact?" The god's greed deepened, momentarily replacing its rage. The realization of why its son had perished dawned upon it. "No wonder Giovanni fell... This explains everything."
"Now, does that change your terms?" Muria asked, the spear spinning in his claw as arcs of golden lightning danced along its length.
"Offer me all of your artifacts," the roc declared, its tone dripping with covetousness, "and I shall pardon all your sins."
Muria's brow arched slightly. "So, if I hand over these two artifacts, you'll forget about the fact that I killed your son?"
"Indeed," the god replied shamelessly, not even attempting to disguise its utter lack of principle.
Muria sighed, shaking his head. "A god willing to trade their child's life for material gain. How could I possibly trust anything you say?"
He raised Spear of Sunstrike, its tip crackling with power as it charged. "No. I think I'll just kill you instead."
The spear shot forth like a blazing comet, streaking through the sky with overwhelming force. Its golden brilliance illuminated the heavens as it pierced the god's projection, shattering its form in a single, devastating strike.
"Blasphemous insect!" the roc bellowed in rage as its image began to disintegrate. "Wait and see—I will find you, and you will pay for this insult!"
The god's words faded as its projection collapsed entirely, leaving behind a momentary stillness.
Muria withdrew his spear, twirling it idly as he turned to look at the nearby giant, Jiuli, who had watched the entire exchange in stunned silence.
"See that?" Muria said casually. "That's why you don't bargain with greedy gods. They'll take everything from you if you let them."
Jiuli nodded dumbly, his admiration for his teacher reaching new heights. The man he'd been lucky enough to call his teacher had stood against a god and walked away victorious.
And more importantly, Jiuli understood something profound in that moment: Muria wasn't just powerful—he was untouchable.
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