TIT Chapter 8: Tribulation again?

After a slight stare-off between the two men, or rather, house and man, the silence continued for a solid minute.

“Well, I don’t think that I can continue with this anymore. Since I have already spoken, it seems that I have to at least show I can do something to freeload off this ritual combat. After all, the red bar seems to fill faster through their fighting. I wonder why the other bars don’t seem to fluctuate with their fights though.” Jie Jun thought to himself.

“Is this golden pavilion truly a sign of blessing from the gods? Technically, witnessing mere ritual combat won’t benefit it so there is no harm continuing the practise for it… But what’s the point of such pointless behaviour if the gods have no will to help us?” The Tribe Chief was not as religious as the majority of the tribe, although he did not show it. He had long questioned the existence and motivation of the higher beings. Given their selfless sacrifice throughout the years as well as the information he knew about this world, he knew that the world was not as simple as it was. Even though he made all the statements like requests for blessings from the gods, he was not really a devout believer. He still kept proper appearances in front of his tribe of course.

With all said and done, Jie Jun and the Tribe Chief both knew their interaction at this point would determine the weight of which their words would hold in their future interactions. Afraid, yet somehow excited to win this “game” between the two, Jie Jun formulated his next course of action. Scrolling through the list of “Items” he could produce, he tried to deduce whatever was the item that was lowest in cost. He was thinking about whether he could motivate the tribe materialistically rather than through just simple words. The Tribe Chief on the other hand, was wondering whether he should heed to the order of this holy artifact, especially with the bugging of the elders behind him.

However, without any prior notice, thunderclouds gathered above. Both men instantly reacted and realised the cause of the calamity.

Heavenly Tribulation!

Even in this world that seemed so far away from the concept of cultivation, the people in this plane seemed to be able to grow stronger by undergoing Heavenly Tribulation. Although the source of their power differed, it seemed the heavens were intent on eradicating existences that went against the natural order. Where did the power for this tribulation come from? Jie Jun pondered to himself as he braced himself for the natural consequence of being an almighty conductor.

However, the Tribe Chief was far from calm. This world termed this tribulation under a different term, Domination of Zeus. This was because Zeus was synonymous with being the God of Thunder and it seemed that the 2 were definitely related. Likewise, it was also known that tribes that worshipped alternative gods or had different beliefs would have their “punishment” be increased in intensity. Henceforth the link between what should have been a natural occurrence and a transcendental deity. Despite knowing of this, many did not give up their beliefs due to their culture and obstinate nature. However, the main problem right now was not about the God in charge of this eradication, but rather the one undergoing the Domination of Zeus. Most of the tribal members were stuck at the first level of body refinement, whereas the stronger ones would mainly be at the second level. Even then, there was a qualitative difference between the two. Because the number of people who survived the Domination were no more than one-fifth of those who took part in the tribulation. This made the process of growing stronger in the tribe a very troublesome because there would definitely be a point when one’s blood energy would be more than sufficient to ascend, yet, due to this Domination, they were all suppressing themselves to ensure that they were truly prepared for the Domination.

Unfortunately, it was not any of the senior members of the tribe that were about to ascend, but Ode. It seemed the battle had ignited his potential and released the limit on his blood energy. However, he had not been able to suppress his rampaging blood energy in time to prevent the storms from gathering. Everyone in his surroundings leapt away, knowing that he was on his own now. No one could help another during their tribulation. This was common sense. It was truly a waste as Ode was a potential Tribe Chief candidate due to his steady composure and grasp of his own strength. However, it was all for naught with the Domination of Zeus incoming. No one below the age of 25 in their tribe had survived the tribulation due to their lack of preparation and foundation.

The Tribal Elder immediately cried out: “Oh great Ares, please bless Ode! He has been nothing but loyal and faithful to the way of war!” It couldn’t be helped that he made such a request, for Ode was his cute little grandchild that had shown such promise. Even the Tribal Elder gave up on any other rituals just to have more time to plead Jie Jun for help.

All was doom and gloom in the tribe. Many sighed in disappointment at such an unexpected loss of potential. Yet, Ode seemed almost oblivious to it all. He stared at the clouds above as they rumbled, ready to strike. He was surprisingly calmer than the rest of the tribe, even if he knew that it would be his imminent demise. At this moment, even the Tribe Chief felt that his composure in the face of death was remarkable and deserved praise.

“Lord Ares has spoken to me. The boy shall have my help. But the condition changes. Increase the sacrifices and ritual combat schedules.” A great voice boomed from the golden pavilion.

                --

“Well, it seems that the tribulation this time is stronger than before? Whatever, this much I probably still can endure. Let’s hope the carrot and stick approach helps. Since I would probably be dragged into this tribulation either way.” Jie Jun wondered.

Disregarding the response of the Tribal Chief and Elders, Jie Jun commanded: “Boy, come closer.”

Ode responded instantaneously, shifting to a spot closer to Jie Jun immediately. He had been observing the pavilion after the clouds gathered, hoping for a miracle. He knew that what he was experiencing right now was probably unheard of. To have a great treasure bestowed by the gods aid him in overcoming the Domination was the best possible outcome he could have. Even though he could remain calm in the face of death, he definitely wanted to live.

“I can only take on some part of your tribulation. The rest of it you should be able to endure on your own. Don’t expect an easy ride.”

“You have my gratitude, my lord!”

Both man and house then looked up to the sky, one in wonder and the other in excitement.

                --

“Did you send that down to help your believers?”

“Of course not.”

“Don’t you dare lie to your father.”

“Don’t try to scare me. You and I both know that this kind of interference is beyond our capability. That golden pavilion is not a normal artifact. It seems it was built to sustain of the energy of the tribulations.”

“Hmph! You think I can’t tell what it’s doing?”

“Then you should just shut up, old man, and watch.”

“You think I would let your people grow stronger so easily?”

“Don’t push it, father. You don’t want to fight with me right now. Trust me. I believe you still need me to suppress the titans.”

“Fine. I’ll see if this is one of your little games that you come up with every so often.”

From a cliff, two men looked down below, one dressed in armour and the other in greek robes. Both so powerful and yet still so worried, about the present and about the future. Even with great power, those in the Deva Path were still plagued by worldly matters, and only by transcending could they throw away such chains holding them back from achieving greatness.

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