Palin was not someone who would cheat and seize and claim the fruits of his men’s research. He had a noble character that could be described as honest and above average—this was apparent when he eventually became a judge in hell after his soul fell into the underworld.

  Therefore, he had truthfully reported the results of Fira’s research to Sui Xiong and repeatedly emphasized Fira’s importance in this whole research.

  In fact, the key to how they were able to discover the “powder wash” technique was an accidental experiment by Fira.

  In that experiment, Fira dissolved an excess amount of coarse salt in water, then he stirred the mixture repeatedly with a machine that was driven by the kinetic energy of water. Then…… because it was almost noon and he had a date with his cooks where he would be showing off his cooking skills, he forgot about it. After returning from lunch, he separated the water and salt. Relying on the palate of a cook, he noticed that the brine was somewhat different than usual.

  So he did several more experiments and finally determined that after the coarse salt had been repeatedly washed in brine, the brine would become more astringent than usual. It might even be more bitter than the thick brine that could precipitate coarse salt out.

  Then Fira studied the coarse salt that had been washed and found that it tasted significantly less salty—it did only taste less salty, but that unique bitter and astringent taste that characterized coarse salt was also significantly milder.

  He told Palin about his findings, who analyzed and researched and eventually invented this set of “washed powder salt” technique.

  So it was not an exaggeration to say that he was a key contributor to the discovery process of washed powder salt.

  When Sui Xiong learned about everything, he decided to have a talk with Fira and ask about Fira’s plans.

  “You have achieved extraordinary results,” Sui Xiong said. “If you’re willing to, based on this meritorious contribution, I’ll be pleased to promote you as a god follower. But I’m not sure whether you are compatible with any priesthood. This process will entail some risks.”

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  Fira did not say anything, but neither did he remain silent. His face flushed red as he wheezed and pant with his nose. His chest was heaving at a rapid pace, like the billowing wind. He was obviously very excited.

  Becoming a god was the greatest dream of the vast majority of ordinary people in the world. Even if there were great dangers, in the face of this dream, would those bear any significance?

  However, Fira did not agree that easily. After he regained his composure, he asked, “Your Majesty, you must have something else to tell me, right?

  Sui Xiong laughed and said, “You’re right. Rather than get you to fit yourself into a priesthood that already exists, I’m more inclined to get you to fight for your own priesthood. After all, it’s the plain truth that you’ve made an exemplary contribution. So long as this washed powder salt technique is publicized in your name, coupled with some other preparation, it is still very hopeful for you to break through to the level of a weak Divine Power.”

  “What’s the difference between the two?” Fira asked curiously. He was no longer in a state of excitement.

  “Frankly speaking, both involve risks,” Sui Xiong said. “The risk for the former is that I’m not confident of getting you the right fit from the existing priesthoods. The risk for the latter is that the success of the washed powder salt is not widespread enough and you yourself are not strong enough.”

  “If you are a Demigod Master—for instance, like Leon, then it is a matter of course for you to be sealed god by virtue of the washed powder salt technique. There’s nearly negligible obstacle to speak of. But you are just an advanced mage, not even within the Legendary Realm. It’s going to be very difficult if you wish to become a god just relying on this feat alone.”

  Fira was silent for a moment, then he asked, “Then what does Your Majesty think I should do? Can you give me a suggestion?”

  Sui Xiong could not help laughing again. And said, “You’re actually getting wiser as you age! If I may advise, I’ll suggest that you should become an Oracle first, then seek to become a sealed god later on.”

  “From Oracle to a sealed god?” Fira asked. Of course, it was impossible for him to grasp an understanding of what was so special about this. With a somewhat dazed look, he looked at Sui Xiong and asked, “Pardon my ignorance, Your Majesty. But I don’t understand.”

  So Sui Xiong gave him a detailed explanation—when mortals turned into Oracles, naturally, they could become divine creatures, which also meant they were existence similar to Demigods. In such a case, if they could further make enough contributions to be sealed gods, the difficulty level would be much lower as compared to that of mortals directly being sealed as gods.

  However, there would naturally be drawbacks in doing so. Since they had to become Oracles, it would be equivalent to being branded as Sui Xiong’s belongings. Even after they had become sealed gods, it would not be possible for them to gain complete independence. And even if they became great Divine Powers in the future, all Sui Xiong needed was a single notion to bring them under complete control, or even make them vanish into thin air without difficulty.

  This kind of god follower was the most inferior kind among all the other followers. And generally, they did not have much room for growth. This was because no matter how much belief they obtained, they would still require the Master God’s approval before they could truly acquire everything—the power of beliefs was something that was favorable for everyone. There was hardly any Master God who would give it to a follower who did not have very promising growth prospects.

  Then there were followers like Wall. Though they also belonged to Sui Xiong, they were not so perniciously restricted—at least, even if they met the most rigorous Master Gods, they would still have what it took for them to claim their own share of the power of beliefs. They would not be completely intercepted.

  Of course, Sui Xiong was not a mean and greedy Master God. But he thought that it was still necessary to explain to Fira about the interests in this case.

  After listening to his introduction, Fira considered for a little while and made his decision.

  “I choose to become an Oracle,” he said. “To tell you the truth, I lack wisdom. Even though you have explained so much to me, I still don’t grasp a complete understanding of what you mean. But I feel that you think too much.”

  Sui Xiong froze and looked at him doubtfully.

  “I’m your follower. This belief is not based on bloodline or anything else. It’s the result of my years of reflection and trials as I witnessed your achievements, received your kindness and lived in the country that you have guided and led. I believe you and have faith in my belief.”

  Sui Xiong as silent. He could see within Fira’s heart and knew that he meant everything wholeheartedly.

  “You have brought the best country and the most wonderful kind of life to the world. If not for you, I would probably still be an insignificant figure who would not be worth mentioning. Maybe I’d be ordered about in the kitchen of some tribe on the plains, or perhaps I would have been dead long ago. I once followed Master Miramon and Master Maddow all over the world. Out on the plains, I met many compatriots whom I’ve never seen before. They are muddling along their days; they are in such pain…… The scariest thing is, they don’t feel any pain at all! That scared me the most. It was something that even caused me to have nightmares.

  “I can’t imagine what me and my people in the Republic would be like without you…… All the other kinds of people, my friends, people I know and don’t know, what would they be like…… That’s so horrible. So horrible that the mere thought of it is suffocating.

  “All these beautiful things come from your glory. So why should I have to question your wisdom and benevolence? To tell you the truth, you asking me what I would rather choose is a little confusing to me.”

  He lifted his head. On his old, Pighead face, there was a peaceful and blissful smile.

  “I believe in you. Whatever you say, I’ll do it. That’s all.”