Chapter 2692: Twelve True Gods

This question had always puzzled Zu An. The cultivation world had no information about the myriad realms, and the only person who did, Mi Li, was vague on the details. He hoped the Universal Merchant Guild, which spanned across all the realms, would not disappoint him.

Number 9527 was startled, clearly not expecting such a question. He couldn't help but exclaim, "Information regarding true gods has always been a closely guarded secret across the myriad realms. Ordinary individuals dare not speak of it, fearing it might attract unknown calamities. However, our Universal Merchant Guild happens to deal in intelligence. Having received the protection of the God of Order, and the tacit approval of the other gods, we are permitted to discuss such matters."

Zu An felt a surge of admiration. For the Universal Merchant Guild to have the tacit approval of the gods, its power was truly far more formidable than he had initially imagined.

"Normally, the price for this secret is very high; most people cannot afford it," Number 9527 said, seemingly on the verge of beating his chest in distress. "I feel I'm making a huge loss on this deal."

Zu An smiled slightly. "It is truly my good fortune to have met a friend like you this time."

Hearing his words, Number 9527's expression brightened slightly, realizing that gaining the friendship of a future top-tier powerhouse was well worth the cost.

With that thought, he began to explain in detail: "Currently, our guild has records of 13 true gods. Some of them may have already fallen, and it's also possible there are other true gods unknown to us, given the sheer vastness of the myriad realms."

"I'd like to hear more!" Zu An said, his ears perked.

With a solemn expression, Number 9527 produced a small table and arranged various offerings upon it.

Zu An's heart stirred; this ritual bore some resemblance to the fasting and ceremonial practices described in the *Baopuzi Zhenjing*.

He then produced a magical artifact and waved it over himself and Zu An. A strange melody filled the air, and simultaneously, fine, dense raindrops materialized from nothingness.

Zu An felt a refreshing sensation, as if his entire being, from the inside out, had been purified.

He was inwardly startled, realizing this must be some form of holy water or spiritual spring, possessing the power to ward off evil. This item alone was likely worth a considerable sum.

Three incense sticks suddenly appeared in Number 9527's hand. Without any discernible action, they ignited on their own. He bowed towards the void, then handed the burning incense to Zu An. "What I tell you today must remain strictly between us," he warned, "lest it bring about your destruction."

"Naturally!" Zu An replied, fully aware that in the myriad realms, secrets were both valuable and perilous.

Following the other's instructions, he then held the three incense sticks, bowed to the void, and placed them into the incense burner on the altar.

Seeing that the incense had not extinguished, Number 9527 finally breathed a sigh of relief before speaking. "These 12 gods include the God of Memory. He records all information across the myriad realms. However, his followers hold differing opinions: some believe only important individuals, objects, and significant events should be recorded, while others deem anything else a waste of time and energy. Regardless of their method, when it comes to erudition and the completeness of information throughout the myriad realms, some followers of Memory can arguably rival the Universal Merchant Guild, and may even possess greater knowledge."

Zu An nodded subtly. The Mirror Historian, Zuoqiu Bushi, whom he had met previously, was clearly a follower of Memory. It was he who had given Zu An the invitation card.

"Then there's the God of Chaos and Mystery, this deity..." Number 9527's expression turned peculiar, as if he were carefully choosing his words to describe the entity. After a long pause, he continued, "In some ways, what this deity does seems similar to the God of Memory, but in essence, their actions are diametrically opposed."

"Followers of Memory meticulously record all events occurring throughout the myriad realms. However, followers of Chaos and Mystery strive to contaminate... *ahem*, to tamper with those very events. As a result, many occurrences today are indistinguishable as to whether they truly happened or were altered."

Zu An's lips curved slightly upward; it seemed his own god's actions were indeed rather infuriating to the heavens and the populace.

However, having unintentionally served as a Historian of Ages on several occasions, he realized that the outside world harbored some misconceptions about this deity. Often, the lines between reality and illusion didn't need to be so sharply drawn. Furthermore, compared to harsh truths, some beautiful illusions might not be a bad thing. Until the dust truly settled, reality and illusion could always be interchanged.

"Therefore, followers of Memory and Chaos-Mystery are practically mortal enemies," Number 9527 said, seemingly suppressing something. "Furthermore, because followers of Chaos and Mystery often disregard all rules and systems, indulging in wanton acts, their relationship with the followers of the God of Order is also quite strained."

"His followers are often lunatics and deviants. If you happen to encounter them in the future, honored guest, you must keep your distance, or you will undoubtedly face endless trouble. Fortunately, his followers are few, so the average person is unlikely to encounter them."

Zu An's eyebrows twitched involuntarily. He hadn't realized that deity's reputation was so poor, with followers who were virtually universally reviled. If Number 9527 were to discover his true identity, things would get very interesting indeed.

As if on cue, Number 9527 suddenly asked with curiosity, "Since you've brought up the topic of true gods, you must have encountered their power. May I ask whose follower you are?"

Zu An was speechless.

He reacted quickly, immediately replying, "I am a follower of Memory."

The previous Historian of Ages had also impersonated a Mirror Historian, so Zu An figured this was a common tactic for his deity's followers.

Number 9527 seemed surprised. "I didn't expect you to be a follower of Memory," he remarked. "Perhaps we can exchange more intelligence in the future."

"Naturally," Zu An replied, thinking to himself, *Your expression will surely be priceless when you discover my true identity in the future.*

Number 9527 continued, "Our guild primarily worships the God of Order. There should be a governing order in the myriad realms; otherwise, there would only be slaughter and disaster."

Zu An nodded, quite in agreement with this sentiment.

"Speaking of disaster, one cannot help but mention the God of Annihilation," Number 9527 explained. "He believes that civilization, humanity, and all other living beings merely consume the essence of the myriad realms, viewing them as a cancer that must be eradicated. Thus, his followers often bring destruction to worlds, striking terror into the hearts of all who hear of them."

"Indeed, I have encountered some of his followers before," Zu An said with a grave expression. "What is the name of the God of Destruction, and which powerful beings serve under him?"

Knowing oneself and one's enemy is key to prevailing in all battles.

Number 9527 shook his head. "Although I've just performed a ritual that grants a certain degree of immunity, merely uttering the names of those beings would still draw their attention. If that happens, neither of us will survive."

"I was presumptuous," Zu An admitted, secretly astonished that even the formidable Universal Merchant Guild harbored such fear.

"As for information about the followers of Annihilation, that would likely count as a second question," Number 9527 chuckled.

"Then never mind," Zu An said. "I'll find out myself later." He didn't dare waste such a valuable opportunity, as he had even more pressing questions to ask.

In any case, he hadn't formally confronted Annihilation yet, so there would be future opportunities.

A trace of regret flickered across Number 9527's face. "Let's continue our previous topic. There is also the God of Chaos. People know very little about this deity, because attempting to understand him leads to assimilation, the loss of all emotions, and becoming a part of Chaos. In a sense, this deity is even more mysterious than the God of Chaos and Mystery, and his followers are exceedingly rare. Some speculate that Chaos is the primordial state of the myriad realms, or perhaps the state they will revert to after destruction. He is omnipresent, yet almost no one has ever truly seen him."

Zu An was startled, suddenly recalling the power of the true god that Yan Xuehen had encountered, which seemed somewhat similar to this.

"What happens if one becomes his follower?"

Number 9527 said gravely, "That is an unfortunate fate. Although one can gain immense power, sadly, in the end, one loses everything. Therefore, no one wishes to follow that path. Those followers of Chaos in the world are all individuals who were unwillingly caught in its grasp by unfortunate circumstances. It is impossible for them to escape; they are destined to fall into an abyss with no future."