[Ling] stared blankly at Ma Ran.
This guy was wearing a fully covered golden divine armor, making it impossible to see his face clearly.
Yet, in terms of height, physique, mindset, and speaking style, he was very similar to [Ling] himself.
For a moment, [Ling] even felt like he was looking in a mirror.
After being slapped several times, feeling a bit dazed, it took a while for [Ling] to come back to his senses.
This guy...
Was he his future self?
No, that wasnât exactly right!
[Ling] thought that, precisely speaking, the opponent had been trying to lead him to consider him as his "future self" since the very moment he appeared.
After understanding this point, [Ling] swiftly adjusted his stanceâpretending to believe the other personâs act, cooperating as best as he could, while actually refusing to believe a single word from that guyâs mouth!
Thereâs no choice.
The power displayed by the opponent was overwhelmingly formidable, even surpassing the commanders of the Demon Extermination Corps.
In order not to provoke him into killing [Ling] instantly in anger, he had no choice but to feign compliance.
Slap!
Another slap landed.
[Ling] felt his face swelling, filled with an immense fury, tempted to abandon everything, ignite his divine power and faith power crystals, and explode on the spot, perishing together!
But on careful consideration, [Ling] thought it wasnât worth it.
A proper god should endure what an ordinary being cannot; mere humiliation is insignificant.
As a last resort, he would thoroughly master the Burning Martial manuscript from the future, advance his power to a higher realm, and then find a way to exact revenge!
With this thought, [Ling]âs mind felt much clearer.
"Put away your little tricks."
Ma Ran sized up [Ling] like looking at an idiot, then said faintly, "It doesnât matter who I am."
"What matters is..."
"Who do you think you are?"
"How do you plan to contend with the Divine Court?"
As he spoke, Ma Ranâs expression changed suddenly, and his figure turned somewhat blurry, illusory.
"Hmm? Whatâs going on with this guy...?"
[Ling]âs eyes flickered, chaotic thoughts swirling.
Just as he was about to speak, Ma Ran suddenly sped up his speech, breaking [Ling]âs train of thought, he hurriedly said, "Not much time, listen carefully to what Iâm going to say next!"
Interrupted, [Ling] still felt somewhat dazed.
Before he could react, he received another slap.
Slap!
"Dared to lose focus?"
For some reason, [Ling] suddenly felt that his previous anger was meaningless, he couldnât get angry anymore.
In an instant, [Ling] deduced many things.
Firstly, this guy in front had assumed the identity of the "future [Ling]" throughout this conversation, which was indisputable.
Secondly, the opponent had no intention of taking the Burning Martial manuscript from him.
Lastly, although the opponent was powerful, he was clearly cautious, showing no intent to kill [Ling].
Having understood these three points, other things became much simpler.
Even though [Ling] couldnât see Ma Ranâs expression, he could sense a bit of "pity and anger" in his tone.
Thinking of this, after another slap, [Ling] found himself neither angry nor even wanting to laugh a little.
He lowered his head, suppressing the urge to provoke the other.
This guy might be strong, but in the end, wasnât he in need of this god?
Otherwise, why would he say all this?
Heh!
In fact, [Ling] hadnât noticed that by this point in the conversation, he no longer maintained an absolute refusal and complete skepticism about Ma Ranâs identity.
Though still confused, he began to believe a little in what "future self" said.
No other choice.
In the exchange with Ma Ran, [Ling] was in an absolute lower hand.
If he believed in what the opponent said, the sudden contact and conversation could follow normal logic, from which he could gain a sliver of "comfort for the weak."
Ma Ran didnât need to see [Ling]âs face or hear his answer; just by observing the fluctuation of his divine thought and spiritual power, he knew his impromptu performance was effective.
This method could be called the Stockholm syndrome, or PUA; however, Ma Ran believed it was more an application of Lu Xunâs AQ spiritâcreating an extreme environment, forcibly imposing certain thought patterns onto others... or gods.
The result was the sameâshaping the target into the form desired.
In his past life, having awakened the ability to play roles, Ma Ran set for himself many rules, laws, and self-restraints, calling them "Ma Ranâs Interpretation Code," which he refined and perfected over time.
After rebirth, Ma Ran rarely rigidly applied those rules from the Burning Scripture anymore.
For he had reached the realm of following the boundaries freely, where impromptu acts could yield excellent results.
Ma Ran coldly gazed at [Ling], his tone icy, surrounded by faint golden divine power waves, almost ready to freeze [Ling] into pieces.
"Remember!"
"If you donât want to be hunted like a stray dog by the Divine Court, then immediately submit the Burning Martial manuscript!"
As he spoke, Ma Ranâs shadow gradually faded, becoming ghostly, as if about to disappear entirely.
"Donât even think about hiding it."
"Youâre not qualified to keep it!"
With that, Ma Ranâs shadow completely dissipated and vanished.
Apart from the fingerprints on [Ling]âs face, nothing else remained.
Determined to never respond regardless of what the opponent said, [Ling] suddenly felt a nameless fire surge within.
Holding his swollen cheek, thoroughly provoked, he cursed, "Not qualified? I donât believe it!"
He wouldnât take what others said as truth; first, [Ling] wanted to try it himself!
Even being a True God, having been slapped several times, didnât he care for his dignity?
Though unwilling to admit it, deep inside, he had actually acknowledged the identity of the "future self."
The Burning Martial manuscript could traverse time, emerging from a future timeline and arriving now; maybe, the future self could achieve similar feats!
[Ling] believed that his life shouldnât be orchestrated by anyone.
Even if the planner was his future self, it was unacceptable!
Moreover, that person was timid, only daring to bully his past self, too scared to face the Divine Court head-on!
Hell with him!
If that god were truly ruthless, why didnât he confront the Divine Court directly?