American variety show world begins with subduing Jason

"As agreed, this place is back to you. People with a strong sense of contract are rare these days. Anyone else would have kept it for themselves."

Just as a wealthy person, even if bankrupt, will still have a few valuables and a little money hidden away for a rainy day, Pan, before his reincarnation, also carved out a small piece of pure land from his divine realm and transformed it into a fairy garden where he could hide and grow after his reincarnation.

With this miniature, strange space hidden in the void, the newly born creature would not be completely reduced to an ant without any power to protect itself.

Otherwise, with the weak fighting power of the little nature fairy, she might be captured by some mage and made into a magical pet at any time.

The value of even a small remnant of the sacred kingdom is self-evident; others might have truly broken their promise and swallowed it up.

Zhu Mingyao waved his hand and gently patted the crystal ball onto the newly awakened little creature.

The moment the azure crystal ball made contact with the little sprite, its seemingly solid form began to flow like liquid, forming shimmering specks of light around the little creature, vaguely creating a miniature island scene.

Seeing a fellow traveler on the path to immortality perish prematurely, Zhu Mingyao said, half-jokingly and half-sighingly:

"In principle, I should charge you a small storage fee, but since the past is over, let's call it even."

Pan was originally an ancient god born from nature. Now, he has returned to his original nature. Although he has lost all his power and authority, and all his memories have been wiped out, he has become an ordinary little elf. However, he has also shed all his ailments and has been able to retain a trace of his original nature to survive.

But no matter how cleverly they try to change things, they cannot escape the constraints of the world's laws. What will ultimately be born is a completely new existence, no longer the old spirit etched on the Stone of Three Incarnations…

Knowing that the other party was just an innocent baby with no connection to his predecessor, Zhu Mingyao's habitual few sarcastic remarks were not expected to elicit any response.

However, as soon as the words were spoken, a wave suddenly rose up, transforming into a deep, buzzing sound:

"Dear human friends, when this pre-programmed soul message is activated, it means that the reborn [me] has received that pitiful inheritance..."

The sound was like a low whistle of a mountain wind, mournful and gentle, yet carrying a hint of relief and ease.

"Although I had considered the possibility that you might breach the contract and take it all, I still want to express my sincere gratitude for your integrity in keeping your promise, which has resulted in a perfect ending."

As a reward for your noble virtues, I have some news to offer that might interest you.

The voice, maintaining a relaxed tone, continued to come:

Contrary to what the Ocean Daughter Calypso thought, I had always known that she was looking for an opportunity to capture and devour me.

because

"Decades ago, around the time of the Great War, that serpent demon approached me, who was then slumbering in Spain, and we reached a preliminary agreement to set a trap to kill Calypso!"

Despite his excellent composure, Zhu Mingyao was still quite shocked by the explosive news and silently gasped.

The voice, replicated by divine power, did not slow down even slightly due to the astonishment of the listeners; it proceeded at the predetermined pace:

"You must be very curious, why, with allies working from within and without, and with all sorts of favorable conditions, am I the one who is dying today?"

Pan's message paused for a moment, then suddenly became somewhat serious.

"That's because, during the negotiations, I discovered some terrible truths. After playing along, I immediately fled the natural labyrinth created on the Iberian Peninsula, and only managed to hide in the New World at the cost of sacrificing most of my strength!"

To be able to frighten an ancient god so much that he would abandon his nest and flee to a distant land, the secret must be astonishing... Zhu Mingyao quickly calculated in his mind, while at the same time a deep sense of doubt arose.

His curiosity didn't last long. Pan's last words rang out again. The demigod, who didn't need to breathe, was now panting like a mortal, clearly still shaken after a long time.

“One of the 72 Demons of Solomon, the [Marquis of the Serpent] Valak, is merely a side projection of a certain great being, whose true form is…” His voice trembled for a second before he managed to utter the second half of the sentence:

"...The one who tempted Eve to eat the fruit of knowledge in the Garden of Eden!"

Pan's words were like a thunderclap, exploding in Zhu Mingyao's ears. His eyes widened, and his heart was filled with turmoil.

Even if they are referred to by a pseudonym, anyone with basic knowledge of mythology can immediately understand who is being described.

Satan, or rather Lucifer!

He has many titles: the ancient serpent, the source of evil, the fallen seraph, the lord of darkness and evil...

The most well-known of them all is the Lord of Hell, the King of All Demons!

In Christian scriptures, there is a terrifying existence that is in dualistic opposition to the Most High God!

"So that's how it is, so that's how it is..." Zhu Mingyao muttered repeatedly. After all, he was a half-baked Taoist priest from Maoshan, with some basic knowledge of related religions, so he quickly accepted this premise.

Just as the Supreme Being has eighty-one transformations and Avalokiteshvara has thirty-three forms, it's commonplace for powerful figures at the top of the mythological hierarchy to use multiple identities; there's nothing surprising about it.

...that's weird!

Regardless of the source of the information, it can be proven that since the end of the Dharma era a thousand years ago, this world has no longer been suitable for the lives of extraordinary beings in high positions. Therefore, all the holy beings have fled together with their bottles and jars, young and old.

If minor characters like Calypsope and Pan, who are sealed away or have fallen into oblivion, might still be abandoned, how could someone like Satan, who is a noble being with the rank of Emperor within the Xuanmen system, demean himself by staying in an increasingly cramped and dry mud pit?

Even if the Lord of All Demons, with his evil nature, wanted to keep some tricks up his sleeve and stir up some trouble, the other big shots would never let him get away with it. Their sects still have followers on Earth, and there's always some connection between them.

“That was a tiny, insignificant fragment of His, which is why it was able to deceive the gods.” As if anticipating Zhu Mingyao’s question, Pan’s voice slowly explained.

"Although it only has a trace of its mark and is extremely weak in its initial state, as long as it has a sufficient source of 'food', its path to recovery will be unimpeded given its rank."

And this so-called 'food' is the fear, despair, and negative emotions of all things in the world.

It's like a flower of evil lurking in the abyss, nourished by human suffering, growing relentlessly until it bursts forth and devours everything. This world, without its protector, becomes its most fertile pasture!

Chapter 512 Prelude

"More than that."

Zhu Mingyao, having calmed down, pondered to himself.

"The 'food' He craves probably also includes... humph."

That's why you didn't dare cooperate with them, and instead turned around and hurriedly fled.

Anyone who has read Homer's epics has great "confidence" in the integrity of the Olympian gods. As long as they can gain benefits, what psychological pressure do they have to collude with the demons of hell? Pan must have had his compelling reasons for doing so.

Sure enough, his guess was immediately confirmed the next moment.

"Forming an alliance of interests, devouring Calypso, and then jointly dividing up humanity's faith—His proposal is very tempting. Any other divine being who has fallen from the throne and is struggling for its life would probably be tempted..."

That last message was written with a bitter smile:

"Perhaps in order to hide from the gods and remain in hiding, His imprinted form concealed some knowledge and understanding, forgetting a very important point."

—Due to the coincidental resemblance in appearance, my image of a goat with horns and a human body has been continuously vilified by the Christian Church as a symbol of the devil, which has also led to a strong mystical connection with this concept.

I could vaguely sense His thoughts... It was a desire to devour everything, return to chaos, and let the universe return to its primordial darkness.

His menu is not about the beliefs of sentient beings, but about sentient beings themselves! Including us, the remnants of the old gods!

At this point, Pan's tone became slightly more enthusiastic.

"Fortunately, due to the limitations of the elemental tides' recovery speed, it will take an extremely long time for Him to grow His power to the point of sweeping across the world. You have ample time to prepare in advance. I'll take a nap now and look forward to good news..."

As if exhausted, his voice grew weaker and weaker, and just as he was about to fall silent, Pan suddenly seemed to remember something and raised his voice slightly:

"By the way, after reincarnation, I will forget everything, which is equivalent to being reborn. Why don't you give me a name?"

With a smile on his face, he settled down and embarked on the path of new life without any regrets.

However, his carefree attitude failed to impress the only listener beside him.

Zhu Mingyao stroked his chin with a gloomy expression, his thoughts following the explosive revelation.

"If this person hadn't suddenly become childlike and decided to play a trick on me before he died, then some things would be worth discussing."

Pan, who had retreated into his secluded life decades ago to avoid trouble, probably didn't know much about the Silent Hill battle, but he was a firsthand witness to the tragic defeat of the Serpent Marquis "Valak" who was betrayed.

Even if someone is a pinnacle being in the mythological world, is it so easy for humans to design and seal them away, even if it's just a slight imprint?

The authorities took away Valak's remains, but I hadn't noticed what they did with them. It seems I should have someone investigate...

He put aside his thoughts for the moment, looked at the tiny sprite in his hand that seemed like a newborn baby, curiously observing the unfamiliar world, closed his eyes and pondered for a while, then revealed a mischievous smile.

"Choosing a new name? That's an art."

Hmm, we need to leave a little memory of our original life, but also reflect the characteristics of this life, so how about we call it...

Peter Pan, please!

……

……

Tiny electronic light strips, shaped like candies, hang lightly on the upright, tall cedar trees, resembling strings of colorful fruits.

The classic melody of "Jingle Bells" echoed, swirling merrily through the crowd, adding to the festive atmosphere as they prepared for the upcoming holiday.

Christmas is just around the corner again.

For many long-time residents of Golden State, the past few years have been more lively than in previous years, giving them more to talk about while they are busy with pre-holiday shopping.

For some reason, churches everywhere kept their doors open for more than ten days in a row, hanging lamps and paintings in the gaps in the streets and alleys, setting up small sermon altars despite the cold winter wind.

The pastors, nuns, and other church members, all dressed in thick winter clothes, looked dignified and didn't preach the gospel of the Savior. Instead, they gently handed out practical little gifts such as food rolls and wool sweaters to passersby, attracting many people from less affluent families to stop and watch.

"He who eats another's food is bound to do his bidding; he who takes another's gift is bound to do his bidding." After carefully accepting these warm gifts, even pagans with differing beliefs couldn't help but force a grateful smile at these clergymen as a response to their kindness.

Los Angeles is a top-tier international metropolis in the Federation, and there are also wealthy merchants with extensive connections and connections who have learned the reasons behind it.

In recent years, with changes in the international situation, the number of illegal immigrants in Los Angeles has been growing steadily.

Since they entered the country illegally, their economic situation was naturally not good. This time, the Catholic Church took the lead and called on all denominations of the Church to contribute their manpower and efforts to send God's care to them.

Of course, if one can take the opportunity to gain some goodwill and plant the seeds of faith, that would be even better.

Inspired by this, some influential individuals followed suit, quietly investing funds in the surrounding area to set up temporary hot drink stalls and makeshift medical stations, joining this charitable activity.

...Anyway, it won't cost much money, and according to the newly implemented law, after a few years, once these people obtain permanent residency, they may become a new source of votes for one side.

Amidst the harmonious atmosphere of federal society, only the elderly, who are most familiar with the local situation and never miss a Sunday, occasionally harbor a slight doubt:

"There seem to be quite a few unfamiliar priests lately?"

The atmosphere outside was warm and pleasant, but inside the Cathedral of St. Angels, the Catholic Church's headquarters on the West Coast, the atmosphere was heavy and almost suffocating.

A group of people, each with a different appearance but all of considerable age, sat around a long table, their brows furrowed.

Even though they were dressed in casual clothes, the religious artifacts they wore inconspicuous places, along with the subtle yet profound fluctuations of holy power, clearly demonstrated their important position within the church.

"Is the Evangelical Fellowship still not agreeing?" Roderick, who had been sitting with his eyes closed, opened them wearily, a sigh escaping his deep wrinkles, and spoke first.

As the highest-ranking official from the Holy City in the West Coast diocese, this patriarch was over ninety years old. He would not have come out of the sanatorium to take charge of the situation if it were not for the fact that this matter was of great importance.

“Not only the Evangelicals, but also the Presbyterian Church and almost all Protestant denominations rejected our proposal…” Tall and thin Johnson sat beside him, his face solemn, his thin lips pressed into a line.

Before the last syllable was even finished, someone impatiently slammed their hand on the table and stood up, suppressing their voice:

"I knew the heretics were unreliable. They're too deeply entangled with the country's government; they actually tolerated the Holy Grail falling into the hands of those filthy, depraved devils!"