The witch thought I am a Demon God
Chapter 976 - 500: The Flaw in Faith_3

Chapter 976: Chapter 500: The Flaw in Faith_3

"To believe that a single faith could unite everyone and eliminate divisions is impossible. Faith is too easily taken to extremes, too prone to heresies and cults. A mere nudge is enough to cause a schism. How many times has the Church split? It seems a new split is underway. Such universal laws inherently flawed are bound to collapse."

"I can see that, and I think others in this world can see it too."

Ivita stood atop a hillock, gazing into the distance. Though he could no longer approach the military camp nearby, he was still capable of observing it from a far distance.

Within the camp, soldiers were discussing in hushed tones. Some were followers of the new faith, refusing to acknowledge the Church and the Emperor as the keys to the path of redemption, holding the Church and the Emperor in higher regard than the scriptures. Thus, they began to discuss the recent misquotes by the Emperor in referencing the Church’s scriptures and expanded upon it, questioning how the Emperor could set an example for the faithful if he hadn’t studied the scriptures thoroughly himself.

Among them, there were also those who resisted the concept of the Saint Heir, Holy Father, and Holy Spirit representing three manifestations and divinities. They suspected the Emperor’s recent words showed Oyo III’s inclination towards the belief of three creators in this world.

Others accepted the Trinity, the unity of the creator’s human and divine natures and started to speculate about the Emperor as well.

Even more so, some began to resist the Emperor’s army for carrying an abundance of so-called sacred objects considering it idolatry, that all who are born must die, and all that exists in the world shall eventually decay.

How could the Church engage in idolatry?

Wouldn’t that make it just like those commonplace spirit worshiping cults?

Those on the fringes within the army, with ideals divergent from the mainstream, operated in secret, yet constantly sought to increase their numbers, to make their views predominate.

Ivan said, "Hearthstone Witch, look at those new believers, those fighting against idolatry, and those heretics arguing over a term in theology. Our Emperor’s army still harbours a serious risk of division. If we exploit this, they’ll collapse without us having to strike."

Amidst the dense forest on the hill, a forceful step approached; a snort was heard, "For that, I really must thank you. Mr. Ivita, indeed, you’ve brought my attention to something I’d overlooked."

"And I guessed correctly, you don’t hold even a shred of reverence for the God of All Things."

Ivita, impassive as water and having predicted the newcomer’s identity, responded. "The God of All Things is my ancestor, whom I respect."

"Hahaha..." Oyo III emerged from between the leaves, "Your performance is completely different from when you were with the Church. You truly are a fine actor, Mr. Ivita. This meeting, where we both wish to grind each other to dust, is quite amusing indeed."

Ivita smiled. "Is that so? But I hold you in good regard; Your Majesty seems like a fine person, quite forthright in character."

"Your Majesty, you face me alone without fear that I might kill you?"

Oyo III drew his Knight Sword, invoking the Universal Law: Divine Descent. The trees, the leaves, the land, everything between Ivita and where he stood was blessed in an instant.

That is to say, it was blessed into Holy Wood, Holy Soil, Holy Stone...

Ivita’s powers were suppressed to their utmost extent.

Ivita’s expression turned grave.

The two faced each other, a long standoff ensued, the Hearthstone Witch drenched in sweat, her face pale. Looking from side to side she said, "Your Majesty, it’s two against one, we’re not afraid of him. We could always use Your Majesty’s Spatial Magic to escape if it comes to that, we..."

All of a sudden, Oyo III burst out laughing, sheathing his Knight Sword, and Ivita too, began to laugh, withdrawing his magic power.

Oyo III spoke to Ivita jokingly, "Just kidding. We should decide the outcome on the battlefield, in a proper fight. What use is a private duel here? Mr. Ivita, I’ve heard of your extraordinary composure and remarkable courage. I’ve arranged a banquet for you in my army’s camp, would you care to join?"

Ivita responded with a smile as well, "Your Majesty, while I have composure, I am no fool. I invite you to be my guest in the Royal Capital, will you come?"

Oyo III replied with a tone of regret, "Oh, then I shall not ask again. I’d like to thank you, actually, for revealing the weakness of my army so I can overcome it. Thus, an enemy is the best teacher. If every move doesn’t defeat an enemy, it only teaches them something new. I’m not like Mr. Ivita, whose every action serves to evolve my army. Hahaha..."

The Hearthstone Witch, infuriated, spoke up, "You..."

Ivita stopped her and calmly stated, "Our decisive battle is still far off. Why show the dagger before the fight has begun?"

"Your Majesty, I have fine wine to offer. What say you to drinking a few glasses together right here?"

Oyo III paused, and then a sincere smile spread across his face. "Were we not enemies, perhaps we would indeed be friends. Though I’ve brought my own drink. You drink yours, and I’ll drink mine. Here’s to emptying our cups."

Ivita said, "Agreed."

Meanwhile, he narrowed his eyes, scanning Oyo III. Sometimes, not dealing with a problem ensures it does not become serious, but once you start to interfere, it can escalate.

He was obviously speaking for Oyo III to hear.

If Oyo III didn’t persecute the heretics, why would they be driven to desperate measures?

But this wasn’t the same as outsmarting Oyo III.

It could only be said that the current Emperor had failed to keep up with the times. His path was wrong; faith is just so easily divided.

All he needed to do was exploit this vulnerability to inflict a heavy loss on the Emperor.

The two drained their flasks and then clasped each other’s fists. Oyo III said, "Next, I will have my archers survey from the towers daily, making sure to prevent any strangers from entering the camp. These archers from the Nile Empire possess the Law of Truth, capable of seeing through any Transforming Spell. I’d advise Mr. Ivita not to embarrass himself, so I’m telling you in advance."

Ivita arched an eyebrow. "Then I must thank Your Majesty for the heads-up. But Your Majesty, disband your army sooner rather than later. I fear in a few days it will splinter into factions. This is just friendly advice so you won’t find yourself in an awkward position."

Oyo III stated confidently, "That will never happen. You’ve already tried a similar strategy once. If I fall for it again, I might as well abdicate and give you the throne."