The False Chosen God

Chapter 2: First Trial

The first ray of morning sunlight fell upon Azure Cloud Town as Su Tianxing awoke in the guest room of the town chief's house. The experiences of the previous night seemed vivid in his memory, but that blurry image and the number "7749" had completely vanished from his recollection, as if they had never existed.

【Good morning, host. Your mental state is detected to be excellent. You may continue executing rescue missions today.】

The system's gentle voice resonated in his mind, bringing Su Tianxing a sense of peace. He rose and walked to the window, watching the villagers who had already begun their busy day outside, a strong sense of mission surging in his heart.

Yesterday's miraculous grain plant had become the focus of the entire town. Villagers gathered around it, their faces filled with awe and gratitude. Children curiously reached out wanting to touch those golden ears of grain, but were carefully stopped by adults, afraid of desecrating this sacred blessing.

"Senior Brother Su, you're awake!" Town Chief Li burst through the door, his face full of excitement. "That divine grain grew even larger overnight—it's now taller than a person! And guess what? The soil around it has started becoming moist too!"

Su Tianxing's heart leaped with joy. This meant the divine grain seeds' effects were spreading. "Excellent! It seems the Heavenly Dao's grace is benefiting more land."

"Yes, yes!" Chief Li rubbed his hands excitedly. "Senior Brother Su, do you think you could plant a few more? Our town still has many fields that have dried up. If we could plant divine grain in all of them..."

【Host, suggest expanding rescue scope. Current task completion is only 20%. More divine grain seeds are needed to completely resolve Azure Cloud Town's drought.】

The system's prompt made Su Tianxing nod. "Chief Li, you're right. I'll go inspect the other disaster-affected fields immediately and strive to restore vitality to the entire town."

The two left the room together and came to the town center square. Many villagers had already gathered there, surrounding that miraculous grain plant and whispering among themselves.

"It's truly a miracle. I've lived over sixty years and never seen anything like this."

"Senior Brother Su is an immortal sent down from heaven specifically to save us!"

"I dreamed last night that a heavenly deity told me Senior Brother Su is the chosen savior!"

Listening to the villagers' discussions, a warm current surged through Su Tianxing's heart. This feeling of being needed and appreciated was truly wonderful. He walked to the center of the crowd and declared loudly, "Fellow villagers, today I will continue planting divine grain for everyone, restoring vitality to all disaster-affected fields!"

"Wonderful! Long live Senior Brother Su!" The villagers erupted in enthusiastic cheers.

Under Chief Li's guidance, Su Tianxing began inspecting the town's various fields. Though Azure Cloud Town wasn't large, it had quite a few farmlands—several hundred acres in total. These fields had originally been fertile land, but during the two-month drought, they had almost entirely cracked and dried up, with withered crops creating a desolate scene.

"This used to be our town's best farmland," Chief Li pointed to a patch of cracked earth. "It produced over a thousand bushels of grain annually, feeding half the town's population. But this drought..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but Su Tianxing could already imagine this field's former prosperity. Now, he would use the Heavenly Dao's power to restore vitality here.

【Host advised to use group planting mode, which can simultaneously plant divine grain seeds at multiple locations for higher efficiency.】

"Group planting mode?" Su Tianxing inquired mentally.

【Yes, host's current level enables this function. Please select planting locations, and the system will automatically allocate divine grain seeds.】

A translucent map appeared in Su Tianxing's vision, marking all of Azure Cloud Town's farmlands. He could select planting points on the map, and the system would automatically calculate the optimal distribution plan.

"How amazing..." Su Tianxing marveled as he began selecting planting points on the map. Soon, he had chosen twelve locations, covering almost all the town's major farmlands.

【Planting point selection complete. Consuming Divine Grain Seeds ×12. Initiating group planting program.】

Su Tianxing felt the spiritual energy within him begin to surge, a warm power flowing from his dantian to his limbs. He raised both hands and recited the incantation the system had taught him:

"The Heavenly Dao is impartial, blessing all things. Seeds enter the earth, life knows no bounds!"

As the incantation was recited, twelve golden lights shot out from Su Tianxing's body, flying toward different fields. Each golden light carried a divine grain seed, landing precisely at predetermined locations.

Then, miracles occurred once again.

Twelve locations almost simultaneously erupted in brilliant golden light, with light pillars shooting skyward and converging into a massive light ring in the air. The entire Azure Cloud Town was enveloped in this sacred radiance, as if heavenly deities had truly descended.

"Miracles! More miracles!" Villagers fell to their knees, kowtowing repeatedly to Su Tianxing.

After the light faded, twelve miraculous grain plants appeared in different fields. They grew rapidly, soon becoming tall, lush plants. Even more miraculous, these divine grains' root systems began spreading outward, and wherever they reached, dried land became moist again, and withered crops regained vitality.

"This... this is truly a miracle!" Chief Li was so excited he could barely speak coherently. "Senior Brother Su, you really are an immortal sent down from heaven!"

Su Tianxing looked at the scene before him, his heart also filled with shock. This was the power of the Heavenly Dao, this was his mission as the Chosen One! He would use this power to save more people, ensuring no one in the world would suffer from hunger!

【Task completion: 85%. Host performance excellent. Merit Points +2000 gained, cultivation enhanced.】

【Large increase in people's faith detected. System energy +500.】

【New function unlocked: Weather Control. Host can now regulate weather in small areas, summoning sweet dew to nourish the earth.】

The system's notifications made Su Tianxing even more excited. Weather control? This meant he could not only plant divine grain but also directly address the root cause of drought!

"Fellow villagers," Su Tianxing announced loudly, "now I will summon sweet dew for everyone, completely resolving this drought!"

With that, following the system's guidance, he circulated his spiritual energy, formed hand seals, and recited a more complex incantation:

"Heaven and earth have feelings, clouds and rain have intent. Sweet dew descends to the world, nourishing all living beings!"

Clouds began gathering in the sky, quickly forming a thick cloud layer. More and more clouds accumulated, growing darker in color, finally becoming heavy, dark rain clouds.

Rumble—

Thunder echoed across the sky, followed by large raindrops beginning to fall from above. But this wasn't ordinary rainwater—it was sweet dew emanating a faint golden glow. Each drop of sweet dew that touched the earth would emit a soft light before quickly seeping into the soil.

"It's raining! It's really raining!" Villagers celebrated wildly in the rain, letting the sweet dew soak their entire bodies. Children opened their mouths to taste this sacred dew, their faces showing blissful smiles.

The sweet dew continued for a full hour. When the rain stopped and clouds dispersed, the entire Azure Cloud Town had been transformed. Previously dried and cracked land became moist and fertile, withered plants sprouted new shoots, and even the air was filled with the fresh fragrance of grass and trees.

"Senior Brother Su, you are truly our lifesaver!" An old farmer knelt before Su Tianxing, tears in his eyes. "Without you, we would all have starved to death!"

"This is all the Heavenly Dao's grace. I merely act on its behalf," Su Tianxing said humbly, though his heart was filled with a sense of accomplishment. This feeling of saving all living beings was truly wonderful!

【Task completion: 100%. Congratulations host on completing your first main quest!】

【Rewards obtained: Merit Points +3000, significant cultivation enhancement, system store advanced area unlocked.】

【New task published. Please check task panel.】

Su Tianxing checked the new task and found it required him to continue rescue work in several neighboring villages. It seemed the Heavenly Dao's grace would benefit even more places, which excited him further.

Just then, a familiar figure emerged from the crowd—Lin Mo.

He stood quietly at the edge of the crowd, watching all of this with a complex expression. When Su Tianxing's gaze met his, Lin Mo slowly approached.

"Senior Brother Su, congratulations on creating another miracle," Lin Mo's voice was calm, but Su Tianxing detected something unusual in it.

"Lin Mo, you saw it too—the Heavenly Dao's power is indeed miraculous," Su Tianxing said. "Now Azure Cloud Town's drought has been completely resolved, and everyone can live peacefully."

"Yes, it is indeed miraculous." Lin Mo nodded, then walked to the nearest divine grain plant and observed it carefully. "However, I have a question."

"What question?" Su Tianxing felt a trace of unease in his heart.

Lin Mo crouched down and gently brushed away the soil around the divine grain's roots. There, he discovered some fine metallic wires flickering with weak light.

"Senior Brother Su, can you explain why these divine grains have such... metallic circuits at their roots?" Lin Mo looked up, his eyes flashing with sharp light.

Su Tianxing's heart jumped violently. Metallic circuits? What did that mean?

【Warning: Abnormal individual has discovered system traces again. Host advised to immediately divert attention.】

The system's warning made Su Tianxing even more nervous, but he still tried to remain calm and said, "This... this might be some manifestation of the Heavenly Dao's power. After all, the principles behind miracles are difficult for us mortals to understand."

"Is that so?" Lin Mo stood up and brushed the dirt from his hands. "Then why do these metallic circuits extend very deep underground? And they seem to be transmitting some kind of signal in a certain direction."

"Signal?" Su Tianxing was stunned. "What signal?"

Lin Mo didn't answer directly but took out a small device from his chest. The device looked like some kind of detector, emitting a soft humming sound.

"This is a little gadget passed down in my family," Lin Mo explained. "It can detect certain... special energy fluctuations. I just used it to examine these divine grains and discovered some interesting phenomena."

He brought the device close to the divine grain, and the humming immediately became urgent. "Do you hear that? This frequency of fluctuation seems... different from the Heavenly Dao's power."

Su Tianxing stared at the device, strong unease rising in his heart. Who exactly was this Lin Mo? Why could he always discover these strange things?

【Warning: Abnormal individual carries unknown detection equipment. Threat level elevated. Host advised to leave the scene immediately.】

"Lin Mo," Su Tianxing took a deep breath, "I don't know what your device is, but I can be certain these divine grains are truly the Heavenly Dao's blessing. They saved the people of Azure Cloud Town—that's enough."

"You're right, saving people is indeed good," Lin Mo put away the device. "But what if there are secrets behind these 'miracles' that we don't know about? What if one day we discover we've been deceived?"

This question made Su Tianxing fall into deep thought. Deceived? Impossible—the system was the manifestation of the Heavenly Dao. How could it deceive him?

"It won't happen," Su Tianxing said firmly. "The Heavenly Dao would never deceive anyone."

Lin Mo looked at him deeply, then nodded. "I hope so. However, Senior Brother Su, I'd like to give you some advice."

"What advice?"

"Always maintain the ability to think independently," Lin Mo's voice was soft but full of power. "Don't completely rely on any external force, including that... system."

After saying this, Lin Mo turned to leave. But before departing, he looked back at Su Tianxing with an expression the latter had never seen before.

That gaze contained sympathy, worry, and a deep sense of helplessness.

Su Tianxing stood in place, watching Lin Mo's retreating figure, his heart filled with mixed emotions. Lin Mo's words took root in his heart like seeds, making him doubt the system even more deeply.

But soon, the villagers' cheers pulled him back from his contemplation.

"Senior Brother Su! Senior Brother Su!" A group of children ran over, surrounding him. "Are you really an immortal? Will you create more divine grain?"

Looking at these innocent children, Su Tianxing's doubts gradually dissipated. Regardless, he had indeed helped these people in need—that was enough.

"I will," he said gently. "I'll plant divine grain in more places, ensuring no one in the world suffers from hunger."

【Host's will is firm. System expresses approval. Please continue executing the great mission of saving all living beings.】

The system's encouragement made Su Tianxing even more determined in his beliefs. He was the Chosen One with a mission to save all living beings. As for those doubts... let them drift away with the wind.

Night fell once again, and Azure Cloud Town was immersed in the joy of harvest. Every household lit their lamps, and villagers gathered together, excitedly discussing the day's miracles.

Su Tianxing sat in the town chief's courtyard, enjoying the villagers' gratitude and praise. Today's success filled him with confidence—he couldn't wait to go to the next place that needed rescue.

【Host, please check tomorrow's task arrangements.】

A new task panel appeared before Su Tianxing:

【Main Quest: Save Stone Bridge Village】

【Task Description: Stone Bridge Village suffers from insect plague, crops destroyed, urgently needs assistance.】

【Task Rewards: Divine Insect Repelling Talismans ×50, cultivation enhancement, Merit Points ×2000】

Seeing this task, Su Tianxing felt a strong sense of mission surge in his heart. Another village needed his help—he absolutely couldn't disappoint the people there.

Just as he prepared to rest, a slight sound suddenly came from the courtyard. Su Tianxing alertly turned his head to see Lin Mo standing in a corner of the courtyard, holding a small device in his hand.

"Lin Mo? Why are you here again?" Su Tianxing was somewhat surprised.

Lin Mo didn't answer but pointed the device in his hand at Su Tianxing. The device emitted a piercing alarm, and a line of red text appeared on the screen:

"Extraterrestrial technology signal source detected"

Su Tianxing was stunned. Extraterrestrial technology? What did that mean?

"Senior Brother Su," Lin Mo's voice was unusually serious, "I think you should know the truth. The 'system' inside you is not some blessing from the Heavenly Dao."

"What are you talking about?" Su Tianxing's voice trembled slightly.

Lin Mo stepped closer, his eyes flashing with determined light. "It's a product of extraterrestrial civilization—a device used to harvest human faith energy. And you, Senior Brother Su, you're merely its tool."

These words struck like lightning from a clear sky, instantly shattering Su Tianxing's world.

【Warning! Abnormal individual leaking classified information! Initiating emergency protection protocol!】

The system's voice became urgent and cold, completely losing its previous gentleness. Su Tianxing felt intense pain in his mind, as if something was forcibly modifying his memories.

"No... this is impossible..." Su Tianxing clutched his head, groaning in pain.

But just then, the device in Lin Mo's hand emitted an even stronger light, and that pain actually began to subside.

"Senior Brother Su, hold on!" Lin Mo shouted loudly. "Don't let it control your thoughts! Remember your original intention, remember your kind desire to save all living beings!"

Su Tianxing looked up at Lin Mo's eyes full of concern, a warm current surging in his heart. Yes, regardless of the truth, his desire to help others was real.

"Lin Mo," he said with difficulty, "tell me... the truth."

Lin Mo nodded and was about to speak, but just then, a tremendous roar suddenly came from the sky. A blinding light beam descended from above, directly striking the device in Lin Mo's hand.

The device instantly turned to ash, and Lin Mo was also blown away by the powerful shockwave.

【Threat eliminated. Host safe. Memory repair program restarting.】

Su Tianxing felt that familiar warm sensation in his mind again, and the pain and doubts from moments before began to dissipate. He looked toward Lin Mo lying on the ground, guilt surging in his heart.

"Lin Mo!" He ran over to help Lin Mo up. "Are you alright?"

Lin Mo struggled to open his eyes, a trace of blood flowing from the corner of his mouth. "Senior Brother Su... remember what I said... don't... don't completely trust..."

He couldn't finish his words before losing consciousness.

Su Tianxing held the unconscious Lin Mo, his heart filled with confusion. What had just happened? Why was there a light beam from the sky? Why was Lin Mo injured?

【Host need not worry. The abnormal individual only suffered minor impact and will recover soon. Host advised to focus on preparing for tomorrow's task.】

The system's voice became gentle again, but Su Tianxing couldn't calm down. Lin Mo's words echoed in his heart: "Don't completely trust..."

Don't completely trust what? The system?

Su Tianxing looked at the unconscious Lin Mo in his arms, then at the weak light emanating from those divine grains in the sky, and for the first time felt genuine doubt in his heart.

Perhaps he really should maintain the ability to think independently.

Perhaps some things weren't as simple as they appeared on the surface.

But for now, he needed to take care of Lin Mo first. Other matters could wait.

The night grew deeper, and Azure Cloud Town fell into tranquility.

At the town's edge, those divine grains were quietly growing in the darkness, their root systems deeply embedded underground, transmitting weak signals toward some distant direction.

And in the depths of distant space, a massive metallic structure was receiving these signals, with a line of green text displayed on the screen:

"Test Subject 7749 operating normally. Faith energy collection efficiency: 85%"

"Continue monitoring. Prepare to enter next phase."