Yan Jin stood transfixed, his eyes wide as he witnessed the images conjured by Eli. The cosmic world shifted around them, displaying the vibrant beauty of the Andromeda galaxy, home to the Heretical Gods, a race once prosperous and thriving.
Eli's voice was heavy with both nostalgia and sorrow as he recounted his story. "We were powerful—generals, scholars, warriors, all blessed with the Heretical God Frame. It allowed us to wield multiple bloodlines and possess immense soul power. The universe feared us because of how in tune we were with the primal energies of creation."
Yan Jin marveled at the vivid scene of a galaxy so full of life and energy. But then, as Eli swiped his hand once more, the image twisted and darkened. The galaxy, once teeming with life, was now poisoned and desolate, the bright colors fading into a sickly green.
"When I was born," Eli continued, "I was marked with these eyes—the Heavenly Eyes. They were said to be the most powerful gift, the number one frame in existence. A prophecy foretold that the one who possessed these eyes would one day rule the universe."
Eli's glowing blue eyes flickered as he looked toward Yan Jin, a bitter smile tugging at the corner of his lips. "But the universe, ever in search of balance, did not allow such power to exist freely. When my Heavenly Eyes awakened, they became a beacon. The heavens despise anything that threatens their order, and these eyes... they were seen as a threat."
Yan Jin felt a chill run down his spine as the scene shifted again, this time showing Eli's awakening ceremony. A young Eli stood in the center of a grand hall, his eyes shining brightly, the power of the Heavenly Eyes manifesting for the first time. But instead of celebration, panic and fear consumed those around him.
"My parents tried to hide it, but there was no concealing something like this. The prophecy had spread far and wide, and soon, the other races formed an alliance. They came to destroy us—every last one."
The image changed once more, this time showing the massive armada of ships and armies descending upon Andromeda. The serene galaxy was suddenly engulfed in flames, the once lush planets reduced to ashes. Yan Jin watched as the Heretical Gods, despite their strength, were overwhelmed by sheer numbers.
"The alliance of races swept through our lands, committing genocide. They left no one behind—no woman, no child, not even our youngest. The bright, thriving galaxy became a death zone, poisoned by the hatred and fear of the prophecy."
Yan Jin's heart clenched as he saw the carnage unfold, the destruction of an entire race because of one prophecy. The massacre was relentless, and even though the Heretical Gods fought with unmatched power, they were ultimately overwhelmed.
Eli's gaze was intense, the weight of his words pressing down on Yan Jin. "The question is, are you ready to accept your destiny and become the last Heretical God?"
Yan Jin hesitated, feeling the weight of the universe pressing upon him. "I understand your reaction when I stumbled upon the Heretical God Eye technique. Although the tragedy of your race is unfair, I will not become a genocidal maniac."
Eli shook his head, a sad smile on his lips. "You don't understand. I wasn't planning for this, but since the power has chosen you, you are destined to clash with the universe. The world will not accept you. You have the destiny of a ruler, and the path of a tyrant. The universe, the heavens—they will not let you be."
The cosmic surroundings began to flicker and distort as Eli's form seemed to waver. "This portion of my soul has held on for so long, but it is beginning to dissipate. If you want the power to change your destiny, this is your only chance."
Eli extended his hand, a shimmering array of cosmic energy forming around it. "I have selected the best bloodlines you could find in the universe and created a perfect balance for your progression. The process of atavism will continue, and you will gain the strength needed to challenge your fate."
Yan Jin looked at Eli, his heart racing. "Is your real body still alive? Out there in the universe?"
Eli's eyes, now a brilliant blue, glowed with a mixture of hope and resignation. "I don't know. That is your duty to find out. You are smarter and stronger than I ever was. I would love to see you challenge the heavens and prove that the last Heretical God can indeed defy fate."
As Eli's form began to fade and the cosmic surroundings dissolved into a blur, Yan Jin felt the seal on his body cracking, the sound of cogs turning in perfect harmony reverberating through his very soul. The ancient restraints upon his bloodline shattered, collapsing in on themselves in a violent implosion. His body—his very essence—began to unravel as the suppressed power within surged outward.
In a blinding flash, everything that defined him—his body, his senses—was obliterated, leaving only his soul, the celestial blue glow of his Heavenly Eyes, his cultivation altar, and the nine primordial bloodlines that had lain dormant for so long.
The transformation surged forward.