“You know not of the ultimatum I attempted, do you?” “No, I don’t! What are you talking about?” “Three months ago…three months ago from my perspective, I halted all tribute to the gods, refusing to obey them blindly any longer. I had always doubted they were as mighty as they claimed, so I demanded to see their true faces. I told them that if Huaxia were to continue offering tribute, we must receive more in return. The gods responded only with warnings. Then, two weeks ago, I came down with this blasted pox.” He touches his face. Flower-shaped pustules bloom over his skin, the way his body
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