The Timekeeper Arrives Uninvited

“As expected… a truly sinister place.”

Even Silver Crimson Snow, a Tier 7 warrior, could feel the chilling aura radiating from the Blood Moon.

This world wasn’t always called the Bloodsoul Domain—until the Elder Gods’ corruption stained the land.

The former Moon Deity lay barely clinging to life. Under the crimson glow, the realm became the Bloodkin’s perfect sanctuary.

“Snow, stay sharp. That Moon Deity is likely still alive…”

Even a dying Moon Deity could crush a Tier 7 like Silver Crimson Snow—let alone Qin Yu, an ordinary human.

Treading carefully deeper into the Blood Moon, they glimpsed a distant palace through the hazy crimson mist.

*Her dwelling.*

“Even if she’s alive… she’s practically dead,” Silver Crimson Snow muttered, fearless as ever.

Qin Yu worried they’d be wiped out the moment they met her.

To avoid being caught off guard, he’d already pulled the box containing the Sha Shen Puppet close to his chest.

“Servant, scared? Clutching that broken box like a shield?” Silver Crimson Snow sneered.

“I just hope *you* won’t freeze up when we see the Moon Deity,” Qin Yu replied calmly. He truly feared *she’d* be the one paralyzed by fear.

“Hmph. A god clinging to life holds no terror for me.”

Whoosh… whoosh… whoosh…

A cold wind whispered—they were nearing the palace.

No monsters guarded the path. In Qin Yu’s past life, guilds faced endless hordes here. *Perhaps because the Moon Deity still breathes.*

“How dull. Not even a single minion?” Silver Crimson Snow scoffed, unaware two eyes had locked onto them.

White specks began drifting across the silent Blood Moon.

“What is this…?”

They reached out. A snowflake settled softly on each palm.

“Trouble!”

Instinct flared. Qin Yu lunged forward, raising the Bloodshadow Cloak and yanking Silver Crimson Snow ahead.

Frost instantly coated their touched hands.

Swish! Swish! Swish!

The beautiful snowflakes twisted into razor-sharp blades, freezing everything they grazed.

Silver Crimson Snow hurled her cloak to block the assault.

“Serves you right for mocking the Moon Deity earlier.”

“Hmph…”

They ran toward the palace, frost layering the ground. Qin Yu watched his step; Silver Crimson Snow floated effortlessly.

“Snow… can’t you carry me just once?”

“A servant carries the master—not the reverse.”

“Oh?”

Qin Yu’s mind sparked an idea. *Not now.*

They barely crossed the palace threshold when the door slammed shut behind them.

“Moon Deity! I never spoke ill of you—the culprit stands right there!” Qin Yu edged away from Silver Crimson Snow, clutching the box.

“Servant… already betraying your master?” Silver Crimson Snow played along perfectly.

Inside, only a faint white glow flickered atop a high platform—like the Moon Deity’s fading pulse.

Beyond sheer gauze lay the deity herself, on death’s brink.

One hand pressed her chest; the other propped her weary frame. Her eyes half-open, heavy with exhaustion.

Her sickly beauty captivated—blue-violet robes revealing long, fair legs, bare feet the only flaw.

*Not that Qin Yu cared.*

Her gaze pinned them. Invisible pressure crushed down—especially on Silver Crimson Snow, the one who’d insulted her.

“…Damn it.”

Before a Tier 10 deity, even weakened, a Tier 7 stood no chance.

Qin Yu stepped in fast: “Moon Deity! I bring a gift—one that may spare you from death.”

A flicker of hope lit her eyes. She released Silver Crimson Snow.

Gasping, Silver Crimson Snow collapsed. Qin Yu shot her a silent reassurance.

Power dragged Qin Yu before the deity. Her longing for life outweighed doubt.

*Death—a fate no god, human, or creature escapes.*

He parted the gauze. Her face gleamed, radiant as moonlight—the very embodiment of the moon.

“Human… if you deceive me…” Her voice was a fragile whisper; the earlier strain had drained her further.

“Trust me, Your Majesty. Since you spared us… I’ll help you.”

He opened the box. The Sha Shen Puppet rested before her.

“My theory: your body is corrupted. Transfer your soul into this vessel. Its strength can house a power like yours.”

*If she bites, I win big. If not… game over.*

He bet on her fear of death, hunger for life, hatred for the Elder Gods.

She stared at the puppet. *Time is running out. One chance.*

*Revenge on those who ambushed me… who turned my Moonlit Realm into this Bloodsoul Domain…*

Survival drowned reason.

“If you trust me… attack the puppet first. Reshape it into your new vessel.”

His words were bait. Everything hinged on her choice.

The weakened Moon Deity struck without hesitation.

Blue light erupted from the puppet’s eyes—far brighter than Silver Crimson Snow’s prior strike. Its form began shifting, molding into her desired vessel.

[Sha Shen Puppet has captured Tier 10 power for fusion!]

[Power source: Tier 10 Moon Deity. Bind as new soul?]

A system prompt flashed. Qin Yu’s lips curved slightly. *Exactly as planned.*

“Yes!”

Suddenly, the Moon Deity felt herself slipping from her broken shell… flowing into a new body… vitality surging anew…