The audience waited intently for the match to commence. Both man and god alike waited for the watchman to sound the horn. Heimdall raises his arms to do what he has waited for so long.
'Here we go. After all this time, I now get to play that wonderful sound,' Heimdall thought with a tear in his eye. Then he exhales a large amount of air to blow the horn.
When Heimdall, Watcher of the End, blows the Gjallarhorn. An apocalyptic event is signaled by this, in essence, the Ragnarok.
Finally, Heimdall blows the horn, which echoes a foreboding tone of the end. After he sounds the horn, he whizzes a bit and gets out of the way of the fighters' proximity.
"Now, the greatest knight is ready, and the greatest warrior also stands ready! So let round one of Ragnarok begin!" The watchman says in the horn.
Erlang and Lancelot raise guards as they circle each other. As the two warriors analyze each other, the audience looks on, waiting for one of them to make the first move. While this is going on, Zeus comments on the match.
"Hmm, it appears these two aren't going to take each other lightly."
Huitzilopochtli, disgusted by the idea that a god might be hesitant towards a mere human, says, "Pathetic."
Amaterasu stares on with a malicious gaze in her eyes while Aphrodite looks with delight.
In the middle of the arena, as the two prepare themselves, Shen looks at the human side of the arena. Men, women, and children alike watch this match with anxiety and fear. Since he has protected humanity as a deity all his life, it is not right that now he is their executioner. He looks down and thinks to himself.
'This...this isn't justice!'
Suddenly, he drops his guard, loosens his stance, and lowers his weapon. This action has brought much confusion between both god and man alike.
"Eh? Sh-Shen?" Nezha responds, scratching his head.
Juling Shen tilts his head slightly at this action.
Lancelot, like the audience, was baffled by his opponent's refusal to fight. Erlang Shen sighs and says.
"Hum-No, Lancelot. You and I both know we were selected to fight for our people's honor, but I cannot bring myself to go through with it. However, I am fighting for the honor of my pantheon, so please forgive me if I cannot forfeit this match. However, if we can call off this match, I will do everything in my power to convince Zeus to spare humanity for a thousand more years."
After he said this, he stretched out his hand towards Lancelot for a mutual agreement. Heimdall comments on this unexpected turn of events.
"I-it seems Erlang Shen doesn't want to fight and wants Lancelot to agree on mutual terms! Could Ragnarok end before it begins?"
In the viewpoint, Goll smiles, knowing Shen wouldn't go through with it, while Brunhilde and Hera look on with stoic faces. On the other side of the stadium, in their viewpoint, Hachiman and Santa Muerte observe the event and hope that the human will call it off.
Lancelot looks at the hand presented to him. Slowly, he walks to his supposed former rival and grabs the hand with his own. This result causes the human audience to sigh in relief while the gods react with anger and irritation on the other side.
"What the hell is this!?"
"Damn half-god!"
"He's making us look bad!"
Juling Shen and Nezha smiled as they knew their friend was too selfless to fight for the extinction of mankind. The knights look on and are glad their comrade showed honor to the respected sage. In the VIP box, Huitzilopochtli was fuming that a wretched demigod humiliates the divine in this way. Zeus was stroking his beard, curious of Shen's decision. The expression of malice on Amaterasu's face faded, and she smiled slightly, for she thought that maybe humanity might be worth saving.
Back at the center, Shen was satisfied that Lancelot had agreed to a mutual forfeit.
'I'm glad that there will be no bloodshed on this day.' Shen thought to himself.
As the sage was about to let go of the knight's hand, Lancelot tightened his grip. Shen sees this with confusion and wonders why Lancelot is doing this. He looks at the knight and sees rage in his eyes.
In a rough and harsh tone, Lancelot says, "I don't need your mercy."
Before Shen tried to reason with him, the knight headbutted the sage on the left side of his face.
Heimdall was shocked and said in his horn, "By the gods, Sir Lancelot just headbutted Erlang Shen when he agreed to forfeit, and his guard was down! W-what an underhanded tactic!"
As a result, the godly watchers booed and spat insults at the so-called chivalrous knight for committing the heinous act. At the meeting, some voted for humanity's salvation but are now regretting their decision. Lancelot's deplorable act stunned all of humanity. No knight of the Round Table, not even King Arthur, could defend his dishonorable act. At the VIP section, Amaterasu's hope was gone, and her hatred was returning in full force. Santa Muerte and Hachiman were furious that this fool caused humanity's only chance to be spared without any conflict.
Erlang Shen paused, shocked that a human he believed had honor attacked him like a coward. Before he can compose himself, Lancelot lunges at the heroic god with his greatsword in hand and the innate intent to kill. Within a second, Shen blocks the attack with his lance and pushes him back for room.
Heimdall comments on the action, "Lancelot tried to attack Erlang Shen after headbutting the defenseless sage, but Shen managed to block it! I guess chivalry is dead after all, folks!"
An upset Goll watches as the supposed Champion of Camelot attempts to kill her blood brother, who is willing to surrender.
"Why!? Why did he attack Shen like that!? Can't Lancelot see that Shen was trying to help?" Goll says, worried for her friend.
"I agree with the tiny valkyrie. Isn't he supposed to be humanity's greatest knight? What type of knight uses cheap tactics on his opponent?" Hera questions.
Brunhilde says bluntly, "I don't know, but if this is how we beat the gods, then it is as it is."
Goll wouldn't believe what she's hearing that her sister is willing to see Shen die just to beat the gods.
"Hah, my, aren't we cold-blooded? Perhaps you're not as righteous as you portray yourself to be, valkyrie," Hera coos.
Brunhilde ignores the goddess's jest as her concern is the match. Back at the action, Lancelot continues his onslaught of sword strikes, but his opponent dodges them with little effort. Shen doesn't understand why Lancelot is doing this. What does he have to gain for putting his life as well as humanity on the line?
Erlang shouted, "Lancelot, listen to me! I'm trying to help, so why are you disregarding humanity's situation? You're a knight, aren't you? Where is your honor!?"
Lancelot is infuriated to hear that word, that damn word: "honor." Lancelot swings an arching strike down on Erlang, but the sage, as fast as lightning, blocks it with his lance. However, with the rage flowing in him, he sends Erlang flying back, which Shen lands gracefully on his feet.
"What a display, folks! Despite Shen's lightwork and skill, Lancelot proves he is no slouch in the fight," Heimdall announces.
Zeus comments on the fight, "A mere mortal keeping up with a god? Hmm, bad for a human, but he has to see Shen's true power."
Lancelot looks at Shen with cruel, uncaring eyes and says, "You speak of honor? Tell me, Sage, what does honor mean
you?"
Erlang replies with conviction, "Honor is about upholding truth and protecting people regardless of who they are. Furthermore, it's about knowing when you're doing wrong and taking responsibility for your actions."
Lancelot chuckles and replies, "Really? Well, let me tell you what I think honor is? Honor is nothing but a lie."
The answer shocked Erlang as well as Lancelot's fellow knights to the core. Warriors in the audience can't believe this knight says honor is a lie.
He continues, "Honor is nothing but shackles that hinder our potential. All it does is make us subservient to useless kings and become nothing but weapons. In truth, you're a slave to your chivalry!"
The arena stood silent. All of the attendants were speechless at this knight's pessimistic demeanor. Voices ring into Lancelot's head as if to criticize him.
"What you said was unacceptable. Yeah, you prick! Who the hell are you to say that!?"
Lancelot responded, whispering, "Shut up."
Erlang's voice then pierced the silence in the arena and said, "I see. So you see being noble and respectfulness as a weakness? It looks like I'll have to prove you wrong then."
As he says this, Shen gets into a Pu Bu spear stance, and his lance starts to produce burning energy from the blade. The audience watches intently to see what Shen has in store for Lancelot.
Heimdall announces again, "It looks like Shen is starting to get serious! Does this mean he's willing to fight?"
Shen stared daggers at the fallen knight and proclaimed, "The fact you mock the dignity of champions who fought for what was right is sickening. And for that, you have drawn my ire!"
Suddenly, the sage's lance glows brighter and emits static electricity. The human audience had to shield their eyes to see what was going on. In the VIP section, Huitzilopochtli comments on this turn of events.
"It's about damn time. I was getting bored out of my mind here!"
Aphrodite agrees, "Indeed, having Shen in the first round was not an intriguing idea. But now, it's about to get more exciting."
On the gods' side of the arena, Nezha knows what his comrade is planning.
"W-wait! Is he going to use that move out of the gate!?"
Juling then says, "Oh yeah! Erlang is about to deliver the Mountain Smasher, The Jade Destroyer, the move that made him into a god, yeah!"
Nezha looks at Shen just to be sure.
"He is! No doubt about it, it's Tao's Divine Smite!"
Ancient Times, China
Before he was known as Erlang Shen, he was born into the mortal world as Yang Jian. He was the son of an engineer named Yang Tianyou and the goddess of medicine, Princess Yaoji. All was well for him until Yaoji's brother, The Jade Emperor, attacked and killed most of Jian's family, including his father and most of his siblings. Yaoji was punished for falling in love with a mortal and was sealed under Mount Tao. With Yang Jian and his sister, Yang Chan, surviving, Jian swore to free his mother and revenge against the emperor.
On that day, he went on a journey to get strong enough to avenge his family. As the years go by, he has grown to be an exceptional warrior. He accomplished many feats, from outwitting an evil river dragon to slaying demon lords that terrorize villagers. He grew to respect and cherish humanity in the process. One day, he discovered a magical three-prong lance, and he knew that it was time to go to Mount Tao and save his mother.
Mount Tao
Yang Jian stood at the top of Mount Tao, waiting for the Jade Emperor to face him in combat.
"EMPEROR! I, Yang Jian, challenge you to face me and pay for your crimes!" Jian yelled into the blue sky.
Suddenly, a middle-aged man appeared from the clouds, wearing a jade armor set, a golden cape, and a guandao matching his armor.
Ruler of the Chinese Pantheon
The Jade Emperor
The emperor descends to meet Yang Jian. As he lands on the mountain top, he eyes the young demigod and scoffs at him.
"Ha, foolish boy. Do you truly think a halfbreed like you could defeat me?"
Yang Jian says in anger, "You killed my father, imprisoned my mother, and left the defenseless villager at the mercy of demons. You will answer for your negligence!"
"Do you think that I'm the villain?! Your mother broke Heaven's Laws, and her punishment was just. Now, I'm not in the mood for your games. Leave this mountain, or die like your father!" The emperor declared.
Yang Jian stands his ground as he readies himself to fight.
The emperor chuckled and said, "So be it."
The two clash on the mountain as both Earth and Heaven watch on. Despite Jian's prowess in combat and his new weapon, The Emperor's power overwhelmed the demigod. Yet, no matter the might of a god, Yang Jian's determination was unlike any that the Jade Emperor has encountered before. In desperation to rid himself of Jian, the emperor summoned a windstorm to blow him away. But Jian leaped out of the storm and plunged towards the emperor. Enraged, the monarch leaps into the sky to finish off Yang Jian.
"YOU'RE NOTHING! I will not lose to the likes of you! I ruled the heavens! I ruled the immortals! I RULE YOU!"
Yang Jian suddenly feels a burst of energy within and surrounds him. With this surge, he rockets towards the god that causes him strife for so long.
"You may be a god, but you're no emperor!" Yang says as he strikes the god in the arm, and they both crash into the mountain.
The mountain top explodes, leaving a massive crater-sized hole on it. Yang Jian slowly gets up and manages to get to his feet. As he looks around to see the damage, a figure climbs out of the mountain's crater.
It's a figure of a beautiful woman with silky white hair, lilac eyes, formal yellow robes, and a light blue silk scarf around her neck.
Chinese Pantheon
Goddess of Weather, Princess Yaoji
As Yaoji got out of the hole, she saw her son standing there, and their eyes met all those years ago.
"J-Jian," Yaoji says with the motherly voice that Jian misses.
"Heh, it's me, mother," Jian says, smiling with joy.
Yaoji's eyes started to water as she ran to hug her son at last. As they embraced, a wave of emotions washed over them as a mother finally reunited with her son again.
"I-I thought I would never...see you again. I miss you so much," Yaoji cried.
"I know," Jian says with a tear in his eye.
As they hugged, Yaoji glanced at her son once more and was amazed to see how much he had grown.
"Look at you, you've grown so much! Wait, are you the only one who survived?" Yaoji asked concernedly.
Yang Jian replied, "No, Yang Chan survived as well. I will take you to her. Now, let's go home."
As mother and son were about to leave the mountain, they heard the grunts of the Jade Emperor behind them. They turn around and see him with shattered armor, a wounded arm, and Jian's Lance in his hand.
"Mother, get behind me!" Yang Jian told.
Yaoji replies, conjuring lightning from her hands, "My son, you needn't worry. I will not let your uncle tear apart this family anymore!"
Yang Jian was surprised to hear that the Jade Emperor was his uncle. Before he could say anything, the emperor yelled.
"You two...You two have mocked our divinity! You, my sister, have brought disgrace to our family! I will rectify this atrocity, once and for all!"
The Jade Emperor rushes toward the two with feral hatred in his eyes. Before the emperor could kill the pariahs, he was stopped by none other than Zeus.
"Ohohoho, come now, Jadey! There's no need to be a sore loser," Zeus chuckles.
The Jade Emperor was shocked to see the supreme ruler of the gods in China. Both he and Yaoji kneeled in respect, leaving Jian puzzled as to what is going on.
"My Lord, what are you doing here in China?" Jade Emperor asked humbly.
Zeus responded nonchalantly, "Oh, I was on vacation, enjoying the scenery when I heard a commotion from the mountain where we're standing, and I must say, what a fight! It was something to see!"
Zeus turned to see Jian and his mother. As he approached, he saw Yang Jian up close. Yaoji gets up, not knowing what Zeus wants with her son.
Zeus meets Jian and asks, "What's your name, kid?"
Confused, Jian replies, "Yang...Jian?"
As Zeus nodded slowly, he said, "I like you! You're pretty spunky, and heaven could use more people like you."
Yaoji was astonished that her son had impressed the ruler of the cosmos.
Yaoji stuttered, "Are...are you saying that you want my son...to be a god?!"
Zeus chuckles, "Of course, this type of potential doesn't come around very often. Besides, seeing him defeat Jadey is quite an accomplishment."
Jade Emperor was furious. To make the bastard demigod one of the gods is blasphemy.
"I object to this! This whelp has no place among me! And above all..." he protested.
Before he can continue ranting, Zeus looks at the broken ruler with cruel and unforgiving eyes. With the black scleras and haunting yellow irises of the mighty Zeus, the emperor submits to him.
Zeus turns back to Jian and says, "So, do you want to be a god or not?"
Jian thinks for a minute and sees the benefits of helping the humans and reuniting with his mother and sister in divinity.
His mother smiles at him, and he finally says, "I accept."
Present Day
On that day, Yang Jian ascended the godhood as well as his sister. Reborn as Erlang Shen, he became heaven's greatest warrior and fighter. In honor of his deed, his attack was a name to signal the might of his justice.
Shen jumps into the air then rockets towards Lancelot with his electric spear poised to strike.
The move that humbled a god and destroyed a mountain...Tao's Divine Smite!
As the move connected, an eruption of energy and winds flows in the arena. Many of the audience ground themselves to their seats or risk being away. Sir Ector was nearly blown away only to be caught by King Arthur. In the VIP section, Zeus laughed in excitement at the display. Aphrodite's breasts blocked the view while Amaterasu smiled, thinking Shen's attack had obliterated the human.
"Well, that's all," Huitzilopochtli said, yawning.
Back in the audience, Nehza cheered, "Wooo! That was awesome, Erlang!"
Julien Shen follows it up with, "Oh yeah!"
From the human side, Goll trembles at the true power of her blood brother.
"T-this is the power of gods! We were fools to think we could challenge them," Goll declares as she falls on her knees in defeat.
Brunhilde says to her, "You must not look away, Goll."
Goll whimpers back, "I...I can't! What's the point, we might as well for-"
"Quiet, girl! Look at this moment now," Hera tells her.
Goll questions, "But why?"
"Because this moment marks a change that will shake heaven to its core. A moment that humanity and the gods will never forget," Brunhilde answered with confidence.
As smoke fills after Shen's attack, He looks down with his lance at his presumed dead opponent.
He sighed and thought, 'It didn't have to be this way.'
He snapped out of his thoughts when he felt something under his lance. Soon the smoke starts to settle; Shen sees a blade, no two blades blocking his spear. Before he can react, the two blades strike Erlang Shen across his chest. The sage felt the sharp pain as blood seeped onto this golden armor.
Heimdall couldn't believe what he saw was seeing, a god bleeding from a mortal's weapon. He shuddered as he spoke, "B-blood is spilling from Erlang's chest! For the first time in the history of Asgard, a god bleeds at the hands of humanity!"
All of the gods watch in shunned horror as a mortal has struck a god. Zeus was at a loss for words witnessing what should've been impossible happen. Amaterasu and Aphrodite couldn't comprehend this as well.
"What the hell is going on?" Huitzilopochtli exclaimed in disbelief.
On the gods' side, Nezha and Juling looked on in confusion.
Nezha tries to reason what he saw and says, "This has to be a trick! There's no way he could...could be hurt by a human weapon. Juling, help me out here!"
As Nehza looked for assistance, the giant was unable to speak, overcome with shock.
As Erlang wipes his blood from his chest, Lancelot rises like a demon emerging from the Earth. In his hands is not his greatsword, but dual longswords in each hand and a scar on his right cheek.
Lancelot pointed a sword at Erlang Shen and said, "Do you understand now, sage? You believe in the honor and power of the gods, but I believe in the power of mankind!"
Next Time
Sins of the Knight