Clark's eyes narrowed slightly as he continued browsing through the endless list of items.
At first glance, the Divine Market seemed abundant. Countless artifacts glittered with alluring descriptions:
"Divine Aegis of Absolute Defense — Immunity to Divine Skills under Rank 6."
"Heavenly Void Armor — Reflection of 30% of Divine Damage (Rank 7 required)."
"Immortal Flame Barrier — Consumes Divine Essence to fully block soul attacks (Rank 8 required)."
But the deeper he looked, the more apparent the problem became.
Rank 5 requirement… Rank 6 requirement… Rank 7 requirement…
The pattern was inescapable.
Clark leaned back slightly, his gaze cold.
"I don't even meet the minimum requirements to equip most of these artifacts."
He was just a Rank 1 High-tier God, not even qualified to wield a fraction of these legendary defenses. Their power was immense, but utterly unreachable for his current level.
Protection truly belongs to the strong.
With a faint sigh, Clark shifted his focus.
There was still one option.
"The Special Trade Area..."
Unlike the common trade where gods listed their items publicly, the Special Trade Area was curated directly by the Universal Will itself — periodically refreshed, offering items tailored to a god's current authority, rank, and progression. It was not cheap, but it was fair.
"Filter: Defensive Items. Rank 1 Applicable."
The system interface flashed as the special offers appeared.
[Special Trade Area - 2 mins before daily refresh]
Divine Sanctuary Seed (Growth Type Defensive Barrier Core) – 20,000 Divinity
Crimson Guardian Talisman (Summons a Rank 3 Guardian for 1 hour) – 15,000 Divinity
Silverlight Wardrobe (Basic Divine Armor, enhances suppression resistance and divine protection) – 10,000 Divinity
Fragment of Divine Will Protection (Permanent +10% Divine Suppression Resistance) – 8,000 Divinity
Basic Divine Formation Blueprint: Mighty Ward (Domain Defensive Formation) – 5,000 Divinity
Clark's eyes gleamed slightly.
Finally… options I can use.
Though not as flashy as the relics reserved for the higher ranks, these were practical, usable, and immediately valuable.
Each purchase would directly enhance his survivability and that of his domain — especially the Sanctuary Seed, which could evolve as his domain advanced.
"Even if an Ancient God tries again... next time, I won't be as helpless."
Just as Clark was about to start his purchase, the interface flashed brightly.
[Special Trade Area - Daily Refresh Triggered]
The special trade interface quietly shifted as Clark scrolled. A soft ripple passed through the listings, and without warning, several new items appeared in the refreshed selection. The change was subtle—almost organic—as if it had always been there, simply waiting for him to notice.
He paused, eyes narrowing slightly as he scanned through the updated list.
He paused, eyes narrowing slightly as he scanned through the updated list.
[New Listings - Special Trade Area]
Passive Divine Skill - Heavenly Veil (Level 1 Passive)
Price: 90,000 Divinity
Divine Skill - Absolute Barrier (Active Skill, Level 1)
Price: 20,000 Divinity.
Celestial Pulse Barrier (Portable Defensive Dome)
Price: 30,000 Divinity.
Seed of Domain Heart (Strengthens Domain Core, increasing domain stability and resistance to Divine Pressure.)
Price: 15,000 Divinity.
Blessed Divine Core (Perfect Divine Core — allows instant formation of full divine core)
Price: 20,000 Divinity.
Emergency Divine Sanctuary Formation (Automatic defense trigger under extreme suppression. Lasts 60 seconds.)
Price: 8,000 Divinity.
As his gaze settled on Heavenly Veil, Clark's breath instinctively slowed. Passive Divine Skills were extremely rare — far more so than active abilities. Unlike normal skills that consumed divine essence or required management, this one functioned constantly, without any cost. It would stand guard endlessly, offering continuous protection.
Then there was the Absolute Barrier. A short-term lifesaving trump card, capable of shielding him from terrifying attacks that would overwhelm his current level.
His mind worked quickly, analyzing what to prioritize.
The prices were steep—but he knew they were worth it!
Clark's eyes calmly swept across his skill panel.
"Skill Slots: 2/4"
He exhaled lightly. There was still room—just enough for the two new divine skills. Without hesitation, he activated his remaining trade interface.
The discount card hovered silently in the corner of his vision.
50% Divine Trade Discount — One-time use
He applied it directly onto Heavenly Veil. The original price of 90,000 divinity instantly dropped to 45,000.
Confirm Purchase?
He didn't even pause.
Purchase Confirmed. 45,000 Divinity deducted.
Then, without ceremony, he moved to Absolute Barrier, directly paying the full 20,000 divinity.
Purchase Confirmed. 20,000 Divinity deducted.
Total cost — 65,000 divinity. His remaining balance adjusted quickly: 99,780 → 34,780.
But what followed was far more astonishing.
A strange current surged through his divine core as both skills were forcefully etched into his being. Glimmering runes and complex divine patterns spiraled into existence inside his core like ancient celestial inscriptions. The inscriptions spun, locking into place with a low hum that resonated through every part of his body.
The Heavenly Veil was the first to complete. His divine presence softened dramatically, as if his existence was folding into a hidden layer of reality. The space around him grew subtly distorted, almost as though he was wrapped in countless veils of fog. His divine signature faded to a near invisible thread — even if someone stared directly at him, they would feel an uncanny distance, like trying to grasp at smoke.
Then came Absolute Barrier. The divine core pulsed once more, as thick protective layers formed within the inner structure of his soul. Invisible defensive membranes coiled and wrapped themselves around his spiritual and physical essence, forming what felt like a silent guardian always ready to deploy.
He could feel it: that thick, unbreakable layer prepared to burst forth at a moment's notice.
Both skills now sat firmly in his skill interface:
Skills:4/4
Starfall (Level 2)
Restoration (Level 3)
Heavenly Veil (Passive, level 1)
Absolute Barrier (Level 1)
He directly toggled on the effects of the two skills...
Passive Divine Skill - Heavenly Veil (Level 1 Passive)
Effects:
Cloaks the user's existence from detection abilities.
Blocks all information-based skills, fate readings, karma scanning, and divination-type skills targeting the user.
Reduces chances of attracting hostile attention from higher beings or universal will fluctuations.
Creates an illusory presence—to others, the user feels as if they barely exist, unless standing directly before them.
Grants partial immunity to "cause and effect" chains related to prophecy, fate binding, and soul-targeting curses.
Cannot be forcibly deactivated by external skills below Rank 5 suppression-type abilities.
Consumption: None (Passive)
Active Divine Skill - Absolute Barrier (Rank 1 Active Skill)
Effects:
Instantly generates a divine shield that blocks incoming damage based on rank disparity:
Equal Rank or Lower: Full nullification.
1 Rank Higher: 75% damage reduction.
2 Ranks Higher: 50% damage reduction.
3+ Ranks Higher: Partial mitigation (10%-30% depending on skill interaction).
Effective against both physical and divine-based attacks, including soul, suppression, and spiritual injuries.
Can synchronize with other defense or support skills (such as suppression resistance, soul shields, or artifact defenses) to enhance overall protection.
Reduces incoming suppression-type effects while active.
Stabilizes user's divine core, reducing risk of core rupture under extreme suppression.
Provides brief immunity to soul shatter, backlash, and internal feedback during high-level clashes.
Duration: 60 seconds.
Consumption: 2000 Divine Essence per activation
No grand light shows. No dramatic bursts. Just silent, terrifying power settling quietly into place.
Clark exhaled slowly. The weight on his chest lightened. Finally, some true self-preservation had been built.