Chapter 1122

"I have traveled through many city‑states of Weng Falos, yet I have never known the world beyond the heavens. If there were a chance…" He was halfway through speaking when Xia Die suddenly changed tone, shook her head, and said, "Never mind, that's all later… Now, I only hope you safely pass the trial and receive Olonis's blessing."

After finishing conversation with Xia Die, Xing returned to the Bath Palace and found Bai E chatting with Dan Heng.

"Citizen Assembly?"

Bai E: "That's right. Oh—Xing is back as well, perfect timing. Regarding this matter, you'd better all be informed."

"More trouble?"

"Not exactly trouble. I just think the two of you should have more insight into Aohema's internal situation."

Dan Heng said, "Do you remember the Senate that was tailing us before? They seem to have a new move."

Bai E added, "The Senate is a governing body composed of representatives from Weng Falos's city‑states, holding legislative power over the Holy City and presiding over the quadrennial Citizen Assembly. It is Aohema's most important social event, its influence so great… it can even sway the direction of the Fire Pursuit Journey."

——

Spy Family.

"Citizen Assembly…"

Lloyd put down the newspaper, and those four characters made him recall a passage he had read years ago in a textbook: a group of robed ancients raising their hands to vote in a plaza. He figured he would soon witness that scene himself in Weng Falos.

Jor placed the hot tea on the table, blinked in confusion, and asked, "Is the Citizen Assembly like a neighborhood committee meeting discussing garbage sorting?"

"Not entirely," Lloyd recalled slightly, "If Weng Falos's Citizen Assembly system were similar to ours, it would be an early form of democratic politics. In theory, anyone with citizenship could take part in discussion and voting, even decide the nation's wars. Of course, it's a highly idealized system, and in antiquity it was hard to fully realize."

"The ability to sway the direction of the Fire Pursuit Journey…" Jor seemed to recall something, his face suddenly changing, "If the citizens reach a consensus, couldn't they also veto the Fire Pursuit Journey?"

"Well… in theory it's possible. But Miss Jor, there's no need to be so nervous…" Lloyd gestured instinctively, "The Assembly's focus is still on discussion and compromise; people will certainly voice differing opinions. If an opinion opposes the Fire Pursuit Journey, it must be debated to find consensus, and Aglaea's side still has a chance."

"Debate!" Ania's eyes lit up, and she immediately leapt onto the sofa, "Let Xing debate! Xing and Si Ke Te have never lost a debate! She can definitely persuade those who oppose the Fire Pursuit Journey!"

Lloyd smiled helplessly, "Ania, the Citizen Assembly debates are far more serious. Moreover, Si Ke Te is not a professional debater, so his skill can't be taken as a benchmark. Besides, the Senate will certainly have a candidate ready in advance… that person is very likely Na Kesha."

——

"So it isn't Aglaea who decides?"

"Aglaea cannot win over every heart, even though she possesses a vision and wisdom that span millennia," Bai E explained. "Every five to ten years, the Senate holds the Citizen Assembly at Dawn Cloud Cliff. At that time, representatives vote on major issues. For example, whether the Golden Descendants led by Aglaea have the right to govern the Holy City, and… whether the campaign against the Titans should continue."

Dan Heng gradually understood, "It sounds like a mechanism to balance heroes and mortals."

"That's right. But the problem is that the Senate contains malicious extremists. They view the Citizen Assembly as a tool to check the Golden Descendants, aiming to completely control the Fire Pursuit Journey. Let's call them the opposition. Over the past hundred years, in more than ten assemblies, the voice supporting the opposition has been quietly growing. Fortunately, with Aglaea stationed, the Fire Pursuit Journey has been able to continue to this day."

Bai E's face showed a hint of worry: "But the next Citizen Assembly is imminent, and this time the situation has new variables…"

"Is it Na Kesha?"

Dan Heng nodded, "Indeed, you have realized it as well."

Bai E said bluntly, "I worry that Teacher Na Kesha will be used by the Senate. Aglaea will certainly retrieve Se Xisi's flame, but the teacher's current condition… is extremely unusual; no one knows what effect stripping the flame might have."

——

Dragon race.

"Concerned that Na Kesha will be used by the Senate?" Caesar nearly burst out laughing, "He wouldn't think his teacher, who defies heaven, earth, and the Titans, is a weak, gullible type, would he?"

Caesar noticed that the two students of Na Kesha seemed to view him through a slight filter. Considering that Na Kesha was chosen by the rational Titans, with his wisdom… it wouldn't be far-fetched to turn that around and use the Senate.

"However, one must not underestimate the Senate's wisdom," Chu Zihang reminded expressionlessly, "They are elders elected by the various city‑states, forming an organization that exerts checks on the Golden Descendants, and there are no mediocrities among them."

"I know that, of course, but I think Bai E underestimates his teacher a bit too much. In my view, Na Kesha, being the figure both Aglaea and the Senate vie for, has a huge margin for maneuvering; the best outcome is that he receives benefits from both sides…"

"So you just imagine him as a simple political animal, but Na Kesha's essence is still that of a scholar." Chu Zihang calmly shook his head, "Beyond knowledge, I can't imagine anything else that could 'bribe' this grand performer who would even forgo his own life."

"Isn't he supposed to help Se Xisi answer that question about the Titans' origin?" Caesar said, "If Aglaea were willing to support any of his experiments during the final stretch of his life, could that secure his backing in the Fire Pursuit Journey?"

"You're still handling the disagreement between the two by 'buying them off,'" Chu Zihang said, "If Na Kesha were the type easily bought, he wouldn't be giving Aglaea such a headache."

——

Bai E said anxiously, "The teacher has always only cared about his own research, and surely wants to escape the surveillance of the golden thread to protect himself. If, at this moment, the opposition were to extend an olive branch to him…"

"Do you suspect he would betray the Fire Pursuit Journey and defect to the Senate?"

"Na Kesha never believes in divine edicts, and there's no such thing as 'betrayal' for him. Yet he has taught many Golden Descendants and has long become an important ally of Aohema. I truly cannot… watch comrades turn their weapons against each other with my own eyes."