Chapter 1240

The next day, Yunshi Tian Palace.

The crowd had gathered here early in the morning, discussing heatedly, various doubts and panicked voices mixed together, causing Xing to involuntarily break into a sweat for Bai'e.

Bai'e rose to a high place amidst everyone's gaze and began to address the crowd:

"Not long ago, I gave a speech at the citizens' assembly of Dawncloud Cliff. At that time, to continue the hope of the Golden Lineage's fire pursuit, I racked my brains for what rhetoric would win people's support. In the end, I recalled a teacher's lesson: in a contest where words are weapons, fervor and blindness are far more potent weapons than reason."

"So I adopted his strategy. I belittled my opponents on the opposing side as insects, attacked their character, and enumerated their crimes. My strategy worked. It won me enough votes to achieve my goal. But afterward? I felt not a shred of joy."

"Because I know very well—that superficial victory concealed a greater failure. In stirring up opposing emotions for victory at any cost, I have already gone against my original intention in joining the fire pursuit endeavor. This journey ought to unite, not divide; it ought to make us strong, not weak."

"In the past, it was golden threads that mended our rifts. Some might liken it to surveillance threads, tools of control, but no one can deny… it was Aglaea who stitched this city, and indeed this shattered world, together. But now she is gone—indeed, as you have heard—the Aglaea who guarded the Holy City for a thousand years has truly fallen."

Someone in the audience, excited beyond restraint, shouted loudly: "Who murdered Lady Goldweave?!"

"'Find the killer! Punish them severely!'"

Looking at the angry faces of the crowd below, Bai'e slowly closed his eyes, shook his head, and said: "At first, my feelings were the same as yours. At first, I too wanted to denounce the criminals' wickedness here with you, discuss how to pursue them, and bring punishment down upon their heads..."

Bai'e paused, then exhaled a long breath: "... but my thinking has changed."

"'Now, the golden threads in the city have dispersed, yet I see no one rejoicing at being freed from control. In the deserted market and bathhouse, the only emotion I perceive is unease. For everyone present knows full well that the last safeguard preventing us from being harmed by each other's inner darkness has vanished. Henceforth, aside from the moral codes we forge for ourselves, no divine power remains to shield us from malice.'"

——

Slay the Crimson Red Pupil.

"'Huh? What does Bai'e mean by that? Is he not intending to pursue the crimes of Kaines and his gang?'"

Wil turned livid with anger, he slammed the table hard, making the teacup in front of him jump.

"'What kind of reasoning is that?! Those bastards didn't just harm Aglaea; they also attacked civilians, treating human lives as mere weeds!' Veins bulged on Wil's forehead, his teeth grinding, 'No… I wish I could run that Kaines through with a sword, hack her to pieces, I——'"

Realizing that he and Bai'e belong to entirely different worlds, Wil's sky‑rocketing anger was doused as if by a bucket of cold water, and he could only let his hands drop helplessly.

"'……Damn it!'"

"'Wil, calm down.' Lan, sitting beside him, glanced at him and said, 'Bai'e's approach is correct. Nowadays, more important than immediately taking revenge on Kaines and his crew are the Fire Pursuit Journey and the safety of Aohema's populace. If, in the process of revenge, we let those fire‑stealers find an opening, that would truly betray Aglaea's expectations of him.'"

"'Does that really mean we just let those Senate fellows off the hook?'"

"'Revenge is permissible, but it must not jeopardize the great undertaking of the Fire Pursuit. On the contrary, any decision that might affect the Fire Pursuit must be weighed carefully.' Lan lifted her teacup and took a gentle sip. 'Wil, Bai'e and you stand in different positions. He is a leader; his burden is no longer personal hatred, but the survival of all of Wengluoluos.'"

"'I certainly understand that.' Wil drew a deep breath, his jaws clenched tight, 'I just feel… it's too lenient toward Kaines. Even if Bai'e can't act now, I hope he remembers this blood debt. When the opportunity arises, I want to drag out each of those perpetrators one by one, bind them before the citizens of Aohema…… In short, we absolutely cannot let them off the hook.'"

——

"'Bai'e, he's quite the speaker.' Mimi admired him from the heart."

"Xing: 'Cultured folks are just different.'"

"'Mm‑hmm, that's right!'"

On the stage, Bai'e continued his speech, raising his hand toward the sky: "The Fire Pursuit Journey is drawing to a close; the only Titan the Golden Lineage still needs to conquer is Aigel, just one. But before we ascend to the heavens, I will first challenge you—I challenge the possible darkness and malice in your hearts, so that your spirits may brighten before this sky."

"'Please allow me to bear witness: even if we lose the divine authority of "Romance," Aohema remains an ideal haven in the apocalypse. Here dwell those whom Aglaea expected, those whom the oracle's new world expected…… a better person!'"

Bai'e's words rang like thunder, a single stone stirring up a thousand waves, causing the crowd below to erupt in fierce cheers. Countless citizens raised both hands and responded in unison.

"'…A better person! A better person! A better person!'"

Seemingly moved by Bai'e's growth, Ti Bao and Ti Ning exchanged a glance and smiled with relief.

"'If you are willing to accept the challenge… I feel grateful. You have made me realize: what Aglaea left me may be the world's simplest duty. To bear the destiny of creation, I need only give one thing. That is the gift she once generously bestowed upon me, and I will pass it on to each of you: unreserved faith.'"

"'The rebirth of Wengluoluos still lies a long road ahead. But we will not forget the past as we move forward, for the memories of Wengluoluos will always benefit posterity. Please lend me this moment. I wish to take a few minutes of your time to together mourn a demigod who has guarded the Holy City for a thousand years…'"

Inside the Yunshi Tian Palace, silence fell at once, as if even time had paused in this solemn stillness. A young mother gently closed her eyes, a white‑haired elder lowered his lids…… They silently recited the same name in their hearts, slowly folding their hands together.

"'…She is Aohema's tailor, the leader of the Golden Lineage, 'Goldweave' Aglaea. And the greatest feat of her life——'"

"'——is to become a selfless person.'"