Chapter 1336: Weng Falos 3.4 (371)

Laigushi: "Now, the immersive drama has progressed to Act Two. The scene you are witnessing took place in the Gate-Closing Moon of Light Calendar year 4926. At that time, Prince of the Suspended Edge Maidemos led a lone army to the foot of Aohema City."

"As you know, Maidemos is proud in temperament, but not a proponent of violence. He challenged the elders of the Holy City to a duel solely to secure rights for his people, refusing to have them live elsewhere as inferiors. Through Aglaea's mediation, Bai'e, as the representative, accepted Maidemos's challenge. This 'duel' will alter the course of the Fire Pursuit Journey…"

"Therefore, as the most important companion throughout Bai'e's life, I ask you to continue bearing witness to his memories."

…

"... Are you intending to replace the glorious duel with this method?" Wandi asked.

Tingning explained, "Slashing and killing is undesirable. A Ya and *we* do not wish to see golden descendants hurt each other." "A true warrior knows when to lay down the weapon. The impartial Talandon will preside over this contest, adjudicating victory and defeat; you only need to place something on its scales—something heavier than the fate of the world."

Bai'e said gravely, "To comprehend the weight of the world grants the right to bear it… is this to measure our conviction?"

——

Aotu World.

"If we recall correctly, when Xing and Xia Die first arrived at the Destiny Tri-Phase Hall, Oulonisi presented a similar trial," Zitang Huan recalled, "to find something heavier than the fate of the world…"

"But that time differs from this one," Kelly interrupted lazily, a lollipop dangling from her mouth, saying nonchalantly, "At that moment Dan Heng's answer was: from the pioneer's perspective, what matters more than the world of Weng Falos is the 'companions' who have traveled with them. The problem is, Bai'e now lacks a camera."

"No, Kelly, I think the point isn't the camera itself, but the meaning it embodies. A camera is merely a kind of… 'carrier' for a companion? What Bai'e must produce is likely something tied to his companions and his mission," Zitang Huan said.

"That makes it even harder," Kelly shook her head, "If Bai'e could produce it, he should have already passed Oulonisi's test back in the Tri-Phase Hall."

Zitang Huan adjusted his glasses and said earnestly, "I don't think it's that complicated; after all, this is merely a contest with Wandi. In the final outcome, Wandi still led his people to successfully settle in Aohema. Though subsequent setbacks will follow, those are later matters. Since the contest's result is already determined, the crucial part is the process itself. Without Dan Heng and Xia Die's assistance, what answer would Bai'e give on his own?"

——

"Suspended Edge person, it seems this time your preferred violence is of no use."

Wandi shrugged, "It doesn't matter. Recruit, here's your final chance: turn and leave, and I will promise you a way out. Otherwise—follow me, face me directly, and I will grant you an end befitting your courage!"

Watching the two start bickering upon first meeting, Xing couldn't help but think: these two used to be so at odds…

"Lady Saint, I always feel I've stumbled into a political game."

Tingning looked up, "Every hero was once a child, and every hero grows up."

"Is that so? Yet I'm not even sure why I'm standing here," Bai'e sighed deeply, "I'm merely a soldier. If it weren't necessary to settle matters with swordsmanship, Lady Goldweave could fight herself. As for the resolve to defend the Holy City to the death, how could I possibly surpass her?"

"If *we* say that the meaning of this contest lies not in victory or defeat, but in your choice, what then?"

"Do you mean this is Lady Goldweave's test of me?"

Tingning nodded, "For the Fire Pursuit Journey, every golden descendant is indispensable. Whether you or that Suspended Edge prince, both appear in the visions depicted by the oracle. This duel is not an ending, but a beginning. So heed the voice within you; *we* only await your answer."

Tingning's words blew away the dark clouds over Bai'e's head like a gust of wind, instantly lifting his spirits. He solemnly said, "Indeed, the inner voice has always guided me. Whatever the outcome, I will give my all."

"That is the attitude a golden descendant should have. Go forth, Bai'e, your journey has only just begun."

Bai'e turned, inviting Xing to enter the Tri-Phase Hall together, "That's it, comrade. We must work together to defeat that arrogant prince."

"One day we will also become comrades."

"... Me? With him?" Bai'e waved his hand, "Ha, stop kidding, friend…"

"However, back to the Destiny Tri-Phase Hall…" Bai'e looked up at the massive temple before him, "This is the Titan of 'Years' shrine, and I wonder whether Xilian's studies have gone smoothly… Since we set out on our journey, we've rarely kept in touch… I hope she's well. Come, comrade, to glimpse Talandon's impartial scales—such an opportunity is rare."

——

Fuli Lian's Burial.

"Xilian still alive? No, no, no…" Xiutaerk subconsciously shook his head, "…How could that be? Could it be because the Fire Thief didn't appear? Isn't Bai'e's situation due to Xilian being killed and his hometown destroyed—"

"It seems this is not the Fire Pursuit Journey that Xing experienced."

Now even the dullest could sense something amiss. Fuli Lian frowned slightly, her gaze sweeping over Bai'e, Wandi, and the others once more.

"Strange… there's no real difference."

Fuli Lian frowned, "It's as if the Fire Pursuit Journey occurred on an alternate timeline. Could the staff be mimicking the divination techniques of the Celestial Vessel, presenting Xing with a completely different Fire Pursuit Journey? Is the difference between the two that there is no Fire Thief?"

"No Fire Thief…?" Filien paused, then instinctively clutched the staff in his hand, "But, Lady Fuli Lian, if there is no Fire Thief, then what about Wandi's earlier words to him: 'A death by a strike from behind the black swordsman'? I think a Fire Thief still exists in this life, but its appearance time is completely different."

Filien lowered his head, pondered briefly, and continued, "Its first emergence may occur later in the Fire Pursuit Journey, killing Wandi and hindering Bai'e."

"Indeed, that possibility exists. Yet, judging from the golden descendants Bai'e has previously spoken with, their past experiences are no different from the Fire Pursuit Journey Xing underwent: Saifei Er still hadn't managed to spend the money she saved, Feng Jin returned to the sky, and Na Ke Xia, Aglaea as well… but the specific details seem to differ greatly."

——

"(He just said Xilian is studying here? How could that be? She had long since… )"

Xing looked around, trying to locate Laigushi.

"(Vanishing right when an explanation is most needed, Laigushi… never mind, just follow Bai'e first.)"