Chapter 979

Genshin.

"Indeed, the layer of chaotic substance surrounding Weng Falos is something akin to the 'False Heaven'." Alice lightly sipped the red tea in her hand, "In a sense, Teyvat and Weng Falos are truly quite similar."

"All along, the 'Heavenly Principle' has been blocking people's study of the sky. If we reverse‑engineer from Teyvat's experience to Weng Falos, could that demonstrate that Weng Falos harbors a supreme entity similar to the Heavenly Principle? Should humanity overreach in probing the 'Beyond', it will unleash divine punishment, destroying human city‑states and civilization."

Nico's voice echoed in everyone's mind, and the speculation sent a chill through many of those present.

"Weng Falos's 'Heavenly Principle'... but why would it act so?" Qin racked her brain; as the deputy leader of the Knights, she found it hard to grasp such a completely restrictive stance toward public exploration.

Is it to maintain its rule over the people? Yet so far she has found no such "supreme" being in Weng Falos mythology. If it truly exists, its status would unquestionably surpass that of the twelve Titans.

"Qin, your question will probably have to be answered by the Heavenly Principle itself," Ms. Alice smiled, "But beyond that, I'm more curious what would happen if the people of Weng Falos generally believed in the existence of the 'Beyond'. Would nails fall from the sky to destroy Aohema?"

"Probably not; at least the Titans can't do it, and if they could Aohema would have been destroyed long ago," Farga shrugged, "Aglaea's statement was merely to soothe the populace. As for the origin of that chaotic mass, I think someone may be covertly trying to shield Weng Falos from threats like the cosmic locust plague, anti‑organic war, or border‑star trade wars."

——

"The two arrived at the blacksmith's shop, where Bai'e was waiting for them."

"... the shadow of the past, you have not yet left. Golden Descendant," the giant named Hatonus said slowly, "The weight of the fire seed, if you wish to bear it... you must bury the past and set aside the pain."

Bai'e sighed lightly, "I'll try my best, Hatonus. You know I can't do it, so why keep bringing it up?"

"... arrived, your guests."

Bai'e turned around, greeted Dan Heng and Xing warmly, and solemnly handed the repaired Cloud‑Strike to Dan Heng.

"Here, the 'compensation' we promised earlier. I commissioned the most renowned master craftsman of the Holy City to repair your spear. I was rude upon our first meeting; I apologize to both of you again."

Dan Heng ran his hand over the flawless shaft of Cloud‑Strike, astonished, "But you can't see any sign of damage at all; impressive."

"The maker of this spear must be a famed craftsman; beyond the heavens there are heavens, I can't even imagine a world beyond Weng Falos," Bai'e lowered her head, "... perhaps not; maybe before meeting you I never gave it serious thought."

"The 'Three‑Phase Divine Edict' that descended upon Weng Falos, and the mission borne by the Golden Descendants—you've surely heard of them. For us, chasing prophecy is the purpose of the journey; overthinking is meaningless."

"Who issued the Edict?" Xing instantly spotted the blind spot.

Bai'e calmly shook her head, "The Edict is an Edict precisely because it arrived as a 'miracle'. No one knows whose will it truly represents."

——

Miss Kaguya wants me to confess.

"Since it's an Edict, we at least need to figure out which deity issued it," Fujiwara Chika twirled her fingers, guessing one by one, "KefaLe? Sexis? In any case, a Titan must have issued the Edict."

Earlier the group wondered whether the Voice of the Star Core was masquerading as an Edict to deceive the Golden Descendants. But on closer thought, the Voice of the Star Core had been persistently luring Kokolia for a long time, not just overnight. If it were the Star Core, then since the Fire Pursuit Journey began, similar 'Edicts' should have kept appearing.

"I think none of those are correct," Kaguya set down her teacup, her slender fingers crossed on her knees, "Previously Weng Falos gave birth to three 'Commander' level beings; in my conjecture, any of those three possesses powers surpassing the Titans. That Edict was most likely issued by one of those Commanders."

"But whether it was 【Memory】 or 【Intellect】, or perhaps the hidden third destiny... that remains unknown."

"A Commander...? But since a Commander's power already surpasses the Titans, why bother seeking mortals to kill them? Wouldn't it be more efficient for the Commander themselves to act?"

Shirogane Mikoyuki fell into thought. He realized that the more he understood the world of Weng Falos, the more inconsistencies he uncovered. This world possesses forging skills comparable to the Zhu Ming Celestial Vessel, and communication and photography tools like 'mobile phones'... Logically it should have a solid industrial base, yet the people here still use earth beasts as pack camels, and their grasp of 'science' remains quite primitive.

Both backward and advanced—it's as if contradictory sides were forcibly fused, leaving him with an indescribable feeling toward this world.

——

"There's also a tale that it was KefaLe's low chant before his slumber, the Heavenly Father sprinkling his divine blood onto the earth, from which the Golden Descendants were born... Of course, this is just one of many folk legends."

Seeing the faintly puzzled looks on the two, Bai'e said solemnly, "Please don't treat it as irrational superstition; humanity has gone from doubt to firm belief, and that transition is not easy—many have paid the price for it."

Dan Heng: "What Aglaea conveyed to us is largely a collective mission. But you, as an individual, Bai'e, what role do you play in it?"

"Me? I'm still searching for that answer," Bai'e said, "But if the gods favor me, my fire seed should be near."

"Your fire seed?"

"It's Nicadoli," Bai'e nodded. "I am a soldier, trained in combat since childhood. From the day I was prophesied as the chosen one, I have taken the 【Spear of Heavenly Punishment】 as my ultimate goal. One day I will break its long spear and claim the fire seed of 【Conflict】."

Speaking of that, Bai'e lowered her head a bit embarrassed, brushed her face, "... but dwelling on such grim topics is a downer. It seems I started it, how awkward. By the way, Teacher Tiba said you also use stone tablets; shall we exchange contact talismans? And please accept these gifts as well."