Chapter 988: Weng Falos 3.0 (34)

"Weng Falos is not unwilling to journey to the stars; rather, anyone who dares to offend the heavens inevitably angers the gods, sets the living world's earth ablaze, and causes mortal realms to collapse. The Eye of Dawn and Dusk is just one such example," Aglaea paused, her tone suddenly becoming lethal, "…that is a forbidden land that must never be stepped upon."

Dan Heng shook his head: "People will always yearn for the sky; you cannot stop them."

"Divine punishment is not just, and as Aohema's guardian I am likewise powerless. This is a world ruled by Titans, a world that must be overthrown by the Golden Descendants." Aglaea looked calmly at the two, "All I can do is one thing: ensure the two of you have no ulterior motives."

——

Genshin.

"That's excessive! Xing and Dan Heng both took part in the Holy City Defense! They personally helped Aohema repel those villains—doesn't that prove their sincerity? Using the threat of death to interrogate …"

Marani bit her lip, trembling with anger, and even Kazina beside her was terrified; she had never seen Marani so furious.

"If it were me, when someone tests me this way, regardless of the outcome, that trust is already dead," Ian Shan said, arms crossed, "In this matter, I think Aglaea acted very improperly, even rashly."

"No, my stance is actually opposite yours." Maveka set down her wine glass, her gaze calmly fixed on Aglaea's expressionless face, "As a leader, I can understand her thinking."

"Lord Fire God?"

"The so‑called leader doesn't always pick the best option; often they pick the least bad one." Maveka continued, "Profit and risk usually coexist, and a competent leader cannot gamble with their own nation. If you put yourselves in Aglaea's shoes, you know nothing of the Starry Sky Train, Aki Vili, the Star God, or even the background of the Nameless Guests… Before you stand two extraterrestrials from beyond the heavens, whose combat power rivals that of the Golden Descendants, with no known identity. She should indeed be more cautious with the two of them."

Xinu Ning immediately retorted: "But the two have already proven their stance in the Holy City Defense; they stand with the Golden Descendants."

"That's right, but they also broke their agreement with Aglaea, causing a certain negative impact on the Fire Pursuit Journey." Maveka sighed lightly, "Perhaps because of this, she cannot be sure of the Nameless Guests' true intentions. In Aglaea's view, even if this trial angers them and the Nameless Guests turn their backs and leave, the Fire Pursuit Journey can still proceed along its predetermined course."

Xinu Ning frowned and countered, "But, Maveka, have you considered that the outcome you propose isn't the worst— the worst case is the two Nameless Guests clashing with the Golden Descendants in battle; one harbors a star core, the other's true identity is a Dragon Lord, and even all the Golden Descendants present might still not match them."

"We certainly know, but Aglaea is unsure whether the two have hidden cards. In her view, a carriage of the Train Group was shot down by a Titan and fell unconscious, and Bai E, as a member of the Golden Descendants, could instantly disarm one and break the other's weapon. These points may form her basic assessment of the Train Group's combat ability: they may be strong, but not to an incomprehensible degree beyond the Golden Descendants' handling… Whether she misjudged is a story for later."

"Impossible, I still can't accept it." Xinu Ning inhaled deeply, slammed the juice in his hand onto the table— a "Bang" muffled thud, the blue‑honey‑berry juice violently shaking in the cup, nearly spilling out.

"Testing the Train Group is permissible, but coercing them with their lives is not— especially luring them here by deception. Regardless of her original intent, I cannot accept her current method. Do the other Golden Descendants know she acted this way, or is it her sole unilateral decision?"

——

"Three steps, Xiate." Aglaea ordered coldly.

"…Yes, Ms. Aglaea." Xiate moved a little closer to them.

"I will test you with the 'Four Questions.' A deceitful answer makes the golden thread tremble; a sincere answer keeps it calm." Aglaea paused, "And the number of tremors… equals the steps the executioner will advance. After the four questions, if she does not step behind you, the two have passed the test. Otherwise, your journey ends here."

Xiate calmly added, "Just to fall asleep amid gentle floral fragrance, without a hint of pain… I guarantee."

"Don't make such guarantees!"

Dan Heng: "No matter what she says, Xing, we just need to be true to our hearts."

"Then let us begin… the first question." Aglaea looked solemnly at the two, "Strangers— why have you come to Weng Falos?"

"So that our journey can continue." Xing answered decisively.

The golden thread remained calm as before.

"Sincere answer, this step not recorded." Aglaea's expression softened slightly, "Second question, strangers— why did you extend aid to Aohema?"

"Out of courage, selflessness, and chivalrous spirit!" Xing proudly lifted his head.

This time, however, the golden thread began to tremble faintly.

"Courage is abundant, but purity is lacking… count as one step." Aglaea continued, "Third question, strangers— if circumstances drastically change, might you point your blade at Aohema and its citizens?"

Xing shook his head: "I… cannot guarantee."

The golden thread was calm as before.

"An unadorned answer shows you have no concern for the opposition or suspicion it might invite. This step not recorded. Now, the final question, strangers— within you swirls an unknown, surging power… would you use it to help the Golden Descendants slay a god?"

"That is a seed of destruction; beware of backlash."

The golden thread trembled slightly.

"Anger, threat… yet with a hint of uncertainty. You also do not understand your own body. This step will not be counted for now." Aglaea said lightly, "The four questions are complete; through sincerity you have earned a second chance. You may remain in Aohema, and its citizens will still regard you as honored guests. But you must guarantee that today's absurd scene will not recur."

Dan Heng coldly said, "Those words are more fitting coming from the ones being interrogated. After this ordeal, on what basis do you think we would still help you?"