Chapter 1120: Wengfaluo Si 3.2 (166)

"When a person knows their time is short, they can always break through their shackles. Problems arise endlessly, yet paradoxically, this makes my reading efficiency exceptional."

"Xia Die nodded in agreement: 'Indeed. I recall my time studying in Shu Ting; whenever exams came, when I should have been focusing on review, the mundane tasks I usually had no time for would suddenly become orderly and clear.'"

"'That's the principle. Remember, you and Bai E are both disciples of the 'Wisdom Seed School.' Na Ke Xia's examinations, I imagine, are as unreasonable as he himself is.'"

"Xia Die smiled lightly: 'The subject taught by Teacher Na Ke Xia is… Introduction to Alchemy, and Myth History. Frankly speaking, these are the two courses students fear most.'"

"'Having a blasphemous 'grand performer' lecture history naturally inspires fear.'"

"'Recalling it, people often rush the podium to argue with him, denying his irreverent views. Aglaea, your relationship with Teacher Na Ke Xia… has it always been like this?'"

"When the topic turned to her relationship with Na Ke Xia, Aglaea's face instantly cooled: 'He openly scorns people's faith, questions the legitimacy of the Fire Pursuit mission—I and he are inevitably at odds. During your studies, you must have heard his nickname?'"

"Xia Die lowered her head slightly: '…The "Earth Beast in Fine Robes."'"

"'In my view, this saying is actually unkind to the Earth Beast.' Aglaea crossed her arms, 'But aside from his intolerable arrogance, I respect him as a scholar's true nature. To uphold what he holds dear in his heart, he fears no opposition from the world—this requires resolve. Anatkesagoras's life is like a satire. As a golden heir, he refuses to heed divine revelation; he disrespects the gods…'"

"Xia Die pondered: '…Yet the gods chose him.'"

"'Exactly. Sesis chose him.'"

"——"

"Qin Shi Ming Yue."

"'The Earth Beast in Fine Robes…' Yue Er couldn't help but laugh, covering her mouth with her sleeve."

"'Earth Beast! Is that the somewhat clumsy-looking, long-necked animal only fit for carrying loads?' Tianming tilted his chin, curious, 'Hmm… now that I think about it, Na Ke Xia's hair colour does somewhat resemble the Earth Beast's, but this nickname is surely too strange? The Earth Beast's temperament is utterly unlike his! How did they link him to the Earth Beast?'"

"'Perhaps Na Ke Xia simply likes the Earth Beast?' Yue Er guessed, unable to resist, 'Though adult Earth Beasts are mighty, maybe they were cute as young ones?'"

"Tianming looked puzzled: 'Is Na Ke Xia the type to like cute animals? Looking at him, he doesn't seem like it…'"

"'Don't judge by appearance, Tianming.' Gai Nie pulled Tianming down to sit beside him, his voice deep: 'Na Ke Xia disrespects the gods, yet gains their approval. This shows Sesis values not one's degree of faith, but one's rationality and discernment—but alas, Ou Luo Ni Si is a city-state brimming with faith, and lacking 'the god of faith,' I fear Na Ke Xia will find every step difficult.'"

"'Will he be targeted by the Senate?'"

"'Probably not… at least not for now.' Duanmu Rong shook her head."

"She recalled Dan Heng's earlier mention of the Senate; she didn't know exactly what kind of organization it was, but seeing Aglaea's wary expression, she guessed it must be a place where countless officials and nobles gather. They check and balance Aglaea, now lying in wait like a venomous snake, ready to strike at any moment."

"Na Ke Xia is likely to become their tool to overthrow Aglaea; if their plan succeeds, they may well burn the bridge after crossing it, discard the mill after killing the donkey, and secretly eliminate Na Ke Xia."

"Gai Nie sighed softly: 'It seems, with the Fire Stealers gone, the current greatest influence on the Fire Pursuit Journey is the Senate. If the Black Tide looms, pressing close to Ou Luo Ni Si's outskirts, these senators might perhaps reconcile with Aglaea. But once the crisis passes, this lot will likely prepare to rebel.'"

"——"

"'Do you harbor doubts, Die? The golden thread trembled—this moment's atmosphere is not idle chatter.' Aglaea saw through Xia Die's inner worry."

"Xia Die clenched her skirt hem, somewhat nervously asking: 'I want to know—what arrangements do you have for him next?'"

"Aglaea answered frankly: 'He earned merit in the Fire Stealers' battle; I am willing to step back, giving him time to find a way to sever the Fire Seed. But Na Ke Xia has gone off-script, making decisions that may harm us—I will not stint on extreme measures.'"

"'Indeed…'"

"'Fire Pursuit is the destiny of the golden heirs. He now resembles a walking corpse, with his lofty pride… believe Anatkesagoras will make a dignified choice.'"

"'Perhaps, when Teacher knows his time is short, he too can break through his shackles.'"

"'You have your own thoughts—I understand. Why not set another time to discuss thoroughly? But for now, we must first receive the guests.'"

"Aglaea's gaze swept past her, toward the star slowly approaching them."

"'Star, you've come. This also means you accept Ou Luo Ni Si's trials?'"

"Star nodded slightly: 'It's me and Mimi together.'"

"'Mm. This holy beast shares countless threads with the Titan, equally indispensable.' Aglaea thanked sincerely, 'Returning the Fire Seed is the duty of the golden heirs; your strong support fills me with gratitude beyond words. But please weigh carefully the risks of accepting the trials: becoming a demigod means abandoning your human identity, taking up Ou Luo Ni Si's divine authority, and alone bearing Wengfaluo Si's 'Ages.'"

"'From now on, your fate will be intertwined with ours, inseparable—until the end of creation.'"

"'Is there a backup plan?' Star asked."

"'Qualified golden heirs are exceedingly rare; if this path fails, I can only lower my standards. The city still has many priests of Janusaspolis and their descendants. If no other choice, I will recruit suitable ones from among them.'"

"Star gritted her teeth, steeled herself: 'If I don't go to hell, who will?'"

"Mimi waved her small hand excitedly beside her: 'Don't worry—with me here, even if there's an accident… well… it's still heaven! The trials… no need to fret!'"

"'That Ages Titan… though somewhat willful, has never harmed us. Myths say Ou Luo Ni Si resists mortals, but people feel it's merely timid, like a… child?'"

"Aglaea suddenly looked surprised: 'You're quite familiar with that Titan?'"

"Mimi nodded: 'Truly strange. She's never interacted with it, yet the moment she saw Star, Ou Luo Ni Si's memories already surfaced in her mind.'"