Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1943: Chapter 1938: Not a Binary Ending

”I must say, the process was even more interesting than I imagined.”

In the darkness, Lord Stos sighed with genuine emotion.

”At the first moment, he candidly revealed his identity and stated that he often roamed in such a way for many years.”

”And considering his philosophy, I demonstrated some minor tricks on the spot to see his reaction.”

The old man truly seemed relaxed, probably also energized by the joy of his recent promotion.

”But he didn’t react much?”

The other party narrated so thoroughly, Fu Qian couldn’t help but add a friendly comment.

”Exactly, he wasn’t very surprised, and I didn’t find it odd—after all, for many ordinary people, acting indifferent towards the Transcendent is quite normal.”

Despite his high status, Lord Stos still grasped the human heart well and finally got to the point in the next moment.

”But when I showcased my newly acquired ability, he gave a particular assessment, telling me it was the Fire of Madness, burning in the Land of Self-Abandonment... because he had seen it in meditation.”

”I was curious how it could be such a coincidence, and his explanation was that he had seen many things in meditation, all just illusions.”

...

A philosopher master playing with life, encountering the Fire of Madness in meditation?

It seems the old man really met someone extraordinary.

Lord Stos’s tale came to an end, while Fu Qian’s mind quickly wandered.

Now it’s entirely understandable why it was not considered a secret.

Simply put, it’s nothing more than an ordinary human verified by a Second Phase Transcendent with an interesting philosophy.

Perhaps it’s very effective for ordinary people to balance their inner self, akin to a superb mental comfort soup, but really not important information.

The old man himself obviously considered it just an interesting life story, if not for the recent string of incidents, he probably wouldn’t even remember—though for me, it means far more.

Everything is illusion and error. To achieve the True Self?

Life indeed always has surprises.

I initially summoned the old man just to explore information related to the Abandonment King.

But now, aside from the description ”burning in the Land of Self-Abandonment,” which easily conjures the legendary Abandoned Prison.

These profound life philosophies seem familiar—Bitter Fruit.

The task summary back then mentioned that Akons faced a crisis because some pure consciousness considered it to be the blemish of its Mental World, attempting to ”refine” it.

Perhaps it’s not entirely identical to the old man’s principles, but the wandering Jade Soul Master may continue to evolve his thoughts, right?

Or even if not him, it could be from the same origin.

”Interesting.”

Fu Qian praised for a moment.

”I can only say that after the master’s pointers, now looking back at the scene I saw then, it indeed feels somewhat ominous.”

...

Although in jest, Professor Fu’s assessment after satiating his curiosity undoubtedly made Lord Stos’s mood slightly heavier.

As for the other listeners, either due to lack of grasp on the situation or limited comprehension, their level of empathy was clearly low.

”Already so quick... Do I need to notify Director Li?”

In such silence, the group had already reached the surface, warmly greeted by the watchful guards.

The foremost, Professor Lanaia, visibly startled, quickly scanned and noticed the oddities on Su Gao and Fu Qian, asking with a somber expression.

”No need, and the Academy Instructors can rest now, we’ll have our people guard here.”

Concluding a surprisingly safe investigation, Lord Stos optimistically responded to inquiries.

”Professor Fu and Professor Ah Kai, do you need my help to handle your issues?”

Of course, aside from expressing gratitude, he was not inclined to explain any further, ready to take his leave the next moment.

”I’m fine.”

Fu Qian appreciated the goodwill but clearly wasn’t intending to accompany them to the Night Watchman’s side.

”I don’t need it either.”

Professor Ah Kai similarly declined, not wanting to add trouble.

”Alright, if anything arises, find me anytime, and I might need your assistance later.”

Not pressing further, the old man candidly admitted Professor Fu’s task hadn’t concluded yet.

”No problem.”

Fu Qian wouldn’t refuse, indicating at the disposal of requests.

...

”Has the matter been resolved?”

Sending off the three Night Watchmen together, Lanaia still seemed to doubt the ordeal had ended, sidling up to Fu Qian to inquire.

”Not quite, but at least we’ve returned and there shouldn’t be more disturbances here.”

Understanding Lanaia’s sentiments, but as a scholarly worker sworn to secrecy, Fu Qian naturally wouldn’t disclose much, just confirming she was indeed liberated.

”You’re truly fine?”

Recognizing the peril of the journey, Lanaia scrutinized Fu Qian again to confirm his condition.

”Indeed fine, though he’s got a bit of a situation.”

Shaking his head, Fu Qian pointed to Ah Kai beside him.

”Need help? Or are you planning to keep it for research?”

...

”Thanks to Professor Fu.”

Having already received multiple favors, Ah Kai quickly offered a sincere thanks.

Keeping the twisted part for research was indeed an approach, but merely maximizing theoretical benefit while taking genuine risks.

Going with the team this time, too many lives were lost, really embarrassed to cause more chaos.

”Well done.”

Unexpectedly, the next moment, Fu Qian gestured for him to follow, casually activating the Return Edict with a compliment.

Uh...

Confused about how to respond, or even how to cooperate, Ah Kai seemed a bit dazed.

”As the most learned sector of the Academy, have you heard of any legends about floods and great ships?”

Nonetheless, Fu Qian didn’t sympathize with these emotions, instead posing an abstract question.

”Of course... Divine Beings predicted Doomsday, sent revelations for followers to build a great ship to survive the crisis... numerous versions, but eventually the flood receding, birds carrying green leaves... ”

Seemingly abandoning any attempt to fathom Professor Fu’s thoughts, Ah Kai answered somewhat mechanically.

”Very good, then among all those versions, was there one where the world was utterly destroyed and the ship returned to its home with escapees to perish in their hometown?”

Fu Qian was quite satisfied with the Benevolence Institute’s knowledge breadth, continuing to confirm.

”How could there be... most are tales for children, that’s too dark, isn’t it?”

Once again, Ah Kai was dumbfounded.

I knew it... That aunt’s adaptation never disappoints.

Moreover, you’re still too isolated. Such a dark ending is precisely meant for children.

Remembering the story Su Gao told, Fu Qian sighed longingly.

And continued recalling something, sighing deeper within.

Su Gao hasn’t returned the ring yet.