Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1982: Chapter 1977: Mathematical Bliss (38)

It seems the plan has partially succeeded.

Thanks to a special connection, Fu Qian can confirm that at the very last moment, Confession Brother’s body was also possessed.

It seemed that the will violently controlling itself was indeed force-fed a bowl of Bliss Soup, falling into the dust.

Though it’s obvious to think about, given that individual’s methods, they will likely break free soon, and I might not have time to communicate face-to-face with ”it.”

But just this process alone has already garnered me plenty of gains.

Firstly, as mentioned before, to a certain extent, I can understand how this control over willpower was achieved.

Above the Third Layer of Heaven, the mind re-integrates under the influence of the concept of ecstasy, losing its independence to some extent, providing an opportunity for this mental influence to take hold.

Secondly, as I guessed correctly, although that entity is located in the Nine Layers Heaven, it still has to be restrained by some rules, like being unable to immune to the effects of the Bliss Potion in the Third Layer of Heaven.

This should also be why the warehouse believes I still have the possibility of completing the mission.

And finally, a small detail: why did I possess Confession Brother’s body when I ascended from Non-human Reincarnation to the First Layer of Heaven before?

The Tomb Guardian once said that only those bodies that have deeply merged with that false Paradise and undergone mutation will he seal in a coffin to prevent adverse effects from spreading.

The anomaly seen in the coffin earlier undoubtedly confirmed this.

It also proved that Confession Brother is indeed entangled in a karma barrier, with no insight to Shattering Void.

Individuals like them are relatively easily possessed by consciousnesses emerging from the Shattering Void.

Having Confession Brother twice consecutively proves this point significantly.

Now, what makes people curious is, if the Brotherhood is still a mess as it was when I left, how does that consciousness, suspected to be the ”Ancient Man,” intend to handle it?

”The time has come, you should set off.”

Amidst Fu Qian’s musings, the door behind him was knocked from outside.

Oh?

Turning around, the person outside seemed to have no intention of entering, already leaving with subtle footsteps, even though the door wasn’t locked.

A female voice, unfamiliar.

Quickly making this judgment, Fu Qian didn’t hesitate, directly grabbing the golden gourd hammer and opening the door to give chase.

”Set off for what?”

Soon catching up with a graceful figure, Fu Qian rudely asked without any greeting.

The mostly exposed back instantly stiffened.

”The time has come, you should set off.”

However, not in a hurry to turn around, the other party repeated the previous words in the same tone.

...

To be fair, though the clothes were scanty, the face was hidden thoroughly.

In light of Fu Qian’s lack of response, the other party eventually turned around.

You could see layers of black gauze covering the face, eyes completely buried beneath, making one curious about how they managed to walk without bumping into walls.

”Have you forgotten your promise?”

Clearly, the other party’s curiosity was even higher.

Fu Qian stood still for a moment, allowing their gaze, before the Masked Lady couldn’t help but speak.

”What promise?”

Despite the other’s peculiar tone, Fu Qian retorted without courtesy.

”Are you sure you want me to answer that question? Have you really forgotten your vow?”

The other’s incredulity continued, as if Fu Qian had touched some taboo.

”Forgotten.”

Fu Qian didn’t hesitate at all.

”Gordo——”

The other’s response was straightforward, shouting hoarsely in a certain direction immediately.

...

So, it really is you.

It must be admitted that the summoning skill of this person in front of us was quite proficient; almost immediately after the shout, someone rushed over.

Still an acquaintance.

Not just a namesake, it was indeed the same person who had greeted me and introduced himself at the start of the mission.

Lord Gordo... A moment without seeing, as if several layers of heaven apart.

”He is not loyal.”

Unfortunately, before Fu Qian could reminisce, the Masked Lady had already made a complaint, with a hidden grievance.

Loyalty, this choice of words...

Deeply aware of the consistently bizarre scene, Fu Qian merely smiled, waiting for Gordo’s reaction.

”No self, no secrets...

”We are her claws, everything done is an order, and absolutely conceal this point...”

And indeed, Gordo’s reaction was unusual; hearing this, he turned to stare, spouting something incomprehensible.

”Have you forgotten the oath made to the lady?”

Seeing Fu Qian’s continued lack of response, Gordo finally supplemented in relatively comprehensible language, though the smile on his face wasn’t as bright as when they first met.

It was correct to judge at the time that this guy was up to something.

Of course, Fu Qian couldn’t remember any oath, but by this moment, much could be imagined.

You all are indeed practitioners of performative art; in such a place, you could faintly mimic Superior Being’s methods.

The lady undoubtedly referred to the Masked Lady, and the relationship between her, me, and Gordo was clearly a special concept in this Sin City.

Oath target and Oath Taker, without independent self, everything is an order.

To some extent, it felt somewhat similar to the Transcendent versions seen outside, with the core being the abandonment of self, completely handing over subjective initiative to become a human puppet.

It’s hard to say how they figured it out, but undoubtedly in this Sin City, it’s another special causality.

There is reason to suspect that if I had gone with Gordo then, I might also have been induced to join.

”I didn’t; I just forgot what I was supposed to do.”

Praising his own decision, Fu Qian casually answered, with little respect in his words.

...

”Go to the Brotherhood and destroy their five incense burners... How could you forget?”

As expected, even the Masked Lady didn’t quite believe Fu Qian’s words, but finally, she conveyed the task once more.

Relying on that, it also depended on the Brotherhood not daring to kill anyone.

Of course, from their perspective, it is indeed a tempting causality.

In that moment, Fu Qian sighed inwardly, deeply sensing the wonders of the world.

It just so happens I need to go over there and take a look.

”Alright, but there’s still one more question... Who can guide me?”

Surprisingly accepting cheerfully, yet in the next moment, he added while looking at Gordo.

In this brief moment, Fu Qian had already observed that the surroundings were somewhat unfamiliar, and finding the way might require some effort.

”You’ve really forgotten the vow... Traitors will be severely punished, until they kneel at her feet begging for forgiveness.”

Unfortunately, even with such cooperation, it only sparked Gordo’s fury, and he immediately labeled him a traitor once more.

”And you will ultimately still be refused.”

The Masked Lady did not deny this, even taking out a black whip from her hand the next moment, with fine sharp thorns on it.

Though not long, the effect of it striking on the body was still intriguing—crack!

With a crisp sound, the top of her head was already struck by a golden gourd, shattering it even before having the chance to show her face beneath the veil.