Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 2020: Chapter 2015: No Fire

So, where’s the fire?

Isn’t it supposed to be burning in the Land of Self-Abandonment?

The place is far more opulent than imagined.

Fu Qian moved his arm away from the side of the armrest, surveying the intricate and elaborate designs on the dark cyan background.

Though complex, it’s still apparent at first glance that the core element is a hand, with the middle finger raised to form the shape of an eye.

Undoubtedly, it is the emblem of the Abandonment King, symbolizing the tyrant’s essential power.

Even the size of this throne is quite suitable, fitting perfectly when the body is in Mythical Form.

Though there’s a small question, why is it sitting?

When entering, we were in full battle mode, ready to fight at any moment.

Fu Qian stood up from the seat, stepping forward, beneath his feet was an odd blue-black velvet.

This place is indeed quite different from what was imagined.

The Land of Self-Abandonment, or called Abandoned Prison, from the original understanding, is likely to be the divine realm of the Abandonment King.

And judging by the style of power throughout and the title ”Tyrant,” even if there are palaces or temples inside, the style should be more austere and bloodthirsty.

Yet the place in front, though grand to a degree almost impossible to exist in the world, has an overall style that is excessively luxurious.

In the blink of an eye, Fu Qian had already passed through most of the magnificent hall.

And wherever he went, not only could he clearly see decorations similar in style to the tall throne behind him, but even the overall layout was equally complex.

Spiral stairs, terraces, drapes... full of classical elegance, and indeed splendid.

Yet it seems to lack some murderous aura, making one involuntarily associate the tyrant with ”debauchery.”

Though the interior is empty.

Other than that, almost every inch of the corner gazed upon would evoke an indescribable sense, a strangeness never experienced before.

Of course, these are all details; the core issue right now is the initial one—where’s the fire?

On one hand, Fu Qian believes he hasn’t mistaken the location; Jade Soul Master said this is the place.

On the other hand, there’s not the slightest indication of the ominous fire burning.

Even more importantly—Fu Qian looked down at his hand, and the flames on it were gone too.

Not actively canceled, and even trying to call it forth again was futile.

The Fire of Madness seems to have vanished from the plane of existence directly.

This scene is completely opposite to what was imagined.

Pondering the reason, Fu Qian had already stepped out of the towering gate—who said there was no one?

...

Outside the hall was a startling high platform, and as Fu Qian walked forward and gazed into the distance, his senses quickly expanded, reinforcing his belief that this is indeed the domain of the Abandonment King.

The light was dim, making it hard to distinguish between night and day, with the building behind seeming as though it stands at the pinnacle of a world).

And just beneath his feet, the complexity continued.

Various exquisite and classical architectures, densely packed to a degree that could be called cramped, combined together and stretched out, surrounding the place.

Even more striking were the more densely packed human bodies, curled one after another in the gaps between buildings.

Pale and withered, silent without a sound, at first glance appearing as overly elaborate stone sculptures.

However, Fu Qian clearly knew they were flesh-and-blood entities, even capable of breathing movements.

The attire wasn’t uniform, and at a glance various styles could be seen, some even naked, with arms wrapped around shriveled and pale chests.

Just like the buildings around them.

Fu Qian vaguely understood what the strange sense earlier stemmed from—alienation.

The buildings seemingly grafted together, along with various incongruent elements, were not existent in the world of the bookstore, akin to what he observed earlier.

Perhaps they existed once but have long disappeared from that world entirely, including from human cognition.

As though that part of the world died away.

That’s why it’s called Abandoned Prison?

Understanding it from this aspect fits the name.

But what about these people?

Such living entities shouldn’t be scarce outside, isn’t there a saying ”if you don’t live, others will live”?

Even if refined to ”every soul is unique,” after death it should fall under the authority of the Death Overlord, shouldn’t it?

And that mysterious Lord of Bliss.

Rustle—

While Fu Qian reminisced about his old friend never met, finally a movement appeared.

Like a wave spread out, starting from the position closest to his feet, those bodies actually moved.

Without standing up, they slowly faced this location, transitioning from being curled up to prostrate, with their foreheads pressed firmly against the ground.

As this change conducted widely, some emotion seemed to gather from within and quickly became clear—tremulous yet joyous.

Utterly fearful, yet immensely reverent.

They expressed submission to the Abandonment King, with not a trace of concealment.

Although in the actions, it seemed almost impossible to sense any self-will.

...

I get it, ”bodies granted eternal peace” turns out to be in this form?

Silent yet like a mountain tsunami, at that moment Fu Qian saw the densely interwoven network of the submitted ones and once again had an intuitive understanding of the line from the title of Abandonment King.

It’s neither a cold joke nor dark humor about being at peace once killed but truly follows after ”souls wither because of you.”

Abandon unnecessary self and truly gain eternity within this place before your eyes.

As for the method of abandonment, it’s too simple—the Fire of Madness.

That strength has been studied early on for its special impact on the soul.

Accept thorough burning by the Fire of Madness, utterly dedicate oneself, and the body will eternally persist within the tyrant’s divine realm.

Logic flows smoothly now, but if you immerse into it, it still easily provokes choice anxiety.

Though the quantity before your eyes suggests many have overcome this.

Then again, the question remains—where’s the fire?

Even after witnessing the results of the Fire of Madness, there’s still no trace of any flame within perception.

Moreover, not only that, but the last wisp of red moonlight earlier, along with its confronting mottled color, was also completely imperceptible.

The pre-entry guess was correct; this place’s excessively exalted nature isolates it far more than the Academy’s temporary files.

Though not yet tested, the route back to the warehouse is likely already severed—

While contemplating the critical situation, an astonishing scene caught Fu Qian’s attention.

In the sky indistinguishable between day and night, a luminous moon quietly emerged.

The moon...perhaps even the Dark Moon?

This scene is quite challenging to the imagination, especially with the chilling air emanating from the dark blue.