Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1971: Chapter 1966: Mathematical Pure Land (27)

It really is like silent rain moistening everything.

At that moment, Fu Qian seemed to see the scene of two intelligent particles locking technology, confirming once again the invisible opponent he had been searching for.

It’s truly not just a battle of wits with the air.

The other party didn’t simply let him go, but chose a more malicious method than physical destruction, intending to trap him completely in that "Sin City."

The whole process was done through the person in front of him.

Some kind of induction was applied to him, making him believe he was beyond saving, directly sealing the coffin lid, thereby minimizing the chance of receiving guidance.

Indeed, Fu Qian was skeptical about the statement "falling too deep with no way out."

He wasn’t doubting the integrity of the Tomb Guardian, but his judgment.

His actions in that Sin City were indeed audacious, killing consecutively and going through non-human reincarnation, finally causing a great uproar in the Brotherhood’s incense hall, accumulating considerable karma.

But to say that these actions could push him to an irredeemable situation, Fu Qian didn’t think it was necessarily that exaggerated.

More likely, this reasoning was part of the induction as well, aiming to lock his path most efficiently.

Since the mission began, he had been forging ahead eagerly like being chased by dogs, not wasting a moment in reckless behavior, yet the coffin lid was still sealed so readily.

If it weren’t for the good luck of witnessing the "Lotus" with the lady with the scarf, he might not have had another chance, greatly reducing the probability of waking smoothly by then.

Or was it not just about good luck?

"I see, so the lotus guiding the path appears randomly in that haze before waking?"

He didn’t voice his speculation to enlighten the Tomb Guardian, turning instead to confirm a minor detail.

"Not entirely. According to everyone’s experience, it tends to appear more easily when there’s much turmoil inside."

The Tomb Guardian didn’t mind sharing his veteran’s experience.

"Burden of causality?"

His words easily reminded Fu Qian of a term mentioned earlier.

"Yes, one by one thinking they’re extraordinary, but what they don’t know is that those so-called causes they chase only bind them more. Then they’re too scared to touch the real guiding lotus."

Recognizing his judgment, the Tomb Guardian’s tone was less mocking and more self-mocking.

"Only by giving up hope can you see the truth. The all-embracing divine light tries to enlighten the souls in delusion, ultimately manifesting as the black lotus that denies everything.

"And when you stop resisting, attempting to understand its mystery, you’ll slowly realize that light isn’t light, and black isn’t black, ultimately knowing what’s true and what’s false."

...

They say effort brings luck.

The Tomb Guardian explained in detail, so much so that while Fu Qian further understood the burden of causality, he also understood why the black lotus appeared then.

Clearly, the latter somewhat resembles an anti-addiction system; when someone is too deeply addicted to causality, there’s a higher probability for it to appear as a reminder.

And at that time, he was at the peak of the Brotherhood, creating alternative karma in person, stirring things up gleefully.

He didn’t proceed gradually but executed a fast-paced strategy, confirming it was correct.

The vigilant eyes watching him were sharp and showed no mercy.

If he hadn’t stirred things up intensively in the short term, there was a great chance his coffin lid would have been sealed before the black lotus appeared.

Without this guidance, his efficiency in breaking through to the next level would undoubtedly be greatly reduced.

The method was so vicious, no wonder it had to be eliminated.

With the Tomb Guardian’s help, he sorted out his prior situation, and while praising his maneuver, Fu Qian declared the mastermind indeed had a path to destruction.

Of course, this doesn’t mean he fully agrees with what the Tomb Guardian said.

Everyone has their limitations; this person may be one level higher, but don’t forget there are at least seven more levels after that.

In their eyes, that Sin City is false, while the real Paradise lies ahead, marking the ultimate achievement.

However, to Fu Qian, so-called "waking up" is merely an abstract form of ascension—

Zero Layer Heaven is an insect’s non-human conscious state, breaking through by recalling one’s identity as a human.

First Layer Heaven is the Sin City, a haze seeming to precede Paradise, breaking through by waking up.

Second Layer Heaven is the actual Paradise, the place reached after waking up...

Every step is more abstract than the usual notion of "Shattering Void," so much so that the method of ascension for the Third Layer Heaven greatly tests one’s imagination.

Of course, there’s also a little detail—there seems to be no SAN Points deduction notice so far.

The previously theorized pattern was incorrect, and there’s actually no need to deduct SAN Points?

Or does this prove that it’s actually not a breakthrough to the Second Layer Heaven, and what’s before him is merely another illusion?

Fortunately, besides these two pessimistic answers, there’s another possible explanation, which is that the deduction has happened but he hasn’t realized it.

The gradual thawing process when he woke up might have caused him to miss something.

Regrettably, under the constraints preventing the use of perception-enhancing items, he likewise can’t use Extraordinary Perception to verify the current SAN Points situation.

He could only verify it when breaking through the next layer—or upon descending.

Actually, Fu Qian was always curious why, when they could have his coffin lid sealed, they didn’t just snuff out his defenseless self.

Even if everyone in this Layer Heaven is living and working peacefully, making it hard to induce violence, there are as many as seven more levels; could not a single chance for a dimension-reducing strike be found?

Could it be that even if they eliminated him on a higher level, it wouldn’t mean anything?

This hardly counts as absolute good news. If that’s indeed the case, even if he breaks through the Nine Layers Heaven and takes down the Ancient Man, would it be equally meaningless?

This mission scene is really a bit eerie.

Nonetheless, one thing is clear: he cannot stop; he must remain efficient.

"No matter what, now you’re an absolute lucky one."

Seeing Fu Qian not speaking, the Tomb Guardian seemed to understand his mood and didn’t pursue further, offering instead some comfort and inquiring about Fu Qian’s intentions for entering the city.

"Where do you want to go after entering the city? I can take you there.

"Honestly, what was copied in that dream is quite accurate, though you don’t have any gangs to join."

...

The intricately decorated railings and jade should still be there, albeit the cultural elements have changed?

"The church?"

Facing the earnest Tomb Guardian, Fu Qian gazed at the approaching real City of Bliss and, after a brief contemplation, spoke.

The organization may no longer exist, but perhaps something of belief might remain.