The dark mist surrounding Original Fear surged violently, a low noise resonating through the living room as it seethed with rage. Lu Saleng's expression turned grave!

After a long silence,

"Evidence."

Original Fear's deep-set eyes fixated intensely on Chen Xiang.

"I have no evidence."

Chen Xiang spoke calmly:

"I have seen, I have witnessed, and I know you have your own suspicions, haven't you?"

Original Fear fell silent for a moment.

It slowly replied:

"State your terms."

"You have three hundred forty-nine years left until your pact with the profound void expires. How about this: I'll erase a zero, make it three hundred years. You serve me for three hundred years, and I'll give you the answer. What do you say?"

"Ha!"

A mocking expression flickered across Original Fear's face, the inexplicable low noise growing louder.

It spoke in a deep tone:

"You claim to witness everything and understand everything, so you must know I took the Silly Girl you mentioned. From her, I can learn all, can't I?"

Chen Xiang squinted slightly. Silly Girl?

What exactly did Silly Girl possess?

This was something the Eye of the Thinker had failed to perceive—or perhaps, it was incapable of perceiving.

As Chen Xiang gazed through the Eye of the Thinker at the eighty-four thousand crows, he learned some of Original Fear's information but could not catch even a glimpse related to Silly Girl.

Was it merely something he hadn't seen yet, or was it something he couldn't see?

Silly Girl…

Chen Xiang recalled what the First Generation had said earlier—that it found the *The Book of All-Knowledge*, transforming into a human version of it.

And Lu Saleng was the First Generation. Combined with Original Fear's words, it all made sense.

Chen Xiang wiped the blood that had dripped into his eyes:

"Are you really sure *The Book of All-Knowledge* can uncover this? Isn't *The Book of All-Knowledge* meant to be surrendered to the profound void? I find it puzzling that you can trade with the profound void, yet I cannot?"

"Why should I trust you?"

"Perhaps… this?"

Chen Xiang opened his hand, and the space around him slightly distorted, a small bell appearing in his palm unbeknownst to him.

"The Clock of Cosmic Silence."

Original Fear looked stunned, while Lu Saleng's pupils constricted sharply.

...

"I saw countless swirling colors, I saw seven immense and mighty figures, I saw…"

"The Greatest One!"

As he spoke, the young man trembled slightly, his breathing noticeably quickening. A beautiful woman spoke soothingly:

"Little Shun, you've escaped the subspace; don't worry, it's all right now."

The Sixth Prince of Donghong Kingdom trembled but closed his eyes for a moment, gradually calming his mind.

"Thank you, Aunt Lu."

He exhaled deeply:

"I feel much better."

"Not a big deal." Lu Fenghua stopped her mental soothing, speaking gently:

"We welcome the alliance between Donghong Kingdom and the Great City, but the specifics may need further discussion. Little Shun, you didn't come to the Great City just for the alliance, did you?"

"To answer Aunt Lu, that's true. The primary goal is to bring my little sister back. She's used the intelligence network multiple times in the Great City; she must be here."

"I've heard about Little Seven running away from home. Did she have a quarrel with the ruler? Or is it the typical runaway bride scenario?"

"How could that be?"

Wei Shun hesitated for a moment, then apologetically replied:

This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

"Aunt Lu, it's a family matter."

"Alright, I won't ask."

Lu Fenghua smiled:

"I'll have the Secret Adjustment Department assist you. As long as Little Seven is truly in the Great City, finding her is just a matter of time. But I must tell you, don't be forceful; she's just a little girl, so it's best to coax her."

As they spoke, both of them suddenly frowned, hearing a vague, inexplicable low noise, their hearts stirred with an unfathomable fear.

"It's Him."

Lu Fenghua's expression changed, and Wei Shun's demeanor became solemn:

"That feeling… Original Fear??"

"Mm, the Abyssal Void Church has already made contact. Original Fear is about to descend, but I didn't expect it to be so soon. It seems He's angry? Why?"

Lu Fenghua's brow furrowed, and she shook her head slightly:

"Forget it. Anyway, this is all a matter of the outer three rings. You should stay here with Aunt Lu for now. If there's news about Little Seven, I'll tell you immediately."

"Okay, thank you, Aunt Lu. By the way, why haven't I seen Grandpa Lu?"

"Your Grandpa Lu is handling some miscellaneous tasks; don't worry about it."

...

In the eight-ring villa.

"So, you're members of the Old Council?"

Original Fear ultimately departed.

Before leaving, it spoke in a low tone:

"I will start investigating. If I find what you say to be true, even if it's just a thread of evidence, I will acknowledge you, and the deal will be struck."

"Or you can show me the evidence."

"Until then, I may not kill you, but loyalty… Ha."

"Also, I'm not the only one coming; the archbishop of the profound void has also arrived in the Great City, watching from the shadows."

Chen Xiang gazed at the retreating figure of Original Fear and spoke solemnly:

"You want evidence? That's not impossible. Trade Silly Girl for the decree of the old council."

Original Fear did not respond, dissolving into a cloud of black mist, while the eighty-four thousand crows scattered in the sky.

The living room fell silent once more.

"Shouldn't you give me an explanation?"

Chen Xiang turned to Lu Saleng:

"Respected First Generation?"

Lu Saleng, who had somehow returned to the wheelchair, slightly narrowed his pupils before speaking:

"Shouldn't I be the one asking you? The one who witnesses all history?"

He felt a shock; this Chen Xiang… was a serious problem.

Unfathomable.

At this moment, Chen Xiang's cracked body had already healed..

He sat on the sofa, gazing at the boy with golden-silver heterochromia:

"I have nothing to explain. Rather, you, as a dignified member of the Old Council, have likely faced considerable grievances in my home these days, haven't you?"

"How did you know that?"

"I see nothing hidden."

Lu Saleng's expression turned solemn as he scrutinized Chen Xiang:

"What is your relationship with the mentor?"

"I'm the superior of your superior."

Chen Xiang toyed with the Clock of Cosmic Silence:

"You need not pry into my secrets. I stand with the council; I revere the old ways."

"That suffices." Lu Saleng spoke slowly: "But have you considered that exposing the Old Council to Original Fear could lead to our deaths if He reports to the profound void?"

"Rest assured, He won't."

"Why so certain?"

"What I see is all true, with no secrets."

Lu Saleng chuckled, gradually growing serious, realizing that things were progressing beyond his expectations. This boy named Chen Xiang was far from simple.

After a long silence, he said softly:

"Let's get down to business. The mentor entrusted you with the Clock of Cosmic Silence. The task of dealing with the Dimensional End Gun and taking the altar is now in your hands, as my true identity makes it inconvenient for me to appear."

"What is your true identity?"

"Don't you see it as true knowledge?"

"I won't pry into my close ones."

Upon hearing this, Lu Saleng fell silent.

After a long pause, he took a deep breath and continued:

"Enough of the small talk. With this clock, breaking the Dimensional End Gun is not difficult. The challenge is how to take the altar. Original Fear may not act against you, but according to His words, the archbishop of the profound void has also come."

He paused and added:

"I can't act against Him. At most, I can help you in secret. You better not reveal your identity as a messenger of the old ways, or else…"

"No, quite the opposite."

Chen Xiang spoke calmly:

"I want to expose it."

Lu Saleng looked perplexed:

"Why?"

Chen Xiang thought for a moment and recounted the story of the Giant Statue Principal and the Orphanage Principal.

Lu Saleng furrowed his brows:

"No wonder your physique has grown so much. I'll tell you, that's not a good thing. I know about that pure white ritual. It doesn't just temporarily suppress your realm; your transcendent state will permanently remain in the Lost Hour unless you find that Lost Hour and enter it, or if a being of the highest level grants you a blessing."

He paused again and continued:

"They plan to use you as a perfect vessel to welcome the divine descent. So, do you want me to help you resolve this issue? That wouldn't be difficult."

Chen Xiang shook his head and replied somberly:

"No, quite the opposite. I truly intend to become the vessel."

Lu Saleng frowned, utterly confused, but didn't rush to question; he simply listened quietly.

Chen Xiang spoke on his own:

"My plan is simple: to turn the tables, leverage the divine descent, become a taboo life form, and a terrifying legend. You need not ask further; I have my confidence. After that, I will ring the Clock of Cosmic Silence and take the altar."

Lu Saleng stared intently at Chen Xiang, neither believing nor disbelieving.

After a long while, he said:

"I don't know where your confidence comes from, but perhaps you can switch the order of events."

"What do you mean?"

"Since you intend to expose your identity as a messenger of the old ways, why not proclaim the old faith after uniting the outer three rings? Spread the old faith as much as possible; it will aid in the return of the Greatest One."

"And then?" Chen Xiang asked thoughtfully.

"Then find a way to take the altar. Regardless of success, you will definitely be captured; there's no escaping that. But I can help you remain as the **vessel** after you're captured. After that, it's up to you."

Chen Xiang silently nodded:

"That's sufficient."

He stood up and made a request:

"Once I expose myself, my eldest sister and second brother will be in danger. I request your protection."

Lu Saleng raised his head, silent for a long time before speaking:

"I will remain in the Chen family as Little Saleng."

"Thank you."

Chen Xiang felt a sense of relief; his final concern dissipated.

Lu Saleng asked one last time:

"Do you really know the whereabouts of that girl's soul?"

"I do. I wasn't lying earlier. I comprehend everything about Original Fear. I understand Him better than anyone, and I'm confident I can bring Him into the Old Council."

"If you can truly achieve that, I will grant you a position as a council member." Lu Saleng's expression suddenly turned solemn; if a being comparable to a true god truly joined the Old Council, the benefits would be unimaginable!

Chen Xiang glanced sideways:

"Becoming a member requires a council decree, doesn't it?"

"You seem to know quite a bit. The profound archbishop must be carrying a council decree."

"But if that decree is given to me, what about Original Fear? We can't let Him become an apostle of the old ways, can we?"

"I have my ways."

Upon hearing this, Chen Xiang no longer asked further.

"Well then, what's next…"

He walked to the window, gazing at the two moons—one white and one red—revealed after the eighty-four thousand crows scattered.

"Next, it's time to cause a ruckus."