Xingtie: Starting with an in-depth analysis of the Yellow Springs

Judging from the old man's attitude, he deduced that Katniss was currently sincere. His plan might be going more smoothly than he had imagined.

Because the old man couldn't see Cecis, a mad scholar in front of him muttered to himself, and the old man felt insulted and flew into a rage, telling him to get out of his sight immediately.

At that moment, Xia Wuyan had truly had enough... Could you please hurry up and open the fifteenth door?

[Wendy: It seems the Senate isn't entirely Katniss's dictatorship; there are many factions within it. Currently, the known ones are: Katniss's faction, the Golden Blood faction, and the neutral faction.]

[Star: Haha, that's hilarious. At that moment, Teacher Xia, exasperated, declared: Destroy it all, I'm tired.]

[Fu Xuan: This Katniss is quite clever; she knows how to read the wind and change her tune. She knows that the Golden Blood deliberately concealed the fact that Titans died, so she seizes every opportunity to mislead the public and fan the flames.]

[Qingque: Hmph, they only dare to play tricks on their own people.]

[Kaeya: Is this person even human? Does she deserve the sacrifices of the Golden Clan? Little brother Bai'er, please make sure to eliminate Kaeness after creation, lest she corrupt the morals of Onpharos.]

[Ring: What exactly is Natsu-sensei trying to accomplish with the help of the Senate?]

[Bai'er: Phew... I knew my teacher would never yield to the elders. Aglaia, my choice was right; my teacher has his reasons.]

[Aglaia: I always plan for the worst until the very last moment.]

[Bai E: Well...that's true. The teacher's thinking is too unpredictable; it's impossible to foresee what will happen next.]

[Gui Naifen: Why do I feel that Cecilia is getting more and more beautiful the more I look at her? That withered yellow dress looks like it was tailor-made for her, it's just that her image might clash with the aesthetics of the Immortal Boat.]

[Star: You mean the withered branch on her head...]

[Kainese: The Golden Generation is unreliable.]

"Your Excellency, we've found the little girl you ordered us to search for. Should we bring her in now?" The lead guard reported to Katniss, a fierce glint in his eyes.

Katniss's knuckles turned white from gripping the cup tightly. She gave a cold laugh. "Let's observe first. Aglaia's humanity is weak; the golden thread will eventually fail."

"Poor deaf-mute girl, of all people who could like you, it had to be her."

Chapter 376 Soul

One man and one Titan continue deeper.

Serhith exclaimed in amazement as he passed the mural, for it depicted a great tree representing the Titan of Reason. Groups of scholars surrounded it, debating, discussing, and pursuing the truth in their own hearts.

In the understanding of the Onphalus, every plant, every branch, every leaf... could be an incarnation of Cersis.

Because no one knows its exact appearance, scholars describe it as a giant tree that bears wisdom and fruit, which it equally bestows upon those who walk the path of seeking knowledge.

"This mural is rather abstract," Serhis remarked.

Although her tone betrayed her extreme dissatisfaction, her smiling face betrayed her. Titan was not without desires; her desires simply differed from those of ordinary people.

Xia exposed him mercilessly at that moment.

She smiled and turned away, saying meaningfully, "It's hard to say, but this might be the answer to what we really are."

At that moment, Xia proudly raised her head, "Hmph, I don't want to admit that I look this ugly."

At that time, he intended to refine the soul of the Titan in the Tree Garden, but unfortunately he failed and was seriously injured and on the verge of death. It was because of his unique thoughts that Ceres decided to save him.

As a rational Titan, she was also seeking the truth of the world, and that moment was the opportunity.

So, two madmen ended up living in the same head.

That summer's purpose in coming to Dawn Cloud Cliff was not merely to seek refuge.

Serhith: "What exactly do you intend to do?"

"The whole plan is in my head, you might as well look for it yourself." At that moment, Xia really couldn't be bothered to explain to her.

"Hehe, then I'll accept without hesitation..." Without any hindrance, her thoughts connected with Xia's memories, "One year old, two years old..."

"Oh dear, the famous Seven Sages actually insist on sleeping with an Earth Beast plushie? How interesting..."

[Barbara: Wow, I saw a side of Natsumi that no one else knew about! Is this what they call unexpected charm?]

[Keqing: Ahem, although... well, it's not a big shot to have some niche hobbies, right? Earth beasts are cute, aren't they? I'm even planning to buy an Earth beast plushie to be the Emperor's plushie's mount... uh, I didn't say anything!]

[Paimon: Heh heh, Keqing, you've finally been exposed.]

[Aglaia: Beneath his aloof scholarly exterior, he also has a vulnerable side. If there's a chance in the future, I promise to make you a magnificent robe of earth beasts.]

[Magic trick: Trying to bribe me? Ha... I accept. The Earth Beast is gentle, honest, and hardworking... in every aspect, it's better than any of you. I'm going to develop a game about the Earth Beast, one that everyone will genuinely love.]

[Earth Beast: Buzz~]

[Bai E: As expected of a teacher, I want to be a beta tester.]

[Star: Me too!]

[Silver Wolf: Speaking of games, I'm wide awake! Please give me a beta test qualification. It would be even better if I could participate in the development; I'll contribute my technical expertise as equity.]

[Xia Die: It's a pity that Teacher Xia could never see that moment again; his soul in this world has completely dissipated.]

“…That’s enough.” Xia’s expression turned unfriendly at that moment.

"Your soul is trembling, how rare. There must be a secret hidden behind that toy, right?"

"Hmph... Anyway, we both don't have much time left, so it doesn't hurt to talk about it." He rolled his eyes at Titan, his annoyed tone gradually calming down. The eve of death always evokes warm memories deep in his heart.

"That was a gift from my sister, a doll made in the shape of our family's pet."

When he was five years old, the merciless black tide surged in like a tidal wave, overwhelming everything and swallowing up all the light. Despair sprouted and took root in everyone's heart.

As a child, he naturally did not want to accept this outcome. But... he prayed to Gioria (the Earth), Eger, Kephall... but to no avail; no god answered him.

That was also the beginning of Xia's research into alchemy. It started in a lush green courtyard, where, during her studies, she came into contact with the theories of Celestus [the most basic]... the concept of the soul.

That scholar believed that the composition, movement, and changes of all life and objects originated from the soul itself.

"Since all life originates from the same source—why can't I sacrifice myself to bring my loved ones back to life?"

This glimmer of hope grew wildly in his mind, and he relentlessly pursued it. No matter the cost, he was determined to find a way to resurrect his loved ones.

[Gold Sand: Sister...]

[Fou: So that's why Xia was called a blasphemer at that moment—because the gods didn't respond to him. The Black Tide took away his family and his faith in the gods.]

Wendy: He was only five years old then. In a child's eyes, family is half of his world.

[Star: I will never tease Teacher Xia and the Earth Beast again.]

[Magic Technique: Who exactly stopped the Black Tide in this cycle? Whoever you are, I want to say... thank you. I, Anaxxramas, owe you a favor.]

[Aglaia: It seems that the Golden Blood in the next cycle have all achieved their wishes, Bai'er... will that person be you?]

[Bai'er: Haha, it's an honor. I will fight for it and live on, carrying the hopes of many.]

[My Little Pony: But... our White Pony hasn't appeared yet.]

“That summer, you…” Enbedocles looked helplessly at the student who was obsessed with the study of the soul.

At that moment, Xia smiled broadly, "I did it, teacher."

In the lush green courtyard, vines climbed all over the walls, and the roof was a dazzling night sky, with countless stars hanging high in the heavens, shining brightly. Thoughts from then on illuminated the beings of Onphalus, and countless doubts were resolved and defined...

"This...this is blasphemy...Even someone as free as Tree Garden, this is enough to send you to the crematorium...!"

The teacher admonished, "Where is your dearest relative now? Quickly send her away from the tree garden to a place where no one can find her, or we will both face the judgment of the Seven Sages!!"

"Don't worry, teacher." Xia said sadly, "My sister... she is still not alive."

The teacher was taken aback. "What does this mean...?"

Xia casually removed the blindfold, "To think you can take the deceased back from Cenatus with just one eye is too naive..."

"An equivalent exchange... all I can get is to see her one last time, nothing more."

"Sigh..." The teacher patted his shoulder, "Stop it, Na Ke Xia. You are my best student, and I can't just watch you go astray."

"Never again touch the taboo; never again let down the deceased; never again hurt yourself. In this way, this classroom can still belong to you, and you will still have the opportunity to live your own life."

At that moment, Xia put her blindfold back on. "Now that I've seen her one last time, I have no other desires..." She looked up and met her teacher's gaze. "You're right, teacher. It's time for me to start a new life."

Emberdocles' gaze softened. "I am truly proud of you, child. What subject would you like to study next?"

“I want to continue my research on Celesus.”

Chapter 377 The Demigod Council

"Continue the study of the soul?" the teacher advised. "You know, Shuting already understands his thoughts perfectly well. Even if you continue the study, it will probably be in vain..."

As a young man, Xia's eyes lit up. "No, teacher. After a fleeting glimpse through the fog of death, I finally understood a truth: from ancient times to the present, our understanding of the soul is nothing more than the tip of the iceberg."

"I lost an eye, but my vision is clearer than ever before..."

He took a step forward, the flame of his soul burning in his palm, “The truth is in my hands… watch how I turn this illogical world upside down.”

[Gold Sand: It's a pity your alchemy can't be used outside of Onpharos. You can see them again with just one eye; the price is negligible.]

[Dr. Truth: Gambling with your life wasn't enough, now you want to become disabled too?]

[Gold Sand: With the company's capabilities, even without eyes I might not be able to see clearly, but my loved ones are my only ones.]

[Yae no Miko: That phrase, "Goodbye, Kakawasha," once moved my shogun deeply. Now, you're exchanging your eyes for a glimpse of your loved one again. Can you please stop with the sword-wielding sister?!]

[Ju Fufu: Master, Master, why are you crying? Here's my favorite char siu bao, it's packed with meat.]

[Yi Xuan: I'm fine, Fu Fu. I was just thinking about my... sister.]

[Magic trick: Onphalus's understanding of the soul is less than one percent; alchemy has great potential. You all underestimate the power of the soul.]

[Navia: But in Onpharos, your souls can also be called memories.]

[Walter: Ceres' purpose is to seek what we truly are? This likely refers to the self; only those who possess a self can be called human.]

[Lagushi: Self… What a simple and unadorned answer! The Venerable Master possessed a self yet attempted to define knowledge, leaving countless scholars unable to touch its boundaries. Question: What is the meaning behind the Venerable Master's actions?]

[You're just an unknown genius who dares to call yourself a Star God? Do you think you're Genius #1, Zandal?]

[Seriously, you found a scepter somewhere and want to kill a god? Are you kidding me?]

[Black Tower: ...You're very brave.]

[Screw Gum: Putting aside the intentions of the Learned One, your act of disregarding the lives of countless beings to create the Iron Tomb can be considered an act of utter inhumanity. To use the fate of all living beings to create an uncontrollable behemoth—I respectfully object.]

[Lagushi: I respect your wishes.]

[Nguyen Mai: Onphalos…a world where humanity and divinity coexist, a world where three destinies intertwine. Perhaps here I can find the answers I seek: when did life originate…and who can define it?]

[Black Tower: Ahem, that's going too far. Divinity is my area of ​​research.]

Following the principle of equivalent exchange, Naksha turned around and questioned Cecily about her past, but Cecily replied: "I am probably not as knowledgeable about myself as you are."

The greatest wisdom is to know one's own ignorance.

The messenger, who had been waiting for a long time, interrupted Xia's soliloquy. Time was of the essence... Katniss had already arrived at the Senate and was waiting for his arrival.

"Finally here." Xia snorted coldly and followed the soldiers to the appointment.

The people living in the lower and middle classes could not see the future. They only knew that Aglaya was powerful and controlled the government. The entire city of Ohm was under her golden surveillance, which made them extremely tormented.

Therefore, most people do not like Aglaia's leadership.

A passing scholar unconsciously called out Xia's nickname... the Earth Beast in magnificent robes. It was clear that he truly loved the Earth Beast.

Lai Gushi had been waiting for a long time. "Gentlemen, welcome to the Demigods' Council."

Xia didn't linger; he walked straight to Katniss, needing enough time to accomplish his goal.

Kayneth's gaze was sharp, making no attempt to conceal her purpose. "Lord Anaxagoras! I've long admired your name—"

"The head of the Tree Garden School of Wisdom, a notorious blasphemer, a golden descendant possessing the Seed of Sersis, and a survivor of the Tree Garden massacre..."

“It seems that Lady Katniss already knows me quite well, so there’s no need for me to introduce myself.” At that moment, Xia Yuguang glanced casually at both sides.

"However, perhaps it's a difference in customs? In my hometown, there's a custom called 'guest and host' etiquette: the host should be warm and hospitable to the guest, offering fine wine, water, and a warm bed for a peaceful sleep...'"

"But when I came here, I didn't see the master offering me gifts; instead, I was questioned. Even more absurdly, this master had sharpened a butcher's knife and instructed his servants to wait in the shadows."

He frowned, his imposing manner radiating authority, and demanded in a loud voice, "Does Your Excellency intend to dissect my heart, extract the fire, and then host a grand banquet for your guests?"

"Everyone, you may leave." Katniss waved her hand, and the servants waiting on both sides hurriedly left.

Next came the negotiation time.

Katniss's goal remained the same: to use the citizens' assembly to suppress Aglaia's power, restore peace to Ohma, and awaken the people to the truth during the assembly.