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

As a member of the Golden Clan, Naxya's defection could significantly reduce the public's trust in other members of the Golden Clan, especially since he is currently the only remaining one of the Seven Sages, representing the will of the Tree Court.

Xia sneered upon hearing that, "The words your loyal purgers heard when they just left are probably completely different from what they are saying now."

“To be honest, that’s right. After all, their job is to clean up harmful things. And just now, you were on the side of the Golden Race…” Katniss’s words were full of coercion and enticement.

Changing the subject, "Of course, you're one of us now. Please, to avoid being overheard, let's continue somewhere else."

"Welcome back to the center of the Demigods' Council, Lord Anaxxramas."

A Greek-style open-air council chamber, comparable in size to an arena, stands above the clouds. Above the center of the stage is a cube-shaped barrier made of strange energy, within which lies the spark of the Onpharos Titan.

Without a way to open the barrier, it would appear as nothing to ordinary people.

Katniss explained, "This small stage is the most profound microcosm of Ohmar's history over the centuries. And in fifteen days and nights, this place will become the most important and final turning point in Ohmar's history..."

"May we both live up to our mission and lead the world back to the golden age of peace, free from death, strife, and intrigue."

[Star: Another fifteen days and nights? And it just so happens to be the day I and Xia die, and the Citizens' Assembly is being held right on time. Don't tell me this is a coincidence.]

[Xia Die: This might seem bizarre to outsiders, but it's not unexpected in Onphalus. Fate always likes to play tricks; under various prophecies, we are like pawns, our paths already predetermined.]

[Qingque: The purple square in the center of the council seems to contain a spark. Could this be the one kept by the Senate? How casual.]

[Bai Er: Don't be fooled by its proximity. Ordinary people only have the chance to ascend Dawn Cloud Cliff through a ten-year-long citizen assembly. Without the Senate's key, no one can retrieve the fire.]

[Saifei: Oh, I don't believe it.]

[Aglaia: Sefaria... behave yourself. I know what you're capable of. Now is not the time for you to make your move.]

[Kainese: You dare covet the flame of Cephalus, you Goldenborn... do you really think you're the masters of Ohma! Guards, seize this Goldenborn thief who intends to steal the flame!]

[Bartleus: Boss, you don't need to bother with such a small matter. I, Bartleus, will teach them a lesson. Here you go...]

[Damn! My secret stash of money hidden in my underwear pocket.]

Chapter 378 Cooperation

Serhith: "Ah, fifteen days and nights...that is the day of your death. Is there such a coincidence in the world?"

"To prove the truth through death is exactly what I want." At that moment, Xia was no longer afraid.

Katniss exclaimed repeatedly, "How resounding! Truly a hero who dares to stand up to that Kinori."

“Heh…she really did misunderstand.” Serhis chuckled twice at him.

[Fufu: Haha, that's hilarious. She actually took that Xia's words as a declaration of rebellion against Aglaia. It's so satisfying to watch this gossip as a spirit!]

[Bai Er: That's the teacher's style.]

[Kainese: You...you guys...!]

[Fireworks: Listen, listen to the sound of someone breaking down.]

"Alright, Lady Katniss, let's skip the formalities. I've come here to work with the senators on the great cause of the world; don't test my patience with these empty formalities."

Upon hearing this, Katniss reminded him, "That's true, but you also need my help to save your life from the Golden Thread's pursuit, don't you?"

"You're overthinking it. She still needs to win people's support at the Citizens' Assembly, so she certainly won't act rashly."

A hint of apprehension flashed in her eyes. "Even I can see that she has almost no humanity left. Can you really be so sure that she will play by the rules?"

How foolish! How has she managed to stand against that woman, Agrea, all this time? Why waste time arguing with her about such trivial matters if the Senate's power isn't needed?

“As you can see, Aglaia covets the fire in my arms. This is my, and everyone else’s, leverage in dealing with her, but in return, I need the Senate to provide all the support, including guards.”

"The spark of Serhith, you know better than I how much it means in the Golden Age you've been so desperately pursuing..." Xia looked at him coldly, "Words are useless, take care of yourself."

[Ring: To be honest, with Katniss's intelligence, can she really stand up to Aglaia? If Rigus weren't also a member of the Senate, you wouldn't even have the power to resist.]

[Kainese: Shut up! You little brat, what do you know about the world?]

[Star: I advise you, rat tail juice.]

The willingness to cooperate has been reached; the next step is a clash of wits and words between the two parties, aiming to achieve their goals through the exchange of benefits.

Katniss first judged Aglaia, emphasizing that we have a common enemy and that what the people need is peace, not pointless sacrifices made under the leadership of the Golden Blood to hunt Titans and seize the fire.

"Tell me, Your Excellency: how much power can you dedicate to our noble citizens so that they may defeat the enemies of the city-state?"

"Although it's regrettable, objectively speaking, after the attack on Shuting, I became the actual power holder in the academy." Xia's meaning was self-evident.

He could represent the entire academy's voice, and the Senate clearly needed this support. Moreover, he was Tree Court's special envoy, holding a crucial vote in the Citizens' Assembly.

Katniss nodded in satisfaction. "On behalf of Kefaller, Ohmma thanks you for your sincerity and valuable advice."

"The Senate swears eternal loyalty to all citizens of Ohma—as for you, Your Excellency, how can you guarantee that you are worthy of this sincerity, and will not betray the invincible people of Ohma as you have now betrayed Aglaia?"

She needed Xia to offer her loyalty at that moment.

"Hmph, laughable. My loyalty needs no proof, but the Senate's demand for proof of loyalty is tantamount to betrayal." At that moment, Xia saw through her disguise.

To prove her loyalty, was she talking to the people or... the Senate? He knew better than anyone that she had no right to talk about loyalty if she used citizens as a shield.

A murderous intent stirred within Katniss, and the situation instantly became eerie.

“It is a great honor to see the two of you shake hands and make peace in a civilized manner,” Lai Gushi interjected naturally. “However, please allow me to interrupt briefly—”

"In the name of the divine audience, I saw that Lady Kinori Agrea was setting off for Dawn Cloud Cliff."

Katniss's expression changed slightly. "Oh? We seem to have a bit too many guests today."

"You're not reconciled, are you, Lady Katniss?" That summer laughed, "The Senate sits high on the cloud cliffs, yet it still has to look up to the Golden Clan."

"Heh, I didn't expect you to have a trick up your sleeve. I was outmaneuvered. However, I personally am quite pleased with her appearance..."

“Tell me, Lord Anaxxramas: Now that you are an ally, what should I do if Aglaia comes to me demanding people?”

Xia seemed indifferent at that moment, saying, "You can hand me over and tell her that the Senate only wants to chat with me and has no intention of offending me."

"However, in doing so, the Senate's authority became like a blood-stained papyrus, easily torn, and it also lost a precious spark..."

“No, it should be two.” He was confident and his words were precise. “After all… at the next citizens’ assembly, that girl who is always accompanied by death will also be on our side.”

[Aglaia: The Butterfly? He needs the power of Cenatos to verify his conjecture; what a mad blasphemer. Let's hope you don't sacrifice this innocent girl for your answers.]

[Magic trick: You don't need to worry about that. I can tell she's seeking death. In my plan, she might just find it.]

[Fou: Katniss is completely under Natsumi's thumb. To counter Aglaia, she must find a way to stabilize the situation.]

[Bai Er: As expected, Aglaia's appearance was exactly what the teacher anticipated.]

[Feng Jin: Looking at it this way, it seems like Ms. Aglaia and the teacher are working together, even though these two clearly don't get along.]

[Qingque: The Senate is really annoying. They wave the banner of the people every day, but cleverly place themselves above the people. No wonder any person with their own opinions hates them.]

[Gold Sand: There was never loyalty, so how can there be betrayal? He is a blasphemer.]

Katniss asked in confusion, "Oh? How can you be so sure?"

Xia did not answer at that moment. Instead, she reminded him of the current predicament. Aglaia was coming on strong, so he should think about how to resolve it, lest the discussion become a joke.

“Hehe, I understand.” Katniss indicated that she would handle it properly, but added, “Remember this: those who deceive the people will be punished. I’ll turn a blind eye this time, but there will never be a next time…”

"Unless you enjoy torture and are good at contemplating the true meaning of the soul in pain."

[Silver Wolf: At that moment, Xia said: I've always turned a blind eye.]

[Lycium: Brilliant. It's a pity I can't participate as a spectator; I would certainly have had a very pleasant conversation with Lord Anaxagoras.]

Xia laughed and said, "Do you know? This is precisely one of my most precious talents."

After Katniss left the Demigod Council, Sersis spoke up curiously, "You have truly impressed me... However, isn't what you ask for a little too little?"

"Are you that curious about what I want to do?"

"After all, I am the Titan of Reason, born to seek."

Chapter 379 Dawn at the Summit of Cloud Cliff

At that moment, Xia's gaze shifted to Lai Gu Shi's back not far away. "I didn't mention it in front of her just now, simply because she can't give me what I truly want. After all, an outsider sees things more clearly—"

"The true master of Dawn Cloud Cliff has always been that divine audience who has a comprehensive view of the whole situation."

He took a step and headed towards the real goal of his trip.

"...As I expected. Welcome again, Your Excellency." Lycus remained courteous. "Did you know that you could actually skip those trivial debates and directly ask me for an audience with Cephalo?

"I have no reason to refuse you, do I?"

“Of course you have no reason, but Katniss does. Whoever controls the fire of Cephall will control Ohma…” He had no need to hide anything from Rigus.

“She is wary of me, and I need to gain her trust. That debate just now was absolutely necessary.”

Lycurgus could not refute it, "an irrefutable truth."

After observing for a long time, Ceres couldn't help but speak up, "In my opinion, the second son's elaborate efforts to get close to Cephall might be a ploy to do something untoward to the Titans."

Even so, are you still willing to let this child go?

“Of course, even so.” Lycus even looked forward to new changes in Onphalos. “The Odyssey of Cephalos has always welcomed all life, which is the fate of the bearers of the world.”

Xia glanced at Titan beside her and thought, "Heh, it's so convenient to be able to hear this guy talking..."

“It is my greatest honor to speak directly with a respected Titan.” Rigus stepped aside and gestured, “Come, Your Excellency, let me accompany you for a while.”

At this moment, he acted as a tour guide, explaining, "In ancient mythology, Kephale once answered the questions of believers on the sacred mountain. Therefore, believers regard climbing the Titan Cliffs as a way to walk with the gods."

Serhis continued on his way, reminding her, "Did you hear that? Come on, this is a rare opportunity to climb the mountain with Serhis. You should sing a hymn."

“Heh, I don’t know any Titan Hymns.” Nashi Xia followed up.

[Bai'er: A spectator of the divine rites, merely a spectator in name only. You did not participate in the drama, but you witnessed the beginning and present of Onphalus, and even seek to influence our future.]

[Alice: I think Legoth looks pretty good. To my taste, he's really symmetrical... except for that small part of his chest.]

[Ying: Could he have some connection to balance? Lai Gu Shi... not only is his name symmetrical, but his appearance is too.]

[Black Tower: No, it has no connection to equilibrium.]

[Danheng: Aglaia, haven't you, who have chased fire for a thousand years, ever suspected the identity of the person behind the Senate?]

[Aglaia: As he was known as a divine observer, Lygus did not participate in any decisions regarding the future of Ohma, and over time we accepted his identity.]

[Xia Die: Lord Serhis is one of the few people who can influence the Great Master's state of mind... What about Titan?]

Silver Wolf: Three people, eight hundred schemes.

[Feng Jin: Pfft~ I'm afraid it's more than that. Each of them is practically cunning; if you're not careful, you won't understand their intentions.]

[Dr. Truth: Onfaros is like a microcosm of the universe, where we can see the clash of destinies and a glimpse of the future.]

Upon reaching the secret path, Lycus stopped. "Go, Your Excellency. Through this Janus Path, you will be able to ascend the long steps of pilgrimage."

Xia was somewhat surprised at that moment, "To be honest, I didn't expect you wouldn't even ask for a reason."

"Because I know perfectly well what you seek. Similarly, as the saying goes, a gentleman helps others achieve their goals: I have a premonition that your theories will be proven true at the end of this journey—"

“I believe that Cephall will not refuse your right to question the Titans. After all, as a dying man, you are now the closest person to Cephall.”

"Heh... well, I'll take your good wishes." At that moment, Xia reached out her hand towards the secret path.

As Rigus watched his retreating figure, he whispered, "The Son of Justice will turn the world upside down in a world that defies reason... May you bring true change to this world on the verge of destruction."

[Bai Er: What does he mean?]

[Gold Sand: Lai Gu Shi is hoping that Xia will be able to see Onpharos clearly at that moment. Could it be that he is manipulating what is about to happen?]

Lycurgus: Those were all Anaxagoras's discoveries, not mine. That was his achievement… bringing truth to Onphalus, truly clarifying the prophecy of the fire-seeking.

Tibo: Recreating the Future.

[Black Tower: Heh, isn't that exactly what you wanted? The scepter is nearing 100% completion. After the rebirth, the Iron Tomb will be born.]

[Bai'er: Is there any way to stop the progress, Lady Black Tower... I'm willing to give anything.]

[Black Tower: Unfortunately, Legus currently holds the highest authority over Onfaros. Even if Roos and I were capable, we couldn't intervene. We can only wait for the right opportunity. And that opportunity depends on the Trail Blazers.]

[Star: Hehe, as expected of me.]

Titan Cliffs, the closest point in the entire Onpharos to Cephalos.

Without hesitation, Xia transformed into a stream of light and traversed the secret path; the answer was about to be revealed.

He and Ceres gazed at the magnificent sight before them, the towering figure of the Titan seemingly within reach. How many people had ever seen the creator god, a figure revered since ancient times?