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

Feng Jin was also very concerned. "What kind of research is there that even I, the lecturer's assistant, am unaware of? There's a sense of foreboding about it. Could there be other secrets behind the Tree Garden disaster?"

This time, the two traveled together to the Hall of Friendship. It housed the works of seven major schools of thought, encompassing foreign philosophy, poetry, and faith… It was said that any city-state seeking wisdom had to offer an equivalent amount of knowledge in return.

Tree Court's pursuit of knowledge bordered on obsession; the entire Onpharos was subject to their plunder of knowledge, except for Suspended Edge City.

Because someone said that Suspended Peak City didn't even have a dictionary, they escaped a disaster.

[Wan Di: This is slander. The Library of Suspended Peak is in no way inferior to any city-state. We are a nation of strife, not a nation of ignorance.]

[Bai E: Don't be so hasty, Wan Di. Have you forgotten that there's nothing in Xuan Feng's dictionary?]

[Star: Hahaha, could it be that Bai E spread this rumor?]

[Bai Er: Uh… how is this possible?]

[Robin: Tree Court seems a bit too domineering. Shouldn't knowledge belong to everyone? Collecting it is one thing, but to plunder it is another.]

[Doctor Truth: Aren't these things common in the galaxy? Wasn't the war between the schools of thought just like that?]

[Lagushi: Knowledge should not be blocked.]

[Fireworks: This is hilarious. Wan Di… the dictionary of the Suspended Peak doesn't have XX, Bai E… the dictionary of the Suspended Peak doesn't have any words, Feng Jin… the Suspended Peak doesn't have a dictionary.]

【All-powerful: HKS.】

[Star: Breaking news! Because Wan Di deleted too many words, the only word left in Xuan Feng's dictionary is HKS.]

[Fufu: No, you guys are really funny. I think I saw a small amount of plot within a lot of jokes.]

Because the Tree Garden is currently being invaded by the Kuroshio Current, Kaze Sumire and Dan Heng plan to retrieve all the information through the library's stone tablets and bring it back to Ohma for research.

When Danheng searched the statue that resembled an old man, he found many complaint letters about that summer, all of which were still unopened. Judging from the letters alone, there were nearly a thousand of them.

It's easy to imagine how bad Xia's reputation was in the tree garden at that time—no, it should be said how much influence she had.

Feng Jin said, "It is said that the first thing the teacher did after founding the school was to read his own works aloud in front of everyone—"

She cleared her throat and lowered her voice to imitate, "As for the Titans, do they really conform to mortals' understanding of gods? The world created by gods must be perfect, but Onpharos is full of stupidity and ugliness!"

Unfortunately, Professor Danheng remained unmoved, eerily calm, "...very much his style, and then what?"

“He was brought to trial before he could finish speaking,” Feng Jin said helplessly. “It was called a trial, but it was really a debate. He needed to… respond to the scholars’ accusations, or he would be expelled from the Tree Court.”

Chapter 384 Xia's Notes at That Moment

"The first accusation is: cough cough—do you agree that the Titans shaped the heavens and the earth, and that the mountains and oceans are their masterpieces?"

Teacher Xia naturally couldn't agree with that, and through the history of the Fire Chaser, she believed that humans could also inherit divine power and deny it.

"Second accusation: You defile the soul in the name of studying the soul, engaging in transactions that God abhors. Do you admit it?"

The accusation stems from the fact that Nakasha never removed his blindfold, even when he was alone, leading some to suggest that he used one of his eyes as alchemical material.

The people of Onphalus believed that Kephalus protected humanity, especially the golden descendants who were bathed in divine blood. If this were true, it would undoubtedly be blasphemy.

However, those people couldn't find any evidence, so the matter was dropped.

And so Anaxagoras engaged in a heated debate with the scholars, arguing with each challenger. Finally, one scholar asked him, "Anaxagoras, are you ungrateful?"

Xia paused for a few seconds before replying, "I never deny that Titans should be great beings."

Danheng realized the subtext in his words: "Titans are not great."

Feng Jin knew nothing about what happened after that, only that Xia ultimately stayed in the Tree Garden, continuing her research even though she was considered a heretic.

[Amber: I feel like what Professor Xia said at that moment wasn't wrong. The scholars of Tree Garden are so intelligent, didn't they ever doubt the Titans?]

Wendy: Of course not on the surface. But since Kathy made no attempt to hide his actions, the faction that believes in the gods will naturally target him. What's that saying again? The nail that sticks out gets hammered down.

[Fu Xuan: Onphalus has lived under the protection of mythology, prophecy, and the Titans since ancient times. Changing his beliefs is extremely difficult, let alone overthrowing the pantheon.]

[Feng Jin: That's right, that's why the teacher is called a blasphemer.]

[Doctor Truth: Truth exists only in the hands of a few, and ignorance in the world is difficult to eradicate. But I refuse to believe this. Anyone who wants to improve their understanding is welcome to attend my lectures. And I declare… they will be permanently free.]

[Professor, you are my god! Although a bit strict, Professor Ladio is definitely the best lecturer we ordinary people can get our hands on. I would call him... the only genius in the mortal world.]

[Gold Alluvial: I agree. Does it require investment, Professor? I don't expect anything in return.]

[Walter: Professor Ladio's course is indeed easy to understand, and once you really delve into it, you can even feel some humor and wit.]

[Star: Since Uncle Yang has said so, I'll save it.]

[Dr. Truth: Ha, I understand your psychology. I'll add this to my favorites, but I'll never actually watch it.]

[Magic Technique: Generosity and magnanimity—that's the mark of a true scholar. I only regret not being able to exchange ideas in person. Professor Ladio, may I ask you a few questions?]

[Dr. Truth: Okay.]

“Oh right, this stack of complaint letters reminded me that there’s another place in the Tree Garden where there might be clues that can’t be found even in the stone tablets…” Feng Jin looked at the path to the side, “between the roots and stones, that’s Teacher Xia’s alchemy laboratory.”

Danheng couldn't understand, "Given Shuting's book collecting style, how could there be such an oversight right under his nose?"

"It's a secret: apart from the nominal chief among the Seven Sages, each of the others has a forbidden area where they can conduct their research undisturbed when they are lost in thought."

Even the caretaker of the Hall of Friendship cannot overstep the prohibition and accept the sage's research. But now..." She looked at the building full of rubble.

"Since Shuting is already like this, it's okay to break the rules a little bit, right... I'm sorry, Teacher Nashika."

After navigating numerous secret paths and traps, the two arrived at an extremely dark place, where only faint firefly light and ruins were visible everywhere.

“We’ve arrived, but…” Feng Jin frowned, “There’s nothing here at all? Alchemy materials, magic array diagrams, even the seal of the prohibition are gone… Could they have all been destroyed by the Black Tide?”

Dan Heng lifted the box on the ground; it was empty. "No wonder there wasn't a single decent precaution along the way."

Have you been here before?

“No, I’ve never even come close,” Feng Jin explained. “Alchemy is a high-risk activity, and at that time, Teacher Xia was also fond of strange materials. The students often saw him go in unharmed, but come out covered in dust or even with his hair standing on end, so naturally they didn’t dare to go near here.”

She looked around, "...Huh? The bookshelf over there is the only one that's perfectly preserved."

So the two of them went closer to examine it. It seemed to be the information that Xia had applied for: Titan creation, the universal alchemical theory of the soul...

Most of them fall within the research scope of the Intelligent Race School, however, a notebook titled "An Investigation into the Background of the Golden Descendants" is mixed in.

[Star: Oh my god, I'm shocked! At that moment, Teacher Xia was actually a loyal fan of the Golden Descendants, secretly recording all the detailed information about them.]

[Charlotte: Uh…you do know how to come up with titles.]

[Dan Heng: At that moment, Xia seemed to be researching the selection mechanism of the Titans and the Fire Seed. Sure enough, he also discovered the miracle of demigod inheritance.]

[Bai Er: Why can't I see any information about me?]

[Xia Die: Perhaps it was because you weren't yet a student of the teacher back then.]

[Aglaia: This…that action by Naksha violates the rules set by the Senate and the Golden Blood. Information about the Golden Blood and Titans is strictly prohibited from being investigated.]

[Walter: That's why he conducted his experiments in seclusion. However, it's surprising that he started his research on the relationship between the Golden Blood and the Titans, and that theory of soul fusion, so early on.]

The notes contain information including, but not limited to, the three saintesses of Tibo, Aglaia, Wan Di, Feng Jin, and Xia Die, as well as his own research and investigation information.

It not only records the method of purifying the Golden Blood by reversing and fusing the souls of the Golden Blood and Titans, but also highlights the ability of the Death of the Butterfly.

Comment: This is a verifiable method; I will conduct an experiment on a later date.

[Kazina: Teacher Xia was terrifying at that moment; she didn't even spare herself.]

[Paimon: What kind of mad scientist is this? Was Kexia really this crazy? Traveler, I'm scared.]

[Ying: ...Get off my face!]

[Xia Die: I don't believe the teacher would harm us; he just needs the power of my death to verify his answer.]

[Aglaia: Although I call Naksha a great performer, he is truly ruthless to himself, but he never intends to harm his friends or others, as Jin Si can sense.]

[Walter: He probably wanted to use Miss Xiaodie to explore the Underworld, or rather, to verify the unknown souls that were hindering the appearance of Dawn Cloud Cliff.]

[Bai E: Teacher, you want to verify that the reincarnation from the previous life to this life is real? But how can you verify it with just a soul, unless it's someone who has lived through both lives?]

[Star: It's a butterfly.]

[Xia Die: ...Me?]

[Feng Jin: Butterfly, do you remember the girl who appeared in the video before? If she really is your sister, then Teacher Xia's guess will have evidence.]

[Magic trick: Having lived two lives, I traded my eyes for one glimpse of my sister, allowing you to remain in the world of the living. Death must have come at a considerable price.]

Chapter 385 The False Sky

After browsing through it, Feng Jin was completely puzzled. "What's going on... Everyone in Ohm, including me? Even I'm within the scope of the teacher's research?"

Dan Heng flipped through Na Kexia's notes repeatedly. "There are many things worth studying in detail... Na Kexia wanted to use alchemy to make the golden blood in the Golden Descendants' bodies purer, so that they could reach divinity."

"This is what it means to approach purity. But... to regard both Titan creations and human bodies as materials for alchemy is a bit too crazy."

As Feng Jin read to the end, she couldn't help but feel a pang of anxiety. "Danbao, I have a bad feeling. Look here..."

The second journal entry details the fusion of soul and Titan, the purification of golden blood, and ultimately reveals that the Golden Blood are far closer to the Titans than any Titan creation. At that moment, Xia's goal was to... forge the Titans and reach the essence of the soul.

[Aglaia: Cephall? He actually targeted Cephall? This guy is a complete madman! Blasphemy is bad enough, but now he wants to forge Titans.]

[Kainese: A bunch of useless idiots! How did you even investigate him? That blasphemous madman has already gone to the summit of Dawn Cloud Cliff to confront the revered god, and we still don't know his purpose.]

[Elder… It seems that Natsumi was granted entry by Lord Raiko.]

[Lygus: As the most outstanding scholar of Onphalus, Lord Anaxagoras is qualified to meet the Titans. It is understandable that his obsession with the truth has clouded his judgment.]

[Star: What are you pretending for? I don't believe you don't know; you're doing this on purpose.]

[Bai'er: During my student days, I witnessed how radical my teachers' ideas could be, but I never imagined they would target Titans.]

[Abedo: Alchemy encompasses everything; its scope extends far beyond this, the soul being just one aspect. Time, space, life… all can be realized through alchemy. Mr. Nakasha, welcome to exchange ideas and learn together.]

[Magic trick: It's an honor.]

[Little Candle: By gathering the knowledge of many schools, the future of Onpharos will surely be in our hands. Magician, if there is an opportunity, you must pass on the art of alchemy; we cannot let any possibility slip by.]

[Black Tower: Alchemy... unfortunately, it doesn't interest me. Time and space aren't so simple.]

[Black Tower #3: Lady Black Tower is exceptionally intelligent, Lady Black Tower is unparalleled in the world...]

[Fufu: Why am I not a genius! This is so unfair to Fufu, I can't understand anything.]

Feng Jin felt uneasy and subconsciously twirled a strand of hair behind her ear. "The thing I was most worried about... has indeed happened. As I've been watching, my guesses are slowly taking shape."

"At that moment, Professor Xia was conducting research on soul forging."

Dan Heng pondered for a moment, "If I understand correctly, it's about reconstructing a person's soul through alchemy?"

"This is the teacher's secret research, a blasphemous experiment that cannot be known to others. Compared to his public pronouncements, this is the real blasphemy..."

She was startled. "Ah! Could it be..."

Danheng: "What's wrong?"

"Do you remember? When the Black Tide approached, Shuting intended to transfer Cesis's flame, but an accident occurred along the way, and Teacher Xia also sacrificed herself at that moment..."

Danheng was aware of the matter. "Cerseis took over his body, bringing Naksha back to life, which led to the current situation."

“That’s right.” Feng Jin looked up at him with her jewel-like eyes. “But what if… Teacher Xia’s union with the spark of reason wasn’t an accident?”

"What do you mean?"

"If you were him, facing the approaching Black Tide and knowing your life was nearing its end... what action would you definitely take?"

Dan Heng paused, already imagining what Xia would do at that moment: "...personally put these conjectures into practice, regardless of the cost."

“Yes.” Feng Jin nodded. “When the Black Tide invaded, the teacher’s true purpose in going to the Throne of Enlightenment was to perform alchemy and merge himself with the Titan’s fire.”

"So, he succeeded?"

"No, judging from the reactions afterward, the current situation was probably beyond the teacher's expectations. He probably didn't expect Cesis to make a similar decision. The fact that the alchemical manuscript was taken away means that his research is still ongoing..."

Dan Heng wondered, "Could it be for some other purpose?"

"But what are they used for? Of the Titans left in the world, only..." Feng Jin's heart skipped a beat; she dared not think any further. "This... can't be..."

[Qingque: Oh my god, Teacher Xia, who would have thought you'd set your sights on the Titans protecting all of Ohm, abandoning the Dawn Machines, huh?]

[Magic trick: Hmph, as expected of me.]

[Xing: Uncle Yang, you're a genius! You deduced Xia's purpose from just those few clues.]

[Walter: Ahem, I've just experienced a bit more than you guys. You'll naturally make that connection once you've grown up a bit more.]