He changed Tiwat

The various tests he conducted along the way, such as stealing lines from Boss Amar and pretending to be a "prophet" in front of Zimia's alchemy table, were not only to verify his own memories but also to observe the reactions of those around him.

Those who have no recollection of the last "Flower Goddess's Birthday Festival" would not be able to notice his "abnormality." Yingmei's perception that his behavior was unusual proves that she still retains the memory of the last "Flower Goddess's Birthday Festival."

The "physical memory" that Ying showed when she chose the Yalda candy confirmed to him that the "Binding Spirit True Seal" was still working and that Ying's identity had been verified. Only then did he agree to explain to her.

They deliberately avoided mentioning Paimon and Dina Zede when they spoke, partly because Han Fulai was still unable to confirm their identities, so he chose to keep it a secret.

Ying paused for a moment, then raised a new question: "But if this really is a 'consciousness space,' when did we fall into it? And who is manipulating this 'consciousness space'?"

Han Fulai shook his head slightly and said seriously, "I don't have enough information at hand to give you an accurate answer. But I can be sure of one thing: the formation of this 'consciousness space' should be related to the power of that grass god—and only the power of the 'Seven Rulers of the Mortal World' level can affect you and me."

"I have a plan that requires your cooperation in order to gather information... But before that, I must remind you, Ying, to be extremely careful and attentive to everything around you. If you notice or discover anything unusual, be sure to tell me immediately."

He and Yingmei are both now demon gods, and not just ordinary demon gods. In the past demon god wars, they were considered quite formidable. In addition, they are both protected by the "Binding Spirit True Seal," so even a demon god-level illusion might not be able to affect their consciousness.

However, the truth is that they both unknowingly fell into a trap.

Combining what Ying saw and heard on the "Golden Apple Islands" with the various anomalies of Sumeru, Han Fulai can only think of one explanation at the moment—the large barrier covering the entire Sumeru region has been activated, and someone has used the power of the grass god Buyer to create this "consciousness space"—the space of "sensory mimicry".

The "Flower Goddess's Birthday Festival" that he and Ying experienced last time, and the "Flower Goddess's Birthday Festival" that they are experiencing now, are both "sensory mimicry" similar to the "Golden Apple Islands," which are artificially manipulated illusions that are almost indistinguishable from reality!

Chapter 72 Don't underestimate my intelligence network

Han Fulai's statement was by no means alarmist.

Don't be fooled by the fact that they are still celebrating the holiday and the atmosphere is peaceful; the reality is actually quite bad.

Whoever this "mastermind" is, he has the power of one of the "Seven Rulers of the Mortal Realm" and has already activated this power.

To put it bluntly, they're already lying in someone else's trap.

However, while Han Fulai was giving Ying a serious warning, Ying was all smiles and showed no sign of tension.

She even casually patted Han Fulai on the shoulder, as if encouraging her subordinate to work overtime: "Come on, tell me your plan, and I'll give you an evaluation."

Well, although her consciousness seems to have been affected by some force, her "external brain" is still working hard by her side—with her "external brain" around, what is there for me to be afraid of?

Just as the two finished their discussion, a dispute arose in the distance, sounding like a conflict between the merchants of Sumeru and the mercenaries of the "Thirty-Man Group".

The "Summit City Lockdown" incident has occurred!

Han Fulai and Ying exchanged a glance and nodded to each other.

Yingmei tilted her head like Wendy and chuckled, "Paimon, Dinazede, I think I forgot the phonograph in my room. We can't film Nel's 'Dance of the Flower Goddess' without it, I have to go back."

Paimon, hands on hips, said, "How can you be so careless? I just can't do anything with you. I guess I'll go with you..."

"No need, you stay here with Dina Zede. We'll meet at the Zubair Theater later." Ying glanced at Paimon and added, "...Oh, and Paimon, you're not allowed to steal my candy!"

"No way!" Paimon puffed out his cheeks at Yingmei, but hid the empty candy box behind his back with his two little hands.

—How could there possibly be any dessert left over if she had it?

After watching Yingmei leave, Han Fulai, just like last time, went to ask the mercenaries for information.

Soon after, he once again received the Great Sage's order to "lock down the city."

Meanwhile, Ying and Dixia were running rapidly toward the small courtyard where they had been staying.

"There are two crossbowmen lying in ambush on the roof, and three more hiding in the yard. We'll each take one side." The situation was urgent, and Ying hadn't had time to explain the plan to Dixia beforehand, so she ran while explaining the plan to Dixia.

Dixia couldn't help but ask, "Ying, how do you know so much about Baddis's plans?"

Born in the desert, she understood best the danger posed by the outlaws in "The Legacy of the God-King".

This group of people would do anything for money, and their hands are stained with the blood of many innocent people; each of them has a criminal record. Although the "Thirty-Man Group" would not venture deep into the desert to hunt them down, they did issue arrest warrants as a formality.

In theory, if these people show their faces, they will definitely be arrested by the "group of thirty".

Therefore, these people must do a lot of disguise work when entering the city. Disguise and fake identities are basic operations. How could they be so easy to expose their target?

As the vice-captain of the "Blazing Beast Hunters" and the famous "Blazing Mane Lion" in the desert, Dixia has a wide network of connections in the mercenary circle and is well-informed. If even she can't find out about the other party's movements, how did Ying find out?

However, Ying not only knew about these people's plan to kidnap Miss Dina Zede, but she also knew their personnel information and ambush locations clearly, as if she had seen it with her own eyes.

How could a traveler from out of town know so much about desert tour groups? Not to mention knowing their crime plans in such detail... It's simply unbelievable.

Ying raised her nose smugly: "Hmph, don't underestimate my intelligence network. Just trust me."

—Her so-called "intelligence network" is, of course, a series of face-to-face instructions from an "external brain"...

Dixia had no choice but to nod.

Speaking of which, the "Mixed-River Dragon" who saved the young lady and protected the Zubair Theater at the "Hearing" was also Ying's man... The strength of subordinates also symbolizes the strength of the leader. Being able to be Han Jiangxue's boss shows that Ying is even more powerful!

Dixia certainly didn't dare to underestimate Ying's intelligence network.

As they approached the courtyard, Yingmei reiterated the operation details to Dixia: "Remember three things: First, leave them alive; second, destroy the 'void terminals' on their ears; third, knock them all unconscious and take them away!"

Dixia squeezed her steel claws, revealing a fearless smile: "Don't worry, I've never failed a mission!"

Two figures rushed toward the courtyard one after the other, like predatory beasts entering their own jungle.

After strolling through the bustling flower street, Han Fulai estimated that it was about time and led Dina Zede and Paimon back to the Zubair Theater.

The theater backstage, which should have been preparing for the evening's tour, now had a few more people: Ying and Dixia, and five mercenaries with bruised and swollen faces—one of whom, a bald man, was even missing an ear.

Well, Baddis was about to use the power of "divine knowledge" once again, but Yingmei's "Mist Slicer" didn't give him the chance.

This time they were caught red-handed. Baddis and his gang, as well as the "divine knowledge in a jar," were all apprehended, with both witnesses and physical evidence.

Furthermore, to prevent the disciplinary officers of the Order of the Instruction from "intercepting" them, Han Fulai reminded Yingmei in advance to destroy the "void terminals" on these people. Now the disciplinary officers can no longer locate Baddis's group through the "void terminals," so of course they can't take away the evidence under the pretext of arrest.

Nilu and Manager Zubair, among others, nervously approached Han Fulai to inquire.

They had just witnessed Ying and Dixia carrying several burly men like dead pigs into the backstage area, and they were genuinely startled. Hearing that this group was there to kidnap Dina Zede gave them a second shock.

They never expected that a simple "Flower Goddess's Birthday Festival" would turn into a kidnapping case, especially one targeting Dina Zede... Fortunately, Ying and Dixia resolved the matter quietly, otherwise, who knows how much bigger this incident would have become.

More importantly, when Ying and Dixia interrogated this group of people, Nel and the others listened in on the whole process.

It was said that a high-ranking figure from the Church of Christ had hired someone to kidnap Dina Zede. Everyone was furious but also uneasy. Of course, the troupe members had no access to the sages of the Church of Christ, but if the great sage's assistant hired someone to kidnap her, the great sage could not escape responsibility for this.

Thinking back to the "art ban" mentioned by Instructor Sariputra some time ago, many people have connected the two events and feel increasingly uneasy.

In response, Ying said that everything would be discussed after Han Fulai returned.

Han Fulai, who recently won a public debate against Instructor Sherif and defended the Zubair Theater, now holds a very high position in the troupe, and everyone is willing to listen to his decisions.

Han Fulai's idea can be summarized in one sentence—

"The troupe is changing their program tonight. They're not performing 'The Legend of the Flower Knight' anymore; they're performing 'The Trial of the Great Sage' instead!"

Chapter 73 "The Public Trial of the Great Sage" [4k]

The Legend of the Flower Knight is a legend with a history of over four hundred years. It tells the story of the Flower Knight, Faris, and his companions' adventures in welcoming back the newborn Grass God after overcoming numerous hardships. It is widely circulated in the Grand Bazaar area, which worships the Little Auspicious Grass King.

After Sheikh Zubair founded the Zubair Theatre Company, he adapted this ancient legend, adding many modern elements and dance performances, which were very popular with the public. As a result, the play became one of the Zubair Theatre Company's signature productions.

Since the troupe's first performance, the Zuber troupe has performed "The Legend of the Flower Knight" every year during the "Flora of Flora" festival, and this has been going on for ten years now.

For the people of the Grand Bazaar, the "Legend of the Flower Knights" performed during the "Birthday of the Flower Goddess" festival is like "Unforgettable Tonight" on the Chinese New Year Gala – a traditional program that is considered part of the festival. They feel that something is missing if they don't see it.

But this time, this traditional event had to be cancelled, for a simple and unavoidable reason—the Great Sage would soon be coming to the Grand Bazaar to announce an "art ban."

Of course, the artists at Zubair Theatre have no memory of the Great Sage ending the "Flower Goddess's Birthday Festival," including Ying and Paimon... But if the all-powerful "River Dragon" Mr. Jiang Xue says the Great Sage will come, then he will definitely come!

According to Mr. Jiang Xue, everyone must prepare to protect the theater before the Great Sage arrives.

Thus, the new play, "The Public Trial of the Great Sage," written by Han Jiangxue, polished by Ghassani, directed by Zubair, and starring Nilu, Yingmei, and Pigar, began its intensive preparation.

The scriptwriter wrote the script on the spot, the props were made on the spot, the director and actors rehearsed in real time, and even the posters were hand-drawn. Dixia led the troupe staff to distribute and post the posters along the street to inform the public that a new play would be performed that night.

And you know what? This kind of impromptu theatrical rehearsal actually makes it feel more like a festival. Having something to do always makes people forget their inner anxieties, and coupled with the tension and excitement of personally protecting the theater, everyone in the troupe is working with full enthusiasm.

This book, "The Trial of the Great Sage," is adapted from the popular legend of Sumeru, "A Thousand Nights of Tales."

"A Thousand Nights of Tales" is a collection of stories compiled by Scheherazade, a wandering scholar during a time of catastrophe. She traveled through rainforests, deserts, and city-states, exploring local folklore and legends, and weaving them into one story after another.

It is said that there were as many as 1,001 stories in the original work, but only fragments remain today. Because of its historical value in studying the era of "dark calamity," scholars of the "Calamity School" at Vahumana Academy regard it as a historical work and have written many research papers on it.

Han Fulai had previously read many of Sumeru's works for the purpose of "debating scriptures," including this book, which is now proving useful.

As locals of Sumeru, most of the theater's actors had read or heard the original "A Thousand Nights Tales" and were quite familiar with the script, which made the rehearsals go very smoothly. After an afternoon, "The Trial of the Great Sage" was already being rehearsed quite well.

Everything is ready; we're just waiting for tonight.

As evening fell, most of the people in the Grand Bazaar gathered at the Zubair Theater, where the performance officially began.

The first to take the stage was "Flower Knight" Pigal. He changed out of his "Flower Knight" armor and put on a hastily sewn green robe in the style of the Faculty of Orders. The pointed "helmet" on his head was also replaced with a green turban.

Since there was no time to redo his hairstyle, the turban Bhikkhu he wore was wrapped into a square shape, covering his head and looking from a distance like a strange green cube. Coupled with the monocle he borrowed from the screenwriter Ghassani and his gray beard, almost every audience member who saw Bhikkhu laughed—even though Bhikkhu hadn't introduced himself yet, everyone could tell that he was impersonating the great sage Azhar.

According to the script, this story takes place a very, very long time ago:

A Thubten "Azhar" (played by Viktor, coincidentally sharing the same name as the current Great Sage) from the Ritual of the Vatican Academy ventures alone into the depths of the desert to investigate the ruins of an ancient kingdom, but unfortunately encounters a sandstorm and loses his way.

Just as Tosado "Azhar" was on the verge of death, a young woman with golden eyes (played by Yingmei) appeared in front of him.

She was dressed as a desert dancer, adorned with beautiful floral headdresses. The thin sari could not conceal her beautiful face and graceful figure, and she stunned everyone present as soon as she appeared.

The beautiful blonde dancer waved her ribbons, parting the howling sand and driving away the bloodthirsty beasts, leading "Hazar" out of the desert.

The dancer brought "Azar" to her village, treated him to lunch at her home, and said she would escort him back to Kawan Post Station in the afternoon. However, having witnessed how the young dancer parted the sandstorms and drove away the dark beasts on the road, "Azar" was unwilling to leave. Instead, he hoped to become her apprentice and learn the secret arts of the ancient kingdom.

The dancer stared at the young "Hazard" with her golden eyes and said, "My eyes can see everything the dead have seen and the living have seen."

“I have seen people without shadows, bronze bells that sway in imagination, whales that have never left the land, cities that exist only in the moonlight reflected in the silver mirror, scholars imprisoned in eternity, and towers suspended on seven strings…”

"I can see that you have unparalleled talent and an incredibly bright future."

“I am willing to impart all my knowledge to you, but I have a slight worry that after you learn all this, you will become greedy and forget about me.”

"Hazar" immediately knelt down and kissed Ying's shoe tip. In the original "A Thousand Nights Tales," this Tosada actually kissed the dancer's toes, but the head screenwriter Han Fulai said that "Hazar" could not be rewarded, so he changed it to kissing the shoe tip. He promised her that no matter what happened, he would never forget her kindness, and even if he died, he would not forget her.

His sincerity touched the young dancer. She smiled gently, helped him up from the ground, took his hand, and led him to the door of the basement.

She told him that she was willing to take him as her apprentice, and that all the secrets she knew were hidden in the underground library.

They descended the spiral staircase, floor after floor, each floor with a mirror on the wall reflecting the flickering torchlight and their faces.

Hazard didn't know how long he had been walking; it might have been hours, or it might have been minutes. The darkness blurred his perception of time.

At the end of the stairs was a narrow door, behind which was a hexagonal study.

He couldn't see the ceiling, nor could he estimate the height of the room, but the variety of books here still far exceeded all his imagination of knowledge.

He spent several weeks in this study, where the dancer with golden eyes carefully guided his disciple, enabling him to acquire a great deal of knowledge.

Soon, the time for his field trip came to an end. "Azar" reluctantly left the study and asked his mysterious mentor if he could return to Sumeru City with him to continue his studies.

The dancer replied, “I must stay here and guard this study, but I have a sister named Setare. She also knows the secrets of this study, and she possesses all the knowledge I have.”

"She always longed for Sumeru City, yearning to enter that sacred Church and come into contact with new knowledge and wisdom. But like me, she was born in the desert and was never accepted by the Church."

“If you can help ‘Setare’ enter the Faculty, even just as an auditor, I will let her go with you.”

"Setare" (played by Nel), wearing a flower crown, stepped onto the stage and gazed at the young Tosado with expectant eyes.

"Hazar" made a sacred vow to this beautiful girl, who was like a star in the desert. He vowed to take good care of her and help her enter the Church, and then took "Setare" back to the Church.

However, upon returning to the Faculty, "Hazard" did not immediately allow "Setare" to enter the Faculty. Instead, he hid her in his home and, under the guise of preparing her for the Faculty entrance exam, forced "Setare" to write his thesis.

The papers that "Setale" ghostwrote for "Azhar" were groundbreaking and quickly helped the previously unknown Tasita rise to prominence, becoming a Habantha.

The golden-haired dancer heard the news that Tasata had become Habantha, so she went to the Chancellery and begged Habantha to keep his promise.

To prevent the secret from being leaked, Habantha "Azhar" pretended to keep his promise and recruited "Setare" into his research lab as an assistant. In reality, he used "Setare" as a tool to write papers and continuously exploited her to write more papers.

Poor Setare went bald from writing her thesis (Nelu put on a wig), and her face darkened (Nelu changed to smoky makeup), but all she got in return was Habantha's promotion.

"Azhar" was elected as a sage of the "Minglun School" and ascended to the throne of the great sage.

Upon hearing this news, the blonde dancer once again came to the Order of the Church, demanding that the Great Sage fulfill his promise, but the Great Sage "Azar" refused her without hesitation.

“I have no obligation to take on a desert native as a student, and I no longer need your and your sister’s guidance—because I have become a great sage and no longer need to write papers.”

“Now, take your sister back to your village and never show your face in front of me again.”

The dancer sisters left the church in disappointment.

The sage, now basking in his success, began to conceal his past.

He severed the connection between the rainforest and the desert, forbidding desert people from entering the city and prohibiting the taking of the knowledge of the Church to the desert; he issued an "artistic ban," forbidding people from singing and dancing, denouncing it as "defilement of wisdom"; he ordered his mercenaries to arrest all the dancers in the city and imprison them, because those lowly dancers reminded him of his past as an unknown tussah…

In order to protect his power and status, Hazard erased everything related to his past.

A few years later, "Hazar's" mercenaries captured two blonde dancers who had smuggled themselves into Sumeru City.