He changed Tiwat

Little Paimon listened from the sidelines, completely bewildered, having no idea what they were laughing about—was this the kind of atmosphere that should be laughing?

Nasida, however, heard it clearly: although the two's "deal" seemed peaceful, it was actually a back-and-forth probing.

Neither side continued fighting, clearly indicating mutual restraint. "Exchanges" only exist between equals. Both sides understood that once action began, it would be a fight to the death; the so-called "exchanges" were merely verbal tests to gauge the other's limits.

The "Doctor" emphasizes the existence of the "hostages," implying that the lives of everyone in Sumeru City are under his control, forcing Han Fulai to withdraw; while Han Fulai refuses to back down, repeatedly stating that the "hostages" are protecting him, and that if he dares to "kill the hostages," he will take full action and Han Fulai will not survive either.

The dialogue format sounds quite like a conversation between a "kidnapper" and a "sheriff," with the "doctor" playing the role of the "kidnapper" who has taken the lives of everyone in the city, and Han Fulai playing the "sheriff" who hopes to save the lives of everyone in Sumeru City.

—But clearly, these two are not such simple characters.

They are all backed by the power of a nation, representing Liyue and Winter respectively.

One used the title "successor of the Emperor," and the other used the title "Her Majesty the Empress," but essentially they were both referring to the attitude of the forces behind them.

The crux of the matter, the "hostages," is actually linked to the "god-making plan" jointly undertaken by the Church Council and the Fools.

If we replace "hostages" with "the god-making project," what the "Professor" is actually asking is whether Liyue might give up at this point. As long as Liyue doesn't stop him, the "Professor" says that once he finishes this matter, he can hand over the Sumeru regime, and he will take care of the Faith Council, delivering it all to Liyue.

Han Fulai stated that the "God-Making Project" must be stopped, otherwise, they would have no choice but to resort to arms. When he said "releasing some of the 'hostages'", he was referring to the control of the "Void" - as long as this thing is still in the hands of the "Doctor", no matter what conditions the "Doctor" sets, there is no binding force to fulfill them, and it is meaningless.

The bottom line is set here, so there's really no room for negotiation.

If there's no room for negotiation, then we'll have to settle things with our hands.

As for why humans laugh at such times... Nasita didn't understand.

Nasida only knew that she couldn't laugh at this moment.

Hearing the two men use the entire Sumeru as a bargaining chip, discussing how to divide ownership of Sumeru right in front of her, she, as the deity of Sumeru, should have felt humiliated or angry.

However, she did not feel humiliated or angry at the moment, because—her master had given her enough hints, and she fully understood the hints her master gave her.

The master made it very clear that he did not take action because he was concerned about the "hostages" in the other party's hands.

In other words, as long as the other party no longer has "hostages," he can go all out.

Nasita happens to have the ability to rescue the "hostages".

Amidst their loud laughter, "Miss Catherine," who had been largely unnoticed until now, suddenly clasped her hands together in prayer, her body radiating a green glow of grass element. The glow instantly expanded to a hundred meters, forming a domed temple that enveloped the entire area in front of the Church's gate.

Everyone, including the "Doctor," was enveloped within the temple's boundaries.

"This is the temple of wisdom."

Merry Christmas

Today is Christmas Day at our East University. I've been reading a lot of news from West University lately, and it makes me quite emotional: If this hero hadn't existed, who knows if the freezing rain in Seattle would have fallen on our heads today?

I've attached an old poem, "Shuidiao Getou," as a token of my respect.

Nature's artistry graces Xiuzhi Ridge, where melodious music nourishes the green pines. Heaven and earth are restored by thunder and lightning, and heroes descend upon Jingchu. The Xiang River roars furiously, the autumn harvest's sickle and axe surge forth, and sparks ignite a prairie fire. The serfs are summoned to wield their spears, their blood spilled as they brandish their long blades.

Break through encirclements, cross snow-capped mountains, and slay bears. Cross the Jinsha and Chishui rivers four times, and with a flick of the finger, bind the azure dragon. Tread across the Minshan Mountains, jade shatters; point to the Kunlun Mountains, stars fall; wield the brush, cleaving the heavens. Discuss a thousand-year legacy, and the sun and moon shine anew.