The Ancient Gods' Whisper

Ji Zhou didn't even need to turn his head to know what Gu Jianlin was thinking. He sneered coldly: "What do you take the President to be? Do you think he's really some kind of Emperor? Even an Emperor cannot act recklessly. Some rules cannot be broken. Some bottom lines must be upheld. The position of the President is not merely a title—it's a responsibility and a duty."

Gu Jianlin vaguely understood something.

This senior seemed to have summed up the helplessness and sorrow of standing atop the world in just one sentence.

"Look."

Ji Zhou gazed into the distance and raised his chin slightly.

Gu Jianlin followed his gaze and saw a bronze pillar standing tall amidst endless yellow sands.

It was a massive sacrificial ground, surrounded by colossal kneeling stone statues.

"Since ancient times, humanity has engraved the names of traitors onto the bronze pillar, using blood and fire to ensure that future generations remember their hatred. Betrayal is unforgivable—it is a sin across the ages. For they tarnish humanity's bottom line, defile the faith of the sages across millennia, and disgrace the honor built upon the lives of countless predecessors."

Ji Zhou paused: "The names of Tang Zijing and Meng Hebo are carved there, condemned for all eternity."

Gu Jianlin stared at the massive bronze pillar and fell into silence.

No wonder that young woman had poor relations with the Sword Tomb disciples.

She wasn't close to anyone.

"My father isn't up there too, is he?"

He suddenly realized the possibility.

"No, he's not—your father wasn't a Divine Servant, after all."

Ji Zhou mocked, "In some sense, Thunder is quite like you—constantly met with disdain and exclusion. But look at the two of you now, both Evolvers. Seems like you can't shake off that label."

Gu Jianlin himself didn't really mind any of this.

But if Thunder was involved, he had to say something.

"Senior, although I can't show you proof yet, I can say with certainty that Tang Ling's great-grandfather was first controlled by The Order of the Hidden before being forced to defect to the Ancient God Clan. Everything has a cause-and-effect relationship. Moreover, that man only appeared on a few occasions over the years and didn't cause much harm to humanity."

Gu Jianlin said seriously: "On the contrary, it was humanity's own issues that drove him toward the Ancient God Clan."

Ji Zhou said nothing.

"Therefore, Tang Zijing's name shouldn't be on that bronze pillar."

Gu Jianlin paused: "Neither the President nor the Silver King should be using this to coerce Thunder—it's truly despicable behavior. It's unfair to Thunder and unfair to her great-grandfather."

The parrot squawked, "Despicable behavior!"

For a moment, an eerie silence enveloped the Heroic Soul Hall.

After a long while, Ji Zhou tapped the teacup rhythmically.

Tap, tap, tap.

Her breathing rhythm subtly shifted, and a faint golden hue flickered in her eyes.

The spire faintly trembled as the chaotic Mythical Weapons fell silent one by one.

As if an enormous oppressive force had appeared out of nowhere, only to vanish into thin air a moment later.

Gu Jianlin thought he might have misspoken but didn't feel threatened at all.

He simply watched this senior's hand, observing the rhythm of her tapping.

Listening to the cadence of her breathing.

It was almost mesmerizing.

"I understand."

Suddenly, Ji Zhou's words startled him back to reality.

All the anomalies vanished.

The chaotic Mythical Weapons resumed their wild movements.

Gu Jianlin noticed that the woman's pupils had returned to normal, and those rhythms and breathing patterns had disappeared as well.

"What you've said isn't without merit."

Ji Zhou remarked.

Gu Jianlin's impression of this woman improved—she was someone with a strong sense of reason.

"Then work hard for it. Strive to change those stubborn old minds."

Ji Zhou said lightly: "The headquarters has already issued a mission to explore the Sea of Eternal Life. You can register at any time, and I suggest you take your Guardian with you. A word of caution, though—this time, it's not just the Ether Association involved. Many other factions are watching closely. Make sure you return alive."

"Remember, it was my decision that allowed you to take this Mythical Weapon."

She glanced at the young man: "If you're ever idle, come visit me. I may not be as reliable as those so-called pillars of the Human World, but believe me, I'm more dependable than they are."

Gu Jianlin sensed a hint of warmth in her words.

"Understood. Thank you, Senior."

He bowed respectfully.

Ji Zhou responded with a satisfied hum: "Go on."

Gu Jianlin turned and descended the stone steps, vanishing amidst the rumbling of massive rocks.

In the vast Heroic Soul Hall, a sound that could be mistaken for a lonely sigh echoed softly.

Ji Zhou wiped her face with her hand. Her cold, striking, and deadly demeanor reappeared, radiating the aura of authority and gravitas befitting the Ether Association's President. The once-rowdy Mythical Weapons trembled in terror and scattered in all directions.

"That little guy can sense the rhythms of the Heavenly Realm."

She murmured softly, "And it only took an instant."

The strongest who had stood at humanity's summit for centuries fell silent for a long time, her gaze inscrutably deep.

"Huai Yin's student is no ordinary person."

The Mythical Weapons seemed to sense her mood and began their uproar once again.

"Quiet."

Ji Zhou commanded coldly.

In an instant, the Heroic Soul Hall plunged into silence once more.

With an expression of solitude and melancholy, Ji Zhou added, "Just tone it down."

The noises rose again, though somewhat muted.

·

·

Dawn City, First Army Group Command.

Snap!

Huai Yin placed a black stone on the board and said calmly, "Old Lu, you're losing."

He picked up his teacup, took a light sip, and his expression was smug.

Commander Lu sat across from him, watching as his white stones turned black one by one. Irritated, he said, "Playing chess with someone as bad as you is an insult to me!"

Commander Lu was an austere and stoic old man. Despite his graying hair, his face was rugged like a sculpture, and his hawk-like eyes were sharp. Dressed in a crisp and commanding military uniform, his posture was impeccably straight.

He looked remarkably robust.

"You're still just as unwilling to lose as ever."

Huai Yin said lightly, "What's with the long face? I don't often get the chance to play chess with you anymore."

Commander Lu scowled, "How much longer can you live, anyway?"

"A little over two years, I suppose."

Huai Yin chuckled.

"Is it really worth it?"

Commander Lu asked coldly.

"If I don't do this, the Master will never make up her mind. I know she has her concerns, but I must push her to the edge of the cliff. This world needs to be handed over to younger people with more vitality. The future should be theirs to decide. We are merely stepping stones, bowing to pave the way."

Huai Yin said with a smile, "When I went to Peak City and sent my student to your daughter, you already tacitly approved of my actions. If there's a fight to be fought, why retreat?"

Commander Lu picked up his teacup as well and said flatly, "The problem is, whether Zijin can survive this is still up in the air."

Huai Yin waved dismissively, completely unconcerned: "Laojun Mountain's master has already calculated it—not much danger. Besides, if something really happens, my two students will step in. What are you worried about?"

After a moment of silence, Commander Lu said, "If it were Jing Ci, I'd be at ease. But what about your other student? I admit his talent is unparalleled, but having you as a lousy teacher feels like a waste. He's still too young and his Rank is insufficient."

"At his current power level, he might not even be a match for Qingqing."

He added, "He's still just a fledgling eagle in need of protection."

Huai Yin was displeased: "Your dumb daughter is worthy of being compared to my student? Ha! With your foolish perspective, you're doomed to never find a good successor. You have the nerve to call me lousy?"

Commander Lu retorted angrily: "Qingqing may not have made the top tier, but her achievements in Qilin Immortal Palace aren't insignificant. She even obtained a growth-type Mythical Weapon, and I've taught her both the Breathing Technique and a Forbidden Spell."

Huai Yin sneered scornfully: "Why don't we make a bet, then?"

Commander Lu, his temper rising, said, "Fine, let's bet. What's the wager?"

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