Chapter 60: Flower God's Birthday Festival! Great Sage: We Have a Traitor Among Us!
Upon seeing Collei is secret letter, Ye Xi's eyes lit up.
"Dehya, send out the prepared letter. It's time to take action!"
"Leave it to me, Ye Xi!" Dehya exclaimed, clenching her fist as though it were on fire.
Ever since she had heard Ye Xi's plan, she had been so excited that she couldn't sleep properly. Even after "playing games" with Ye Xi, she never felt tired. She went to the yard and released the pigeons that had been prepared beforehand. The birds flew off to various corners of the city.
---
*Grand Bazaar*
Everyone was busy decorating the Grand Bazaar, striving to make it as beautiful as possible. The stall owners surrounded Nilou, showering her with flattery.
"Tomorrow is the Flower God's Birthday Festival, Nilou! The success of the Grand Bazaar depends entirely on you!"
"Yes, Nilou, you need to do your best! When the time comes, I'll treat you to a delicious rice round tower!"
"By the way, where's the gemstone Master Ye Xi gave you? You need to wear it properly; it looks so beautiful on you!"
"And Master Ye Xi will be there too! You must make a good impression!"
Hearing their words, Nilou felt her face grow warm. She had let herself believe their encouragement for the past few days. But when she heard the last comment, her cheeks flushed as she stammered, "Mr. Afshin, please don't joke around! How could Master Ye Xi like me…"
Before they could gossip further, Sheikh Zubayr approached and said, "Alright, alright, give Nilou a little rest."
At his words, Hu Shang and the others smiled and dispersed.
"Thank you, Mr. Zubayr," Nilou said, sighing with relief.
"Nilou, there's something I need to discuss with you," Zubayr said, his expression turning serious.
"Do you remember what Master Ye Xi mentioned earlier? Lesser Lord Kusanali has been imprisoned by the great sages," he continued with a frown.
"I've asked someone to investigate and found that the gate to Jingshan Palace, where the Lesser Lord Kusanali resides, is heavily guarded. It's exactly as Master Ye Xi suspected."
"I've already told everyone in the Grand Bazaar, and they're all furious about it!"
"Well…" Nilou murmured, nodding, but she didn't say anything further.
Zubayr was surprised. He had expected her to have a stronger reaction.
Just then, a pigeon flew over and began circling Nilou is head. She froze momentarily before extending her hand. The pigeon landed gracefully on it.
Zubayr started when he noticed a letter tied to the bird's leg.
"Nilou, you're not hiding anything from me, are you?" he asked suspiciously.
"Huh?! No… no way!" Nilou stammered, hesitating for a long moment, her flustered demeanor giving her away.
Seeing her reaction, Zubayr nodded knowingly and said, "Nilou, whatever you and Master Ye Xi are planning, make sure to tell him that everyone in the bazaar trusts him."
"Alright, I understand, Mr. Zubayr!"
"Good," Zubayr said with a smile. "And one more thing," he added with a chuckle, "Afshin is right. If something develops between you and Master Ye Xi, the theater won't stand in the way of your happiness."
"Eh!?" Nilou is face turned scarlet, and she hurriedly left the theater with the pigeon in her arms.
Once she was alone, she untied the letter, unfolded it, and read it. Her eyes filled with determination.
"Don't worry, Master Ye Xi!"
---
*Elsewhere*
One of the pigeons flew to Huacheng Guo, reaching Tighnari and Collei as they finished patrolling the forest.
"Collei, you resolved two dead zones today. Are you feeling alright?" Tighnari asked with concern.
Hearing Tighnari is inquiry, Collei shook her head. "Master Tighnari, my illness has been completely cured, and the death zones no longer affect me. I even had a review with Master Ye Xi last night."
As she spoke, Collei is pretty face flushed slightly.
Tighnari sighed. "It's incredible. Master Ye Xi is so powerful he actually cured the devil scale disease and even removed the black inflammation from your body."
"What an amazing character."
"That's right! The master is truly extraordinary!" Collei giggled, nodding enthusiastically.
However, Tighnari suddenly smiled and said, "That being said, Collei, you should exercise some restraint. You've been going back to the city every day. The work of a forest ranger is still waiting for you. Don't overexert yourself."
"..."
Collei is face instantly turned crimson. Over the past two days, she had indeed been visiting Ye Xi daily perhaps a little too often because she simply couldn't resist!
As they were talking, a pigeon flew over and landed in front of Tighnari and Collei.
"It's a letter from Master Ye Xi!"
Collei eagerly untied the letter, opened it, and read it under the streetlight.
Recently, Ye Xi had been teaching her how to read, and she was learning quickly.
After reading the contents of the letter, Collei said in a deep, determined voice, "Master, it's time to act!"
Tighnari nodded. "Alright, let's get ready!"
---
*Evening*
The city of Sumeru gradually returned to calm.
A group of thirty men patrolled the streets, reprimanding anyone still out and about near the open shops.
"Curfew tonight! Everyone, go home and sleep!"
"Stop drinking, and clear out!"
"Move along!"
Hearing the shouts from the end of the street, a group of mercenaries who had been drinking began to complain.
"What's going on? I just got back! Can't I enjoy a proper drink?"
"Exactly! Why the sudden curfew?"
"Those 30-member squads are so full of themselves, living off the Institute of Holy Order's funding and making things hard for us who scrape by on odd jobs. And now they won't even let us have a drink!"
The shop owner, while packing up the tables outside, sighed and said, "It's probably because tomorrow is the Flower God's birthday festival. Better to rest early tonight."
Hearing this, everyone begrudgingly dispersed and went home.
The Flower God Festival marked the birthday of the Lesser Lord Kusanali.
After all, it was a god's birthday worthy of respect.
---
*Gathering Hall*
Several squads of thirty members had gathered here.
Lukesha, the flag bearer, addressed the team.
"Brothers, enjoy the holiday tonight. Except for a few guards, everyone can go back and sleep!"
"Everything should be peaceful today!"
"Make sure to wear your Void Terminals. I'll contact you if anything happens!"
At this, the mercenaries cheered.
"Finally! An unexpected holiday how great!"
"I haven't slept well in days. Time to catch up on rest!"
"I'm going to spend time with my wife!"
"Haha! Just don't be so exhausted that you can't walk tomorrow!"
"No way! My back is as strong as ever!"
Listening to their banter, Lukesha clapped his hands to bring order. "Alright, alright, enough chit-chat. Head home!"
Within moments, the 30-person group began to disperse.
---
*Into the Night*
The entire city of Sumeru fell into a peaceful stillness. Only a few mercenaries stood guard, some nodding off in their posts.
---
*Holy Order Headquarters*
Suddenly, the doors of the Holy Order opened, and a group of people emerged.
"Let's move!"
"Hurry up; it's time to put the plan into action!"
The speaker was the instructor to the Great Sage.
He led the group, with about a dozen scholars following silently. Among them was Setaria, who quietly observed her surroundings, her heart heavy with apprehension.
At the rear of the group walked the Great Sage Azar. Beside him was a man dressed in plain clothing.
"Azar, show me the [Dream Mass Production Plan] worksheet," the man demanded.
"Ha! As if such a thing exists," Azar replied with a sneer. "You'd like to get rid of us, but the details of the procedures are all in our heads."
Azar didn't trust fools. Sharing every detail of the project with them was a sure way to be abandoned later.
Azar was no fool.
However, he hadn't realized that his words had already piqued Dottore's interest specifically in the minds of the sages themselves.
The group made its way from the Academy, leaving Sumeru City and heading toward Lidu Valley.
---
*Jingliuli Workshop*
After a while, they arrived at the Jingliuli Workshop.
Clearly, this wasn't Azar's first visit. He followed the path with practiced ease, entering the factory's interior.
As he laid eyes on the completed body of the God of Prosperity, he burst into laughter.
"Hahahaha! What a perfect creation!"
"This… this is truly my greatest work under divine guidance!"
"This is definitely my greatest work under Hazard's guidance!"
Setaria quietly raised her head and glanced in the direction Azar was looking.
Immediately, she was shocked by the sight before her.
A massive mechanical armor stood towering in the room.
It was the first time she had seen the so-called "God."
Is that the final product of the god-making project?
Setaria felt a wave of unease.
According to the plan, this would be the final opponent everyone had to face.
However, just by looking at it, she could tell that this "God of Chance" already seemed invincible!
With such a towering frame, it could enter the city and effortlessly demolish Shuer City!
At least, that was what she thought.
Just then, a thunderous roar echoed from the direction of the God of Righteousness.
"You're moving too slowly!"
"Dottore! Sage! Inject power into my body immediately!"
The voice startled Setaria, and the scholars around her couldn't help but shudder.
The tone of the voice carried an unmistakable madness.
At that moment, the man standing beside Hazard suddenly transformed.
His plain gown turned into a luxurious robe, and the hat on his head became a mask shaped like a beak.
"Don't worry, Scaramouche," the man said. "They're here."
"The power of the God's Heart will be channeled tonight."
Hearing Dottore's words, the straggler inside the cabin let out a maniacal laugh.
"Hahahahaha!"
Dottore stepped forward and said, "Alright, my sage, you can begin."
"I see. Now leave!"
Azar glanced at Dottore warily, as if afraid he might stay and observe.
Dottore snorted, turned, and exited the hall.
Once Dottore was gone, Azar said, "Alright, there's still an hour before ten o'clock. Let's begin preparing for the [Dream Mass Production Plan]."
"Yes..."
Several scholars immediately got to work, operating the equipment they had brought and making final preparations.
Azar took out the God's Heart of the Lesser Lord Kusanali and began the procedures.
"Master Sage, I need to use the bathroom. Once we start, I might not have the chance!"
"Tsk, go quickly!"
"Yes!"
Setaria silently continued working on her assigned tasks.
Time passed quickly.
"One last check it starts in two minutes!"
Upon hearing Azar's words, everyone conducted final checks.
After a short while, they all completed their reports.
Setaria, after finishing her report, said, "Master Sage, I also need to go to the bathroom."
Azar didn't look up, fully absorbed in the grand task at hand. He simply waved a hand dismissively. Then, with a smile on his face, he turned back to the towering God of Righteousness.
Taking advantage of the moment, Setaria quietly left the hall.
---
*Two Minutes Later*
Azar gave the order: "Activate [Dream Reincarnation]!"
"Yes!"
The commanding officer pressed a switch, and the Heart of the Lesser Lord Kusanali erupted with an otherworldly light.
"Increase the output power!"
"Yes!"
As the command was carried out, a display lit up on a large screen in the hall.
It showed the perspective of countless individuals.
"The dream begins!"
"Report: all targets wearing Void Terminals are connected!"
"Report: the dream realm construction is complete, and all 30-member squads have been issued a task forbidding them from leaving Sumeru City."
"Report: the first day of the Flower God's Festival has commenced!"
"Report: the Eye of Dream is active!"
"Report..."
After the report concluded, everyone on the screen opened their eyes and began their day's work.
It never occurred to them that they were still dreaming.
It was like waking up from a good night's sleep, ready to welcome a new day.
Azar nodded in satisfaction. "Well, everything is going smoothly. Begin utilizing the computing power to derive the calendar area of the Heart of God!"
"Yes!"
As soon as the words fell, Thor's Heart of God burst into radiant light.
Dozens of catheters connected to the Heart of God began their operation.
In the next moment, thick, lightning-like liquid flowed out from the Heart of God, crackling with intense energy.
It was obvious this power was incredibly dangerous.
Once contaminated, one would likely die instantly.
The thunder liquid coursed through the catheters and was injected into the God of Righteousness.
Suddenly, a cry of pain erupted from the God of Righteousness.
"Ah!"
"This... this power! Hahahaha!"
"Balzebu! I'm about to ascend to godhood!"
As the infusion of thunder pulp continued, numbers on a nearby screen began to climb.
*[12%]*
This was the measure of the divine power of the God of Righteousness.
A smile curled on Azar's lips. "Once the progress reaches 100%, our new god will possess sufficient power!"
"And next comes wisdom!"
Just then, an exclamation broke the momentary calm.
"Master Sage! Setaria is missing!"
"What!?"
Azar's expression darkened as he scanned the area.
Sure enough, Setaria was nowhere to be seen.
The instructor looked puzzled. "Master Sage, didn't she go to the bathroom?"
"Why hasn't she returned yet? Where is she!?"
Azar felt a sudden sense of foreboding. "This is bad! Setaria is a traitor!"
"What did you say!?"
The instructor's face turned pale, clearly taken aback by Azar's accusation.
Azar slammed the test bench with his fist, gritting his teeth. "We've been tricked! That woman has been brainwashed by the Khaenri'ah people!"
"But... she knows critical information!"
"Master Sage, didn't we confirm that she's a desert citizen? Why would she have any loyalty to Khaenri'ah?"
Azar snapped, "What information does she know? Speak!"
The instructor, now panicked, replied hurriedly, "Master Sage, she knows everything the complete details of the Dreamland Mass Production Plan, its schedule, and even the identity of the Dream Master!"
"Damn it!"
Azar turned sharply and ordered, "Stop the plan immediately! Shut down all programs!"
"!!"
Several scholars frantically operated the machinery.
However, an enraged roar from the God of Righteousness interrupted them.
"Do not stop!"
"Fools! How dare you try to prevent my ascension to godhood!?"
Azar frowned deeply. "The one who just left is a traitor! She may have leaked our plans! The Dream Master, Nilou, could already know everything!
"If we don't terminate the plan, the Dream Master could expose our actions to everyone within the dream!"
"If all the people of Sumeru learn about this scheme, the consequences will be catastrophic!"
"Most importantly, the Dream Master can shut down the dream at any moment! If that happens, we won't be able to erase anyone's memories!"
Azar desperately tried to reason with the God of Righteousness, but the latter ignored him entirely.
He was intoxicated by the infusion of power.
"It doesn't matter to me! Maintain the dream!"
Hearing this, Azar felt utterly exasperated. This "new god" was entirely devoid of reason. He clearly needed divine knowledge to temper his mind.
Without wasting more time, Azar repeated, "Stop all processes immediately!"
But a scholar nearby exclaimed, "Master Sage! We can't terminate the program!"
"What!?"
"It's Setaria! She sabotaged the system! The dream cannot end!"
Azar froze in disbelief.
Why?
If Setaria knew the plan, wouldn't she want to expose it to the Dream Master?
Why lock the program instead?
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