Silent Crown Chapter 130

“Wow, look! The moonlight is so pretty!”

At the top level of the Judgement Tower, under the silent moonlight, someone studied the moon outside the bars and sighed as if intoxicated by it. Behind him, everyone was silent. They buried their faces in their hands.

However, the young man seemed to not sense anything. Turning around, he said with anticipation, “The night is beautiful. How about I perform for all of you to add to the mood?”

Someone’s expression changed drastically. “Don’t! Charles, wait—”

“Oh, oh, oh~ Oh, oh, oh~ Oh, oh, oh~ Oh, oh, oh~” Charles began singing happily, drunk from his own voice. “The beauty of the Sacred City, a day in June~ Spring rain falls like wine, the willows like smoke~ Come thousands of miles if we’re fated~ Can’t even hold your hand if we’re not~ Ten years of going through the obstacles, hundred years to share the same home~”

The horrible voice passed through the railings and echoed in everyone’s ears. It kept repeating, “Oh, if there are thousands of years, oh, of destiny~ We’ll be together~ Oh, if there are thousands of years, of, of destiny~ We’ll be together~ Lalala, lalala~”

The prisoners could not help but cover their faces and look everywhere for earplugs. Finally, the closest victim—his cellmate, a man covered in hair—could not take it anymore. He snapped a toothbrush in half and pointed it to his own throat.

“Charles, shut up!” Gritting his teeth, he was determined. “Otherwise, I’ll hurt myself and make you get locked up by yourself.”

“No, don’t! If you don’t like it, I can sing another song,” Charles said dejectedly. “I used to be a prodigy musician. Do you know what the triangle is? It’s really cool! Don’t believe me? Let me show you—”

“Just shut up! Let me sleep and stop bothering me!” the man roared.

The prisoners in the neighboring cell made noises of agreement. They all yelled at the voice that was pushing them to the brink of insanity.

Hearing those hateful words, Charles’s eyes clouded. He suddenly looked depressed and pitiful. Fluttering his lashes, he looked at his cellmate in anticipation.

“Don’t you feel touched and see me in a new light after hearing it? That’s what’s supposed to happen! Is it because I sang badly? Give me another chance. I’ll—”

“Listen, Charles.” The cellmate pressed down on his shoulders and used all his patience to say, “I know you feel that the future is dark and hopeless after you were arrested and that’s why you’re doing everything to join the Revolutionaries. But no offense, we…don’t take people like you, even if we’re outside…”

Charles froze. In disbelief, he moved in close and pointed at his face. “Look at me! I have potential! Won’t you consider it?”

The man’s features twisted and looked away determinedly. His decision was resolute.

“Naw, you can’t be like this!” Charles was shaken. “I got in because of you guys. What will I do if you won’t protect me? And that bald guy next door keeps looking at my butt when we go out. I’m so scared.”

“Bullsh*t!” the man roared. “That bald guy is my cousin. He’s had a lazy eye for five years!”

“Uh…” Charles started feeling awkward. “Don’t get angry. We can discuss this. Why don’t you consider it again?”

The man’s expression was livid. He cracked his knuckles, unable to bear it anymore. As soon as he raised his fist, Charles collapsed onto the ground like a limp noodle. He grabbed the man’s leg, tears, and snot streaming down his face.

“Brother, please just accept me! I really want to be a Revolutionary… I’m loyal and sincere!”

The prisoners had never seen someone so shameless as to admitting defeat even before fighting. They suddenly felt disgusted as if they had stepped onto gum. Their expressions twisted as they swore and cursed.

Finally, an old voice sounded in the cell across from them. “Go to sleep.” In the darkness untouched by the moonlight, the old man leaning against the wall sighed. “It’s late.”

With that, everyone fell into silence. Even the furious muscular man shut his mouth obediently and went back to bed, no longer speaking.

In the awkward silence, only the weak Charles did not understand what had happened. He looked around in confusion but everyone ignored him. After a long while, he climbed up helplessly and sighed in frustration. Being a spy was harder than he thought!

But just as he decided to sleep, the old man’s hoarse voice sounded behind him. “Your name.”

“Huh?” Surprised, Charles turned around. In the cell across from him, the old man had risen at some point. He walked into the moonlight and stood before the bars, looking at the confused young man.

He was very old. With a head of white hair, he looked like an old scholar rather than a commanding figure. His emerald eyes looked like a carving by an artist when they looked at someone. After being weathered by time, merely the rough edges were able to instill awe.

It was Constantine.

“Your name,” Constantine repeated patiently.

“Uh…Ch-Charles.”

“Charles?” Constantine pondered and slowly nodded. “A good name. I heard you are an Angloian musician?”

“That’s right. I’m from the history department of the Royal Academy of Music. I’m really impressive, let me tell you. I graduated with the highest grade in the past ten years!” Charles instantly started bragging. After all, he was the only one to graduate from the history department in the past ten years. It counted as breaking a record.

“I see.” Constantine nodded, seeming to ponder something. “Go to sleep. Talk with me tomorrow.”

“Huh?” Charles froze but quickly cheered. “Ah! Okay, okay! What would you like to talk about? Should I prepare for it?”

Constantine smiled and turned around to return to his bed. Charles gaped for a long while. Not receiving a reply, he went back to his bed in confusion.

No matter what…his spy plan was about to succeed?

–

The next morning, it was colder than before as the winter progressed. Water vapor froze, creating beautiful ice flowers on the steel walls of the Sacred City. The people wore thick wool clothing, looking fat and swollen. Mr. Hu was the same. He added a thick cloak and stood rubbing his hands in the cold wind.

People passed before him in front of the Sacred City train station. He stood on the steps outside the crowd and gazed into the distance. Beside him, the worried Eunuch Zhao pressed quietly, “Mr. Hu, let’s go. The one in charge has urged me many times. If you don’t leave now, you’ll miss the afternoon ship.”

“Wait a bit more.” Mr. Hu chuckled softly. “Just a bit more.”

Soon, quick footsteps sounded. A young man in black walked through the frost. His white hair tumbled down his shoulders with a metallic shine.

“Sorry, I’m late.” Ye Qingxuan looked apologetic. “Something happened last night and I slept too late.”

Mr. Hu nodded. Seeing Ye Qingxuan’s empty hands, he realized, “You don’t plan on returning?”

“Yes.” Ye Qingxuan nodded. “I won’t go back for now. There are still many people I care about here. I have to make sure they’re safe.”

Mr. Hu fell silent. He studied the young man before him. After a long pause, he patted Ye Qingxuan’s shoulder. “It’s alright. It’s good that you’ve made your decision. I won’t force you. These things can’t be forced.”

A bell rang again. It was nine o’clock.

“Time to go. If I still don’t go, they’ll come hurry me again.” Mr. Hu glanced at the station behind him and looked away. “It’s great that you can come see me off.”

“Safe travels,” Ye Qingxuan said.

Mr. Hu smiled. He took a few steps back and bowed in farewell. His cloak fluttered in the wind like a stork’s wings.

“I do not know when we will meet again.” He gazed at the young man with affection. “Please take care.”

Ye Qingxuan nodded. He stood and watched as Mr. Hu turned and disappeared in the crowd. After a long while, he sighed sadly.

“Take care, sir.”

–

The train station was packed. Mr. Hu looked back, unwilling to leave. He could still see the young man standing in place and could not help but feel sad. Perhaps he was getting old. When he had traveled hundreds of thousands of miles with his teacher as a young man, he was not as weak as now, fearing farewells. But then his steps halted. His senses told him that something was coming.

It was as if the entire world had silenced and everyone’s movements slowed. Under his blazing golden eyes, he could see even the smallest speck of dust. He looked up and studied every face that passed him. Finally, he looked to the front. There was a traveler snaking through the crowd. He seemed to have come from far away but did not have any belongings. He only had a ragged robe. His hair was messy and unruly.

Sensing Mr. Hu’s eyes, he looked over. After a second of thought, he smiled. His features were plain but Mr. Hu’s eyes changed. They burned hotter and seemed to condense into tangible murderous intent. Every pore on his body was trembling with the thirst to fight and kill. For some reason, he wanted to put in his all and throw away all caution to fight with this man he had never seen before.

Under his black robes, his fists clenched. His muscles pulled taut as he tried to push down his urge. For the first time in his life, he wanted to…kill someone without any reason.

The traveler did not seem to realize. He just smiled and brushed past. Mr. Hu instantly sank into a daze. But in his daze, his gold eyes finally broke through the disguise. He saw a figure with one hundred hands and one thousand eyes extend from the body, covering the sky. Instantly, the earth shook and the atrium broke. Fire covered the world.

Mr. Hu froze in place. Sweat rolled down his body and his face paled. After a long, long time, he started walking again. He finally saw the confused Eunuch Zhao.

“M-mr. Hu, what happened?” he asked. “Are you sick? Please don’t scare me.”

“No need to worry.” Mr. Hu smiled wryly. “Perhaps…this is fate?” He looked back at the large city. Perhaps fate truly existed, weaving all their lives, cruelly placing the young man in the center of all storms and vortexes.

Ye Qingxuan, take care. There are no longer safe places.

–

At the same time, a bedraggled traveler grabbed the quiet young man standing before the station.

“S-sorry.” In broken language, he asked, “Excuse me, this…place, go, how?”

“Asking for directions?” Ye Qingxuan took the piece of paper in his hand. It seemed to be the name card of an antique shop. It was rumpled as if it was once immersed in water and dried again. It still had a faint dark red color.

“I’m sorry. I’m not familiar with this place.” He thought for a moment and returned the business card.

“Thank…sor-ry.” The traveler smiled, thanked him politely, and turned away.

Ye Qingxuan froze for a long time. Looking at the man’s back, he felt that something was wrong but he couldn’t tell.

“Oh, you’re here.” Behind him, Wolf Flute patted him on the shoulder. Ye Qingxuan turned around. Arching an eyebrow, Wolf Flute looked impressed. “The uniform of the Silent Authority looks better on you than me.”

Ye Qingxuan glanced at him, not at all politely. “If you’re willing to lose the fat on your stomach, you’ll look nice too.”

“Ahaha, life is so wonderful. Why should we lose the hard-earned weight?” Wolf Flute held a hot breakfast in his hands and gave him some as well. “Get on the bus. We’ll talk on the way.”

The door closed and the carriage started. Wolf Flute dropped the curtains and started gorging. Ye Qingxuan looked at the breakfast next to him but had no appetite. He sighed and pushed the breakfast next to Wolf Flute.

“Where to next?”

“The Ministry of Sacrament,” he mumbled. He swallowed his mouthful of sandwich and drank all of his coffee. He wiped his mouth. “There’s no need to worry about Charles. I’ll take you to see something good.”

“What thing?” Wolf Flute smiled and pat the invisible wolf beside him. “To witness a Scepter.”

–

Six days ago, Samuel, the veteran of the School of Choir, returned from the aether world. While pioneering in a secret place, he realized that he had broken through the difficulties that had troubled him. Thus, he was determined to prepare to advance toward the Scepter level.

After accumulating for so many years, he was prepared to go off from his strong points and build up the legendary elements of the upper ranks. He hoped that he would be awarded a saint’s name after created his scepter. If he could succeed, he would immediately become a saint of the world.

“This is a major event that the Ministry of the Sacrament has been preparing for. Two schools have done everything for the sublimation ceremony. Many grandmasters have come in the past two days. It seems that Master Samuel is prepared to either succeed or die.”

Wolf Flute explained in the carriage, “To put an end to the influence of the abyss, the Silent Authority also needs to guarantee the purity of the sanctuary. Most people have been busy these past two days. I decided to let you open your eyes.”

“Create a scepter?” Ye Qingxuan fell into contemplation. The scepter had always been a dream that every musician dreamed of—to inscribe one’s consciousness into the aether world for eternity, project into the Originator, and gain its power.

There were only a dozen or so people in the world who could reach this level. There were even fewer who could become a saint.

It could almost be said that reaching this realm was rising above human limits, reaching the level of immortality. Even if the human body was corrupted, the will could be released from the aether and become the Holy Spirit.

Unfortunately, it was too difficult to break through this barrier.

With so many musicians in Anglo, only two or three could be called Scepters. Of them, only one was a saint—Mr. Haydn—who had entered Avalon’s Shadow.

The master of the School of Royalty, André, began to work behind closed doors a few years ago. Even with massive support, he had yet to find any chance.

Thinking of this, he could not help but squint and glance at someone gorging around… They were all Scepters but how come he did not have the demeanor a grandmaster should have?

Regardless, it was a rare opportunity to witness a master’s achievement.

Soon, the carriage arrived.

–

Through the heavily guarded turnpikes, the carriage stopped outside the gate.

“Get off here. The carriage can’t pass through the rest.”

After wiping his mouth, Wolf Flute returned to his gentlemanly appearance—if one overlooked his coffee stains—and handed the two documents to the guard. “The central Church, two people, the Silent Authority.”

“The Silent Authority?”

The guards looked again and again, mainly at Ye Qingxuan. He had probably never seen such eye-catching white hair from the members of the Silent Authority. Soon, he waved them off.

“These two days, most of the masters who have come to visit have arrived. They all want to seek inspiration from Samuel’s breakthrough. This is a rare musician congregation. Therefore, to prevent people with ulterior motives from mixing in, the alert has also been raised.”

Wolf Flute led the way and said to Ye Qingxuan, “You should show your face more for these occasions. It’ll be good for the future.”

“I don’t really like going out in public like this.” Ye Qingxuan smiled wryly. “If I could, I’d still prefer to stay in the library alone.”

Wolf Flute smiled and did not speak. He led Ye Qingxuan up the steps and they finally walked into the Central Church from the side entrance.

The Holy Resurrection Church was one of the most famous churches in the Sacred City. It was not open to the public and was instead the venue for musicians’ activities. The Musician Union had its headquarters here. The clerk was usually a priest of the Sacred City. Half of them were from different places and had come to study. Coinciding with the sacrament of Samuel’s promotion, it suddenly became busier.

Wolf Flute brought Ye Qingxuan past the musician responsible for maintaining order. After meeting the ones necessary, he took Ye Qingxuan straight to the center of the church.

This was where Samuel’s breakthrough would take place tomorrow. The Musicians Union and the Sacred City have already begun to prepare. Dozens of alchemists hired have already entered the stadium and began to make arrangements for the alchemy needed tomorrow.

The two supporting schools behind Samuel and his own family had almost bankrupted themselves for the precious materials and practically turned it into a treasure gallery.

Ye Qingxuan did not dare to activate his aether sensing for fear of being shaken by the aetheric waves that would follow.

In the huge central sanctuary, many musicians have already entered the stadium in advance. The young musicians from all the schools stared at the alchemy matrix on the ground and perceive the trajectory and structure of the music theory. They were so eager and excited. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Tomorrow, Master Samuel would break through here and be promoted to the Scepter level.

This alchemist matrix was ​​of utmost importance. It combined the profound musical principles of the two schools, the core movements, and the hard work of Samuel. There was no reservation. For any musician, it was a rare learning opportunity and experience. The effect was second only to experiencing the changes in aether and music theory tomorrow.

At this moment, the earth was engraved with notes and movements, in which the secret mercury flowed like the blood- transporting the aether, turning it into a whole. And this matrix contained the prototype of the scepter that Samuel had created for himself.

Once Samuel was promoted, he would be able to open up his territory in the aether world and create a new path. There would be a new musician progression. Just like the Phoenix’s Descendant of Anglo’s School of Royalty, the alchemist of the School of Modifications, the Starry Eye musicians of the School of Revelations, the silent musicians of the School of Abstinence, and so on.

These were paths carved by the Scepter musicians. Naturally, they could also allow later generations to walk down too.

No one knew how many stuck musicians would rush over and enter this path to transform themselves into the advanced level he had created. If one did not know how to do it, one could take the path of Samuel and upgrade step by step. There were also geniuses who could follow the path opened by the teacher and reach a realm that the teacher had never reached. Of course, a scepter could also pull a whole school into the Dark World.

Each scepter was the core of a school. For hundreds of years, the powerful ones who became scepters often opened up their own school of thought. That was why there were so many factions within the seven major schools.

But Ye Qingxuan did not care about Samuel’s advancement. He had already done the advanced preparation for the Dreamweaver. Now that the integration of his music theory was complete, there would be no worries after he healed.

As long as he built a dream that belonged only to him, he would be able to advance to success and have a great future. He would no longer have to gamble his future like others. What’s more, even if he wanted to follow the scepter…wasn’t there one right next to him?

Thinking of this, Ye Qingxuan could not help but glance at the yawning Wolf Flute next to him. He did not look like a scepter at all.

You are the disciple of the King of Back. Doesn’t it matter?

He quietly looked away and looked intently at the alchemy matrix. He was more interested in the ‘legend’ that Samuel had created. Combining the symphony of predestination with legends, sublimating as a scepter, and opening up one’s territory in the aether world, one would become a scepter-level musician.

Although it was difficult to create a symphony of predestination, there were still many musicians in the world. However, it was not easy to sublimate the scepter.

The most difficult thing was to create the ‘legend’ that best suited you.

–

There were all kinds of legends in this world. There were reliable sources, but there were many whimsical ones as well. There were unreliable ancient myths and of course modern ghost stories. Most of them were strange talks created by awkward novelists. Of course, there were also miracles created by musicians.

Creating a legend meant turning distant legends into reality, distorting rules and regulations, and creating miracles.

For example, the most famous deed was how the first King of Red was resurrected seven days after dying under the witness of six disciples. This laid the majesty and sanctity of the Sacred City for hundreds of years since then.

It contained the elements of life, death, rebirth, and the existence of God.

With this scepter as the core, all Kings of Red created a sacred city in the aether world, a shining territory of mankind, expelling the darkness, and fighting off demons with the Holy Light. Creating legends, avatars, become legends, and even…myths!

Starting from the limitations of material and human beings, one became the creator of rules. This was the most honorable aspect of a Scepter musician.

Even scepter musicians had rankings. Among them were powerful men like Paganini who became dark followers but were still unbeaten. There were also those who had toiled for decades but still could not become a Holy Spirit.

The difference lies in the legend created.

“The ‘elements’ contained are different, and the ability and effect of the scepter are naturally different.”

“The ‘elements’ contained are different, and the ability and effect of the scepter are naturally different.” Wolf Flute explained, “For example, if the legendary elements are created by the elements of God’s punishment, then the scepter will be biased toward punishment. If the Sunnah and redemption are the elements, then it will favor salvation.

“The School of Modifications likes to create and destroy. The School of Revelations tends to be knowledgeable and insightful… The schools have different focuses and of course, the elements are also divided

“The element decides the quality of the scepter.

“The reason why the Sacred City is powerful is that the Holy Scripture contains many elements. The division is clear and the effect is obvious. More importantly, there are many believers so there’s no need to spread the belief. Therefore, the difficulty of this advanced level will be much lower.

“Throughout history, so many musicians became advanced scepters with the scripture’s legend. Even the first twelve saints were inspired by the Holy Scriptures to create their own Gospel.”

Ye Qingxuan looked at the mammoth matrix in front of him. After a long time, he nodded. “It seems that Samuel is also looking for his elements from the Holy Scriptures?”

“Yes.” Wolf Flute nodded. He looked to the core of the matrix, that large and complex chanting movement, and sighed. “Blood Race. This is the legend that Samuel wants to create. The chapter of sinners from the Holy Scripture contains the middle elements of blood, inheritance, and so on. The upper element, ‘life,’ is the core. He modeled the life form of the Moon Spirit, designed a new race, and prepared to turn the legend into reality.

“If he succeeds, he will become the first Blood Race of history, the ancestor of the Blood Musicians. As long as one receives his blood as a medium, later musicians can be transformed into Blood Musicians like him.”

Here, Ye Qingxing immediately looked to Wolf Flute with curious eyes. “What about you?” he asked. “What is your legendary element?”

“Me? I just winged it.” Wolf Flute scratched his head slightly. “My legendary element is nothing but a wolf from the beast branch. It can kind of count as a phantom beast but it can only be a lower element. It’s the lowest kind of the scepters. It’s easy to accomplish, but it’s hard to advance.”

Wolf Flute did not seem to mind and just patted Ye Qingxuan’s shoulder.

“I’m clear about myself. I just managed to become a scepter and all that matters is that I can have a livelihood. Don’t worry about me. Speaking of, do you want to consider my advancement? Wild Wolf Musician! Sounds very powerful…”

Ye Qingxuan recollected his wretched gaze and did not speak.

–

As the old saying went, “I’m here anyway.” Since he had come and it was such a rare opportunity, he should at least look carefully. However, when he looked at the matrix for a long time, he could not help but frown.

“This Samuel is a pedigree?” Ye Qingxuan asked.

“Yes.” Wolf Flute nodded. “Mr. Samuel is a famous pure-blood noble. Have you heard of him?”

Ye Qingxuan said lightly, “I can tell.”

“Oh?” Wolf Flute raised his brow. “I know you’re from the School of Revelations but this is such a large alchemy matrix. You’ve already finished interpreting it in a few short minutes?”

“The interpreting method is best at finding the core of the music theory as quickly as possible. You can ignore the details. What’s more,” Ye Qingxuan paused and made a weird face, “I also know a little alchemy.”

As he spoke, he walked around the Alchemy Matrix. “Alchemy, however, must follow four stages: activity, formation, creation, and outflow. These are the four forms of aether, and it is also the process of material being born from the Originator and being endowed with form. As above it, as under it, so is the beginning of all things. Using this rule, you can understand the operating principle of the matrix.”

He paused and pointed to the area in front of him. “You see, here, the source’s ‘initial blood’ represents the blood after Samuel combined the legendary elements. Then using it as a medium, the one receiving the blood can follow the ritual and turn himself into a blood musician with this advanced unique expertise and ability.

“Let’s call it ‘second generation’ for now. The second generation musicians can also pass on their blood to other musicians and create the third generation… The relationships in this school are based off of familial inheritance. It will certainly be united with the family’s situation to ensure the centripetal force of the school’s members.”

“It sounds good,” Wolf Flute agreed. “Maybe Samuel does not want his students to compete as brutally as the other colleges. It’s like Deva’s blood. Everyone sits together and shares it like a family…”

“Is that possible?!” Ye Qingxuan laughed and looked queer: “Wolf Flute, there is indeed no competition in this system. There is only unilateral plunder. Moreover, Deva’s blood passes down music theory. It’s not the disciplines or vows of the School of Abstinence.”

He looked down and gazed at the alchemy matrix. Among the matrix, the intricate music theory that was engraved under the blood notes was the irresistible contract formed by the strict School of Abstinence. Once implanted, there was no room for the return. This was a poisoned apple. It looked delicious but was a different story after entering the stomach.

“The superior’s control over the younger generation is absolute,” Ye Qingxuan murmured. “All the power and music theory of the blood musicians are placed in the initial blood of their inheritance. Whether or not they have power depends only on the thought of the superior.

“The person who likes this style of reign is a tyrant. I am afraid that, compared to the aether, this Samuel master is more thirsty for power.”

Wolf Flute looked at him with a weird look and patted him on the shoulder. Behind Ye Qingxuan, a slight cough began.

“What are you guys saying?” Someone slowly came forward. The middle-aged man didn’t look old but his hair was gray and he walked with a slight limp. He held a crutch in his hand.

Wolf Flute straightened and then bowed. “Mr. Handel.”

Ye Qingxuan froze and looked at the man who had seemingly aged prematurely. His expression was awed and serious. He quickly saluted him.

Handel.

There was only one person who was qualified to call this name in the Sacred City. This was the pinnacle of all musicians in the world. One of the twelve saints was given the name of Handel. This musician was already ninety-four years old but he still seemed to be middle-aged. He was full of energy and looked majestic with stern eyes. Few people knew that this saint who lived in abbots was one of the actual controllers of the Silent Authority and was hated by dark musicians all over the world.

Handel scanned Ye Qingxuan with a look of indifference and looked to Wolf Flute. “He is Ye Qingxuan?” Wolf Flute nodded but Handel frowned. “Sure enough. Contemptuous, and more annoying than the rumors.”

Ye Qingxuan froze. He looked up in shock and opened his mouth to speak.

“Hey, Mr. Handel, scaring the youngsters again?” A hand reached out and stopped Handel’s shoulder. The hand was greasy from food but it was well maintained—white and plump. There was a ring of gold and amber on the index finger. Two snakes entangled into a black symbol.

It was Hermes.

“Don’t scare my kid. Young people need encouragement.” Hermes patted him on the shoulder. As he spoke, he pulled Ye Qingxuan to the side. “I need to talk to him. Please do what you need. He’s working for you now so don’t give him a hard time.”

Confused, Ye Qingxuan was dragged by Hermes to the second floor of the church. He did not process everything until he sat down in the lounge across from Hermes who had started eating his second breakfast now.

“Do you want some?” Hermes generously raised a bottle of red wine. “The welfare of the Holy Resurrection Church is good. Even the communion of red wine is a rare good product.”

“…No thanks.” Ye Qingxuan leaned back a bit. “Boss, please eat slowly.”

“How did you piss off Handel?” Hermes asked while eating. “That guy holds grudges. Is it because you eliminated his nephew in the Romulusian trial? Or because you said bad things about his junior, Samuel? Or is it because Handel’s unclear connection with the Ecclesiastical Order and the Chainsaw Fraternity?”

Ye Qingxuan was speechless. He thought, if you say everything, what’s left for me to say?

“Boss, why are you…in the Sacred City?” he asked.

“I’m vacationing here. There are still some industries that need to be taken care of. If you don’t have a job anymore, you can come work in my shop.” Hermes took out a business card. The greasy card looked familiar but Ye Qingxuan had no interest in the antique shop. He just stuffed it in his pocket.

“Oh, right.” Hermes hit his forehead. “I heard you’ve resonated. I can’t believe someone so dull could break the Barrier of Knowledge… And now you’re already at the Disturbance level? Oh, I haven’t given you a gift yet…”

Ye Qingxuan was silent.

“What do you want?” Hermes wiped his mouth and said with a flamboyant flair. “Everything is okay. Soon it will be the Winter Festival. It’s time for the boss to give you year-end benefits!”

Ye Qingxuan was silent.

“Oh, what if I give you more pocket watches?” Hermes fluttered his lashes. “Then next year, you can say that you bought it last year…”

“Boss,” Ye Qingxuan interrupted him with lowered eyes and low voice, “I want to know what exactly…happened in Romulus.”

Hermes stopped smiling. He straightened, put down his red wine, and examined Ye Qingxuan. After a long time, he could not help but sigh. “Young people’s’ curiosity is really strong and enviable.”

Ye Qingxuan looked at him and said nothing, waiting for a reply.

After a long silence, Hermes shook his head awkwardly. “Just see it as I owed Romulus a sum of money and sent you to help me repay my debt. Thank you for doing so much for me.”

Ye Qingxuan shook his head. “This is not what I want.”

“I know.” Hermes patted him on the shoulder: “Come by if you have time. I will compensate you. Remember to come as soon as possible. If you’re late, you may be too late.”

“Does Bai Xi know that you’re here?” Ye Qingxuan asked.

“She doesn’t know yet. Maybe she thinks I’m sunbathing at some beach.” Hermes smiled and looked at him. “You know already?”

“Avalon is only so big. A girl with white hair is very conspicuous. What’s more, Bai Xi is not that smart and can’t disguise herself well.” Ye Qingxuan lowered his eyes. “I didn’t talk to her after I came out. When I wanted to talk to her, she started ignoring me. How has she been doing recently? ”

“She has grown up, Ye Qingxuan.” Hermes shook his head. “Girls mature early and she is already strong. Even if no one protects her, she can live well so you can be rest assured.”

“Maybe.” Ye Qinguan sighed and looked up at Hermes. “There is a question I’ve always wanted to ask… Boss, who are you?”

“Who am I? Haha, who knows?” Hermes lay on the couch and whistled.

“Some people think I’m the shelter for homeless travelers and some think I’m the trader of Avalon. I am the originator of the steam scourge and I am an unattainable pinnacle for artists. Some regard me as a monster while others worship me. Many people call me the sage, saying that I am in charge of one-third of the world’s truth. I like this title, although the other two-thirds are in the hands of a b*tch and a loser.

“I am a watch shop owner, the Anglo Second Department’s external brainpower, and the Sixth Department’s confidential consultant. I am a private doctor who has been dismissed by Her Majesty, and I am also the owner of an antique shop in Sacred City.

“If you want to know about my life, I can give you a set of six autobiographies of 2,400 pages. If you want to know my nature, it’s just what you’ve seen already. Ye Qingxuan, what do you want to ask? In your opinion, what is the sensational secret of a fat man like me?”

Ye Qingxuan remained silent for a long time with no more words. Soon he got up. “Well, I should go. See you then.”

Hermes carefully fastened the napkin and waved goodbye. “Be careful. There have been a lot of people watching you recently.”

“Eh?” Ye Qingxuan stopped at the doorway and turned back with a puzzled look.

“You are famous now.” Hermes smiled strangely, exclaiming with exaggerated tone, “Ye Qingxuan, everyone from North Asgard to India knows you!”

Ye Qingxuan was speechless.

“Do you know how others speak of you?” Hermes enumerated with his greasy fingers. “You are a madman, a lunatic, an executioner, a rare genius, a monster who broke through the resonance level within six months, a rising star amongst the musicians! No one can be your rival in resonance. You are only second to the masters!”

Ye Qingxuan froze. “Isn’t it too exaggerated?”

Only second to the masters? No matter from what aspect, these comments had been exaggerated. This was not to praise him anymore but to push him into the fire!

“No, no, no, no exaggeration.” Hermes waved. “I have been around for so many years. It’s my first time meeting somebody as troublesome as you. Think about it. How many people fell from the ranks because of you?”

Ye Qingxuan mused and counted his fingers. Then he found that ten fingers were not enough, and he also found that…there were too many people for him to recall. It seemed that there were quite a few people destroyed by him. Ever since he prepared to go back to Avalon, practically none of the musicians who met him had good endings.

Aha, that’s really awkward.

Seeing his embarrassed expression, Hermes gloated. “Whether you admit it or not, the people who want to challenge you could line up from the city gate to the central plaza!

“Moreover, it’s said that this noon, Maxwell set off with the Sword in the Stone to return to Anglo, so the number of the people seems to have multiplied. I thought you knew that but you appeared in the Central Church in such a high-profile way… It’s like there is a sign written ‘challenge me’ on your head.”

He paused meaningfully here, looking at Ye Qingxuan as if he was looking at a good stepping-stone. “Little Yezi, the storm has not come yet. Don’t get yourself into trouble so soon.”

Ye Qingxuan had nothing to say. He pushed through the door in a complex mood.

Outside the door, several musicians at the end of the corridor heard the sound and looked over. After seeing his white hair, they were stunned at first but their eyes lit up immediately.

Ye Qingxuan also looked at them oddly. “No way…”

Isn’t it too fast?

“Ye Qingxuan?” Soon, a handsome young man ranked out of the crowd, speaking in a polite tone, “I’m Donatro from the Esposito family, a member of the Gregory Choir in the Sacred City. May I have the pleasure to consult with you?”

Ye Qingxuan was silent. He turned back and looked at Wolf Flute in the distance who was ready to watch the show with a cup of hot coffee in his hand. Wolf Flute shrugged helplessly, telling him that he could not help.

“I suggest you better hurry.” Wolf Flute turned and looked out of the window. In the distance, people gradually converged in the Central Church. Musicians rushed to the second floor one by one. He could not help whistling. “Oh, everyone has turned out. Even the pandas in the Sacred City Zoo don’t get this treatment…”

Ye Qingxuan’s expression grew serious.

“There he is! I found him!” There was a noisy sound under the stairs and soon musicians rushed up to the floor one after another. The voices were heard before they even appeared.

“Mr. Ye, I’m Zanaldo, the concertmaster of Jackdaw School, coming for advice!”

“Mr. Ye, I’m Will, the concertmaster of Seclusion School, coming to learn from you.”

“Where’s Ye Qingxuan?” A bold voice shouted, “Rafter from Gudeman School comes to challenge you. If you are a man, don’t run!”

“Mr. Ye, I’m Sairol, a professor from Trinity College. I have several questions about interpretation that I hope you can enlighten for with.”

“I’m…”

“…representative of Rock Institute…”

“Concertmaster…”

“The Caucasian Ice Wind School…”

“The Golden Sparrow Music Division…”

Groups of musicians rushed up and jammed the entire corridor. With shortness of breath and redness of eyes, they were like a group of animals in heat, staring at Ye Qingxuan as if he was a walking stepping-stone or a ticket to fame. Of course, their excuses were also diverse. Some came for asking an advice, some wanted to have a consultation, some wanted to challenge him. Someone even came to avenge someone that Ye Qingxuan could not remember… They came with modesty or arrogance, confidence, or a mysterious smile.

Ye Qingxuan silently looked at the surging heads before him. Those unfamiliar faces were filled with fighting spirit, which was simply inexplicable to him. He frowned and his eyes grew cold.

“Wait!” As he prepared to speak, the young man who came first in the crowd, Donatro, stood up and blocked the crowd. He called, “Gentlemen, I know that you all want to see Mr. Ye but there are so many people. I’m afraid Mr. Ye is too busy to treat us all. We can’t let others say that the Sacred City doesn’t know manners.”

He paused and said, “Why don’t we pick up a few representatives and ask Mr. Ye about music theory? Let’s do best of three rounds. I suppose Master Ye won’t refuse our sincere kindness.”

“Yes!”

“I agree!”

In a blink of an eye, those musicians were convinced. There was not even the slightest sign of the intense enthusiasm from before. Even Ye Qingxuan also sighed with relief… h*ll no!

He seemed to be at an advantage if the group of people went through preliminary rounds. However, he knew that this was planned from their clumsy acting. He had not even agreed to a duel yet. These b*stards wanted to defeat him with numbers.

Ye Qingxuan’s expression darkened. Looking back to Wolf Flute, he said straightforwardly, “Are all the musicians of the Sacred City like this?”

“Some of them.” Wolf Flute blew his hot coffee, squinted at the group of guys, and said, “This group of people is not well off locally. They came to the Sacred City to get an advanced education so that they can fake their resume. Most of them have enough money but lack skills. They always gather together, seeming majestic, but in fact, the truly powerful musicians would just ignore them.

“They have no sense of existence so that they have to attack the politics of the Sacred City or the big families every day. With the identity of musician, they become fearless. They always gather to cause trouble, but people who do not like them have no idea how to deal with them…”

He paused with a strange smile. “Hey, little Yezi, someone doesn’t like you. They might want to teach you some lessons.”

“Why?”

“Because you are more famous than they are.” Wolf Flute said confidently, “Isn’t this enough?”

Ye Qingxuan was wordless. This was enough. He was the real thorn in the flesh to those who had been longing for fame and fortune for many years and those without any achievements. One never knew what kind of birds would live in big woods. Similarly, all kinds of people lived in this world.

Hearing Wolf Flute’s voice, Donatro’s eyes immediately darkened. But soon, he returned to the previous humble enthusiasm with a smile. He was emboldened. Now the situation had been settled. Witnessed and forced by so many people, Ye Qingxuan had to jump into this trap.

Ye Qingxuan did not have to fight. But after tonight, the entire Sacred City would know that he had run because of fear. If he fought, the results would only be worse since they were prepared.

If he won, he was a bully.

If he lost, he would naturally lose his fame.

Even if they just held on for a few minutes and then gave up early, then they could boast that Ye Qingxuan was nothing big and they had a draw with him… Even if Ye Qingxuan tried to explain in the future, the truth would no longer be important with so many gossiping mouths and rumors. Everyone liked to watch something like ‘the gifted musician’s defeat at the Sacred City’.

Facing the challenges of the elites, the genius who was hailed in the past dared not to fight but flee! It was exposed that Ye Qingxuan was actually overhyped! No matter how he defended himself, he would become a total clown. As long as the public opinion was unanimous, there would definitely be countless people to insult him and worsen the situation. Within half a month, his reputation would be down in the gutter.

Ye Qingxuan quickly understood this all. He even predicted their various arrangements and means. The plan was really easy and well thought out. It was as perfect as heaven.

However…things like that did not exist in this world!

He looked up and asked softly, “You have reached an agreement?”

Seeming to have not sensed his mockery, Donatro’s smile was still warm and humble. “What do you think, Master Ye?”

Ye Qingxuan smiled. The smile was particularly disturbing. Everyone who was familiar with this b*stard knew that every time he smiled like that, someone was going to meet his misfortune.

Under everyone’s gaze, he stepped forward and looked down on Donatro. He raised a finger and pointed to his face. “Do you know who I am?”

In the silence, everyone was stunned. They looked at each other in confusion, not knowing what Ye Qingxuan meant.

“Ye Qingxuan?”

“Anglo sword bearer.”

“Gifted musician…”

“The man second only to the masters?”

Listening to their noisy and confused voices, Ye Qingxuan became satisfied as if he was enjoying the praise. It felt so good to him.

When the voices stopped, he nodded and looked at Donatro. “What else?”

What else? What else was there?

Donatro’s eyes darkened. He quickly thought about what Ye Qingxuan meant. Suddenly, it felt as if he was struck by lightning. In an instant, his face changed.

Because Ye Qingxuan slowly raised a jade tablet before him.

The jade tablet was of extremely rare quality and carved with fine and solemn patterns. The engraving contained unique aetheric fluctuations and was stamped with the unique emblem of the Aurora royalty. It was created Ministry of Rites and it was the only one in the world.

“I can enter the temple without taking off my shoes or my sword. People should call me my title but not name. I’m Marquess Ye Qingxuan.” Ye Qingxuan stooped to look at Donatro’s face, smiling as if looking at kindergarteners. “Do you have a title?”

Donatro’s face was livid. He clenched his teeth with speaking.

They had predicted all possible results but forgot this one.

Ye Qingxuan was not just a brilliant musician which sounded great but actually meant nothing. He was the Marquess verified by the Sacred City, the representative of the Blood of Glory, the future Archduke. He was the superior with all the honor and majesty in the world!

This b*stard was now a Marquess who would not be accused of bullying, adultery, plunder or arson! He didn’t have to pay attention to the so-called challenges and did not have to care about hurtful rumors.

He had the whole Sacred City—no, all the nobles in the world—behind him. If they dared to play any tricks, make up any rumors, or gossip…the Amnesty Department would never let them go!

In a dead silence, Ye Qingxuan walked around Donatro. He reached out, pointing to the faces in the crowd. “Do you have a title? You? And you? Forget it. With that penniless look, I know you don’t. You, you, and you…”

Finally, in the silence, someone made a sound. “I do.”

“Oh?” Ye Qingxuan smiled. “What title?”

The young man’s face twitched, and after a long time, he squeezed the answer from his teeth. “Viscount.”

Ye Qingxuan snorted and said nothing. He just huffed in disdain, mocking them. “No more?”

Donatro was livid as he looked at Ye Qingxuan. “You—”

Crack! Before he finished his words, Ye Qingxuan slapped him. He was so fast, the strength was cruel, and the intention was quite vicious. One slap made Donatro go blind. All of the people sank into a daze.

Such an attack should have activated Donatro’s shield and ricocheted. But when he slapped down, his hit had contained music theory. Before the shield was unfolded, it was completely disintegrated. Even the alchemy ring was cracked.

This shield was a completely joke to Ye Qingxuan. It was no thicker than a piece of paper.

“You…Ye Qingxuan…you!” Donatro staggered back, holding his face blankly and feeling the hot pain. He finally understood what had just happened. His eyes became furious, his expression twisted. His face was red with anger.

Ignoring this, Ye Qingxuan just flicked his finger and lightly said, “You did not know my status before, so you were innocent. But now, you have to learn to use the honorific. Pay attention to your identity, ‘young man’.” Ye Qingxuan emphasized the last two words. His mockery was quite palpable.

Before they could speak, Ye Qingxuan waved his sleeve. “I’m tired. Let’s call it a day.” He stood with his hands behind his back. “It is rare for you to come and wait to see me, the Marquess. To be mindful of your sincerity, I will not dispute your offense.” He paused, looking at those furious faces. He smile cheerfully and said word by word, “You may kneel and leave now.”

In the silence, he played with the jade tablet. The jade tablet was warm and gentle but looked like flashing lights, stinging people’s eyes.

In the silence, the viscount was the first to bow down to him. Then, everyone bowed their head. People with no title knelt on one knee while the other nobles looked respectful, daring not to reveal the slightest dissatisfaction or irritability.

Seeing them lower themselves obediently, Ye Qingxuan could not help laughing. He kicked the guy before him to the side and crossed the crowd as if he was crossing a thoroughfare, relaxed and unrestrained.

In the crowd, Donatro, kneeling with humiliation, clenched his fists. His eyes were bloodshot. Today should have been his day to fame. He had spent so much effort and money in exchange for the opportunity. He didn’t expect it could come to this state!

While passing by him, Ye Qingxuan seemed to stop a little. The voice of scorn sounded in Donatro’s ear.

“Come for advice?” Ye Qingxuan smiled. “Do you qualify?”

Night fell gradually after dusk. A beautiful voice echoed through the cells of the Judgement Tower.

“Oh, hit a horse, hit a hose, hit ah-oh-ah horse~” Someone sat in bed and sang lovingly at the bare wall, “Twenty-one horses, thirty-one horses, forty-one horses…one hundred and one horses but still not as good as hit~ a horse~”

The entire prison was immersed in this cheerful song. All criminals felt the beauty and hope of life. Repenting their sins, they could not help but shed tears, moaning in pain with their heads down.

“Charles, I’m going to kill you tomorrow!”

“Shut up! Stop singing!”

“Guards! Where are the guards? I’ll confess, I’ll confess! Make him stop!”

Finally, even Constantine could not stand it. He coughed awkwardly and cut off his singing. If he did not do anything now, the b*stard would be killed tomorrow.

“You seem happy, Charles… Uh, is there good news?”

“Today’s Sunday, Mr. Constantine. Did you forget?” Charles said animatedly. “We get grilled meat!”

“Huh?” Constantine was still troubled. “Just that?”

Charles froze. “Is grilled meat not good?”

Constantine shook his head helplessly. “Stop singing. I’ve had indigestion these past two days. You might need to take my portion.”

“Really? I’d love to help eat it for you!” Charles was ecstatic. “Sir, you must take care of your health as you age. Should I ask the guard for fried chicken to help nourish you?”

Constantine really wanted to roll his eyes. Finally, he shook his head and stopped speaking.

Seeing him like this, Charles could not help but sigh. “Mr. Constantine, I know you’re an important figure and look down on grilled meat but we’re in the Judgement Tower now. We’ll either live here for free for the rest of our lives or we’ll get dragged to the gallows and there won’t be a tomorrow… Life is hard so don’t treat yourself badly. Grilled meat is great. Why don’t you like it?”

Constantine shook his head. “Charles, you are satisfied from meat because there is no sun in your heart.”

“Sun?” Charles chuckled. “The sun has already set.”

“It’s still there. You just can’t see it.” Constantine looked up and out the window behind Charles’s back, staring at the black sky. “As long as you stand high enough and close your eyes, you can still hear the deafening sound in the long night. The sound of the sun’s operation echoes through the vacuum, changing in the atmosphere.

“It lifts the tides of aether, pouring down endless light and heat, pushing the world… It is there, waiting for you to find it. When you have a true sun in your heart, you will not be pained by dust or cheered by the mirage before your eyes. You will look further into the distance.”

There was a long silence.

Charles gaped at him. After a while, he felt that he needed to give a reaction so he nodded as if suddenly enlightened. “Oh.”

Constantine mused for a while and could not help but laugh at himself. He waved his hand. “I said something hard to understand. Don’t mind it. It’s almost dinner. Go eat grilled meat. After saying all this, I want to eat some more too.”

“Okay, okay!”

As the bell for dinner rang, Charles rose and waited excitedly for the cell door to open. But after a long while, no one came.

It was silent.

There was the sound water dripping. Viscous liquid dripped from the unmaintained ceiling. Charles felt something wet on his neck and looked up in confusion. Reaching out, a drop of red liquid fell onto his palm.

Something screeched.

“Not again…” Charles murmured. His vision went black and all energy left his body. He held onto the railing and practically collapsed. Bending over, he vomited. “F*cking again…” He listened as drip drops sounded around him. When he looked back, the entire room was dyed blood-red.

The carcasses clung to the blood and grinned at him. Some hung from the ceiling beams, their legs kicking happily. Others lay in bed, blood flowing from their slit wrists into a trickling stream.

The cell door had opened without him realizing. At the door, a rotting skeleton looked down at him. It seemed to be Constantine.

“Charles, time for dinner.” He reached out to pull him up but the hand weathered in the air, turning to dust. The skeleton crumbled and existed no more.

Bodies were scattered in the hallway. They seemed to have died during a dramatic change. The souls seemed to still be frozen in the air. Horrible screams echoed one after another.

Chaotic scenes appeared and disappeared endlessly. Sometimes, they were strict guard pacing the hall. Sometimes, they were countless furious prisoners. Other times, they were prisoners being strangled to death in their cell, their features twisted. But mostly, this place was empty—still as death.

Faint figures moved through the halls. They were of all genders and ages. They could not sense each other but were enveloped in this dazing hallucination.

“Fake…all fake…”

The broken shadows seemed to sense his distress and started laughing mockingly at him.

Charles cradled his head and tried to plug his ears. But when he raised his head, he saw a pair of eyes in the chaotic scenery. There seemed to be looking at him quietly from the lowest level of the cruel scenes, deeply buried under his memories, in a forgotten corner. Her face was far away and blurry but the red hair was right before his eyes. The color was like burning ashes.

It was as beautiful as a curse.

“Mom…” Charles froze, staring at the figure. “Why…are…you here?”

The figure stared back. After a long while, she turned and left.

“Don’t leave!” Charles stumbled forward and chased after her. He ran through the corpses, trying to stop her. “Don’t go—”

In a daze, he seemed to touch the wisp of her hair for a moment. But then the figure disappeared.

Everything collapsed and fell into the abyss.

The darkness swallowed everything.

–

After who knew how long, Charles shot up with a scream. He stared at the sunlight in confusion. The noon sun shone radiantly into the cell. It fell on his face, chasing away all hallucinations. It seemed that nothing had happened.

Charles looked around in confusion. Nothing had changed but he had fallen asleep without realizing.

“You awake?” Hearing his yelp, his cellmate looked over. “You really sleep whenever you want and can’t even be woken up. If the doctor didn’t say that you were sleeping, I’d think you were dead.”

Charles smiled awkwardly. He didn’t know how to reply. In silence, he looked down at his clenched right hand. Between his fingers was a strand of hair. It was dark red like burning ashes.

–

Soon, he was startled by a loud noise. The ground shook and the clouds in the sky broke apart. An invisible wind swept from far away, whistling toward them.

Charles looked out the window in shock. Amidst the cacophony, a beam of red light shot up into the sky. It dyed the sky red as if blood was bubbling.

“No way. Again?” he murmured. But he quickly realized that this was not a hallucination. Everyone else was surprised as well. An alarm went off in the prison.

“What is that?” He looked curiously at the red beam of light.

Across from him, Constantine looked up and his eyes grew mocking. “Probably…the new morning call that the Sacred City created.”

Two hours ago, martial law began in the Central Church of the Holy Resurrection Church.

“It should be starting soon, right?” The Silent musician smoking outside looked toward the Central Church. Under the grating of iron, the steel walls opened slowly. Gears spun and opened. Layers of machinery unfurled, extending toward the sky. It was like a giant rising and reaching out.

After the rail machine finished preheating, hot steam ran through the copper tubes with the low whistle of raging wind. The stops adjusted and six layers of keyboards opened. Two thousand and four hundred pipes pierced through the wall and into the sky, spitting out air, preparing a heart-stopping sound.

The next moment, the hymn began. The sacred choir began to sing in unison. The hymn spread through the air. Under the joint effort of six musicians, the organ burst with music as if it wanted to drag the solemn music to heaven. Scalding steam suffused the air, creating colorful rays of light.

Inside the Central Church, it was silent save for the solemn melody. All the spectators were sitting in their seats, staring intently at the vast array. Ye Qingxuan stood in the aisle of the last row and squinted.

A ray of light fell from the ceiling, falling onto Samuel’s body. He was sitting within the alchemy array. He allowed the hot copper nails to pierce into his bones one by one and connect with his veins. Blood flowed from the thin nails and into the mercury, spreading quickly. He had become one with the alchemy array.

Something seemed to come out of the old man’s body. It followed the countless lines and flowed into the alchemy array. It connected with the Central Church, binding Samuel to the entire Holy Resurrection Church. Now, the church had become his body. It helped him bear the immense pressure.

Samuel took in a deep breath and opened his eyes. Behind him, the six musicians beside the large organ had been forced back by the pressure.

The six-layered organ shook. Under Samuel’s control, it roared deafeningly. Chaotic aether flooded out into all directions. However, under the music theory’s restriction, the aether converged. It crashed in every inch of the air, evolving toward the final point. The vast array expanded, absorbing the aether flood. The symphony of predestination rose slowly within it. It should be insubstantial but now, the symphony was tangible.

Countless music notes flowed within. Intervals formed, the music theory was constructed until, finally, it transformed into an immense and dazzling three-dimensional music score. It was like a cruel melody echoing through the dark church in the long night. The eerie melody, devoid of any gentleness or pity, resounded. It called for the aether, distorted the temperament, and tore reality apart.

Thus, a gaping hole opened above the vast array! The nonexistent aether sea became real and flowed through. The aether sea had appeared!

Ye Qingxuan held his breath instinctively. His eyes widened, greedily sensing the aura that was spreading. His interpretation method operated at top speed.

“It’s starting.”

Boom! Under the rising organ melody, the symphony of predestination shook. The eerie melody resounded, changing the aether sea. Samuel was ‘falling’ toward the depths of the aether sea…the lowest level… Finally, the boiling silver light disappeared suddenly. It was as if an invisible wall had been shattered.

He had entered the aether world!

That moment, everyone sat straighter involuntarily and looked forward, studying the territory around Samuel. It was the aether world that only existed in theories and philosophy. It was an indescribable territory of miracles. Some scholars believed that it was the lowest level of the aether world, the foundation of the world. Everything was built upon it.

Others believed that this was the truest appearance of the material world. However, it was beyond a man’s eyes and sensory organs. Just as one could not describe colors that one could not see, they could only use aether to get a glimpse of an observation.

The priests said that this was the final resting place, creating a sea of souls. Explorers strongly believed that it was the source of all mysteries and that the truth was hidden within it. Countless musicians were willing to sacrifice everything to see what it looked like.

Now, Samuel had finally destroyed the wall that stood between the material and aether world, opening a new territory that belonged to himself. All was blank here; it awaited Samuel’s creation.

To those who did not understand music theory, it was empty here. Nothing had happened. However, to musicians, everything was different. Everyone observed something different through their different music theory and sound of hearts.

Some saw the original darkness of the universe. The vast starry sky grew out of the darkness and shot out. Others saw elements changing dramatically. Earth, wind, fire, and wind boiled in a giant cauldron…

But through the emptiness, Ye Qingxuan saw the faraway cemetery—it was the lost scepter of the Ye family inside the aether world. Guided by Jiu Xiao Huan Pei, he once again saw the insubstantial world.

Then, the emptiness opened up. In the emptiness, different music theories created elements. The first was ‘blood.’

A strand of blood floated out of Samuel’s body. Under the melody and music theory’s expression, the existence of the ‘original blood’ was carved into the aether world. Next, the solemn music theory entered and an endless music score opened.

The grandmasters present let out sharp gasps. No one had ever completed the first step so successfully. It was clear that Samuel had put all his blood, sweat, and tears into the ‘original blood.’

Next, the music score opened up. The ‘inheritance’ element followed. Using the original blood as foundation, the music theory was inherited, opening up the future path. Everything operated smoothly until countless music scores converged.

Before dumbfounded stares, the upper element that represented ‘life’ converged successfully in the wild aether waves. The old Samuel changed instantly. It was as if time had turned back. His graying hair turned black, his wrinkles faded, and his muddled eyes sharpened.

Instantly, the ailing musician at the seat no longer existed. Instead, he was a coldly handsome and young noble. His lips were red as blood and his eyes had a magnetic pull.

The symphony of predestination was at its climax.

Under the glorious melody, the legend of the ‘blood tribe’ was completed. It was fully written into the aether world. As Samuel transformed into the first blood musician of history, the scepter’s solidification reached the most critical point.

Within the aether world’s blurry projection, something huge appeared.

In a daze, Ye Qingxuan seemed to see a giant vortex. The black thing seemed to come from the deepest part of the world, pulling everything into it. But in the next moment, he saw a blazing sun. It was radiant and seemed to radiate with endless light and heat.

The two contradicting feelings combined into two sides of the same object that kept changing. The spectators all felt a sharp attack to their sanity. It was as if a thought was constantly being overwritten and their heads would crack apart.

Ye Qingxuan paled considerably. Capillaries emerged in his eyes.

Wolf Flute reached out to his shoulder. Wolf howls sounded in Ye Qingxuan’s mind suddenly. The illusory beastly nature entered his consciousness, forcing him to stop observing.

“Don’t look!” Wolf Flute murmured. “That’s the projection of the Origination. If you’re not at the level, looking at it is more harm than good.”

Snapping out of it, Ye Qingxuan breathed heavily with sweat rolling down his back. Even if he did not look with his eyes, he could sense the large projection descend from the depths of the aether world. It converged here and melded into the element. Finally, the majestic symphony of predestination evolved into the beautiful crystallization of the legend.

The music theory collapsed and the entire music score solidified. It looked like a red ruby with a beautiful sheen. It was Samuel’s scepter! The crystallization was complete!

Everyone let out relieved sighs and murmured praises. Starting today, there would be a new scepter in the Sacred City and there would most likely be a new saint in the world. What name and instrument would be given to him?

Just as everyone was deep in thought, a horrible scream sounded. Within the alchemy array, the bloody mercury bubbled, evaporated, and rose. Under the layers of tubes, Samuel screamed. His blood seemed to be boiling. Blue veins emerged under his pale skin, making him seem ugly and monstrous.

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Under a series of loud booms, the copper nails popped out of his body. Hot bloody vapor suffused the air with a rotting odor. The scepter had melded into his body but it seemed that Samuel was being stabbed by countless swords. He struggled and twisted in pain. Extremely thick blood light shot from his body, transforming into a beam of scarlet light. It pierced the ceiling and shot into the sky.

When Ye Qingxuan snapped out of his shocked daze, he felt a chilling freeze. Even he could see that the music theories on the newly created scepter were struggling. It was as if strong acid and base were poured into the same beaker. They fought each other, about to break apart!

“There’s a problem!”

Samuel roared painfully and his entire body squirmed. The uncontrolled music theory spread, sweeping from Samuel’s surroundings to other places. The blood-red scepter melded into his body, changing his blood and flesh. He swelled without warning and withered. Countless tumors spontaneously grew out of his body and then rotted away instantly, leaving behind gaping sores. They healed under his vibrant vitality before starting a new round of torment.

He seemed to have become a blight farm. The abnormal flesh continuously appeared and disappeared; his body changed drastically. During this, Samuel curled in his seat, screaming with his mouth wide open. Sharp canine teeth sprouted from his gums.

The worst expected scenario did not happen—the scepter did not collapse before completion. However, no one had expected that the music theory would go crazy at the end. It was as if Samuel was controlling his scepter to self-destruct. Nothing like this had ever happened before.

Samuel…could not control his own scepter?

No, the scepter was rejecting him!

The moment it went into his body, it clashed with his music theory. It instantly destroyed his music theory; his symphony of predestination collapsed quickly as it tried desperately to escape from his body. The scepter shook. No matter how Samuel tried to control it, it upended him again and again like a wild horse.

His own scepter…was fighting against him?

Unbelievable!

All observing grandmasters snapped out of their shock. They rose and wove their music theory. Disordered music thundered and cast toward Samuel. The organ in the Central Church changed quickly. It began playing a hymn again. Layers of territories wove together to seal Samuel in!

Rays of light fell and tied Samuel up. They seeped in bit by bit. All music theory in their path was stopped forcefully. This was the reason why so many grandmasters came to watch and why the ritual was inside the Holy Resurrection Church. If the sublimation failed, the grandmasters and saints would work together to force the wild music theory down and soften the damage.

However, under the grandmasters’ shackles, Samuel’s scepter kept shaking. It tore at the restrictions, wanting to break free. Every struggle caused much of Samuel’s blood to evaporate, hurting him even more. Inside the alchemy array, he had become a frail old man. All his white hair had fallen out.

The scepter…was sapping his vitality!

“Impossible…” He reached out, digging into his chest, and grasping the crystallized scepter. He yelled, “There shouldn’t be any impurities!”

The scepter shook and cracked. He screamed. His entire body swelled and his skin cracked. Huge bat wings sprouted behind his back. Ghastly white bones were covered in bloody cartilage. They shook in pain.

Ye Qingxuan gaped at the scene. The scepter was controlling Samuel? It seemed to have come to life and was absorbing the master’s life. It ate at his flesh to turn him into what suited it best. It was like an ill-fitting shoe forcing the foot to grow!

“There’s a problem…” Amidst the chaos, Ye Qingxuan reached out. Moonlight perception threads shot from his hands. They snaked past the music score, through the shell of the alchemy array, and connected to the core.

The wild music theory was there.

Ye Qingxuan’s interpretation method spun quickly, deciphering the array’s operation principle. The large array contained hundreds of music scores and divided into four regions. It would be almost impossible to completely analyze it.

However, Ye Qingxuan did not need to look at all the details. He skipped past them and went straight to the main theme. No matter what part it was, he only looked for the abnormal section.

As the scepter lost control, the alchemy array would definitely be affected. It was possible to find it by seeing it as a black hound in a flock of sheep.

In an instant, he had deconstructed the first layer—the outer music note portion!

Next, he deconstructed the music theory operation and construction portion.

And then he deconstructed the elemental construction portion.

Finally, Ye Qingxuan found the problem in the ‘activity portion.’ It was the original blood! The elemental foundation of the scepter had revolted!

Amongst the red elements, something that was definitely not Samuel’s was growing rapidly, sucking at his vitality, and forcing the scepter to change… It was as if a dying snake woke up in the arms of a farmer and bit him, injecting poison.

It dawned on Ye Qingxuan. Many problems could arise during a scepter’s sublimation. However, the core element could not contain anyone else’s aura! Unless the original blood was not Samuel’s product…

Thinking of this, Ye Qingxuan’s gaze turned pitiful. Samuel was more than ninety-years-old now and had been stuck as a grandmaster for so many years. The euphemism was that he had accumulated a thick foundation. In other words, he had made no progress in all those years.

A grandmaster was a high position too but there were hundreds of them. Who would care about Samuel, especially in the Sacred City?

This was only a frustration for other musicians. However, Samuel was extremely thirsty for power and strength. Seeing the seat of a saint so close and yet so far, it was more painful than being in purgatory. And even someone like Wolf Flute could become a Scepter!

Why couldn’t he?!

The worst feeling in the world was that a priest could touch a nun’s *ss when you couldn’t… This logic was bad but Samuel, obsessed for his entire life, could not tell the difference anymore. Therefore, he chose to take a risk. He would create the original blood even if he needed to use an outer object…

Ye Qingxuan blanked for a moment. Then he became determined. Pushing Wolf Flute down, he grabbed a black dagger from his boot. He stepped inside and jumped past the restraining music score, going right to the array.

“Yezi, what are you doing?!” Wolf Flute was aghast. “The array is overworking. It’ll explode if you disrupt it!” Before he finished, Ye Qingxuan spun the dagger around and stabbed down!

Boom! Boom! Boom! The expected explosion did not happen. Instead, there was a string of gloomy pops. Then the bloody mercury evaporated.

Ye Qingxuan covered his face. Hot wind swept by him. Under the dagger, the element that represented the original blood quickly fell apart. About to burst, the music theory now collapsed like a snake without bones. The array collapsed. Then the grandmasters’ restraining music score descended from the sky and completely sealed the scepter’s strength. The only sound in the dead silence was Samuel’s screams.

Drenched in sweat, Ye Qingxuan tossed the broken dagger away and walked out of the array. Wolf Flute moved up and patted his shoulder. He looked pleased and not at all worried. “I knew you’d have a solution. You took the spotlight again!”

Ye Qingxuan smiled and collapsed onto his chair. Merely deciphering the entire array had taken all his energy. He felt as if he would black out soon.

The Central Church had become a mess. The Silent Authority quickly maintained order. Wolf Flute had a Choir musician come check on Ye Qingxuan. Realizing that he had just used up his energy, he was given a blanket and a cup of coffee. Then the musician left to take care of someone more important—Samuel.

Countless Choir musicians worked together and saved Samuel’s life. However, he was now a bag of bones and on his last breath. His entire body was white like a bloodless mummy. He was barely conscious and barely breathing. After the emergency treatment, he was lifted onto a stretcher to be taken to the hospital. However, when the sunlight from the broken ceiling fell onto him, the unconscious man opened his eyes. An inhuman scream ripped from his throat.

Sunlight fell onto his body and burned him to crisp as if was melted iron. Getting strength from somewhere, he shot up. Crawling at an unbelievable speed, he escaped into the shadows. He screamed, “Thirsty! Water! Give me water!” The voice was as sharp as steel wires. While everyone was still shocked, Samuel shot up and pounced on a young musician. His sharp canines tore apart the young man’s throat.

He drank to his fill.

With a crisp pop, the blood flowed into Samuel’s body. He quickly recovered and became strong yet ugly. His entire body was still pale white and hairless. He looked like a ghoul.

“He has mutated,” someone murmured.

Countless Silent musicians pounced. Wolf Flute sighed and patted Ye Qingxuan’s shoulder. “Let’s go. There’s nothing for us anymore.”

“Did Samuel fall?” Ye Qingxuan asked quietly.

“Possibly.” Wolf Flute lit a cigarette and muttered, “Look at him. Does he still look like a human? His best case scenario would be working in the underground palace of the Judgement Tower for the rest of his life.”

Ye Qingxuan was confused. “The Judgement Tower has an underground palace?”

“Probably not.” Wolf Flute shook his head. “Everyone says there isn’t one so I guess there isn’t.”

Ye Qingxuan understood what he meant.

“Stop spacing out. It’s time for us to work.” Wolf Flute turned and walked toward the carriage outside the door. “We’ve waited for so long. There should be an effect now.”

Just as he finished, a second boom sounded. Ye Qingxuan looked back. In the distance, a plume of black smoke rose from the Judgement Tower, creating a big hole.

–

The Judgement Tower was littered with corpses. Charles gaped at the bodies outside the cell. The sight was familiar as if he had seen it before—perhaps in his hallucination or in real life.

They were the guards of the Tower. Though they were sometimes mean, they were mostly nice. Two of them had recently gotten married and had kids. When Charles tried to get close to them, they would give him some cigarettes.

Now, they were all dead.

The things he had hallucinated were now real. He sank into a daze, completely forgetting his true reason for being here. Something exploded and the steel door fell apart. Constantine walked out of the cell and stood in the puddle of blood outside the door. He opened his arms, letting the rescuers to put a black robe onto him.

“Wake up, Charles.” Constantine studied the shocked Charles and reached out. “Let’s go. I’ll take you to see the sun.”

When Ye Qingxuan’s carriage arrived, the Judgement Tower was already split into two. The fire had been extinguished. Smoke rolled out in plumes and scattered in the strong wind. One half of the tower had crushed the surrounding walls as it crashed into a department building. It was like a sword that had sliced the building into two.

The Knights Templar had arrived and isolated the place.

In order to prevent riots, the Church even sent out a Gospel Armor squad. The sixteen hung in the air. Their swords were already dyed red. The unrest was squashed before it could start but when Ye Qingxuan saw the scene, he still gasped. The Revolutionaries could make such a mess?

“What’s going on?” Wolf Flute looked to the panicking prison warden. Under scrutiny, the warden’s face was extremely pale. He stuttered but could not speak. Even if it was not his fault, he would probably be fired after this disaster. A member of the Silent Authority in black uniforms walked over and murmured something to Wolf Flute that made his face darken.

“Those f*ckers!” He clenched his jaw. “They hijacked the new aircraft we were testing and crashed into the Judgement Tower! Thankfully this is a martial law area so there aren’t any civilians. Otherwise…”

Silent, Ye Qingxuan looked toward the city. If those guys had crashed there… Thinking of the consequences, Ye Qingxuan could not help but gasp.

Soon, a warped black ship was taken out of the rubble. Under a roaring melody, the iron plane, dozens of meters long and sixteen tons heavy, hung in the air. It was unrecognizable.

“What about casualties?”

“Forty-four died,” the investigator replied. “As for the wounded…they’re everywhere. Most prisoners had been transferred to the other two prisons. Some tried to take advantage and escape. More than thirty have died.” Here, he looked up at the Gospel Armor in the air. The blood on the sword had not dried yet.

After a long silence, Ye Qingxuan looked to Wolf Flute. “Is this worth it?” he asked. Was it really worth it to clear out of the Revolutionaries if there were so many sacrifices made in the beginning?

“Even if we didn’t investigate, they would still do this.” Wild green light flashed past Wolf Flute’s eyes. “Those *ssholes are so brave…they created such big news.”

Ye Qingxuan held onto the cracks and stepped onto the broken tower. He gazed at the tower in the distance through the still-dissipating smoke. To be honest, he did not care about the Sacred City. He was worried about something else…

Soon, Wolf Flute tossed a pass into his arms and they went past the rings of guards to the Judgement Tower. The more they moved up, the worse the sight. When they reached the location of the crack, the stairs were covered by dried blood. Stepping on it, they could feel the nauseous stickiness. There were seven bodies not buried by the fallen walls. They had frozen from the icy wind and even their blood had frozen.

A silent musician squatted by a body and touched the wound. “It was a quick killer. His throat was slit in an instant and the killer was someone he did not suspect. He did not know what happened up until his death.”

“A mole?”

“Perhaps.” The silent musician nodded. “We also can’t exclude the possibility of an illusion.”

Ye Qingxuan stood beside the broken door and looked inside the crude cell. This had been Charles’ cell. Now it was a pile of rubble. He bent down and picked up some scraps of paper from the cracked bed. They were doodles that Charles had drawn when he was bored. They were ugly and casual, without any value.

Someone stopped him. “That’s evidence. You can’t take it.”

Ye Qingxuan did not move and just looked up. Wolf Flute blocked the man. “It’s not anything important. Just let him take it.”

After hesitating, the man nodded.

Ye Qingxuan carefully put them in his notebook.

The silent musician beside them opened his eyes. “I’ve finished reading the aether but there is too much white noise. They’ve brought interference equipment and covered the records.”

Wolf Flue waved. “Play whatever you can find.”

Soon, the cello played and aether converged. A projection replayed. In the chaotic and unclear video, they could only see a few blurry figures. Bits and pieces flashed by. They could make out a group rush in and start killing.

Constantine walked out of a cell and put on black clothing. Finally, he reached out and said something to someone. As if sensing eyes from the future, a figure in the corner suddenly looked up. The face was blurry but the pair of purple eyes was unnerving.

“Practically nothing was left behind.” Wolf Flute sighed. “How did they leave? Don’t tell me that we don’t even know how those motherf*ckers left.”

“…There’s worse news.” The musician with white gloves handed over a shoe. The size forty shoe was old-fashioned and ugly. The Amnesty Ministry’s mark was printed on it. This was given to all prisoners for the winter but it was not warm at all. The prisoners had to add layers of tissues to make it comfortable.

Stunned, Wolf Flute took the shoe. Using a dagger, he lifted the sole. A thumb-sized metal piece fell out from the slit. It landed on the ground with a chilling clink.

Wolf Flute fell silent. It was Charles’ shoe. The Silent Authority had put a tracker in Charles’s shoe so they could locate him in the future. However, rather than being with Charles, it was here now.

Every second counted in a prison break. How could he have time to change his shoes? Or did he only change one? If the shoe was found out, then what about Charles?

“It might not be as bad as you think.” Ye Qingxuan took the shoe. Rather than being angry or panicking, his eyes were deathly calm. After a long while, he said, “There’s only one shoe. He may have thrown it here purposely.”

“Huh?” Wolf Flute furrowed his brow. “Why would he do that?”

“Maybe to send a signal.” Ye Qingxuan fell into deep thought. “Maybe he discovered something and to tell us, he could only take…take…” He trailed off. Soon, he looked up at Wolf Flute. “Search through the ruins! Check if there’s a corpse with only one shoe!”

Ten minutes later, the fallen wall was flipped over, revealing the crushed body under it. Its left foot was bare. Ye Qingxuan reached out and measured the foot with his hand. It was a perfect size forty.

“As expected…” Ye Qingxuan murmured, his expression darkening. His guess had come true. Charles had voluntarily took off his shoes because he realized that if he kept it, he would blow his cover.

Ye Qingxuan looked back at Wolf Flute. “There are two possibilities.” His voice sounded directly in Wolf Flute’s mind. “There was a Revelations musician within the rescuers. He wiped all records and found the medium inside the shoe so Charles was forced to throw it away.”

“And the other possibility?”

“The other is worse.” Ye Qingxuan said coldly, “Charles had to change his shoes to save himself. Maybe the Revolutionaries already knew that the spy’s shoes are suspicious. Which means…the Silent Authority has a mole.”

Wolf Flute fell silent, his face darkening. “We’re not sure if there’s a mole yet. For now, we must find where Charles is. Otherwise, the mission will just be a joke.”

Ye Qingxuan asked, “Does the Silent Authority only have that plan?”

“There are others.” Wolf Flute nodded. “Before he entered prison, I personally injected Charles with a tracking drug just in case. Within a few months, he will have some endocrine problems. He’ll have more sweat that remains for longer. As long as he’s still in the Sacred City, my wolves will be able to find him. But it’ll take time…”

After a long silence, Ye Qingxuan nodded slowly. “That’s all we can do now. Hopefully, nothing will happen to Charles.”

No one had expected that the spy mission would be in trouble from the start. With all contact and traces gone, they could only wait passively. From that day on, Charles and the Revolutionaries disappeared off the face of the planet.

In the chilly and narrow room, a single ghastly light illuminated a face covered in stubble.

“Name,” someone in the dark asked.

The middle-aged man sighed. “Andre. Andre Wilson.”

“Gender.”

Andre’s face twitched. He unwillingly answered, “…Male.”

“Oh.” The man in the dark nodded and said mockingly, “I can see that. Age?”

Andre lost his patience. “Can you ask something meaningful?”

“Good, it’s nice to see you go straight to the point.” The man flipped through the records and said casually, “Oh, you’re married. I heard that you’re close with another woman. Are you cheating?”

Andre froze. His expression darkened. “Ye Qingxuan! Don’t cross the line! Who are you trying to scare?”

“You, of course.” A pale hand reached out of the darkness. It held a stamped and signed permit right before Andre’s face. “Look at this clearly. You’re going through the internal investigation of the Silent Authority! I ask and you answer! Otherwise I’ll send you to the Judgement Tower right now!”

Andre roared, “Do you dare?!”

The hand froze. After a long while, he retracted the permit. Ye Qingxuan sighed, seemingly powerless. Andre could not help but want to smile. However, before he could do it, the hand reached out again and grabbed his hair, slamming him to the table.

Bam! Andre’s vision went black. He struggled instinctively but then a dagger buried into the table right by his face. It twanged. A pale face was reflected in the blade. He seemed to not have slept in a long time. His bloodshot eyes had pure black pupils. They were chilling as they looked at someone.

“You’re right,” Ye Qingxuan said. “I do.”

“You—” Andre opened his mouth on instinct but the blade was tilted, stopping his mouth.

“My best friend, my senior, the man who wanted me to host his wedding in the future, was forced to be a spy by you f*cking useless *ssholes. Because of one of you, he has disappeared for six days without any news. And you pieces of sh*t who just sit in your office with the air conditioning and read the news dare doubt my right to interrogate you?” The voice was chilly like a blade. The fingers pressing down Andre’s head were icy without any warmth. Ye Qingxuan stared at the reflection in the blade.

Looking at the trembling eyes, he uttered, “Andre Wilson, I am now an examiner authorized by the Papal Chamber to be in charge of everything related to the leak. I ask and you answer. Otherwise, I’ll give you a thirty-year break and a trip to the Judgement Tower, understood?”

This b*stard was telling the truth! The eyes told Andre that the man had gone crazy but everything was true. The idiots at the Papal Chamber had given this crazy man a sword to placate him. Now he held the sword, ready to hack at anyone.

Who would be the first victim?

Now, bitterness emerged in Andre’s heart. He regretted it bitterly. If he knew this would happen, why did he piss this man off to save his dignity? Everyone knew that this guy had beheaded Colt before so many people, and all the evidence was there. But then he was let go without any punishment. Now, he had a high status. Even if he killed Andre, would Andre be able to run to the Amnesty Ministry to complain?

“I think you understand now.” Seeing his expression change, Ye Qingxuan smirked. “You should’ve been like this earlier. Good, now let’s start over. Oh right, you know what happens if you lie to me, right?”

Clenching his jaw, Andre closed his eyes.

–

Thirty minutes later, Andre walked out soullessly with blank eyes. He was instantly surrounded by his colleagues who had been waiting. They clamored asking about the situation. Some patted his shoulder with pity, obviously guessing what had happened.

Andre held a cup of hot coffee. He did not snap out of it until a long while later. He sighed as if waking from a dream and did not say anything. If he was knowledgeable about Eastern culture, he would definitely tearfully recite ‘the past is unbearable.’ Sadly, he probably did not even know any Western sonnets. His lips trembled for a long time before he finally ended in silence.

Being with that white-haired *sshole for thirty minutes, every bit of him had been investigated. Ye Qingxuan had asked about everything since his childhood, even his sexuality. His family, lovers, previous wife, kids, and even bank account were now recorded in that guy’s notebook with simple sentences.

Andre shivered. He subconsciously grabbed the man closest to him. “Don’t let him keep fooling around! Otherwise…Mr. Wolf Flute, where is Mr. Wolf Flute?”

Everyone exchanged glances. With bitter expressions, they all fell silent.

–

The air was filled with a rotting scent. The door of the copper door opened with difficulty. Metal grated. The smell of dust poured out. In the dimness, Wolf Flute held his nose, a lantern in his other hand, and walked down the small path. The lantern illuminated two towering bookshelves on each side filled with ancient scrolls. Even the path was filled with books and scrolls from who-knew-where. Only his footsteps echoed in the vast underground square. It was so quiet that even his breathing was loud.

This was like a large archive but there was no light. It was a mass of dead silence in the darkness. Even insects could not survive in a place as cold and quiet as this. This was one of the Silent Authority’s institutions in the Sacred City. It belonged to the department of sacred weapons—Taboo Book Archive.

In the beginning, books regarding forbidden music theory and scores were kept here. Later, musicians expanded it and turned it into an immense library. Music theories, scores, and technologies from every school, every branch, and every dark musician were copied before being destroyed and kept here just in case. Hundreds of years had passed. No one knew how many things were actually kept here. Tens of thousands of scrolls? Hundreds of thousands? Millions?

This was not a library anymore. It was a cemetery for books. Once they arrived here, they would never see daylight again. It was like burying books into coffins. Like people, books would gradually die as they sat in the dark, collecting dust, their text fading. Maybe this was why it smelled like death here.

Covering his mouth, Wolf Flute finally found a dusty table. He pressed the bell lightly. The crisp sound spread in the darkness.

After a long while, a hoarse behind him said, “You wolf kid again?”

Wolf Flute turned around and saw the dwarf. Only one-third of an average man’s height, the dwarf sat on a wheelchair. His face was covered in wrinkles and moss. Vitiligo covered his eyes. He seemed like a spirit that lived in this vast cemetery. He had been here for too long. He even seemed to have melded into the wheelchair. The chair was rusted but moved soundlessly like a wraith in the darkness. Seeing his annoyance, Wolf Flute felt a little unsettled. No one would be happy if he was disturbed every few days.

Squeezing out a smile, Wolf Flute took out a list. “Mr. Librarian, I’m here to borrow some books. Thanks.”

The dwarf glanced at it and tossed it to the side. “Wolf Flute, we’re the only ones here, so stop pretending. These books aren’t for you, right?”

“Uh…” Wolf Flute awkwardly stuttered out, “My friend is a supernumerary member. This isn’t breaking the rules.”

“Oh? Your friend seems special.” The dwarf nodded nonchalantly. “Huh, half a grandmaster. Seems to have a bright future.”

“Yeah…huh?!” Wolf Flute gaped in shock. “Half a grandmaster? Are you sure?”

“That’s why I hate you guys. Aren’t you tired of pretending?” The dwarf glanced at him and slapped a few papers onto the counter. “Look at the books you’ve borrowed these past days. Look…”

Wolf Flute obeyed but he was still confused.

Annoyed, the dwarf explained, “Over six days, you borrowed seventeen forbidden scores from different fields and schools and more than thirty books on music theory. There’s also techniques and music theory of dark musicians. Nothing is related.

“Two days ago, you friend was still reading elementary books like ‘Shallow Exploration of the School of Modifications from the Four Changes in Alchemy.’ Now, he’s already jumped to professional and uncommon topics like ‘Aether Simulation of Fission Elements.’ There are also outlines of other schools like ‘The Sacred Beastly Nature’ and ‘The Path of the Church.’

“A beginner musician would not worry over these complex fields. There is no organization to it and he’s learning everything. It would ruin his future unless…”

Unless?

Unless what?

The dwarf stopped but Wolf Flute finally understood. Embarrassed at himself, he said, “Unless he’s already at the peak of the Distortion level and has entered the completion stage, right?”

During the completion stage, a Distortion musician would have reached the peak of his own school. Before writing his symphony of predestination and becoming a grandmaster, he had to go through this stage. Even a grandmaster who specialized in only one school would have to learn the basic music theory of the other six schools and combine them with his own music score. This way, he could receive more inspiration and thoughts, completing his own system.

One needed to have all seven schools of music theory to create a symphony of predestination. It was the stage of completing oneself and was aptly named.

“Correct.” The dwarf nodded. “Then what’s with your friend?”

“Uh…” Wolf Flute’s expression was complex. “He only resonated half a month ago. To be honest…even he doesn’t know what level he’s at now.”

“Resonance?” The dwarf’s white eyes widened. “Then what’s he looking at all that for? Suicide?”

Wolf Flute looked away and said lightly, “He said that he wants to compose so he’s reading some books in preparation…”

It was another chilly and narrow room. There was also a single ghastly light and a cold voice in the darkness.

“Name.”

“Charles, male, nineteen-years-old, unmarried, loved before and didn’t regret it, save the mother not the baby, not a Virgo, salty, don’t want a card…” Under the light, the young man with messy hair could not stop talking once he opened his mouth—until a hand slammed onto the table angrily.

“Answer what I ask! Stop saying that useless sh*t!”

“Okay, okay.” Charles grinned. “I was afraid you’d get bored.”

“Probably not.” The voice in the darkness was mocking. “I heard that you want to join us but from what we know, you’re not even an official musician.”

“But I’ve had high education!” Charles said earnestly. “I graduated from the Angloian Royal Academy of Music! Full marks! Broke the history department record! And I’m multi-talented! I can sing, dance, draw, write, and do you want to hear me sing—”

Slam! A hand slamming onto the table cut him off. The man in the darkness huffed. “Ask and answer. Don’t tell me unrelated things.”

“Okay, okay.” Charles nodded and sat straight like a little kid at school.

“You used to work in the technical department of the Royal Research Institute. From what I know, you were the personal assistant of grandmaster Newton. What were you responsible for?”

Slam! Someone hit the table again. It was Charles. The man in the darkness was shocked as Charles pressed onto the table in fury.

“You don’t understand! That old thing isn’t a human! He’s inhuman!” Charles pointed at himself. “Look at me. I graduated from a Sacred Ivy League! Ever since I started working for the old *sshole, I just help him order delivery food, buy wine, buy hoses, write reports, get reimbursements, and wipe his *ss! And that guy just goes around playing without taking me with! Isn’t he an *sshole? I get pissed whenever I think of him! Sir, I’m…” Charles kept rambling on for five minutes before the examiner realized and forced him to shut up. Affected by Charles, he felt like his brain power was decreasing as well. He sat dazed for a long while before continuing.

“You’re a first-class engineer registered with the Sacred City?”

“Yeah.” Charles nodded like a chicken pecking at corn. His expression was pure. “I actually bought the fake certificate from outside the school! It’s only eighty dollars for one and there’s a picture too! Sir, would you like one too?”

“Shut up!”

Fifteen minutes later, Charles returned to his room and collapsed onto his dirty bed. He started picking at his toes. It had been seven whole days. Ever since he woke up, he had been laying here. He had no clue how he got here or where ‘here’ even was. For seven days, someone would come and bring him three meals per day. He would eat and sleep, sleep and eat. He had to report if he needed to go to the bathroom.

Other than the people who escaped from prison with him, he had not seen any of the other Revolutionaries. It was completely like being in jail. He even had the same roommate.

“Hey, you’re back.” The badly injured man on the bed looked up and said, “Internal investigations are annoying, right?”

“Yeah, but it’s okay.” Charles pretended he was still talking to a bearded man and said with a smile, “Everyone’s nice to me.”

The moving bloody mess stiffened as if he was shocked. He quickly shook his head. “Don’t worry. Mr. Constantine thinks highly of you. This is just for going through the process.” As he spoke, his blood flesh trembled and let out sticky pale purple liquid. The distorted face opened and closed. There was static in his voice. The room was covered by some sort of flesh and it smelled like decay. The walls trembled like the stomach lining of some beast.

Without speaking, Charles lay on the bed and closed his eyes.

Deep breath.

Deep breath.

Deep breath.

He opened his eyes. The flesh on the ceiling moved like thousands of smiles put together. Charles put on his covers and curled up in darkness.

“F*ck,” he murmured.

F*ck…

–

In another room, someone knocked a door in the silence and entered. Constantine sat beside the window, reading quietly. Sensing someone enter, he looked up.

“The investigation is over, sir.” The examiner went over and gave him a document. “This is the process and record.”

Constantine looked at him. He said sarcastically, “So is my house arrest over too?”

The examiner smiled. “Mr. Gaius just wanted you to be safe. They are on high alert out there so it’s best if no one goes out.”

Constantine stared. “So you can lock us up and investigate us?”

“Necessary safety precautions, that’s all,” the examiner explained. “After all, it’s hard to ensure that there are no moles.”

“Who do you think is like a mole?” Smiling, Constantine pointed at himself. “Do I look like one?”

“Sir, what are you saying?” The examiner’s smile grew forced.

“I’ve been outside for decades. My title of deputy commander is nothing but a name. I’m sure many members don’t even know me, right?” Constantine replied indifferently. “I’m sure many people will be upset now that I’m back. How did someone like me not die in there…”

The examiner’s expression stiffened. He did not reply.

Constantine chuckled. Rather than continuing, he asked, “Is Gaius in the Sacred City?”

After hesitating, the examiner nodded.

“Why isn’t he willing to see me?”

“…Mr. Gaius has something to prepare and has no time for anything else.”

“I understand.” Constantine nodded. His eyes lowered, seemingly disappointed.

“I won’t disturb you anymore.” The examiner placed the document on the table carefully. “We already have guesses for the mole. Some unhappy things will happen in the next few days. I hope you won’t mind.”

Constantine opened the document and looked at the picture pinned inside. “Him?”

–

It was dinner time in a Silent Authority office. Everything was silent and the ground was littered with garbage. Maps of the Sacred City and old documents were everywhere. The garbage emanated with the smell of leftovers and dirty socks.

A few sleeping bags were tossed in the corner. There were a few boxes of fresh pizza on the table. A group of men who had not showered in a long while munched on the delivery food. No one dared to speak. The atmosphere was stifling as if there was an aether bomb hidden inside the room.

There was a mountain of cigarette butts in the ashtray on the table. Someone lay in a chair, his feet propped on a pile of documents. He looked down at the heavy book. His white hair was messy.

No one had seen Ye Qingxuan sleep all these days. He seemed to always sit behind that table, quietly looking at them. His bloodshot eyes were sharp as if wanting to pierce through all disguises and find the mole.

When he had time, he would read without a word, like now. As the days went by, the atmosphere in the office became more and more tense. When those bloodshot eyes looked by, everyone tried to avoid it in panic. It had already been one week! Everyone could feel that this seemingly calm man was about to explode. No one wanted the bomb to go off on him. This guy was fine with finding a random man to take his anger out on!

Because of this, everyone buried themselves in work. Their efficiency rose many times. If they still had bonuses this month, it would definitely be a lot. Sadly, Ye Qingxuan had deducted all of their bonuses. The suffocating silence continued.

In the silence, Ye Qingxuan finished book after book with incredible speed. There was no rest in between. It seemed as if he was reading a fantasy novel filled with a few million words of bullsh*t instead of difficult to understand music theory. As the pile of books grew, everyone’s hearts grew more troubled. It was as if they would be buried if the pile toppled. They could practically see the young man explode and send them all to the Judgement Tower.

Then hurried footsteps sounded. A sweating messenger pushed the door open and uttered the words that made everyone cry tears of joy, “We found Charles!”