’Why is Black Tuo so concerned about this?’
Su Chen wondered, ’What does purifying the Fog Ashes signify?’
’Is it a major threat, or are there other factors at play?’
He wanted to ask, but in the end, he didn’t.
As a Believer, he could ask about the characteristics, appearance, name, and even the specific function of the Fog Ashes, because his mission was to trace its movements.
But he couldn’t ask why Black Tuo was so concerned. That wouldn’t fit the persona of a Believer.
This was the god a Believer worshiped. When a command was given, one simply had to do their utmost to carry it out. The goal of any questions should be to complete the task as quickly as possible, not to investigate the reasons behind it.
"Understood," Su Chen replied, his voice pious. "I will do everything in my power to find out where this item went, identify the person responsible, and report to you as soon as possible."
"Mm," Black Tuo responded flatly. He paid no mind to the Believer’s attitude; every Believer who faced him was just as pious and respectful.
"One more thing," Black Tuo added. "There is a person named Teng Liang at Su Chen’s side. Be wary of him. You may also investigate him and find out what he’s really about."
’So Black Tuo remembered Senior Brother Teng.’ Su Chen was startled. ’The Black Tuo Divine Son must have been the one to report it.’
Su Chen nodded repeatedly.
"I’ll be waiting for your good news."
The black fog gradually receded into the vertical-pupil insignia beneath his feet.
Su Chen immediately wiped away the insignia on the ground and breathed a small sigh of relief. Dealing with these Deceitful Gods was mentally exhausting; he couldn’t afford a single misstep.
Although they had absolute trust in their Believers, that trust was built on past experience. If they detected anything amiss, or even grew the slightest bit suspicious, they might conduct all sorts of tests that would be impossible to guard against.
With a flicker of his thoughts, the surrounding scenery of the Nether Realm faded away, and he found himself back in the Nether Tower.
’Finding the person who purified the Fog Ashes is, in a way, incredibly simple. After all, it’s me.’
’It would be best not to expose myself, but I still have to give Black Tuo a satisfying explanation to get the Heart of Spiritual Light from him. So, who should I frame for this?’
He walked out of the Nether Tower, muttering to himself, ’I’ll also have to produce solid, credible evidence. Judging by how seriously Black Tuo is taking this, it won’t work if the evidence isn’t convincing. I really need to think this through.’
’Hmm... actually, exposing myself isn’t completely out of the question,’ Su Chen’s thoughts shifted.
’I’m already on Black Tuo’s radar anyway, so making another enemy of him wouldn’t be the end of the world.’
’Hmm... better to play it safe. Who knows if Black Tuo would go berserk and target me. I’ll only reveal myself if I absolutely can’t find a scapegoat.’
Whatever the case, the Heart of Spiritual Light was as good as his. Thinking of this, Su Chen relaxed considerably.
He was about to head back to the training room, but before he reached the main building, he stopped. As if sensing something, he turned to see Ming Lin emerging from the harbor.
"You’re out." Su Chen went to greet him, his curiosity piqued. "So, what’s the verdict? How much did your Talent improve?"
"Double Scarlet!" Ming Lin was thrilled. "A Scarlet Talent... I never would have dared to dream of this before."
"Double Scarlet, huh." Su Chen nodded. "Not bad." Then he asked, "What did it feel like inside the Profound Celestial Instrument?"
"Hmm..." Ming Lin mulled it over. "Honestly, I didn’t have any specific feeling. It was like being thrown into a washing machine, spinning uncontrollably... and then I was out."
"No other sensations? Like excruciating pain or anything?" Su Chen was quite surprised.
"Not at all, actually," Ming Lin said, shaking his head.
Su Chen nodded thoughtfully, then said, "As for distributing the goods, you can let Senior Brother Teng Liang and Senior Brother Bu Siqi handle it."
"Now that you have a Scarlet Talent, you should focus more on developing your Profession."
Senior Brother Teng Liang had forced his breakthrough to Tier Five, exhausting his future potential.
As for Old Bu, his inherent Talent is too low. At his age, even an improvement wouldn’t mean much.
Ming Lin nodded solemnly. The drive to raise one’s Professional Tier and elevate one’s Life Level was ingrained in the very essence of every living being.
Back in the training room, Su Chen glanced at the time but was in no hurry to start training.
About half an hour later, Luo Shuhang arrived in a hurry.
Su Chen had told him to come by yesterday, but after taking the Crimson Sun Potion, he hadn’t wanted to waste its effects, so he’d asked the man to postpone for a day.
And as soon as the Dark Sun period was over, the man rushed over.
"I’ll get it, I’ll get it."
In the lounge, Luo Shuhang saw Su Chen enter with a teacup and quickly reached out to take it. He took a careful sip before asking, "You summoned me, sir. Is there a Profession-related issue you need my assistance in resolving?"
"Sit, sit." Su Chen waved for him to sit down before saying, "That’s right. I do have a few questions for you."
"Please, ask away," Luo Shuhang said, setting down his teacup and sitting bolt upright.
"I wanted to ask... for some Professions that have strict, time-based requirements, are there any methods to shorten them?" Su Chen asked, his body sinking into the sofa as he watched Luo Shuhang.
"Methods to shorten mandatory time requirements?" Luo Shuhang repeated, using a more professional turn of phrase. He thought for a moment before saying, "Yes, there are. Our Sect’s Creation Copper Heart can do it."
"I’m aware of that one," Su Chen said with a slight frown. "Are there any other methods?"
Luo Shuhang’s heart skipped a beat. He quickly replied, "There are other methods. In fact, as long as one’s body is physically placed within a region of accelerated time, it can gain the acknowledgment of the Pseudo-Spirituality."
"Time acceleration... Does our Sect have any similar methods?" Su Chen couldn’t help but ask.
Luo Shuhang hesitated before shaking his head. "Time and space are the two most mysterious variables. None of the Five Great Sects possess methods for time manipulation. I’ve vaguely heard that the Royal Court might, but that’s just a rumor..."