When everyone gathered again at the Hall of Wisdom, it was an hour later.
Dox’s expression carried a hint of secret joy, his mouth occasionally curled up, but each time he did, he worried about being noticed, quickly putting on a stern attitude.
From this, it seems that the "treasure" Dox obtained from the Wise Sovereign must have satisfied him greatly.
Vay and Kaier, on the other hand, were openly joyful. They had read many books in the study, many of which were not available outside, or rather, books they wouldn’t have access to at their level. These were extremely valuable pieces of knowledge, and even though they only had an hour to read, the Wise Sovereign did not prohibit them from using the Photostone or Reading Art cheat methods.
Therefore, their gains were substantial, and even if the trip to the Qingkong Poetry Room yielded nothing, their visit here was definitely worthwhile.
Black Earl and Angel remained as calm as usual, without showing any emotion. But in the eyes of others, their private conversation with the Wise Sovereign must have resulted in better gains.
"All I can do, all I can say I’ve told you. If you have no further questions, just keep moving forward. Of course, if you wish to rest, you can do so here for a while. However, the longer you stay, the more time the Goddess has to prepare. So, it’s up to you to balance things out."
As the Wise Sovereign spoke, he waved his hand, and the door to the other side of the passage instantly opened.
Looking into the depths from the hall, all they could see was darkness, nothing visible, with only a cold wind blowing.
The group discussed within the Mind Ribbon and finally decided: to press on now.
However, before leaving the Hall of Wisdom, Angel painstakingly asked Kaier and Vay again about their intentions, questioning whether they planned to continue.
In Angel’s view, Kaier and Vay could actually stay at the Hall of Wisdom. At least there, they were safe and sound.
But ahead... the path always remains uncertain.
No one can guarantee their safety.
Even though Angel had trump cards, Kaier and Vay were ultimately just apprentices; if they truly encountered danger, Angel couldn’t guarantee their survival before playing all his cards.
Facing Angel’s inquiry, Kaier replied without hesitation: "I won’t give up."
Even though Laplace told Kaier this place was not his destination, Kaier still wanted to continue on. He wanted to prove that his passion for historical relics was not just due to residual soul influence but also his genuine inner love.
To outsiders, Kaier’s choice seemed stubborn.
But they refrained from saying more, especially since Kaier proceeded forward under the guise of proving his inner truth; thus, they couldn’t impede him.
Perhaps this was an obstacle or a mental block within Kaier’s heart that, if not crossed personally, could lead to Kaier being forgotten. Hence, no matter how perilous the path ahead, Kaier wouldn’t give up.
Vay’s response echoed Kaier’s, expressing the same intent to continue.
Vay was a descendant of the Noah Clan. If he didn’t dare visit his ancestor’s place, his future path would likely lack courage too.
Trying to catch up with Dox would be even more impossible.
Though Vay was decisive when making his decision, afterward, he began to worry.
The next moment, Vay’s actions amazed everyone.
Vay walked up to Dox, grabbed his sleeve, and seriously asked, "Do you feel any sorrow or pain now? Feel like the sky is falling on you?"
Dox was a bit puzzled, unclear about Vay’s meaning, but he answered truthfully: "No."
Upon hearing Dox’s response, Vay breathed a sigh of relief: "That’s good, I should be safe."
With Vay’s words, the group realized that Vay was using Dox as a "danger detector." Dox had strong inspiration, and since Dox didn’t feel sad, Vay felt assured of his safety.
Dox paused for a moment, then understood Vay’s meaning, and he couldn’t help but say, "Why do you think I would feel sad? I tell you, even if you drop dead here, I wouldn’t feel a bit of sadness. Using me as your test object, it won’t be effective!"
Dox expressed righteously his lack of concern for Vay’s well-being.
Yet, Vay acted as if he hadn’t heard.
Vay knew Dox too well; this guy was just a "mouth says no, but body says yes" type.
Back when they adventured together, there was a time when Dox thought Vay had died and was dejected for half a year. This alone proves the point.
Moreover, Vay had saved Dox many times, providing a genuine lifesaving relationship. Given Dox’s personality, if Vay died before repaying the favor, it would definitely become a lingering regret for Dox.
So, Vay didn’t care at all about Dox’s solemn statement, treating it as mere background noise.
...
After choosing to continue, the group wasted no time and bid farewell to the Wise Sovereign, heading toward the next passage.
The Wise Sovereign didn’t say anything emotional or hopeful; he merely quietly watched the group disappear into the depths of the passage.
He had said all he needed to say, and in the future, he would do what needed to be done. Now it was up to them to find a way to succeed.
Black Earl was undoubtedly capable of getting out; even if the avatar died, the main body would come. But collaborating with Black Earl was merely the Wise Sovereign’s backup plan; what he truly valued was Angel, that piece full of unpredictability.
Perhaps only Angel could stir new waves in this stagnant game.
"Wise Sovereign, I just received news from my mother, Her Excellency Goddess may have laid a trap ahead." Suddenly, a voice entered Black Earl’s ear.
Following the sound, a dark hole appeared on the wall.
"Ah, it’s Two Treasures."
One-eyed Two Treasures: "Wise Sovereign, should we notify them?"
The Wise Sovereign shook his head: "No need. The Goddess will do everything possible to stop their advance. They know this, so they must be prepared for the danger ahead. Informing them or not makes no difference."
"Moreover, I have an agreement with the Goddess; unless absolutely necessary, I won’t manipulate the Magical Energy Array near the Qingkong Poetry Room. If you go, it may make the Goddess suspect that I’ve broken the agreement."
"Now is not the time."
As for when the right time would come? Naturally, it would be when Angel and the others successfully leave the Qingkong Poetry Room, then the Wise Sovereign would actively intervene.