Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1974: Chapter 1969: Mathematical Euphoria (30)

The goal of Shattering Void is to continue shattering the void.

Fu Qian never forgot his task objective.

And after summarizing his previous experiences, he deeply understood that he indeed didn’t have much time.

The reason he indulged in desires in the church was precisely due to the information obtained from the Tomb Guardian. He believed that in this second heaven, ”Ecstasy” was undoubtedly a unique power.

So unique that it could almost rival the ”Lotus” from the first heaven.

Transcendentally exquisite, indescribable, attainable but elusive... it felt overwhelmingly like a crushing blow.

That’s why upon arriving at the church, Fu Qian immediately went with the flow, attempting to touch it.

And relying on novel thinking, he indeed succeeded in touching it.

At this moment, the feeling in his mind was akin to walking in heaven.

But what comes next?

Being lost in pleasure is certainly not an option, not to mention that besides the time constraints of the task, this thing isn’t without side effects—

During the pleasant mind-storm just now, Fu Qian was actually constantly observing the changes in the White Head Holy Church.

After all, given their deep conflicts, it wouldn’t be surprising to be recognized at any time.

And the final result was that although there was no obvious retaliatory behavior, as he smoothly resonated with Ecstasy, Fu Qian realized that his perception of the church subtly changed.

For example, the Finger Ball emblem above seemed to inexplicably become more intimate, and there seemed to be a slight increase in a different kind of activity in his mind.

Seed of Ecstasy.

Upon realizing this, a certain phrase almost instantly appeared in Fu Qian’s mind.

Or call it an invitation, he once obtained an item called ”Carnival of Desires” which could plant something in people’s hearts.

Once planted, it can’t be eliminated, infinitely abstract, until all reason is turned into nourishment.

”How does it feel?”

Amidst the savoring, the Tomb Guardian, who seemed to have given up effort, turned and asked.

...

How does it feel? Naturally, it is—

”Fantastic!”

In response to the inquiry, Fu Qian gave a standard smile, the answer somewhat exaggerated.

Though it was indeed the truth.

Fu Qian always had a considerable curiosity about the Seed of Ecstasy.

It was just that considering the risks, he never tried it.

Now witnessing it during a task is arguably better than outside.

Once the task is complete, restoring the state would be equivalent to the warehouse adding more insurance.

Even if it proves difficult to eliminate, he can still transform into the Abandonment King and clean himself up again.

So even though he considered the possibility of contamination before proceeding, Fu Qian acted without hesitation.

”... Is that so? Then it seems you’ve come to the right place.”

Unfortunately, the Tomb Guardian clearly didn’t quite believe Fu Qian’s words, and after observing him with surprise, finally encouraged him with a smile.

This isn’t really his fault either; mainly Fu Qian deeply grasped the essence of Sin City, his expression misaligned with his words.

Clearly, it was impossible for the Tomb Guardian to believe that under the influence of Ecstasy, one could remain so clear-headed.

”Yes, what you said earlier was also right, this kind of ecstasy indeed makes one unwittingly enthralled.”

Unsurprised by the reaction, Fu Qian responded casually, unabashedly examining the emblem.

Currently, he hasn’t noticed much anomaly, but he believes that over time, the Seed of Ecstasy is likely to bring trouble.

After all, based on previous understanding, once contaminated, it brings an essential change, meaning the concept of desire truly becomes activated—yet it is still worth it.

The reason he could sense ”Ecstasy” so efficiently this time was also because of his previous attempt, and it seems he’s now walking a path with considerable hidden dangers akin to the Magic route.

But don’t forget the current situation; without a quick path in Magic, there’s hardly a chance to talk about the future.

”How long will I be able to feel ecstasy?”

Calmly analyzing the pros and cons, Fu Qian continued to confirm.

”Not sure, but it’s definitely a time that will always seem too short.”

Fu Qian showed such interest, and the Tomb Guardian didn’t mind playing along, really believing he’s entangled with ecstasy.

”I understand.”

So it seems it needs to be faster.

Slightly nodding, Fu Qian whispered to himself.

In the next moment, feeling the ubiquitous ”Ecstasy,” he gathered all his willpower, resolutely driving it away.

...

Indeed, this is the way Fu Qian chose to utilize.

Perhaps he knows too little about this second heaven, but if the power of ”Ecstasy” truly possesses a nature similar to ”Black Lotus,” which can aid in creating a connection to a higher level, why not try it now?

Although the situation is urgent, it can actually be more so.

Never restrict your own agency.

As for why this method?

With too little reference information, imagination is the only play.

The difference between ”Ecstasy” and ”Lotus” is undoubtedly significant; the perceptions don’t align and they can’t even be said to be opposite.

But there is one thing that can be consistent—discomfort.

In Sin City, accepting ”Lotus” is undeniably quite painful, and to some extent this is why so many people can’t ”awaken.”

And in this place, the feeling of ”Ecstasy” is so beautiful, rejecting ”it” is evidently going to be extremely uncomfortable.

Once viewed from this angle, doesn’t the consistency surface?

Of course, the idea might not be hard to conceive, but the execution isn’t easy.

The sense of ”Ecstasy” is noticeably on a higher level, expelling it takes more effort than accepting the ”Lotus” did back then.

And Fu Qian’s approach is simple and brutal: forcibly ignore that joy, deny its presence in his consciousness, and finally extricate himself from it.

As abstract joy permeating every corner, this is evidently not an easy task.

If not for repeated cycles of tempering along with accumulated knowledge, it’s almost impossible to operate.

Furthermore, the process of operating isn’t merely moving from ecstasy to tranquility.

The huge void after forcibly detaching is undoubtedly akin to the pain of withdrawal.

And just as ecstasy is beyond description, the pain is similarly indescribable.

”Are you really intending to stay here?”

Even amidst such torment, the Tomb Guardian still couldn’t discern anything from Fu Qian’s face. Seeing him truly sitting calmly, he couldn’t help but ask.

”What else?”

Fu Qian looked forward, casually retorting.

”Suit yourself, but even if you want to go elsewhere, don’t expect me to guide you.”

The Tomb Guardian, after all, possessed the carefree spirit of Paradise’s people, laughed heartily, and directly stood up.

Elsewhere?

Struggling to extract the words, Fu Qian focused inward, and from the burgeoning rivalry between ecstasy and pain, he grasped a hint of the Tao of yin-yang balance.

And in the next moment, decisively broke that balance, allowing the pain to deepen.