One-Eyed Monster

The atmosphere around Moonflow Stream suddenly turned bizarre.

The Alchemy Workshop and the monsters of Guru Mountain were obviously in a standoff.

Igor watched the tense scene. He couldn’t help but think of how not long ago these two factions had been fighting side by side. When danger came, they united against it, protecting their homeland. Yet, not long after the danger had passed, they stood against each other because of their beliefs. It seemed to be a matter of life and death… What was it that made them stand against each other like this? What exactly was it? Just a difference in philosophy? Was a differing philosophy enough reason for such a desperate struggle to the death? I can’t make sense of this; the situation is too complex for me, complex enough for me to reassess all of my perceptions.

With his complex gaze, Igor looked at the Great Mentor Guzan and was surprised to find a hint of melancholy in him, a melancholy usually seen at the time of farewells. Seeing this from Guzan, Igor felt a bad premonition.

The Great Mentor’s expression turned solemn. It was clear he had made a decision—a decision that concerned not only his own future but that of everyone else as well.

He had decided to stake his life in stopping Kuyi Tulan. He couldn’t let Kuyi Tulan continue to harm others. Even if it meant bearing the title of a criminal of the Alchemy Workshop, he was willing to do it.

This was a responsibility he had towards everyone, an ideal he held. This conviction made it impossible for him to accept the current trajectory of events. He had to end the calamity he himself had wrought.

By risking his life, he would lead Kuyi Tulan and the others toward the Eternal Tranquility Realm; only then could he rest in peace.

The Great Mentor took a deep breath—it was time to make this decision. He planned to evacuate all the monsters from Guru Mountain, allowing those who had been harmed by Kuyi Tulan to continue living...

However, the monsters of Guru Mountain were still unaware of this situation; they were filled with grief and anger. Their overwhelming rage consumed their attention, so they failed to notice the subtle changes around them. Not everyone possessed Igor’s keen perception.

The monsters of Guru Mountain felt that Kuyi Tulan owed them an explanation for Dastan’s death. Dastan was our friend! He didn’t deserve to be sacrificed—no, to be murdered by him like that!

Stan Sol was one of them, and like the others, he had a burning desire to fight.

However, the bizarre atmosphere prevented them from making any moves, slowly eroding their ambition. Like an invading force, it gradually pacified them…

Igor even felt his vision starting to blur... None of them knew that this was all the Great Mentor’s doing.

Great Mentor Guzan didn’t want to drag them into his personal affairs. After all, Kuyi Tulan was his disciple. He had brought him into the world of Adventurers with Class, groomed him from a blacksmith’s apprentice to become the chief of the Alchemy Workshop, and introduced him to power. It was he who had allowed Kuyi Tulan to touch that power, leading him to fall into the inescapable trap of his own desires...

He alone had to end the chaos he had created; it had nothing to do with the others. He couldn’t involve these innocent people in his battle.

So, he decided to ensure everyone else evacuated safely from here…

Moonflow Stream would become a wasteland. Although Great Mentor Guzan felt a pang of reluctance, his inner conviction solidified his resolve.

He knew the temperaments of the monsters in Guru Mountain. Especially Kevin, who would never allow him to do this. So, he had sent Kevin to Xiso. After all, Xiso also had pressing matters to attend to, meaning Kevin wouldn’t return for some time.

He had left Yuga and Kuren behind. They weren’t as unyielding as Kevin and would likely be more accepting of the situation.

But the Great Mentor never intended to persuade them; time wouldn’t permit it. Instead, he chose a course of action no one would expect.

Guru Mountain was a good place, secluded from the world and home to many rare fruits. During his time there, the Great Mentor had used Alchemy to concoct a colorless, odorless mist. This mist could incapacitate someone, rendering them immobile for a short period.

He was now releasing this mist. The Alchemy Potion slowly, and unbeknownst to them, infiltrated their bodies.

Of course, this Alchemy Potion wouldn’t be effective against Kuyi Tulan and his group. Although colorless and odorless, if used offensively, it could be easily detected by their Spirit Power. Once their Spirit Defense was activated, the potion’s effect would be minimal.

But when used on his own people, no one would suspect a thing. After all, they wouldn’t be on guard against one another, especially not against their respected Great Mentor.

By the time they had fully realized what was happening, they were unable to move.

”Mentor!” Kuren was the first to notice something amiss. When he realized the Great Mentor was behind it, he instantly sensed something was wrong. What is he trying to do?

”There’s no need to ask,” the Great Mentor said. ”I know you’re all grieving and furious, but this is a matter between Kuyi Tulan and me. It has nothing to do with you, and I don’t want you involved.”

”Mentor, Dastan was our friend too!” Yuga also realized something was wrong. The Great Mentor’s words made it clear: this had become his burden to bear alone.

”Mentor!” The monsters of Guru Mountain gradually came to their senses. They understood that the Great Mentor intended to face Kuyi Tulan alone. However, they were immobilized, powerless to assist him!

”Why are you doing this, Mentor!” Kuren was heartbroken, almost in tears.

”The calamity I wrought can only be ended by my own hand,” the Great Mentor stated. ”I don’t want you to be implicated. I am old; you are still young. You must carry on my legacy.”

”Mentor!” The monsters cried out, feeling utterly helpless. They were completely immobile.

The Great Mentor stood majestic, facing Kuyi Tulan’s team alone.

Not a hint of fear showed on his face; instead, there was a sense of liberation. He even felt fortunate that, in the end, he himself would eliminate the hidden danger he had brought into the world.

”You will all be under my protection, unaffected by my techniques. Once the dust has settled, I will trouble young Sol here,” the Great Mentor said, his gaze falling on Stan Sol, ”to help me relocate everyone elsewhere.” This was his only request after making his decision...