Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 2077: Chapter 2072: Dancer (18)

”Our full name is the Gregor Folklore Research Club, currently consisting of nineteen members.”

Without disappointing Fu Qian’s expectations, Leiden showed astonishing obedience, answering with almost no hesitation.

Although the given name seems somewhat incompatible with the mention of the Ancient Kings.

”The reason it’s called this is not because the founder is Gregor, but because it borrows the name of a certain local scholar.”

As Leiden continued explaining, he turned to a position where he wouldn’t be easily noticed from outside the window.

”He was born in Lan Fyla, but left at a young age and didn’t return to his hometown until his later years to work at a nearby school. It was also during that time he conducted extensive folklore research, such as on ’the inviolable’.”

Leiden moved his fingers slightly, sketching a familiar three-ring pattern.

”Though he was an ordinary person, Gregor firmly believed that without divine enlightenment, the wisdom of mortals itself contains power... It’s even quite simple to find; its transmission over the centuries is a testament to its power, and its evolution is akin to biological evolution.”

His voice was low, carrying a sense of respect from Leiden.

”Although in most people’s view, this notion seems evidently absurd, during his lifetime he found no supporting evidence.

”But you should understand, sir, when there’s no way forward, any sliver of hope becomes enticing.”

So has the theoretical guide passed away?

This development didn’t surprise Fu Qian that much. After all, the pile of things Mr. Sanhao Sr. pored over was clearly aged at a glance.

”Because I couldn’t find a direction for advancement, after a prolonged period of oppression, eventually I got in touch with Gregor’s remaining research notes, thereby opening a door to the surreal... Then progressing further, I discovered a special address in annotations left by later generations.”

Leiden’s following narrative bore a striking resemblance, essentially mirroring the experiences of Mr. Sanhao Sr.

”When I arrived at that place, I realized there were already people there earlier than me, who had even formed an enthusiast group.

”Undoubtedly, I joined them, although to date, there haven’t been any substantial gains.”

Taking a deep breath, Leiden quickly concluded his account of joining, pointing to his head with a unique smile.

”But truthfully, these years have still been quite enjoyable, so I surprisingly have no regrets.”

...

Gregor’s folklore research, the extraordinary power contained within the pure collective human consciousness?

It is indeed a rather intriguing subject.

Even though Mr. Leiden’s tone carried a sense of self-deprecation from a loser’s life, Fu Qian still listened intently, with quite an evaluation.

After all, having experienced various abstract concepts, how could one’s mind be so narrow?

On this point, Fu Qian even believed the Night Watchman shared this sentiment.

If it truly posed no threat, why bother with such meaningless attention?

Taking a step back, even if it’s merely the ramblings of a mad scholar, just the arrogance of not respecting deities, not envying talents, is already worthy of being a lighthouse of human spirit.

”Interesting idea, so how does folklore connect with the Ancient Kings?”

Without deliberately affecting a posture, Fu Qian nodded slightly, naturally continuing the inquiry.

”Because many folklores originated from them.”

Looking at Fu Qian, Leiden appeared visibly peculiar when using ’them’.

”Gods and humans are fundamentally different, but kings are not; regardless of the loathing or reverence they evoke, compared to ordinary people, they undoubtedly leave deeper imprints in human consciousness.

”Actually, even when Gregor was still around, he proposed categorizing various symbols from this perspective, we just borrowed his idea.”

...

Searching for the ’kings’ transformed from humans, imprinted within collective consciousness, and distinctly differentiating from those emerging from Superior Beings.

It certainly is an approach, albeit potentially difficult to distinguish.

Additionally, one wonders if the esteemed Gregor ever considered whether kings would even want to be perceived this way?

Listening to Mr. Leiden’s book notes, Fu Qian did appreciate the sharpness of the esteemed Gregor.

Though amongst the ”kings” currently known, most no longer wish to be compared to ordinary people.

Take the Larea Family, for instance, who directly proclaim themselves as ”Divine”.

Yet, Gregor’s theory, although abstract, how much one gains often depends on the listener.

At least in Fu Qian’s view, it actually hit upon some truths.

Collective consciousness, unlike others, Fu Qian had conducted a series of tests precisely in this field.

If Su Gao’s multiple entries into the ”Mental World” are considered a transcendent manifestation of collective consciousness, then theoretically, in the third test, there did exist a comparison between god and man—

As an underling of the Dragon King, Sunny, though able to enter the Mental World, always had a barrier, fundamentally differing from Su Gao.

This point, to a certain extent, can serve as evidence supporting the esteemed Gregor’s theory.

Though as an ordinary person, he probably hadn’t the chance to traverse the Mental World.

Never underestimate anyone willing to think.

”A decent approach, like the inviolable, what have you gained from this symbol?”

With a sense of sentiment, Fu Qian fumbled in his pocket, tossing out a blue eye he bought with his clothes.

”It has no use.”

This thing being thrown out from the opponent’s hand made Leiden’s feeling undoubtedly stranger.

But after catching it and examining it closely for a while, he eventually shook his head, providing the same answer as the Dancer.

”Oh? How can you be so sure?”

Fu Qian observed the ”breakpoint” on Leiden’s body appearing in his field of vision, neither agreeing nor disagreeing.

”Though Gregor often used it as an example, and the Wenlan Family believed for a long time it could bring protection, unfortunately, over all these years, it genuinely seems to hold no special significance—actually, this is a question I’ve wanted to ask you.”

Leiden, however, did not change his mind under pressure; on the contrary, a slight glimmer named the pursuit of knowledge flickered in his eyes as he faced Fu Qian directly.

”I won’t ask your identity, nor your intention here, inclusive of this conversation, the Night Watchman will remain uninformed... I just wish to satisfy a small curiosity.

”Could you tell me the answer to one question, is Gregor’s theory right or wrong?”

The blue eye entwined in his hand, Leiden solemnly raised it.

”Do such symbols genuinely contain power?”

”Indeed.”

Feeling the other party’s subtle transcendence beyond the obsession with advancement, Fu Qian nodded.

”However, seeking them might surpass your capability.”