Lord of Mysteries 2: Circle of Inevitability

702 Fate Appropriator

Before Lumian had a chance to say anything, Franca eagerly recounted the events involving the Underworld Daoist during the Dream Festival.

She said excitedly, “The interaction between our two worlds is even more intricate than I had imagined!”

“Who would have thought there was another point of interaction beyond the Samaritan Women’s Spring, and it’s all tied to that mysterious illusory river.”

Silently, Franca mused, It’s a shame we still haven’t located the man believed to be from our world who was seen on the fourth level of the catacombs… Seriously, what’s taking 007, no—the Eternal Blazing Sun Church so long? They haven’t even tracked down the traitor who worked with April Fool’s…

Once Franca had finished speaking, Lumian provided a concise explanation of the origins of the black ancient tomb and the ancient corpse.

Hela, still in her black widow attire, listened intently, gently nodding her head.

“It’s now evident that the illusory river isn’t a reference to the River Styx. It must be something far more significant than that.”

.....

“Absolutely.” Lumian wasn’t caught off guard by Hela’s statement. “The black ancient tomb doesn’t just embody the power of the Death pathway; it also represents the Evernight and Warrior pathways.”

In the current world, all the legends surrounding the River Styx were connected to death.

Lumian speculated that this might involve beings such as the Celestial Worthy of Heaven and Earth for Blessings, the Mother Tree of Desire, and the Great Mother, who held multiple thrones linked to various pathways.

Hela glanced at Franca, falling silent for a moment before speaking.

“If the Armored Shadow is right, the Underworld Daoist is in a precarious state. If you intend to interact with Him, you must exercise extreme caution and ensure you have an escape route from the corresponding area.”

The Armored Shadow had described the Underworld Daoist as having “sacrificed himself to enter the river,” implying the sacrifice of one’s physical form or life.

“I understand.” Franca let out a sigh. “I’ll give this matter more thought once I reach Sequence 5.”

As she sighed, a smug thought crossed her mind, The Pleasure potion has been largely digested lately. Even without additional opportunities, I can start preparing for the Demoness of Affliction’s advancement ritual within two to three months… I need to begin gathering the necessary potion ingredients now…

I can’t mention it, I mustn’t mention it—I can’t let Lumian know. Bragging would make me seem crass and disrespectful to Jenna…

Lumian’s curious gaze alternated between Hela and Franca a couple of times.

He sensed that Madame Hela had something crucial to tell Franca but refrained from doing so.

It was rare for Lumian to perceive Madame Hela as having something on her mind. Her glance at Franca and few seconds of silence gave him the impression of hesitancy.

Regrettably, Franca often has a carefree nature and doesn’t pay much attention to details. Otherwise, she might be able to extract some information from her through direct questioning… Lumian’s mind raced, and he concluded that if Madame Hela chose not to say anything at this point, she must have her reasons. Thus, he suppressed his curiosity and gestured towards the front of the dilapidated palace.

“I’ll get the ritual ready.”

“Sounds good,” Franca responded with enthusiasm.

While she had witnessed Lumian acquire Ascetic powers, that had taken place in Fourth Epoch Trier. A myriad of dangers had intertwined, causing her to shudder with fear. She had to maintain constant vigilance of her surroundings, unable to “appreciate” the situation with the same level of ease as she could now.

After a moment of contemplation, Lumian retrieved a metal canister from a hidden pocket and tossed it to Franca.

“If things start going poorly for me later on, forcefully break through the wall of spirituality and throw this in front of me or on me.”

“Should I unscrew the cap for you?” Franca asked, a smile playing on her lips.

“What do you think?” Lumian arched an eyebrow.

“Naturally,” Franca replied, her smile unwavering. “I’m just trying to lighten the mood. I want you to feel at ease.”

“I appreciate it!” Lumian turned and made his way to the massive stone chair in the depths of the ancient palace.

His intuition suggested that the huge, mottled stone chair might have a connection to Mr. Fool.

This would enable him to draw Mr. Fool’s attention during the impending ritual.