Phantylia had no choice but to admit that something Su Ran had once said was true.
If an Emanator of Erudition chose to walk the path of Destruction, then what they could accomplish would absolutely surpass that of an ordinary Lord Ravager.
Although the countless lifeforms of today's universe were much stronger than they had been in the past...
They still wouldn't be able to withstand the return of Propagation.
And if Propagation truly reappeared, even Phantylia would have to carefully consider her own chances.
She could probably survive amidst another Swarm Disaster.
But what beauty could remain in worlds ravaged by the Swarm?
Only devastation and ruin would be left behind.
Compared to witnessing all life being exterminated by the Swarm in such an inelegant fashion, Phantylia would much rather see the countless beings of the universe perish in ways she found pleasing.
Yet, the moment that thought crossed her mind, even Phantylia found it unbelievable.
Because just moments ago, she had genuinely developed the urge to protect the universe and stop Su Ran from creating another catastrophe.
As a Lord Ravager...
She had entertained thoughts of Preservation.
How absurd.
Shaking off that ridiculous idea, Phantylia looked at Su Ran in surprise.
She was curious what method this genius intended to use to control Propagation.
Precisely because she had once witnessed that Propagation Emanator resting obediently at Jingliu's feet...
She became even more curious.
She even found herself developing a trace of anticipation.
Perhaps because she believed he might truly accomplish such a thing—
Controlling an Aeon.
Even if the chances were incredibly slim.
Still, the universe had never lacked madmen.
And the Su Ran before her was undoubtedly one of the most terrifying lunatics Phantylia had ever encountered.
Jingliu's thoughts were complicated.
She knew Su Ran's strength.
She understood his talent.
Many people considered her a genius swordswoman, but she had never thought so herself.
Her swordsmanship was exceptional simply because she hated the Abundance enough to devote herself wholeheartedly to her practice.
But Su Ran's existence had made Jingliu realize that perhaps true geniuses really did exist.
This man was gradually shattering everything she knew about talent.
If his swordsmanship had already reached such heights...
Then, on the Path he truly walked—that of Erudition—was he also among those closest to Nous, the Erudition?
Was it possible that he could truly unravel the mystery behind the birth of Aeons?
Could he really bring the Plagues Author back into existence?
The entire universe would face a third great catastrophe.
The first had been the Swarm Disaster.
The second, the Mechanical Emperor's War.
History should not repeat itself in an endless cycle.
If such a possibility truly existed...
Then she ought to eliminate Su Ran right now and destroy this threat before it could grow.
"Jingliu... aren't you being a little too obsessive?"
Seeing the increasingly conflicted expression on Jingliu's face, Su Ran took the initiative to approach her.
"Would you really attack me over something that's still nothing more than speculation?"
"Can you honestly guarantee that you'll be able to make the Plagues Author obedient as well?"
Jingliu knew exactly how terrifying the Plagues Author had been.
That Aeon had directly led to the birth of some Aeons and the downfall of others.
Even some Aeons had arisen indirectly because of Them.
Should Propagation return, the balance of power across the universe might be reshuffled entirely.
Though she hated Yaoshi with every fiber of her being, she didn't want Su Ran to use such an opportunity to bring another catastrophe upon the universe.
If the price only required one individual to bear it—
Or perhaps those few who deserved death—
Then she wouldn't object.
But if the entire cosmos had to shoulder the consequences...
She could not accept it.
She was a sinner.
But she refused to become a villain.
"Of course I can't. That's why I won't revive Them right now."
Despite his usual arrogance, Su Ran understood his limits.
At present, controlling an Aeon was impossible for him.
"You should've said that sooner. Why drag this out so long?"
Only after hearing that Su Ran had no such malicious intentions did Jingliu finally relax slightly.
Had he clarified things earlier, their conversation wouldn't have become so tense.
"Was it really that long? It was only a few sentences."
However, even though this misunderstanding had been resolved, the matter between them wasn't over.
"Keeping it serves no purpose. Return it to me."
If it was merely for research purposes, she could tolerate Su Ran taking a fragment.
But not the entirety of it.
"Jingliuliu, surely you wouldn't want Baiheng..."
Su Ran once again used Baiheng as leverage against Jingliu.
"Do not push me."
Hearing Baiheng's name brought up again, Jingliu felt an overwhelming urge to draw her sword.
She no longer suffered from mara.
Yet even so, Su Ran was somehow driving her toward irrationality.
Teasing her once was one thing.
But repeatedly pushing her boundaries wasn't amusing anymore.
"If Baiheng returns only to discover that her closest friends have fallen apart, and that her dearest friend intends to throw away her own life... how heartbroken do you think she'd be?"
Jingliu gritted her teeth as she glared at him.
"You truly deserve to die."
She had genuinely thought he was easy to get along with before.
She had even considered that trying out a relationship with him might not be bad.
But now...
The more she looked at him, the more infuriating he became.
"Come on. You've already seen Bailu. Want to make another trip to Scalegorge Waterscape?"
"What would we go there for?"
Another visit to Scalegorge Waterscape?
Jingliu had no desire to return there.
She had already met Bailu.
They had spoken.
There was nothing left on the Xianzhou that she still longed for.
"If you don't want to reunite with old friends, I can ask Stelle to bring Yingxing and Dan Heng there as well."
As for Jing Yuan...
Once he learned the three of them had gathered, he certainly wouldn't stay away.
"He's still here? Does he intend to remain on the Xianzhou permanently?"
Jingliu had no intention of reminiscing.
Now that she knew Baiheng still had a chance to return, she finally had something to look forward to.
She pulled out a chair and sat down.
Since she couldn't retrieve what she wanted, all she could do was remain by Su Ran's side.
Otherwise, she wouldn't know what to do with herself.
"...Then if we're not going, we're not going. Want to sleep together instead?"
Jingliu raised an eyebrow, her gaze filled with disdain.
"What? Can't hold yourself back anymore?"
Just moments ago, he had proclaimed himself a gentleman who appreciated beauty without indulging in lust.
And now he wanted to do something improper?
"No. I just wanted to show you Baiheng's consciousness."
"Or perhaps... her soul?"
Though what he had extracted from deep within Bailu's consciousness was only a fragmented remnant—
It wasn't a complete Baiheng yet.
But letting Jingliu see it should still be possible.
"What are you standing there for? Hurry up!"
The moment Jingliu heard this, she immediately stood up and urged him forward.
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