If it were someone like Master Guchuan, Faen was still willing to debate. But for these "Masters" who believed one shouldn't even strike back while being beaten to death by an enemy just to maintain Ionia's balance, Faen didn't even want to waste a single word.
Seeing things spiral out of control, Karma spoke: "Disperse. Prioritize the safety of the coastal residents."
Faen said nothing, but the extreme traditionalist elders clearly had more to say. Before they could open their mouths, Karma added, "I need to commune with the souls of the past Enlightened Ones. Any further discussion must wait until after that."
The elders bit back their words and cast one last glance at Faen before hurrying away.
Standing to the side as mere messengers, Shen and Usan (Zed) looked bewildered, unsure of where they stood. They expected Faen to leave with them, but to their surprise, Faen remained rooted in place. Once the other sages and masters had vanished, Faen looked at Shen, Usan, and Riven. "Wait here for me."
Then, Faen walked toward Karma.
Riven was fine with this, mostly because she still hadn't fully grasped the politics of the situation. Shen and Usan, however, instinctively moved to block him, fearing that Faen might disturb the holy Enlightened One.
To their surprise, just as Shen was about to speak, Karma looked at Faen and nodded. The two of them then walked in unison toward the private chambers behind the main hall.
Realizing something significant was happening, Shen and Usan stood guard at the entrance, falling silent.
Inside the rear lounge, Karma's expression relaxed. More accurately, she shed the persona of the "Enlightened One." Her eyes regained a more human light; she was no longer a distant spiritual symbol, but a real person.
"Though it sounds strange to say, I have actually been aware of you for a long time, Faen—long before you ever left Ionia."
Faen raised an eyebrow in surprise and asked with interest, "Oh? Why is that? And if you noticed me so long ago, why meet only now?"
"There were many factors. Most importantly, your projection in the Spirit Realm was far too murky and obscure." Karma waved a hand, and a teapot seemingly came to life, pouring two cups of tea. One moved to her, the other to Faen.
"For those with the gift of prophecy, any emotional extremity or flaw in thought can turn an already tragic future into an irreversible catastrophe. This is a truth proven countless times by previous generations of Karma, and it is the path that led Ionia to its current traditions."
Faen nodded in understanding.
Indeed, after merging with Ashlesh and having his spiritual perception enhanced, Faen had recognized many of his own past immaturities. But even so—
He caught the tea cup but did not drink. He placed it on the table beside him and said, "You are right about that, but I still hold to my own views."
"I understand," Karma nodded. "And the you of now—whether in your way of expression, your way of thinking, or your spiritual projection—is much more stable than before. This indicates you have clearly realized that the composition of this world cannot be summarized by mere words. Thus, I believe it is time we truly met and spoke."
"The honor is mine." Seeing Karma willing to explain these things, Faen offered a slight bow.
Faen was always the type to return respect with respect. Having grown up in Ionia for over twenty years, he wasn't heartless. Facing this familiar land, he was actually quite restrained.
He knew exactly what kind of privilege this private explanation from Karma represented. However, privilege aside, there was one thing Faen had to clarify.
Faen looked Karma in the eye.
Sensing his intent, Karma gave a slight nod. "You may speak freely."
"Should I call you Karma, or should I call you Darha?"
Karma froze. She tilted her head slightly, her gaze flickering. "Where... did you learn that name?"
Earlier, Karma had maintained her composure as the spiritual avatar of Ionia, the resonance of the Ionian Soul, the Master of the Temple, and the eternal Enlightened One. Now, for a fleeting moment, a very human shock flashed through her eyes.
It was no wonder she was surprised.
Over a decade ago, after the previous Karma passed away peacefully, a little girl in the most desolate, primordial highlands of Shon-Xan began to see strange visions.
These scenes were peculiar, like fragments of memories. The twelve-year-old girl was certain she had never experienced the ancient wars found only in myths. Just as she thought she was losing her mind, a group of monks from the Temple of the Long-Standing arrived in those isolated hills. After months of fruitless searching, the monks were passing by a sanctuary for the sick when the girl ran out and told them of her visions.
Thus, the monks found the successor to Karma. That little girl became the new Enlightened One and lost her original "mirror"—her name, Darha.
Upon returning to the Temple, Darha bid farewell to her past and took up the mantle of Karma. More than ten years had passed; even Darha herself had nearly forgotten her original name. Whether in the Temple's records, among the monks, the scholars, the masters of the Placidium, or even her own clan and parents—none saw her as a mortal anymore. Everyone addressed her only as "The Enlightened One."
And now, that long-forgotten name had been spoken by Faen... How could Darha not be stunned?
She looked at Faen and asked, "Is this... also something you saw in your prophecies?"