Chapter 126: A Dialogue Between Light and Darkness

Page (1/3)

Matt harbored reservations and dared not speak his true thoughts, so he carefully avoided the slip of the tongue from earlier. His conversation with Mulan shifted toward a more academic discussion, naturally centering on alchemy.

Although Matt tried his best to appear natural, his disguise was clearly no match for Mulan’s keen perception. Moreover, on another level, Mulan faintly sensed something amiss in Matt’s mental state—a subtle anxiety and fear, deeply buried but still noticeably present to Mulan’s senses.

This alchemist might not have been formidable in combat, but his mental fortitude was substantial. His thoughts ran deeper than expected and he was prone to overthinking, Mulan’s initial assessment concluded. She refrained from further probing or attempting other forms of interaction, so their subsequent dialogue remained strictly academic.

It could be said, though not absolutely, that environment profoundly influences a person. Before becoming Mulan, Li Xiu had been somewhat lazy by nature, unlikely to take initiative in learning.

Yet now, as Mulan, it was different. Whenever a suitable opportunity arose, he diligently supplemented his knowledge reserves. This was not only to compensate for his limited understanding of the world but also to strengthen his own accumulation, which in some ways equated to bolstering his power reserves.

Around dinner time, after discussing an alchemical concept with Matt, Mulan glanced at the clock and said, “It’s getting late. I still have some work to attend to. It’s been a pleasure discussing alchemy with you for so long and for your patience with my novice questions.”

Matt quickly responded politely, “You flatter me. Although your alchemical knowledge may not delve deeply into research fields, you are by no means an amateur. I must say, I’m quite surprised by your scholarly understanding and your expansive theoretical conjectures.”

“Thank you. Let’s end our discussion here for today. We can continue another time.”

Mulan rose, and Matt stood as well.

“You’re welcome to visit me anytime,” Matt said.

They exchanged several polite remarks at the door before Matt left. Mulan watched him go, then closed the door behind him. Leaning against it, he remained still for a long while, eyes gradually closing as he entered a peculiar state of focused awareness.

Even with Matt gone, Mulan found he could still faintly sense the subtle unease in Matt’s heart, as if they were face to face again. The more he concentrated, the clearer this sensation became.

Within the alchemist’s mind were hesitation, confusion, unease, and a faint regret—an intricate and chaotic tangle of emotions.

After several minutes, this strange feeling gradually faded and blurred until it could no longer be perceived. Only then did Mulan open his eyes.

“Why is this so?”

Clearly, Mulan understood his knowledge of his own body and abilities was insufficient, whether regarding powers of light or darkness. Perhaps this was a common phenomenon in the mystical world.

Page (2/3)

Yet this recent discovery was a promising trait, one that demanded deeper personal exploration and study. This was why, after initially probing Matt, Mulan had insisted on prolonging their conversation.

Whether in a previous life or this one, scholars researching humanity shared a consensus: the human body itself was a wondrous treasure trove, harboring many unknown marvels, possibly stemming from mankind’s unique spiritual qualities.

...

That evening, Mulan skipped dinner. When his subordinates came to offer meals, he politely declined. He remained alone in his room, sensing himself, exploring a certain possible trait within.

Those who achieve uniqueness in the supernatural realm are invariably not only creative but also exceptionally meticulous. They possess heightened sensitivity to themselves and their surroundings, adept at seizing any opportunity.

At this moment, Mulan was drawing closer to such a person. His mad and courageous oath compelled him to become this kind of individual, for without it, the oath could not be upheld.

Such fleeting spiritual traits must be probed deeply when they arise. Otherwise, who knows when—or if—they might appear again. Missing this chance might mean losing it forever.

Late at night, Mulan lay in bed, seemingly asleep. Yet his eyelids twitched slightly. His breathing and muscle relaxation indicated he was not awake.

It appeared he was dreaming, the dream closely resembling the afternoon’s academic discussion with Matt but differing significantly. He did not assume his own or Matt’s perspective, but rather that of an observer—a third or even fourth party.

The scene was a fairly bright guest room. Within sat two figures: the Radiant Knight Mulan Jonster and the alchemist Matt.

Yet this was no ordinary guest room. The walls on either side seemed almost nonexistent. The void to one side grew darker the farther it stretched; the void to the other side grew brighter.

In the distant brightness and darkness, indescribable eyes seemed to watch the room. Each realm harbored a towering figure blending into its surroundings, and Mulan’s viewpoint now merged with both.

This was a somewhat disorienting yet wondrous perspective. Like before, Mulan sensed some of Matt’s emotions more clearly than ever. Through their dialogue, he could even deduce details of Matt’s psychological activity.

More strangely, the darkness and light appeared to converse—Mulan’s soliloquy while contemplating spiritual traits.

Inside the room, Mulan and Matt discussed an alchemical academic problem related to the spiritual catalysts controlling various miraculous transformations.

From the light came a voice:

“This variable-controlling spiritual trait is not unique to alchemists. It likely exists among many supernatural humans, and even many sages and ordinary people possess it.”

A voice came from the darkness:

Page (3/3)

“Human spiritual traits grant humanity an almost unique existence. Human emotions and desires amplify one another with these traits, giving birth to curiosity and greed—the root of destruction.”

The voice from the light spoke thoughtfully:

“Human emotions and desires may cause destruction, but they are also the source of hope! Humans understand their uniqueness, are willing to believe in it, and continuously explore based on this belief.”

Laughter echoed from the darkness, followed by speech—a projection of Mulan’s own spiritual state amplified in the dream, tinged with mockery:

“Yes, humans are indeed unique. They humble themselves yet are wildly arrogant. But what happens when one day they truly recognize their insignificance and unbearable pity, when they see the harsh truth through and through?”

“They will fall into sorrow, confusion, panic, fear, despair, avoidance, and even more insane greed!”

A voice from the light responded:

“Yes, this is inevitable. But some will rise—they will grieve, be confused, panic, awaken, and in cruelty, hold fast to hope, lighting a torch and bravely pressing forward until death. This will be a hymn of courage!”

...

“Ah—”

Matt suddenly opened his eyes, then lay on the bed panting heavily. His chest heaved violently, his breathing more exaggerated than after a day’s frantic running. Sweat soaked his body.

What was that?

Unexpectedly even to Mulan, as he sought his own spiritual traits, the consciousness involved in the dream was not solely his own. Since this trait related directly to Matt, Matt’s consciousness was also drawn into the dream.

In a daze, Matt too saw the distant darkness and light and heard the faint yet thunderous conversation.

——

P.S. Update resumed.