The crowd was still noisily discussing matters. With his face hidden behind a mask, few noticed anything unusual about Monchi.
Sanders alone cast Monchi a sidelong glance.
Though Sanders appeared detached from the whirlpool of conversation, he had actually been observing everyone's movements, especially Lord Monchi's.
Others might not know the inside story, but as someone likewise marked by Time Thief, Sanders understood some of Monchi's thoughts very well.
In truth, most "seeds" marked by Time Thief had shared the same stance toward Time Thief in the beginning.
Sanders had been unwilling to be shackled by Time Thief. He had even loathed Time Thief.
At first, Monchi had been the same.
As a heaven-blessed genius, his aspirations had naturally been lofty. Truth was the far shore they pursued—how could they be willing to let Time Thief steal away their choices? Even if it was a choice they had discarded and had no use for.
But when had Monchi's thoughts begun to change?
Was it when he had exhausted the Frost Moon Alliance's resources and still could not advance another step? Was it when he had glimpsed a higher-level world yet found it beyond his reach? Or was it... when, during some cultivation session, he had made that choice in his hunger for quick success, and Time Thief, wearing a sinister grin, had revealed a satisfied expression before never appearing again?
Yes, Monchi had not seen Time Thief again since that cultivation session.
During that session, Time Thief had stolen another choice while giving him immense compensation, directly raising his combat strength to the pinnacle of the Southern Region. But because of that, he seemed unable to advance even an inch further. At the same time, he never saw Time Thief again. Even when he deliberately made many choices capable of