Oh no, could Time also be a...

On the other side.

After Cheng Shi returned to the Trials, Zhang Jizu had already returned from the Time Deduction Method.

Although his eyes were narrowed to slits, a hint of shock could still be seen in his expression.

Clearly, Cheng Shi from the Another World had also given him quite a shock.

The two exchanged a glance and fell silent, which made Long Jing, who was waiting nearby, very anxious.

"Any clues? Any leads? Don't just stand there, say something!"

Zhang Jizu shook his head solemnly and said, "That Fate Weaver wanted me to steal a living in their world, but I refused. I don't want to live a life that doesn't belong to me."

"..."

Sure enough, Old Zhang encountered the same thing as me.

It seems the players in that world have completely given up. Since they can't prevent the world from Apocalypse, they might as well give up the struggle and An Jing enjoy this time when there are no more "gods" interfering with the world.

Moreover, they are even willing to invite unfortunate souls from other worlds to join them, using temporary An Ning to mask their eternal Despair.

Cheng Shi could understand the confusion and Despair after hope was shattered, but Long Jing couldn't. He felt that Old Zhang was pointing fingers at him!

Because he actually possessed a tool that could smuggle people into other worlds, and coincidentally, it was given to him by Cheng Shi from Another World.

He even tested the Clowns on this point at Jester's Gathering, but no one agreed with his plan to survive.

Long Jing had a strange expression, feeling that the comment "small eyes" had angered Old Zhang. He glanced at Zhang Jizu several times to see if the other party was doing it on purpose, but he saw that Zhang Jizu's gaze had not left Cheng Shi since he returned from the [Existence] rift.

Why does Old Zhang seem... a little strange?

Cheng Shi was preoccupied with his own thoughts and had no time to consider these things. He frowned and said:

"It wasn't all for naught; at least it confirmed one thing: [Destiny]'s attitude toward Predestination may not be so stubbornly unchangeable."

In Another World, Zhang Jizu tells Cheng Shi [Destiny] compromised for the so-called salvation plan, which means that the Clown's survival is very likely in [Destiny's ] choice.

He couldn't help but wonder, was this the Change that hadn't yet been extinguished in [Destiny]?

Is that Hope's Flame the key to awakening Change in Destiny?

But He was clearly very close to [Deception], even "helping" Himself become Fool's Game... Was He a pawn in [Deception]'s scheme, or truly detached from the Change of [Destiny]?

Cheng Shi couldn't understand it, but he vaguely felt that seeking confirmation from the Hope's Flame was more important than asking for an audience [Time].

If [Destiny] remains unresponsive, it's likely that [Deception] has kept it out of the Trials. If you can't find [Destiny], then you can only look for [Time] first.

Since [Time] has chosen to merge with [Destiny], it is unlikely that it completely denies the will of [Destiny]. Perhaps it simply wants to preserve this world, which is why it was manipulated by [Deception].

Cheng Shi seemed to understand...

No wonder [Deception] once said that the answer was not [Time] but [Destiny]; it turns out that from that moment on, He had already made it clear that He had His eye on [Destiny]'s Sacrifice!

But how should one arrange an audience with the [Time]?

Will this Lord of Grace, who has never had time before, have time at this most crucial moment?

Cheng Shi pondered for a long time, holding the Dice in his hand, and devoutly recited:

"Great God of [Time], if your will still favors this Starry Sky, if your mercy still extends to this world, I am willing to offer myself as a sacrifice, to embrace the Predestination Destiny, and to bring this era to a close."

To be honest, my initial intentions were not noble, and this action was not to save the world. I simply had no other choice, and I was risking my life for only one thing:

Even in death, I only wish to be buried under this Starry Sky, unwilling to wander elsewhere, homeless!

If you can sense my sincerity, please give me an opportunity to be summoned...

Cheng Shi's tone was extremely humble, which moved even the Clown present. Zhang Jizu closed his eyes and sighed deeply, while Long Jing clenched his fists, regretting that he couldn't think of any other way.

The Clown abandons everything to step onto the Stage, all for the chance to die on Stage.

This is touching, but unfortunately, he can fool people, but not God.

[Time], far at the edge of the Cosmos, looked back and sighed, shaking its head:

He refused to die, his mouth a constant stream of lies.

There is no piety in your heart, otherwise, how could He have chosen you?

Those black, abyssal eyes emitted a profound gaze, seemingly piercing through the entire Cosmos. They looked at the source of [Deception], then at the source of [Destiny], and finally beyond the world, letting out a soft sigh:

"Soon, whether the world is liberated or not, I will be completely liberated..."

Time ticked by, but there was no response to his calls.

Cheng Shi gripped the Dice tightly in his hand, his heart sinking. [Time]... had actually sided with the Outer God [Deception]?

Why?

Does He believe that the answer to [Destiny] is the cause of the world's downfall?

Otherwise, how could He, who has always been the world's timekeeper, agree to let [Deception] take away the answer to [Destiny]?

This is a paradox: if the answer from "Destiny" is useless, why would "Deception" go to such lengths to trick you?

Oh no, time isn't a...

Just as he was thinking, time suddenly distorted above his head, and a Void Rift leading to Giggle and Mock appeared in front of him.

The three Clown present were stunned.

Sensing the aura of [Destiny] emanating from within, Cheng Shi immediately understood that [Time] had directly presented him with the path to [Destiny]!

"!!!"

[Time] has not betrayed the world!

He truly gave himself a chance!

Cheng Shi looked excited and bowed reverently towards the direction of the crack.

Praise [Time]!

If I... the world is saved, you will be the only savior!

Your contributions to the world are enough to erect a monument to [Existence]!

I'll have Squinty Old Zhang one for you... never mind, it's bad luck, don't take it to heart. Old Zhang, you too, don't carve anything recklessly."

Despite saying that, Cheng Shi still placed a Scalpel in Zhang Jizu's hand.

Under Zhang Jizu's questioning gaze, Cheng Shi gradually suppressed his smile and said with utmost seriousness:

"This trip might not yield results. If I fail... you know what to do, Old Zhang."

Zhang Jizu's expression changed, clearly understanding Cheng Shi's meaning. He gripped the Scalpel tightly, looked away, and said quietly:

"I am Gravekeeper; I only save the dead, I do not kill."

"Stop talking nonsense. Didn't you say you prepared 100 graves for me in the Cemetery? One is enough."

If there is no way to change this, don't let me be taken away by the Outer God; just bury me under this Starry Sky.

Don't be nervous, relax. I'll kill myself first, and if I really don't have a chance to die... then I'll rely on you.

And you too.

As he spoke, he handed Long Jing three Scalpel. A flash of cold light from the side of the blades illuminated Zhang Jizu's eyes, making him feel a slight chill.

Long Jing was taken aback. "How come I'm the third one?"

Cheng Shi laughed heartily, "Get one for the Dragon King and the Doctor too, so they might give me a stab as well."

Having said that, he was about to step into the Void Rift when Long Jing, quick as a flash, grabbed Cheng Shi's arm, his expression grave. "Maybe we can go together..."

"Forget it, I understand [Destiny]. If I really had the chance to see Him, He wouldn't want to see you."

Cheng Shi patted Long Jing's hand and disappeared into the Void Rift without looking back.

The Clown vanished instantly. Zhang Jizu narrowed his eyes, watching the slowly closing gap, and said in a deep voice:

"Now that they're gone, it's time for my plans to begin."

President Gong, would you like to come along?

"???"

Long Jing's eyes widened as he turned to look at Zhang Jizu, utterly astonished. "What plan?"

"The Salvation Plan."