There was nothing hidden in An Zheng's Manuscript. It was more like a diary.
And almost all the dates were in January.
[January 3, 4997]
"Some gods in the known world achieved divinity as mortals."
"But I don't know the true path they took to become gods..."
"The ninth level may not be the true end. Perhaps there are other conditions for becoming a god."
[January 6, 4997]
"The path to godhood may not coincide with the path of advancement. Perhaps there is another way to become a god."
"I have embarked on a journey to find the path to godhood."
[January 16, 5005]
"I've found it."
"I believe I've discovered the path to godhood for mages. My heart is filled with joy."
[January 30, 5005]
"This path is completely different from what I imagined... Deny the Source? Why would mages have to deny the Source? We've spent our whole lives pursuing the Source, only to have to deny it in the end?"
"No, I can't accept this."
[January 4, 5012]
"I'm just one step away from reaching the final Source."
"But the attempts I've made over the years have corroded my mind too much. Can I still remain sane?"
[January 19, 5012]
"I think I've glimpsed the ultimate truth of the Source."
[January 28, 5012]
"No!"
[January 9, 5018]
"I met an unprecedented magical genius in Ainwa."
"Perhaps he is someone who can witness the Source."
[January 20, 5018]
"I don't have much time left. There are more important things I need to do. At the very least, I have to leave my research behind."
Damn Month of Forgetting. What important thing have I forgotten?
[January 30, 5018]
"I wish I could write everything down, but why?"
Many pages of the manuscript were blank.
Long stretches