119. Devotion

Thinking of Ixialia, Yuan Chen's eyes were also filled with a flurry of thoughts.

No, it should be said that Yuan Chen's thoughts were never few from the very beginning.

This time, however, there were far more than usual, so many that even Yuan Chen himself felt somewhat numb and exhausted.

Yes, that's right... my journey has been far too smooth.

Yuan Chen thought to himself.

In the conservative, feudal, Ixialia, he seemed to gain recognition a little too quickly.

If the ordinary scholars of Yuentar were willing to communicate with Yuan Chen because of the Spirit Theory from Ionia, then King Yuen's attitude towards him was indeed far too ambiguous...

It's like recognizing yourself, but not being entirely sure.

In the original storyline, Qiyana slaughtered all the miners Ixialia, which attracted the help of Piltover's army to fight against her. As a result, the enraged King Yuen sentenced Qiyana to confinement, forbidding her from Yishuaoken.

However, when it came to his own involvement... Admittedly, King Yuen still expressed his conservative dissatisfaction. But regarding some of his actions, he did not exhibit the stubbornness and xenophobia that Yuan Chen had expected.

Even when Qiyana asked him, an outsider, to become her teacher, he seemed to only instinctively express his dissatisfaction, but did not forcibly stop her...

Everything seemed out of place. Yuan Chen was certain that the Yishuaoken had a very peculiar attitude towards him; it wasn't complete acceptance.

Those who adapt very quickly often seem to have had prior knowledge of the material in some way...

Simply put, some preparations and a general impression have been made.

Although it sounds simple, this can greatly enhance others' first seal on Yuan Chen.

It is an image, rather than a subconscious rejection and aversion due to traditional limitations.

She always seemed to be able to quickly accept some of her own actions with an attitude of "that's really how it is," as if she knew about herself in advance.

This saved Yuan Chen a lot of time in gaining trust.

According to Lupe, she had read about the "Prophet's Notebook"...

Upon realizing this, Yuan Chen couldn't help but rub his temples.

Having largely confirmed that he was the master Styraatu had mentioned, Yuan Chen was basically certain that the so-called notebook was also left behind by him.

Yes... such a special item would only make sense if placed in the royal library of Yishuaoken.

Qiyana should have read this book.

Yuan Chen thought to himself--

Judging from the attitudes of Qiyana, Lupe, King Yuen, the contents of that prophetic journal must have been extremely obscure, or encrypted in a way that only they could understand.

Otherwise, they should have recognized themselves immediately.

In any case, once we return to Yishuaoken, we must visit the Royal Archives.

Thinking it over, Yuan Chen looked at Styraatu in front of him and said:

"Did the future... or rather, the past me, make any demands on you, or convey any messages?"

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's question, Styraatu did not answer immediately.

The Darkin Harp floated silently in mid-air; judging from the aura surrounding her, she seemed to be trying to recall something.

Yuan Chen wasn't in a hurry; he simply waited quietly.

Meanwhile, Camille, a five-star general from Country Garden, stood ramrod straight and waited quietly, showing no sign of impatience.

After a moment, Styraatu said with some self-reproach:

"I'm sorry, Master... Although I retained my sanity and wasn't driven mad by the hatred and pain that fermented over time, I also forgot a lot in the process."

Upon hearing this, Yuan Chen was not angry, but gently comforted him:

"Don't worry... If I were truly the master you speak of, I would have been prepared for this long ago."

"Time may erase many things, but the fact that you waited until my visit proves that your noble spirit as Ascended has not been buried by time."

There's no need to feel guilty or resentful about the parts you've forgotten; just say what you still remember, and that's enough.

Hearing Yuan Chen's comforting words, Styraatu remained silent for a moment, then strangely began to play her harp:

"Uh... I think I can confirm that you are the master."

"... Why?" Yuan Chen, somewhat puzzled.

"Because the master said the same thing to me before he completely disappeared."

Styraatu said with some emotion:

"Back then, you told me it would be a long and arduous journey, very painful, and full of torment..."

I hate the me who ignored your earnest advice!

After a moment of silence, Styraatu couldn't help but say:

"Can I see you? I want to confirm with my own eyes whether it really is you..."

Upon hearing Styraatu's words, Yuan Chen's previously turbulent thoughts returned to their starting point once again.

Looking at the harp, a hint of hesitation and doubt appeared in his dark eyes.

Sealed within the harp, Yuan Chen deliberately prevented him from having direct physical contact with it.

In this case, the Darkin Harp also lacks the structure of eyes...

In fact, not only the Darkin Harp, but most Dark Descendant weapons are rather special inanimate objects after being sealed away and without any biological contact.

The reason the Darkin Harp can communicate directly with the outside world now is because Styraatu has maintained her remaining sanity over the past thousand years, preventing herself from becoming a completely corrupted being...

Well, it's also possible that my future self made some preparations in advance.

The problem is that Styraatu's current request is tantamount to asking Yuan Chen to contact her...

Or perhaps Yuan Chen could just find anyone for her to have sex with.

This is tantamount to gambling.

Even with all his trump cards revealed, suppressing a Dark Descendant wouldn't be difficult for Yuan Chen.

However, as a price, Zaun and Piltover may once again fall into several pieces.

Just as Yuan Chen was still thinking, a clear, cold voice came from the side.

"I'll do it."

Yuan Chen looked at Camille with a hint of surprise in his eyes.

"... Do you know what this means?"

"Everyone knows."

Camille nodded calmly and said:

"The Ferros Family is unparalleled among the other three major families in archaeology."

"Then why did you do it?"

"..."

Upon hearing Yuan Chen's question, a flicker of emotion appeared in Camille's eyes. She glanced at Yuan Chen, then lowered her head and calmly said:

"My body has undergone more than 85% modification. Although I still have a human appearance, the internal composition of my body is now vastly different from that of a human."

"My power originates from the Hextech Heart within my chest, and the Dark Descendant parasitism is based on a special kind of 'Blood Magic,' which means I possess a level of immunity to this type of parasitism far exceeding that of ordinary people."

Blood Magic, though it sounds dirty and evil, actually has a long history, originating from a Dark Descendant warlord during the Darkin War.

Although few people possess it, it's not unheard of. Vladimir the Crimson Reaper is a master of Blood Magic, and he even formed a peculiar cult in Noxus called the Crimson Circle.

Given the complex and intertwined relationship between Piltover and Noxus, Camille, who was eager to free the Ferros Family from their constraints, was naturally aware of it.

"As well as."

Camille said calmly:

"According to records in ancient tombs dating back to before the Classical Age and after the Darkin War, the Dark Descendant's parasitic method involves forcibly suppressing or devouring the body's original consciousness to achieve reincarnation."

"I have great confidence in my willpower. And if I truly cannot resist the devouring power of this will, then before I am completely consumed, you can pierce my heart with a sharp blade the moment it strikes."

Hearing Camille's calm account, Yuan Chen didn't reply. Instead, after a moment of silence, he said:

"Why? Because of your family?"

"Yes." Camille didn't hide why she did this. Perhaps Camille also knew that, in this situation, only honesty could bring her the best outcome.

Or perhaps, I'm no longer in a position to engage in this struggle.

The so-called "pull and pull" only works when the difference in status and strength is not significant.

When the opponent is already in a high enough position, any attempt to pull or tug at them is more like clown behavior, making a fool of oneself.

Knowing this, Yuan Chen was also somewhat impressed by Camille's execution ability.

Whether Yuan Chen is truly the master Styraatu spoke of, and his status within the Ancient Shuriman Empire, remains unknown.

Especially from Camille's perspective, who can guarantee this wasn't orchestrated by Yuan Chen himself?

Even so, after confirming Yuan Chen's identity and deciding to end the tug-of-war and express his loyalty, Camille immediately began to carry out the plan.

It's as if those uncertainties never existed at all...

Camille calmly said:

"I hope the Ferros Family can become an indispensable part of your plans, and that the Ferros Family will carry out your will and mission."

After a pause, Camille continued:

"I pledge my absolute allegiance to you and to Her Highness Qiyana."

Although she claimed absolute loyalty, she already indicated her priority when mentioning Yuan Chen and Qiyana's names.

Of course, no one can be certain whose priority Camille would have given when speaking with Qiyana...

He nodded in understanding, but after a moment of silence, Yuan Chen still asked:

"Why?"

Camille knew that this time, the "why" wasn't about her own motives... but rather, why she was doing it.

Thinking it over, Camille couldn't help but lower her eyes, as if to conceal her inner thoughts, and said:

"I questioned Ezreal and Jarl Mirdal, and I heard about what happened to you on your first trip to the depths of the ravine."

"I think you should know that."

Those who do not agree with "necessary sacrifices" should be prepared to sacrifice themselves.

There was not the slightest hesitation in Camille's eyes.

"I'm willing to sacrifice for my family."