Extreme

Yet after hearing Caesar out, Gilan shook his head and said:

"Lord Caesar, thank you for your kindness, but I do not intend to follow your path."

"Hmm?"

Caesar raised a brow.

"Then what are you thinking?"

"I intend to continue down the path of February."

Gilan said.

"February?" Caesar frowned. "You want to become the next 'Director'? Frankly, that will be difficult, Gilan. The Three Art Hour-Gods will do everything in their power to stop your ascension."

"Moreover, after the 'Director' fell, February's 'Black-and-White Gate' was seized by them long ago. You have no chance of even approaching that gate, let alone ascending through it."

"I do not intend to become a second 'Director'."

Gilan smiled and said.

"And though the path I walk is also the Furnace Sword Spiral, I explored and created it myself... Besides, even if they control February's gate, I still have a way to pass through it."

"Interesting."

Rather than questioning Gilan's words, Caesar looked intrigued, as though he believed Gilan could pull it off.

"You are confident you can secretly pass through the 'Black-and-White Gate' and ascend under their close surveillance?"

"Not secretly, but openly."

Gilan smiled.

"Not only will they not stop me, they will do everything they can to support me—even urge me to pass through."

"Oh? I am quite curious to see what you plan to do."

Gilan's words amused Caesar, and his face filled with smiles.

After a brief silence, Gilan said:

"Very simply: as long as I do not ascend, they will remain anxious, until they are forced to make me ascend."

Caesar was taken aback.

Then he burst into laughter.

"That is indeed how it is. I did not think of that for a moment... The current 'Red Sage' is a supreme mortal powerhouse capable of standing