Chapter 2463: Chapter 2458: The Dilemma of Self-Verification

"To transform one’s will into a Mythical Form is indeed an apt metaphor."

With a snake coiled around a pot of tea, they conversed with laughter and ease. Despite the unfavorable weather, within Professor Fu’s lab at the Heaven’s Commencement Institute, peace and serenity prevailed.

Though the specifics of their discussion were enough to unsettle anyone who overheard.

Considering Fu Qian’s statement, Cass, after a moment of pondering, agreed it was quite fitting.

"But I don’t think it’s a normal condition, even though that state feels extraordinarily good.

"It won’t end in void like some paths of cultivation; it’s merely a more perfect self."

Yet, he shook his head immediately afterward, giving a somewhat negative assessment.

"It sounds good, so why isn’t it a good thing?"

Cass’s evaluation and introduction were undeniably at odds, so Fu Qian poured more tea and gestured for him to elaborate.

"It hinders me from progressing further. Everything feels great in that state, but the path becomes hazy and more difficult to grasp, and the effects persist even after relinquishing the Mythical Form."

It was clearly not a matter of personal perception; Cass continued unveiling a secret, speaking with certainty.

Perfect but unable to progress further?

At that moment, Fu Qian clucked his tongue in admiration.

If my Eternity Lock weren’t still in storage, one might think you, the dean, had pilfered it.

Indeed, you’re a fierce man; most people would be wary of "losing oneself" in such circumstances.

But this person seems to focus on whether there’s a chance to advance further.

"Like right now?"

With a blink, Fu Qian asked a startling question.

"Heh... Hehehe..."

A few seconds of silence followed, then Cass laughed, even shaking his head as he did so.

"I’d claim I’m fine now, but it seems I truly can’t help you discern the difference."

...

Speaking of which, letting Professor Lisa listen in on such an intriguing matter shouldn’t pose an issue.

Perhaps it involves some secrecy, but she isn’t unfamiliar with listening in on secrets.

If Lisa, like Nepheli, decided to betray and spread the hidden truths she knows, the Academy’s reputation could drop by several percentage points.

Glancing at Lisa, Fu Qian reaffirmed the reason for her current predicament.

Indiscernible.

In earlier discussions about Cass with her, the challenge mentioned was that it was hard to determine whether his words were his own thoughts or a guise under a loss of consciousness.

Brought to the present, it’s the "perfect self" Cass spoke of.

The most troublesome situation seemed to have arisen.

The physical Mythical Form was revoked, but what about the mental state?

Is it possible that even if Cass visited, the difficulty mentioned earlier with Lisa remains?

Did he truly resolve the hidden threats and advance, or has he finally failed to persuade himself and compromised by accepting that perfection?

Or perhaps he has convinced himself in reverse, baffling his colleagues with these words to stifle external help?

Truly indiscernible.

Honestly, the recent psychological cases I’ve encountered are numerous, but this dilemma of the dean truly qualifies as a complex issue.

Even his description of the situation was remarkably precise—unable to self-validate.

"I can say nothing’s wrong, and appear as if nothing’s wrong, but it means nothing since it could all be a façade."

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"Actually, it doesn’t matter; being in disguise continuously makes no difference."

Fortunately, Professor Fu was optimistic and open-minded, not overthinking the problem and immediately indicating that actions matter more than intentions.

"As long as you continue leading the Heaven’s Commencement Institute as you have, it doesn’t matter what inner world complexities lie within."

"Haha... To be honest, I thought exactly this before I attempted it."

Such detached behavior unexpectedly resonated with the leadership.

Cass almost burst into laughter, acknowledging they shared similar viewpoints.

...

A true pragmatist.

A seemingly casual jest carried profound meaning, once again leaving people with mixed feelings.

Each attempt to rectify the risk is an adventure that might trap one in "perfection" with no escape.

Yet Cass continuously attempts it, showing no sign of giving up.

As for the reason—

"Times are becoming more turbulent... The Academy genuinely needs a Second Phase."

Fu Qian shook his head, suggesting people’s hearts had drifted.

Ambition and progress are almost essential hues for every Transcendent, yet to risk such danger is perhaps in following the path laid long ago by the dean.

One must acknowledge Cass’s sensitive instinct to crises; the world indeed has its looming threats beyond the turmoil caused by the Abandonment King.

Even if the Academy seems to be thriving lately, a substantial force is probably still needed to stabilize the situation.

"Actually, you don’t need to think of me as self-sacrificing; people’s motives are rarely pure. Over the years, I’ve likewise looked forward to the vistas that further advancement would reveal."

Cass shook his head, unwilling to adopt such a virtuous guise.

"Moreover, there’s one motive I’ve never told anyone—under those conditions, I might be able to handle the situation across the Sea of Ashes."

Indeed, there is still an obsession.

Reflecting silently, Fu Qian found it unsurprising at that moment.

Cass had been previously mentioned as a pragmatic individual, seemingly unaffected by the constraints of rules.

The Repository Plan was a testament to that.

He didn’t mind being seen as untrustworthy, if it meant sharing information about the Sea of Ashes with himself.

He didn’t shy away from expressing it, instead facilitating the attraction of attention to the greatest extent.

And now, it sounded like he was ready to personally address certain matters.

"However, your achievements are astonishing; I’m increasingly convinced you could outperform me."

Indeed, Cass’s gaze soon turned toward him, in full recognition, without concern for seeming cowardly.

Clearly, reputation meant little to him.

"I’ll endeavor to achieve that."

Coincidentally, Fu Qian exhibited a similar lack of modesty, assuring the dean of his confidence.

Though he hadn’t made it explicit, it seemed Cass’s words carried a hint, hinting at confidence not only in capability but possibly also questioning ranking.

"Earlier today, I visited the Good Spell sector, and it appears your influence extended beyond just affecting Professor Lisa—even certain Miracles they invoked seemed slightly enhanced."

The mutual admiration concluded there, as Fu Qian shifted the topic to attempt addressing Cass’s initial question—why he might have triggered such responses.

"From what I’ve gathered, the Academy’s area might encompass certain unique conceptual attributes, and certain behaviors might activate this. A simple example is the color-changing leaves of the Snow Tree found only nearby."

He remained equally candid.

"The core of that concept is a name—Melia."

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