Gu Jianlin's tone was very calm, devoid of any sense of fireworks or authority.
Just like an ordinary boy running into an acquaintance in a café.
After all, those who truly wield power never deliberately flaunt it, but always maintain an approachable demeanor—doing nothing, yet exuding immense authority.
In contrast, those who endlessly pursue swagger and pretense are often just posturing.
This plain, almost indistinguishable human-like demeanor seemed to terrify the Scholar to the extreme. He didn't even dare to lift his head, forcing himself not to glance around, as his pupils quaked.
Cold sweat poured like a floodgate, soaking his shirt. His entire body bristled as chills ran down his spine.
In the early 20th century, a North American scholar once published a paper using mathematical models to calculate possible crises humanity might face in confronting Ancient Gods. Among them was a scenario that struck terror into the hearts of all.
——What if an Ancient God has completely infiltrated modern society?
At the time, the entire Extraordinary World fell into deep contemplation over this question.
Because the hypothesis was far too terrifying.
Imagine a wolf cloaked in sheep's clothing sneaking into your flock. It has the power to destroy your home at any moment, lurking by your side every day, observing and mimicking you.
And you remain unaware of its existence.
Until one day, the wolf tears off its sheep's disguise—not because it has given up on masquerading.
But because it has damn well evolved into a Werewolf, no longer needing to stay hidden.
In this war between species, humanity holds the home-field advantage, alongside the civilization and resources of society, Earth's seven billion population, and ever-advancing technology.
Humans don't fear Ancient Gods awakening—as long as they dare emerge from the Super Ancient World, humanity can go to war.
They might even confront and destroy a weakened Ancient God outright.
The problem lies in this: once an Ancient God manages to infiltrate the human world unnoticed, it becomes like a fish in the ocean, with vast space to maneuver.
The Scholar could already think of many chilling possibilities.
For instance, what if the Ether Association's leadership has already been replaced by an Ancient God?
For instance, an Ancient God seizes control of a nuclear missile launcher, obliterating a city or warzone.
Or perhaps a major country has already been taken over by an Ancient God—who didn't even need to act directly, instead quietly transforming transcendent individuals nationwide, creating an army of Divine Servants.
As long as it remains hidden, humanity's entire civilization and resources could become its spoils.
Of course, these are all speculative scenarios, yet to be confirmed.
But to the Scholar, these possibilities feel frighteningly close...
"The teacher's orders were to recover resources from all stronghold locations as much as possible. Anything we can't take should be destroyed directly. Spiritual Secret Medicine is actually the most useless item to us."
When the Scholar said this, his voice quivered, betraying the trembling of his soul.
Because last time at the Qilin Immortal Palace, they deceived the Supreme!
Gu Jianlin took a sip of his coffee, glancing at him with interest: "Don't let the Pharmacist find out, just let him think I'm still in the Qilin Immortal Palace. He's just an Alchemist, and quite an old one at that. Since he considers himself clever, let's indulge him. For creators, a good state of mind is crucial."
This Mind Control is truly fascinating; the subject retains their own thoughts yet cannot defy your commands.
Though not yet fully transformed into a Divine Servant, once on this path, freedom is lost.
The only way out is death.
Defying the Supreme's commands triggers a power runaway, leading to self-destruction.
Clearly, the Scholar is afraid of death; he would never attempt such a thing.
The Pharmacist, on the other hand, appears extreme based on his personality profiling.
He might very well adopt a "liberty or death" mindset.
The strategy with the Pharmacist is to keep him under control, without letting him realize it.
"The teacher arrogantly claims that as long as you cannot leave the Immortal Palace, you'll be doomed to his manipulation."
The Scholar murmured, "It turns out, the teacher is tragically foolish, nothing but a Joker."
Even he now regrets believing the teacher's lies back then.
Just a mere mortal, how could he play tricks in front of the Supreme!
"Where is the Pharmacist now?"
Gu Jianlin casually asked.
He could sense that old man was far away, likely over the sea.
"The teacher is currently hiding on a deserted island in the East Sea,"
The Scholar replied respectfully. "He's preparing to enter the Immortal Palace and present himself before the Divine Seat."
Gu Jianlin remarked, "He's quite proactive."
The Scholar broke out in cold sweat as he answered, "The teacher thinks time is of the essence. The Ether Association has already cleansed Black Cloud City and is about to deploy the Omega Sequence to gradually explore the Immortal Palace, aiming to find your tomb. The teacher believes he must... extract all possible value from you before your confrontation with the Ether Association intensifies."
He spoke truthfully but with excessive audacity, trembling in terror.
"Not just that, is it?"
Gu Jianlin shot him a glance. "He probably hopes I die in the Immortal Palace."
The Scholar quickly lowered his head, quaking uncontrollably.