Published at 16th of December 2025 8:23 am

Chapter 1346: Adam’s End Goal

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The hermit sat atop a boulder, his weathered, wooden staff leaning against him, and the faint, ethereal glow from the ancient lantern casting a pale light on his figure.

But no matter what, the shadows of his hood could not be penetrated by the light. Even Adam’s Sphere of Resonance couldn’t sense what the elderly man actually looked like.

He was... mysterious, to say the least.

"What do you wish to know about the Heavenly Demon?" Adam asked, standing a few meters away from him.

"What can you tell me?" The hermit faintly smiled.

Adam couldn’t help but scoff as he massaged his forehead. "At least you’re aware that I do not trust you," he grumbled under his breath.

Suddenly, he froze. "Did I say that out loud?"

The hermit simply smiled in return.

Adam’s lips twitched. "Anyway, the Heavenly Demon’s a friend. Rest assured, he won’t plunge this realm into chaos or whatever."

"Are you aware of what he’s done in the recent past?" The hermit asked in a gentle voice.

Adam suddenly found himself at a loss for words. He tried to come up with an excuse. "I can assure you that he wasn’t always like that. All that senseless cruelty... I don’t know, it’s unlike him."

The hermit remained silent for a few moments before saying, "Well, at the very least, he hasn’t harmed a single innocent mortal. I suppose that is something. But the number of Arakuro Magi he has killed, and the manner in which he has committed said killings..."

Adam sneered. "They were the ones who started it. I was minding my own business when I came to this continent. That guy... what’s his name? Damn it, I even forgot that man’s name. But yes, it’s his fault. And I’m not trying to shift the blame. It really was his fault."

"We are beyond pointing fingers now, young Magus," the hermit said in an even voice.

He paused for a moment, then asked in a solemn voice. "Can you tell me the Heavenly Demon’s identity?"

Adam’s lips formed a smirk. "Can’t you divine his identity yourself? Elder Li Shuren claimed that all Sect Leaders of the Shadow Sect were masters in the School of Divination."

The hermit sighed. "Divination isn’t all-powerful. Besides... the Heavenly Demon has left behind very few clues for me to use."

Adam’s expression gradually turned grim. "I apologise, Sect Master, but I cannot disclose the Heavenly Demon’s identity."

He paused before quickly adding, "However, I can assure you that he is an ally. The reason why he’s waged war against the Arakuro Clan is to help me get them off my back."

The hermit nodded. "Is that why the Heavenly Demon Divine Cult hasn’t attacked the Tsuitsui Clan?"

"Indeed."

"What is his end goal?" The hermit asked. "What is your end goal?"

"The Heavenly Demon’s objective?" Adam slipped into deep thought. "I guess he just wants to help me out..."

"To what end?" The hermit pressed.

Adam intently studied the elderly man sitting atop the boulder. At last, he said, "He will not harm the innocent mortals, if that’s what you’re worried about."

"There are plenty of ways to destabilize the realm without harming innocent souls," the hermit spoke matter-of-factly.

The hell does he want from me? Adam was flabbergasted.

"...What else do you want me to say?" he shrugged. "I can’t speak for him. You want his word? Why not ask him yourself?"

"Now, why would I want to approach a bloodthirsty madman?" The hermit chuckled.

"I’ve lived to this age because of my wariness. Besides, aren’t you aware of how weak Diviners are in a direct confrontation? Chiyo’s death should serve as an ample reminder, don’t you think?"

Adam’s lips twitched incessantly. I’ve never met someone who takes pride in his weakness and cowardice!

He couldn’t help but massage his head, trying to think straight amidst the storm of incessant ravings.

"I don’t know what else you want me to say. The Heavenly Demon’s primary objective is to help me. Other than that, I don’t know what else he’s planning. He sure as hell isn’t proactively seeking to destabilize this continent, if that’s what you’re asking."

The hermit sighed. A moment later, he asked, "And you? Hisaki tells me you are hellbent on visiting the Dark Valley. Adam, tell me, are you not aware of the horrors of that forbidden zone?"

"I must go there," Adam spoke resolutely.

He suddenly thought of something and added, "Oh, well, even if I didn’t have anything to gain from going to that place, I’m sure I would have ended up there one way or another."

The hermit frowned. "What do you mean?"

Adam smirked. "I’ll let you in on something, Sect Leader."

He paused for a moment, then said, "This world has gained sentience. It is guiding me to the Dark Valley. So, no matter what... that’s exactly where I’ll end up."

The frown on the hermit’s aged face deepened. "The world has gained... sentience? How can that be possible!"

Adam shrugged. "Well... stuff happened. I can’t get into too much detail. But I will tell you one thing, though."

He paused, his expression turning grim. "If you see too many coincidences happening around you, best believe the Will of the World is pulling the strings from beyond the heavenly curtain."

The hermit remained silent.

Adam cupped his fists and gave a slight bow. "Well, then, Sect Leader, if that will be all, then I shall return to the army’s camp. Or else they might send someone here to look for me."

"I have one last question, young Magus." The hermit rose to his feet.

Adam arched an eyebrow. "Alright. I’ll try my best to answer."

The hermit paused for a long moment. At last, he asked in a solemn voice:

"What are you truly planning? What will you do once you... if you emerge from the Dark Valley?

Adam’s lips twitched. "That’s two questions!"

Seeing that the hermit was still intently staring at him, the youth helplessly sighed. "Alright, I’ll be honest with you."

He raised his head and faced the twin moons. Or perhaps, he was facing the distant cosmos.

At last, he said in a gentle voice:

"I’m trying to save this world from damnation. The stars hold countless adventures for me, I know that, I truly believe that. But if I cannot protect the world that raised me, how can I ever hope to wander among the distant stars?"

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