Chapter 492: Ink

“My place is messy, but no matter. Let me show you my newest research outcomes first…”

Arcane Masters were eccentric loners, but once they accepted you, you became true friends. To Aks, Aige was such a companion. They’d recently risked their lives together in the lower realms—a bond forged through mortal danger. Though that “Aige” wasn’t Zuo Meng, no one knew. Time’s nature surpassed the high-level energy understood by Arcane civilization. Arcane Masters studied the world, observed it, yet still concluded time was just a measurement, not a standalone entity.

“Arcane creation! This is what I’m publishing in ‘Arcane’ this issue.”

Aks proudly revealed his latest work to Zuo Meng.

A daring attempt to craft biological thoughts, emotions, and logic through Arcane principles. Even Zuo Meng, a creator himself, felt impressed. In some fields, Aks truly qualified as a genius.

“Well? Will this win an award?”

Aks didn’t hide details—stealing research was impossible here. The Floating City housed countless top Arcane Masters, including dozens of Sir Sages. No fraud escaped their scrutiny. Unless Zuo Meng were foolish, he’d never risk stealing credit.

“Novel approach. High chance of winning.”

Zuo Meng nodded approval.

“Hope so! This’ll be my ticket to Grand Arcane Master!” Aks grinned.

After confirming Zuo Meng’s status as an Arcane Master, Aks dropped all reservations. He spilled Arcane society’s secrets—which Sir Sage had affairs with students, new realms discovered by District Twelve’s elder Masters…

Zuo Meng listened silently.

He was merely passing through this era. His return aimed to observe and claim this world’s second fragment of reality.

The logic beyond the door differed starkly from chaotic realms. Here, Zuo Meng’s creator authority faced constraints, requiring “laundering” like illicit funds. The three Origin Rules—Five Elements, Six Desires, Pollution—served this purpose. Processed through the bamboo scroll world’s reality, his power gained legitimacy here. Even in the sheepskin book world, it wouldn’t be sealed—unlike his raw creator authority, which got locked instantly upon entering reality.

A day passed.

Learning Zuo Meng lacked lodging, Aks eagerly offered his home.

With no alternatives, Zuo Meng accepted.

“You studied Martial Arts? That primitive craft?” In the laboratory, Aks raised an eyebrow as Zuo Meng demonstrated Morning Star-level techniques.

This was Arcane’s golden age.

All non-Arcane powers were deemed inferior. The hierarchy was simple: Arcane first, everything else beneath.

“No path is supreme. Each has unique value.”

Zuo Meng’s casual remark carried weight.

“Arcane’s supremacy” meant nothing at the creator level. It dominated only because the world currently required it. Should the world ever reject Arcane, its downfall would mirror the coming dusk—Floating City’s collapse, later generations doubting Arcane’s very existence.

This defined the chasm between worldly and transcendent power.

Worldly strength, even emperor-level like Zuo Meng’s bamboo scroll world reign, reset upon leaving. Transcendent power endured. The truth was simple: cultivate power within worlds, seek truth beyond them.

“Every path… unique?”

Aks blinked. Unheard-of heresy in this Arcane-obsessed age. Yet it sparked new ideas, broadening his horizons.

“True! You’ve opened my eyes. I shouldn’t dismiss other paths.”

Seeing Aks ponder this, Zuo Meng added offhandedly, “Good. When I die, remember to tend my grave.”

“You’re an Arcane Master! Death’s not so simple.”

“All mortals die.”

“Fine. If you die, I’ll handle your grave.”

Aks chuckled, thinking it a joke.

He didn’t know “Aige” would soon perish. Keeping his word, Aks journeyed to the lower realms—just as disaster struck the Floating City. Civilization shattered.

Three months later…

Zuo Meng departed Aks’ home.

Sensing the timeline’s shift, he wandered streets after farewell.

A book-carrying stranger bumped him. When Zuo Meng turned, the young man had vanished. Simultaneously, the sky darkened—ink-black darkness.

Someone had inked out the heavens.

“The moment’s here.”

Zuo Meng stopped, ignoring the vanished youth. Above, the Floating City levitated, Arcane runes swirling around it. Top Arcane Masters—Sir Sages—soared upward, roaring at the empty sky.

Their combined might warped reality, scrubbing ink from the air. An artificial sun blazed briefly, sparking cheers below—Arcane civilization’s latest triumph.

The celebration died quickly. After ten seconds, the sun dimmed. Heat and light vanished. It melted into black ink, raining down as Sir Sages plummeted like stones.

No visible enemy.

The sky crumbled. Arcane civilization’s peak collapsed. Top strong individuals perished. Library books blackened with ink. The Entire World plunged into apocalypse.

“Ink?”

Amidst the chaos, Zuo Meng’s eyes gleamed.