Chapter 228: Saint Jeanne

The arrow of time always points forward, there was no doubt about that. Siyuan’s only confusion now was why, after going back to the past, he was still able to influence the course of the world. This did not fit within his knowledge system.

“I want to ask you,” Siyuan said as he handed Jeanne a cup of tea and sat down facing her. “So, the world we visited back then… was it real?”

“You could say yes, and you could say no.” Jeanne smiled at Siyuan. “I have been guarding this Sanctuary for many years, always trying to solve its mysteries. Though I have no clear answers yet, I believe it was a journey of consciousness, not of the physical body.”

“I’m… a bit confused.”

“Well, let me explain it this way: the Sanctuary is protected by Knights who willingly offered their souls. They guard their own real history there. When you activated a certain part of it, you entered the time and space they were in, attaching to their bodies. Then, using their bodies and your will, you accomplished various things in that historical context. But among the people I know, you are the only ones who managed to go and come back. Others have tried experiments, but without exception, they got trapped in time puzzles. They could neither change history nor return to the present, forever stuck in others’ bodies as bystanders of the era.”

“So you mean… we actually did something very dangerous?”

“Probably.” Jeanne lifted her head, revealing her slender neck. “But what might be even more dangerous… is that you broke the rules and saved someone who was supposed to die.”

“You?”

“Yes, me. I almost caused the world to collapse, just almost.” Jeanne looked somewhat dejected. “You granted me eternal life. I believe it might have been an accident, but this accident changed the entire world’s course. The Russian Empire ended early, two world wars, the Cold War, and so on. In the end, all the countries in the United Council used every possible means to correct the world’s axis.”

Everything that happens in this world has a cause and effect; it is a tightly logical relationship. Siyuan was not sure what consequences his accident had caused or what problems might arise in the future. But one thing was certain: the woman before him gained eternal life because of him and became what she was now because of him.

“Let’s not think about that… at least you survived.” Siyuan spread his hands, looking indifferent. “So, the world we see now is the changed world, right?”

“Yes.”

“Then it’s as if nothing changed.”

“That’s a philosophical question.” Jeanne stood up gracefully and walked to the villa window. “Can you tell me, when you saved me back then, what was the reason? Sympathy or something else?”

Siyuan was taken aback, then shook his head with a smile. “Guess.”

“I won’t guess. I’ve been guessing for centuries. I’m just surprised I can still see the person who saved me.” Jeanne turned her head gently, the sunlight falling on her profile, almost unchanged from when she stood at the stake centuries ago. “Being able to thank you in person is already enough for me.”

“You’re welcome.”

Perhaps those who have lived for centuries possess a unique aura. Siyuan felt that Jeanne was like a glass of wine with the scent of sunlight—rich and intense.

“By the way, back then… your eyes weren’t golden.”

“Yes, you made me like this. Don’t you remember?”

Siyuan shook his head. “I really don’t recall. Right after casting the spell, I was summoned back. I was in a panic back then… Wait! You’re saying I gave you eternal life?”

“And an incredible talent. I can master any knowledge I want in a very short time. You…” Jeanne stared at Siyuan. “are a remarkable person.”

As they were talking, Siyuan suddenly turned his head and looked intently at Jeanne. “I used the wrong spell!”

That’s right, Siyuan suddenly realized he had used the wrong spell. Initially, he only meant to heal Jeanne’s wounds, but his mind was chaotic back then. In a daze, he cast the Transmigration spell on her. The Regeneration spell and the Transmigration spell are very similar, but their effects are entirely different. The Transmigration spell essentially transforms a person into a non-human entity, meaning spiritualization, which naturally grants immortality. However, this is an absolute Forbidden Technique. Anyone who uses it suffers backlash to varying degrees—light cases cost the caster their life in exchange, severe cases… result in eternal damnation.

But clearly, Siyuan had not been punished. He did not know why, but such things rarely have exceptions unless… unless there was some kind of loophole.

Siyuan’s heart was very conflicted… because if this really was a loophole, then once it could be cracked, Siyuan could endlessly transform ordinary people into powerful Guardians like Jeanne—ageless, undying, immensely strong, and knowledgeable. If used for good, it would be an immense merit.

However, there were some concerns. Because walls have ears, if this loophole were discovered by those with ill intentions, like Zuo Mingxuan and his kind… then who knows what the world would become. So, for a moment, Siyuan fell into deep thought.

“How powerful are you?”

“Me?” Jeanne tilted her head and smiled at Siyuan. “Guardian of the Royal Treasury, Master of the Thirteen Sanctuary Knights.”

“Queen?”

“Yes, Queen.” Jeanne lowered her head and tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “What about it?”

“Are you married?”

Siyuan didn’t know what he was thinking, but when he had nothing to say, he would randomly bring up topics. After learning she was a Queen, he didn’t know what else to say, so he asked without thinking.

This question stunned Jeanne, and she took a moment to react. “Married? Me? Impossible. Everything in the world has a price. My price is to guard the Royal Treasury for eternity. Marriage… such an unrealistic fantasy.”

“Sorry, sorry.”

“It’s alright.” Jeanne walked over to Siyuan with her hands behind her back. “Dante asked me to host you, so let’s not just sit here. Since you’re here to assist us, let me show you around Europe’s system.”

“Europe’s system?”

“Yes, Vampires, Werewolves, Elves, and Dragons.” Jeanne turned to look at Siyuan. “These are what we have to deal with, and of course, ghosts too. Shall we go take a look? I believe with your abilities, there won’t be any danger.”

“Visiting Vampires at night?”

“Heh.” Jeanne chuckled softly. “Vampires? They aren’t worthy of my visit.”

Although he was grounded here for making a mistake, with a boss-level big sister like Jeanne leading the way, the guards outside naturally did not dare to stop him. Judging by their attitude toward Jeanne, her status in the Demon Hunter organization was probably similar to Sister Xue’s in the Special Cases Division—the kind who doesn’t show up often, but even the top brass have to show some respect, a hidden boss.

But thinking that this hidden boss was created by his own momentary whim, Siyuan felt a slow- building sense of pride…

Under Jeanne’s lead, all the people in the house followed along into the city for some fun. Perhaps because he was her savior, Jeanne was especially patient and kind to Siyuan, giving him detailed introductions at every spot.

Through her explanations, Siyuan learned that the recent dark resurgence had also affected Europe. Supernatural incidents here were several times higher than usual, so, like the Special Cases Division, the Hunter organization was extremely busy.

“This is the registered special species residential area in Paris.” Jeanne pointed from the luxury minibus to a garden-like neighborhood outside. “They are relatively friendly. Want to go in and take a look?”

“Sure.” Siyuan rubbed his chin. “I think we could set up a similar monster residential area back home. It would be much better than managing them separately like now.”

“That’s not easy.” Jeanne instructed the driver to stop and gently linked arms with Siyuan. “I’ll show you the way.”

Being linked like this, Siyuan actually felt a bit shy… Not to mention, Europeans, well, their chests are bigger than Asians’. Ghost Mother already had the largest bust among the people Siyuan knew, but now seeing Jeanne, who still looked nineteen, hers was noticeably a size larger than Ghost Mother’s. What did she eat to grow like that…

As for Ghost Mother, she didn’t mind this woman linking arms with Siyuan. After all, in her eyes, this foreigner was really unattractive, so she believed Siyuan must think the same. Thus, she remained calm and composed, walking behind and enjoying the scenery.

Once inside, Siyuan found the place quite well arranged—tranquil environment, beautiful scenery. Outside the residential area, there was a decent-sized park. On the lawn, people were having picnics, walking dogs, playing frisbee, even dating, all in a harmonious and joyful atmosphere.

“Wait!”

Siyuan suddenly stopped and pointed at an old man walking a golden retriever on the grass not far away. “Him…”

“Him?” Jeanne followed his finger. “He’s a goblin.”

“No… I know he’s not human.” Siyuan coughed. “He’s walking his dog here, and right next to him, kids are rolling around. What if the dog poops and someone rolls in it?”

This question stumped Jeanne. She tilted her head and looked at Siyuan, speechless for a long moment, clearly bewildered by the query.

“Alright… I’ll remind them to be more careful next time.” Jeanne said after a stiff pause. “Please follow me. There’s a very ancient legend here.”