Chapter 1949 - 1944: Mathematical Euphoria (5)
Chapter 1949: Chapter 1944: Mathematical Euphoria (5)
Fu Qian was quite confident that the figure who fell didn’t even touch a single horsehair.
Even a bit earlier, he had already noticed the person itching to make a move by the roadside.
Standing with a calm and serene demeanor behind a straight and green tree on this obligatory path back to the city, eyes locked on the carriage.
And the subsequent action, which felt highly incongruous, was, to be fair, rather skillful.
After scaring the horse pulling the carriage, a series of smooth follow-up moves were executed, and now he was curled up on the ground in an extremely standard posture.
This Paradise is indeed exceptional; little did he expect to witness two types of livelihoods before even entering the city.
Even from Fu Qian’s perspective, it was hard to pick out too many flaws, leaving him momentarily admiring.
"It’s them again."
At this moment, Kako also demonstrated her cultivated composure, leaning forward to avoid hitting her head, and without fully sitting up, she already reached out to soothe the blue horse, her words bearing little anger.
"They? Is it actually an organization?"
Fu Qian’s ability to grasp key words was undoubtedly sharp, instantly realizing that the nature of the incident was indeed more malicious than it appeared.
"Yes, the Charity Association folks."
Kako answered naturally, even directly naming an organization.
"They’re almost the largest gang in the city, spread across all regions, advocating for receiving alms and also giving alms, practicing the wonderful law of cause and effect."
Well... I must admit, this method is indeed rather ingenious.
In just a few words, Kako revealed the reality of the one on the ground, and Fu Qian listened intently without holding back his admiration.
It turns out this wasn’t nonsense; there really are organized factions within Paradise, with names and ideologies full of absurdity.
If he hadn’t misunderstood, it meant that such an action, while demanding money, also offered the victim an "opportunity for alms," essentially a good deed spawning another good deed?
This art of creating something out of nothing, stepping one’s left foot onto the right, couldn’t merely be described as a wonderful law.
Besides, Kako used another term—the largest gang.
So in the City of Bliss, is there more than just one such organization?
This is quite reminiscent of a proliferation of gangs, different schools of thought... why does it feel like the style is drifting toward Sin City?
"Take it."
But there was no chance to inquire further at the moment, as Kako was already off the carriage, reaching out to the person curled up on the ground, holding an immaculate but markless gold coin between her fingers.
"Thank you."
The latter naturally accepted it and calmly got up.
They exchanged polite bows and thanks, without saying more before walking away silently.
...
"Truly profound and endless."
Having observed the entire process, when Kako returned, Fu Qian commented that he had gained quite a bit.
"I don’t agree with their philosophy, but at least it doesn’t overly interfere with others."
Not seeming to take Fu Qian’s praise too seriously, Kako sat down leisurely while casually commenting.
"So there are still people who will interfere with others?"
Fortunately, Fu Qian was never too concerned with recognition, and as the carriage resumed, he continued verifying the new information.
"Of course, like the Brotherhood."
Without disappointing, Kako uttered a more familiar term the next moment, followed by her commentary.
"Unity of Thought, almost as one, striding in the bright light... While it sounds incredibly strong, to me, it seems rather weak."
"Why do you say that?"
With such a talkative companion, Fu Qian naturally didn’t mind probing further.
"Hiding behind a fictional concept, wishfully thinking to touch wisdom by piling sand into a tower, instead of honing oneself to face challenges, is ultimately self-deceptive, the choice of the lazy... So when you get to the city, I suggest you best avoid any contact with them."
The clip-clop sound of hooves resumed, crisp and clear, as the carriage reached the edge of the town, and Kako concluded her commentary with an emphatic reminder.
"Is it that serious? If I’m not interested, would they still force me to join?"
Finally setting foot into this City of Bliss, Fu Qian curiously surveyed the surroundings, casually asking.
Far more ethereal and translucent than the previous cemetery, under the bright light, there was an almost shadowless feeling, with gold and white stones glistening.
Though there weren’t any overwhelmingly majestic structures at first glance, the variety in shapes was remarkable, with people’s attire each having its charm.
Several pairs of eyes turned toward them, prompted by the carriage noise, each face equally calm and serene.
The atmosphere was pretty rich, but considering Kako’s earlier depiction, after a glance, it inevitably felt stranger.
Could there really be numerous gangs in such a place? Saints, hippies? Twin-flower red rods, Buddhas?
"They would."
While Fu Qian was trying hard to imagine such a scenario, Kako had already given a definite answer.
"Intimidation and beating are possible; it’s part of their way of practice, and they don’t see it as an evil act but as enlightenment."
...
This City of Bliss truly is... anthropomorphic.
Though not exactly shocked by Kako’s response, Fu Qian still privately marveled at the confirmation of some of his imaginings.
Is this the underlying logic determining the superstructure? Truly, the concept of the "Undying" can’t be underestimated, considering its powerful influence on human consciousness.
No matter the reason or criteria for entering this Paradise, these people’s consciousnesses have already fundamentally differed from humans outside, even from the Transcendents.
And if these are still imaginable, under the allure of greater freedom, it’s fascinating how the City of Bliss eventually operates as some form of Sin City, provoking deep reflection on the mysteries of the human heart.
Of course, Fu Qian never forgot his mission goal, which was the greater freedom they sought above all else.
Yet from the preliminary understanding, it’s clearly no easy feat, and another thing besides—
"What if they use all sorts of means, and I still refuse, would they kill me?"
As the carriage slowed down, Fu Qian hadn’t forgotten his previous topic, suddenly extending it.
"That’s impossible; killing is an absolute major crime, indefensible and irremediable."
This time, Kako was evidently startled, her expression showed the greatest degree of change since earlier.
In this place that removes death, merely mentioning "killing" seemed already an evil act to Fu Qian.
"But can they still kill?"
Fu Qian, however, did not hurry to correct himself.
"Yes... but it’s a sin far heavier than turning into cattle or horses, and the victim would soon start a new Reincarnation."
Understood, so being killed, one wouldn’t die.
Fu Qian sighed internally at that moment.
Not dying means one cannot restart.
Endlessly, eternally falling into Reincarnation.