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Number Three...

In the sealed intelligence of the Federation, there was a record concerning Number Three, stating that before Number One officially rose, the entire Plan Correction was maintained by Number Three.

It was also because of Number Three’s existence that those correctors, born a thousand years before Number One, hadn’t completely collapsed and been destroyed.

The loyalty and credibility of Number Three were even higher than those of Number One. Twenty years ago, following the failure of the King of Qin, Number Three also suddenly lost contact with Digital City.

Therefore, this mission of mine also included the task of covertly contacting Number Three.

Yet... since I sent out the signal, Number Three.

.. has not made a move. Initially, I speculated that Number Three probably perished, reincarnated somewhere in this world, and had yet to regain his memory.

But now, it seems that is not the case at all.

He has been tracking me all along, and judging by his age and appearance, twenty years ago.

.. he didn’t encounter any trouble at all!

A chill extinguished the joy that had been in my heart just moments ago...

The first thing I thought of doing was to immediately notify the higher-ups, to transmit the intelligence as soon as possible.

There was a disintegration program for Number Three, and it was vital to let them know that Number Three.

.. had intentionally broken off contact, harboring ulterior motives!

"I’d advise you, little brother, to think it over before you report my situation..." Tianji said with a faint smile: "After all, if I wanted to harm you, I wouldn’t allow you the time to react."

Jiang Xiaoling was taken aback, and, as if possessed by a ghost, stopped the act of reporting, looking towards the other party.

He did not know why he was listening to the other person; perhaps it was out of curiosity, perhaps it was because... deep down, he harbored some resistance to those above.

Seeing the expression on Jiang Xiaoling’s face, Tianji nodded and said, "Shall we find a different place to talk?"

Jiang Xiaoling hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded, and the two walked to a secluded spot in the academy, where they found a stone bench to sit down on.

No sooner had they sat down than Jiang Xiaoling asked eagerly, "What exactly is your purpose?"

"What purpose do you think I could have?" Tianji asked with a beaming smile.

"How would I know?"

"Well, there you go. If I state a purpose now, can you judge whether it’s true or false? Asking such a question proves that you’re not very bright..."

Jiang Xiaoling: "....."

"Wouldn’t it be better to ask something more concrete?"

After a moment of silence, Jiang Xiaoling finally said, "Confidential files mentioned that you are among those correctors with the highest level of loyalty.

Despite the different dimensions of space-time, you have communicated intelligence multiple times.

.. It was you who strengthened the resolve above, increasing energy to bring the space-times of both worlds closer to balance. "

"The records state that in order to ensure the survival of those correctors, you’ve done a lot, endured suffering that ordinary people couldn’t comprehend. So why, twenty years ago, did you choose to cut off contact with those above?"

Given his current age, it was impossible for him to have lost his memory due to reincarnation. Most likely... he had deliberately disconnected from those above.

"The failure twenty years ago made me realize something..."

"What thing?"

"Humans and demons cannot coexist!"

"Ah?" Jiang Xiaoling was taken aback: "Humans and demons?"

Looking at Jiang Xiaoling’s astonished face, Tianji laughed and asked, "Tell me, during the five years you’ve been here, how have your parents treated you?"

"Extremely well!" Jiang Xiaoling hesitated before sincerely admitting: "My father had a son late in life and dotes on me exceedingly. For the first time in my life, I’ve tasted what so-called family affection is like."

"Is that so?" A hint of melancholy flashed in Tianji’s eyes as he responded: "Indeed... As digital lifeforms of our generation, we live rather bitter lives. Compared to what seems like the real world, the Virtual Realm gives us more warmth. Sometimes it’s truly hard to distinguish... which side’s people. .. are actually human."

Jiang Xiaoling: "What do you mean?"

"What I mean is that in this world, they are humans..." Tianji pointed at two students who were taking a stroll and discussing academics in the distance, and then pointed at himself, saying: "We... are demons!"

Jiang Xiaoling: "...."

"You’re being a bit alarmist..."

"Alarmist?" Tianji said with a seriocomic tone: "If your parents knew your origins, guess... would they continue to treat you as their son? Or would they think you are a demon who devoured their son and was born in his stead?"

At that, Jiang Xiaoling’s entire countenance changed, and murder glinted in the eyes of someone who was usually mild-mannered!

"Seems like you already know the answer."

Jiang Xiaoling clenched his teeth: "Are you threatening me?"

"What do I gain from threatening you?" Tianji said, amused: "Every one of us correctors has been through such an experience. No matter how deep the relationship we form with the people of this world, whether it’s friendship, family bonds, or even love, it’s all futile. Once they know our identity, they will always see us as demons. I’m merely reminding you not to get too emotionally involved. .."

"That’s none of your business!" Jiang Xiaoling’s voice was icy cold.

It wasn’t that he hadn’t considered this issue; he simply didn’t want to face it...

"Denial is useless." Tianji shook his head: "The moment the Federation starts sending large numbers of people into this world, the situation you fear will inevitably occur. You should understand that."