The memories of all humanity are awakening, except for mine.

When the antique-looking box was taken out, Jiang Chuan's attention was focused on Song Chen's aged hand.

Not only Jiang Chuan, but even Li Yu was intrigued. The story of Jing Ke's assassination attempt on the King of Qin was deeply ingrained in people's minds, and to be able to see the dagger, imbued with such legendary significance in the story, was naturally arousing. For this was a part of the rich and colorful history of Chinese civilization.

Song Chen seemed to need a sense of ritual in this process, so he didn't open the box very quickly.

But as soon as the box was opened even slightly, Jiang Chuan could feel an extremely sharp and murderous aura emanating from it. He had had a similar feeling when he received the dagger in Xu Chenggong's office in Qing City, but this time the feeling was clearer, yet more restrained.

The chilling and sharp feeling vanished very quickly, and at that moment, the dagger finally appeared before Jiang Chuan's eyes.

The expectant gaze has shifted somewhat.

Li Yu was the same; he raised his eyebrows, looking quite puzzled.

It was an unremarkable dagger, even less impressive than the one Jiang Chuan had previously held. Aside from its initial menacing aura, it offered nothing else. Moreover, its design wasn't particularly ergonomic; aside from the patina on the handle giving it an antique feel, it showed no other distinguishing features. It resembled an old fruit knife, bearing no resemblance to one that had participated in such a significant historical battle.

Jiang Chuan and Li Yu sensed a certain contrast here.

They seemed to think that this legendary item from a story shouldn't look so ordinary.

Seeing Jiang Chuan's expression, Song Chen asked with a smile, "What's wrong? A little disappointed?"

Jiang Chuan hesitated for a long time before finally speaking, "...I believe you wouldn't try to fool me on something like this."

Upon hearing Jiang Chuan's statement, Song Chen's smile deepened, displaying the demeanor of an elder, completely unlike that of a superior.

Song Chen said, "It's genuine, this is a sealed item from item number 13. Mr. Zhou specially took it out from the sealed warehouse."

Upon hearing this description, Li Yu's expression changed slightly.

Jiang Chuan was also taken aback: "Yishisan?"

Song Chen said, "Yes, the chessboard you touched back then was a sealed item of Jia San, and this dagger is Yi Shi San."

Jiang Chuan nodded, but Song Chen continued speaking:

"Don't let its unassuming appearance fool you. A truly excellent assassination dagger is, of course, steady and restrained. How could a weapon used to assassinate the First Emperor be dull and crude? And the fact that it was able to enter the headquarters' sealed warehouse means it must have something quite unique about it. It possesses a characteristic... that inspires fear when it suddenly appears."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Chuan's pupils contracted sharply: "Huh?"

When it suddenly appears... it can be frightening? Jiang Chuan suddenly remembered the story in the textbook about the king shouting "The king carries the sword"... So this is the special effect of the dagger? If that's the case, it actually makes some sense. Jiang Chuan thought that the ministers in the Qin King's palace were all good-for-nothings, but he didn't expect that they were intimidated by this special effect?

So the slow movement when opening the box isn't some kind of ritual? Rather, it's the passive feeling that's frightening when something "suddenly" appears?
Seeing Jiang Chuan's surprised expression, Song Chen continued, "That's why it became a sealed item."

"Not only has it remained sharp for two thousand years, but it also possesses such incredible special effects."

"But of course, the word 'suddenly' is very important."

"You'll have to figure out how to use it."

Jiang Chuan nodded, seemingly listening attentively, but in reality, he had already begun to consider how to use this thing.

At this moment, Li Yu asked, "Is the fear effect of this dagger guaranteed to occur?"

Song Chen said, "According to that story, if even the First Emperor had to be reminded to carry a sword, then that's probably true."

"However, this technique may only be used a very limited number of times. Once you've used it once, by the time the information spreads, it may no longer be 'sudden'."

As he spoke, Song Chen took the dagger out of the box and handed it to Jiang Chuan.

Jiang Chuan held the dagger he had used to assassinate the King of Qin years ago, feeling its smooth, warm texture, though he wondered what material the hilt was made of. At this moment, he was overwhelmed with mixed emotions.

On one hand, there was the joy of receiving the gift; on the other hand, there was the profound weight of Chinese history. More than two thousand years later, I found myself holding the same dagger as Jing Ke… How did Jing Ke hold it back then?
What would the scene have been like back then?

But Jiang Chuan didn't have time to dwell on it. Before he could ask anything, he heard Song Chen's voice again:

“I still have things to say to Li Yu. Go to the top floor and find Mr. Zhou.”

"He also wants to talk to you."

……

Jiang Chuan boarded the elevator alone and pressed the button for the top floor.

The elevator seemed to be broken, not responding at first. Jiang Chuan pressed the buttons repeatedly before noticing a "Reason for Meeting" label on the panel. This made Jiang Chuan's fingers, which were frantically pressing the buttons, freeze abruptly. But before he could figure out how to respond to the "Reason for Meeting," the elevator started moving again.

Soon, Jiang Chuan reached the top floor.

The elevator doors opened, revealing a vast, empty single-level apartment, devoid of even a single supporting column. Only in the very center of the apartment stood a desk. Sunlight streamed obliquely through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating half of the enormous apartment and dividing the desk diagonally in two, as did the middle-aged man sitting behind it.

He seemed to be waiting for Jiang Chuan, and after seeing Jiang Chuan walk out of the elevator, he waved for him to come over.

Jiang Chuan didn't hesitate and walked straight towards the desk, but the single-level office was too spacious, and even if he wanted to keep his footsteps down, he couldn't. The echoing footsteps reverberated... Meanwhile, a lot of random thoughts floated into Jiang Chuan's mind.

"Such a large single-level apartment, and you only put one desk in it? Is that really necessary?"

"Why did you call me here?"

"What will he do if he needs to use the restroom? There doesn't seem to be a restroom on this floor..."

Jiang Chuan thought to himself, but when he looked at the ground, he suddenly noticed something else.

The ground beneath my feet wasn't a smooth cement surface, but rather a series of uneven, bas-relief-like pits and bumps.

"This is?"

He looked around in surprise.

He wasn't looking for a restroom, of course; he was simply taking in all the marks on the ground.

Bagua diagram?
Zhou Shan's voice came through: "Good observation skills."

"Protecting the headquarters building while also enhancing capabilities—a win-win situation."

Jiang Chuan was stunned for a moment, not understanding why Mr. Zhou wanted to tell him these things.

But out of politeness, he nodded: "I heard from Mr. Song that...you were looking for me?"

Mr. Zhou said, "Yes."

"I called you here because there are some things I want to talk to you about."

Just treat this as casual conversation.

Jiang Chuan felt an instinctive alertness. This alertness was unexpected and came without warning. But it was probably because of recent events that had happened to him, because words like "future" and "choice" were increasingly weighing on his mind. Different choices lead to different paths, and one's own consciousness can guide one towards different futures…

Jiang Chuan didn't want to have that empty look in his eyes from his dream, nor did he want to experience so much agonizing separation. Therefore, in this most primal sense of "consciousness," he needed to be even more cautious, especially when facing Mr. Zhou, whose level was far superior to his own… Would his so-called casual conversation have any impact on him?
Zhou Shan spoke up, "You should already know about the Diviner Alliance."

“They will target you again in the future. If you have the chance, I hope you can find out some things from them.”

Jiang Chuan nodded in agreement: "What's the problem?"

Zhou Shan asked, "Who exactly is the enemy?"

Jiang Chuan was somewhat surprised: "This... even you don't know?"

Zhou Shan nodded: "Our organization hasn't been established for long, and it can indeed be said that it is growing stronger day by day, but many mysteries still remain."

"You should know that my awakened memory is of Zhuge Liang, and I have some expertise in feng shui, fortune telling, and geomancy."

"However, I do not have any information related to the Diviner Alliance in my memory."

"I think the formation of this Diviner Alliance does not belong to that chaotic era."

"The emperors have yet to appear, and this mystery must be related to the Diviners' Alliance. However, there are some other issues involved. For example, I, the Prime Minister of Shu, have no relevant memories of them. Next, we will excavate Qin Shi Huang's tomb; I think there will be some clues there."

"If we're both still alive by then, I'll share this answer with you as well."

Hearing this all of abruptly, Jiang Chuan felt somewhat bewildered. Why would Mr. Zhou tell him these things? These were undoubtedly classified information, weren't they? Clues to the Qin Shi Huang Mausoleum? And he even said he'd share the answers with him?

Zhou Shan continued, "There's no need to be confused."

"Your specialness makes it worthwhile for me to do this."

"After all, your awakened memories are your own. If you knew some information in advance, the future might be different."

Although Zhou Shan's tone was calm, Jiang Chuan still couldn't help but shrink his pupils upon hearing it.

How did he know?!

Brother Li reported it!?

How can it be! ?
But Jiang Chuan quickly came to terms with it.

This was, after all, the answer that Li Yu deduced, so it is only natural that someone of Mr. Zhou's stature could deduce it as well.

Mr. Zhou continued:

"Perhaps I would make the same judgment in other timelines?"

"Hard to say."

"Even now, we still don't know where the enemy came from. If we could know the answer to this question in advance, things might be much easier."

He seemed to be talking aimlessly, which made Jiang Chuan feel even more that it was indeed just idle chatter.

"Today I abolished the decision-making body."

"how do you feel?"

Jiang Chuan's expression changed, unsure why this matter had been brought up again, and even more unsure how to answer the question.

But after thinking for a moment, he said bluntly, "I don't know how to evaluate it."

Zhou Shan said, "They exist for the sake of fairness."

"Without them, this huge organization would become my personal fiefdom."

Do you think this is a good thing or a bad thing?

Jiang Chuan didn't know enough about it, so he didn't offer his opinion: "I think... you have your reasons for doing this."

Upon hearing Jiang Chuan's reply, Zhou Shan smiled for the first time, but his expressionless face, even when he smiled, gave off a cold and indifferent feeling, as if he were not smiling at all.

After a slight smile, Zhou Shan began to speak:
"Because of differences in knowledge, experience, and environment, everyone has different perspectives, and these differences shape our history. Conflicts have always been the underlying tone of historical processes. The history of human civilization is filled with betrayal and intrigue, killing, death, and the blood of war. Just like what has happened these days, Lu Bin alone has turned headquarters into chaos..."

Jiang Chuan was stunned again.

Mr. Zhou's thought process was beyond my comprehension. What Lu Bin had done to headquarters was none of my business, Jiang Chuan's business. The progress of human civilization, in the end, had absolutely nothing to do with a nobody like me... So why was he telling me all this? And it didn't even match what he had said before, right? Wasn't he asking me whether it was good or bad?

Zhou Shan seemed oblivious to the complex expression in Jiang Chuan's eyes; he simply continued, "..."

"For personal ideals, for world peace, for future generations, or for some other reason... in short, the struggle within human civilization has never stopped. But it is never those who instigate wars who suffer... Lu Bin was sentenced to death, but he is not dead yet, and has even fulfilled his long-cherished wish with satisfaction."

"Jiang Chuan, have you ever thought about why this is?"

He asked the question, but he didn't really want to hear the answer from Jiang Chuan.

Zhou Shan continued, "Because human society has a huge hierarchy."

“These steps have existed since ancient times.”

Jiang Chuan thought to himself, "Why should a nobody like me care about the ladder?"

But Zhou Shan continued talking.

“Groups and individuals are completely different.”

"Once you're part of a group, your decision-making and ideologies change dramatically. You abandon your own mind and critical thinking in exchange for a sense of belonging and peace of mind. This makes the group's decisions increasingly extreme, indifferent to truth and reason, becoming blindly obedient, cruel, and biased. Initially, these extremes might be refuted, but once more and more people accept these ideas, they become the 'correct'..."

"A group will rebel against the weak and easily bullied, and bow down to the powerful. If the power is intermittent, the group will be swayed by extreme emotions, becoming capricious and in a state of great contradiction. This is the case with dynastic changes; after a sudden outburst, people will quickly submit to the new hierarchy, become conservative again, and compromise. This is because people are inherently inclined to seek stability and subconsciously resist new things that change their lives."

Jiang Chuan didn't pay attention at first, but as he listened, he began to think that what Mr. Zhou said was very true, and even found it very interesting.

Because he had never thought about the word "group" before, it was difficult for him to think about these things when he was in it. But now that it was brought up, he was reminded of himself and began to think about it. This was a very novel experience for Jiang Chuan.

Mr. Zhou continued:

“Even for me, it would be extremely difficult to take action to abolish the decision-making body and change the status quo. If I make the wrong judgment, then a barrage of criticism will follow, I may be impeached, all my efforts so far will be completely overturned, and everything will be in vain.”

"But I did it anyway."

"Because I believe I did the right thing."

"And what about you, Jiang Chuan? Are you afraid of changes in your lifestyle?"

"Would you let moral factors or potential losses affect your judgment?"

Would you hesitate because of the life or death of someone else?

This sudden question made Jiang Chuan suddenly understand the significance of this conversation.

It turned out that Mr. Zhou wanted to have a casual chat with him, but they ended up here.

What a thoroughly enjoyable "casual chat" it was; it was clearly a lesson in thought.

However, Jiang Chuan had never considered these questions before, so he was naturally at a loss for words.

But of course he would start to think.

They will naturally start to recall the judgments they made in the past.

Those judgments, of course, were all in line with his personal interests. He hadn't truly considered matters of morality or the life and death of others. But now, suddenly starting to think about them, he was reminded of Zhong Huahua, who had died in his dream, and the desolate, empty gaze that had descended upon him. Would his future self frequently face such choices?
This seems so far away from me.

It seems like something I shouldn't be thinking about at my age.

Jiang Chuan could understand Mr. Zhou's meaning. He wanted to be calmer, even more ruthless, when making judgments, and to be more forceful, not to care too much about group mentality or be constrained by worldly ethics. To put it simply, Mr. Zhou hoped that he would not value the lives of others so much, and when it was necessary for others to make sacrifices... he would do what needed to be done.

Jiang Chuan felt that he could do this, but he still felt some resistance.

He didn't have much time to think, and Mr. Zhou's calm voice continued:

"Do you think the collapse of human civilization is still a long way off?"

"But there are less than three years left."

"Since the future is not visible, the right or wrong of decisions made at this time cannot be answered."

"But when it comes to making decisions, there is a clear direction to consider."

Do you want to be a hero, or someone who drifts with the tide in a chaotic world?

This is a two-choice question, not a good one.

But for Jiang Chuan, no matter what other options there are, it seems there is only one option to choose.

He opened his mouth, the answer about to spill out.

But Jiang Chuan immediately shut his mouth again.

He suddenly didn't want to choose anymore.

Their conversation had been going on for a while, and the sunlight was shining into their eyes from the side, making it a bit dazzling.

But Jiang Chuan didn't care about any of that at the moment; he pondered for a moment longer.

Then he raised his head, looked directly into Mr. Zhou's eyes, and said:
"I don't want to be a hero, but at the same time I don't want to follow the crowd."

Zhou Shan's eyes remained calm as he looked at Jiang Chuan and asked, "What do you want to choose?"

Jiang Chuan said, "I don't want to think so much. My mind can't handle so much righteousness, unlike a wise person like you who can make calm judgments at any time."

"My pursuit is simple: to live well and do my best to protect the important people in my life."

"But what you said has given me a lot of inspiration."

"Morality and self-interest are both factors in my decision-making. If I were faced with the trolley problem, I would not hesitate to save five people. If one of them is a doctor who benefits the country and the people, and the other five are death row inmates, then I would save the doctor. But if it is five doctors and my mother, then I would choose my mother."

"I wish I had made that choice."

Jiang Chuan paused slightly, then continued:
"I put in the effort to gain the ability to make life better, to stand up for what is right when there is injustice, and to lend a helping hand when I or others are in danger."

"Then, given my personality, I would definitely have to get involved in such a momentous matter as saving the common people and rescuing human civilization."

"But what you're talking about, those steps, those crowds... I guess you want me to stand on high and coldly observe the life and death of others?"

"The enemy can."

"But if it's one of our own, then I'm not willing to do it."

"Besides, what you said isn't entirely true. People aren't that extreme; not everyone gives up thinking. I think in the future, more and more people will start to think and refuse to follow the crowd. I believe that even in the worst circumstances, good things will always happen..."

"At least we should hope that something good will happen."

"Mr. Zhou."

"This is my choice."

Jiang Chuan spoke very seriously.

However, Jiang Chuan felt a pang of regret, regretting that he had spoken his true feelings aloud.

It was something that could have been easily agreed to...

Jiang Chuan was prepared to be asked to leave.

But at this moment, Jiang Chuan saw a smile on Mr. Zhou's lips, which looked very sunny in the sunlight:

"very good."

what?
Jiang Chuan had already prepared to turn around and leave, even giving up the empty title of "Top Three" and all those benefits, but he never expected that Mr. Zhou would have such an attitude in the end.

What about all that I said before...?
Could it be that all those previous statements, those incredibly realistic words, were false?
Jiang Chuan was puzzled: "But what if I had just casually agreed?"

Mr. Zhou replied, "You won't."

Zhou Shan smiled as he looked at the marks on the ground, and Jiang Chuan followed suit, only to see a flash of lightning streak across the gullies.

Jiang Chuan finally understood...

This is not a lesson.

It turned out to be a test?

Mr. Zhou still managed to get the ideas he wanted to express.

No matter how careful you are, you still fall into the trap in the end?

Did he take all of his own little schemes into account?

Jiang Chuan was completely confused, but immediately spoke again:
"But what you just said... about the social hierarchy and those extreme things... I don't think there's anything wrong with that, right?"

"It's actually quite interesting... this..."

Jiang Chuan stopped speaking before he could finish, because he regretted it as soon as he finished. Why couldn't he control his mouth?

Zhou Shan smiled and looked at the sunlight streaming through the French windows.

He responded:

"Those are the goals we strive for."

"It's not just about fighting the impending apocalypse."

"We also want to make this world a better place."

"We are doing this now because our predecessors fought for this, and our descendants will also strive for it."

"If human civilization survives, if the apocalypse doesn't ultimately come, then this future..."

"I wonder what it will look like?"

Looking into Zhou Shan's deep and determined eyes, Jiang Chuan finally understood why Lu Bin, Song Chen, Brother Li, Teacher Cao, and so many staff members such as Wang Xuejun and Xu Shan all trusted this person so firmly.

He... was actually an idealist?
Jiang Chuan blurted out, "Awesome."

I regretted it as soon as I said it.

It seems that standing here, I really can't control my mouth.

Zhou Shan paused for a moment, then looked at Jiang Chuan again and laughed heartily. (End of Chapter)