1 Chapter 1 : Resurfacing in the Unknown

Three seconds passed, and Lin Ruo confirmed that he had once again been transmigrated.

Indeed, it happened again!

This wasn't Lin Ruo's first time as a transmigrator into a different world. His previous transmigration took him into the world of supernaturals.

In that world, he gained supernatural powers and used his foresight and superior abilities to outmaneuver many extraordinary individuals. He nearly altered the balance between regular people and supernatural entities, allowing ordinary humans to attain similar status through their abilities. Tragically, he met his end at the hands of a powerful, blond transcendent due to an unfortunate accident.

"It's almost like being toyed with by fate... Is this my karma?" Lin Ruo couldn't help but chuckle at the ironic conclusion of his past life.

The reason for all this revolved around Lin Ruo's supernatural ability from his previous life—[Truth and Fallacy].

This supernatural power wasn't inherently lethal, but it had been officially classified as highly dangerous due to its potential implications.

Its functions were quite straightforward, essentially split into two aspects. One aspect was aligned with [Truth], allowing the manipulation of destiny using words.

This manipulation essentially heightened the probability of a specific event occurring. The higher the initial likelihood of an event, the more successful the manipulation, whereas less likely events were more challenging to manipulate. It wasn't influenced by the subject's strength, only the likelihood of the event. Regardless of the outcome, energy was expended, and Lin Ruo could sense any successful manipulation.

Events with almost zero probability wouldn't be affected, even for ordinary individuals, while high-probability events could be manipulated even in the case of immensely powerful individuals.

However, [Truth] couldn't directly end someone's life. At best, it could guide them into precarious situations—still quite potent.

The other aspect of [Truth and Fallacy], [Fallacy], was simpler and more direct. It distorted reality and altered others' perceptions to an extent. The distortions weren't usually extreme and required maintenance, and its effects were limited to Lin Ruo himself.

Comparatively, Lin Ruo found [Fallacy], which altered others' perceptions, more appealing. While it had limitations, combining it with [Truth] made it a formidable skill.

Although Lin Ruo, possessing [Truth and Fallacy], lacked direct combat power, he still managed to manipulate many individuals.

However, this wasn't enough to survive an encounter with a transcendent who commanded space manipulation.

After all, that transcendent was at the pinnacle of power within the world of supernaturals.

"Hey!" Lin Ruo muttered through clenched teeth, suppressing the emotions swirling within. He then focused and began surveying his surroundings.

The room wasn't spacious, appearing even smaller to Lin Ruo's eyes. On the left and right stood brown wooden doors, with a high and low bed across from them.

In addition to the furnishings, the room housed everyday necessities like cabinet walls, coal stoves, pots, and pans. The items showed signs of extended use, and even the sole full-length mirror bore two cracks.

It was evident this wasn't a well-off household. The time period seemed to lean toward the industrial revolution or steam era, rather than modernity.

Yet, Lin Ruo's primary attention was on the lone occupant of the room.

A young man lay on the table, gaunt and fragile, dressed in a linen shirt with dishevelled black hair. The man's face was obscured since he was lying face-down. Lin Ruo did observe a wound on the youth's temple, a result of being shot at close range with a revolver. Astonishingly, the wound was healing slowly.

To Lin Ruo, this scene was uncannily familiar, reminiscent of the opening of a novel he cherished.

If he could move heavy objects right now, he would've attempted to retrieve the notebook beneath the youth to see if it bore Klein Moretti's signature.

—Indeed, he was a spiritual-like existence!

Upon awakening, Lin Ruo realized he lacked a physical body, existing in a manner akin to a spiritual entity. He sensed a connection between himself and the young man on the table.

He began pondering whether he'd become a back spirit or a guardian spirit.

Could this be the price of his repeated transmigrations?

Lin Ruo furrowed his brows. While he didn't favour the spirit-like state, he had little information to go on. Rash actions were unwarranted.

Gathering information became the priority!

With this intention, Lin Ruo maneuvered his spiritual form beside the young man, keenly observing the healing wound. Unexpectedly, the youth suddenly jolted, opening his eyes.

Confusion clouded his brown eyes, signifying his lack of comprehension.

Lin Ruo extended his hand and waved it in front of the youth. Strangely, his movements went unnoticed.

The young man sat up and glanced at the items on the table, surveyed the room, then looked up. Something caught his attention; he sprang to his feet, only to topple back onto the hardwood chair behind him.

Amusement flickered within Lin Ruo, who also cast his gaze upward. He spotted a fragment of the velvet curtain, a sight he recognized from the Secret Lord's contents.

This triggered a recollection of his previous life. Lin Ruo wondered why he could remain in this form despite his knowledge of the outer gods and the starry sky which should have tainted him. Protection was required from a higher level beyonder authority.

'Is it a personal trait or... have I been arranged?' Lin Ruo raised an eyebrow, his gaze locking onto the crimson moon hanging above.

If this were the universe of the Lord of Mysteries, the Evernight Goddess should be watching over this place!

'Of course, I might be overthinking. This might not be the universe of the Lord of Mysteries at all!'

While Lin Ruo mulled over these thoughts, the young man stood up. Observing the note's content, he was startled by a phrase Lin Ruo couldn't understand, his expression revealing his comprehension. He almost stumbled, but managed to steady himself with the table's support.

His gaze shifted to the revolver and the bloodied handprint on the table's edge, furrowing his brow.

Then, in Lin Ruo's gaze, the oblivious young man approached the full-length mirror. Startled by the grotesque wound near his temple, he took a step back, though he didn't immediately check his own vitality. Instead, he turned his head toward Lin Ruo's direction.

Lin Ruo was momentarily taken aback, a notion quickly forming in his mind. He guided his spiritual form toward the mirror. The young man continued glancing in Lin Ruo's direction while examining the mirror, seemingly confirming something as he silently retreated.

Upon reaching the mirror, Lin Ruo observed his spectral reflection, an act that triggered a blink and a subsequent gaze from the bewildered young man.

A grin tugged at the corners of Lin Ruo's mouth, and he offered a cheerful greeting.

"Hello, Good Evening!"

He spoke in Chinese.

The young man's eyes widened.

Perfect!

Lin Ruo's smile grew, his intuition confirming the identity.

Indeed, this was Mr. Fool!