The False Chosen God

Chapter 4: Senior Sister's Concerns

On the fourth morning in Azure Cloud Town, Su Tianxing awoke from a restless night. The black-clothed man's words from the previous evening haunted him like a nightmare, and that small signal jammer lay quietly on his bedside table, silently questioning every belief deep within his heart.

【Good morning, host. Psychological fluctuations detected in your mental state. Recommend psychological adjustment.】

The system's gentle voice echoed in his mind, but Su Tianxing felt an inexplicable resistance. He shook his head, rose, and walked to the window, gazing at the divine grains glowing in the morning light outside.

Those divine grains remained beautiful, still emanating their enticing fragrance, but in Su Tianxing's eyes, they seemed to carry a trace of eerie coloring. Especially those fine light threads—so insignificant during the day, but the thought that they might be some kind of communication signal sent chills down his spine.

"Senior Brother Su! Senior Brother Su!" Children's cheers from outside interrupted his contemplation.

Su Tianxing looked down to see several children playing in the divine grain fields, their faces radiant with innocent smiles, their eyes full of worship and gratitude toward him. Seeing these pure and innocent children, Su Tianxing's doubts lessened slightly.

Regardless of the truth, he had indeed helped these people in need. These children had regained health and happiness because of the divine grains—wasn't that a good thing?

【Host, new task released. Please check the task panel.】

Su Tianxing hesitated for a moment, then opened the task panel. A new task was displayed:

【Main Quest: Return to Azure Cloud Sect】

【Task Description: The relief work in Azure Cloud Town has been completed. Please return to Azure Cloud Sect to report to the Sect Master and prepare to accept a more important mission.】

【Task Reward: System permission upgrade, new functions unlocked】

【Task Deadline: Within today】

Seeing this task, Su Tianxing felt a surge of complex emotions. Returning to Azure Cloud Sect meant facing the Sect Master and elders, and accepting more system tasks. But at the same time, it was also an opportunity—a chance to understand what was really happening within the sect.

"I accept the task," Su Tianxing said mentally.

【Very good, host. Please depart as soon as possible. The Sect Master is waiting for your return.】

Su Tianxing packed his belongings and bid farewell to the villagers. The entire population of Azure Cloud Town came out to see him off, their eyes filled with tears as they continuously thanked their benefactor who had saved them.

"Senior Brother Su, you must come back to visit us often!" Town Chief Li grasped Su Tianxing's hand, his voice choked with emotion.

"I will," Su Tianxing nodded. "Everyone must take good care of these divine grains. They will continue to bless Azure Cloud Town."

Under the villagers' watchful eyes, Su Tianxing set out on the path back to Azure Cloud Sect. But before leaving, he deliberately made a detour to Lin Mo's residence.

Lin Mo's home was a simple small courtyard with ordinary vegetables planted in the yard. Su Tianxing pushed open the door and found Lin Mo sitting in the courtyard, holding an ancient book in his hands.

"Senior Brother Su, you're leaving?" Lin Mo looked up, a complex expression flickering in his eyes.

"Yes, the sect has summoned me back," Su Tianxing said. "Lin Mo, I want to ask you a question."

"What question?"

"If one day you discovered that something you had always believed in was wrong, what would you do?"

Lin Mo was silent for a while, then said, "I would choose to face the truth, no matter how cruel it might be. Because only truth can make a person truly free."

This answer struck Su Tianxing's heart like lightning. "Truly free..." he murmured.

"Senior Brother Su," Lin Mo stood up and walked to Su Tianxing, "whatever choice you make, I will support you. But please remember, true power doesn't come from external gifts, but from inner persistence."

With that, Lin Mo handed Su Tianxing the book he had been holding. "This is an ancient text passed down in my family, containing some... interesting content. Perhaps it will be useful to you."

Su Tianxing accepted the book and found four ancient characters written on the cover: "Records of Cultivation's Origin." The pages had yellowed, clearly showing their age.

"Thank you," Su Tianxing tucked the book into his robes. "I will read it carefully."

After bidding farewell to Lin Mo, Su Tianxing embarked on the mountain path back to Azure Cloud Sect. Throughout the journey, his mood remained heavy. Lin Mo's words echoed in his heart, filling him with unease about what he was about to face.

Azure Cloud Sect was located halfway up Azure Cloud Mountain, a magnificent cultivation sect. The stone steps before the mountain gate numbered nine hundred and ninety-nine, symbolizing the countless trials on the path of cultivation. Su Tianxing climbed the steps one by one, each step making his mood heavier.

When he finally reached the mountain gate, he found someone already waiting for him. It was a middle-aged man in blue robes—Zhang Wuji, the senior brother of Azure Cloud Sect.

"Junior Brother Tianxing, you've returned!" Zhang Wuji approached with an enthusiastic smile. "The Sect Master is waiting for you. Come with me quickly."

Su Tianxing followed Zhang Wuji through the mountain gate toward the main hall of Azure Cloud Sect. Along the way, he noticed the atmosphere within the sect seemed different. The disciples' faces all bore a strange excitement, as if some great event was about to occur.

"Senior Brother, is something happening in the sect?" Su Tianxing asked.

"Haha, indeed there is big news!" Zhang Wuji said excitedly. "Junior Brother Tianxing, the miracles you created in Azure Cloud Town have spread throughout the entire cultivation world! Now everyone knows that our Azure Cloud Sect has produced a Chosen One!"

"Chosen One..." Su Tianxing felt a surge of complex emotions.

"Not only that," Zhang Wuji continued, "the Sect Master has decided to hold a grand ceremony in three days, having you demonstrate the Heavenly Dao's miracles before all the sects! At that time, sect masters and elders from the entire cultivation world will come to witness!"

This news shocked Su Tianxing. Having him demonstrate miracles before all the sects? What did this mean?

【Host, this is an excellent opportunity. Through this ceremony, you can spread the Heavenly Dao's grace throughout the entire cultivation world, saving more living beings.】

The system's voice echoed in his mind, but Su Tianxing felt uneasy. If what the black-clothed man said was true, if the system really was alien technology, wouldn't this ceremony put the entire cultivation world under alien control?

Soon, they reached the main hall of Azure Cloud Sect. The hall was magnificent, with tablets of Azure Cloud Sect's past masters enshrined within. Sect Master Qingyunzi sat in the main seat, and upon seeing Su Tianxing enter, immediately stood up.

"Tianxing, you've returned!" Qingyunzi descended the steps to personally welcome Su Tianxing. "Your performance in Azure Cloud Town this time has truly impressed this master!"

Su Tianxing bowed respectfully. "This disciple merely acted according to the Heavenly Dao's guidance and dares not claim credit."

"Good! Good!" Qingyunzi praised repeatedly. "This is the character our Azure Cloud Sect disciples should have! Tianxing, do you know? Your miracles this time have shaken the entire cultivation world. Now all the major sects are discussing how our Azure Cloud Sect has produced a true Chosen One!"

"The Sect Master flatters me," Su Tianxing said humbly.

"Not flattery, but well-deserved!" Qingyunzi patted Su Tianxing's shoulder. "Tianxing, this master has good news to tell you. In three days, we will hold a grand ceremony, inviting all major sects to witness. At that time, you must demonstrate the Heavenly Dao's miracles before everyone, letting the entire cultivation world witness the Heavenly Dao's greatness!"

Su Tianxing's heart sank, but he still nodded. "This disciple obeys."

"Very good!" Qingyunzi nodded with satisfaction. "Then go rest first and prepare well these few days. Oh, Liu Ruyan has been waiting for you. Go see her."

Hearing Senior Sister Liu's name, Su Tianxing felt a warm current in his heart. In this moment filled with doubt, being able to see Senior Sister Liu was truly wonderful.

After bidding farewell to the Sect Master, Su Tianxing came to Senior Sister Liu's residence. It was an elegant small courtyard with several plum trees planted in the yard, emanating a faint fragrance even in this season.

"Junior Brother, you've returned!" Senior Sister Liu emerged from her room, her face showing a long-missed smile upon seeing Su Tianxing.

"Senior Sister." Su Tianxing approached, his inner unease lessening slightly.

Senior Sister Liu examined Su Tianxing carefully, her brow furrowing slightly. "Junior Brother, you look... somewhat haggard. Have you encountered some difficulties?"

Su Tianxing hesitated, then said, "Senior Sister, I have some things I want to discuss with you."

"Come in." Senior Sister Liu led Su Tianxing into the room and carefully closed the door.

The room was simply furnished but showed the owner's taste everywhere. Bookshelves were filled with various ancient texts, writing materials were placed on the desk, and a landscape painting hung on the wall.

"Junior Brother," Senior Sister Liu sat down, her expression becoming serious, "speak directly about whatever you want to say."

Su Tianxing took a deep breath and then told Senior Sister Liu in detail about everything that had happened these past few days. From Lin Mo's questioning to the black-clothed man's revelation, to his own inner confusion—he held nothing back.

Senior Sister Liu listened quietly, her expression growing increasingly grave. When Su Tianxing finished, she remained silent for a long time.

"Senior Sister, do you think... what that black-clothed man said is credible?" Su Tianxing asked.

Senior Sister Liu stood up, walked to the bookshelf, and took out an ancient tome. "Junior Brother, look at this."

Su Tianxing accepted the tome and found it was an ancient book recording cultivation techniques. He opened the pages and saw descriptions of "pure spiritual energy."

"Junior Brother, carefully sense the spiritual energy within your body now, and compare it to the 'pure spiritual energy' described in this book. What differences do you notice?" Senior Sister Liu asked.

Su Tianxing followed the book's descriptions and carefully sensed the spiritual energy within his body. Soon, he discovered the problem. The pure spiritual energy described in the book should be clear and transparent, pure as mountain spring water. But the spiritual energy in his body, though powerful, carried a strange golden glow and seemed to have some special frequency flowing within it.

"This... this is indeed different," Su Tianxing said in shock.

"Not only that," Senior Sister Liu took out another book, "look at this too."

This book recorded traditional farming techniques. After careful reading, Su Tianxing found that traditional farming techniques, while capable of promoting plant growth, would never produce that metallic luster, much less any communication signals.

"Senior Sister, are you saying..."

"I'm not certain," Senior Sister Liu shook her head, "but Junior Brother, I must tell you some things."

She walked to the window, confirmed no one was eavesdropping, then lowered her voice: "Recently, some strange things have indeed been happening in the sect."

"What things?"

"First, the Sect Master and elders' attitudes have changed too drastically," Senior Sister Liu frowned. "Previously, they would be very cautious about any new techniques, repeatedly studying and verifying them. But regarding your system, they've shown unusual support, even seeming... eager."

Su Tianxing's heart sank. Indeed, the Sect Master's attitude toward the system was somewhat abnormal.

"Second," Senior Sister Liu continued, "I've noticed some unfamiliar faces in the sect recently. They claim to be guests from other sects, but I've never seen them before. Moreover, their behavior is very strange."

"Strange? How so?"

"They seem very interested in everything about our sect, especially matters concerning you," Senior Sister Liu's voice became even lower. "Furthermore, I've detected a strange aura about them, unlike the spiritual energy fluctuations cultivators should have."

These words brought Su Tianxing's unease to its peak. If what Senior Sister Liu said was true, then something was indeed wrong within the sect.

"There's one more thing," Senior Sister Liu walked to the bookshelf and took out a small box. "This is what I found in the sect's back mountain."

She opened the box, revealing several metal fragments inside. These fragments looked very similar to the metal filaments Su Tianxing had seen at the divine grains' roots.

"What is this?" Su Tianxing picked up a fragment, examining it carefully.

"I don't know either," Senior Sister Liu shook her head. "But I've found similar things in several places around the sect. Moreover, these things seem to be sending signals in a certain direction."

Su Tianxing stared at the metal fragment in his hand, intense fear surging in his heart. These fragments were so similar to the metal filaments at the divine grains' roots—could the sect also be infiltrated by something?

"Senior Sister, what do you think I should do?" Su Tianxing asked.

"Junior Brother, I think you should temporarily stop using the system's power, at least until we figure out the truth," Senior Sister Liu said after pondering.

"But the ceremony in three days..."

"It's precisely because of this ceremony that I'm even more worried," Senior Sister Liu's eyes flashed with concern. "Junior Brother, have you considered what the purpose of this ceremony might be if the system really has problems?"

Su Tianxing's heart shook. If the system really was alien technology, wouldn't this ceremony put the entire cultivation world under alien control?

"Senior Sister, what should I do?" Su Tianxing felt unprecedented confusion.

"First, you must protect yourself," Senior Sister Liu said seriously. "No matter what happens, don't completely trust anyone, including the Sect Master and elders."

"Not even the Sect Master?"

"Junior Brother, I'm not saying the Sect Master has malicious intent, but... what if they've also been influenced by something?" Senior Sister Liu's words chilled Su Tianxing's heart.

"Second," Senior Sister Liu continued, "you need to quickly discover the system's true nature. I suggest you use that signal jammer to see what happens."

"But if I use the jammer and the system discovers it, what then?"

"Then it proves the system indeed has problems," Senior Sister Liu said firmly. "Junior Brother, sometimes we must take risks to obtain the truth."

Su Tianxing nodded and took out the small signal jammer from his robes. "Senior Sister, if I really use this device, will you support me?"

"Of course," Senior Sister Liu said without hesitation. "Whatever happens, I will stand by your side."

These words brought a warm current to Su Tianxing's heart. In this moment filled with doubt, having Senior Sister Liu's support was truly important.

"Thank you, Senior Sister," Su Tianxing said sincerely.

"No need to thank me," Senior Sister Liu smiled. "We are fellow disciples. Helping each other is natural."

Just then, urgent footsteps came from outside. Senior Sister Liu immediately became alert, signaling Su Tianxing to remain quiet.

"Junior Sister Liu, is Junior Brother Tianxing with you?" Zhang Wuji's voice came from outside the door.

Senior Sister Liu and Su Tianxing exchanged glances, then went to open the door. "Senior Brother, what's the matter?"

"The Sect Master has urgent business with Junior Brother Tianxing," Zhang Wuji said. "Please have him come to the main hall immediately."

"Understood, I'll go right away," Su Tianxing stood up and nodded to Senior Sister Liu.

"Junior Brother, remember what we just discussed," Senior Sister Liu said in a low voice.

Su Tianxing nodded and left Senior Sister Liu's residence with Zhang Wuji. Throughout the journey, his mood remained heavy. Senior Sister Liu's words made him even more certain that something was indeed wrong within the sect.

When they reached the main hall, Su Tianxing found quite a few people had already gathered inside. Besides Sect Master Qingyunzi, there were several elders and some strangers he had never seen before.

These strangers had peculiar clothing and temperament, unlike ordinary cultivators. Their gazes were sharp, and they emanated a strange aura that made Su Tianxing very uncomfortable.

"Tianxing, come, let me introduce you to some distinguished guests," Qingyunzi beckoned Su Tianxing over. "These are representatives from various major sects who heard of your deeds and came specially to visit."

Su Tianxing approached and bowed to these strangers. But when he raised his head, he found their gazes were all very strange, as if examining some precious object.

"The Chosen One, truly lives up to his reputation," one middle-aged man said. His voice was calm, but Su Tianxing detected a trace of coldness in it.

"Senior, you flatter me," Su Tianxing said humbly.

"Not flattery, but well-deserved," another elder said. "We all look forward to the ceremony in three days. I believe it will be a spectacular event that shakes the entire cultivation world."

Hearing these words, Su Tianxing's unease intensified. These people's anticipation for the ceremony seemed excessive, and their attitudes were strange.

"Tianxing," Qingyunzi said, "these seniors want to understand your system's functions. Give them a demonstration."

Su Tianxing's heart jumped. Having him demonstrate the system's functions before these strangers? Was this appropriate?

【Host, please demonstrate the system functions as the Sect Master requests. These are all friendly cultivators. Displaying the Heavenly Dao's miracles will help spread the Heavenly Dao's grace.】

The system's voice echoed in his mind, but Su Tianxing felt resistance. He remembered Senior Sister Liu's words, the metal fragments, and the black-clothed man's warning.

"Sect Master, this disciple has just returned to the sect and is physically and mentally exhausted. I fear I cannot demonstrate the system's functions well," Su Tianxing found an excuse to decline.

"Haha, young people are just modest," one of the strangers laughed. "But it's fine, we have plenty of time. We'll see the complete demonstration at the ceremony in three days."

"Yes, the ceremony in three days," Qingyunzi nodded. "Tianxing, you must prepare well. This ceremony concerns not only our Azure Cloud Sect's reputation but the future of the entire cultivation world."

"The future of the entire cultivation world?" Su Tianxing's heart shook. "Sect Master, what do you mean by that?"

"Tianxing, don't you know yet?" Qingyunzi's eyes flashed with excitement. "According to ancient records, when the Chosen One appears, it means the cultivation world will welcome a new era. And you are the one who will lead this new era!"

These words filled Su Tianxing with deep unease. What new era? What leadership? All of this sounded too suspicious.

"Sect Master, this disciple is dull and doesn't understand your meaning," Su Tianxing said.

"It's fine, you'll understand when the time comes," Qingyunzi smiled mysteriously. "Well, go rest first. Remember, the ceremony in three days is very important. You must give it your all."

Su Tianxing bowed and left the main hall. But as he departed, he noticed those strangers were all looking at him with strange gazes, as if viewing prey about to be captured.

Returning to his quarters, Su Tianxing sat on his bed, his heart filled with confusion and fear. Everything that happened today was confirming his suspicions. Something was indeed wrong within the sect, and the appearance of those strangers made him even more uneasy.

He took out the "Records of Cultivation's Origin" that Lin Mo had given him and began reading carefully. This ancient text recorded many traditional cultivation theories, with one passage particularly catching his attention:

"The way of cultivation lies in conforming to heaven and earth's nature, harmonizing one's small universe with heaven and earth's great universe. All who achieve the Dao through external forces are heretical paths that will ultimately bring self-destruction."

This passage shocked Su Tianxing's heart. Those who achieve the Dao through external forces are heretical paths? Then wasn't his current power...

【Host, please don't be bound by outdated concepts. Times progress, and the way of cultivation progresses too. The Heavenly Dao grants you power precisely so you can better save all living beings.】

The system's voice echoed in his mind, but Su Tianxing felt disgust. He suddenly realized that the system always appeared when he had doubts, always trying to convince him, always trying to control his thoughts.

At this moment, Su Tianxing finally made his decision. He would use that signal jammer, he would discover the system's true nature, regardless of the cost.

He took the small device from his bedside table, took a deep breath, and pressed the button.

Instantly, an unprecedented tranquility descended. The system's voice disappeared, and the constant humming that had existed deep in his mind also vanished. Su Tianxing felt his thinking become unprecedentedly clear, as if dark clouds that had always shrouded his head suddenly dispersed, revealing a bright sky.

But this tranquility lasted only a few seconds. Soon, intense pain struck, and Su Tianxing felt something in his mind struggling, trying to reestablish connection.

【Warning! Signal interference detected! Attempting to reconnect...】

【Connection failed! Activating emergency protocol!】

【Host, please immediately shut down the interference device! Continued use will cause irreversible damage to your body!】

The system's voice came intermittently, filled with urgency and anger. But Su Tianxing persisted in not shutting off the jammer. He wanted to see what truth he could discover without the system's interference.

Soon, he saw it.

Under the jammer's influence, Su Tianxing's vision became exceptionally clear. He could see things within his body that had been previously concealed by the system—countless fine metal filaments throughout his body, connecting to his nervous system, controlling his thoughts and behavior.

More terrifying still, he also saw monitoring devices hidden in his room. These devices were well-disguised, but under the jammer's influence, their true nature was exposed.

"So that's how it is..." Su Tianxing murmured, deep fear and anger surging in his heart.

He finally understood that he had been monitored and controlled from the very beginning. That so-called Heavenly Dao Farming System was nothing but a sophisticated control device. And he was merely a manipulated puppet.

Just then, the door was suddenly pushed open. Zhang Wuji rushed in with an anxious expression.

"Junior Brother Tianxing, are you alright? We detected abnormal energy fluctuations from your location..." Zhang Wuji's words stopped halfway when he saw the signal jammer in Su Tianxing's hand.

Their gazes met in the air, and Zhang Wuji's eyes flashed with complex emotions.

"Senior Brother," Su Tianxing slowly stood up, "you knew all along, didn't you?"

Zhang Wuji was silent for a while, then sighed. "Tianxing, some things... are very complicated."

"Complicated?" Su Tianxing laughed coldly. "You treat me as a puppet, as a tool—is this complicated?"

"Tianxing, you misunderstand," Zhang Wuji hurriedly explained. "We do this all for greater interests, for the future of the entire cultivation world."

"For the cultivation world's future?" Su Tianxing's voice was filled with anger. "Or for the aliens' interests?"

Zhang Wuji's face instantly turned pale. "You... how do you know?"

This sentence was tantamount to admitting everything. Su Tianxing felt the world spinning—what he least wanted to believe was actually true.

"Senior Brother, tell me, do the Sect Master and others... also know?" Su Tianxing asked with difficulty.

Zhang Wuji nodded. "The Sect Master and elders all know. Tianxing, you must understand, we had no choice. Those... guests, they possess power we cannot resist. Rather than be destroyed, it's better to choose cooperation."

"Cooperation?" Su Tianxing said angrily. "You call this cooperation? You've betrayed all of humanity!"

"Tianxing, things aren't as simple as you imagine," Zhang Wuji tried to explain. "They promised that as long as we cooperate, they'll give humanity a better future."

"A better future?" Su Tianxing laughed coldly. "Becoming their slaves—is this a better future?"

Zhang Wuji couldn't answer this question. He just lowered his head, his face filled with pain and helplessness.

"Tianxing," Zhang Wuji finally said, "it's too late for regrets now. The ceremony in three days must proceed. This is a fate we cannot change."

"Fate?" Su Tianxing clenched his fists. "I don't believe in fate!"

With that, he rushed out of the room, leaving Zhang Wuji standing there alone, his face filled with despair.

Su Tianxing ran wildly through the sect, his heart filled with anger and despair. He wanted to escape this place, escape these people who had betrayed humanity. But he knew that running away wouldn't solve anything.

He had to do something, had to stop the ceremony in three days, had to save those who still didn't know the truth.

But what could he do? He was just one person, while the opposition was an entire alien civilization.

Just as he felt despair, a voice sounded behind him:

"Junior Brother Su, you've finally awakened."

Su Tianxing turned around to see Senior Sister Liu standing not far away, her eyes shining with determined light.

"Senior Sister, you..." Su Tianxing said in surprise.

"I've known all along," Senior Sister Liu approached. "I've been waiting for your awakening."

"Then why didn't you tell me earlier?"

"Because only your own awakening could truly free you from the system's control," Senior Sister Liu said. "If I had told you the truth directly, you might never have believed it."

Su Tianxing nodded, understanding Senior Sister Liu's intentions.

"Senior Sister, what should we do now?" Su Tianxing asked.

"Come with me," Senior Sister Liu said. "Some people are waiting for you."

She led Su Tianxing to a hidden cave in the sect's back mountain. The cave had already gathered over a dozen people, including sect disciples and some people Su Tianxing didn't recognize.

"Everyone," Senior Sister Liu addressed the crowd, "Junior Brother Su has awakened."

Everyone stood up and bowed to Su Tianxing. One person stepped forward and removed the mask from his face.

Su Tianxing was surprised to find this was the black-clothed man who had appeared in his room that night.

"Welcome to the resistance organization, Su Tianxing," the black-clothed man extended his hand. "We've been waiting for this day."

Su Tianxing grasped his hand, feeling a warm current in his heart. He was no longer alone—he had found companions, found hope.

"Now," the black-clothed man said, "let us formulate a plan to stop the ceremony in three days. Humanity's fate rests in our hands."

Su Tianxing nodded, his eyes shining with determined light. He was ready—for humanity's freedom, for true justice, he would fight to the end.

Meanwhile, in the sect's main hall, those alien visitors were observing all of this through monitoring devices. Cold smiles appeared on their faces.

"Interesting," one of them said. "Test Subject 7749 has actually broken free from control."

"No need to worry," another replied. "This was within our expectations. Let them struggle. The ceremony in three days cannot be stopped anyway. By then, the entire cultivation world will be in our grasp."

"What about those resisters?"

"Just a bunch of ants—they can't cause any real trouble. However, for safety's sake, we should still prepare. Activate the backup plan to ensure the ceremony proceeds smoothly."

"Understood."

The night grew deeper, and Azure Cloud Sect fell into apparent tranquility. But behind this tranquility, a war concerning humanity's fate was about to begin.

Su Tianxing stood at the cave entrance, gazing at the starry sky, his heart filled with determination. The ceremony in three days would be their only chance. Success would bring humanity freedom; failure would make the entire civilization slaves to aliens.

But regardless, he would not retreat. Because he had finally understood what true mission meant, what true justice was.

He was no longer the system's puppet, no longer the aliens' tool.

He was Su Tianxing, a warrior fighting for humanity's freedom.