Hogwarts: A Chinese-Style Professor

Chapter 171 Dumbledore Doesn't Expect the Future
"There's no conflict, right?"

Faced with Nico's question, Levi explained earnestly—although he was somewhat disappointed with Nico's ability to achieve immortality, if they could obtain the Philosopher's Stone, they could at least solve part of the problem of immortality.

"I live the life I love with all my heart, and I cherish it all from the bottom of my heart. I want to live it greedily forever—and I am very curious about the future of the magical world."

Looking at Dumbledore and Nicola with surprised expressions, Li Wei smiled and said:

"Don't you find it interesting? The Dark Lord is lurking in the shadows, making a comeback, and now there are beings like the Seven Holy Bloods hiding behind the pure-bloods, plotting something, while I am freely implementing my teaching philosophy at Hogwarts."

This world is diverse and colorful, and everyone has their own ideas. The success of each idea can lead to different futures.

Right now, in some unknown place, some groundbreaking research may be underway. Hundreds of years from now, wizards may no longer need wands to cast spells, but rather other more convenient tools.

I'm incredibly curious about all of this—I don't want to die like this, I don't want to miss out on all the interesting things, those century-long changes—I want to live and experience it all, to experience it forever.

Nicolas Flamel listened quietly to Livy's 'dream'.

A gentle yet complex expression appeared on his face, which was covered with wrinkles like the rings of a tree.

He and Dumbledore exchanged a silent glance, both seeing the complex meaning in each other's eyes.

After Li Wei finished speaking, Nico slowly opened his mouth, his voice old yet gentle, as if carrying a heavy weight.

“Li Wei—I deeply understand your thoughts; in fact, you remind me of myself a long time ago.”

"The reason I have lived this long is initially because I was filled with an irrepressible curiosity and desire for the future of alchemy."

I yearn to explore the pinnacle of this art, to witness all the possibilities of alchemy. I feel there are too many mysteries in this world waiting for me to uncover, so I am unwilling to leave before I have even glimpsed the path.

His gaze focused on Li Wei, gradually taking on the scrutiny and affection of an elder.

“I’m very sorry, but I’ve heard a lot about you from Dumbledore, including some deep thoughts—I’ve never really understood what’s supporting you.”

In his description, you seem to have no desires, only a terrifyingly unwavering obsession with power—

"Ahem! I think there might be a misunderstanding in the wording."

Dumbledore coughed heavily, his old face turning red.

Li Wei's already expressionless face became even more unreadable.

With a mocking smile, he slowly said:
"Because I believe that in a world where magic and other extreme forms of force exist, the rule of the world is survival of the fittest. Without strong power, everything in my life could be taken away at any time."

Although the mysterious man was already dead, the wheels of history keep turning, and every era gives birth to its own evil.

Grindelwald is not the starting point for the Dark Lord, nor will the Mystic be the end. I cannot entrust my life to the unknown; I must grasp the power to control my own destiny.

"It's obvious that you've already done that."

Nico nodded, his expression turning serious again, and continued:

"Li Wei, I have no intention of judging your pursuit. I think there are many things you don't fully understand yet, and it's too early to tell you these things."

As someone who's been through it, I can only offer you some perspectives and advise you to be careful. At least in my view, immortality doesn't bring only benefits.

"Over the long period of time, I have indeed gained more experience and wisdom, which has enabled me to realize more ideals in the art of alchemy, but my soul has also undergone far more wear and tear than others."

Nico pointed to his heart.

"As the one who makes it to the end, you have to witness your friends and colleagues from the same period leave one by one."

At its most frequent, I attended five funerals a week—standing before my friends' graves, I even felt as if the era that was so closely intertwined with me was dying.

If Perenel hadn't been there for me—we were both deeply affected and it took us a long time to recover—I would have been in trouble.

At the same time, we are forced to confront the fact that the ideals we once fought for are gradually being distorted—and we are powerless to stop it.

I witnessed alchemy rise to its zenith, but I also watched it gradually decline.

"It's good that you yearn to witness the changes of the times. But have you ever thought that one day in the future, the magical world you know and love may have become unrecognizable?"

That era was wonderful, but no one and nothing connected you anymore. You became a symbol, but no one could truly get close to you.

By then, your curiosity might not be enough to keep you going.

"The longer we live, the more detached we become from the world."

This is a tug-of-war of souls.

The longer the time goes on, the heavier the shackles become.

Perenel and I were both exhausted—and gradually, we longed to be freed from these shackles.

"I understand what you mean—"

Li Wei's words were tinged with respect, but he remained unmoved.

"But this is the idea that was conceived in your land, and perhaps for you, immortality is more like a curse."

"A very apt statement."

Dumbledore and Nico both nodded in agreement, but their expressions were not very optimistic because Levi had not finished speaking.

“But immortality has a different meaning for me. It’s something that I’ve learned about from the culture I’ve been taught, and I don’t expect you to understand it.”

Li Wei paused for a moment, then continued:

"Moreover, I'm not fixated on this point; I just want to keep the choice in my own hands."

If one day I, like you, feel weary even in my soul, then perhaps I too will choose to end it all, but that must be done by my own will, not out of necessity.

“I have no more questions. In fact, I completely agree with your ideas—thank you for talking to me about this today.”

Nico nodded, understanding that he couldn't change Levi's mind—which was quite normal; a legendary wizard wasn't so easily persuaded.

He glanced at Dumbledore, a look of helplessness in his eyes.

Dumbledore, on the other hand, seemed somewhat tired—Nicole had lived for six hundred years before wanting to retire.

If it weren't for the unresolved Voldemort issue, he would have wanted to retire by now. But now, there's the added burden of the Seven Saints and Livy, who yearns for immortality.
Just as Li Wei said.

What will the future hold?
Dumbledore felt no anticipation whatsoever, only deep worry.

He realized one thing with absolute clarity.

He is indeed old.

After ending the profound conversation and leaving the office, Li Wei's thoughts remained unchanged.

What Nico said doesn't apply to him.

In a sense, he was an invincible figure who would give even Voldemort a headache—he came here all alone, without any relatives or friends, and after studying magic from scratch, he focused on how to achieve immortality; nothing could hold him back.
"Professor, what happened?"

Li Wei's thoughts were interrupted when he saw his two assistants, whose faces were full of worry. Ever since Lei Yun appeared, they had lost the will to wander around.

".fine."

Li Wei's voice suddenly became a little hoarse.

"Let's go back."

"Back to Hogwarts."

　I went to a Party class today, which disrupted my already messed-up sleep schedule again. Plus, with the last-minute extra update this morning, there's only one update left at midnight. I'll write the rest later.
　　
　
(End of this chapter)