Eldritch Horror Theatre

Elder Ji Xun was cautious indeed, keeping his voice this low even within the Ash Descent.

Furthermore, since Fu Qian hadn’t actually entered it, his current state was akin to a barely tuned radio receiver. The sound quality was truly rather poor.

Even so, Fu Qian distinctly heard the name of that infamous organization.

The Ji Clan’s abnormal reaction was actually related to this?

Truly, worldly affairs are hard to predict!

Clicking his tongue in wonder, Fu Qian continued to listen intently.

”I’m sure you’ve heard the name of this organization...”

”Originally, they were nothing but a small group huddled in the Archipelago. But in less than half a year, they’ve risen to prominence...”

”The reason we kept it from you earlier is that the implications are simply too vast. For now, the fewer people who know, the better...”

”In fact, out of everyone in the manor, those who know number in the single digits...””Unfortunately, I didn’t expect you to be this stubborn...”

”Now you know what you wanted to know. We will definitely investigate the attack thoroughly. At the same time, as a member of the Ji Clan, I hope you can prioritize the bigger picture...”

So the Rebirth Club and the Ji Clan had some sort of collaboration going on?

From Ji Xun’s impassioned persuasion, Fu Qian quickly extracted a few key pieces of information.

As expected, seemingly minor abnormalities usually hid a deeper story.

Of course, this hidden story... As the guiding light of the Rebirth Club, someone holding multiple roles and maneuvering with sweeping control, how could he not know about such a massive event?

This was outrageous!

Fu Qian momentarily felt a strong sense of indignation.

”So what you’re saying is that the Rebirth Club knocked Mother unconscious just to draw attention to themselves as a joke? And you all just accepted this joke?”

Naturally, he wasn’t the only one dissatisfied.

Though Ji Liushuang’s voice wasn’t loud, it was cold enough to drop ice shards. She sounded entirely done with respecting her elders.

”Did Ji Tong rush over here specifically for this matter too?”

”...Yes.”

”It’s not convenient to tell you the specific details just yet, but I can guarantee that Ji Xue hasn’t suffered any harm. Moreover, we have basically confirmed that there will be some cooperation between us and the Rebirth Club...”

”So I hope you won’t continue to be willful. Also, keep your teacher, Andiel, in line. Frankly, I get the feeling his motives aren’t entirely pure.”

Ji Xun’s words seemed to strike a chord; Ji Liushuang remained silent for a moment.

”I want to meet the person who visited.”

After a long while, sounding as though she had gone through a lengthy mental struggle, Ji Liushuang finally spoke.

”No.”

Unfortunately, Ji Xun instantly shot the request down.

”At least, not right now.”

”I figured as much. Then I have one last question—what is the nature of this cooperation?”

Now it was Ji Xun’s turn to fall silent.

”I can tell you, but you must keep it a strict secret. Especially from Professor Andiel.”

He had quickly realized that refusing this question would be inappropriate.

”The Ji Clan will assist them in taking control of the Gospel Team.”

”Understood...”

Ji Liushuang’s voice carried no discernible emotion.

”Thank you for letting me know. I’m a bit tired, so let’s call it a night.”

Immediately after, she let out a long sigh, looking utterly mentally and physically exhausted, as if she didn’t want to speak another word.

”You don’t have to give a clear answer right now, but for the time being, keep Professor Andiel in check. Don’t let him wander around.”

Having witnessed Ji Liushuang’s stubbornness, Ji Xun seemed to realize he couldn’t push her too hard. His tone softened.

”Get some rest first. Think it over carefully tomorrow.”

”Thank you. You can also think over the request I just made. It will help us reach a consensus as soon as possible.”

”...All right.”

After Ji Xun gave a muffled response, Fu Qian casually deactivated his Ash Bestowal state.

At almost the exact same time, the Demigod Level Ash Descent next door also dissipated.

He could clearly sense that Ji Liushuang was once again alone in the room, staring blankly at the moon outside her window.

She maintained this posture for quite a long time.

...

”Teacher Andiel, are you asleep?”

As time ticked by and the moon climbed to its zenith, the statue-like Ji Liushuang finally exhaled a slow breath, as though she had just worked through a complex mental struggle.

”No.”

Fu Qian didn’t pretend to be asleep.

”Do you remember the Flowing Frost Flower I told you about? Are you interested in going to see it?”

When did you ever mention the Flowing Frost Flower to Andiel?

Fu Qian sighed inwardly. He knew she hadn’t seen through his true identity; she was just trying to make the conversation sound more natural under the assumption that someone was listening.

It was just that her talent for hitting the nail on the head by pure coincidence was truly a bit unreasonable.

Although theoretically speaking, in her past experiences, she had never even mentioned the Flowing Frost Flower to Instructor Fu Qian of the Apocalypse Branch.

However, in a certain time and space she knew nothing about, she had indeed left behind her final words regarding it.

”Sure, wait a moment.”

The Lucid Dream activated, instantly sweeping up the two diligent maids outside the door. Fu Qian opened his door and stepped out.

After a brief wait, the sound of a door opening came from next door, and Ji Liushuang wheeled herself out in the Wheelchair.

”Sorry for the trouble.”

Glancing at the dazed maids outside, she nodded slightly and spoke with politeness.

”Don’t mention it.”

Fu Qian took two steps forward and once again stood behind the Wheelchair.

...

Fu Qian didn’t think what had just happened could be hidden from Ji Xun. The elder had likely considered Ji Liushuang’s mental struggle and tacitly approved of this interaction.

The proof of this was that as Fu Qian pushed Ji Liushuang all the way downstairs, they were only intercepted by the housekeeper when they reached the bottom.

”It’s so late. Where are you going?”

Making no mention of the two maids, she warily sized the two of them up and cut straight to the point.

”Just taking a walk to the east.”

Ji Liushuang replied very naturally.

”...It’s too dark over there. It’s not safe.”

Her face was taut as she spoke, and she kept her eyes fixed on Fu Qian the entire time.

”It’s fine. I have a light.”

But Fu Qian acted as if he had entirely misunderstood her meaning. He directly pulled back the thick cloth covering the Lantern.

Just as described, that wisp of Distorted Colors was truly somewhat faint; it was only marginally brighter than a firefly.

...

The housekeeper stared at Ji Liushuang, her gaze resentful that iron cannot become steel. Ultimately, however, she lost the staring contest.

”It’s a bit chilly over there.”

Gritting her teeth, she tossed an item onto Ji Liushuang’s lap and walked away without looking back.

They didn’t face any further obstruction as they stepped out into the moonlit night scene.

This time, Ji Liushuang didn’t ask to take a side path. Since Ji Xue was largely an ordinary person, even if she hadn’t gone to rest yet, she wouldn’t have the vision to see them in the dark.

”That lady actually treats you quite well.”

While genuinely using the Lantern capable of projecting a Deity to light the way, Fu Qian offered a comment.

”Aunt Miller is probably just afraid that I’ll repeat Mother’s mistakes.”

Ji Liushuang’s tone was faint, but she didn’t deny it.

”Mister Andil, I want to make a deal with you.”

But in the very next breath, her tone shifted. There was no longer a single trace of confusion to be heard in her voice.

”I need to find someone.”