Eldritch Horror Theatre

It resembled neither metal nor stone, yet vaguely exuded a flesh-like eeriness.

Professor Fu’s every move undoubtedly commanded everyone’s attention.

Consequently, the object that appeared in his hand instantly drew intense scrutiny; the onlookers stared so hard their eyes nearly bled.

Everyone present was a person of experience, and almost all could recognize its extraordinary nature at a glance.

A collective sense of shock followed. Even Ni Huayuan, whose anger had been boiling just moments before, paled at the sight.

He couldn’t be blamed. Anyone witnessing this scene would realize that this guy had come far too prepared.

Although the item’s specific function wasn’t yet apparent, considering the preceding events, it felt as though their group was being strung along like marionettes.

Even this visit had been calculated; they had willingly delivered themselves right to his door.

For a moment, Ni Huayuan glanced expressionlessly at Wen Li.

Among everyone present, she was likely the only one whose lack of experience left her insensitive to this kind of object.Looking at it now, this actually turned out to be a good thing. It might help her resist the temptation somewhat.

However, the man had just told her to sense it with her abilities. He wasn’t sure if the object specifically targeted her, subjecting the young woman to a unique kind of temptation.

”Our Apocalypse has never cared for empty pleasantries. If you are willing to come study with us, I’ll give this to you directly, to use however you wish.”

The enticement from Professor Fu of Apocalypse continued, his voice gentle and his offer generous.

”I was a little hesitant at first, but just now I became absolutely certain. This object suits you perfectly; it’s as if it was taken right off your ear.”

...

It had, in fact, been taken right off Wen Li’s ear.

Although the ornament in Fu Qian’s hand had been casually molded from his own flesh and blood, its shape was not original. He had entirely plagiarized the transcendent item that had once made Wen Li obsess over getting married.

The gift her father had given her.

It had even served as a small probe by Kelin of the Night Watchers.

And it had ultimately helped him consult with his Warehouse Senior, Liliana.

Fu Qian believed that Eldest Miss Wen would definitely recognize such an item.

He also believed she wouldn’t mistakenly think this one was the genuine article—that he had pocketed it back then and lied about it being eaten.

Moreover, the eerie aura of the Ear Stud solely stemmed from being forged out of Tier 2 flesh and blood; it didn’t actually possess any special effects.

But Fu Qian believed that among the audience present, Su Gao was the only one who could verify this.

Given her Rank and extraordinary perception, it was highly unlikely she would be misled by his words and actions.

But even more reassuringly, she absolutely would not expose his charade.

”This...”

At this moment, Wen Li’s acting skills once again withstood the test.

Although she couldn’t actually feel anything, her eyes remained practically glued to the Ear Stud. She murmured to herself as if her soul had been sucked away, losing all her previous resolve. Anyone watching would immediately know things had taken a turn for the worse.

While its design was nice, the audience naturally didn’t believe that a mere piece of jewelry could captivate such a young talent.

It was obvious she had subconsciously followed Professor Fu’s instructions and used her abilities to sense it, successfully falling prey to its eerie allure.

One had to admit, the man’s ability to lead innocent young girls astray was truly unfathomable...

”Rest assured, even Chief Yuan—Yuan Fang—is here today. He can serve as a witness.”

Seeing that the young genius was already swayed, the smile on Professor Fu’s face deepened. Striking while the iron was hot, he continued his pitch, even casually flattering Yuan Fang beside him.

This made Yuan Fang, who had already been vaguely doubting the true purpose of this tea invitation, cast aside those minor suspicions; he found the flattery quite agreeable.

”The choice is entirely yours. But I can certainly guarantee that there is no need to worry about Professor Fu’s character.”

Though he wouldn’t offend the people from Linghui without reason, he obviously wasn’t afraid to speak his mind either. With a laugh, Yuan Fang casually endorsed Professor Fu’s character.

”There’s no rush to make a decision. You can take it and try it out first.”

Professor Fu even relaxed the terms further. Extending his hand right in front of Wen Li, he gestured for her to just take it.

He was obviously completely confident in his methods; as long as she touched it, there was no way she could refuse.

This...

Yet, as the temptation drew ever closer, Wen Li’s gaze briefly cleared.

She turned to look once more at Ni Huayuan, who had accompanied her, as if hoping he could help firm her resolve.

Unfortunately, despite his solemn expression, he met her gaze without saying a single word.

...

Now this was the Linghui Courtyard he knew.

Fu Qian wasn’t surprised by this in the slightest.

While adopting a holier-than-thou attitude couldn’t exactly be considered a vice, it made a person incredibly easy to manipulate.

Unable to see through the true nature of the Ear Stud, the Linghui group’s principles simply wouldn’t allow them to disparage it and interfere with a guest student’s freedom of choice.

Faced with such temptation, Professor Ni’s only recourse was to offer even more attractive conditions.

Unfortunately, they had already laid all their cards on the table. Evidently, they had nothing new to offer now and could only stand by as Fu Qian dominated the exchange.

’Hmph, trying to compete in schemes against this seat? You’re still far too green.’

Looking over alongside Wen Li, Fu Qian didn’t utter a word. His expression remained entirely neutral, yet one could inexplicably read that exact sentence on his face.

”I’m sorry... but I refuse...”

Unexpectedly, this display of masterful planning and strategic command behind the scenes was interrupted a moment later by a rather dry voice.

Having received no response, Wen Li turned back to the Ear Stud. Reluctance was clearly visible in her eyes, yet in the very next moment, she shook her head. She made no move to reach out and take it.

”This item is indeed miraculous... but perhaps it isn’t quite suited for me. I have learned a great deal here at Linghui.”

From the difficulty of forcing out those first few words to her gradually steadying tone, one could plainly feel the internal struggle she had just gone through.

By the time she finished speaking, Wen Li was able to meet Fu Qian’s scrutiny head-on.

”Are you sure? I trust you aren’t merely satisfied with your current achievements. Haven’t you thought about looking toward High Tier?”

Keeping his palm extended, Fu Qian narrowed his eyes slightly, seemingly amused by her reaction.

Although his underlying meaning wasn’t stated outright, he was clearly hinting to Wen Li that the Linghui Courtyard she so revered hadn’t produced a Demigod in a very long time—

”Thank you for your guidance today. I hope there will be another opportunity to seek your advice.”

Unfortunately, in that short span of time, the young woman seemed to have completely made up her mind.

Stung by the disdain implicit in Professor Fu’s words, her expression even cooled a few degrees. She stood up as she spoke.

And this time, she didn’t check for Professor Ni Huayuan’s reaction. After politely bidding everyone farewell, she took her leave and walked right out the door.