Eldritch Horror Theatre

”Is it also because of its research value?”

Professor Fu’s words were somewhat cold. At that moment, the Gulade Family, always so proud of their noble bloodline, seemed reduced to white mice in a laboratory.

To Serana, however, the answer actually made her feel a bit more at ease.

Perhaps this counted as the comforting stability of finding one’s purpose in life?

”So, what do you want me to do?”

Of course, since he had laid it out so openly, it wasn’t just to clear up her confusion.

”Don’t be nervous. Actually, in my imagination, the atmosphere for discussing this topic was supposed to be harmonious and motivating.”

Her Excellency Serana’s instincts were certainly correct, but Fu Qian still made sure to offer a little comfort, reminding her to judge actions not intent—their friendship was still intact.

”That is true. You could have easily resorted to more extreme methods...”

The comfort seemed quite effective. Serana had clearly recalled the Gulade Clan’s recent glorious deeds, especially the parts that involved dealing with him.Professor Fu had already been very polite, especially to a certain young man named Taylor.

”Good. Just like that.”

Sensing the shift in the atmosphere, Fu Qian casually topped off her tea.

”What I want you to do is very simple. Try to take a step further.”

Uh... huh?

It was obvious that even though she had braced herself, Serana still hadn’t considered this angle.

Take a step further? Attempt Tier 2?

Wasn’t he overestimating her a bit too much?

If breaking through were as easy as simply wanting it, every single member of the Blood Clan would probably be High Tier after all these years.

She didn’t make a sound, but Serana’s suddenly expressive face gave away her thoughts.

”What’s wrong? Is there a problem?”

Professor Fu’s observational skills were naturally sharp; he caught the lack of confidence in her reaction.

”Of course there is... After all, it has been a long time since I entertained such thoughts.”

Since he didn’t sound like the ”I just want results” type, Serana breathed a sigh of relief and nodded, indicating that she hadn’t had any such ambition for years.

”That’s fine. Didn’t someone else just have those same thoughts not too long ago?”

However, the moment she processed Fu Qian’s next sentence, Serana’s heart leapt into her throat.

”...Ambor?”

Staring intently at his increasingly familiar face, Serana seemed to be trying to figure out if he was joking.

Ultimately giving up, she took the initiative to spit out a name that was already somewhat taboo.

”Exactly. Compared to him, you’re much younger and widely considered more talented. You can absolutely learn from and absorb that senior’s experience and ambition.”

And Fu Qian actually confirmed it.

...

Naturally, he wasn’t joking. Earlier, when he was fleecing Taylor, he had already confirmed the Blood Clan’s research value.

Not only were they deeply connected to the concept of the moon, but as an ancient race that prioritized pure-bloods, they were practically living fossil specimens when it came to Bloodline Power.

Not to mention, he might even be able to make some slight additions to the Chronicles of the Moon in the process.

But how exactly should he go about researching it?

Although he had methods like Insight, he couldn’t just force them to regularly sacrifice virgin boys and girls so he could savor their flesh and blood in search of answers, could he?

Well, if it was absolutely necessary, that was indeed an option.

But before it came to that, Fu Qian had a plan with a clearer direction—one that was a win-win for both parties.

To study the ”significance of bloodlines to the Transcendent Tier,” why not simply push a transcendent a step further and see what kind of value their bloodline played in the process?

It was so straightforward and seamless.

The key material was also readily available. Her Excellency Serana was publicly acknowledged within the Blood Clan as a prodigy.

And not too long ago, a senior had even risked life and limb trying to forge a path ahead.

So, long before Her Excellency Serana had even arrived, Fu Qian had already plotted out this fortunate opportunity for her.

With Professor Fu revealing his true colors in such a major move, how could he not fully exploit its value?

He believed that holding a formal title from the Academy would be enough to give Serana a boost of confidence.

Of course, beyond this, Fu Qian had another motive that he hadn’t mentioned.

In Ambor’s advancement plan, communicating with the Red Moon had been a crucial step.

And this time, another Chair had been delivered to The Bookstore, turning the place into a transit hub. Yet, while the Red Moon had tried so hard to make it easier for its ”child” to travel, it hadn’t even left a door leading to the Half-Step Moon. It felt a bit amiss.

So much so that Fu Qian vaguely doubted whether the return effect on the Ring of Favor was still usable.

If the latter was also invalid, then theoretically, he had lost his means of proactively contacting the Red Moon.

Most importantly, judging by its recent behavior, the Red Moon’s state seemed a bit off, which inevitably caused some concern.

Under these circumstances, providing an incentive to turn Serana into a radio station that constantly broadcasted signals was highly necessary in Fu Qian’s eyes.

If they were lucky enough to actually establish contact, it would be killing at least two birds with one stone—

He could take the opportunity to research the secrets of bloodlines, and he could also confirm the Red Moon’s condition in passing.

A true researcher didn’t just need the eye to turn anything into research material; they also needed the planning skills to make full use of those materials.

...

”The Apocalypse Branch’s style... the rumors really weren’t exaggerated.”

Facts proved there was absolutely no need to tell her his second motive. Serana had already fully felt Professor Fu’s academic spirit, and even his Work Unit was acknowledged in the process.

”Do you think Yuan Shan would allow such reckless behavior?”

Though she sounded a bit weak, Serana still brought up the Night Watchers’ Shangjing regional director.

There was no need to ask; the Night Watchers were definitely unaware of this.

”It’s fine. I’ll tell her this is my project.”

Professor Fu’s confidence was as shocking as ever.

”But I still don’t understand. What does this have to do with the Rebirth Club? Do they also want someone in the Blood Clan to advance to Tier 2?”

She had looked like she was running out of things to say, but fortunately, Serana suddenly remembered what their initial topic had been.

”Although it sounds a bit strange, yes. In my opinion, they have the exact same thought.”

Professor Fu responded almost instantly, even though it was sounding increasingly absurd.

”Unlike what many people instinctively imagine, when it comes to the secrets of bloodlines, they actually want to explore them even more than ordinary transcendents do.”

...

The ultimate bloodline blasphemers were actually the most focused on the secrets of bloodlines?

Pondering that rather ironic sentence, Serana seemed to finally understand why he wanted to help her cultivate, sensing the sheer scale of Professor Fu’s vision.

Was it really purely an experimenter’s mindset? What ordinary people would see as a world-shaking conspiracy was actually being treated as a mere method of research.

”Should I thank you for your profound affection on behalf of the Blood Clan?”

For a moment, both her emotions and tone were complicated. Finally, she let out a long sigh.

”I’ll need a little time to try to inherit Ambor’s legacy.”