Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Within the sealed area, a killing intent emerged.

“You really dare to admit it!”

As soon as Fu Qian spoke, even Yuan Shan shuddered in disbelief, staring at him.

“What’s there not to dare?”

The Wrath of the Demigod was no small matter, and although Yuan Shan had yet to make a move, the air seemed to fill with invisible whirlpools that were oppressive to the point of suffocation.

Moreover, within the sealed area were three guards of around the Fourth Phase, who could arrive at any moment.

...However, Fu Qian remained unfazed.

“It saves time on probing, isn’t that a good thing?”

“You brought me down here to confirm this point, didn’t you?”

“Since you’ve said so much…”

Yuan Shan’s expression was icy, her gaze sharp.

“I hope you use the precious time you’ve saved to explain yourself well, otherwise, you’re going to have a hard time leaving here today.”

I didn’t need you to tell me, I’d been aware of this the moment I arrived.

Fu Qian thought to himself.

When Poker Face said Yuan Shan wanted to meet him, he had already envisioned this scene.

Nevertheless, Fu Qian had still come.

The reason was simple: he hadn’t found the Thorn Blood on Henrik’s body.

If he had confirmed the Thorn Blood on Henrik’s body earlier, he would not have bothered with anyone and would’ve simply harvested it to complete the mission.

However, not finding the Thorn Blood and confirming the presence of a person behind the scenes, it was necessary for him to make this trip; otherwise, he would simply become a decoy to divert attention.

Next, it was time for a battle of wits.

“Actually, it’s very simple, because I, like you, believe that the entire incident was not an individual act by Henrik.”

Fu Qian said something shocking.

“What do you mean?”

Yuan Shan was initially shocked, her tone settling down, but her gaze remained cold.

“Don’t tell me, you’ve been staying at the base all this time just to enjoy the privilege of leadership.”

“I came to Shangjing intending only to live a leisurely life and incidentally look after an old friend’s daughter. But after learning about some of the circumstances, I couldn’t help but become suspicious.”

“Go on.”

“I once dealt with a man named Lu Ming and witnessed some strange research. And some of the things I witnessed at the banquet led me to some bad associations, and I wanted to confirm what exactly had been stolen.”

Fu Qian chose to use the Rebirth Club as a shield.

“Lu Ming?”

Yuan Shan narrowed her eyes.

“Yes, an old man without a single hair on his head, always obsessed with experiments like stitching together bodies and limbs.”

“Rebirth Club?”

“You know about it too?”

“Why wouldn’t I know about it?”

Yuan Shan snorted.

“That bunch of lunatics caused havoc at sea, turning the area into a place of chaos and darkness. I’m very clear about these happenings.”

“However, it’s said that an accident occurred there three months ago, not only was Bai Jinting from the White Tower Group assassinated, but the Rebirth Club also suffered heavy losses, including the destruction of their laboratories. Your acquaintance should have also died in that accident.”

“Unfortunately, due to the special nature of the Ring Islands and Yibu’s tight lockdown on information, we know very little about what exactly happened, only that the assassin hasn’t been caught to this day.”

Actually, I’m that person too.

Fu Qian thought to himself.

“But based on such an unfounded guess, you rashly invaded the Night Watchmen Base and even went as far as to take lives?”

Yuan Shan glared.

“First of all, I originally intended only to sneak in for a look, and secondly, I haven’t taken anyone’s life.”

Fu Qian waved his hand.

“`

At the time, the young girl and two guards I knocked out weren’t seriously hurt; I had purposely controlled the force of my attack to ensure it wouldn’t be fatal.

What Yuan Shan said about wounding three people just now confirmed that.

As for the Tendril Barrage Devastator, I merely demolished a house, and with the Night Watchman’s wealth and power, they shouldn’t mind too much, right?

“The point isn’t that, but rather after that incident I started being watched. For instance, I encountered a strange assassination attempt last night.”

“This morning, I even ran into Henrik, and although Wen Li truly could be considered his prey, isn’t the coincidence a bit too peculiar?”

“An assassination attempt?”

“That’s right.”

Fu Qian recounted the incident involving the maid and the rabbit.

“That talking rabbit, I believe, was not the work of Henrik?”

Yuan Shan fell into deep thought.

“Continue.”

“So, I’m increasingly convinced that Henrik’s defection isn’t so straightforward, that someone else is behind it, manipulating events. Because of my unusual actions, they noticed me and decided to eliminate me as an unpredictable factor.”

“Although I’m still not certain who they are or what their aim is, in my view, Henrik is nothing but a tool being used.”

After staring for a long while, Yuan Shan finally nodded, and the murderous intent about her eased somewhat.

“Have you heard of the Native Council?”

The Native Council? That was an unfamiliar term.

Fu Qian shook his head.

“It’s normal not to know. Unlike the Rebirth Club that is out in the open, the Native Council is a secret organization, heavily veiled.”

“Compared to the Rebirth Club, the Native Council is even more unscrupulous in their actions. Many incidents involving corruption and curses are tied to them, and they have always been our top target for eradication.”

“So you suspect that they are orchestrating this affair?”

Yuan Shan had indeed harbored suspicions all along.

“I never believed Henrik would do such a thing, but without proof, my hands were tied. The information you’ve brought, if true, could serve as corroboration.”

“If that’s the case, Henrik will probably be abandoned soon.”

Fu Qian silently made that deduction.

Henrik had already almost completely lost his sanity, rendering him incapable of divulging further information. If the Native Council’s goal was solely the Thorn Blood, then they would likely dispose of him at an opportune moment.

“In fact, I think his current actions serve to draw attention for those behind the scenes.”

“Is that also why you’ve been unwilling to leave the Night Watchmen Base, worrying about being lured away from the real target?”

“Yes, one reason is I’m unsure of their motives, and another is that this thing has been unstable.”

Yuan Shan pointed to the room that had been securely sealed off, then added a few more strips.

“After the object was taken, the remaining parts of the corpse underwent a severe mutation, not only transforming the vicinity into this state but even subtly affecting other sealed-off corpses.”

“Because of this, I’ve had to continuously deal with it, but now it’s mostly stabilized.”

“We just have to wait for headquarters to dispatch someone to deal with this completely.”

“I see.”

Fu Qian nodded.

“But you’re quite impressive.”

Suddenly a smile appeared on Yuan Shan’s face.

“I appreciate a man who acts without reservations. Are you interested in joining the Night Watchman?”

“No.”

Fu Qian replied decisively.

“I’m just a bookstore owner.”

“You might want to hear about the benefits first before dismissing the idea so hastily.”

Yuan Shan’s eyes danced, about to say more, when her expression suddenly became serious as she walked to the side.

After a moment, she came back and looked at Fu Qian.

“They’ve found Henrik.”

“`