Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1028: Chapter 1026: The Death of the Undying Chapter 1028: Chapter 1026: The Death of the Undying “Yasui Tokiyuki is dead?”

Xiumeng’s news was undoubtedly a bombshell.

The great name of Emperor Yasui, there were probably few in the Transcendent community who didn’t know of it.

As a widely acknowledged Second Phase, just one step away from becoming what legends called the New Gods, despite often being unwell, few would associate him with death.

The veracity of this news was a bit explosive; for a moment, it nearly moved everyone.

But being moved was one thing… I admit your lordship has brought shocking information, but what does his death have to do with us?

So much so that we have to hear this cursed news first thing in the morning, you’re not suggesting we killed him, right?

As rational intellectuals, after a short moment of shock, they were obviously not satisfied with this answer, and the crowd turned even more indignant.

…

Not quite right, but now you’re on the mark.

Amongst the victims’ candid discussions, Professor Fu Qian, the newly advanced Demigod and maintainer of academic atmosphere, instantly understood and clarified the whole situation.

It really was about Yasui Tokiyuki’s matter, but the initial driving force was somewhat unexpected.

Indeed, regardless of whether Yasui Corp liked it or not, Yasui Tokiyuki’s passing would have to be revealed sooner or later, but wasn’t this too fast?

Isolation, illness, dispelling rumors, mourning… the process could typically drag out for a year or half a year for such prominent figures, couldn’t it? How did it leak in just a few days?

And as for Xiumeng’s purpose here, it certainly wasn’t a masterstroke of sleuthing to identify the murderer among us and pursue them across a thousand miles.

If they were that capable, with Yasui Tokiyuki’s smoke-inducing actions, wouldn’t he have been minced into stuffing already, sparing us the trouble?

The people of the Academy were probably reported by someone.

…

Before Yasui Tokiyuki’s departure, the Academy had once sent a luxurious investigative team to Ye Island’s Kamakura Family, to help verify the cause of the family curse.

And there at Ye Island, there was a Chief of the Night Watchman who usually carried an air of high quality, and was top-notch at shifting blame when things went awry; seeing the Momentum turn unfavorable, he even considered recruiting strong hands from Yuan Shan.

People like him likely have a good habit of recording any suspicious individuals, for easy accountability at crucial moments.

This time with Yasui Tokiyuki’s affair, the Academy’s investigative team was likely not spared and listed as suspects.

And from the probing just now, the Night Watchman probably didn’t suspect the investigation team as murderers, but rather wanted to rule out whether anyone had made small moves to block the warnings.

Coincidentally, that would be me.

And even more fortuitously, I definitely wasn’t on that investigation team’s list.

Taking advantage of this meeting, rather than directly calling the investigation team, was probably to avoid alerting and covering up to the greatest extent.

As a mere runner-up participant, the attention I received somehow had to be discounted, not to mention that it was a mission-based entry at the time.

Based on past experiences, any traces that might have been left during a mission would almost be erased by the warehouse upon completion.

This moment made it all the more apparent why retreating the Affection Ring earlier was necessary. While it was unlikely for me to give myself away under scrutiny, should “Mom” actually show up, things would certainly become more complicated.

“Lord Xiumeng indeed brought quite a startling piece of news, but could you perhaps clarify a bit more?”

At this moment, following the initial commotion, Li Weixuan had gained control over the situation, signaling everyone to quiet down.

“What is the relation with the Academy, and you’re not here for the previous incident?”

“That’s right, I’ve already preliminarily understood the handling of the incident on my way here—you’ve all done very well, especially Professor Fu.”

Xiumeng expressed his opinion very clearly, even nodding slightly towards Fu Qian.

“A black sheep cannot always be prevented; what’s important is the ability to self-correct. And in this incident, I saw the most decisive action, as well as a process of seeking truth that didn’t involve shirking responsibility.”

“The reason I insisted on coming today was indeed under the pretext of this incident, to confirm some questions with everyone. Please forgive any impoliteness.”

…

A Night Watchman Divine Envoy, apologizing so candidly and openly, even made a judgment on the previous incident.

Also, recalling the earlier probe, although it was disgustingly contaminating, it was clearly measured.

As repulsive as it was, that brief period wasn’t enough to result in an irreversible outcome.

In a flash, the fury in the hearts of the Academy’s instructors extinguished considerably.

“So, it’s because of the previous investigative activities? Yin Hehong suspects we have something to do with Yasui Tokiyuki’s death? Suddenly, I’m quite curious to hear what story he told.”

At this point, Cass chuckled, not hiding his sarcastic tone.

“Moreover, the news of Yasui Tokiyuki’s death has been circulated not once, but many times. How was it confirmed this time?”

“Simple, just last night, during a semi-public appearance on Ye Island, Yasui Tokiyuki was assassinated on the spot.”

It was apparent from Xiumeng’s expression when he said this, that it was somewhat difficult to describe.

Assassinated on the spot? What kind of assassin would that be?

Let’s not even talk about Yasui’s security; he was a Second Phase, and even if he was down and out, couldn’t he escape?

The listeners’ faces twitched in understanding of the origins of Xiumeng’s strange expression.

“The detailed process is almost like this: a couple of days ago, the Siren started spreading news of Yasui Tokiyuki’s death again, and Yasui Corp naturally dispelled the rumors as usual.”

“But given Yasui Corp’s recent odd reactions, to stabilize public sentiment, they arranged for this appearance, only for him to be killed on the spot, with nothing left but a pile of ashes, not even a severe injury to explain it away.”

“There was no possibility of keeping the news confined for long, as even our people were invited to be present.”

“This… must have been a body double, right?”

Someone couldn’t help but murmur softly.

“That’s exactly what Yasui Corp claimed afterward.”

Xiumeng nodded.

“But it’s meaningless now, instead signaling that Yasui Tokiyuki might have died even earlier.”

Li Weixuan sighed.

“When facing an unfavorable situation, spread rumors about opponents, either fake your own death or make a real appearance.”

“To make such a decision at such a critical moment, even if Yasui Tokiyuki didn’t die, he almost certainly lacked the lucidity for communication.”

“A bunch of clever fools.”

Cass snorted.

“Still, I don’t understand. How does this relate to us?”

“It’s simple. A few days ago at Yin Hehong’s request from Ye Island, we went to assist only to discover Yoshitoki Yasui had committed clear violations before he stopped appearing, and it’s likely someone helped cover that up.”

“Yin Hehong provided a list, and we’ve been verifying it one by one.”

Xiumeng quickly explained.

“Of course, you all are cleared now.”