Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1508: Chapter 1503: Human Tree (12)

Did the erosion pause during brain death?

Li He’s statement instantly triggered Fu Qian’s many associations.

He certainly had no doubt that Madam Ji Ning could achieve this.

From the trap just now, it was evident that she was quite skilled in spiritual manipulation.

”What do you think this implies?”

At this time, seeing Fu Qian deep in thought, Li He seemed intent on testing him.

”From the previous situation, accepting the crying doesn’t rely on hearing; instead, it’s directly reflected on the spiritual level.”

Fu Qian wasn’t evasive, nor did he worry about showing off.

”Combining the changes happening with Madam Ji Ning, it seems highly likely that the erosion is transmitted through the crying as a carrier.”

”Well said.”

Li He laughed lightly.

”That was also my initial reaction, and though it seemed meaningless, since we cannot find a way out in a zombie-like state, it quickly led us to a second attempt.”

Oh?

Fu Qian looked eager to hear more.

”Aside from spiritual faux death, I also have another ability, which is allowing the will to briefly leave the body and act in soul state.”

This time, it was Ji Ning who responded.

”With the previous speculation about the crying, upon waking, I immediately opted for spirit walking, resulting in something peculiar — as the distance from the body increased, the crying grew quieter.”

”Is it that the crying has always been following each of us, not indiscriminately pervading the entire building? Was that illusion merely created?”

Fu Qian instantly understood.

”Indeed, the erosion’s speed also decreased simultaneously, but that’s no longer important.”

Li He sighed.

”Unlike you all, though I don’t possess many magical abilities, due to my ranking and sword dao cultivation, my perception is a bit more heightened.”

”After Ji Ning shared her inference with me, through careful discernment, I indeed noticed something.”

”Something vague, following in a special way.”

...

”Got it, you didn’t rush to find the nursery because you believed it wasn’t the key.”

Li He’s and Ji Ning’s explanation was easy for Fu Qian to comprehend, and he nodded in admiration.

”The thing trapping us here is actually more concrete than imagined, quietly following behind each person?”

Even in the face of such bizarre changes, Demigod Aike, who had remained silent nearby, couldn’t resist jumping in to highlight her presence, though her logic was still quite smooth.

”You’ve been trying to find it during this time? That’s why you set up the trap earlier?”

”Yes, it’s a pity we haven’t had any breakthroughs thus far.”

Ji Ning sighed.

”That’s also why we initially didn’t share this speculation, because it’s still merely a hypothesis.”

”We’ve seemingly wasted time, yet your idea seems the most practical in the end.”

... The situation indeed grows increasingly bizarre.

This comment clearly left Aike feeling a bit conflicted.

Though she refrained from looking back, after the explanation just now, she also sensed something more abstract than shadows, quietly observing her from behind.

”It’s not entirely meaningless.”

Despite being of the lowest ranking, Mr. An Ke seemed to maintain a great mindset, and in the oppressive atmosphere, he was the first to offer a different perspective.

”Simply the fact that erosion doesn’t increase in a faux death state is already a significant discovery.”

Facing the surprise of the three who looked over uniformly, Fu Qian gestured towards Ji Ning slightly, casually encouraging the morale.

”In the most extreme scenario, if the way out remains elusive, Lady Ji Ning could re-enter that state, only waking when Director Li becomes unsustainable, thereby extending the problem-solving time maximally.”

...

Isn’t this overly communal?

In that instant, the team spirit coming from the mysterious Mr. An Ke evidently struck a deep chord with the other members.

Particularly as the one involved in the strategy, Ji Ning almost instinctively shot a glance at Li He, her expression indescribably strange.

”Forget it, I still prefer to keep fate in my own hands.”

It’s truly hard to imagine the love-hate relationship in between.

Fu Qian inwardly admired this reaction for a moment.

It had been apparent that there seemed to be some friction between the two seniors.

But that’s just the surface; if Ji Ning didn’t trust Mr. Li Sr., how could she have completed the previous test?

Of course, Fu Qian was not interested in emotional entanglements.

The only reason to focus his efforts on this was to deduce the reliability of the information provided by the two.

Regrettably, it seemed quite credible.

Their cooperation and judgment after falling into predicament were indeed professional.

And their conclusions had considerably diminished the significance of this trek under the countdown.

However, as mentioned earlier, this less significant strategy remains the only executable one for now.

This tacit understanding clearly existed in everyone’s consciousness, manifesting as no one stopping even briefly during the prior exchange.

At this moment, they raced swiftly, crossing one corner and door after another.

”Be careful.”

And then, Li Sr.’s reminder suddenly came.

At the same time, he had already floated ahead of everyone, moving to the forefront.

...

This is...

The moment the scene behind the door emerged, Aike seemed a bit unadapted.

Mahogany floor, low-hanging drapes.

No longer was it the endless corridor, nor the lamp brackets like intestinal folds.

Appearing before them now was a section of luxurious yet secretive area.

The transition felt so natural that it was like the group had just taken a few additional steps, unwittingly intruding into the royal family’s living quarters.

And the scene was far from the biggest change.

As the group crossed the last door, a mixed sobbing sound suddenly became much clearer.

Unlike the cries that had been permeating their consciousness, this sound clearly came from someone else.

Earlier when Mr. Li Sr. moved suddenly, he likely detected this.

”Just ahead.”

At this moment, he again reminded them, gesturing to follow.

”Unless I command you later, no one should take action.”

Though the tone was flat, the later emphasis left no room for dispute.

After all, he was a seasoned worldly veteran; while he may usually seem gentle, at critical moments, his responsibility for team command is undoubtedly assertive.

In truth, he has proven his qualification for this role.

Hardly veering off any path, Li He soon led the group to a door, and was the first to step forward, using the weapon in his hand to push it open.

The sobbing and the scent of blood intensified simultaneously.