Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1770: Chapter 1765: Sword in the Stone

”Professor Fu.”

As a high-demand academy, although not as aloof as Linghui, the Swordsmanship Department always carries an air of authority that deters idlers from entering.

Unfortunately, everything needs to be compared. Compared to Professor Fu, who recently stood for mere moments and sent the director directly into retreat, no one else could exude such a presence.

Consequently, with unimpeded passage, it did not take Fu Qian long to arrive at the place where he had debated swords with Li Weixuan before.

Earlier, Ji Liushuang, who had been confirmed with the Ver Sisters, was already inside waiting and was the first to greet him.

Veil was not present; it seems she realized that Ji Liushuang had an urgent matter to address, and her sister Riet had left the laboratory directly to continue her adventures in the streets.

It was clear that the young man had genuinely grown and moved on, no longer harboring meaningless curiosity about such matters.

”You’ve worked hard these past couple of days.”

In response to the warm welcome from his research assistant, Fu Qian, as a leading figure in academia, first expressed his appreciation.

”Not at all.”

Ji Liushuang, who had long been noticed keeping watch, now engaged in conversation, naturally attracting numerous onlookers.

Professor Fu, appearing as spirited as ever, even dressing more formally than usual, inspired a rare playful smile from Miss Liushuang, which intrigued the observers.

”Before Director Li went into retreat, he specifically instructed that the laboratory work be handled promptly, so aside from offering a few suggestions, there wasn’t much I needed to do.”

Casually turning to lead the way, Ji Liushuang explained.

Hearing this, it was evident that Brother Weixuan was indeed a meticulous person; even with a demigod opportunity at hand, he didn’t neglect the smallest of matters.

”I’ve already seen it, and it’s well done.”

Fu Qian, not stingy with his praise for the final result, commended immediately.

Indeed, it was quite good.

Although she said no more, Miss Liushuang thought to herself.

Despite not imposing strict demands or deliberately replicating anything, the laboratory’s original style, with these embellishments, inadvertently carried a hint of Silver Mist Manor’s atmosphere, which gave her a peculiar feeling as she walked through it.

...

”Earlier today, Chief Yuan of the Night Watchmen came along with Lord Aike to discuss the matters from the last report.”

Avoiding discussion of trivial feelings, Ji Liushuang led Fu Qian inside a building to a door, knocking twice before opening it casually.

The room wasn’t very large, nor was it overly decorated, but it carried an inherent aura of tranquility.

After closing the door, Miss Liushuang promptly explained the reason for inviting Fu Qian over this time.

”Because you weren’t here, and the director instructed not to be disturbed, Professor Chang Mo took care of the communications after I briefed some details.”

”Moreover, this is also Professor Chang’s rest room, so the conversation will be more private.”

”I see.”

Fu Qian found a spot to sit and listened intently, nodding slightly.

Though still just a student, the initial knock on the door made it clear that this was not Ji Liushuang’s exclusive rest area.

As a student of Professor Chang Mo, it was evident she often used this place.

As for Chief Yuan, though the title immediately gave the impression that Yuan Shan might have come along, it undoubtedly referred to Yuan Fang, with whom he’d communicated more than once.

”Regarding the report’s content, neither Chief Yuan nor Lord Aike expressed clear opinions, and they entrusted Riet to convey their message mainly because they brought a reward from the Night Watchmen...”

As Ji Liushuang spoke, she moved aside, picked up a slightly larger long wooden box, and placed it in front of Fu Qian.

As the lid opened, a peculiar object came into view.

...

It was undoubtedly a weapon.

With a straight, cross-shaped guard and an elegant yet luxurious grip, it resembled a sword.

However, the part above the guard was somewhat peculiar.

Strictly speaking, it was a sheath, but the design was strikingly abnormal.

Neither metal nor wood, its entire surface was jet-black, significantly bulkier than the hilt, with rugged protrusions across its surface, making it appear quite heavy.

”Chief Yuan expressed his heartfelt thanks for our contribution to the previous incident and emphasized that this reward was specifically for me when he presented it.”

Explaining the item’s origin earnestly, Miss Liushuang showed an unusual hint of bewilderment on her face.

Fu Qian refrained from commenting for the moment.

The reward’s ownership had long been tacitly agreed upon to belong to Ji Liushuang, as part of a conspiracy in the laboratory to maximize total gains.

So, verbal commendation for him and a heavy reward for the research assistant were unlikely to provoke such a reaction.

Unless the reward was excessively substantial.

”I did not refuse, but this is almost legendary ’Sword in the Stone.’”

As expected, Ji Liushuang took a deep breath the next moment.

Despite its seemingly bizarre name, its appearance undeniably matched it.

”It’s well-known, yet it’s more than just a weapon; it belongs to the sealed items under the Night Watchmen’s control.”

”It’s said to have belonged to a human king from the Mythic Era, who passed the divine test and drew the Sword of the King, which could only be wielded by one with a heart of justice and compassion.”

”Though in the end, the king couldn’t escape the curse, losing his original intentions and dying by this weapon.”

As Ji Liushuang spoke, she slowly drew the sword, revealing her action wasn’t easy.

”This is merely a tale of its origins. It’s sealed by the Night Watchmen not only for its history, but because all previous documented owners ended similarly, curled up in a stone-like posture, desperately trying to thrust it back into their bodies.”

”If not handled in time, the body truly transforms into a stone-like substance, spreading to the surroundings... Historically, it reportedly caused the death of an entire city.”

”However, my concern isn’t just that... On the contrary, this object is too precious; the dangers it presents already speak to its value.”

In a sighing tone, Ji Liushuang shook her head slowly, gradually drawing out a part of the sword.

”Use doesn’t require demigod status, yet it can unleash attacks capable of harming High-level Extraordinary, while the Sword Holder remains immune to most contaminations, distortions, and even mental influences.”

”It’s said that when the Swordsmanship Department was established, they applied to the Night Watchmen to be its custodians, but they were flatly refused.”