Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 2362: Chapter 2357: Tasks Seek People

The greater the power, the greater the responsibility.

In Fu Qian’s view, this statement should hold true on an academic level.

The higher the ranking, the closer Transcendents are undoubtedly to the reality of this world.

In his perspective, ascending in ranking is one thing, but failing to utilize this to seek knowledge in both directions would be quite a waste.

Unfortunately, good things often meet setbacks, and this strong desire for learning has encountered a bug, so even though standing at the ”top” of the Extraordinary Sequence, his research methods are quite restricted.

Luckily, true academic workers never rely solely on updated equipment.

Even without perception, Professor Fu still has many techniques, hasn’t he just discovered something interesting?

Perhaps even something Lord Rainbow of Radiance would be interested in.

Now the only obstacle could be that without the help of the Red Moon, exploring the Bone Burial Ground isn’t easy.

No matter, the projects at hand already need scheduling.

The next journey to the Sea of Ashes is confirmed, and preparations at the Study Abroad Palace are just for scientific research readiness and a bit of rest—like now.

The warm sun has passed noon, and after a busy morning, Professor Fu looks at the rather pleasant weather outside and settles into the chair he received not long ago.

And while enjoying time in this leisurely manner, he seems to have more empathy for the headmaster who takes bold and decisive actions.

The latter also behaved similarly in his office at that time.

...

”Professor Fu.”

Unfortunately, principles must be followed, such as the emphasized fact that leaders always have matters to attend to.

Amidst rare tranquility, the sun slowly descends, yet before it falls below the horizon, a call is already heard.

Urgent, indeed.

Of course, it isn’t the lab assistant or the rising star of the Divine Ashes Institute, regardless of whether their posture seems relaxed, neither of those two would be lazy at this time.

But the voice is somewhat familiar—

Professor Luo Bu, seems like it’s been a while since they last met.

Fu Qian remains unchanged in posture, observing the visitor.

Thick eyebrows, big eyes, medium-length hair, overall untidy appearance; truly a typical Heaven’s Commencement Institute professor’s look.

Recalling the last time this person visited, it was due to trouble caused at the Sword Pavilion, coming over to deliver the Fungus Sword.

This time... probably some new trouble?

”Sit.”

Unreservedly associating, Fu Qian gestured to the seat.

On one hand, confident in Professor Luo Bu’s imagination and execution, on the other, the visitor didn’t conceal his urgency.

Only two slightly odd things: one is the high frequency of trouble, the other being that the news of Cass’s triumphant return should have spread, why not go there first—

”It’s Ah Kai!”

True to the forthright nature of researchers, Luo Bu hesitated slightly before solving the puzzle troubling Professor Fu with a name.

...

So it’s not your mess, it’s Professor Ah Kai’s?

Hearing this actually makes it quite reasonable.

”What’s happened exactly? What did you do?”

The face of the next-generation rising star of the Divine Ashes Institute appears in his mind, Fu Qian slightly nods, skipping the nonsense.

Professors Luo Bu and Ah Kai have quite a rapport, which isn’t a secret.

Back during the meteor shower incident at the Benevolence Institute, the two of them managed to stir up some reckless behavior together.

Leading to a fortunate turn of events amid the furious rebuke from Professor Chang Mo, albeit allowing them to participate to some extent in the investigation.

As for why they have such rapport despite being rather homebound?

Not surprising, what’s better for cementing male friendship than reckless endeavors?

Including this time.

In Fu Qian’s judgment, Luo Bu probably didn’t just coincidentally discover Ah Kai encountering trouble, but was also involved.

This is why he directly asked what they did together.

Even from this, one can understand why Luo Bu would come here instead of finding Cass.

Last time, it was Fu Qian who helped clean up the mess, forming a path of dependency.

Besides, collaborative projects between faculties have always been something he’s pushed for while serving as an acting principal.

”Actually, I’m not entirely certain, but Professor Ah Kai seems to have disappeared.”

And the importance of leadership’s composure is now evident.

Faced with calmly reclining yet instantly focused Professor Fu, Luo Bu appears somewhat at ease, organizing his thoughts before speaking softly.

”Recently we’ve been working together on a research project. Specifically, Ah Kai approached me two days ago, hoping I could provide a special material.

”I was initially quite surprised because I’ve always known that for the Benevolence Institute, the materials consumed hold more symbolic significance, very hard to imagine I could be of help... but then he described further and I was even more astonished.”

Without urging, Luo Bu quickly lays out the context.

Professor Fu’s mythical performance over the days clearly allows him not to worry about the other’s comprehension difficulties.

Though before the last sentence, Luo Bu still pauses, looking peculiar.

”Did you give him your recent experimental results?”

Such expression allows even Professor Fu to instantly grasp the situation.

Previously praising Professor Luo Bu for his imagination was mainly due to his fungus cultivation.

Using swarms as the target for corroding Divine Blood and Flesh was indeed an inventive idea.

Even recently, when Jade Soul Master roamed the Academy, a betting agreement was signed with him, and Fu Qian indeed encountered peculiar roles like the Fungus Emperor, enhancing the perception of potential in that experiment.

Is this proof of potential?

Has the harvest time for the work pushed forward all along come?

...

”Indeed, it was so fitting compared to what Ah Kai requested... but without definite plans, he said it can’t be fully disclosed yet.

”I thought it was reasonable, given their institute’s mysterious nature, so I merely warned of the risks without probing further.”

Professor Fu immediately grasped the key, and Luo Bu wasn’t surprised.

Considering the assistance for this project, already rendered more than once.

The described Ah Kai certainly fits the usual impression too.

Secrecy doesn’t imply distrust; Benevolence Institute, with its mystique, has specific taboos entirely expected.

”Very reasonable.”

Fu Qian casually expresses agreement, gesturing to continue.

”That was two days ago, and when I went to Benevolence Institute today to verify with Ah Kai, he was gone.”

Encouraged, Professor Luo Bu finally reached the main point, brow furrowed, not hiding his concern.

”I’m unable to confirm if anything went awry, but the feeling is truly unsettling, so here I am after thinking it over.”