Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1459: Chapter 1457 Artificial Existence Core (27)

Was it handcrafted by the Chief of the Night Watchman? The previous prompting really succeeded.

”Meticulous preparation.”

In silent reflection, as Fu Qian effortlessly conversed with the Night Watchman Leland, he almost seemed on the verge of clapping, even turning to glance at Winona.

”Your decision to call for reinforcements was correct.”

...

As Leland’s explanation unfolded, Winona, whose emotions had gradually calmed, found her eyes flickering with this praise.

She always believed her tip-off was flawless, and hadn’t expected it to be long under the other’s scrutiny.

Yet, knowing this fact, didn’t this guy not only refrain from stopping her but even leisurely sat down to wait?

Isn’t that excessively abnormal?

Could it be possible that Leland’s arrival allowed her to reverse-engineer this and he said it deliberately, refusing to admit being outmaneuvered?

Deeply shocked, Winona quickly pondered a more ”reasonable” explanation, rather than guessing that Grimshaw was merely acting like a complete lunatic.

...

”I suppose it’s precisely your arrogance that gave us this chance to interact.”

Sadly, the more reasonable possibilities she racked her brain to come up with did not receive Leland’s support.

The latter appeared completely unmindful of Fu Qian’s feigned composure.

”When I first reported our initial contact, I had already discussed with the Chief the possible effective measures against you.”

Leland’s sincerity was indeed profound, even first confessing why there had been such prior preparation, his words filled with utmost praise.

”Cunning, cold-blooded, unrestrained, truly a terrifying threat.”

”Even for trackers at the Demigod Tier, based on your previously displayed special concealment ability, trapping you would still be challenging.”

”Thus, in the end, we unanimously agreed that the best opportunity lay with me, since you have already estimated my ability.”

Leland pointed at his bald head.

”Your madness is hard to ascertain in terms of reality, but arrogance is absolute.”

”To manipulate everything and bewitch hearts, whether ordinary people or Transcendents, are merely tools to you.”

”Evaluating risks and guiding them to ultimately achieve your purpose, you clearly enjoy this dance on a knife’s edge.”

”And for you, no matter how I ponder, I am of no threat, especially since despite going all out, I couldn’t even touch you.”

Although these were self-deprecating words, as he spoke them, Winona’s face slightly reddened.

It’s not surprising, given that throughout the process, her performance had evidently been even more lacking.

”I believe Winona’s actions must have been noticed by you, and in your judgment, she would definitely not mind sharing some of the Night Watchman’s gains to try and contain you.”𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

Taking it all in, Leland slightly shook his head and continued.

”You used such a hope to induce her to tell you what you wanted to know.”

”And if it turned out that the reinforcements arriving were only me, it shouldn’t be enough to make you forfeit such an opportunity and could instead be an excuse to continue exerting psychological pressure with an elegant posture as much as possible.”

”Your arrogance in recognizing my strength would be one of the few opportunities I could exploit.”

...

”Actually, it really doesn’t matter; Your Excellency can certainly continue with the previous question.”

Seeing Fu Qian momentarily lost in thought, Leland made a gesture, indicating that he could ask without hesitation, even glancing at the somewhat weak and helpless Claire nearby.

”I will also urge Ms. Claire to fully answer your questions—after we reach a consensus on the current situation and you tell us the things we want to know.”

”Please believe me, with the talisman’s effect, the contamination will be quite difficult to remove and absolutely sufficient to maintain until your mission here fails.”

Actually, if it were the right contamination, the moment you successfully imposed it, the action would already have failed.

Leland’s argument sounded thorough and earnest, yet facing such an open conspiracy, Fu Qian felt somewhat sardonic.

He didn’t doubt the talk of contamination; despite the factor of deliberate leniency, the changes currently happening to him were indeed remarkable.

With the augmentation of that talisman, the previous attack had already surpassed the Demigod Level.

However, this kind of contamination, compared to the one that needs to be avoided for this mission, was excessively weak and orthodox.

As for the so-called tracking, Fu Qian didn’t think it was alarmist.

After all, Leland seized this opportunity with painstaking effort, even taking considerable risks; it would be too wasteful if it were merely a bluff.

The only problem lies in what purpose the Night Watchman seeks after accomplishing this.

To frankly confess?

How much credibility does a liar’s word have, enough to warrant such effort?

In Fu Qian’s view, the demands posed by the Night Watchman’s ”successful scheming” seemed overly deliberate and likely weren’t their actual intent.

The issue is, aside from frankly confessing, the Night Watchman’s sole remaining subtle request seems to be to ”stay here.”

By means of threat, what significance does it have to make him stay here for them?

Watch their actions by their words.

If the words are unreliable, then is it possible they guided the meeting of the two individuals involved through special means to observe each other’s reactions?

Even if tracking is possible, staying in one place quietly, no matter what, is easier to handle than running around.

It also fits the Night Watchman style, which is controlling the situation rather than being passive everywhere.

It’s not the only possibility, but if it comes true, it means I will be guided to contact Lek, possibly restarting the mission.

”Actually, most of the time, I am a person who enjoys communication and is honest.”

In the gradually serene atmosphere of the next moment, Fu Qian lightly shook his head, speaking with a tone of disappointment.

”Actually, if you had just spoken properly, you wouldn’t need to go to such trouble. Now, instead, I’m a bit displeased.”

...

What sort of shameless argument is this?

Fu Qian’s statement undoubtedly shifted the atmosphere dramatically, and while Leland handled it better, still maintaining some composure, Winona was already stunned.

Initially willing to confess, because of being unhappy with the harsh interrogation, you’re not prepared to say anything?

Who do you think would believe that nonsense!

”What is Lord Grimshaw implying?”

However, she didn’t let the emotion seize her, and instead of directly accusing him, she interjected in a tone with no fluctuation.

”What I mean is, you have no idea what you’re doing, and this situation will have to be prolonged for some time.”

As he said this, Fu Qian was looking at Claire in the farthest distance.

”If I were you, I would try to pray that there is still time left for this city.”

You...𝗳𝚛𝗲𝕖𝕨𝕖𝗯𝚗𝚘𝕧𝕖𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝕞

This remark, clearly shocking, finally caused Leland’s expression to change slightly.