Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1500: Chapter 1498: Human Tree (Part 4)

The newborn offspring who had never appeared, now its voice could be heard.

From the tone narrated by Demigod Aike, it could be discerned that this newborn was considered the key to the current predicament.

In fact, Fu Qian also shared this view.

On one hand, it certainly did seem odd.

Larea, known as the Royal Family, was famed far and wide, but essentially, in today’s world, they had become more like a mascot.

It’s said that one reason they swiftly relinquished power back then was that the Divine Human Family’s bloodline had already decayed, and now they have become idle epitomes of wealth, with not even a prosperous population.

The birth of a newborn offspring under such circumstances was indeed a happy event.

But whether such a reason could invite a Night Watcher Demigod to attend still depended on personal interest, Fu Qian reckoned.

Yet Demigod Aike, who attended splendidly, to give face, reportedly never got a glimpse of this noble bloodline’s continuation?

This was no longer a matter of posturing; no mascot family would be so misplaced.

As for the other reason, it was simpler.

[1-207; Offspring]

This task item’s name even explicitly stated it, drawing undeniable attention.

And lastly—

[Current task updated, find the source of the crying]

Just as Demigod Aike finished speaking, the anticipated task appeared.

...

This is what sharpening one’s axe before cutting wood truly means; aimless wandering can still trigger main tasks.

”I also think so; the key to escape might very well lie inside.”

Caressing his gradually filling fingers, Fu Qian agreed with Aike’s opinion.

”Of course, it’s dangerous too. We should prepare psychologically for what we’re about to face. How long can your injuries hold up?”

”The way you’re asking is dangerous.”

Demigod Aike turned at these words, looking at Fu Qian’s hand, smiling inscrutably.

”Rest assured, though I cannot compare with those of you proficient in flesh power, this localized transformation is enough to reduce the rate of bodily erosion to negligible.”

”Thank you for your trust, I merely hoped to assess the situation as thoroughly as possible.”

Receiving the answer, Fu Qian nodded slightly, with a tone of comfort.

”But if that’s the case, I suddenly have an idea—could it be possible to increase resistance to that toxic mist through broader transformation and then explore deeper to see if there’s a discovery?”

”Good idea... if nothing is found inside, I’ll turn you into such and throw you into the mist to see the effect.”

Clearly, Fu Qian’s overly divergent thinking once again surpassed Demigod Aike’s imagination.

However, she didn’t want to show shock, expressing her appreciation for the idea after a slight startle.

”I thought similarly, this could serve as a last resort without leads.”

But unexpectedly, Fu Qian, the planned participant, nodded earnestly.

...

Demigod Aike’s face finally wore the expression of looking at a lunatic.

”What should I call you?”

Though fleeting, it seemed she finally recalled a long-forgotten question.

”Anke.”

Fluent in response, Fu Qian had already prepared this answer.

In fact, it was inspired by the identity given in the storeroom from the last task.

Proclaim the glory of the Dark Moon, it’s our duty.

The name of Dark Moon’s Seventh Apostle has returned across the barrier.

”Well, Anke, but now is not the time to use the final plan. We should first search inside for answers to some problems, like why you feel familiar.”

It’s clear Demigod Aike didn’t fully trust the authenticity of this name, still remembering Fu Qian’s reason of ”inexplicable familiarity.”

While speaking, she had already stepped forward on the slippery path.

”Alright.”

Fu Qian had no objection, quietly following.

After a round of exchanges filled with suspicion, this temporary Exploration Team finally assembled.

Even in such a delicate atmosphere, no one brought up the previous conflict.

...

”How is your recovery?”

The shattered path wasn’t long, and soon they reached a relatively intact stone slope.

Looking up, before them was a giant archway, several stories high, with exquisite relief that dust and moss couldn’t conceal, still proclaiming the glory of the Divine Human Family.

But with just a glance, Aike restrained her slightly complicated gaze, directly checking Fu Qian’s state.

”It no longer affects any action, should I lead the way?”

Fu Qian showed his previously exposed bone rate had dropped to zero, volunteering actively.

”Thank you, but no need to be too tense. This area by the main gate shouldn’t pose any danger.”

With such awareness in the cannon fodder, Demigod Aike didn’t hold back, even offering a kind reminder after a glance.

”Just doing what’s necessary, but how do you know the surroundings are safe?”

Fu Qian’s decisiveness was apparent; while speaking, he was already moving up, and even his casual questions did not impede his observation.

”That’s because when I discovered the banquet had turned into this... I was standing right here.”

Yet it was the casual question that seemed to catch Demigod Aike slightly off guard.

Staring at the figure underneath the arch, it was hard to determine if he was intentional, but after hesitating briefly, she proceeded to follow, replying nonchalantly.

The wording was slightly vague, yet it’s not difficult to grasp.

Although deductions after futile external attempts led them to conclude the key exit was likely still within this building, initially seeming trapped, Aike was inside here.

Unfortunately, she had no intention of deep exploration, opting rather for reverse action.

This behavior of knowing difficulty but not advancing, though explainable as caution, unmistakably tarnished the demigod’s prestige slightly.

...

Fu Qian indeed asked intentionally.

Gaining courage after sensing shame during their conversation, Fu Qian’s first reaction was to use it as motivation.

After all, the situation didn’t look particularly optimistic at first glance.

Stepping over the arch, in the instant of entering the ancient palace, an unfamiliar sensation almost immediately surfaced.

For instance, the abruptly intensified baby crying, still elusive yet its orientation unconfirmed, appeared to gradually amplify within the mind.

For a moment, even the outside world shrouded in toxic mist seemed remote.

As if with the passage of time, it would become increasingly cumbersome to leave, ultimately becoming part of it.

Moreover, upon close inspection, Fu Qian seemed to have identified the source of the familiarity he mentioned earlier.