Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1507: Chapter 1502: Human Plant (11)

”Mr. An Ke’s thinking is indeed meticulous.”

Although Demigod Aike had an enlightenment, the one enduring more pressure was clearly Fu Qian, who was aiding the enlightenment.

At that moment, both Li He and Ji Ning involuntarily slowed their pace, their gazes fixed on Fu Qian.

”Actually, speaking of this, I have a question as well.”

Not outright denying anything, in the next moment, a playful smile appeared on Lady Ji Ning’s face.

”In that sudden ambush, why was the signal of Thunder called out? Did this place make you feel there was no hostility?”

Indeed, it was the response of a seasoned individual, deeply incisive in its approach.

It was obvious that Lady Ji Ning’s attitude towards her own performance earlier was merely one of acceptance, not understanding.

And at this moment, she did not avoid the questioning but rather mirrored the gesture, anticipating an answer.

”It’s simple, based on the role I play in the team, it was the choice with the highest expected benefit.”

Seeing the lavish contingent of the temporary alliance almost precariously teetering with just a few words, Fu Qian remained composed, pursuing the depth of intellectual collision without hesitation.

”I am too weak.”

Pointing at Aike, Fu Qian made a second self-deprecating remark.

”Such a trap, where even the initiator is not visible, as someone who specializes in flesh power and is not of High Tier, aside from making every effort to break free from the influence, there was little else I could do. Ensuring that I wasn’t mistakenly injured was already quite fortunate.”

...

Though likewise incited by Ji Ning’s words to doubt, the term ’mistakenly injured’ still made Aike feel somewhat uneasy.

If it hadn’t been for Ji Ning’s prompt intervention earlier, my reflexive response would have almost certainly enveloped this temporary ally.

At the time, I was not oblivious to this fact but made a measured choice.

Even if given another chance, I might very well make the same choice; however, having it pointed out now feels somewhat odd.

”And yet, this precious time of sensory confusion was not capitalized upon, allowing us to react naturally after being affected, which struck me as abnormal, much like the lack of hostility you mentioned.”

Unfortunately, it was obvious that no one cared about Aike’s hesitation, nor did they glance at her, while Fu Qian continued speaking fluently.

”After all, in a place like this, brief sensory confusion typically accompanies a ruthless assault – that would seem to be a more normal progression.”

”So, when pondering the objective of this benign trap, I considered the most optimistic possibility – a test from a fellow kind.”

”With no objective, I couldn’t possibly move past Lord Aike to the front, so my first choice was to convey the communicative nature of the team.”

”...I have to repeat my earlier assessment, Mr. An Ke’s thinking is truly intricate, and his adaptability is astonishing.”

Madam Ji Ning’s expression almost synchronized with Fu Qian’s narration, and in the end, she couldn’t help but exchange glances with Li He, whose eyes were undisguisedly filled with admiration.

”You indeed made the most reasonable choice.”

Given their ranking, they naturally knew that this mysterious figure with an odd background was not lying about his abilities.

The more so, maintaining such calm thinking in the current situation was exceedingly rare.

”As for the issue you raised, yes, we do have some uncertain conclusions, but please believe that the concealment was not out of malice.”

...

It’s no wonder these two were moving so slowly.

Ji Ning’s explanation, unsurprisingly, confirmed Fu Qian’s speculation.

The earlier situation seemed simple enough. Li He and Ji Ning, trapped just like Aike and me, realized that the new member of the Royal Family was the crux of the problem.

Then they chose the same response strategy, even the same route, to search for possible traces.

But that was only on the surface; upon closer reflection, one can notice the incongruity within.

How is it possible these two just realized this now?

They weren’t even surprised at Aike’s presence at the gathering, so how could they not have considered the associated danger with the newborn?

Not to mention, they encountered issues while on their way to see the baby.

Moreover, having the thought and time to set up such a trap already indicated that I was likely to be the only anomaly in this predicament, while others entered around a relatively consistent time.

In the end, despite being completely outclassed both in terms of information and capability, Li He and his company were overtaken while searching.

What were they doing during this intervening period?

It raises many speculations.

”We indeed realized right away the pervasive erosion of this place and its possible link to the newborn’s incessant cries.”

It was at this point, however, that Lord Li He sighed lightly and addressed the crux.

”But before seeking the potential infant’s room, Ji Ning performed a small test with her abilities and discovered something peculiar – the crying wasn’t omnipresent.”

...

This sort of thing?

Preferring to risk a reduction in operational efficiency and yet still raising questions, Fu Qian’s intent was to leverage the two newly added powerful individuals for a deeper understanding of the present predicament.

These two may have no ill intentions, but they may not be without reservation.

This was his initial impression post-interaction, after all, relative to Li He and Ji Ning’s might, their gains were indeed mediocre.

The fact that the two genuinely held something back was proven, despite the content being quite counterintuitive.

What?

Lord Aike’s shock quite validated this point.

However, she was ultimately measured, refraining from expressing her emotions with meaningless interjections, opting to grit her teeth and continue listening instead.

”This counts as an unintentional discovery because the initial intent was to attempt a direct escape.”

Lord Li He appeared quite satisfied with the audience’s reaction.

”Ji Ning’s ability allows her to enter a transient death state on a spiritual level, and upon entering here, we judged it to be some high-ranking illusion or dream. Therefore, rather than getting caught up in its elements, our first response was to leave.”

It was indeed a reasonable reaction, for those with power often don’t need to adhere to pointless rules.

Entering spiritual death, for all sorts of confounding methods, was practically an explosive, table-flipping way to break through.

Fu Qian naturally understood this mindset, nodding continuously as he listened.

But clearly, they didn’t succeed.

”Of course, as you can see, things weren’t that straightforward.”

Playing with the Royal Crescent Sword in his hand, Li He sighed once more.

”After guarding the spot for nearly a minute, Ji Ning’s resurrected will appeared back in this place, unable to return to reality.”

”Of course, that doesn’t mean it was all for nothing. While examining her state, she was astonished to find that the force slowly eroding her body had paused during this period.”