Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1530: Chapter 1525: Human Plant (34)

This is what it means for the power of the team to truly shine.

The information shared by Mr. Li He was evidently quite intriguing, and Fu Qian believed that it was his repeated candidness that had ultimately made up Mr. Li He’s decision to share it.

Otherwise, no matter how dire the situation, such secrets would never be disclosed to a demigod of unknown origin.

From the way he just now used makeshift weapons from the surroundings, it’s clear this old gentleman likes to keep something up his sleeve. Combined with his position as the former Academy dean, having some informational reserves is not surprising.

In fact, this was one of the potential added values Fu Qian envisaged in the current team operation.

However, judging from Lady Ji Ning’s reaction, it was clearly the first time she had heard of it.

The special experience Mr. Li mentioned seemed extraordinarily complicated, so much so that he treated it as a deeply guarded secret.

But that’s beside the point. By bringing up this information now, the old gentleman’s intent is already quite clear—it’s a judgment about the cause of the current predicament—

The ”face” hidden within ancient bloodlines has resurfaced because of a newborn with a unique constitution, connecting to a higher power and creating predicaments and erosion.

Given the current information, it’s indeed a remarkably smooth hypothesis—much like my own conjectures about the Tree Infant.

Indeed, Fu Qian did not question the authenticity of Mr. Li’s information, though he was cautious about his judgment.

...

Believing in the power of the team and believing in the team members are two separate matters.

Realizing that everyone has their limitations is one of the core prerequisites of good cooperation.

For example, for the old man, he has not, like me and Ji Ning, come into contact with that special form of information, which will inevitably affect his judgment on the nature of the predicament.

Even the secrets he hasn’t shared all this time—while valuable information, they might also lead to disadvantages—for instance, leading to preconceived notions.

When you view a problem with a predetermined answer, it’s easy to overlook other possible answers.

Having dealt with various higher powers so many times, Fu Qian always had faith in their nature.

Especially in the ways they utilize human weaknesses.

”The decision I made earlier was indeed the right one.”

Walking beside him, Mr. Li He, although his pace remained steady, couldn’t hide his surprise.

”Honestly, for quite some time after reaching that conclusion, I was skeptical myself.”

”Until this exploration laid out so much information before us, making it increasingly hard to ignore that possibility.”

Looking at Fu Qian, he made no attempt to conceal the admiration on his face.

”Certain ancient powers indeed challenge the imagination, and your insight in this area is commendable.”

Ancient powers and their lore?

I do indeed have quite a wealth of knowledge, though the reasons might not align with what you think.

As the old man reverently respected the ancient Transcendent forces, Fu Qian silently mused.

...

In these polite words typical of worldly wise individuals, Fu Qian never placed high hopes on their sincerity.

But since the other party had spoken to this extent, it was undoubtedly time for him to present his stance.

Otherwise, others would do the same thing and waste time.

”I merely acknowledge the possibility you mentioned, but to verify it, we might still need to find the source of the crying.”

Expressing humility with a full gesture, Fu Qian displayed the Bloodline Clan’s pride in not accepting undeserved compliments, while gesturing forward.

”Are we sure we still want to go? If it really is as Director Li said.”

Yet, despite this, one of the previously silent team members couldn’t help but speak up.

The weary but heavily accomplished Luyi was the first to show hesitation about their future path.

”If we continue according to plan, our best-case scenario seems to be facing an entity akin to one who holds divine authority...”

”Even before that, His authority has already left us battered. So what do you think we should do?”

Watching the team member in the worst condition with interest, Fu Qian agreed with Luyi’s concerns, even helping to supplement the key points.

”...I think we could at least try to leave here, instead of venturing further in, we could move outward.”

Though there was a hint of mockery on Fu Qian’s face, Luyi still gritted his teeth, showing the effort of life seeking a way out.

”Coincidentally, we do seem to have such a backup plan.”

Not unexpectedly, with an unchanged smile, Fu Qian glanced at Aike.

”Indeed, there is...”

Reluctant to speak, but being called out this way, the Night Watcher Demigod had no choice but to sigh deeply and recount his initial experiences.

Including Fu Qian’s previously mentioned plan of turning into wood to throw himself into the toxic mist to increase resistance and find a way out.

”Unfortunately, this plan seems low in feasibility unless there’s no visible way out. Personally, I do not recommend adopting it, but of course, you can have your ideas.”

”...So does your perception indicate that the next clue is just ahead?”

Luyi, apparently hearing about the situation outside for the first time, after a good ten seconds of silence, appeared to finally concede to Aike’s suggestion.

The chaotic, boundless toxic mist—the madness of the backup plan was apparent to anyone, and perhaps that’s why Aike’s sentiments toward Fu Qian were complicated.

The only potential benefit is that the possibility of this place not being grounded in reality has increased once more.

”Since we’re already here, perhaps we should first see if there’s any valuable yield before deciding on the next step.”

Slightly reluctant to meet Fu Qian’s gaze directly, Luyi still exhibited a commendable capacity for self-correction, cautiously suggesting.𝒻𝓇𝑒𝘦𝘸𝑒𝒷𝓃ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝒸ℴ𝘮

”Good idea.”

While the others were absorbed in thought, Fu Qian responded with his usual affability, nodding with his chin toward the noticeably large archway on the opposite wall.

”That would be it.”

...

”There really is a statue!”

Without any objection affecting their progress, soon under the careful scrutiny of the group, a pale golden statue came into view.

Behind the door was the grandest hall yet, and the size of the statue was equally exaggerated, standing in this vast, dim space.

It was a figure clad in armor, though robust in build, yet devoid of any non-human components, and even the exposed face appeared delicate and gentle.

This was the third clue. Everyone had heard Fu Qian sharing the findings earlier, validating them to be quite consistent.

It was placed so openly, much more noticeable than the previous item.

With an exclamation of surprise, Luyi, who had earlier considered implementing the backup plan, now eagerly focused his attention on Ji Ning, who had initially marked the way.

”Lord Anke, shall I try it first this time?”

However, the next moment, Li He cleared his throat, volunteering himself.