Chapter 3052 Absolute Villainy

An external demigod of the Ji Clan, and the principal director of Wasteland development.

Though they had only met once, Fu Qian was absolutely certain the gloomy-faced middle-aged man was An Gui, a figure of real authority within the Ji Clan.

That he was the fourth person was somewhat unexpected.

After all, considering this was Silver Mist Manor, the appearance of Ji Xun—the actual person in charge—would have felt far more fitting.

Yet on careful thought, it made perfect sense.

Their past interactions might have been brief, but when it came to their bound interests, Excellency An Gui was clearly the stronger link.

Furthermore, to summon the dignified head of the Ji Clan at their beck and call in just the second thematic space—the Night Watchers were already putting their terrifying capabilities on full display.

It was just a pity that Professor Fu refused to give them face. His utter indifference to authority severely undercut the impact of the display.

And just as the onlookers began to wonder if he truly didn't recognize the head of the Ji Clan, he turned right around and recognized Excellency An Gui, making the atmosphere incredibly bizarre.

"How does Professor Fu know him?"

Foregoing any polite pretense, Corvos outright confirmed the fourth person's identity and expressed his curiosity about the relationship between Professor Fu and An Gui.

"That was quite a long time ago. The two of us hit it off right from the start."

It was a simple question, yet it instantly brought the past rushing back into view.

Fu Qian recalled his pleasant collaboration with Excellency An Gui and let out a soft sigh.

"We just so happened to conspire to murder Ji Yicheng."

...

They just so happened to do what?

Within the quiet confines of Silver Mist Manor, everyone listened to Elder Professor Fu, who had spent half a lifetime in the saddle, recount his colorful history.

It should have been a rather moving scene, but once they realized exactly what Professor Fu had just said, a dead silence fell over the cramped space.

"You were the one behind the death of that Ji Clan descendant out in the Wasteland?"

Surprisingly, it was Old Man Stoss who broke the silence this time.

The conversation was rapidly spiraling into heinous territory, but he looked as though he would suffocate if he didn't speak up.

Clearly, the tragedy in the Wasteland was on the Night Watchers' radar, and quite a few of them had heard the rumors.

"To be exact, I was the one who did the deed. Excellency An Gui provided the intel and handled the cleanup."

Fu Qian gave a slight nod, unwilling to erase his accomplice's hard work.

He emphasized that he had merely been responsible for beating the man to a pulp; Excellency An Gui had had to consider far more.

"Why—the Gospel Team?"

It was obvious Excellency Stoss did not particularly care about a casualty or two, even if the victim had been a core member of a major organization.

What truly confused him was Professor Fu's motive, prompting the subconscious follow-up.

But before Fu Qian could answer, Stoss's gaze snapped toward Classmate Liushuang, as if he had just pieced it all together.

Professor Fu's profound care for his research assistant was an open secret...

And the mother and daughter duo, who had historically held empty titles and been entirely excluded from the Ji Clan's core authority, had indeed begun to seize a voice in recent days...

Furthermore, Professor Fu had personally admitted moments earlier that it would be in his best interest if the Ji Clan reaped the spoils of the factional struggle...

Had he not only been secretly directing the political storms of Shangjing, but also scheming against the Ji Clan this entire time?

"In related matters, An Gui does indeed support my research assistant."

Meeting Old Man Stoss's slightly dumbfounded stare, Fu Qian clearly understood his implication and directly stated that within the entire Ji Clan, An Gui was now Classmate Liushuang's diehard supporter...

How could he not support her? After conspiring to murder a descendant of the Ji Clan, what choice did he have but to walk that dark path to the bitter end?

He hadn't said much, yet he had said enough.

That single mention of internal support was enough to prove that Professor Fu knew exactly what Stoss was thinking.

In fact, he didn't mind making it even clearer, openly admitting that An Gui had joined their united front due to their past history.

"So that's how it is. Understood."

Suddenly, everything clicked into place. A web of conspiracy aimed at the ancient bloodline of the Ji Clan slowly unfurled before their eyes.

And the image of the man weaving this web was becoming increasingly terrifying.

Had he not only colluded with Yuan Shan to manipulate Shangjing's political sphere from the shadows, but also paved the way to ensure his research assistant's title as the head of the Ji Clan carried actual weight?

Most crucially, the man had been conducting long-term research at the Academy, significantly accelerating the rate at which it produced demigods.

Just how much had this guy done in such a short amount of time?

And more importantly, what exactly was his end goal?

"Just a simple integration of industry, academia, and research."

Sensing everyone's confusion, Professor Fu smiled and waved his hand dismissively, acting as if this were merely standard procedure.

"Just as I mentioned earlier, I greatly admire this order the Night Watchers have established."

...

He could even bring it full circle to offer another compliment?

One shocking scheme after another had been brushed off as a mere "integration of industry, academia, and research." Professor Fu's vision had clearly reached an inhuman scale.

Yet, coupled with his final point, it all felt intensely logical—he truly was immensely satisfied with the Night Watchers' work, and he genuinely admired every aspect of the order they had shaped.

It was just that his specific way of showing that admiration was to ruthlessly exploit that very order to turn the world upside down.

In that moment, the concept of a walking disaster seemed to materialize right before their eyes.

"I believe it now. Professor Fu truly does admire our work..."

It was here that the gap in their perspectives subtly revealed itself.

Compared to the speechless Stoss, Corvos gave a slight nod, finally accepting Fu Qian's approval.

The existence of a "Rule Villain" was the perfect proof of the order's stability.

Not to mention, the "Rule Villain" had performed so flawlessly today, demonstrating his praise in an impeccable manner.

"In return, please feel free."

Before Fu Qian could offer any pleasantries, Corvos made a gesture, signaling that everyone was present.

Feel free?

By comparison, his wording was even more polite than that of the people back in Shangjing.

As Fu Qian silently mulled it over, sure enough, more than one face in his field of vision slowly turned toward him.

"Professor Fu."

Surprisingly, the first to speak was the person he technically had the shallowest relationship with: the head of the Ji Clan.

He had to admit, the man possessed an imposing air. Out of all the figures of "fate" he had encountered so far, this one's gaze was arguably the sharpest.

"Thank you for looking after the younger generation."

His tone was neither haughty nor humble, retaining a certain level of social diplomacy.

"An effortless favor."

Fu Qian wasn't surprised that the man recognized him.

Let alone in this state of "fate" bound by abstract connections, even the real-world head of the Ji Clan would likely be able to match a name to this face.

Out of everyone, this man was probably one of the most invested in Classmate Liushuang's growth. How could he not keep tabs on her social circle at school?

"And how should I address you?"

Unfortunately, in comparison, Professor Fu's efforts in home-school cooperation were somewhat lacking.

Right after returning the pleasantry, he furrowed his brows slightly, his expression clearly asking who the man was.