Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1772: Chapter 1767: Betraying Familiar Faces

If you do no wrong, you need not fear the knock of a ghost.

Professor Fu, a dignified pillar of Heaven’s Commencement, devoted wholeheartedly to scientific research, righteous and incorruptible, what reason could he possibly have for not wanting to meet the Night Watchman?

Moreover, it was such a coincidence that they met, and the other party was a familiar face.

"Alright."

It took two hands to laboriously reinsert the Sword in the Stone, and with a sense of relief, Ji Liushuang had no doubts about Fu Qian’s decision.

With the leader returning and concerns dispelled, her confidence was irrepressible.

"Please follow me."

After placing the sword back in its wooden box and leaving it in the lounge, she naturally walked ahead to lead the way.

As for Professor Fu himself, not to mention, he seemed even more familiar and at ease in the key areas of the Swordsmanship Department than at Heaven’s Commencement.

Truth be told, among the four academies, it seemed like he visited Heaven’s Commencement the least.

"It’s just ahead."

While introspecting, Ji Liushuang’s timely reminder came, and they had already reached their destination.

This time, there was no need for her to knock, as the heavy wooden door opened from inside.

"Professor Fu?"

Yuan Fang peeked out from inside, visibly surprised.

...

"Chief Yuan."

Though the title was a bit peculiar, Fu Qian politely nodded in greeting.

"Just returned and heard from Miss Liushuang that you had also arrived."

"What a coincidence."

Glancing at Ji Liushuang behind Fu Qian, Yuan Fang smiled cheerfully, expressing the same sentiment.

Of course, he wouldn’t think that Professor Fu hadn’t actually left, using it as an excuse to evade, appearing only after his assistant probed for information.

Not to mention the reputable feats he had come to recognize in this person and the courage revealed in them, this particular instance gave him no reason for concern.

The Night Watchman may have strict conduct guidelines but is not devoid of reason.

This measure of testing may verge on excessive, but ultimately benefits both victim and Night Watchman.

If the test revealed no new risks that explain the unexplainable, Professor Fu would shoulder it without hesitation.

"Please come in; this time, Lord Aike, responsible for this matter, has arrived, and I brought her to understand some situations."

"Previously, Miss Ji Liushuang helped answer many questions; truly grateful."

Making way, Yuan Fang gestured politely for them to enter.

"You’re too kind; it’s what I should do."

Although Yuan Fang was so courteous, Ji Liushuang, knowing full well she was merely benefitting from Professor Fu’s favor, held no conceited thoughts.

...

"Hello, Lord Aike."

As the conversation occurred at the door, the dialogue inside the room already ceased.

Without intentionally concealing their presence, it was obvious that as soon as Fu Qian and Ji Liushuang approached, the people inside were aware of them.

At that moment, glancing inside, besides Professor Chang Mo, the initial report drafter, stood a neatly dressed, seemingly younger, doll-faced lady scrutinizing without expression.

Despite not meeting recently, unchanged in demeanor, it was Lord Aike whom they had already encountered twice.

Unfortunately, this relationship is somewhat one-sided, given that the current self had not been seen by the other party yet.

However, those from the worldly society do not fuss over minute matters. As Aike’s gaze scanned his face, Fu Qian eschewed introductions and greeted directly.

"Hello, Professor Fu, a pleasure to meet you."

Though a minor detail, Lord Aike appreciated it, the previously scrutinizing posture subtly softening, promptly returning the greeting.

"Thank you for helping us correct erroneous judgment; I fully understand the risks undertaken in this process."

She not only refrained from probing but also directly characterized the entire incident.

Clearly, just as in the Em House Palace, Lord Aike might not be overtly sharp but is undoubtedly bold and decisive.

Although she might not consciously remember the excellent display from that time.

All in all, concerns from others regarding the tone of this conversation were swiftly dissipated.

"It’s as it should be."

Fu Qian naturally appreciated such straightforward interactions.

"On the one hand, it indeed represents a power form worth studying, but it’s also truly detestable, not to mention the handsome reward received."

He expressed his enjoyment in undertaking this project, and his satisfaction with the reward, as he glanced back knowingly at Ji Liushuang, deliberately revealing intentions regarding the reward’s ownership.

"That’s good to hear; actually, I have a minor detail that needs confirmation with you."

Predictably, Aike didn’t mind, though her gaze subtly pondered why this research assistant garnered such esteem.

And even while holding multiple roles.

...

The Sword in the Stone, as a reward, was undoubtedly ample, also evidencing a distinct posture from the Night Watchman.

Specifically, as Professor Fu emphasized the assistant’s contribution, the award was truly conferred according to that inclination.

In addition to its substantial weight, both practically and symbolically, it was nearly exclusive to the assistant.

As for this intent, regardless of certain excesses in Professor Fu’s actions, shifting responsibility and placing another to receive accolades—though the benefits ultimately returned to him—this clear opportunist approach is not particularly admirable.

Thus, the assistant became the biggest winner.

Though Professor Fu indeed appeared genuinely satisfied with the reward, never treating the assistant as just an instrument.

"Please speak."

At this time, Fu Qian had already seated himself comfortably and even nodded greeting to Chang Mo beside him.

The latter’s expression was comparably complex yet relieved.

Naturally, she wouldn’t be petty about her draft being negated or dissatisfied, grateful instead for newly uncovered findings correcting her errors.

A minor grievance stemmed from when amidst the sudden Night Watchman visit, all principal authorities vanished, leaving her to face the brunt courageously.

"The report is rather thorough, so my inquiry isn’t about additional specifics but your experience as a witness."

Lord Aike had already begun to speak by invitation.

"In that phantasmal White Head Holy Church, besides the power of ecstasy, did Professor Fu perceive any traces of an advanced will’s activity?"

"A notably apparent subjective driving force?"

Fu Qian nodded subtly, comprehending her implication.

"...Yes."

"Indeed."

With confirmation obtained, Fu Qian sighed lightly.

"There’s an uncertain perception I omitted from the report...besides the White Head Holy Church, I vaguely saw fire—a golden fire."

The visit here was certainly not for reminiscing with Lord Aike.

If remembered correctly, she was well-acquainted with Old Master Stoss.

Old Master Stoss, master of the Fire of Madness.