Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 2290: Chapter 2285: Encircled Hunt

I’ve already braced myself for this psychological exploration, but isn’t this cinematic language a bit too wild?

There’s no mistake, although that drooping face is somewhat disfigured, it doesn’t stop Fu Qian from recognizing that it is indeed Lady Nepheli, with whom he was laughing and chatting not long ago.

And she seems completely unaware of his and Luyi’s greetings.

Both eyeballs are gone, immediately reminding one of the origin of the Princess of Torture’s Eyes.

In fact, in those bloodied eye sockets, one can see flesh arranged in an oddly patterned way.

Layer upon layer resembling gills, even spreading out, leaving marks on the pale skin.

Just a glance seems enough to feel the materialized pain within.

More than just alarming, when looking elsewhere, the body is covered with various signs of cruel torment.

Piercing, cutting, rotting... it’s clear she has suffered significant torture.

And each wound is accompanied by traces of pain spreading to surrounding areas, even extending to external objects like buildings.

The ground and walls seem to be corroding with pus and blood, forming similar marks.

So the legendary "Executioner" is actually Lady Nepheli herself?

The surreal tome I just saw was the confession of this Academy predecessor?

Is this a reenactment of the torture she endured back then?

Honestly, this twist is quite shocking, especially since the victim spoke earlier, and the voice didn’t sound alike.

Moreover, with my relationship with her, it doesn’t seem necessary to reveal so much.

"Very, good... hehe..."

During the commentary, the tortured figure hanging there still didn’t lift her head, and from her ears, it seemed she might not even hear my conversation with Luyi.

Yet the next moment, the sound squeezed from her throat, hoarse though it was, became surprisingly familiar.

...

Is it really the former headmaster’s voice?

Was my earlier reading not immersive enough? Did the voice match because of my current level of immersion?

It’s apparent that Nepheli is talking to herself, but that doesn’t stop the information from being substantial, quickly helping Fu Qian to reach an explanation.

In just a few words, the emotional intensity is extremely powerful, deeply conveying the thoroughly ravaged will.

"I didn’t expect you would actually respond."

At this moment, Luyi, who was beside me, seemed quite moved by Nepheli’s voice, lightly chuckling as he praised Fu Qian’s courage.

"It appears she understands you better... Didn’t the Abandonment King warn you of the danger?"

Before Fu Qian could express humility, Luyi already turned his gaze, continuing to praise Nepheli and uttered an astonishing title.

So, is Lord Rom indeed a well-informed Ancient Supreme?

Fu Qian’s immediate reaction to this was to conclude in his mind.

It must be said that directly mentioning the title of the Abandonment King is quite impactful.

Despite all the previous interactions as a bookstore owner, Academy Professor, or even Old Master Lu’s persona at the Rebirth Club, these identities were not unusual for the Native Council.

But the return of the Abandonment King, and the last incident involving the Fire of Madness engulfing the Lonely King’s Palace, even though the Native Council was among the victims, pinpointing the title with precision requires some knowledge, not to mention associating it with myself.

"So, are you actually invited extras?"

Though suddenly revealing core secrets, Fu Qian wasn’t hesitant, directly countering with a question.

The confusion regarding the current scene wasn’t entirely expressed earlier.

Besides Lady Nepheli’s seemingly unnecessary display, the participants in the scene also have bizarre identities.

Luyi and Rom?

If the cruel torture really came from them, how much Stockholm syndrome must Lady Nepheli have to become a technical backbone of the Native Council?

Rather, the involvement in this scene as invited extras, merely to warmly welcome me, is a much more reasonable explanation.

After all, there have indeed been significant disputes among us, and within a few short words, Lord Luyi’s hostility is quite apparent.

Considering the risks, it seemed like a trap designed for the willing, without any certainty of taking the bait.

As for why I took the bait, why does Nepheli still play her part so earnestly?

"Haha... acknowledging your influence, she never allows anyone to enter here."

Regarding the portrayal of extras, Luyi didn’t deny and even laughed heartily.

Moreover, he turned to gaze at the tragically shaped Nepheli with appreciation.

...

"Leaving contact information is hardly an act of betrayal, is it too severe?"

Luyi’s words seemingly have hidden meanings, and Fu Qian is not surprised, contemplating as he looks over.

Why does Lady Nepheli continue her effort in acting?

Combining Luyi’s words, it’s easy to deduce a classic answer — first ask if it is, then why.

For Nepheli, this may not be acting, nor necessarily a personal intention.

Leaving behind the Princess of Torture’s Eyes, as analyzed earlier, has multiple uses, with the trap being just one.

It is apparent that Nepheli is confident in my willingness to respond.

However, at this moment, it’s not necessarily her utilizing this confidence.

Precisely because of the varied uses of the Princess of Torture’s Eyes, this action becomes ambiguous.

It could be a probe or a trap, could it also be a token of allegiance?

It is well-known that the trial halls of illegal organizations are terrifying; the repeated setbacks faced by the Native Council might lead to an internal purge.

Logically, this rationale seems highly plausible.

Considering Nepheli’s unique background and slightly ambiguous stance, it’s not surprising she would be the first to stand out.

The ultimate result could be that the organizer of this call might not be her, merely a matter of using up resources.

"Do you still have time to worry about this? Shouldn’t you consider your situation more?"

Fu Qian’s somewhat tangential reply seemed wholly comprehensible to Luyi.

And surprisingly, he found some humor in this righteous remark.

Of course, from Fu Qian’s perspective, this reaction isn’t misplaced.

Although I have sabotaged many of the Native Council’s plans, this place looks like their absolute home turf.

Even Luyi alone is a formidable opponent, not to mention Lord Rom watching with an ailing body.

Moreover, even without Ariel, the Native Council is brimming with talent, and not standing in front doesn’t mean Viheler Crow Feather and others aren’t present.

"I’ve considered it, so you’d better hurry, I’m on a tight schedule."

Fu Qian promptly agreed, nodding to indicate compliance.

Yet, while urging, his gaze was fixed on the tortured figure hanging there.