Chapter 564 34: I Am From the Continuous Prayer Meeting

It wasn't expensive, but the craftsmanship was exquisite. It wouldn't pass for a Magical Artifact, but as a small, everyday gift, it was definitely a cut above the rest. It would be meaningful even as just a souvenir.

But the watch itself wasn't the most important part.

"Very clever Hypnosis."

I remarked with admiration, closing the box and giving 014 a slight nod. "Formless and traceless, an imperceptible psychological suggestion. Through your earlier rhetoric, you stirred up feelings of annoyance toward the fan club in me. Then, you conflated the ideas of Su Zhou and the fan club. Finally, you used the act of 'seeing the Spiritual Light upon opening the box'—a completely unremarkable action, yet one that symbolized 'unveiling my true inner thoughts'—to plant that hint of a suggestion deep within my mind."

"But the brilliant part is, your suggestion wasn't meant to worsen my relationship with Su Zhou. On the contrary, you just wanted me to focus on my training to catch up to him, and in doing so, gradually hand over the fan club's responsibilities to you. That's a good thing, something I'm not inherently opposed to, which makes it extremely hard to detect. Even if I did notice it, I'd probably just assume it was my own idea."

"You've certainly shown you're very capable. And after meeting in person, as friends who've now met in the real world, I have no reason not to trust you."

'But Su Zhou and I have been friends for so many years. How could I not know that it's completely impossible to catch up to him just by focusing on my training?'

'You can't become a true powerhouse without some kind of cheat. Talent and hard work are just the fundamentals. Without some extraordinary encounter, an ordinary genius can never hope to catch up to a real powerhouse.'

A flicker of surprise crossed 014's handsome face, but he didn't seem flustered. 'Looks like he didn't underestimate me. Perhaps he knew I wouldn't be affected by that kind of suggestion? But he probably didn't expect that I never trusted him from the very beginning, which is why he's surprised now.'

But it was too early for him to be surprised.

I simply pointed out one thing. "If you'd shown up with a more ordinary-looking face, I might have actually fallen for it. 014, tell me, what's your real goal? I'm guessing you're not just some rabid Su Zhou fan, willing to take such risks for the minor perks of being the fan club leader."

'I figured 014 must have a backup plan. He doesn't seem like the type to only have one.'

"There's no helping it."

In response to my question, 014 shrugged and gave a genuine, bitter smile. "It's the organization's standard for screening personnel, especially core members. Your appearance has to be among the best of your respective Race. As for the specific reason…"

He shrugged again, not elaborating further.

'An organization. Just as I thought. So 014 really does have an organization behind him. That fits with the management skills he's shown. And for them to have been lying low for so long, they must have some other objective. But their standard for screening core members is just bizarre... good looks?'

'Recalling what happened back in Shan Country, I think I've figured out which organization is behind this guy.'

"The fact that you detected the suggestion was actually within my expectations. We've never underestimated you. Still, if you had fallen for it, things would have been more convenient for me, so it was worth a shot."

Even though I had discovered his purpose, 014 quickly reverted to his friendly smile. He showed no sign of fear, nor any desire to flee. "Do you know who you are?"

'If this were the Su Zhou I know from online, he'd have shot back with something like, "Of course, I'm your daddy."'

Even though my friend's typical internet slang popped into my head, my own strength lies in my ability to multitask my thoughts. So, I maintained a look of feigned confusion. "The entire core admin group knows I'm Shao Qiming. Why are you asking such a pointless question?"

But 014 just shook his head and clicked his tongue. "You think your identity is Shao Qiming?"

"Wrong. Only you and your parents think that. To the vast majority of people in this world, your identity is actually 'Su Zhou's friend'."

'Oh-ho.'

'I raised an eyebrow. Now that one layer of his identity was peeled back, 014 had stopped pretending. He was starting right off by trying to drive a wedge between me and Su Zhou, implying I was his subordinate and trying to stir up my competitive spirit... What was he playing at?'

Moreover, at that moment, I began to faintly sense fluctuations of Spiritual Power emanating from 014. It seemed he had previously used some kind of Secret Technique to conceal his true strength. 'Extraordinary High-tier? Even though it's just a small fraction, it's definitely Extraordinary High-tier, with a purity that borders on the peak level. Just as I guessed, he really was hiding his power. But if this is the extent of it, it's still within my expectations.'

Soon, he cast a screening Magic, isolating our private booth from the other rooms in the teahouse.

It wouldn't take me even a second to break this spell, but I could also tell he meant no harm. 'How interesting.'

"You've been lying low for a long time."

I took a sip of my tea. It was a bit bitter. I spoke calmly, "Why reveal yourself now? If you meant to harm Su Zhou and me, you could have just kept lying low. You would've eventually found an opportunity."

'My question had two purposes. First, to try and discern his motive. Second, to ask him directly and see if he'd answer, which would help me judge his character.'

"Because if we don't act now, we'll lose our chance. And our objective is very simple."

014 poured himself a cup of tea as well. He took a sip and smiled. "Besides, it's beneficial for both you and Su Zhou."

"Allow me to introduce myself. I come from the Holy Snake Spirit Prayer Association, a very well-hidden Mysterious Organization."