Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1642: Chapter 1637: Invisible Palace

Embrace the darkness, for this is a true descent into shadows.

Yet upon returning to the warehouse, Fu Qian’s movements were still smooth and fluid, wasting not a single second as he grabbed the Emissary’s Mask from the table.

Even while putting it on, his other hand conveniently picked up a hand bell named Tranquilizer, with a pale golden hue.

The scene shifts again, finally returning to the side of that dim light.

However, at this moment, Fu Qian had already changed into a different outfit, his demeanor suddenly transformed.

He still used Grimshaw’s face, but this time, the gentle and wise gaze was accompanied by accessories.

Though unable to make a sound, the Tranquilizer was now held with a genuine rattle bell gesture.

With its ancient design and the scratches upon it, Fu Qian’s image embodied a culmination of antiquity and wisdom, shifting significantly towards that of a spellcaster.

Of course, this posture lasted only a second before Fu Qian stepped forward onto the suspension bridge.

As for behind him, the presence of Ms. Xiao Ying had long vanished.

No surprise, the time spent changing clothes at home was enough for her to catch up, overcome her fears, and forge ahead.

...

Honestly, this place truly resembles the growing space of a tree, rather than a channel for magma.

Though he didn’t intentionally speed up, with no branching paths, after crossing two suspension bridges and several twists and turns, Fu Qian suddenly stepped into an open area, arriving at a precipice.

It was obvious that this was already the volcano’s central area, the precipice itself marking the edge of a circular pit.

Beneath him lay a gaping darkness resembling an abyss with a considerable expanse, and looking up, a distant sky could be seen above.

But at the same time, there wasn’t any stifling heat—temperature had bizarrely plummeted instead.

Examining the passage beneath his feet that resembled a giant tree growing from the earth’s core, Fu Qian was certain that the surroundings were near freezing.

Within this chill, more traces of human activity were discovered.

Embedded in the stone walls of the pit were not only several interlinking chains but also stairways spiraling downward using these chains.

The pathways weren’t continuously connected, segmenting into cave openings along the stone wall, clearly indicating that part of the route lay within.

Impressive, quite the perseverance.

Feeling the relentless quest for exploration through countless years, Fu Qian even understood such endeavors quite well.

In such a unique scene, set within a world possessing Transcendence, it’s not strange that the Huang Family ancestors were captivated at first sight, settling by the mountain to explore its mysteries.

Though in recent years, enthusiasm seemed to have waned.

After all, it was only when the famed Blood Lion found no hope that he thought of this place again.

But it was precisely this action that reignited the passion of the villagers.

And this time, it was gratifying that the zeal was not wasted.

For instance, though no large group could be seen, standing here, Fu Qian spotted Ms. Xiao Ying’s figure not far below.

She was crouching there, carefully examining another lying figure, clearly having discovered something.

More importantly, both were beyond the cliff, with no visible path beneath them.

...

An invisible path, perhaps? The last time seeing a similar scene seemed to be in the Blind Eye Association’s Underground Ruins.

And the sensation felt even more abstract.

Gazing at the two people not far ahead, Fu Qian confirmed that even now, he couldn’t outline their positions within his perception.

Just like the path he took to descend.

Though commendable in courage, Ms. Xiao Ying hadn’t ventured far—confirming which path to take to catch up was easy.

Yet as Fu Qian followed the planned route, he quickly found himself obstructed.

Though the complete stairway extended halfway, an invisible barrier blocked his path, making it impassable.

This wasn’t a simple case of a few invisible roads; inside this unique geomantic treasure land, it felt more like being thrust into a bizarre invisible structure.

Or perhaps a tree with branches punctured all over?

Fu Qian naturally recalled the scenes he had once seen, those continuous bursts and fractures.

Though intuitively, it was closer to the former.

Exploring a new path, he easily found that the surroundings had distinct edges, not as smooth as biological tissue.

"Ah—"

During observation and commentary, Fu Qian’s presence was finally noticed, triggering a scream.

As she quickly examined the body, Xiao Ying instinctively looked up, shocked at finding a figure standing there observing.

Disobeying orders to come here, coupled with the previous eerie changes and discoveries during her inspection, must have accumulated substantial psychological pressure on her.

In that moment of complete detonating, the scream certainly had a piercing quality.

"What are you doing here?"

Still, being practical, she forced herself to stop with just one scream, biting her tongue hard as if to break it.

Eyes locked on Fu Qian, catching her breath was forgotten as she asked incredulously.

"Shouldn’t I be asking you?"

Yet Fu Qian, unabashed, responded as naturally as breathing.

"You weren’t part of this mission, were you?"

"I... but..."

Just as they say, with a justified stance, one’s words carried weight, and Xiao Ying was at once tongue-tied.

Of course, there were reasons for her posture.

"Weren’t you supposed to be outside guarding?"

After a concerted effort, Xiao Ying finally managed a counterattack.

And she wasn’t merely speaking nonsense.

Looking haggard, his complexion sallow, Fu Qian now bore Brother Jianyuan’s face.

To engage in a high-level, efficient conversation, what identity was more suitable than this?

Thus, on the path down, Fu Qian had casually completed the adjustment.

"Why would I be guarding outside? What exactly are you talking about?"

And he did justice to that face, his words clouded with impending storm and sternness.

"Didn’t you follow me in after discovering me—"

Glancing incredulously at Fu Qian, Xiao Ying’s muttering abruptly stopped, suddenly noticing his attire.

Indeed different... so there are two Huang Jianyuan?

Wait a minute—

Seeming to realize something, she scrutinized Fu Qian’s attire again, deepening the confusion in her gaze.

Too young, why do you think we made a point to change clothes?

This outfit’s unlike Captain Qiao’s either.

To this, Fu Qian merely gave a cold snort in his heart, growing thoroughly impatient on his face.

"Haven’t you had enough of fooling around?"