Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 2352: Chapter 2347: Great Skill No Work

It was clear to the audience that Lord Aike was looking for Professor Fu.

But the exact reason for the visit was not so obvious.

As for why there was such urgency to leave, it was even more intriguing.

Not long ago, Stoss and Su Gao had just returned to the Night Watchman’s side, leaving Aike behind.

The reason was simple; the project "Ecstasy" she was in charge of was not yet formally concluded.

However, she had previously mentioned that she wouldn’t come to the Academy again for some time, and now she was visiting just to say goodbye?

Fu Qian sighed at the impermanence of the world yet remained composed.

It seemed Aike first went to her own place only to find it empty, then sought out Professor Lisa.

Given the close collaboration between the two laboratories, this approach was quite reasonable.

Though he had indeed offered some help in her project, such a farewell seemed overly sincere.

To Fu Qian, the first thought that came to mind was that something had happened with Lord Stomach.

First, the former genius professor Ian of the Divine Ashes Institute had unwittingly exposed something, resulting in significant negative impact, with many victims including Ian’s partner Lily.

Then the dastardly placed the blame of the Fire of Madness on him, making the Night Watchman even more vigilant.

Recently, issues related to the Mad Fire had been frequently cropping up, and it was easy to imagine the pressure that might be felt.

Under such circumstances, Aike, who was supposed to be the busiest with the project, suddenly stopped all activities?

Other than significant progress made at headquarters, what other explanation could there be?

Concern for Lily’s situation, though a reason filled with human compassion, was just a reason, nothing more.

"Oh, I see. Actually, regarding the things behind the Finger Ball, I’ve recently had some vague insights as well."

Fu Qian nodded slightly, not questioning Aike’s explanation, but added suddenly.

...

It was a reason, but why seek it out?

One must know that Lord Aike apparently didn’t need to come to the Academy, yet went through the effort to come here?

Simply because the issue was very significant and sensitive, requiring even someone like himself who was a key technical support to undergo multiple political reviews.

Aike obviously didn’t think that a casual excuse would deceive him.

On the contrary, she was observing his reaction after she finished speaking.

Of course, the reason she provided was indeed quite casual.

Fu Qian wasn’t particularly dissatisfied with this; from the Night Watchman’s standpoint, not doing this would indeed be a dereliction of duty.

So in response to Aike’s probing, he expressed a mix of farewell sentiments and continued to embody the essence of a scholarly worker, engaging in project discussions.

"Oh? What insights have you gained?"

Lord Aike indeed seemed a bit moved and was willing to listen in detail.

"Heaven, although I don’t know the true designation of that entity, it appears to be related to this common concept."

Fu Qian was indeed not stingy, sharing his thoughts on the Paradise task at the time.

It was long confirmed that Lord Stomach had been scheming for Paradise.

And later, according to Chief Yuan’s intelligence, this behavior could be traced back to before the Long Night, when Eckhart, a devout believer of the sun, was corrupted.

Fu Qian naturally wouldn’t betray his allies, revealing these details, but he had no qualms about selling out his opponents.

Regardless of whether the Night Watchman was aware of this, there was no harm in saying it now.

On one hand, Lord Stomach and himself were in an unending conflict, so fanning the flames of conflict with the Night Watchman was the right thing to do.

On the other hand, Aike’s visit this time was merely to see where he stood, so he provided her with an attitude—Professor Fu has always been actively exploring this matter and was willing to share.

As for speaking too much and thereby triggering the Night Watchman’s suspicions about his motives?

Joking aside, how could there be no suspicion?

With Professor Fu’s recent performance being overly sharp and conspicuous, it would be strange if the Night Watchman wasn’t curious.

Fu Qian never intended to do something so foolish as covering one’s ears while stealing a bell; when dealing with the Night Watchman, his core strategy, which was mentioned long ago, was simply — Merit Points.

No matter how strong he is, regardless of origin, identity, or even real ranking... As long as he grasps the key to serving the people, it’s enough.

Looking at many events, one can see that to maintain this fragmented mess, the Night Watchman has exhibited ambiguity in many places, including both overt and covert means.

Overall, though, the core holds true to the warehouse’s former evaluation—justice.

Thus, great skill with no effort, no matter how elaborate the disguise, it’s better to let the other side feel the stance.

What if he was wrong, and "justice" was just the Night Watchman’s disguise?

That’s okay too; judgment is inherently two-way.

Such deep exchange conveniently helps to confirm his subsequent strategy.

...

The Night Watchman had to be visited, and Old Master Stoss’s invitation before he left, Fu Qian never considered that he could refuse it.

It was, in fact, an invitation at its core, to come at a later convenience given his excellent performance at the time.

No doubt, as per his evaluation back then, it would be a perilous banquet.

The real experts never wait until they’re seated together to begin self-introduction.

Many dialogues that transcend time and space have already started long ago.

This was the opportunity the Night Watchman gave to Professor Fu, and also the opportunity Professor Fu gave to the Night Watchman.

Otherwise, when a great massacre occurs, and it turns out both sides are good people, how awkward would that scene be?

"Heaven..."

And at this very moment, it was clear whether or not the Night Watchman had this information, Lord Aike obviously didn’t possess it.

Talking to herself, Aike’s expression visibly turned heavy, then she shook her head.

"I really didn’t know before; I’ll make sure to take this information back, Professor Fu. Would you mind explaining how you confirmed this?"

Admitting her own ignorance, Aike was indeed very persistent in inquiring about more details.

"White Head Holy Church."

Fu Qian continued generously.

"Not too long ago, I spoke with an acquaintance who mentioned having been to a place similar to Heaven... and inside it, he sighted a structure similar to the White Head Holy Church."

The acquaintance naturally referred to the Jade Soul Master, who had indeed remarked on Paradise, though the latter part was Fu Qian’s own experience.

Though due to his own actions, the White Head Holy Church no longer existed, Fu Qian was genuinely keen to know the relationship between Lord Stomach and the Lord of Heaven, and possibly even the Unbearable Wheel.

... an acquaintance who had been to Heaven?

Of course, the answer was somewhat shocking, causing Aike to remain silent for a while.

"Understood, thank you for sharing, Professor Fu. I will seek further instructions from you when there’s an opportunity."

And when she spoke again, Aike indeed didn’t question but thanked and took her leave, especially bidding farewell to Lisa and others.