"What are you up to?"
The direction was pointed out swiftly, but at the moment the hand dropped, Yuan Shan was startled, staring intently at Fu Qian’s head.
Silently, he had put on a strange mask.
Red and white intertwined, resembling a clown, with blood tears at one corner of an eye, uncertain if they were tears of laughter or sorrow.
"It’s nothing. Do you think if I go with this image, everyone’s impression might be better?"
Fu Qian seemed puzzled by the excessive reaction, casually tapping on the mask of the Destined God, consulting Yuan Shan’s opinion.
"I’m not sure, but if you’ve really decided on this, make sure to let me know in advance."
Though expressing uncertainty, the latter coldly spoke the next moment.
The implication was clear: at that time, you’d better go alone without splattering me with blood.
"Understood."
Fu Qian, who always appreciated feedback, sighed lightly and took off the mask again.
Naturally, a certain straight line could easily be drawn, almost matching the direction Yuan Shan had just pointed out.
Choosing to remove the mask and return to Shangjing was largely to test whether the thing was still there.
As proven, not only was it still there, but it was as precise as the Electronic Compass, which somewhat diminished the mystery of the Transcendent, even allowing for a cross-location attempt.
...
Well then, another reason to attend the banquet.
To be honest, even at the sight of that line, Fu Qian had indulged in daring speculations.
One of them being whether the final destination might link to something remarkable, forcing a confrontation with the Night Watchman.
Now, it actually seemed to have a touch of confirmation.
The direction perfectly aligned with the Night Watchmen’s base? Just this point alone suggests perhaps not to be too optimistic.
Once accepting this premise, the feeling this opportunity gave also became increasingly peculiar.
Is it really the road of the Destined God? How does it seem like the road of the boxed?
With the sensation within the Engraving Wisdom analyzed and compared, the changes in the mask were predicted, which theoretically wasn’t overly optimistic.
It’s a pity now that this coincidence seems like fate turning into a cursed connection, guiding straight into a trap.
As an organization that almost single-handedly established the operating rules of society, the Night Watchman’s power is undoubtedly formidable.
Even from close contact, there are their First Phase candidates and a Ranking surpassing forbidden items.
As for the Supreme Council members, the lowest encountered is nearly Second Phase.
An opportunity to become a god in the gathering place of these people?
Such a result is hard not to arouse suspicion that Lord Fool is waiting to retaliate for your final refusal.
If you face disrepute, then I’ll help you keep face.
It’s not to say the opponent’s strength being too strong and making a return from that Hongmen Banquet difficult, etc.
After all, being the Mechanical Abandoned Prison King, Fu Qian did not feel disadvantaged in a real fight.
But it’s well known that with strong opponents, strategy becomes less flexible.
For instance, with strong armies bolstered by being the host, the Night Watchman, if they suspect your identity, even climbing to a level matching real strength, would most likely not hesitate to use force if needed.
And an enduring forceful method may very well make it difficult for them not to fight fire with fire, no matter how severe the retaliation.
In summary, it’s easy to spill blood, and once it starts, it’s difficult to stop.
If indeed you end up washing the area in blood, would the result resemble making another choice at the script’s end?
After all, maintaining the surface harmony of this world, the Night Watchmen have become an indispensable cog.
Loss of elites at your hands, the term chaos periods isn’t even exaggerated.
...
"Why do you sound so idle?"
Yuan Shan found it hard to believe he was merely considering the image issue, but seeing Fu Qian so agreeable, she couldn’t pursue further.
After eyeing that strange mask for a while, her curiosity shifted to Fu Qian’s itinerary.
Moreover, there’s no denying that considering attending the Hongmen Banquet doesn’t look too busy.
"Sort of, just closed the shop after all."
Fu Qian motioned his chin toward the door, pouring Yuan Shan more tea.
Uh...
This statement couldn’t be denied either, though it hardly seemed the real reason; Yuan Shan took the tea and drank it silently.
"That’s just perfect; I was worried about issues here once I left. Your presence would be reassuring."
Quickly adjusting her mindset, she discovered the value of Fu Qian’s leisure.
It makes sense, though if the one stationed is the source of chaos, it wouldn’t be so delightful.
This was only lamented by Fu Qian in his heart.
"So you still intend to check Old Master Henry’s situation?"
Honestly, if the situation was caused by him, Fu Qian figured he might even go visit.
After all, Prism of Radiant Transformation, Oath, Melia... that person had many projects connected to him.
Yet risks follow, like an acute response from the Prism of Radiant Transformation.
After viewing some secrecy it’s equally interested in, a visit directly to its Oath Taker might induce concerns to such a cautious entity.
Old Master Henry might turn into some peculiar battleground.
Yuan Shan not inviting him along might not exclude such concerns.
"Seeing it for myself would be more reassuring."
Predictably, the latter confessed her worries, and completely bypassed mentioning Night Holy City’s pleasant prosperity.
"If you’re truly free to stay here, weren’t you interested in the Chen Family’s cultivation technique?"
Instead, she contemplated extracurricular activities for Fu Qian.
"Did they contact you?"
Yuan Shan was of course referring to the charity banquet; as research into bloodline strength, he expressed interest in the Chen Family’s hereditary cultivation route.
Remembering that event, Fu Qian blinked suddenly and asked.
"Not too blatantly, just frequent work reports to me for this and that."
Yuan Shan sighed lightly; it wasn’t surprising this would be guessed.
Indeed, this is the power of hope.
To Fu Qian, the answer wasn’t surprising either.
In downhill times, any morale-boosting chance is precious.
So after initial vigilance, it’s possible the victims were even more active than him.
This round marks mutual pursuit.
"Understood, if there’s a chance, I’ll try visiting some old friends."
So he didn’t shut everyone out, Fu Qian watching the waning warm sun, noting he did have some acquaintances in Shangjing.