Eldritch Horror Theatre

So that’s how it is!

After listening to Yuan Shan’s description, Fu Qian finally understood the bizarre nature of the Abyss Notes.

Transcendent items truly did have their own unique wonders.

At the same time, he realized why Yuan Shan had reacted the way she did earlier.

”So you told me to keep my distance because you didn’t want to be recognized?”

”As far as I know, the Demigod Tier doesn’t grant immunity to its effects.”

Chief Yuan nodded.

”I’d rather not be constantly watched.”

”Completely understandable.”

Fu Qian agreed, simultaneously confirming why Brother Taylor had acted like such a generous benefactor.His aggressive momentum from the moment he walked in had been entirely an act.

His true purpose in visiting had indeed been to let Fu Qian ”look” at the notebook, allowing the notes to recognize him.

Once he took the notebook back, he could use that connection to confirm a lot of information about Fu Qian.

It was undeniably a good scheme, especially when Fu Qian had no idea what the notebook was.

If he could have actually taken it with him, of course.

The man was likely regretting it bitterly by now.

But there was nothing to be done about it. Business warfare was just that cruel.

”Then I won’t force it.”

Fu Qian patted the cover of the notebook, making no attempt to open it.

”It doesn’t matter to me. I’ve already read it anyway, and there were actually some interesting things inside.”

Before coming here, he had already quickly flipped through the notebook, confirming that it had changed hands across multiple owners.

Aside from the earliest owner recording some of their romantic experiences, the rest were mostly experimental logs or bizarre recipes, with very little continuity between them.

”Your tone sounds exactly like someone trying to console themselves after a misstep.”

Yuan Shan couldn’t help but jab at him, carefully casting a glance at the notebook.

”But you’re right. Since it’s a notebook that has been passed down for so many years, there should still be some valuable things inside. That’s exactly why I find it strange that they would show it to you.”

”Additionally, apart from what I already mentioned, rumor has it that this notebook has another effect. Because of its absolutely authentic nature, it can sometimes help its wielder escape madness, though doing so consumes the notebook itself.”

”That’s only what I’ve heard. If it’s true, then for it to be assigned to Taylor’s use, that young vampire must be highly valued.”

”It’s possible. The guy clearly has a cool head and can endure what others cannot. He’ll definitely achieve great things in the future.”

Hearing Yuan Shan mention the generous benefactor, Fu Qian repeatedly agreed.

...

”Don’t act innocent after making out like a bandit.”

Yuan Shan glared fiercely at Fu Qian.

”The people of the Gulade Family are famous for holding grudges. By forcibly keeping their family’s transcendent item, you will absolutely face endless trouble down the line. You’d better be mentally prepared.”

”Thanks for the warning. I’m already prepared!”

Fu Qian said, brimming with confidence.

”Really? What are you planning to do?”

Yuan Shan couldn’t help but be a little curious.

Heh!

Fu Qian scoffed coldly, an arrogant look on his face.

”If they don’t come, then fine. But if they have eyes but no pupils, then they are simply courting their own death.”

”Really?”

Yuan Shan stared at Fu Qian for several seconds, her expression odd.

”Then make sure you do it cleanly.”

Hm?

Now it was Fu Qian’s turn to be surprised.

”That doesn’t sound like the proper attitude of a public servant.”

”First of all, I’m not a public servant. And the people of the Gulade Family have never been saints either.”

”This matter started with them anyway. While I don’t think you can stand against a behemoth like them, if you really intend to go for the kill, that falls outside the Night Watchers’ jurisdiction.”

”Just don’t cause too severe a public impact.”

”Understood.”

Fu Qian expressed great appreciation for Yuan Shan’s clear-cut stance.

”Since this is such a daunting task, can you offer a little assistance?”

”Absolutely not.”

Yuan Shan rejected the idea instantly.

”I mean in terms of equipment.”

”...What do you want?”

Confirming that Fu Qian wasn’t asking for manpower, Yuan Shan seemed to breathe a sigh of relief.

”Don’t be nervous.”

Seeing Yuan Shan’s solemn face, Fu Qian offered a smiling reassurance.

”I just need a little bit of ammunition.”

...

”Bullets? What do you need those for?”

It was no wonder Yuan Shan was confused. She knew for a fact that Fu Qian was a genuine Demigod.

At that level, it was incredibly difficult for any object to exceed his own raw output, especially since firearms were highly prone to exposing one’s position.

”You don’t understand.”

Faced with her confusion, Fu Qian shook his head with a serious expression.

”It’s high noon—that’s a man’s romance.”

”Fine, come with me.”

After staring at Fu Qian for a long time, Yuan Shan finally gave up trying to understand. She stood up and motioned for him to follow.

Fu Qian was practically a regular at the Base by now, and he followed closely behind her as they navigated the halls.

It was clear that the shadow previously cast by Ariel had completely dissipated. The entire Base had returned to an orderly, methodical state.

Their rapid recovery was likely due to Yuan Shan’s efforts, as she seemed to have been consistently downplaying the news regarding the incident.

That much was evident from how they had handled the fight earlier—she had absolutely no intention of letting lower-ranked Night Watchers get involved.

Her behavior was understandable; after all, those people wouldn’t have been able to help in the slightest.

However, behind the scenes, the Night Watchers’ higher-ups were likely far less calm.

”Since most frontline personnel don’t typically use firearms, our warehouse reserves aren’t exactly abundant.”

Yuan Shan led Fu Qian all the way to the central Spire and took the elevator down.

Arriving in front of a door similar to the one at the Sealed Zone, she waved off the approaching guard, instructing him to go about his business, before personally leading Fu Qian into the Night Watchers’ Shangjing Region repository.

”You’re being too modest.”

Looking at an entire wall full of bullets, Fu Qian once again experienced the sheer wealth and power of the Night Watchers.

Glancing around, he could also see various firearms of different shapes and sizes—some long, some short, but without exception, none of them were ordinary goods.

Of course, none of them looked as pleasing to the eye as Mercy.

Fu Qian critiqued silently.

”Pick the calibers you need yourself. Of course, I know you definitely wouldn’t care for ordinary bullets. The ones made of special materials and possessing transcendent properties are all over here. You can take whatever types you need.”

Yuan Shan seemed utterly uninterested in the collection, casually gesturing to the side.

”I can take however much I want?”

Fu Qian blinked.

”Take as much as you like. Consider it my compensation to you.”

Yuan Shan spoke quite magnanimously, happily being generous with the Night Watchers’ supplies.

”Much appreciated.”

Fu Qian nodded in satisfaction. He knew Yuan Shan was referring to the matter with Gan Zuoxun.

Because her judgment of that situation had been too simplistic, he had ended up dragged into a rather large mess, and now the Gulade people had come knocking on his door.

Compared to her helping him identify the Star Map, she clearly felt that the scales were unbalanced, so she was offering this as a form of compensation.

Dealing with reasonable people was just so relaxing and pleasant!

Marveling inwardly, Fu Qian stepped forward and began examining the various bullets.

Compared to the works of that craftsman in the Wasteland, the Night Watchers’ collection was undoubtedly much richer. Not only were they sorted into categories, but they also featured brief annotations, preventing the display from looking cluttered.

Very quickly, Fu Qian picked out several types that caught his fancy and began sweeping them up into a bag.

However, keeping in mind that these items had a time limit, he didn’t take an excessive amount.

Waste was shameful, and he could always come back anytime anyway.

”Alright, is there anything else?”

Yuan Shan was quite satisfied with Fu Qian’s restraint. But seeing that he was just about done packing, she spoke with a tone that made it obvious she was ready to show him the door.

...Was there anything else?

Unexpectedly, Fu Qian actually pondered the question with complete seriousness.

”A place called Fenghou City—has there been any special news from there lately?”