Eldritch Horror Theatre

That’s right, the Linghui Courtyard.

Winter had officially arrived, but the climate around the Academy was far from harsh. Under the warm afternoon sun, the youthful energy of the countless prodigies was impossible to hide, and even the plants seemed to burst with vibrant life.

After a leisurely stroll, Professor Fu stood with his hands clasped behind his back, exuding the air of one hiding his achievements and fame as he studied the structure before him. It was, without a doubt, the most aloof and unapproachable building in the entire Academy.

This was his intended destination; he hadn’t just wandered by.

His last visit here hadn’t been entirely pleasant, but that didn’t stop Fu Qian from memorizing the route.

As for why he was here now? Naturally, it was because their recent exchange on his own turf hadn’t been very pleasant, either.

Knowing full well that multiple scrutinizing gazes had locked onto him in the brief moment he had stood there, Fu Qian showed no self-awareness of being despised, striding forward boldly.

”How did you find the time to visit us, Professor Fu?”

Regardless of whether those stares were friendly or not, he was the interim spokesperson for Apocalypse. He had also repeatedly made a name for himself in the Academy’s recent major incidents. Even showing up unannounced, his presence carried enough weight to warrant a reception on the level of inter-departmental cooperation.

Thus, by the time Fu Qian stepped through the gray barrier outside the building and reacquainted himself with the Linghui Courtyard’s signature atmosphere—which felt much like an aged wine cellar—Professor Weilong was already standing there waiting.”What happened to you, Excellency? Did the investigation at the Benevolent Curse Institute not go smoothly?”

Although Weilong’s gaze carried a hint of profound meaning, the man did not lose his refined composure. He took the initiative to offer a greeting and even gestured for Fu Qian to take a seat nearby.

”Not at all. In fact, it went so smoothly that I found the time to come out for a stroll.”

Fu Qian matched his easygoing tone. He let out a hearty laugh, waving off the concern as he followed the older man.

...

He had time for a stroll, but no time to change his clothes first?

Unfortunately, those who labored with their minds were often fickle. Despite the seemingly warm exchange, the old man showed no joy whatsoever; his expression actually darkened a fraction.

Unless he deliberately showed up dressed like this, just so he could naturally deliver that ”it went smoothly” line when asked, signaling yet another massive achievement... Is this guy really that petty?

Although the old man had excellent self-restraint, Fu Qian still managed to read all of that information directly from his reaction.

”I wonder, is the progress here at Linghui going just as smoothly?”

Not minding this malicious speculation, Fu Qian spoke again as he took his seat, showing polite concern for the development of their sister department.

”...Which aspect are you referring to, Professor Fu?”

The old man, who had never planned on having anyone serve tea to begin with, offered a completely hollow smile and countered with a question of his own.

”That young lady who was brought over to my place recently. I took a look, and she really is an outstanding talent. I’ve been looking forward to seeing the follow-up for the past two days.

”Of course, she’s also a young person with quite the personality... very few people are capable of refusing my gifts.”

Fu Qian didn’t beat around the bush at all. He stated his purpose directly with a chuckle, showing zero signs of taking offense at the memory.

You actually have the nerve to bring that up...

Unfortunately, in stark contrast to that display of magnanimity, Excellency Weilong was feeling entirely different emotions.

It went without saying. When Professor Ni Huayuan had brought the genius girl to visit him, every detail of the encounter had surely been reported back.

And the central focus of that report had undoubtedly been Fu Qian’s incredibly arrogant attempt to poach their student right to their faces, as well as Wen Li’s posture in refusing his temptation.

Add a little bit of hindsight to that, and it was obvious that even the visit itself had been the result of step-by-step manipulation.

How could the historically proud and arrogant Linghui stomach such an insult?

As a result, the entire Academy was undoubtedly bracing itself right now, practically bursting with the desire to slap him across the face.

”Unfortunately, as you just mentioned, Professor Fu, it has only been two days.”

Yet in the next moment, Excellency Weilong—who was arguably playing the biggest fool in this situation—demonstrated a level of self-restraint akin to letting spit dry on one’s face.

”The transcendent world, especially on the mental level, holds far too many unpredictable dangers. Linghui will not carelessly gamble with a young person’s future.”

Giving a slight nod, the man openly admitted that they hadn’t made any significant progress yet. His reasoning was flawless, and he even managed to subtly mock Professor Fu’s own behavior in the process.

Oh?

Unfortunately, even a response so perfectly measured was still unacceptable to Apocalypse’s arrogant, newly ascended Demigod.

Narrowing his eyes at the other man, the smile Professor Fu had maintained since walking through the door began to fade away bit by bit.

Even the century-old, musty cellar atmosphere of the Linghui Courtyard seemed to churn around them.

...

A commandment.

Naturally, this was not merely some legendary aura of coercion or killing intent. For the effect to be this pronounced, it was genuinely caused by activating a skill.

The reset version. The Decree of Return, supported by the foundational symbol of the False Law’s authority.

Though it carried no visual effects, its perfectly pure power was overwhelmingly strong.

Radiating presence as if he had become a sun, Fu Qian could feel the long-accumulated stagnation of the Linghui Courtyard melting away like ice and snow against his unstoppable force.

”Professor Fu... what is the meaning of this?”

Unfortunately, for someone who had grown accustomed to that specific atmosphere, its sudden removal practically triggered withdrawal symptoms.

Although he couldn’t be entirely certain, Professor Weilong’s perception as a Divine Being allowed him to instantly lock onto Fu Qian, caught between shock and fury.

Such an act unequivocally fell into the category of a direct provocation. Apocalypse had truly become far too arrogant lately.

Of course, even so, Professor Weilong managed to hold onto his scholarly demeanor; he didn’t escalate in kind as he demanded answers.

”Apocalypse will not gamble with a young person’s future, either.

”Therefore... please pass a message along to that young person. My conditions still stand. She is welcome to drop by my place anytime.”

Holding the man’s gaze, Fu Qian finally spoke, his tone uncompromising and sharp.

”I won’t disturb you any longer today. The tolerance of the Linghui Courtyard is truly admirable.”

But just as quickly, a smile returned to his face, easing the strained atmosphere by a fraction. He stood up and directly took his leave.

”...I will pass on your message.”

Faced with this rapid flip-flopping, Professor Weilong was clearly struggling to keep up. However, the unique pride of a Psychic Type professional still compelled him to accept Fu Qian’s request.

Fu Qian believed he really would do it—even if he didn’t put much stock in what the man had claimed earlier.

Escorted out of the Linghui Courtyard by their gazes, Fu Qian finally deactivated the Decree of Return and took one last look behind him.

Given this group’s stubborn and twisted temperament, if they truly had made no progress in the face of his repeated provocations, they likely wouldn’t stoop to emphasizing an excuse like ”too little time has passed.”

Modesty was often a virtue reserved for those holding the psychological advantage. Professor Weilong’s incredible display of restraint today felt suspiciously like he was simply charging up for a massive slap to the face.

In just two short days, Eldest Miss Wen’s situation had likely seen some truly astonishing progress.

Marveling at the thought, Fu Qian looked up at the endless clear sky, repeating the exact same gesture he had made back in the Realm of Bliss.