Facing an Ancient God for a Year

As a means to sift out the ones truly interested in him?

“What do you mean?”

Fu Qian’s words obviously took Yuan Shan by surprise, but her advantage lay in not being too proud to ask questions, so she immediately furrowed her brow and looked at Fu Qian.

“Firstly, such a top-tier expert coming to Shangjing would definitely not be for the apparent reason.”

Fu Qian pointed to Xiao Mingyue, who was still in a daze.

“If I’m not mistaken, she should be Sixth Phase?”

...“Correct.”

Yuan Shan nodded her head.

“Crossing at least four realms, her chances of discovering Ariel’s disguise are next to none.

Have you ever thought about why, in such a situation, there would be any need to subject her to a psychic suggestion?”

“You make a valid point. In fact, if Ariel really was Second Phase, then the probability is absolutely zero.”

Yuan Shan said in a grave tone.

“Among high-tier Transcendents, the differences are greater than you imagine.

“Usually, those above Third Phase are considered to have divine qualities and can be called Demigods. But at Second Phase there’s another term—Divine Envoy, which signifies a sublimation of divinity; the gap between them cannot be summarized by just one phase.

“This is also why I had my doubts. Although the world is full of Transcendents, the number of Demigods is not that high; any individual could prop up a strong group, and a Divine Envoy, even more so, is an existence that could instigate a catastrophe.”

Phew!

Yuan Shan exhaled.

“I really do not want such characters showing up on my turf!”

“I see.”

Fu Qian nodded his head, having learned something new today.

He had previously tried to specifically learn some information about Transcendents, but once it came to the stage above Demigods, there was very little available information.

Coming from the mouth of the Chief of the Night Watchman, the credibility was naturally beyond doubt.

“However, even so, it’s just a bit strange, isn’t it?

“Assuming Ariel does have ulterior motives in coming to Shangjing and upon realizing he was being watched by the Night Watchman, it would completely make sense for him to influence Mingyue mentally to avoid trouble.

“After all, upon receiving Mingyue’s feedback, if we discarded our suspicions of him and stopped paying attention, wouldn’t it save a lot of trouble?”

Yuan Shan continued at this point.

“That’s exactly what I wanted to say.”

Fu Qian held up a finger.

“Following that line of thought, who would be influenced by the resolute attitude of the investigator who returns?

Who?

Yuan Shan first looked confused, then suddenly realized something and her expression turned sharp.

“Indeed, as a Sixth Phase member, her rank could be said to be neither high nor low.

“Normally, her opinions would be taken quite seriously, not to mention the decisiveness of her stance.

“If it had been a normal routine investigation, it would probably have ended already.”

“But in this case, someone still insists on continuing the investigation—doesn’t that seem somewhat unreasonable? Could it be that someone has a guilty conscience for some reason?

“Ariel is looking for this person.”

Fu Qian looked at Yuan Shan.

“Although I’m unaware of his specific purpose, if it’s to find someone, this seemingly superfluous act could snuff out interference in the quickest way possible.”

“Whoever insists on investigating him is his target.”

But not me!

Having said this, Fu Qian added one more line in his mind.

This was the most ingenious part of the entire affair.

Thanks to Yuan Shan’s probing, although he had faced this Divine Envoy today, he did so representing the Night Watchman, which in turn wouldn’t stand out too much.

By normal logic, the Chief of the Night Watchman sitting in front of him would be Ariel’s primary target.

In fact, if Yuan Shan had accepted Xiao Mingyue’s investigation results rather than using them to test him, Ariel would have probably already dismissed the Night Watchman from suspicion and would have likely locked on to him quickly.

It could only be said that Yuan Shan’s suspicions had inadvertently provided him with cover.

“Of course, there’s a certain risk involved. After all, if what was done to Xiao Mingyue was discovered, it would surely provoke a strong reaction from the Night Watchman.”

“But he clearly has great confidence in himself, willing to take this risk in order to eliminate the bothersome disturbances.”

“Your opponent this time seems like an arrogant fellow!”

Fu Qian smiled at Yuan Shan with a twinkle in his eye.

“I really hadn’t thought that much just now!”

Yuan Shan was now completely serious, muttering to herself with her head down.

“But your statement, it indeed makes a lot of sense.”

“Thinking about it now, as a Divine Envoy, he has far too many methods to achieve his goals, there’s absolutely no need for him to expose himself so openly, let alone leave behind such conspicuous clues that arouse suspicion.”

Even at this moment, you’re still not forgetting to probe, huh?

Fu Qian sighed internally, knowing that she deliberately didn’t mention what the dubious points were, wanting to see his reaction.

“Are you referring to inquiring about Deng Feizhou? What exactly happened with him?”

He asked casually, his expression more natural than nature itself.

Hmm~

Yuan Shan involuntarily stared at Fu Qian, yet she couldn’t discern any issue from his face, and finally gave up after several seconds.

“But you just said ‘you guys,’ aren’t they supposed to be our opponents?”

Yuan Shan subtly changed the subject without changing her tone.

“You’re not planning to renege, are you?”

“I’m a person with professional ethics.”

Fu Qian’s smile became even more innocent.

“The task you gave me was to investigate this suspicious individual, and now not only have I successfully completed the task and uncovered problems, but I’ve also brought back your people intact from a Divine Envoy’s hands. Isn’t that enough to clear the slate?

“You wouldn’t expect me to directly take out a Divine Envoy for you, would you?”

This…

Yuan Shan was speechless for a moment, Fu Qian did have a point; she had asked him to conduct an investigation, and he did bring back valuable information.

And he spoke lightly of it, but the danger of facing a Second Phase Transcendent with ulterior motives could only be imagined.

Really, exchanging three pieces of information for a Divine Envoy…

Even with a thick skin, she couldn’t bring herself to make such a request, but—

“Add three more pieces, and it’s a deal.”

Yuan Shan decisively called out.

“That’s a Divine Envoy.”

Fu Qian made a face as if she were a fool. Are you kidding me?

“At least thirty pieces!”

“Deal!”

Yuan Shan agreed firmly.

“You really have no qualms about selling out your organization’s intelligence, huh!”

Looking at Yuan Shan’s unrestrained demeanor, Fu Qian felt quite emotional for a while.

That’s truly a leader’s style.

Yuan Shan, however, was utterly unconcerned, even wearing a full smile.

If a Divine Envoy really did appear in Shangjing, that would be a major event; any power must be utilized.

Trading thirty pieces of information for a Demigod to take action was truly a bargain.

After all, it doesn’t cost money!

Feeling satisfied, Yuan Shan saw Fu Qian standing up.

“You’re not planning on making a move now, are you?”

Confronted with her puzzled gaze, Fu Qian spoke.

“I think you’re likely to have things to do next, such as confirming the news, discussing with colleagues, and such, which should take up quite a bit of time.

“So, I’ll go back to rest now, and you can find me when needed.”

“Okay!”

Seeing that Fu Qian wasn’t planning to back out, Yuan Shan breathed a sigh of relief.

“Should I leave a message for you?”

“No need!”

Fu Qian shook his head.

“I’ll be around these next few days.”

After all, that individual should be coming for me.

He left that last sentence unsaid.