Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 997: Chapter 995: Gospel (12) Chapter 997: Chapter 995: Gospel (12) It was obvious that Fu Qian’s level of respect had even increased after he unreservedly represented the Academy in support of Ji Liushuang during the meeting.

Yet, even so, many people were genuinely shocked when they learned that Ji Liushuang had Fu Qian stay right next to her room.

After returning from a walk, Ji Liushuang straightforwardly declined the housekeeper’s arrangements for a guest room, expressing her wish for Fu Qian to stay close for protection.

Having a strange man living next door was somewhat improper for a daughter of the Ji Family.

Unfortunately, Ji Liushuang was so resolute in her attitude that she seemed unconcerned about her own reputation.

Eventually, before her unyielding authority, even invoking the name of Ji Xun, the housekeeper conceded defeat and complied with the request.

Of course, as a precaution, almost as soon as Fu Qian had settled in, there was someone knocking at his door.

…

“Hello.”

Upon opening the door, he saw two young women dressed as servants outside, one of whom spoke respectfully.

“We have been assigned to tend to your daily needs for the next few days and will be waiting outside at all times, should you need anything.”

“Thank you,” he replied politely.

Observing the two who were youthful and pretty yet acted with mechanical precision and a chill to rival the spirits of seclusion, Fu Qian conveyed his gratitude with utmost politeness.

Of course, these two were not there to attend to his needs; Ji Liushuang, who was injured, was being cared for alone. Without a doubt, they were there to watch him.

Fu Qian even had a strong hunch that this wasn’t Ji Xun’s idea but rather an arrangement made by the housekeeper herself.

These two maids were just ordinary people, and as an Academy Instructor, he knew too many ways to deal with them. Such arrangements, other than irritating him, served no purpose.

Ah—

At this moment, after finishing the introductions and preparing to leave, one maid’s gaze accidentally swept over Fu Qian’s hand resting on the door frame.

His sleeve, being loose, revealed his lower arm.

It was clear that there was hardly any skin there, only exposed muscles and tendons.

On closer observation, one could see that the redness was not actually muscles but dozens, hundreds of flesh-colored tiny snakes twisted together.

As her gaze moved over them, some turned their direction, their eyeless heads pointing her way.

It was evident that the Ji Family’s training was quite thorough; however, she couldn’t suppress her shriek.

“I’m sorry…”

Of course, she immediately apologized for her impropriety.

“I should be the one apologizing; after all, I will be in need of your care later on.”

With his other hand, Fu Qian soothed the snake’s heads, frightening the other maid pale as well, and then casually he closed the door.

Though he was as open-minded as Caring Valley and wouldn’t usually concern himself with such petty behavior, he felt the need to make a warning, to prevent them from overstepping, such as entering his room without permission.

…

“Teacher Andiel, they are just following orders; please forgive any offense,” a soft voice spoke up shortly afterward from next door, making it obvious Ji Liushuang had heard the recent commotion and knew that Fu Qian was unhappy.

Of course, if she had seen it herself, she might have a lot more thoughts about it.

“Don’t worry, we at Heaven’s Commencement Institute always rise above issues with common people.”

Fu Qian chuckled.

That was an honest sentiment; from what he had seen and heard lately, the biggest difference between Heaven’s Commencement and Linghui was that the former only paid attention to beings within the Transcendent realm, uninterested in ordinary people.

“Speaking of which, is the Gospel Group serving only ordinary people?”

You work there yet you’re asking me…

Ji Liushuang was taken aback by the question, and although she admired his role-playing ability at any given moment, she couldn’t help but mutter to herself in disapproval.

“Yes, just like a mother, all the Gospel Group’s clients are ordinary people.”

“The treatment of ordinary people, especially on a psychological level, with Transcendent abilities is a sensitive area due to some borderline behaviors, always under careful scrutiny. To bring such treatments to light is as challenging as Limb Attachment.”

“The Ji Family has expended considerable effort, including extremely strict domain of services, a series of clauses to ensure independent operation, to obtain such permission, and it’s limited to certain areas.”

“Of course, being the only institution of its kind, its business is quite good.”

“That’s not surprising; sometimes the credentials for treatment are harder to obtain than the ability to treat.”

Fu Qian expressed his understanding.

“You seem quite familiar with it?”

“Since my mother is an ordinary person and the fees are still manageable, we’ve been following it from the start.”

Ji Liushuang gave a light smile.

The Ji Family surely didn’t have to worry about the cost, but there must be more to it than just being ordinary people.

Fu Qian silently pondered.

Their conversation during the walk had enlightened him considerably about the mother-daughter’s situation.

Sometimes having too illustrious a background is not a boon.

Given the strict ancestral rules of the Ji Family, it’s hard to say whether some people were pleased when they met with an accident.

This probably also explained why Ji Liushuang, upon hearing of her mother’s troubles, rushed back without hesitation and vowed to get to the truth.

While pondering, Fu Qian didn’t inquire further, and Ji Liushuang was also silent.

Rest with eyes closed, semi-asleep, he focused on recovering from his injuries as efficiently as possible.

…

Is this the Demigod Level Ashfall, so eager to make a move?

The tranquility didn’t last long.

As dusk fell and Fu Qian sat by the window watching the moon for a while, he suddenly noticed a change in the room next door.

Ji Liushuang, napping on the chaise longue, showed no change in her demeanor or movements; even her breathing remained steady.

However, Fu Qian knew it was just a different kind of deception.

The real Ji Liushuang was at that moment engulfed in a deeply secluded and dark erosion, with not even a hint of struggle.

The activation was silent and well-controlled in range.

If he had not been so close, it would have been difficult for him to notice.

It must be one of those two old men who had arrived.

Now, the question arose: Knowing that reasoned persuasion was being employed on Ji Liushuang next door, aside from kicking down the wall to indicate an assassin’s presence, what other subtle means did he have to intercede?

Wait a second… this felt somewhat familiar, unlike the rudimentary version wielded by Ji Yicheng!

Realizing something, a crudely fashioned ring suddenly appeared on Fu Qian’s hand, which then activated.

This was the Ashen Ring obtained from Unseen Hillock.

Sharing the same surname as Ji Feng didn’t mean much, but combined with that sense of the ultimate dark convergence, it was definitely worth noting.

As the ash conferment activated, Fu Qian’s body became once again permeated with endless darkness, turning him into a Secluded and Deep Messenger.

Naturally, the change was completely concealed by the effect of the Witch’s Mask.

The next moment, the image of Ji Liushuang resting in the room next door dissipated like smoke.

And within the dim grayish white, Fu Qian heard several blurry words.

…Rebirth Club?