Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1282: Chapter 1280: Loss of Image (24)

A cordial invitation receiving a response is always a delightful thing.

Fu Qian did not doubt Mr. Winslow’s hatred for the butler, but considering his favorite was still clinging to the ceiling, ready to lose its human form at any moment, this was clearly not the right time to vent anger with his fists.

As for the subsequent chain reactions, they were decisively fast to the point of dissonance.

Not only did a couple abandon their beloved daughter, but even Natalie refused to stay.

Fu Qian believed that for her, nothing was more important than witnessing Jane’s fate firsthand.

But all this dissonance could instantly become reasonable, even precedented, with one factor—voices told them to do so.

Just like with Jane before.

Unless necessary, do not add entities.

Fu Qian had always endorsed this saying.

From the series of diagnoses earlier, even the Winslow couple, who were most unwilling to believe anything had happened to their daughter, had to admit to a peculiar will attached to her, influencing her words and behavior.

But for Fu Qian, he never abandoned a fresher hypothesis.

What if an existence with unclear motives and no traces could simply be removed?

Jane, along with all the oddities shared by everyone, created those seemingly natural instances of solitude, entirely because of those “eyes” behind the scenes.

“It” merely wanted to meet Jane, and everyone unconsciously made way for it.

This wasn’t baseless speculation—there were precedents for this too. Reverse the survival tactics of Evil Omen, doesn’t it feel similar?

Evil Omen is where the Hunter won’t tread.

And this entity? Wherever it appears, the Hunter automatically vanishes.

The core mechanics share resemblance, except the latter is far more high-end.

And far more seamless.

The prior instances of Jane’s solitude, the only discordant element was the voice in her head. Everyone else naturally cooperated to achieve that result.

Even with some intention to observe from the sidelines, Fu Qian himself was no exception.

An effective method, only escalated violently in intensity under his continued instigation, forcing the other side into less finesse.

That earlier scene, as Fu Qian understood it, was where that command in Jane’s consciousness was abruptly broadcast to the other four individuals.

…

It resembled the disjoint beauty of a Rubik’s Cube being forcibly dismantled and reassigned to match instructions.

Of course, this kind of cheating behavior was now interrupted.

Because those four mortals fell asleep in an instant, wandering behind the side room door, their movements resembling lifeless puppets.

Miss Winslow was clearly terrified.

Gazing at the restless four, the aristocratic lady perched on the ceiling already had eyes bulging like a frog under unnatural forces.

Her body mirrored the transformation.

Amid sudden distortions throughout, the elegant silk dress she wore was no longer tailored to fit her.

“What… happened… to them…”

Though her tone was strange, Jane miraculously retained the ability to articulate, revealing endless, overwhelming fear.

Natalie’s obsessive behavior earlier had been shocking, yet somewhat comprehensible.

But the actions of these four had grown far beyond the range of human decency.

Her familiar loved ones suddenly behaved like broken marionettes—ones entirely out of control.

The impact left the sheltered young woman’s will dangling by a thread.

“Relax. Most people’s mental states are fragile to begin with.”

Looking up at the body being distorted and pulled, it felt as though Fu Qian sensed the trajectory of the Stars Association. He sighed and turned to Lord Orintel.

“Any new discoveries?”

Perhaps due to the special decree-like patterns on him, Lord Orintel was immune to the influence of the Clear Dream Ring, just like Jane.

However, this didn’t mean his mood was anywhere near cheerful.

“How could this… happen…”

Without answering Fu Qian’s question, he stared at the struggling Jane, muttering to himself.

“Nothing, huh?”

Fu Qian sighed yet again.

“I can imagine you’ll soon infer one conclusion: that the strength isn’t sufficient, and you’ll need to increase it. But have you really considered abandoning your perspective entirely?”

“…I think you should be more concerned about yourself, as your abnormalities are significantly more pronounced in comparison.”

But sadly, obsession is called obsession because it’s near impossible to conquer.

Within two seconds, Lord Orintel steadied himself, shedding hesitation as he focused with calm determination on Fu Qian.

“I was wondering earlier how someone could be so recklessly foolish.”

“This explanation helps—it’s evident you exhibited resistance far beyond that of normal humans, likely because you’re overly confident you won’t die.”

“My only regret at the moment is not acting decisively earlier—”

Crack!

The crisp sound of shattering interrupted Orintel mid-sentence.

Shocked, he turned to the sound’s source, only to find Jane had somehow silently crawled towards the window.

The glass that had resisted breaking earlier was now shattered to pieces.

“Impossible! She shouldn’t still possess such mobility!”

Much of Orintel’s attention had been fixed on Fu Qian, making this sight all the more implausible for him.

Alarmed, he lost his composure and abandoned his technique, leaping forward.

“So she’s using all four limbs. If her mobility were entirely intact, theoretically, she’d walk upside down,” Fu Qian responded with a strangely satisfied expression, watching Jane crawl through the opening in a grotesque pose.

The shattered glass hadn’t cleared completely, but Jane moved decisively, paying no heed to the scrapes marking her flesh, forcefully pulling herself through. In an instant, she vanished from their sights.

“Good work, Lord Orintel. Your task is partially concluded now.”

Not wasting any time himself, Fu Qian took large strides to follow.

However, upon moving forward two steps, a phantasmal barrier appeared before him, woven from overlapping floral patterns.

This was distinctly familiar—it perfectly resembled the technique Amila had used in the basement.

Seems The Sect still had a few general education modules available.

“Do you really think I’ll let you leave? I’ve already said before—I’d rather give Jane more time.”

Turning around, Fu Qian saw Orintel advancing in heavy strides.

“Especially now, when it seems fortuitously timed: I exhibit abnormalities, but she doesn’t.”

Fu Qian’s expression seemed unusually understanding.

“I must admit, Natalie’s selection was quite apt. Her choice matches her criteria flawlessly.”

“Don’t mention that name—”

Orintel’s words were cut short as a sharp chill interrupted his forward thrust, flinging him backward.

Upon landing, most of the flesh on the left side of his face had been shredded, frozen mid-air into a fine icy mist. Fu Qian’s next words hit like a hammer.

“Must I spell it out for you? Your arrogance and foolishness have led to your dismissal; being a doctor is far from simple work.”