Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1326: Chapter 1324: Sincerity and Gratitude

“Mr. Anke is indeed sharp; it seems, upon reflection, I truly held such expectations.”

Fu Qian’s sharp critique clearly left the Sanctuary members struggling to respond. Amidst several icy stares, the atmosphere suddenly turned tense.

Yet Feivel, ever seasoned and composed, not only signaled for the others to remain calm but even nodded toward Fu Qian in the next moment, readily acknowledging his statement.

Of course, that didn’t mean his gaze wasn’t cold.

The other party had already expressed his stance with utmost efficiency, declining needless exchanges, and also implying there was no need for superfluous emotional concealment.

“I understand your point, but I still have one question: since you have such a clear understanding of what might happen, why didn’t you take the opportunity earlier to flee directly?”

Feivel gestured toward the Lady of the Holy Hall.

“While I don’t believe you would have succeeded, it surely would have been somewhat easier than now.”

“Simple. While I have no interest in expressing sincerity, I came to express gratitude—to Lord Praut.”

Faced with this blatantly hostile scrutiny, Fu Qian remained utterly unfazed; he’d encountered too much of this to even register a flicker of emotion.

Express gratitude…

This disturbingly odd response left Amila nearby looking utterly perplexed.

The Sect would never let Anke just walk away; no matter how one looks at it, the logic is clear to anyone.

However, Anke had already known this fact yet still forced his way here—just to thank Lord Praut?

It was difficult even to comprehend why he would thank Praut, the very one who was instrumental in trapping him in the Nightmare—

For helping showcase the glory of the Dark Moon? Allowing the lost lambs to glimpse the truth of the world?

Suddenly realizing an answer, Amila did not feel proud of her imagination but instead was inwardly alarmed.

Unknowingly, certain mental contamination seemed to have been infused into her mind.

“No need to thank me…”

At this moment, a prolonged exhale could be heard. Seated in place, Praut finally opened his eyes and even courteously responded.

“After all, it’s not the outcome I wanted to see.”

Though awake, his state was clearly far from optimal—one of his eyes was entirely black as ink.

…

“You’ve endured much.”

Yet Fu Qian’s demeanor abruptly shifted; he smiled and strode forward, completely ignoring that he was now encircled by the Sanctuary members.

“So, what is the outcome you’ve been hoping for?”

Sitting down next to Praut, he casually asked.

“To see the Dark Moon, but not in this form.”

Praut’s reply was crisp and direct.

“What form?”

With another question, the expressions of those around him, including Feivel, visibly grew tense.

“It resides among the stars, and it seems to have always been there.”

Praut’s answer showed no sympathy for the mounting tension.

“Are you certain? That’s impossible!”

The Lady of the Holy Hall, who had led Fu Qian here, was the first to voice skepticism.

“Until recently, I thought it impossible as well.”

Praut let out a raspy chuckle.

“Though fleeting, it couldn’t have been wrong. It exerts influence on the stars in a relatively transcendent manner.”

“If this Mr. Anke truly has received such a gift from it, perhaps we should invite him to join the Sanctuary, hehe…”

Life’s twists and turns are just that unpredictable.

Praut’s raspy laughter undoubtedly deepened the unease in the hearts of the church’s elites.

Just as previously pointed out, some matters were not beyond their awareness—they were merely trying to find a way to refute them.

However, as the core of the Nightmare, Praut dashed their last shred of wishful thinking with unwavering certainty.

The Dark Moon not only exists but also influences the stars in a transcendent state.

The power source of the person beside them, transitioning from the pollution of an unknowable being to something closer to the nature of Star Law, was simply staggering.

Praut’s final suggestion and laughter were somewhat reckless, to say the least.

But as colleagues who shared his belief, they could easily understand his inner turmoil.

Even the most composed Feivel gazed silently at this Dark Moon Apostle, deep in thought.

As for Fu Qian, the subject of their attention, his emotional indifference was remarkable. He nodded lightly in acknowledgment.

“Are there age or educational requirements?”

As previously stated, he had come here with no intention of engaging in idle conversation.

Praut’s expression had already provided sufficient clarity. The Sect, as a collaborative partner in this project, had offered its final verdict and was no longer of value.

It was time to proceed to the next step.

…

“There must be a reason for it. Just because we can’t understand it now doesn’t mean we never will!”

Fu Qian’s question provoked uncontrollable agitation in more than one Sanctuary member.

“To have that resolve is commendable. I eagerly anticipate the day you awaken.”

Regrettably, trying to engage Fu Qian with lofty declarations was always a self-defeating endeavor.

His earnest agreement left the speaker’s face blanched with fury.

“In fact, Mr. Anke really does need to come back with us for a while.”

Looking at a colleague who clearly wished to smash Fu Qian to pieces, Feivel finally spoke up at the right moment, refusing to let Fu Qian’s expression escape his scrutiny.

“Herbert—does that name sound familiar to you?”

…

With eyes slightly narrowed, Fu Qian’s smile faded for the first time, and he didn’t rush to respond.

“Seems so—it’s familiar,” Feivel pressed, giving him no extra time to react.

“It’s said he’s a highly skilled doctor. We regretted not giving him a proper reception when he visited the Sect earlier.”

“Doctor—I think I know who you’re referring to.”

Fu Qian finally spoke, exaggerating his tone.

“He visited the Sect? Your interactions went well, I assume?”

“Very well. So what exactly is Mr. Anke’s relationship with this First Apostle?”

Feivel’s suggestion of pleasantry lacked any actual sentiment, and his question clearly forced Fu Qian to glance toward Amila and her group.

The mention of the seven apostles had come up in conversations prior to entering the Nightmare, and even if no surveillance was in place along the way, there was a high likelihood that subsequent discussions within the Nightmare revealed as much.

But the tone and intent of the question at this moment signaled something distinctly different.

Across both identities, Fu Qian had exhibited overlapping abilities, and the old man was evidently suspecting that Fu Qian had spent those days doing the work of Good Doctor Leytin.

Rushing to bring this up now distinctly bore the intent of targeting Fu Qian for his overtly defiant remarks earlier.

“We are of one mind.”

Under the collective scrutiny, Fu Qian paused for a second of contemplation before offering a vague reply.

Heh…

Even Feivel had now adopted a cold chuckle.

“That’s wonderful. Please come with us so we can make amends for our lack of hospitality. Mr. Anke, do you know where we’re headed?”

“West District Church?”

“Correct… Is Mr. Anke looking forward to meeting an old friend?”

Even the Lady of the Holy Hall regained some of her edge in demeanor.

Well, of course.

Fu Qian blinked and thought to himself.

We still need to attend Brother Jake’s Bloodline Clan gathering, don’t we?