Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1506: Chapter 1501: Human Pillar (10)

More experts!

In that instant, Aike, who had previously looked puzzled by Fu Qian’s signal explanation, suddenly followed the sound and was shocked within seconds.

On one hand, it was because someone actually responded, and on the other hand, it was because he hadn’t sensed this person’s presence at all.

It was an old gentleman, even shorter than Ji Ning, who walked out from behind the door in almost the same stance.

He even had the same brown hair and childlike face, although his style was considerably more extravagant by comparison.

In an elegant, luxurious, bright red robe, he was radiantly vibrant.

Even more vibrant was the iron-black Crescent Moon Sword he held in his hand.

Its handle was very short, and the blade curved into an exaggerated arc, even adorned with needle-like spikes the length of a palm.

Combined with golden decorations, it looked heavy and menacing overall, as if——a lampstand dismantled from the wall.

The old man was indeed dashing and open-minded, taking materials conveniently from the spot.

Confirming that it was indeed a lampstand dismantled from the wall, even Fu Qian, a fellow swordsman, greatly admired this realm where everything could be a sword.

Though the form was one he had seen countless times along the way, in the old man’s hand, it made one automatically ignore its original meaning and instead feel the power of destruction within.

It was obvious; first, this was a Sword Dao expert, and second, he probably didn’t bring his trusty weapon due to the banquet.

”Li He.”

In the midst of admiration, the newcomer had already approached, smiling warmly.

However, Madam Ji Ning, who had been experimenting with signals just now, seemed a bit displeased with his demeanor, huffed, and turned her head, forcing the old man to introduce himself.

...

Li, a Sword Dao expert?

When this name reached Fu Qian’s ears, it seemed to illuminate one among many associations he had.

The former Director of the Academy, Brother Li Weixuan’s grandfather?

The one who was already half a step to becoming a demigod at a young age indeed had family heritage.

Before him, Mr. Li He, in his current state, showed depths Fu Qian couldn’t read, possibly even surpassing Ji Ning beside him.

However, despite that, his presence here seemed more reasonable than the Night Watcher Demigod beside him.

After all, according to what Li Weixuan said when they first met, the old man had long retired to enjoy his vacation, ignoring the Academy’s leaderless state.

It’s quite common for such retirees to participate more in social gatherings.

By saying so, could he also be a member of the former Academy?

Observing Madam Ji Ning silently, Fu Qian’s curiosity about her relationship with Li He increased.

”Director Li, you’re attending the banquet too?”

As for Mr. Li He, there was no need for any more greeting. The moment he appeared, Aike, the vanguard, was already visibly excited.

And her greeting at this moment confirmed the guess in an instant.

”I originally didn’t want to come, but the invitation was just too enthusiastic.”

Li He chuckled at Aike’s address, twirling the lampstand like a sword, confirming instantly he was on the victim’s side.

”Is that so... Did you both come together? But I didn’t seem to see you at the banquet...”

In the blink of an eye, the sudden attack turned into two powerful allies joining, and Aike didn’t hide her relieved demeanor.

Yet she soon thought of something and asked somewhat quizzically.

”...That’s because we didn’t even have time to attend the banquet, as we were invited to see the newborn.”

After hesitating for a moment and seeing that Ji Ning had no intention of speaking, Li He cleared his throat and finally explained.

...

Directly invited over...

Previously complaining about never meeting the little one, Aike suddenly felt unfairly treated.

But the negative emotions only lasted a moment, quickly replaced by excitement.

”So, have you both seen the newborn? Did you notice anything unusual?”

During this special period, Aike was obviously unconcerned with euphemism, directly expressing her intent for this trip.

Unfortunately...

”Sorry, we didn’t get to see them.”

Li He seemed unsurprised by her motive, but simply shook his head regretfully.

”On our way to the invitation, everything around us turned into its current state.”

So that’s how it happened...

At that moment, Aike’s face displayed clear disappointment.

She thought the answer was within reach, but it was just an illusion.

”So you were originally going to...”

While she remained silent, it was Madam Ji Ning who initiated the conversation.

”To see the newborn.”

Seeing Demigod Aike’s spirits dampened, Fu Qian answered for her, explaining the previous situation.

This was when the advantage of being truthful came in; even with the parties involved nearby, Fu Qian calmly recounted the decision-making process, even showing the dark green spreading over most of his right hand.

”So, in your opinion, the yet-to-appear newborn is the key to the problem.”

The two seniors listened attentively, and after Fu Qian finished, they looked at each other with understanding, with Ji Ning eventually responding.

”In fact, our opinion is quite similar, including noting that this place is assimilating everyone within, and this path must have its limits.”

...

”Shall we take action right away?”

At this point, Aike also recovered from her disappointment and decisively responded upon hearing the affirmation.

After all, preferential treatment was in the past; the team now had two incredibly strong members, which could only be good.

”Alright... We were also planning to check that place.”

Ji Ning’s response was equally receptive, and the two teams quickly reached a consensus, although...

”Excuse me, sirs, I still have a small question.”

But just as everyone was about to start, Fu Qian, at the very back, slightly frowned as if recalling something.

”Why did you deliberately set a trap behind you? Were you targeting something in particular?”

...Now that it’s mentioned, it does seem a bit odd.

Fu Qian’s question didn’t hinder the group’s progress, yet Aike, leading the way, was slightly taken aback.

Being in a perilous situation, employing various defensive measures is normal, including the simplicity of the earlier setup.

Ji Ning was indeed there to check the situation, but it was Li He hidden behind the door with concealed aura who was the real trump card.

If the two of them displayed excessively non-human traits, they might have faced a sudden attack from the Sword Saint, which was indeed the real danger mentioned earlier.

However, looking at it from another angle, being in a predicament and actively seeking anomalies isn’t strange, but setting a trap in anticipation when clearly nothing is seen seems without reason.

Or perhaps they didn’t actually see nothing... they sensed something following?