Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1285: Chapter 1283: Loss of Image (27)

It turned out to be because of its consumption value.

The possible existence of those “eyes” behind the scenes, and their reason for appearing here, is something Fu Qian has been pondering all along.

After all, Jane is clearly an ordinary mortal, yet managed to connect with such an existence and attract this level of attention. There must be something peculiar about her.

Now, this answer seems absurd yet strangely logical.

Young women’s blood.

Fu Qian can almost picture it: Yack, elegant and poised, holding a glass, swirling the crimson liquid within, raising it to his lips in rapture before taking a sip.

In fact, when he thinks about it, he himself seems to have done something similar not long ago.

To be honest, this is one of the reasons for using the name Herbert this time.

In conclusion, with the initial motive established, the subsequent events become much easier to grasp.

The change in the eyes—payment for the blood—was just a mishap. This mishap led to Brother Jake, known for his impeccable reputation, lowering himself to act as a family doctor.

The two times Jane was left alone earlier most likely had to do with the arrival of this fellow practitioner and whatever he did to her.

As for the strange changes in her state afterward, it seems they can be attributed to the quack’s bungled methods.

Bloodline Clan, outsiders, and the Sect… tonight turns out to be a triple consultation!

My value as the chief doctor keeps rising.

Fu Qian can’t help but feel gratified for a moment.

…

“The change in the eyes was purely accidental. It shouldn’t have turned out that way.”

Being attacked over aesthetics is apparently intolerable for the Bloodline Clan. Yack almost instantly voices his defense.

“Really? I was just thinking that if this truly reflects Bloodline Clan aesthetics, you should bless yourself first.”

Fu Qian utters a casual “oh.”

“Stop with the nonsense. If I did it, I’d never deny my actions.”

Yack listens with a cold laugh, indicating Fu Qian needn’t feign sincerity.

“Anyway, after the transaction was complete, I saw her again after some time, and her state surprised me greatly.”

“At the art salon?”

“How did you know?”

This question visibly startles Yack.

Not much of a secret, really—just think about it. The voice that told Jane to close her eyes at the salon had to be either Yack or someone like him. Add to that those artistic interests, something already observed among another group of Bloodline Clan members.

“A guess. Since Jane hasn’t stepped outside since then, and every Bloodline Clan member I know seems to have an artistic streak.”

“You really do know other Bloodline Clan members…”

There seems to be a curious undertone in Yack’s voice, but clearly, he’s more concerned about the earlier revelation.

Without questioning Fu Qian further, it’s apparent the Bloodline Clan in this world tend to live in isolation. Otherwise, Yack would most likely ask, “Why haven’t I heard anybody mention you?”

Silently drawing conclusions, Fu Qian offers no response, simply making a gesture to indicate continuation.

“Your guess was correct. After receiving a hint, I went to take a personal look… incomprehensible.”

Staring at Fu Qian with crimson eyes sharper than ever, Yack ultimately confirms his suspicion.

“The effects on her seem to have been distorted.”

“And then you followed her here, monitoring her changes now and then?”

“I need to find out the reason. This was never supposed to happen. The laws never fail!”

Yack does not deny it.

“Seems this transformation of hers also bears some of my responsibility,” Fu Qian says contemplatively, casting a glance at Jane on the ground before lightly chuckling at his own self-critical remark.

“Did my examination disturb you?”

“Not at all. I was merely wondering about your motives. Someone of your stature wouldn’t be running around for a bit of money—and you’re clearly no Orintel, that idiot.”

Yack refutes coldly.

“I had planned to treat her tonight anyway. If things continue down this path, it could attract those irritating cult hunters from the Sect.”

Unlike Orintel, this one knows I’m not ordinary, Fu Qian muses internally.

“Odd, from what you displayed earlier, it didn’t seem like the Sect would be much of a bother for you.”

No need to ask; Yack’s avoidance aura must be tied to some extremely unique law, something that Orintel was utterly unprepared for and completely unaware of.

“The hunters are different from Orintel. Although just as dimwitted, they have exceedingly sharp noses.”

“Also, aren’t you straying from the topic? Weren’t we discussing the illness of the lady on the floor here?”

Yack seems unwilling to let a single chance for rebuttal slip by.

Something about those “sharp noses.” This marks the second time it’s mentioned, reinforcing the notion that cult hunters are indeed a peculiar group.

Though based on the descriptions, this is likely just a metaphor. It’s not about literal noses being sensitive.

They must rely on some unique method to detect abnormalities, especially during the critical sunrise hours.

It’s also the reason I’m here, Fu Qian reflects.

…

“Right, the known illness resulted entirely from your operations, and your treatments appear unsuccessful.”

Giving Yack what he desires, Fu Qian raises two fingers.

“Twice.”

This one seems intrigued by the art of sarcasm. Perhaps it’s worth nudging him a bit further.

“Could you share some details about your experiences in failure?”

“You impudent mutant!”

So goes the saying: one gesture from a seasoned practitioner reveals their skill—or lack thereof. Evidently, Brother Jake’s shallow cultivation quickly devolves into mere insults.

“That’s a topic for another discussion.”

Pity, this level of attack proves woefully ineffective against Fu Qian.

“Let me think. Your first move was to clear away prior blessings, correct?”

After the first round of rest, regardless of the surrounding voices, at least Jane’s eyes returned to normal.

“Correct.”

Given Yack’s rapid shift in demeanor, continuing to press on might appear indecorous. Ultimately, he chooses to answer.

“The law I used can remove all abnormal states—any and every kind of anomaly.”

“But it inadvertently started removing normalcy too, huh?”

Fu Qian’s commentary lands right on cue.

“Creating bigger problems in the process of solving one isn’t uncommon.”

“And if my observations are correct, you drastically shifted your approach afterward.”

“During the last visit to the bedroom, you performed a distinct operation wholly unlike the preceding ones, didn’t you?”

“…I shared with her the glory of the Children of the Stars.”

The look on Yack’s face is perplexing in every sense, though he ultimately bites the bullet, responding through gritted teeth.

“I determined her frail mortal body couldn’t bear the blessings.”

“So you decided to turn her into something akin to yourself? Gotta admit the Bloodline Clan is generous, but—”

Fu Qian gestures at Jane, her deforming skull obvious.

“It seems she’s struggling even more now.”

“I will heal her no matter what!”

With the truth laid bare, Yack’s pride clearly prohibits him from denial. All that remains is his steadfast determination.

“That earnestness, I believe in. Compared to Orintel, you are indeed more refined. However, given the recurring nature of the problem, have you considered reverse thinking?”

The chief doctor finally offers his suggestion.

“Reverse thinking?”

“Yes. It’s not her that has the issue—it’s you.”

“Utter nonsense! As the Children of the Stars, Bloodline Clan are the most noble, pure, and perfectly attuned to the laws!”

Yack bursts into anger.

“Indeed, so the laws must be flawed,” Fu Qian counters.