Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1371: Chapter 1369: Fallen Guest Empire (28)

Strange sensation.

The fish, though nimble, still paled in comparison to Fu Qian’s speed.

Without even a chance to struggle, it was instantly caught in his hand.

Holding the catch that moved as if it were still alive, no different from other live fish, Fu Qian immediately sensed its magic.

From where he touched it, flesh melted away as if exposed to blazing sunlight.

Replacing it was a copper ring, identical in size and shape to the fish’s body.

While maintaining the shape of his palm, it could even be freely manipulated. Amidst the clattering of copper rings, the fish’s body remained firmly in his grasp.

This Holy Relic of the Fallen Star Clan, truly one bizarre item after another.

…

“Are you insane?”

Amidst his sighs, the roar of the person involved exploded.

Unfortunately, before the surging arc light turbulence could fully cover the body, Frankie, who reflexively reacted first, was sent flying with a crystallized giant fist smashing into his chest.

The ambush was too swift and unexpected, leaving no chance to evade.

Though for the “favored” like them, such injuries weren’t fatal, those who reacted a moment later were still caught off guard, with their first instinct being rescue.

Except for Lady Xia.

“You’re a madman! I knew your motives weren’t pure…”

Her tone shifted from casual to murderous, and she didn’t even glance at Frankie.

As for why she could stand and finish her words without being punched again—while Fu Qian finished his attack, he was already looking at the hand holding the fish.

Something strange happened.

The copper ring on his palm, from where it made contact, started merging with the fish.

Rather than losing activity, it became even more active—as part of the fish.

Just like how swallowing a fragment was corrosive to Marianne and the others, this fish was using its presence to contaminate him.

No wonder it had to be kept here; this fish out there would be a devastating weapon.

However, isn’t this contamination happening a bit too fast?

…

“Did you think agreeing to come below was solely to show sincerity in communication?”

Lady Xia’s voice timely answered the doubts.

“From the first moment I saw you, I knew that despite your calm exterior, you’re fundamentally a cold-blooded scoundrel.”

“And much earlier, after watching your performance against the siege, I’d already been pondering what to use to handle you.”

“Not only numerous means, but with vitality absurdly tough, you’re undoubtedly a rare nightmare creation.”

“And after much thought, only the item in your hand was most suitable—the only issue was how to trick you into touching it.”

As she spoke, Lady Xia was not idle, her hands shimmering with arcs, moving mysteriously.

As she acted, the fish’s movements grew more vigorous, and the area Fu Qian lost control over extended to his elbow.

“So you’re… actually here for the Holy Relic?”

Meanwhile, the two rescuing Frankie had already returned with the injured, cautiously shielding him.

Fu Qian’s strike was still rather brutal, even wrapped in black turbulence, the horrifying indentation in the chest was visible.

Despite this, Frankie still struggled to question in disbelief.

“You should be thankful he came for the Holy Relic.”

Before Fu Qian could say anything, Xia snorted beside him.

“Otherwise, finding such an opportunity to deal with him would be very difficult.”

“I’ve long said, no one voluntarily turns from a lucky one into a fooled idiot; having not experienced our ordeals, they would never easily renounce the nightmare… even if memories shared with them were indisputably real.”

“Pardon me for interrupting, but the last information I shared was also real.”

Seeing Frankie momentarily silent under Lady Xia’s argument, Fu Qian, as the accused, spoke up to defend himself.

“Hehe… Honestly, I truly hope to believe that, but no worries, we have plenty of time to verify.”

Lady Xia let out a sarcastic laugh.

“Just a reminder, I know you still have strength to spare, and even if you fully unleash it, potentially shattering us to pieces, it’s utterly meaningless.”

“Even if you escape from here, you’ll soon lose control over your body, becoming a thought clinging to the fish.”

“And by leveraging the connection with the Holy Relic, we will easily find you.”

“You have nowhere to escape; even returning to the nightmare is impossible, you have yet to fully grasp the power of this Holy Relic.”

“It is indeed remarkable.”

Listening attentively to Lady Xia’s explanation, Fu Qian concurred while staring at his arm swaying along with the fish.

“I did not understand much before, but it doesn’t matter, I can learn.”

…

Hmm?

Fu Qian’s last words sounded a bit odd.

Screech!

But before the group could react, the sound of clothing tearing followed.

On the thug’s trapped chest, a hideous giant maw was torn open.

The next moment, terrifying sharp teeth bit into his own arm.

The Bronze Ring Fish tried to evade, but was far too late.

As blood spurted, the fish’s body along with the entire left arm was swallowed whole.

…

“You truly are a madman; this will only speed up your paralysis!”

Once again, with words of dubious praise, the audience seemed on the brink of a nervous breakdown from the shock.

Their response was remarkably consistent: instead of charging in mindlessly to fight the cornered thug to the death, they retreated in unison into a defensive stance.

It must be said it was a rational choice, to the point where Fu Qian even assisted them slightly.

The next moment, the body with a missing limb leaned slightly back in an extending pose.

Accompanied by this, a seemingly paper-thin, icy curtain enveloped the surroundings.

Countless intersecting broken lines instantly filled the interior of the curtain.

Previously used in Mist Town, the myriad tendrils under the Burning Frost Effect.

“Retreat!”

Living up to his past as a professional Hunter, in an instant, Frankie grasped the peril and let out a hoarse roar.

The others, too, acted decisively, without hesitation, retreating furiously.

Their swift reactions ultimately helped them escape the chamber just before the curtain burst, avoiding the violent slice.

However, the Holy Relic storeroom of the Fallen Star Clan wasn’t so lucky.

All around, everything exploded in pieces, falling like rain.

The scene from the previous town of flesh corroding was now displayed with inorganic materials, but only for an instant.

The turbulent flow splashing from the Pool of Origin connected, sweeping over everything.

When the dust settled, Fu Qian found himself encircled.

The seamless black turbulence, writhing as though a black stomach, seemed ready to digest him.

Even the next moment, a smooth object slowly emerged from the corner of the stomach, like a polyp.