Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1613: Chapter 1608: Netherworld Severed Stream (Part 3)

Slogans are not shouted carelessly. Saying we are not inferior means exactly that.

The most important factor is the experimental conditions.

It’s unclear what method the Linghui people use to resist the Withering, but for professionals like us, we have the strength and means.

What Fu Qian just did was simple. As he entered the cave, he conveniently activated the Return Edict, transforming himself into the core of a conceptual existence.

Although there are no visual effects, it’s an aura that can effectively alleviate even the erosion of the Red Moon.

And indeed, its performance did not disappoint. The moment it was activated, it blocked the adverse effects and continued to extend, creating something akin to a safe zone.

In short, Professor Lisa is now under our protection, after she showed courage and decisiveness.

Even knowing the danger, she proceeds, proving her dedication to the pursuit of knowledge.

With death looming, she remains resilient, refusing to yield to instinct.

Speaking of determination may seem abstract, but it is always a precious concept.

Besides the rewards of exploration, I believe this trial will also hold its value for this young person’s growth.

Being someone who makes decisions is not that simple.

”What is this thing... I can barely feel any negative impact now.”

As expected, without needing a reminder, Professor Lisa has already voluntarily shared her feelings.

”A bit of exploration shielding; courage and caution have never been contradictory.”

Fu Qian did not resort to unnecessary modesty, directly admitting it was his doing.

”When we move later, be careful not to stray too far.”

”...Okay.”

Lisa naturally had no objections to this.

For her, half a minute ago, this was an entirely unimaginable scenario.

The action she had envisioned required enormous, even irreversible, costs, yet it suddenly became like a museum visit.

Breathing a sigh of relief, she felt as light as a feather.

”Will this... consume a lot?”

Yet even so, she never forgot that this was her project. Instinctively moving closer to Fu Qian, she cautiously confirmed.

Undoubtedly a reasonable assumption, with such exaggerated effects comparable to cheating, just standing by and not retaining any traces of Withering, it’s hard to imagine what the cost is to maintain this continuously.

Consumption...

The concern from Professor Lisa made Fu Qian uncharacteristically ponder this question.

The answer was obvious—negligible.

This effect is not casually categorized. Since it is labeled as an aura, it naturally possesses its core advantages: zero consumption, infinite duration, and beneficence to all.

Although not as visually impressive as the other two, the essence of the Return Edict has always been pure.

Speaking of this trait, it indeed closely resembles the core of the ”law” encountered before, as the reward description of the law-pattern residue suggests.

Fu Qian naturally thought of the upcoming scientific expedition in Xi Yuan City and that familiar tree.

”Rest assured, it’s almost without consumption.”

Of course, his internal musings never impeded his communication work. At the same time, he shook his head generously, signaling there was no need for worry.

...

Ah?

Due to inertia, while Fu Qian expressed reassurance, Professor Lisa subconsciously placed him in the role of selfless dedication without seeking credit.

However, the feeling of being moved lasted less than half a second before she quickly understood and sorted out the logic.

What if it’s actually true...

”Then why not use it from the start?”

Blinking her eyes back to normal, she gently asked.

”How would it serve as training otherwise? It would only deprive the young of growth opportunities.”

Fu Qian shook his head as if it was obvious.

”You all will, sooner or later, have to stand alone. Neither Cass nor I can always protect you.”

It’s okay to deprive the opportunity; I don’t mind.

Fu’s tone and demeanor was genuinely without any peculiarity, making it difficult to raise doubts for a while, but precisely because of this...

Lisa naturally recalled her inner journey just moments ago, especially the psychological battle almost leading to a transformation.

This guy couldn’t have done it on purpose, right?

”Although there’s clearly a final trump card unused, I believe this trial will indeed hold its value for you.”

As Lisa’s heart roared, Fu Qian continued to provide earnest commentary.

He did it on purpose for sure!

The trump card certainly exists. Even during the last exploration return, in an attempt to turn the tables, she proactively exposed it, claiming the restraints could be undone back in the lab.

Including this guy before her, while talking now, he was eyeing her neck.

Could he seriously be looking forward to that scene?

Amidst her reflections, her anger intensified, but aside from glaring eyes, Professor Lisa did not overreact; there wasn’t even a verbal accusation—it was her own business.

As a serious researcher, she never forgot that.

Having supported this mission, with no one daring to obstruct, the other party had already fulfilled his duty.

Demanding others to do more than their due with a self-righteous attitude wasn’t something she could do.

Including her decision to continue downward, in essence, the other party only advised, while her choice was made upon reflection.

After all, corpses in the description were too compelling not to glance at.

”Thank you, Professor Fu.”

So although her tone carried a slight gritting of teeth, she still opted for gratitude.

”A mere trifling effort.”

Of course, coming from Expert Fu, due to excessive understatement, it nearly made one lose composure.

”So starting from here, might there be bodies?”

Fortunately, Fu Qian clearly didn’t care about the young failing facial expression management, seamlessly transitioning to the next topic.

As their conversation continued, the two had passed through the winding cave, now faced with yet another new area.

...

Densely packed like a beehive.

Compared to above, honestly, this area was much more organized.

Though not aesthetically pleasing, it truly resembled a stacked dwelling.

Considering it extends even beyond sight, estimating by capacity alone, the probability of a body being present was significantly higher.

”Yes, but not certain.”

Under the care of the Return Edict, Lisa could easily focus her energy on the present matter, affirming Fu Qian’s statement.

”According to reports, the state of those corpses is extremely fragile, dissipating at the slightest carelessness.”

”Especially the deeper, where the probability of those things outside roaming seems higher. This causes damage on one hand, and requires us to be appropriately cautious on the other.”

As if to validate Lisa’s words, the next moment a faint sound emanated from behind a door not far from the pair.

Following the sound, a cluster of bone claws as slender and dense as reeds emerged through the gap, coming into view.