Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1687: Chapter 1682: The Mask Beneath the Skin

Actively inquiring about the unspeakable secret naturally means Chief Yuan has taken on the burden of cleaning house.

However, given her personality, she’s unlikely to be particularly close to the power core, and Old Master Henry has long been retired.

Unless the Night Watchman is some theorized morally just organization, like a spherical chicken in a vacuum, considering the opponent’s identity, this process is unlikely to happen overnight without major incidents in Xi Yuan.

Given this, how to respond to the probe at hand becomes very crucial.

Even if you’re confident that Corin won’t recognize you, the posture the Night Watchman takes next must be cautious.

Generally, those who’ve done something guilty tend to overthink things; too much or too little force can easily trigger alertness.𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

At that time, even if nothing is discovered, it’s hard to say whether the old-school conservative will act aggressively.

And considering the gravity of the matter, even if you reveal a partially obscured face, Lady Corin’s probing is unlikely to end directly and will likely continue.

In this case, leaving Wen Li at the Night Watchmen Base to be protected is undoubtedly a reasonable choice and most convenient for taking it easy.

You can simply make a brief appearance, then enter a state of being elusive and leave everything to the Night Watchman.

Considering past actions, it’s hard to say Yuan Shan doesn’t have concerns about you actually doing this.

And while this conservative approach might not easily cause backlash, it obviously won’t satisfy Chief Yuan.

...

No matter how much trust there is in oneself, it’s still just one side of the story.

Investigating secretly afterward is one thing; not gaining any insights from this contact would surely leave Yuan Shan feeling unsatisfied.

So, the upcoming plan must meet clear demands—to be active, yet active without arousing suspicion.

This level of force calibration, without a professional like myself, would undoubtedly be easy to mishandle.

What brings relief is that I proactively suggested another solution—stationing together at the victim’s home, waiting openly for something to happen.

This more active strategy undoubtedly means I won’t stay out of it, and will actually fulfill the responsibility of a good citizen.

As for Yuan Shan’s moment of hesitation, it was likely due to concerns that such action might seem too proactive for her identity, but given her good personal relationship with Wen Li, it makes sense.

”Once we leave this room, I can’t ensure our conversation won’t be overheard.”

Yuan Shan, ever efficient, once confirming the plan, didn’t prepare to delay, but directly informed Fu Qian.

The meaning was simple; anything can be discussed here, so try to exchange all key points.

Outside, switch to your role, and avoid saying anything that would harm unity.

...

”Understood.”

Fu Qian naturally agreed with pleasure, without a doubt.

A chief’s office without such arrangements would indeed be losing face.

In fact, this was also one of the reasons for justifying that there was no problem with Wen Li earlier.

Of course, the minuscule chance that Needle Witch Wu Kelin’s abilities defy conventions that she already knows about this conspiracy—if that were the case, things would be even more interesting.

”So, can I use the bathroom here?”

Getting up smoothly and beckoning Yuan Shan to follow, Fu Qian gestured to a corner of the office.

Uh...

”Had a bit too much tea.”

Seeing Yuan Shan’s visibly stiff expression, Fu Qian even offered an additional explanation.

”...Please.”

Waving a hand, Yuan Shan took a swig from the pot, seeking solace in tea.

...

Chief Yuan’s private restroom, though not exaggeratingly large, was still luxurious.

Immediately activating the Return Edict and washing hands slowly, Fu Qian politely averted his gaze, removing the Messenger.

”I wonder if this will work.”

Re-entering the storeroom, he murmured to himself, rubbing his face, and sighed as he activated another Insight gain—the Dazzling Visage.

Facial features, including the contour, quickly changed.

Since digesting the mask, this ability hadn’t been used many times.

But one usage scenario had been envisioned a long time ago.

If possible, it would perfectly suit this operation.

Without needing a mirror, Fu Qian knew he had taken on the Witch’s appearance again, and his Transcendent aura was entirely concealed.

Then he picked up the Messenger, from which the bloodstains had been mostly cleaned, and put it back on his face.

Seems like it can work.

The next moment, returning to the restroom, Fu Qian observed Fang Xun’s face in the mirror, along with the still-concealed Transcendent aura, greatly satisfied.

...

Indeed, it’s not wrong to praise the Pontiff.

Previously thought that even if the Dazzling Visage effect remained, a facial re-sculpt might still be needed. Now it seems the effect is truly ideal.

Even while exclaiming admiration, Fu Qian adjusted himself slightly in the mirror.

Resulting almost immediately in the Dazzling Visage effect disappearing.

The Messenger’s effect is indeed different from simple face-sculpting, more like applying an effect to the face.

Doesn’t disrupt the Dazzling Visage, but also doesn’t support further modification.

After executing a small test, Fu Qian returned to the storeroom and retraced his steps in order, finally leaving the restroom satisfied.

”How did you do it?”

Almost instantaneously, Yuan Shan met him with a shocked gaze.

”Just a subtle little trick. I think this fits my persona better, remember to keep it confidential.”

Fu Qian explained with a bright smile.

”Rest assured.”

After the initial shock, Yuan Shan also readily agreed.

The current concern is no longer whether the strategist is helpful.

Revealing even this ”little trick” indicates such enthusiasm; what more needs to be said?

Furthermore, the reasoning is logical.

After all, it’s a persona of being hidden in plain sight. Facing such abnormal events, not disguising and being too conspicuous would seem too casual.

Of course, this was Yuan Shan’s understanding; she naturally couldn’t guess that Fu Qian’s main purpose in this operation was due to demonstrating a Second Phase level in front of Xi Yuan to some extent.

As mentioned previously to Yuan Shan, compared to Demigods, the quantity of Second Phase individuals is rare, easier to tally.

Even if the power nature difference is great, suddenly having two Second Phases appear is too abnormal, better to keep the bookstore owner persona low-key.

...

”Your chef hasn’t changed, right? Last time’s fish left a deep impression on me.”

Prepared, feeling reassured, Yuan Shan wasted no time, taking Fu Qian to find Wen Li waiting outside.

”No... If you’re interested, I can have them prepare it right away.”

Clearly understanding the meaning, Wen Li nodded earnestly, overwhelmed with the honor.

”Sure, I can’t wait.”

Yuan Shan swiftly turned and walked ahead, demonstrating an impressive consistency in words and actions.