Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1699: Chapter 1694: Gains and Losses

Reaching a critical point has always been a skill that is exceedingly difficult to master.

Even if mastered, it can be occasionally influenced by factors like emotional turmoil.

Take the Chief Yuan in this incident, for example.

It’s understandable that she’s eager to rid the people of harm, but some things can become disrespectful if taken to extremes.

The nature of this incident is suspected to be initiated by a Second Order Extraordinary as a test to verify if her grave mistake has leaked.

In such a major situation, one can fully imagine the decisive and ruthless extent of the eyes behind it if speculations are accurate.

If there is even a slightest hint of something being off, it could very well spiral into a brutal cleanup process.

Our side could only adopt a somewhat composed stance thanks to our foresighted few strategic arrangements.

In such circumstances, to set the probe’s target as mastering evidence that Corin is leading behind the scenes?

Under such eyes, to induce the opposition to make a slip and be unaware?

Not to mention the inherent benefits, theoretically, the opponent’s determination to check for slips is likely more intense than yours.

The key to success lies in the opponent’s folly, a typical child’s logic for play; professional competence involves being lenient in anticipating the enemy.

The subject of this confrontation is not arbitrarily set.

”You didn’t actually expect to verify that Corin is behind this?”

Chief Yuan’s reaction was swift; after being dumbfounded for a few seconds and confirming Fu Qian was not joking, she started to grasp something.

”Indeed... If it really is her, verifying that now would be exactly the wrong move; once discovered, the situation could instantly spiral out of control...”

And she has a huge advantage for a leader, that is she’s good at self-reflection; her voice quickly lowered.

”The problem is, why not explain this to me beforehand? What if I accidentally don’t handle it properly?”

Of course, that doesn’t mean her discontent is entirely erased; after self-reflection, she still gave Fu Qian a sidelong glance.

”That’s precisely the concern—worried that you wouldn’t handle it properly.”

Fu Qian merely blinked at this, wearing a strategist’s smirk inviting a beating.

”Compared to telling you everything, I had more confidence in controlling the situation under the previous circumstances.”

...

Fu Qian had already spoken quite plainly, and naturally, Yuan Shan was a bit disgruntled about being subtly looked down upon in terms of her acting skills.

However, thinking back on past experiences, she had to admit that in this regard the other party was indeed superior, leaving her momentarily speechless.

”But with this, the significance of this action becomes limited.”

Letting out a helpless sigh, Yuan Shan shook her head, choosing to bear the burden in silence, focusing on the main points.

”Yet even limited as such, it’s the most we could strive for; now we can tally the gains and losses.”

Indicating that one shouldn’t be too greedy, Fu Qian greatly appreciated Yuan Shan’s dedication and quickly returned to the main topic too.

”Firstly, we faced a particularly Second Phase, one whose appearance and abilities are distinctly unique; no matter the outcome, this shall be a meaningful clue.”

”Indeed, although I can’t figure out what connection it might have with Corin, nor where it even emerged from.”

With furrowed brows, Yuan Shan recalled past experiences, clearly confused.

”That’s a good thing, precisely because we can’t see a connection, we can bring it forward openly and justifiably.”

Fu Qian comforted her with a smile.

”Directly presenting this as a theme to higher authorities, let groups like the Council investigate, considering its weight it can also righteously urge and supervise from time to time.”

”Indeed...and with this cover, I can conveniently do some face-to-face communication with the teacher as well.”

Giving a slight nod, Yuan Shan even quickly made connections in her mind.

It was evident that under Fu Qian’s assistance, her perspective had broadened.

Even if less willing to accept issues with Corin, she had begun contemplating while placing herself in the context of ”being monitored at every move.”

”Very well, then there’s the second gain—proving whether Corin is leading behind the scenes; we haven’t reaped anything in this regard.”

Wearing a look of appreciation, Fu Qian raised a second finger, though the content spoken resembled a tongue twister.

”This aspect will secure you a valuable window period, allowing you to secretly observe Xi Yuan, as well as various other movements; I believe what’s happening over there must result in a report.”

”Understood, if Corin is indeed behind this, this probe has temporarily alleviated her suspicion.”

Yuan Shan obviously already let go, understanding that acquiring evidence now would only drive the other party to act rashly.

”From this angle, we indeed have gathered as much within permitted limits...but are you sure that even with you making continuous moves later, she still won’t recognize you?”

...

”The purpose of acting was precisely to ensure recognition doesn’t happen.”

Regarding Yuan Shan’s doubts, Fu Qian seemed confident while still entertainingly provocative in his statements.

The meaning was easy to grasp; due to using secret techniques to hide his ranking and consistently underloading his output power throughout, he did reveal more than one trump card, some featuring strong personal styles.

In the eyes of those mindful, it’s truly hard to say whether recognition won’t occur.

From this standpoint, it increasingly highlights the overbearing power of the Pontiff’s might.

”Alright, I believe you.”

And now, under such overly infectious confidence, Chief Yuan helplessly chose to believe.

”Regardless, this exposure should count as our loss, having a high-level Extraordinary helper who is adept at Flesh Power, seemingly low-profile yet bloodthirsty and savage.”

Fu Qian maintained objectivity and continued tallying.

”A strong self-awareness, anything else?”

Yuan Shan always admired his courage for self-deprecation.

Of course, plenty more.

For example, your Divine Beings’ Penalizing Whip, our capacity for complete aura concealment, Blood Conquest, even the Embrace Armor recently bestowed by the Red Moon...

Fu Qian mused to himself.

Most importantly, my role as Administrator.

If Wen Li is truly bait employed by the Night Watchman to catch an ”Administrator,” then all the means I just deployed, including that exceptional space-time secret technique Zawarudo at the end, would certainly generate extra suspicion from the other side.

But it doesn’t matter; it was meant to invoke her suspicion.

On one hand, without sufficient gains, how could probing end easily.

On the other hand, I equally anticipate Lady Corin’s response to this.

If the Night Watchman internally within a certain extent indeed has a distinct understanding and strategy regarding Administrators, I wouldn’t mind interacting and exchanging thoughts with them at all.

Reaching a critical point, mutually probing, the theme of this action has always been tightly aligned.

”Additionally...you’ve gained a witness in need of protection.”

Fu Qian did not articulate these contemplations but instead gestured with his chin towards the direction where Wen Li was resting.