Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1714: Chapter 1709: Bitter Fruit (Part 3)

Sure enough, expressing goodwill also requires technique and method.

In this much more pleasant greeting, even though the scarred bride was unabashedly displaying more of her surface area, Fu Qian still turned his head to look elsewhere.

The voice matched its owner; it belonged to an elderly woman who appeared kind and amiable.

Small in stature, she sat on a chair in the corner. Although most of her hair was already white, it was neatly combed together, and she was earnestly looking over at that moment.

Hilary was indeed correct; someone had indeed seen this ailment-ridden outsider.

And it was even more than just that. Through the window, which was only slightly bigger than a ventilation hatch, it was confirmed that it was indeed night outside, with a pitch-black sky devoid of stars.

What else did Hilary say?

Never walk into that darkness?

”What are you thinking of doing? Do not have any strange ideas.”

The elderly lady, who had been watching Fu Qian closely, undoubtedly noticed his movements and was quick to remind him.

”Thank you, but why?”

Fu Qian didn’t rush to reject this goodwill; he even walked forward while thanking her.

The church had a traditional cross shape layout, with a core area even smaller than where Hilary stayed, and the elderly lady was positioned in its most inconspicuous corner, furthest from the altar.

”Is there something inside?”

Sitting down directly beside the empty spot, Fu Qian continued to ask curiously.

...

”You shouldn’t ask such questions; not everything can be discussed...”

However, after hesitating for a moment, the elderly lady directly gave a description akin to Voldemort’s, hinting at the horror of things in the darkness.

It was even more than that; aside from her and the bride, there were two other people in the church who also looked over because of her question.

This kind of stress response seemed to somewhat confirm that her earlier answer was not just an elderly person’s alarmist talk.

”Then let’s not talk about it.”

Fortunately, today Fu Qian played the role of a gentle and agreeable person, completely unlike adventurers in movies who believe taboos are meant to be broken. In the next moment, he easily gave up the question and switched to another one.

”But what happens if you really go inside?”

As is well known, the Evil Demon itself cannot be discussed, but the disasters caused by them are often publicized; one has to learn to beat around the bush.

”You will become completely incurable.”

The fact proved that the strategy switch had an immediate effect.

This time, it wasn’t the elderly lady who spoke but a thin middle-aged man with a scraggly beard, wearing a felt hat.

His position was even farther than everyone else’s because his half body was almost directly leaning on the altar.

Behind the altar covered with red velvet was an insignia consistent with the shape from earlier, along with a still reasonably intact seated statue.

At a glance, it was almost one of the most normal depictions Fu Qian had seen among the many faith buildings.

With long hair down to the shoulders and a robe cinched at the waist, it not only had a peaceful demeanor but also lacked extra components like wings or tentacles.

The only unusual thing might be the four eyes.

That’s right, there were no bizarre components, but there were certainly unconventional ones.

Beneath the long hair were two pairs of identical-looking eyes, and at the same time, compared to the statue’s peaceful demeanor, the exposed arms were indeed a bit muscular.

But from another angle, this might make everyone believe more easily that this Superior Being could protect them.

”So how exactly is it incurable?”

While admiring and commenting, Fu Qian didn’t forget the main business and smoothly asked again.

”You will lose all humanity and hope, no longer able to perceive anything!”

Clearly unusual, very few encounter such demands, but seeing Fu Qian’s thirst for knowledge, the middle-aged man paused for a moment, and then his voice turned high-pitched.

”And in that distortion, you’ll be gutted like livestock, crawling in endless pain, with your innards smeared bit by bit on the stone...”

”Indeed, that sounds terrifying.”

Very precisely waiting for the other to finish expressing, Fu Qian slightly nodded and gave his comment.

”But there seems to be a small problem here; if you completely cannot perceive, then what is the source of endless pain?”

...

”Believe it or not, that’s your affair. You can walk inside and try it; I’ll wait for you to come back and tell me the answer.”

Obviously, rigorous thinking isn’t always welcome.

At that moment, the middle-aged man in the felt hat was stuck, while his expression visibly soured.

However, whether it was having the statue behind him giving him a higher image requirement, he ultimately maintained his expression management and replied to Fu Qian’s question with an indifferent demeanor.

And after speaking, he straightforwardly took off his hat and covered his face, showing no interest in communicating further with Fu Qian.

”So this belongs to the church of this Deity? I wonder what it should be called?”

Of course, it’s unlikely he knows how much experience Fu Qian has in being disliked.

After a sigh of regret, Fu Qian didn’t delay even half a second, directly switched the topic, and changed to another object.

Proactive closeness or distance should be built on a certain level of understanding.

The middle-aged man closest to the statue might be the best person to answer this question, but the elderly lady furthest away could also embody some hope.

”Akons.”

However, somewhat unexpectedly, the elderly lady not only gazed keenly over and spoke but even directly provided a name.

”No secret can escape the Deity’s Insight, and their wisdom is like the deep sea.”

...

To actually understand to this extent, I thought having a symbolic honorific would be pretty good.

Surprised by the elderly woman’s detailed answer, Fu Qian inadvertently developed more interest in this Superior Being.

The name wasn’t unusual; it hadn’t been heard before. As for powers, the image indeed seemed closer to an intellect-type character, but Insight... seems like it shares a similar profession with us Sages.

Additionally, speaking from this aspect, what Hilary below has done to a certain extent also subtly connects.

Although the latter seems more inclined towards personal Insight.

”So that’s how it is.”

With a tone that seemed both lamenting and sighing, Fu Qian surveyed his surroundings, finally responding to the elderly woman’s initial concern.

”Thanks for your concern. After Miss Hilary’s treatment, I’ve gotten much better... as if I’ve discovered a brand new self.”

”Ah... that doesn’t sound too good then.”

Once the words were out, one could notice the elderly woman’s expression stiffened for a moment, yet it was the scarred bride who had first exchanged eye contact who spoke.

With white satin gloves gently covering her mouth, under a perfect expression of surprise, not a trace of sympathy could be heard.