Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1716: Chapter 1711: Bitter Fruit (5)

In a space with four people, not only were their expressions different, but they even sat far apart from each other, remaining silent until his arrival.

It seemed like he needed to break the ice one-by-one to obtain any valuable information.

While this scene was inexplicably familiar, and Fu Qian was also professional in this aspect, this time he chose not to proceed slowly but instead guided the conversation imperceptibly, initiating group communication.

As is well-known, one of the greatest advantages of a group setting is that every word you say will have peers as the audience, so there’s no need for the host to bear too much pressure.

To Fu Qian, given the lack of knowledge about this place, this would help him efficiently gain an initial understanding.

Indeed, the results proved to be true.

Even though their ages and personalities differed, the participants’ answers so far revealed no conflicting points.

Under this pressure test, more than one person even transformed into a deeper version of themselves with impressive efficiency.

For example, the middle-aged man who couldn’t help but speak repeatedly until he broke down, and Miss Bride who simply eloped into the night.

Combining the information revealed during this process, he could basically summarize his current situation—

Outsider, afflicted with a heart ailment, came to this place seeking healing.

This place worships a four-eyed Superior Being named Akons, the Insight and Wisdom God.

His attending physician shares this faith but is suspected of heresy, Hilary.

For reasons still unclear, she has stayed long-term in the depths of the church basement and no longer knows if it’s day or night outside.

As for these four, they are hiding here to avoid the unspeakable great terror from the Darkness, including the old lady who had met him before.

Ultimately, he still let down Hilary’s efforts, emerging from below as a failed case.

Even after such an interaction, only four people remained in the church.

”Young man, if you must go out, take this with you.”

At this moment, Fu Qian gazed into the Darkness, and the old lady sitting beside him, seemingly impacted by Miss Bride’s actions, didn’t offer futile persuasion but handed over something.

...

No longer than a finger, it was a small transparent bottle of green color, containing a darker liquid, now less than half full.

”This is an anointed Spiritual Medicine, don’t drink it, apply it under your nose and above your lips. With some luck, it might help you sense its scent in advance.”

As Fu Qian turned to observe, without rushing to take it, the old lady softly explained.

Though vague, it was easy to understand that the so-called ”it” referred to that unspeakable presence.

Compared to others, the old lady was indeed more mature and cautious, not forgetting to avoid taboos even at this point.

”Thank you.”

Fu Qian accepted the kind gesture without hesitation, directly extending his hand to receive it.

”So does she have a similar gift?”

While rubbing the slightly rough bottle, Fu Qian didn’t forget to glance at Miss Bride’s former position, expressing concern.

”Don’t worry... she’s not leaving this courtyard.”

Not answering the question directly, the old lady just shook her head, indicating that the bride acted impulsively but hadn’t completely lost her mind.

Unfortunately, her voice was so subdued that it was hard to tell if she was trying to convince Fu Qian or herself.

”But it’s taking longer and longer for her to come back each time, and the courtyard is not beyond influence.”

Not everyone shares her hopeful outlook for the future.

The middle-aged man, recovering his senses again, after failing with Fu Qian repeatedly, chose for the first time to interact among church friends, focusing on the old lady with a string of cold laughter.

”Clearly, she’s getting crazier, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she loses her mind entirely one day.”

After saying this, he once again covered his face with his hat, giving no room for retort.

Though he didn’t have to be so cautious.

...

In silence, with head bowed and eyes lowered.

Even the old lady found it hard to refute such ruthless interruptions from someone of the same faith.

But from her muttered prayers, it was evident she hadn’t been easily disheartened, still praying for the bride’s safe return.

The middle-aged man just continued with his cold laughter, enough to penetrate the hat’s cover.

In short, the ice-breaking was very successful.

Not only did he gain important information and tools for himself, but even among the natives, they were no longer indifferent.

Although not everyone.

Following the path Miss Bride took just now, Fu Qian took one last look before leaving, his gaze falling on the darkest corner of the space.

Despite the lively atmosphere, there was still one of the four who had remained silent throughout.

He still looked the most robust.

He didn’t seem much older than that bride, with short hair and black eyes, dressed in drab clothes, yet the muscle definition was apparent.

From the beginning until now, this person sitting directly on the floor had not glanced at any part of the conversation, only stared aimlessly at a candelabrum in the church, looking like someone who had given up on life.

In light of this, Fu Qian fully respected personal choice and did not disturb him.

Moreover, this posture also provided some informative reference.

Even in sanctuary, such despair was palpable; a silent yet stronger statement than words, setting the tone for the entire scene.

It allowed one to realize the deep psychological impact cast by the Darkness outside.

Who wouldn’t hesitate to step out after witnessing such?

Fu Qian exited.

...

The believers weren’t exaggerating; the small church indeed had a courtyard.

Simultaneously, their descriptions of the Darkness seemed not to be overstated either.

Within just a few steps, the candlelight emanating from the building was swallowed by Darkness, diminished to a level where normal vision became meaningless.

Though it wasn’t as troublesome for Fu Qian, it wasn’t without effect.

The pervasive Darkness felt almost like a thick clot, suppressing perception to a considerable degree.

The end result was an uncertainty about whether Miss Bride had gone further or remained in the courtyard — a question Fu Qian couldn’t immediately answer.

But it didn’t matter, uncertain if she had gone out, but what mattered was whether he had made it out.

Without hesitating, Fu Qian stepped onto a stone path.