Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 1763: Chapter 1758: Bustling

So a big incident happened, and you came to a bookstore owner early in the morning to chat about gossip?

Seeing Yuan Shan also getting accustomed to local customs, lounging casually, Fu Qian shook his head.

”So what’s the news?”

Any news personally spread by the Chief of the Night Watchman must be somewhat interesting.

While making tea, Fu Qian cooperatively asked.

”I just received a notification. Last night, several heads of the Siren in various places were assassinated, without a single failure.”

Yuan Shan didn’t hold back and stated straightforwardly.

”Oh... Yasui?”

And Fu Qian, not failing his reputation as a curious citizen, immediately made a connection.

”That’s basically it. Previously, the assassination of Yasui Tokiyuki didn’t have any follow-up. We discussed the risk of disruptions, but their methods were even more intense than expected.”

Not surprised by the strategist’s sharpness, Yuan Shan sighed.

”For something of this scale, it’s impossible for the Siren not to respond, and Yasui’s actions presumably won’t end here. The follow-up will likely become very lively.”

”Agreed.”

Fu Qian nodded, thinking about the discussion he remotely observed last night—

A member of the Greedy Worm named Ji Yin reached some kind of deal with Yasui Corp, perhaps related to this commotion.

Considering he was still in the hesitant phase then, he was probably not part of the first wave of actions.

Be it further assassinations or full-blown conflicts, the large machine that is Yasui is clearly gearing up quickly.

...

”So in this kind of situation, you Night Watchmen don’t interfere?”

While pondering, Fu Qian continued to ask.

”Why would we intervene?”

Yuan Shan just sneered and answered straightforwardly.

”The Night Watch’s scope of intervention is always straightforward and clear, limited to between the Transcendent and ordinary people.”

”Things like this occur periodically; if they want to fight to the death, it’s their business, as long as they remember the red line.”

It’s clear that Chief Yuan doesn’t have much fondness for these organizations.

”The Night Watch’s principles are commendable.”

And Fu Qian quite agreed with her statement.

Principles may seem abstract, even a bit restraining.

But for such an organization, they are one of the core elements for maintaining its existence.

They can be strict, but boundaries must be clear.

For such an oppressive organization, any blurring of lines exponentially increases the difficulty of maintaining order in the long run.

”It indeed is big news, but it shouldn’t really affect a bookstore like mine with single-digit monthly sales?”

Though a moment later, Fu Qian still asked with some confusion, seemingly not quite understanding the other’s rush to share the news.

”...Isn’t it just because your timing visiting there with Su Gao last time was too coincidental?”

Yuan Shan glanced at him.

The statement about revenue might be nonsensical, but it was indeed the truth.

”Of course, I know you both were just obsessed with divination tea ceremonies and didn’t pay attention to those trivial matters, so it’s just a friendly reminder.”

”Also, although they are giants, their influence in Shangjing isn’t that significant, so you can continue growing your business safely. Just be careful when in other places.”

Indeed, quite relaxed, as Yuan Shan drank tea while casually chatting about gossip.

”Thanks for the reminder. Anything else?”

Yet, as the person involved, Fu Qian didn’t dismiss this kindness and thanked with sincerity.

Anything else...

Yuan Shan looked at the sky, hesitating as if she wanted to say something.

Fu Qian, however, vaguely guessed part of the meaning—Meteor.

The event yesterday was too stimulating, and compared to the conflicts between Extraordinary Organizations, the possible anomaly occurring with the Prison Angel Commander he mentioned was evidently more intriguing to her.

It’s just unfortunate that it had only been a day, and the waiting process was somewhat excruciating.

”There’s also something about Wen Li, which I just heard...”

As expected, due to concerns over the confidentiality of the matter, Yuan Shan eventually refrained from discussing it here.

But the substitute topic she chose was somewhat surprising.

”Today, when I chatted with Wen Li, she mentioned something special. Just a few days ago, she received an invitation from the Academy.”

...

This kind of thing?

Academy, invitation, these words combined seem to always link to some unfortunate matters.

But for Fu Qian, it soon became clear why Wen Li encountered this situation.

”Divine Ashes Institute?”

Fu Qian blinked, not particularly hiding his familiarity with the Academy.

Recently, this division, primarily focused on psychic research, faced setbacks and is striving to rebuild, which is understandable.

And Wen Li’s rare abilities receiving attention is indeed normal.

”Yes, a formal invitation. They are very interested in Wen Li’s abilities and hope she can visit if she has time to exchange insights.”

”Also, based on the specifics Wen Li relayed, the wording was unusually humble for them.”

Yuan Shan commented with a cold smile, evidently familiar with the Divine Ashes Institute’s traditionally arrogant style.

”When I visited Wen Li today, she mentioned this and asked if she should accept. What do you think?”

And after explaining the situation, she directly transferred the consultation task to Fu Qian.

”The Divine Ashes Institute has a wealth of experience in the psychic Transcendent aspect. For someone like Wen Li, lacking practical experience but at the Fourth Phase, visiting could be beneficial. What’s her opinion?”

Though the Divine Ashes Institute’s reputation was poor, Fu Qian, being academically rigorous, did not deliberately belittle them.

”Hmm... Wen Li has a similar thought. In fact, if not for the recent issues, she originally planned to set off in a day or two.”

From Yuan Shan’s words, it’s clear Wen Li’s attitude was also clear.

”But one of your concerns seems to be that you don’t want us to be too constrained because of her?”

Fu Qian discerned a hint of concern from Yuan Shan.

”Hmm... That’s an easy worry to have, especially after it already happened once.”

”Logically speaking, even a brief departure might be safer.”

Feeling the ease of conversing with a strategist, Yuan Shan sighed and shook her head, evidently confident in Wen Li’s acumen.

”But given the current situation, I feel it would be imprudent not to have someone around to assist. Besides, the Divine Ashes Institute doesn’t have a stellar reputation...”

”Trust in the self-correcting capability of academic sanctuaries.”

”Young individuals having such aspirations should also be respected.”

Fu Qian waved his hand, suggesting not to worry excessively.

Yet, doing so might make things a bit too lively over there.

He sighed internally at the same time.