Facing an Ancient God for a Year

Chapter 2095: Chapter 2090: The Losers

”The first time I came here, I discovered them.”

As Fu Qian admired the graffiti all over the room, Zhao Ran also followed him in, adding coldly from the side.

”So these things have been here for at least several months?”

It was clear that the other was watching Fu Qian’s reaction to these special symbols, and Fu Qian didn’t shy away from it.

”A few months—but maybe not in that location.”

This time, Zhao Ran unexpectedly shook his head.

”Oh?”

It sounded like there was more to the story, sparking Fu Qian’s curiosity.

”They’re moving.”

Though he was trying hard to suppress it, Zhao Ran’s tone still conveyed a certain discomfort.

”They haven’t moved, at least since we came in. I’m sure their positions haven’t changed.”

Understanding that the implication was these things seemed alive, Fu Qian, who was never easily swayed by appearances, immediately pointed to several locations.

You are really paying attention...

”It’s not contradictory; they don’t always move. Changes happen at certain times, and so far, there’s no pattern.”

Zhao Ran’s gaze was somewhat complex, but he still patiently explained in the next moment.

”I see, so should we wait here to see them move next time?”

Unfortunately, this suggestion felt a bit futile, and Fu Qian nodded perfunctorily.

”No need. You have other things you can look at.”

Faced with skepticism, Zhao Ran maintained his composure, huffing as he walked right past Fu Qian.

...

”What’s this place?”

Only when standing in a corner did Zhao Ran stop and turn to look at Fu Qian.

”A window.”

Fu Qian didn’t mind this enigmatic question, and his answer was not made up.

A window quite similar to the place they entered, but due to the building’s tilt, it was lying almost horizontally in that position.

”And?”

Upon hearing the answer, the Assassin Brother laughed in a rather peculiar way.

”And it’s also a door.”

However, the smile froze on his face as Fu Qian supplemented his answer.

Is it strange? This setup was something I’d already seen during my first visit to the Church of the Dark Moon, wasn’t it?

Sacrificing someone else’s sense of superiority, Fu Qian felt no guilt, merely musing inwardly.

Exactly, it had been mentioned earlier that the window bore similarities to the previous one.

So much so that it was easy to deduce what compromise was made with just a little thought.

Fu Qian was quite convinced that beneath it lay a structure similar to the concealed studio in the Church of the Dark Moon.

And Zhao Ran had clearly been inside.

”I suspect you’ve been here before... That’s right, it’s a secret door.”

At this moment, the latter’s shock continued, yet during his inspection, he acknowledged Fu Qian’s judgment, even bending down to explore the surroundings.

Ka——

With careful manipulation, the window was actually being lifted little by little, revealing a hidden space behind it.

”Come on down, I believe what’s inside will truly shock you.”

This time without hesitation, Zhao Ran took the lead and jumped inside.

...

Indeed, it was shocking; how did such a large thing fit inside?

Readily accepting the invitation, Fu Qian was awestruck as he first descended.

Below was indeed a hidden space, perhaps for secrecy, the secret door was the only entrance and source of light.

And in such an enclosed space lay a huge—pill furnace?

Its shape somewhat resembled that, though the material was stone.

The size wasn’t particularly exaggerated, but it was taller than a person, with a small portion embedded into the ground.

But considering the belly was rather full, it was still big enough to throw a few people in for refining.

Moreover, it was currently sealed tightly, and the contents inside couldn’t be seen.

”The words on it.”

Even before Fu Qian could say anything, Zhao Ran had already pointed it out.

Indeed, it was even inscribed, though the inscriptions seemed quite negative—

[Defeated, Mieen]

Starting from Zhao Ran’s pointer, Fu Qian easily found a name, even with something akin to a posthumous title.

[Second Defeated, Falcon]

[Third Defeated, Calder]

...

Reading around, one could see that circling this special furnace was a series of names.

And their titles were all similarly themed, even the ninth and tenth defeated were written together.

This... if it’s an epitaph, it’s quite unfriendly.

The origin of these things surely invites contemplation.

In contrast, the view presented by the Assassin Brother seemed more reasonable—it was a pillar of shame.

The names of all the defeated were engraved one by one upon it.

As to who these defeated were, could it be related to the previously mentioned ”arena”?

”What do you think?”

Lost in thought, Zhao Ran impatiently urged for Fu Qian’s commentary.

”First, I don’t know them, and secondly, these names span a long time.”

And Fu Qian did not hide his thoughts.

”Me too.”

In response to his words, Zhao Ran burst into laughter, running his fingers along the furnace.

”The first time I saw it, I knew that over a considerable period, it had been inscribed sequentially, like an unending escape hunt... Do you now believe what I said earlier?”

Hmm—

Despite the other’s full confidence, making it hard to displease him, as a truth-seeking researcher, Fu Qian ultimately did not conform blindly.

”Not necessarily; this defeated might refer to being trapped like you, unable to get out no matter what, ultimately giving up and engraving your name on the pillar of shame... You can tell just by the craftsmanship; there are good and bad, clearly not made by one person.”

Fu Qian even began to analyze the fonts, backing his claims with reason, though he was interrupted in the next moment.

Seeing Zhao Ran smirk as if expecting such a response, he suddenly pulled off the tightly fitted lid, tossed it aside, and looked over, as numerous gazes converged upon Fu Qian’s face—

It wasn’t that the Assassin Brother had evolved compound eyes; most came from within the opened furnace.

Upon closer inspection, there was indeed a blanket composed of large eyeballs inside, laid out evenly along the inner wall.

They still clearly possessed vitality, and even in the sudden exposure to light, their pupils contracted.

Yet they showed no sign of fear, all uniformly turning towards this direction.

”And now?”

Having deliberately allowed time for Fu Qian to exchange glances, Zhao Ran slowly spoke again.

”Hmm... There’s a variety of colors, suggesting a wide diversity among participants.”

Not disappointing the gesture, Fu Qian watched intently, particularly at the pupils’ colors, and finally provided his assessment.